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WHERE TO TRAVEL IN DECEMBER

Posted By Sue Aitken, Director, 08 October 2024
WHERE TO TRAVEL IN…DECEMBER. If you’re looking to get away for some winter warmth, but don’t want to travel too far – the Canary Islands are a good bet – although it won’t be very hot, it will definitely be milder than at home and you should be getting up each morning to blue skies. For hotter climes, and slightly longer flight times, head to the Middle East – Dubai and Abu Dhabi would be a good choice or Oman, for a true taste of authentic Arabia. Further afield, December’s an ideal time for a beach break in the Maldives, the Caribbean and Thailand – although the closer you travel to Christmas, the more expensive your holiday will be.

If you want something more active than a beach holiday, this month is the ideal time to visit India, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Vietnam with their wealth of cultural sites and varied scenery. And you can always end a touring itinerary with time on a beautiful beach.
If your ideal holiday is to immerse yourself in nature, then December’s a great time to visit Costa Rica as it comes out of rainy season. Or head to Uganda or Rwanda for gorilla-trekking in the jungle. If you’ve always dreamed of a trip to Antarctica, December is the start of the best period (December to March) to visit this magical place. I went in January, and it really doesn't disappoint. You'll see penguins, whales, seals and sea lions a-plenty in this amazing pristine wilderness. And, of course, it’s the beginning of the peak season in Australia and New Zealand.

If you’re thinking of a short city break, consider the Christmas markets in Prague, Budapest, Vienna or Salzburg – where you can combine a bit of pre-Christmas shopping with sightseeing in these historic cities. And if you like a good light show, head to Lyon and its Fête des Lumières – for 4 days in December the city’s a riot of huge light displays, with millions swarming the traffic-free streets for music, mulled wine and merrymaking. This year it's running from 5th to 8th December. Further afield, you could spend a few days in Las Vegas, where you’ll find Candelight concerts, ice skating, festive shows and The Strip decked out in Christmas lights. In my opinion, there's no better time to visit Sin City.

Maldives Photo by Photo by Shai Pal on Unsplash

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Tags:  travel tips  where to travel when 

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Embrace Your Inner Contradictions to Thrive in Business: Join Our Workshop (a special WIBN Collaboration!)

Posted By Clare Sutton, Life Coach, 08 October 2024
As business owners, we often find ourselves pulled in multiple directions by conflicting thoughts and emotions. You might believe in your potential for success but doubt your abilities. You’re excited about new ideas, yet anxious about failure. You want growth, but worry about handling it. Does this sound familiar?

These inner conflicts can feel overwhelming, leaving us stuck, drained, and uncertain about our next move. But there’s another way to approach these challenges.

I’m thrilled to be partnering with Sam Fillingham of Wise Heart Sam (Yoga Nidra Specialist) to offer a transformative workshop for busy business owners:

‘The Power of Polarity: How embracing opposites can support your business mindset’
🗓 Date: Tuesday, 29th October, 12pm-1.15pm UK time
💻 Location: Zoom
💷 Price: £15 (includes the live workshop and a recording)

In this 75-minute session, we’ll explore how to harness the power of opposing emotions—like fear and excitement, or self-belief and doubt—to create a mindset that empowers you to move forward, even in uncertain times. We’ll not only dive into the theory but also put it into practice with a nourishing Yoga Nidra session, helping you reconnect with your body and mind.

This workshop is ideal for you if:

- You’re tired of letting conflicting emotions hold you back
- You want to feel more grounded and resilient in your business journey
- You’re seeking a deeper connection between your mindset, business, and body awareness

Don’t let your inner contradictions stop you from stepping fully into your power. Join us and learn how to embrace the highs and lows of business with confidence and clarity.

Find out more and secure your place here: https://www.claresuttoncoaching.com/the-power-of-polarity

#BusinessMindset #WomenInBusiness #YogaNidra #OnlineWorkshop

Tags:  #businessmindset #mindset #coaching 

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Building Good Writing Habits

Posted By Eden Gruger, Publishing Consultant, 04 October 2024
How do you start learning to write? This is a question with as many answers as there are people asking it – in other words lots and lots.

I cannot tell you best way, or the only way to consider, but I can tell you my way. And at the time of writing, I have six books to show that it works for me.

In the very beginning I tried to write every single day, just for five minutes. This was not able creating anything earth shattering or even particularly great. There were no rules, and no editing at all, So the things that I wrote were very stream of consciousness, and at times didn’t seem to make any sense at all. But this was about habit forming, and for some people writing every day is what gets them from page one to The End.

Then I tried writing to word count, this works for many people…but you have guessed it, not for me. This just gave me something to rebel against, as if I needed any excuse, and made something that I love to do feel like schoolwork.

Feeling like a failure by this point I started to think about how my particular brain (it's an autistic one so likes to freestyle) processes the world. Hey presto I was away, for me I need peace, fresh air, and no disturbances (literally none, distract me at all, in any tiny way and my brain goes into factory reset). It sounds simple, but it isn't because it means I cannot write at home, or in coffee shops....I write in the car! yep, that is my way and it really works for me. 

And when I cannot write, I do not try. I tell myself that I need to rest, or get other things done. I recommend this to all my authors forced creativity isn't creativity.

You can try various ways to create your own healthy writing habits, and not everything will feel right for you. But you will need to develop them in order to get your own book finished. Starting a book but then not going on to finish it is the biggest problem writers have.

If you want to make strong writing habits, whatever that looks like for you, understand why people get blocked, and how to get out of, and stay out of block. Especially useful if you are stuck in a rut with your writing – which happens to the best of u, read the rest of my articles to pull you out of the mental mud and get your imagination back on track.

Whether you are a beginner establishing their writing routine or a seasoned professionals who need to get their mojo back I would like to help

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Plan your Christmas marketing in the autumn

Posted By SARAH HAWES, PR & Marketing Consultant, 01 October 2024

Selling your products or services for Christmas? Planning your marketing will give you the sales boost you’re hoping for – and it’s not too late to start.
Set aside some time to plan your content – what it is and when it will be sent or published, so that you’re ready to go.
Here are the Izzy PR tips to help get you maximising your Xmas sales marketing...
 

TARGET AUDIENCES AND KEY MESSAGES
Who uses your products / services and why? Each target audience will need different messaging – don’t go general, go targeted.
What does each target group want from your products/services? What problem can you solve and what’s the outcome once they’ve bought from you – tell them.

USE YOUR DATABASE
What did they buy last year, last time, how often do they buy from you, what do they buy? Use all of this wonderful data to let them know what you have and why to buy again or for the first time.

SOCIAL MEDIA
Choose the best platforms – where your buyers will see you. Think about your target audience again – where are they? Online, offline, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok etc?
Use a mix of images and videos that show the product/service in action, used by the different target audiences, including the relevant key messages for each. Post demo videos, ‘how to’ information, flash offers and previous customer reviews.

WEBSITE
Make sure the customer has all the information they need to know and that the buying process is quick, easy and secure.
If it’s not all there, you might lose them.

EMAIL MARKETING
Plan targeted campaigns – you will need to segment your audience for this to be really effective, so that you are telling the right people the right key messages.
Don’t tell all the people all the messages – you’ll start to look like you don’t know what they want.
Plan a sequence, so that they are sent a series that makes sense, moving them closer to a purchase. Remove those who have already bought, into a different audience and send different messaging.

REVIEWS
Always ask for a review, or user-generated content (UGC) - this is where they show of your product on social media...they're doing your advertising for you!

ADVERTISING
Digital advertising can be fairly instant, but print advertising needs to be booked asap – publications close to adverts 2-3 weeks ahead of distribution.
If there’s a place you want to advertise, think about it soon!

 

*Image credit Canva September 2024*

Tags:  marketing 

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Why Lighting is important

Posted By Olivia Susai, Founder/Creative Director, 19 September 2024

As a designer, I think it’s fair to say we are highly visual people, right?

 

My mind is constantly swimming in images, memories of spaces I’ve seen, and ideas I’ve filed away for later.

 

It’s like my brain has a built-in catalogue of interiors, both good and bad, and what sticks with me most is the way these spaces feel.

 

That’s the magic of design—creating environments that evoke a feeling. And lighting? That’s one of the most powerful tools we have to make that happen.

 

Lighting isn’t just about making a room bright enough to see. Click here to read more

Tags:  commercial design  interior architect  interior design  lighting in spaces  residential design 

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Designers Unboxed - Who does what?

Posted By Olivia Susai, Founder/Creative Director, 12 September 2024

One of the most common questions I get is, "What’s the difference between a designer, decorator, or interior architect?"

To clear up the confusion, I’ve put together a simple breakdown in my latest article.

If you've ever wondered who does what in the world of design, this is for you! I’d love to hear your experiences—let’s keep the conversation going. Continue to read more

Tags:  decorator  design  design community  designer  hotel  interior architect  office design  property  service accommodation 

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September is Pain Awareness Month 2024

Posted By Sonia Jenkins, Functional Medicine Health Coach, 06 September 2024

Pain is a universal experience that touches nearly half of the adult population daily, making Pain Awareness Month a crucial time for reflection and action.

Whether experienced as a sharp, immediate sensation or a relentless, chronic ache, pain manifests in countless forms — physical, mental, social, spiritual, and emotional — each affecting our lives in profound ways. Understanding and managing pain requires a compassionate, holistic approach that addresses its complexity and individuality.

By fostering empathy and using community support, we can better equip ourselves and others to navigate the challenges of pain, ultimately enhancing well-being and quality of life.

 

*Image credit Canva September 2024*

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Tags:  #PainAwarenessMonth #UnderstandingPain #ChronicPai 

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The Benefits of Organic Food for Gut Health

Posted By Anni Summers, Registered Dietitian and Gut Health Specialist, 05 September 2024

The Benefits of Organic Food for Gut Health

Are you wondering whether organic food can improve your gut health? In this blog, we explore the possible connections between organic foods and a healthy digestive system. We’ll look at how organic farming practices, reduced chemical exposure, and nutrient content may impact your gut microbiome. With research-backed insights, the blog provides a balanced view of both organic and conventional foods, helping you make informed choices for your gut health.

What is Organic Food and How Is It Regulated?

Understand what makes organic food different and learn about the regulatory bodies in the UK that oversee organic farming standards.

How Does Pesticide Exposure Affect Gut Health?

Discover the potential impact of pesticide residues on gut health and explore whether organic foods might help reduce exposure to synthetic chemicals.

Nutritional Benefits of Organic Foods for Gut Health

Learn how antioxidants, including those in organic foods, could support your gut microbiome and aid digestion.

The Role of Sustainable Farming Practices in Gut Health

Find out how organic and conventional farming practices impact soil health, biodiversity, and their downstream effects on your gut microbiome.

What you’ll learn:

- The potential impact of pesticide residues on gut health and if organic foods offer a lower-exposure option.
- The role of antioxidants in organic and conventional foods in supporting a healthy gut microbiome.
- How sustainable farming practices in both organic and conventional systems may influence gut health and overall well-being.

Want to know more?
🔗 Click here to read the full blog post.

Want to take control and start your journey to better gut health?
👉 Book a FREE discovery call with me today
>> Follow Anni on Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

*Image Credit Canva August 2024*

Tags:  dietitian  gut health  health  healthy  women's health 

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"A little sparkle can go a long way, and in a season of softness, glittery tinsel really stands out." - Vogue

Posted By Sally Inkster, Brand Specialist, 04 September 2024

This autumn (I know but look outside - looks very autumnal to me! 🤪) fashion trend holds a powerful lesson for personal branding, especially for those transitioning from corporate life to entrepreneurship.

Your personal brand, like your style, should make you stand out in a crowded market.

Here's how to apply this fashion wisdom to your brand:


1. Embrace Your Unique 'Sparkle': What makes you different? That's your brand's glitter.
2. Contrast is Key: In a 'soft' market, bold moves get noticed. Don't be afraid to shine.
3. Consistency Matters: Like a well-coordinated outfit, ensure all aspects of your brand align.
4. Quality Over Quantity: A little authentic sparkle goes further than overwhelming glitz.
5. Adapt to Seasons: Stay relevant by evolving your brand, just like updating your wardrobe.

Remember, your personal brand is the outfit you wear in the business world.

Make it count!

As a Personal Brand Specialist, I guide professionals in crafting brands that truly reflect their unique value. My clients don't just invest in branding; they gain clarity, confidence, and content that attracts their ideal clients.

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Five Tips to Improve your LinkedIn Profile today

Posted By Elaine Walsh-McGrath, Managing Director, 25 August 2024
Fellow networking addicts you need to know this! One of the easiest ways to stay in touch with people afterwards, and connect businesses is by using LinkedIn. Without a doubt one of the first things I do after attending a meeting is I logon to LinkedIn to see if someone from the attendance list is on LinkedIn.

Did you know that:

➡️ When people do an online search of your name, one of the first results is your LinkedIn Profile. 

➡️ So if you're in business, you network, or you're reaching out to prospective clients, one of the easiest things that you can do to improve your authority and credibility when they go to check out your business, is to make sure that your personal profile is on point.

So... you need a 5 Star Profile. If you don't have one yet then here are some easy tips that you can implement today.

This is what you need:

1️⃣ A profile photo of you where you can clearly see your face, without a filter, without anything covering your face. It's got to say "I'm trustworthy and relatable." The kind of photo that allows someone to want to buy from your.

2️⃣ A LinkedIn Headline that has the Best Result you can achieve for your client in the first 45 characters so that your ideal client sees that part of your headline each time you post a comment whether it's on desktop or mobile.

3️⃣ Your LinkedIn Banner should have a short snappy sentence that captures what you do and be on brand with the right colours and fonts for either your company or you as a small business.

4️⃣ Your About Section should focus on your clients needs with the right keywords that they use to describe the problem that they need your service offering to fix. It shouldn't be a long list of things you've done with no context for them.

5️⃣ Your latest experience need to have the right keywords to call in your ideal client. Does your work experience demonstrate why you are the best person to serve your prospective clients? Make sure that it makes sense.

Next time that you're networking remember to share the QR code to your profile so that you can make connections that will grow your business.

If you are a confident action taker then this blog post is all you need to get ready to go. 

BUT if you need feedback and accountability so that you get your profile ready for your next networking meeting then why don't you sign up for the next GET IT DONE week, where I will be showing you how you can Create a 5 Star LinkedIn Profile. 

Inside this Live GET IT DONE week, we are going to make that when you are networking in September and businesses search for you online that your LinkedIn Profile is going to clearly show them the next step to working with you.

You'll be found, known (for the right reasons!) and signing new clients on LinkedIn in no time.

Our week of action taking starts on the 2nd of September. There are going to be live mini trainings as we go through the online course on the 4th, 5th, 6th, 9th, 10th of September in our private community group. And a final feedback session on Zoom on the 11th of September.

Find out more information by clicking this link:

https://www.elainewalshmcgrath.com/5-star-linkedin-profile-gbp

Fellow WIBN Members get to use their discount WIBN30OFFNOW to give you 30% off.

So that when you share your profile, your prospective clients can clearly see you as a thought-leader and as someone they want to buy from.

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