Showing posts with label Feature. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Feature. Show all posts
By Freelance Contributor | Strong Female Leaders | Reading Time: Five Minutes

Like it or not, written communication matters, and especially if you are a leader. How you convey throughts through emails, proposals, presentations, text messages and social media posts helps you gain respect and trust from others, and impact your career trajectory. There are many tips out there on how to become a better writer, but today's tips are a bit unusual. If you are interested in learning about them, then scroll down.


3 Unusual Tips for Better Writing
1. Record yourself reading out loud.
For many authors, reading drafts out loud helps produce better work. To take it one step further, record yourself either via voice or video. When you play back, you will realize where you need to edit for brevity and clarity and where to add more content. If you repeat the playback-and-edit process a few more times, your writing will become more concise and effective.
2. Add fresh ideas.
Ultimately, your writing should add value. However, with all the content out there in the metaverse, if you repeat what everyone else is writing, you are not adding value at all. So what can you do about it? You can research the topic online, find out what others wrote, and put a fresh spin on it.
An actionable tip to help you gain a fresh perspective is to do something that you normally wouldn't do. If you are always online, turn off all devices, be completely alone, and watch a silent movie or read a classic. Putting your mind in a totally different space helps you think in new ways.
3. Write tipsy, edit sober.
When you write, sit back, relax and have a glass of wine. Of course, when you are in the office, don't take it literally. The point is to let your inhibitions go and your creative ideas flow onto the paper or the computer screen. It's okay to go overboard with your writing. You are pouring thoughts out. That's all.
When you edit, however, stay sober, go somewhere quiet to focus and be the professional that you are. It requires great skill and practice to edit like a pro, so keep going until you have produced something that you are proud of.
Parting Thoughts
Even if you don't consider yourself a writer, you most certainly are. Anyone who puts pen to paper is a writer. Therefore, getting better at the craft is worth the effort. The more clearly you are able to communicate your ideas, the better leader you become.

1) Grammar Girl's Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

2) The Only Business Writing Book You'll Ever Need
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[ Disclaimer: this article includes affiliate links.]


By Christopher O. | Strong Female Leaders | Reading Time: Five Minutes

In today's competitive job market, creating multiple streams of income has become essential to wealth-building. A person's job is no longer completely safe. If your only source of income comes from your day job, you are taking a risk with your financial health. Diversifying your income streams might be a way to help boost both your finances and confidence. So how can you make more money on the side? It helps to learn from the pros. Scroll down and find books about creating multiple income streams, written by people who have succeeded at it.


Books About Creating Multiple Income Streams
1) The Home-Based Revolution: Create Multiple Income Streams from Home by Martha Krejci
In The Home-Based Revolution, you will find practical tips that help you create a life of abundance and fulfillment by building a home-based business that works for your busy lifestyle.
2) BUILDING MULTIPLE STREAMS OF INCOME: A Passive Income Guide To Generate Wealth And Create Financial Freedom
Wealth-building starts with mindset. If you believe you can, you will. This book not only helps you create a wealth mindset, it also offers ways to create various income streams and achieve financial freedom.
3) Sell Your Crafts Online: The Handmaker's Guide to Selling from Etsy, Amazon, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Shopify, Influencers and More
If you are the crafty type, then selling handmade products on sites like Etsy might be for you. In this book, you will discover how artisans have succeeded in selling on e-commerce sites by working from the comfort of their homes.
4) Cashflow Dojo: Build Your Home on Multiple Streams of Income
Written by professional speaker, thought leader, real estate investor, best-selling author and entrepreneur, Martin Saenz, Cashflow Dojo shares strategies and tactics that help you increase cash flow with multiple streams of income. In the book, you will find both a road map to success, as well as how to build a brand, network with other entrepreneurs and live life by your own design.
5) The 21 Best Cashflow Niches™: Creating Wealth In The Best Alternative Cashflow Investments
Top-rated business and investing podcaster, M.C. Laubscher of Cashflow Ninja®, shares the best investment ideas from past interviews with top investors. From the book, you will learn of investing approaches that generate monthly, quarterly, and annual income from assets in what's known as "the cash flow portfolio." The entrepreneurs in his book created financial freedom quicker than others. Now, you can too.

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[ Disclaimer: this article includes affiliate links.]


By Freelance Contributor | Strong Female Leaders | Reading Time: Five Minutes

Essential to but often left off when we define great leaders are soft skills such as emotional intelligence, empathy and humility. When most leaders have the same amount of persistence, intellect and visionary qualities, what sets great leaders apart from the good ones are the forementioned soft skills. With them, leaders with above-average education, talent and technical skills go from good to great, and in turn produce more significant results. So how do you become a great leader? Scroll down and find out.


What skillsets do you need to be a great leader?
1. Great leaders inspire others.
Good leaders manage. Great leaders inspire. They know what they stand for and are not afraid to stand up for it. They are passionate about the the big picture and the work that follows. Their passion, in turn, excites others.
2. Great leaders keep it simple.
Sir Richard Branson famously said, "Complexity is your enemy. Any fool can make something complicated. It is hard to make something simple."
The goal of communication is to make sure that the audience unanimously understands the message. Therefore, it is not only wise but also effective to simplify the message. The ability to simplify complicated issues and situations also expedites the decision-making process.
If you often over-complicate things, you might want to distill them down. Good practices include using plain language and avoiding technical jargons, limiting to three key talking points at one time, and knowing when to be quiet.
3. Great leaders delegate.
Great leaders understand the power of team work and have mastered the art of delegation. This doesn't mean delegating blindly. It includes putting forth the effort to pick the right tasks and the right talent to delegate to, preparing and delegating shovel-ready work in order to improve efficiency, and always being supportive and appreciative.
If you don't artistically delegate, team members might grow resentful and seek opportunities elsewhere. In that case, you are no longer a leader, because you don't have a solid team to lead.
4. Great leaders set goals, create strategies and take action.
Great leaders are visionaries. Beyond that, they also set the right goals, create ways to reach them, and take actions to achieve them. They may not know how to do everything, but they know how to guide people in the general direction. Ultimately, they give people greater purpose.
5. Great leaders are learners.
When leaders value education, they likely value humility, failing forward, and being open-minded. They encourage innovation, diversity and different opinions and perspectives. Ultimately, they build open and safe cultures that are solution-oriented and organizations that solve big problems.
6. Great leaders have excellent social skills.
Having excellent social skills isn't about being a friendly social butterfly. It's about being friendly with a purpose, as in guiding people in the direction that you want them to move. People with excellent social skills have multiple circles of acquaintances and a commonality with and high engagement within each circle. They build rapport easily, empathize with others, and know how and when to build and maintain relationships and walk away from bad ones the kind way.
7. Great leaders are authentic.
Authencity builds trust. Even though leaders get along and work with various types of personalities, they stay true to themselves. They know who they are, what they want out of life, and what they can and cannot give up in relationships.
If you are always trying to be someone else just so that people will like you, please stop. Being a great leader starts with being authentic to yourself.
Parting Thoughts
Great leaders build great teams, drive change, and make positive impact. If you are on your way to becoming a great leader, start by building the necessary skills. The first step is to improve yourself, and the tips above should help you get there.

1) Management Skills & Leadership Development Course: How to be a Great Manager & Strong Leader in 10 Lessons

2) Whatever It Takes: Master the Habits to Transform Your Business, Relationships, and Life
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[ Disclaimer: this article includes affiliate links.]


By Freelance Contributor | Strong Female Leaders | Reading Time: Five Minutes

Are you looking for a way to ask for a raise at your job but don't want to face your boss in person? Or maybe you're just not comfortable with the idea of speaking up? In either case, asking for a raise via email is a great option. It allows you to communicate your request clearly and concisely, without the stress of being in person. Here is the best way to ask for a raise via email. We'll provide tips and advice on what to say and how to format your email. Let's get started!


How to Ask for a Raise via Email: The Ultimate Guide
1. Request for a Meeting to Discuss Your Compensation (Email Subject Line)
When you're ready to ask for a raise, the first step is to set up a meeting with your boss. You can do this by sending an email with the subject line "Request for Meeting to Discuss Compensation." In the body of the email, explain that you would like to discuss your compensation and request a time that works for them. Be sure to be respectful and professional in your email.
Here's an example of what you could say:
Hello [Boss' Name],
I would like to arrange a meeting with you to discuss my compensation. I'm available at the following times: [list dates and times]. Please let me know when would be the best time for you.
Thank you,
[Your Name]
"Request for Meeting to Discuss Compensation" is a great email subject line because it's straightforward and to the point. Your boss will know exactly what you're looking to discuss, and they can easily respond with a time that works for them.
When asking for a meeting, it's essential to be respectful and professional. This will show that you're serious about the meeting and not just looking to start a confrontation. Be sure to list a few dates and times that work for you.
2. Explain Why you Deserve a Pay Raise in the Email Body
When you're asking for a raise, it's essential to be clear about why you deserve one. This means laying out your accomplishments and explaining how they've positively impacted the company. Be specific and give examples to back up your claims. If you can, try to quantify your successes with numbers. For example, "I increased sales by X% last quarter."
Make sure to be humble in your request and avoid sounding entitled. No one likes a bragger, and you don't want to come across as someone who is just looking for more money without adding value. Be confident in your accomplishments, but also be respectful of your employer's time and budget.
Keep the email body short and to the point. No one wants to read a long, drawn-out email asking for more money. Just state your case and be done with it.
Here's an example of what you could say:
"I believe that I deserve a raise because of my accomplishments over the past year. I increased sales by X% last quarter and helped to improve customer satisfaction scores. When asked, I also took on additional projects and responsibilities and always went above and beyond what was expected of me. I believe that my hard work has positively impacted the company, and I would like to be compensated accordingly."
3. Explain Any Additional Responsibilities you have Taken On
In your email, you'll also want to explain any additional responsibilities you have taken on since your last review. This will show your boss that you are putting in extra effort and going above and beyond what is expected of you. Be sure to include specific examples of how you have contributed to the company's success.
"Since my last review, I have taken on additional responsibilities XYZ. I have also helped the company succeed in ABC. I believe that these contributions warrant a raise."
If you can back up your request with specific examples of your increased responsibilities and how you've contributed to the company's success, you'll be more likely to get the raise you deserve.
4. Highlight Skills and Certifications you have Acquired Since you Were Hired
If you have taken on new responsibilities or picked up new skills since you were hired, mention them in your email. This will show your boss that you are constantly striving to improve and better yourself, and that you are an asset to the company. For example: "I have recently completed a project management certification, and I feel that I am now qualified for a higher position within the company."
"Since I started working here, I have taken on additional responsibilities and have gained valuable new skills. I believe that these new skills make me deserving of a raise."
If you haven't acquired any new skills since being hired, don't worry! You can mention other things that will show your value to the company.
Be sure to back up your claims with specific examples of how you have benefited the company. Your boss will be more likely to take your request seriously if you can provide concrete evidence of your worth.
For example:
"I successfully completed a project that was under budget and ahead of schedule. Because of this, the company could save money and increase profits." Including specific examples will make your email more convincing and increase your boss's likelihood of taking your request seriously.
5. Close the Email Politely
Once you have stated your case, it's time to close the email. Be sure to thank your boss for their time and consideration, and express your excitement about continuing to work for the company.
"Thank you for taking the time to read this email. I appreciate your consideration, and I am excited to continue working hard for the company. I firmly believe that I deserve a raise, and I hope you agree."
"Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to continuing to work hard for the company and contributing to its success."
Politely closing your email will show your boss that you are grateful for their time and excited to continue working for the company. This is the perfect way to end your email and increase your request's chances of being taken seriously.
Formatting Your Email
When you're thinking how to ask your boss for a raise asking for a raise via email, it's important to pay attention to the format of your message. Here are a few tips:
1. Keep it Professional
This is not the time to use slang or informal language. Stick to a formal tone throughout the email.
2. Be Clear and Concise
Get to the point quickly and avoid rambling. Your boss likely doesn't have time to read a long, drawn-out email.
3. Proofread
Please check for any spelling or grammar errors before sending your email. These could make you seem unprofessional.
Use a Professional Email Signature
If you have one, now is the time to use it. A professional signature will make your email look more polished and increase your boss's chances of taking your request seriously.
Here is a Basic Email Template
Subject Line: Request for Raise
Dear [Name of Boss],
I am writing to request a raise. I have been working at this company for [length of time], and I feel that I deserve a salary increase. I have recently acquired new skills and taken on additional responsibilities, and I believe that I am now qualified for a higher position within the company.
I would be happy to discuss this further with you at your convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
This is just a basic template that you can follow when drafting your email.
Parting Thoughts
Asking for a raise can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. You can confidently ask for a raise via email and increase your chances of getting the salary you deserve by following these tips. Good luck!

1) Ask For It: How Women Can Use the Power of Negotiation to Get What They Really Want

2) Ask for More: 10 Questions to Negotiate Anything

3) Pin this article!
[ End of Article ]

[ Disclaimer: this article includes affiliate links.]


By Nan Nan Liu-Maffetone | Strong Female Leaders | Reading Time: Five Minutes

If you are driven by freedom, passion and a yearning to succeed on your own terms, then being a solopreneur is for you. As difficult as being a solopreneur is, it is also rewarding if you endure and persist. To help you along the the way, today's article offers a list of tips. Scroll down and take a look, and best of luck to you on the amazing solopreneur journey.


7 Tips on Becoming a Successful Solopreneur
1. Know the solopreneur meaning.
If you are a solopreneur, you start and run a business by yourself. You have no partners, W-2 employees or other official support. You are a special type of entrepreneur that requires complete independence. Unlike freelancers who work on projects based on contracts for other organizations, you own and operate your own revenue engine, and the work is never-ending.
Prior to becoming a solopreneur, you must understand the complete picture. Know that without partners, co-founders and staff, you are utterly alone and will not get much support if any. You are also responsible for keeping the business in tact which includes tasks that you may not want to do like cold calling, filing tax returns and book-keeping.
Solopreneurship is isolating. If you are not sure about it, then you should consider other options before making a commitment.
2. Define a market, then niche down and scale up.
As a solopreneur, you will likely lack the funding to buy into a market. It is better to define a market that truly needs your product or service and niche down to a specific client profile.
For example, you are in the beauty market, and the market is saturated. But what if you created vegan cosmetics for tweens with sensitive skin and market it on Tik Tok with makeup tutoials as pillar content? Not only will you help people with sensitive skin, you can also educate tweens on how to propely apply makeup.
Another consideration is that your business has to be scalable. In other words, can you incease revenue without increasing cost? Take the vegan makeup above as an example again. Can you later on create another product line for a more mature clientele, with the same ingredients and add anti-aging benefit?
No matter how competitive the market is, there is always an opportunity to niche down. With creativity and strategic thinking, you can find both an un-tapped niche and growth opportunities.
3. Have a business plan with an emphasis on sales.
A business plan is a road map that aims to take your business from zero to hero. It consists of goals and objectives, how to achieve them, and ways to measure success.
As a solopreneur, your major business goal should be generating revenue. Sure, altuistic values such as serving the commmunity, producing quality products and solving problems are great goals. For a business, the first and foremost is to make money. Because if it doesn't make money, it's a hobby and not a business; and you are a wanna-preneur and not a solopeneur.
Make sales and marketing the focal point of your plan. Whatever bullet points that follow must contribute to customer acquisition and converting interactions to dollar signs.
If a task doesn't contribute to making money, pass it on. Remember that as a solopreneur, your time is gold, and you have to turn it into gold.
4. Build a sales engine.
Even if you are a creative, when it comes to sales, you have to have the discipline of an engineer. A sales engine is an intuitive process of prospecting, qualifying and acquiring customers. Of course, you can fill in the details and make improvements along the way. The important thing is that you have a working engine and you run it everyday.
The end product is always a commitment from clients to move forward. To get to that point, you will need several qualified prospects in the pipe. So keep oiling, fine-tuning and running that engine.
5. Use a CRM.
A CRM, or Client Relationship Management, software increases productivity by helping you manage clients, schedule meetings and improve relationships. There are many inexpensive options, including Monday and PipelineDeals.com, with simple interfaces that require little time to learn. With a CRM that does a lot of the organizing and administrative work for you, you have more time to focus on the important things.
6. Find a coach.
As a solopreneur, you work alone, and you will get lonely. Even if you are the best in your field, you risk being burnt out from having little support. Getting a coach is a great way to build a support system and protect mental health. Additionally, a coach helps set attainable goals, keep you accountable, and offer a fresh perspective.
If you know successful solopreneurs, ask them for coaching. If not, then seek general business coaching. A coach's advice, expertise and guidance will keep you engaged and persistent towards your goals.
7. Shut off all negativities.
There will always be people who are skeptical. Most of them mean well, like family, friends and team members. But negativity is still negativity. Their words can still deter you from getting what you want. They might assume that you are not serious, that it is just a hobby, or that you have gone nuts. Whatever they say to you, shut them off. If you have to, take a break from spending time with them.
If you trust yourself to be deserving of what you reach for, then trust that someone else's opinion is none of your business.
Parting Thoughts
Being a solopreneur creates the opportunity to have a career by your own design. If you have something valuable to offer the world, then believe in your abilities and trust the process. You may not be there yet, but you are on your way. Even though being a solopreneur is hard and lonely, you can still make it a worthy journey by focusing on the positives like the progress that you make each day. Again, good luck to you. You are worth millions. All you have to do now is believe in yourself.

1) Money-Smart Solopreneur: A Personal Finance System for Freelancers, Entrepreneurs, and Side-Hustlers

2) The Solopreneur's Money Manifesto: How to Master Your Finances and Create the Life You Want
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[ Disclaimer: this article includes affiliate links.]


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