Chemical-free natural product use has been an increasingly popular trend in recent years, and for an obvious reason. Many products, such as cleaning agents and personal care products, contain harmful chemicals. These can be damaging to both our health and the environment.
By switching to eco-friendly alternatives, we reduce our exposure to toxins. And contribute to a more sustainable world. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of using chemical-free natural products and provide tips on how to make the switch.
Why choose chemical-free natural products?
Many regular cleaning and personal care products have harmful synthetic chemicals in them. These chemicals can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled, potentially causing health problems, from skin irritation and allergies to hormone disruption and cancer.
Furthermore, many of these chemicals don’t break down easily in the environment, polluting our water sources and harming wildlife.
Natural products, on the other hand, are made from plant-based ingredients that are safe and biodegradable.
They don’t contain synthetic fragrances or harsh chemicals that can harm our health or the environment. Natural products also tend to be gentle on the skin, making them ideal for those with sensitive skin or allergies.
How to switch to natural products
Making the switch to natural products may seem daunting at first, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips to start you off:
Read the labels
When shopping for products, be sure to read the labels carefully. Look for products labeled “natural,” “organic,” or “chemical-free.” Avoid products that contain synthetic fragrances, phthalates, parabens, or other harmful chemicals.
Start with one product at a time
Instead of switching all your products, start with one product at a time. For example, you could begin by swapping out your conventional hand soap for a natural alternative. Once you get used to that product, you can move on to another.
DIY your own products
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even make your own natural products at home. Use simple ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, and essential oils to create effective cleaning agents and personal care products.
When shopping for natural products, look for products that are in eco-friendly materials, such as glass, aluminum, or cardboard. Avoid products that come in single-use plastic packaging.
The bottom line:
Using chemical-free natural products is a simple and effective way to reduce our exposure to harmful toxins and contribute to a more sustainable world.
By making the switch, we can protect our health, the health of our families, and the health of the planet. So the next time you’re shopping for cleaning or personal care products, be sure to choose natural alternatives.
Try These 3 Simple Strategies to Get You Going Fast
Courtesy Drew Coffman @unsplash.com
Procrastinating on your start-up is like drinking seawater to quench your thirst. As a result you feel OK for a bit. But you know how well that’s gonna work out. Don’t you?
Subsequently we may be drinking mental seawater to feel better. How? By stalling with thoughts like: “I don’t know where to start.” “I don’t know how to.” “I’ll get right on that tomorrow” “It’s too complicated.”
Believe me I’ve used those excuses! When you delay with what you feel are valid reasons – stress goes away. For now, you’ve quenched that uncomfortable mental thirst that you need to get things done. Your issues sit on the back burner. You don’t feel overwhelmed. Face it – some tasks are boring and un-sexy. They’re just a pain in the a**.
Meanwhile procrastinating like this comes back to bite you. In the form of lost opportunities. Lack of confidence. And lost time. So, why do we put things off? There’s many reasons, but check these out.
3 Reasons for Procrastinating and Cures
FEAR:
As an entrepreneur you’re putting yourself out there as someone who knows their stuff. You’re the CEO of MMI Inc.(Me, Myself and I). The buck stops with you. You must bring your ‘A’ game everyday – no exceptions. Your worry: Can I handle it?
UNCERTAINTY:
Doubts about even starting. Such as, how do I pick a profitable niche? Where do I find help or the right resources for the business, website, or marketing?
TIRESOME TASKS:
I’m a ___________ (insert your passion/trade/calling). I hate networking, book-keeping, writing etc. I want to focus on what I’m good at and enjoy what I’m doing.
Setting up a new business or service is both exciting and scary all at once. It’s easy to delay your start-up by over analyzing every tiny detail . Yet, it does little to get your business and dreams going.
Let’s do something about it now! As you read these tips know this: the best way to apply them is the same way you eat an elephant. One bite at a time. Don’t do too much too fast. You want to build movement and momentum.
Here’s 3 easy ways to flush procrastination out of your system and get moving.
♦Strategy#1 Do a Brain Dump.
Fear of failure is one of the biggest obstacles to putting yourself out there. Doubts hide like specters in your mind. Waiting to pounce and attack when you act. You start to wonder – “How can I compete when I’m such a little fish?” “What if I fail big-time?” I can hear the ‘I told you so’ chorus from friends and family.
One way to deal with head-trash is by a brain dump. Take pen to paper or open a word processor. Write every excuse, fear or challenge that comes to mind. Don’t edit, don’t censor. Just write. Read them aloud to yourself. As you do, imagine a friend telling you they feel this way about themselves. Usually our response is to point out theirpositives and strengths. Do the same for yourself.
Dragging these dark thoughts, kicking and screaming into the bright light of reality does three things. You face what you’ve been avoiding. Your mind clears. Focus improves. Now you don’t have these mental itches sapping your energy. Instead you focus your resources on solving problems. For more details on doing a brain dump check out this excellent article at lifehack.org.
♦ Strategy #2 Focus on your ‘ONE THING’
After your brain dump you’ll likely have some business concerns or issues on your list. Now pick a drop-dead completion date for each. This will determine what’s holding you back. How? It’ll be an item giving you a bad feeling in the pit of your stomach when you see its’ drop dead date.
So which is it for you? Networking? How to create and launch your website? Marketing? Building e-mail lists? Choose one that’s your sticking point. Let’s say it’s building email lists. Start by finding a virtual hand holder. An online resource that’s quick and easy. It can be: YouTube tutorials, Wiki How, blogs.
Or a quick online course at Lynda.com or Gale.com. For example Mail Chimp offers a free video walk-though on setting up email lists. This is only one example. The point is: do something, anything, that will get you moving closer to getting out there.
♦Strategy#3 Time Blocking.
Now pick your top priority. Use a time blocking technique called the Pomodoro. Set a timer for 25 minutes. Work on your one thing to the exclusion of all else. Take a short 3 to 5 minute break when the timer goes off. And then repeat. Turn off your cell phone, email notifications, TV and radio.
If you do need some sound, instrumental focus music is best. Facebook, Twitter and IMs can wait. Don’t have 25 minutes? Even 10 minutes will get you going. So there you have it. If you’d like detailed information on time blocking get my free report “9 Tips to Immediately Create More Time for Your Startup”.
In Conclusion
If nothing else, your take-away should be to get moving. Do something critical to your business each day. No matter how little time you can devote, as long as you move forward. Every small productive step taken moves you ever so close to success. Remember – “little strokes fell great oaks.”
Here’s 10 books you must have in your business and personal library. Don’t feel like you have time or the inclination to read. No worries. Read on after the list to discover tips on how to get the best of these books. Even if you’re a non-reader.
♦ Practical insights and information on creating a business system that can run without you. Scaling your business, dealing with growth and working to your strengths.
♦ Successful people focus on their ‘A’ priorities. This book lays out practical strategies and easy techniques to avoid procrastination ensuring you reach your highest goals.
♦ Clear and useful step by step guidance for setting up a LinkedIn network that rocks. Simple suggestions and tips on how to polish your profile so you’ll stand out.
♦ A classic. Both a business and self improvement book. Excellent advice on aligning yourself to your “true north” principles leading to the best life possible.
♦ Wall Street #1 bestseller on achieving extraordinary results in every area of your life. Work, personal, family and spiritual – all will flourish when you learn the principle of the “One” thing.
♦ Pilots and surgeons have a checklist for a reason. To get things right. In today’s complex world the tips and advice given in this book help you keep on top and in control of your day-to-day.
♦ Sales are the lifeblood of any business. This book is a gem filled with advice on connecting, prospecting and overcoming objections of your clients.
In conclusion
So, you swore off books after high school. Can’t bring yourself to open one, let alone turn another page. Well here’s a few ideas for all you former readers to still take advantage of this fantastic info.
♦
Take a look through the table of contents. And find a chapter which interests you. Just read that, you’ll still get the benefit. There’s no law saying you have to read a book cover to cover.
♦
Get the audio version. CD or mp3 and listen to them while you drive. Sort of like using your car as a classroom on wheels. Use the same tip as above to shorten your listening time.
♦
Read 20 minutes a day. Break it up into two 10 minute sessions. At this rate you’d read 1.8 million words in a year. Think you’d find something useful in all that info. Certainly you could.
So do yourself a favor and read. At the very least you’ll broaden your horizons and look smarter. On the other hand you could be opening the door to an improved brand new you!
Bruce Lee’s success as an actor and renowned martial artist is legend. His tenacity, personal belief and work ethic opened a new chapter for Asians in the entertainment industry. These 7 personal laws are just a few pillars of his success.
Growing into a successful person is no overnight job. As Benjamin Disraeli said – “Beware of endeavoring to become a great man in a hurry. One such attempt in ten thousand may succeed. These are fearful odds.”
Time, patience and staying the course will get you there. And keep you there.
So here’s 7 Laws of Success from master Bruce Lee:
(1)
BE THE ONE AND ONLY YOU
“Always be yourself, express yourself, have faith in yourself, do not go out and look for a successful personality and duplicate it.”
Be a first rate you. Not a second-rate knock off of someone else. Yes, learn from successful people. But create your own style, voice and credo.
Consider Seth Godin – bald, bespectacled and bold. His credo – go make something happen. He’s not trying to be another Anthony Robbins. He uses his unique image and passion for counter-establishment to appeal to his ‘tribe’.
(2)
WORK RELENTLESSLY
I fear not the man who has practiced 10 000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10 000 times.”
Wake up each day knowing you’ll make this day better than yesterday. Pick one thing, work on it. Start small. Work on increasing your strengths instead of improving your weakness.
(3)
TAKE DELIBERATE ACTION
“Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not enough, we must do.”
You’ve probably heard of or know someone who’s always taking courses. But not taking action. While it’s necessary to improve and learn you must take it to the next level. ACTION.
There’s all kinds of reasons we may not ‘just do it’. Fear of failure. Not feeling confident. Lack of time, connections or funds.
Regardless – you need to step out of your comfort zone. Take baby steps. Make the first call, send the first e-mail to a prospect. Spend 10 minutes a day laser focused on what you need to do next to move forward.
(4)
GO PROACTIVE
“To hell with circumstances, I create opportunities.”
Don’t wait for the right time, make the right time. Either find a way or make a way to grow yourself, your business or your passion in life.
Talk to people in similar situations and challenges who have succeeded. What worked for them. Seek mentors.
Put yourself out there and good things will happen. Practicing the law of sowing and reaping daily.
(5)
GET CRYSTAL CLEAR ON YOUR PURPOSE
“The possession of anything begins in the mind.”
Know where you want to go. You don’t have to know all the steps. Just set a laser focus on the outcome.
Take Jim Carrey for example. His crystal-clear purpose was to be an actor. As a youngster he would visualize directors and actors telling him how much they admired his work.
Add to that – at age 28 as a struggling comedian – he wrote himself a 10-million-dollar check for services rendered in his first movie. Dating it for 5 years in the future. Within 5 years he signed a contract for his role in Dumb and Dumber. The amount – 10 million dollars.
(6)
STAY FLEXIBLE AND ADAPTABLE
“Obey the principles without being bound by them.”
Black and white thinking is a growth killer. Yes, you do need to know where to draw the line. However, your views should never be so rigid and inflexible with new ideas, thoughts or people that you can’t see past your nose.
Keep up with new innovations in technology. Stay current through social media. Learn the latest lingo of your industry.
Have a soul bearing session with family or friends. Ask them how you can be a better mother, father, sister friend to them. Get feedback from clients and act on what you can. You’ll end up surprising yourself with how adaptable you can be.
(7)
PAY IT FORWARD
“Real living is living for others.”
Does this mean you don’t have a life of your own? You can’t put yourself first? Of course not. If you’re not happy and fulfilled it’s tough to pay it forward. But living for others doesn’t have to be complicated. You can do it in many ways.
Mentor a newbie. Give a genuine compliment. Paying for a strangers’ coffee. Offer your expertise to a struggling newcomer – for free. Volunteer a couple of hours a week of your time to a good cause. Smile at five strangers.
Comment on great service when you receive it. Are you on LinkedIn? Write a commendation for a co-worker or endorse a connection.
In conclusion
These “laws” or guidelines will serve as a compass on your journey to a better you. See them as a rock solid 7 pillar foundation for your future happiness. Here’s a parting thought to keep in mind. “It’s not what we leave behind that matters, as much as how we live our lives now.” Best of success to you!
“10 Useful Websites and Resources for Your Small Business”
The internet is teeming with sites, resources, and valuable information. It’s difficult to cover even a fraction of them. So here’s a list of 10 useful websites and resources I’ve found useful and may be of use to you.
unsplash– A great hi-res photo resource for your site, blog or reports. As an amateur photographer i can vouch for the selection and amazing quality of the photos on this site. Best of all it’s completely FREE. Another bonus – they’re CCO. Meaning you can use these photos anywhere with no rights reserved. I will return the favor though by accrediting the photo.
GTmetrix – Test the load speed of your website with this helpful resource. It gauges load time, page size and requests – key factors in your web speed. In addition, you get a comprehensive report showing your site’s bottlenecks.
wordhippo – A fun, easy to use, online thesaurus for when you need to find the right word. But there’s more. wordhippo is feature rich with such tools as: rhyming words, pronounce words, word forms and lots more.
freedcamp – An organization and planning site loaded with free tools. Look for the kaban board while there. A phenomenal way to manipulate and work with tasks. Excellent for both business and personal use.
The 1-Page Marketing Plan– Free marketing plan and headline templates. Also includes a link to the 1-Page Marketing Plan community. Rich in practical tips and information on effective marketing.
PickFu– A polling and feedback site to reassure you before you go public with your choice. Great for entrepreneurs who want to validate their startup idea. Polls start at $20 and up .
Mind42 – Free mind mapping, brainstorming and organizing resource. Simple and intuitive to use. I use it to plan my reports and white papers. Definitely worth a look.
stockio.com – A fantastic wealth of quality, free vector art, icons, videos etc. You can use these for commercial and personal use.
Readable– Another free site. Gauges the readability of your work. You can test by url, direct input or referrer. Great way to ensure your scripts, blog or communiques are understandable.
Pew Research – And finally, this well known site with tons of data, polls and information on trends. Useful for demographic research. All info on this site is free as well.
Huh?! What the heck are you talking about. Have you ever been in customer service? Do you even know what you’re talking about?
Isn’t the whole point of customer service to make them happy so they’ll come back. What about “the customer is always right”? “Service with a smile.”? You’d better have a good explanation for such a ridiculous statement.
In fact, I have a great explanation. And it comes from over 30 years of customer service experience. Just humor me and follow along.
First of all, you’re right.
We must give service with a smile.
Assure the customer they may be right (a topic for another time) .
Offer them preeminent service. Satisfied customers are our bread and butter.
Rather, what hurts your business is being a “people pleaser” and not a customer pleaser. There’s a huge difference.
One satisfies the client’s need the other satisfies your needs. Why can that be bad for the health of your business? Because people pleasing can be an addictive behavior. It’s like consuming alcohol, in moderation it’s fine. However, done to excess it can lead to problems. How so?
What I’m talking about here is making unrealistic promises, pricing or timelines. You’ve made your client happy without delivering anything yet. YOU feel good because you made your client happy.
Entrepreneurs are human too. We like the ego rush when someone gushes over us as their hero. Next, consider…
Are people pleasing gremlins hiding in your business? Turn them into ‘wows’ instead
So now I’d like to help you experience 3 people pleasing gremlin busters. As you read these tips you’ll begin to see ways you can properly please your prospects.
(Gremlin Buster #1) Quoting a price before you have all the facts.
Get to wow by asking…
Will I need extra resources, material, equipment, staff?
Are all the requirements for the job clear and agreed upon?
Are your timelines realistic? Don’t over promise and under-keep. Be crystal clear on your intent.
You may get the job. As well as a bad rep if you don’t deliver the goods.
(Gremlin Buster #2) Offering add on services beyond your capabilities.
Get to wow by considering…
While it’s a great idea to include an add on or freebie it must be something you can handle.
Offering an expensive or dubious perk may be setting the stage for big problems.
For example: You delight a client by giving free photography services as part of a marketing job. But if your skills are marginal, or you don’t have a go-to person or resource you have a problem.
Because if the photos aren’t of the best quality or choice – now you have a poor product and dissatisfied customer.
(Gremlin Buster #3) Committing to unrealistic timelines.
Get to wow by….
Setting practical timelines within your limitations, resources and job.
Break the job down into tasks.
Determine time estimates, equipment and resources for each step.
Factor in your “fudge ratio” so you can finish the job on time.
Remember, work doesn’t always go as planned. You need a time buffer.
Here’s a sample of what a people-pleaser vs. customer wow may sound like.
Let’s look in on a janitorial company bidding for a job.
‘The people pleaser way’
Janitorial: Thanks for giving us a chance to bid. I understand you have an 800-sq. ft. office showroom floor that needs stripping and waxing.
Customer: Yes, we need it done in the next 2 weeks. How long does it usually take you to do the job?
Janitorial: That’s a pretty quick job we should be able to have it done in about an evening.
Customer: Good. But we also have a small concrete floor area that needs to be sealed. Would you be able to seal it as part of your waxing?
Janitorial: We can manage that. In fact, I’ll throw it in as a courtesy for you choosing us.
Customer: Sounds great! Would it be possible to have it done next Monday – before the 2 weeks are up? That would actually work better for us.
Janitorial: We should be open that day, I don’t see a problem fitting you in.
Customer: Fantastic! I think we can do business here, send me a quote…
Congratulations! You’re hired. The day of the job you show up later than you figured. You discover the office has 2 large tables and 6 display racks. Where do you move them to? This is gonna take a lot longer than you figured. You don’t have the proper sealer for the concrete floor either.
Now you’re calling up your customer telling them the job won’t be done overnight. There may be extra cost because furniture moving and a special sealer wasn’t factored in. Well, at least you made your customer happy until you started working.
Compare this to the opposite…
The ‘wow the customer’ way
Janitorial: Thanks for giving us a chance to bid. I understand you have an 800-sq. ft. office showroom floor that needs stripping and waxing.
Customer: Yes, we need it done in the next 2 weeks. How long does it usually take you to do the job?
Janitorial: Our crew takes about 4 to 6 hours for a complete job that size. We work overnight, doing a deep strip and using fast drying sealer and wax. Is the area clear of furniture or fixtures? If it isn’t we have to factor in moving and replacing those items into the cost.
Customer: It has 2 large tables and 6 display racks. You can store them on another floor while you work. Oh! And we also have a small concrete floor area that needs to be sealed. Would you be able to seal that as part of your waxing?
Janitorial: That’s outside my area of expertise. But I partner with another company specializing in concrete sealing. I can co-ordinate it so we get both jobs done at the same time. As well as getting you a 5% discount on the concrete sealing. With the display rack and tables depending on the size – it will add about an extra 2 hours to the job. We’ll have to start earlier in the evening. Is that OK?
Customer: Sounds great! Would it be possible to have it done next Monday before the 2 weeks are up? That would actually work better for us.
Janitorial: Let me check. We’re booked for an early evening job and it would run into our time to give you a proper job. We also need to co-ordinate with our partner. Does the next day work for you, on Tuesday the…? You get the idea.
In conclusion – your takeaway
Know your stuff, your limitations and your customer’s needs. Avoid making promises you can’t keep. Offer them what you know you can deliver. Will it be perfect every time? Of course not, nothing ever is. But you want to stack the odds in your favor so you’ll come off as reliable, competent and professional.
