Day: June 13, 2021

People from all walks of life have one thing in common – hustle, simply described as “putting in the work.” Ondre Gipson, aka Drizz, forged his work path by creating a platform that brings different people together to collaborate, have fun, share ideas and ideologies and enjoy one another’s growth. He established True Hustler Entertainment and began to throw parties when he was still in college. He became known as one of the best party organizers around, and he used the popularity to propel the launch of a merchandise line. Drizz began to make t-shirts to promote his events and sell those t-shirts from the trunk of his car. It became an instant hit as people wanted to attend his parties wearing the merchandise created for the party. It gave them a sense of belonging, which Drizz leveraged.

From t-shirts, he started to create hoodies, sweatsuits, and other apparel, which made him launch a full-fledged clothing brand as a subsidiary of True Hustler Entertainment. The brand has now become an entertainment and luxury streetwear brand that everyone wants to identify with. It gives people a sense of identity and approval regardless of status. The rich and poor all have a common characteristic of being “hustlers,” and True Hustler Entertainment brings them together under one umbrella.

Describing what the brand represents, “I like to think everyone has a story to tell, and True Hustler Entertainment helps tell that story. No one gets anything without working for it. Everyone can relate to the struggle in one way or the other. Our apparel sends a message that the work and grind never stops, which is why our customers identify with our brand,” Ondre explains. True Hustler Entertainment gives people something to hold on to while serving as a melting pot for everyone from different walks of life. The apparel has been spotted at sports events, corporate board rooms, the trenches and projects, and many other places where people have a winning mentality. “TH,” which stands for True Hustle, is inscribed on every piece of merchandise, is the unique identifier that everyone who wears the brand’s apparel shares.

Ondre’s goal is to create a brand that people see as a sign of respect across all industries and walks of life. The brand is diverse and has marked its presence across all industries. Drizz currently has his sights set on the home and living space through the “Kiss The Chef” brand, which will sell things like air fryers, pots, knife sets, pan sets, etc. True Hustler Entertainment has created a strong brand identity that has enabled the creation of more subsidiary brands that customers have grown to love. Drizz’s motivation to build True Hustler Entertainment was borne out of his close association with respectable entrepreneurs. He dreamt of building something like they did, and he put in the work to make it happen.

His five-year goal is to grow into a global brand. Drizz also plans to step down from the CEO position to take on an advisory role with the company to allow him pursue other ventures like real estate and franchise investments. Building True Hustler from scratch three years ago remains the biggest thing Drizz has done, and with the achievements of those three years, he wants to show as many people as possible that it is possible to dream and bring their dreams to life.

Learn more about Drizz and True Hustler Entertainment on the official website.

Sleep is critical in our overall health, performance, energy levels, mood, and longevity. Playing a huge role in our physical health, from the repair and healing of the heart and blood vessels, to the abundance of energy and clarity we have the following day, sleep is the very essence of what makes us human.

When we live with constant sleep deficiency, we have an increased risk of heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and even stroke, as multiple studies have indicated. That’s why one sleep company, Lincove, is on a mission to improve overall health through quality, luxurious sleep, starting with supportive, premium, and fluffy pillows.

It’s Time to Put Sleep First

By providing a restful and rejuvenating sleep experience, like the five-star hotel quality sleep that we all dream about and crave, Lincove is unapologetic in their extensive testing and attention to detail when it comes to their finished products.

“When it comes to our sleep, we can’t compromise because when we do, we are compromising on our very health and longevity,” said Leibish Kessler, founder and CEO of Lincove. “That’s why we are fierce in our testing, measuring, and attention to detail with our Lincove pillow line, so we can guarantee a more luxurious sleep experience for all of our clients.”

The Lincove pillow is designed exclusively in New York, starting with premium materials that leave the smallest environmental footprint. They proceed to produce everything in North America, using OEKO-tex certified 100 percent cotton fabrics and ethically sourced RDS-certified Canadian down. Personally testing every single pillow product that is meticulously measured and tweaked to their standards of utmost perfection, Lincove ensures all finished products safeguard durability, comfort, and style.

Additionally, the entire production process is ecologically conscious, from start to finish, working in tandem with the Earth while sourcing sustainable materials that do not contribute to our overall carbon footprint. Using Hutterite white down, 700+ fill power, and unmatched customer service, the Lincove experience is something that every brand should strive to emulate today.

“We believe it’s possible to be sustainable, eco-friendly, and effective, all at the same time,” said Leibish Kessler. “We round out our entire offering with unmatched customer service and satisfaction for all stages of the customer experience. It’s most important to us that, at the end of the day, our clients are experiencing a fulfilling sleep revolution. It’s time that we put our personal health at the forefront of what we do.”

Leveraging Industry Expertise Into Sleeping Perfection

In order to accommodate different personal preferences when it comes to the feeling and presentation of pillows, Lincove presently offers three different levels of firmness and sizes. By leveraging 10+ years of industry knowledge and experience, while changing the pillow industry by introducing a line that is made with 100 percent cotton fabrics, hypoallergenic material, and no harsh chemicals in their production line, Lincove is redefining what luxury means in the world of sleep.

For more information, or to learn more about “the only true luxury pillow on the market,” visit the Lincove website.

There are so many questions revolving around milk. Many people think that milk allergy ranges from mild to life-threatening changes. Further, many people cut down on dairy who are planning to go vegan. Milk contains a hot of high proteins or fats, so maybe leaving out sugary foods is now your new health plan. Most babies get baby eczema if they are not taught to have milk from childhood.

When you leave out on milk for intolerance

It comes in two forms; one is milk allergy, and the other is lactose intolerance. Both can be treated easily while avoiding the milk substances. Likewise, the people with the allergy are allergic to the protein casein present in milk. Some have mild to stronger reactions after drinking milk. Leaving out dairy from the diet is the best way to prevent it. Lactose intolerance can only cause digestive problems, nothing such severe.

Ways to go dairy-free

Going dairy-free doesn’t mean that you will not consume milk at all. It is not limited to all popular items like cheese, yoghurt, butter, ice creams, etc. Besides, when you cook at home, you know the ingredients well. Be 100% sure of all the ingredients used, to know that no milk products are used in preparing it.

Now, there is lactose-free milk for all lactose-intolerant people. But if you are allergic to milk, having lactose free dairy can also trigger the reactions. While ordering at restaurants, be extra careful regarding what you are ordering. If you are invited for lunch or dinner, mention the host about your allergy. Tell the waiter about dairy-free eating so that they can give you good suggestions. Discuss the menu option before choosing any.

Butter is one of the harsh ingredients to avoid at restaurants since it is used for cooking eggs, meats and half of other items. Pick up things that don’t contain butter and ask questions regarding the menu.

Proteins and fats

Milk is indeed high in proteins and fats. The only benefit of having fats is that you feel full after having them. If you have planned to cut out on fatty foods, make sure you are replacing milk with either bread or other sugary juices.

Soy milk

Many people, after leaving milk, turn to soy milk. There are other substitutes like soy cheese, soy ice cream, etc. Soy milk is the best if you are lactose intolerant. You can also try various other milk substitutes. Baby Eczema is one common symptom of lactose intolerance. Eliminating it from the diet is the best thing.

Getting calcium is the dotted benefit of milk for building strong bones. Concentrate on having green leafy vegetables like collards and kales. You can also take Vitamin D supplement for overall bone health.

Conclusion

Cutting out on milk is going to solve so many problems. Always keep the diet balanced so that you can live an active life. Don’t add too much dairy into your diet.

By Chris Cicchinelli

 

Too many people in sales fail to recognize three undeniable truths: People buy people. People buy stories. People buy you.

How you present your knowledge of your products when you’re trying to make a sale is just as important as the quality of the goods being sold—because at every step of the sales journey, what you’re really selling is yourself.

But here’s the thing: no one can sell you but you. You need to deliver a marketing plan with you at the center.

Trust me, as a CEO, this applies to me, too. I’m out there selling myself every day, in every way. How do I dress? How’s my tone? How’s my posture? Do I seem confident? Truthful? Trustworthy? Am I connecting as I should? Am I giving off the proper vibe?

Sales is about impressions and relationships

If you’re in a business where sales are paramount, you aren’t just an order taker. There are pre-buys of inventory, sales presentations, and one-on-one meetings with customers where you forge relationships. Sales is about nothing if not relationships, connec­tions, and making an impression that lasts.

Your job is twofold: to make “yes” the logical and emo­tional choice, and to paint yourself as the person people want to do business with. That means presenting the necessary positive image to achieve those two interdependent goals.

So, how do you do it? Here are five tips for making sure you’re selling customers the best possible version of you.

Tip 1: Showcase your value.

 When I started my business, I knew that one day I’d be a millionaire. I just didn’t know when. I also understood that if I acted like I was making $50,000 a year, everyone would treat me like I was making $50,000 a year. You need to carry yourself like “you’re money,” whether you have it or not. If you play your cards right, this behavior will become self-fulfilling.

It gets back to the simple fact that we generally are treated the way we demand to be treated. Showcase your value. Dress the part. Act the part.

Try this experiment sometime: go into a coffee shop dressed in a tank top, shorts, and flip-flops. Then, the next day, go into the same joint wearing busi­ness casual clothes. I guarantee you’ll get 10 times the service in the business casual attire than you did in the tank and shorts. It’s just human nature to treat people who project quality with quality.

Tip 2: Embrace the power of one.

There’s a lot of power in the number one. One text message, one phone call, one class, and one customer can change your entire busi­ness and life. This concept goes back to focusing on your relationship with your customers. A simple handwritten thank-you note or genuine interaction with a single person can turn that person into a lifetime customer.

You’re selling them by selling you. Be knowledgeable about your products and excited to teach people what you know. Genuine enthusiasm for your job and the task at hand are infectious.

Better yet, use Walt Disney as your model. He was so phenomenal at what he created, and so skilled at selling it, that his customers wanted to see what he put out into the world again and again and told their friends and family. Even decades later, Disney’s genius in selling himself and his belief in what he produced leaves people in awe. To this day, his company sells not just a brand but an experience.

Tip 3: Say “yes” to change.

How do you handle sudden changes in your business? Do you sulk and whine, or do you embrace the shift and use it as momentum to propel yourself forward? If we’ve learned nothing else from the COVID-19 crisis, it’s that having the capacity to quickly recalibrate, pivot, and develop a new strategic direction is the key to success.

Consider the example of Starbucks. The coffee giant started out as a company that sold high-end coffee beans and espresso equipment. When founder Howard Schultz recognized the need for a coffee shop that could serve as a gathering spot for Seattle residents, he switched things up. He started selling coffee by the cup, taking his busi­ness to the next level and meeting every change along the way with confidence and fortitude.

Remember that while certainty is never certain, you can be prepared to modify the narrative. Keep an eye out for the silver lining in every situation and be adaptable.

Tip 4: Roleplay rejection.

Negative responses inevitably will come your way, even when you think you’ve done a great job at something. This shouldn’t throw you off your game. The next time you find yourself stressing about your business, take a minute to ask yourself, “What’s the worst thing someone could say about my business, and how would I react to hearing it?”

Once you have a solid response strategy in mind, you’ll be prepared, and nothing can take you down. You’ll already have thought through a worst-case scenario, and you’ll be ready to handle it.

Tip 5: Give your productivity a tune-up.

Productivity and success go hand in hand. That’s no news flash. Productivity is about three things: eliminating distractions, creating a motivational playlist, and getting organized. I know; it’s easier said than done. But becoming more productive is surprisingly simple once you give your habits a tune-up.

First, turn off your phone notifications. Getting rid of that particular distraction will help you focus and complete tasks faster. Second, create a music playlist to motivate you while you work. Studies show that 90% of business leaders perform better while listening to music. Then get organized with lists and whatever else you need to stay on task. Being organized boosts productivity, saves time, and eliminates stress.

Here’s another tip: you know those tasks you just dread, like making cold calls and reaching out to past customers whose interest has faded? Perform those first thing in the morning. When you get them out of the way early, you’ll suffer much less anxiety during the rest of your day.

Use these tips to build the best version of yourself and, ultimately, a more successful business.

 

Chris Cicchinelli is the CEO of Cincinnati-based Pure Romance, LLC, where he leads business development, operations, sales, and marketing for more than 40,000 Pure Romance ambassadors worldwide. He’s the author of the Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestseller The Secret Is YOU: How I Empowered 250,000 Women to Find Their Passion and Change Their Lives. Learn more at secretisyou.com.

CBD has become increasingly popular over the last few years, and not just among people who are “in the know” about health supplements or alternative medicine, as it is now a mainstream product that can be found in caffeinated beverages, beauty products, and balms. CBD has become a household name and can now be found in some form or another in almost any health store imaginable. Due to it’s increase in popularity, which has seen the industry grow to a worth that exceeds $23 billion, you may have considered starting your own CBD business but are not sure where you should start. If this is the case, here are a few tips.

What is CBD?

CBD is an abbreviation of the substance cannabidiol, which is found in the cannabis plant. Of course, this plant is illegal in many parts of the world due to its intoxicating effects, but CBD products are typically legal to sell, purchase, and use, especially within the United States. See, CBD is just one of many compounds that is found in cannabis and hemp and does not have any intoxicating or dangerous properties. Instead, the intoxicating component of the cannabis plant is THC, and this is the main chemical that leaves people who smoke or eat the substance feeling ‘high’. For CBD products to be legal, they need to contain no more than 0.3% THC, and there are many testing bodies that enforce this and make sure that the CBD on the market is safe. If you’re looking to start a CBD business, you need to be aware of this and work hard to ensure that the products you’re selling are legal and are free from THC.

Why is CBD a Lucrative Industry?

If CBD is already so prevalent and can be found at so many health stores, why is starting a CBD business a good idea? To put it simply, the quality of the CBD products available over the counter at most health stores is not that great. On top of this, these stores often charge an extortionate amount for these products. Many consumers who haven’t done their research will pay high prices for a CBD oil or spray at these stores without realizing that the CBD content is so low as to be almost unnoticeable—a pretty expensive placebo!

Many customers have noticed this, and therefore the demand for higher-quality CBD from specialized stores is high and seems unlikely to decrease.

How to Stock CBD

Although CBD is a lucrative industry, there is still competition in the market. If you want to start a successful CBD business, you will need to source high-quality products; though some CBD businesses produce their own products, this is not an essential step. Producing your own CBD requires you to obtain a license to legally grow cannabis plants, which can range from inconvenient to almost impossible depending on where you live.

An alternative to this is to stock products from other suppliers. You may even consider using the drop-shipping model, which enables you to sell and trade products without having to hold them in stock at all physically!

However, the drop-shipping model only works if you want to run a purely online store. There are also advantages to opening a traditional physical store that stocks CBD products, particularly if there isn’t already one in the area. If you are interested in opening a physical store, comparing business utility costs on sites like utilitybidder.co.uk can help you to reduce your expenses.

Whether you are running a purely online store or a physical store, it is important to stock various products to widen your customer base. Different forms of CBD, from oils to capsules to gummies to vape liquid, are all worth stocking, as well as different strains (e.g., Sativa, Indica, or hybrid).

How to Market Your CBD Business

Marketing is one of the most important factors in business success, regardless of the industry. Digital marketing (e.g., pay-per-click ads, social media pages, and posts, and email mailing lists) is the most effective, convenient, and inexpensive form of marketing these days. When it comes to CBD, sending free samples in exchange for positive reviews from health bloggers and influencers can go a long way.

Born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, Wasseem Dirani began his career in the finance and securities industry. While studying at Western University in London, Ontario, he received a job offer at Prudential Securities. Though he was only two years into his degree, he took it. He later earned his insurance and securities licence and achieved success in that industry before opening his own video rental and sales company. Because of his ability to adapt to any given situation, Dirani was able to scale his business to include four other stores and franchise another two. After six years operating in video rental and sales, he had the opportunity to return to the financial sector and work for a large firm, which he seized readily. Then, in 2000, Wasseem Dirani opened his own business, Taxes to Save, a tax consulting firm where he acts as a financial and tax consultant for new and small businesses. Taxes To Save specializes in providing workable, real-world solutions to the retinue of tax problems faced by companies in today’s unique business climate. Wasseem Dirani currently lives in Hamilton, Ontario.

Why did you decide to go into the tax consultancy industry?

To begin with, having previously worked in the finance and securities industry, I knew the ins and outs of tax law fairly intricately. I knew I could do it well. Also, being a tax consultant is very conducive to opening up one’s own firm, which was something I was always intently focussed on doing eventually. Also, I love helping people and watching them succeed. Providing advice on tax strategies is a great way to do that. So, it was the combination of those three factors.

What trends in your industry excite you?

In recent years, there has been an absolute deluge of people starting their own businesses online. This has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, of course, but things were trending in that direction even before 2020. I think it’s exciting because it’s sort of democratizing entrepreneurship; far more people are taking the leap to start up new companies in the digital age than they were in previous decades. Also, starting a business online requires significantly less overhead, so owners end up keeping more of the fruits of their labour. It’s easier to succeed launching a business online when compared with opening a brick-and-mortar business, and I love to see people succeed.

What would you tell others looking to get into your industry?

Do not underestimate the power of referrals. By doing a good job and helping clients, they will tell others  and recommend you to their family and friends. That is the single best way to get more business. First, because it’s tried, tested, and true. Second, because it’s honest. Third, because of the snowball effect it has—one person tells two people, who then tell two more people each, and so on and so forth. Fourth, because it requires no investment other than hard work and diligence. My firm hasn’t advertised using print, radio, TV, or the internet for ten years. We haven’t needed to because of referrals.

How has tax consultancy changed over the last decade?

One of the interesting things about running a tax consultancy firm is that tax laws are always changing. Pretty much any time the government launches a major new program, the tax laws are tweaked. That is one of the challenges of this business, but it’s also what keeps it from becoming stale. Staying on top of all the new laws, ordinances, edicts, and policies takes a substantial amount of time and energy. So, to answer in detail regarding the last decade would take about a day. Suffice it to say, tax consulting changes significantly from year to year, let alone over the course of ten years.

If you could change one thing you did at the beginning of your career what would it be?

I wouldn’t go to work at a large firm. I did that at the beginning of my career a couple of times, and it was fine, but I always felt a bit stifled by having to participate in a corporate culture that was not of my creation. If I had to go back and do it all again, I would just open my own firm straight away. That was always my goal, anyhow. Although it was a lot of work, if I’d done that in my 20s, the firm would have progressed further by now, and I probably would be happier as a result.

How do you maintain a work/life balance?

It’s all about scheduling and time management. I schedule family time first, and then organize my work schedule around that. It’s one of the reasons I love being my own boss. I don’t have to negotiate with anyone to get the time off I need to spend with my family. I don’t need to justify how important my personal life is to a supervisor or a division head. If there’s a birthday party, a recital, or a ballgame that I need to attend to show support for my kids, I just go.

Explain the proudest day of your professional life.

The proudest day of my professional life was the day I officially opened my own firm. Although there have been many other special days before and since, that one stands head and shoulders above the rest. It changed my life for the better in so many ways—the main one being that from that day onward I was truly in charge of my own future. Nothing compares with how good that feels.

What has been the hardest obstacle you’ve overcome?

Back in the early days of my firm, I took on too much debt in order to expand the business. I didn’t understand at the time that it wasn’t necessary; that so long as I did quality work and was dependable, my business would expand organically. It was a miscalculation on my part, and it was largely a mental error. I overcame it by reevaluating my priorities and seeing the bigger picture. And by paying back the debt, of course.

What is one piece of advice you’ve never forgotten?

Don’t review documents or forms immediately after completing them. Take a break, or move on to a different piece of work for a while, then go back and review the document after some time has passed. The human mind is constructed in such a way that by diverting attention away from a document for a period of time and then returning to review it, errors that might be glossed over become more apparent and obvious. I guess there’s some science that backs that fact up, from what I understand.

What does success look like for you?

Success is independence, financial and otherwise. Success is not having to ask permission to take a week off work to take your family on a vacation. Success is never having to borrow money to pay your bills. Success is being able to relax in the knowledge that you can take care of yourself and your loved ones on your own terms. Given that as the criteria, I would say that I’m successful.

What is one piece of advice you’d like to leave our readers with?

It ultimately pays major dividends to retain the services of a solid and reputable tax consultant. Whatever fees you might pay for their services are more than made up in the savings they will provide you with year over year. It’s one of the most reliable investments a person or business can make.

Janet Jarnagin is an executive who is considered an expert authority on the practice of board and management reporting. She makes a living by analyzing qualitative and quantitative data provided by her client companies and then synthesizing it all into polished presentations. Beyond that, Janet specializes in revising and stabilizing business processes and counselling companies about how to improve their efficacy. Janet Jarnagin resides in New York City, where she also works.

What do you love most about the industry you are in?

I think what I love most about board and management reporting is the feeling I get after I’ve presented my findings and they have been accepted and implemented. There’s just something so rewarding about knowing that I’ve had a positive effect on a company and helped to streamline their processes and increase their efficiency. It’s very satisfying. It feels like I’ve made a difference.

What would you tell others looking to get into your industry?

One of my favorite projects is working with young professionals and giving them advice on how to properly network without it coming off as a chore. “Networking should be effortless” is what I usually say. So, what does that mean? It means making connections and seeking advice organically throughout the course of a work week and not trying to arrange a long talk at an espresso bar after hours or on the weekend. Networking shouldn’t be forced and should not be prioritized over delivering quality work products.

What keeps you motivated?

I have a list of long-term professional goals that I’ve set my sights on achieving during the course of my career. Checking an item off that list keeps me motivated. That being said, I realize that most of them will take months, years, or even decades to accomplish, so if I go for a while without crossing off an item, I try to be at peace with that (some days better than others). That wasn’t always the case. But as my career has developed, I’ve gained some perspective in that regard.

If you could change 1 thing you did in the beginning of your career what would it be?

If I could go back in time and give myself some advice, it would be: slow down, calm down. These things come with time, hard work, and genuine, organic connections with co-workers and higher-ups. Trying to force the issue might make everything backfire, and you could end up doing more harm to your career than good.

Who has been a role model to you and why?

I’ve always admired Christine Legarde. She has accomplished so much with her life. Aside from being the first female finance minister of any G8 country, she also served as the Chair and Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, and later the President of the European Central Bank.

How do you maintain a work life balance?

I have always been a big proponent of what I call “work life integration.” It’s not always the most popular philosophy but it has worked well for me in my career. I’d rather work a few hours on Sat/Sun if it means having an easier work week and starting Monday less stressed.

What traits do you possess that make you a successful leader?

I’m an incredibly organized and methodical person. I think I am pretty good at time and inbox management. It borderlines on a fixation. On any given day, I always know what I’m supposed to be doing, in what order, and for approximately how long. On a larger scale, I have systems in place to closely monitor all the projects I’m juggling over a period of time. I believe this trait is responsible for a good deal of my professional success. Additionally, I’m very to-the-point when speaking with others.

What trends in your industry excite you?

Recently, there has been an interesting trend in business operations of attempting to revise and stabilize existing processes instead of tearing down and rebuilding from the ground up. Too often in the past, managers would become frustrated with perceived inefficiencies in their company and simply toss a decade’s worth of systems and processes away indiscriminately, without taking the time to analyze what works and what doesn’t—throw the baby out with the bathwater, as it were. I feel like this has begun to change, and managers are focusing more on reforming/streamlining. I like to think that my work has contributed to that in some way.

What is one piece of advice that you have never forgotten?

It wasn’t related to me directly, but I remember reading a profile on Neil Armstrong, the first human being to set foot on the moon, wherein he said “I believe every human has a finite number of heartbeats. I don’t intend to waste any of mine.” That struck me as very true when I read it, and it has always stuck with me since.

What’s one piece of advice you would give to others?

I would advise others that while it is important to look like a professional, it is far more important to act like a professional and to maintain a professional mindset—at least within the confines of the job or the office. Anyone can dress well, but it takes a lot of discipline and confidence to conduct oneself in a manner befitting an executive, and even more discipline to think like one all day long.

What is the biggest life lesson you have learned?

That a person’s time is the most precious and finite resource there is, bar none.