Category Archives: Business Story

What Is Your Dream Job?

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LinkedIn is a treasure trove for (copy)writers seeking inspiration for their next column.

Today, I have found this:

“What do you mean you quit your job to promote books? What kind of job is that?”

This got me thinking about “Dream Jobs.”

Obviously, promoting and presenting books is one of my dream jobs. I am lucky because I already do that in my courses. My students occasionally inquire about books. Lately, we have been discussing The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber, The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable by Nassim Nicholas Taleb, and Jack London’s The Iron Heel.

Being a writer is a dream job. Even if this comes with a lot of work—researching, outlining the article, finding the inner voice of a piece… It is a glory-worthy job. I see my writings and others’ the same way I perceive fragrances: in colors.

I know when a writing-work is a job well done when it shines, in my imagination. The same is true of the sparkles of the phosphorescent sea under the moon. This is what I have in mind when assessing the power of word-work.

I would love to travel and write about the world. So the job description would be: Write and travel.

To be a promoter and doer for local projects. I have been involved in this since 2020, and it is fascinating. It is very hard, but very rewarding. The thought that my work has changed the lives of my constituents for the better, even to a small extent, is exhilarating.

To be a pilot. It is already too late for that, for me. I love flying, and this experience would be tremendous if I were in charge, not just a mere spectator. It is possible for the passengers not to agree with me, but I would take my chances if that were possible. 

It made me happy to read that my favorite writer, Somerset Maugham, shared my opinion on flying. He considered the blossoming beauty of the earth unfolding below as the most precious asset a human can dream to, and more valuable than any material wealth a person could hope to amass. Yes, I totally agree.

What is your dream job?

Photo by the author.

Pitch me! Pitch me!

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Every day on social media I get 20 to 30 messages a day of people pitching me stuff.

Typically, I find myself bombarded with pitches for website services and other impressive AI features or platforms, not to mention people gleefully leaving comments on my blog with their website link embedded in them.

My blog is bursting with comments showcasing a wide array of offers: the most cutting-edge AI, top-notch website tools and design, and an extensive range of services.

Or hey, It seems like there’s some negative press that could be potentially damaging. Understanding how fast misinformation can spread and wishing not you to be caught off guard, I felt the need to notify you.

Content seeding. We receive comments that link to the brands website such as news platforms, education websites and wellness products and services. I sometimes approve comments pertaining to the first two categories.
Content seeding is a digital marketing strategy where content creators strategically plant a brand’s content across various platforms. It’s like sowing seeds in a garden, but instead of zucchini seeds, marketers plant content to grow brand awareness and attract leads.

Link exchange comments. They have included my website in theirs (allegedly), and I should do the same.

My work as an editor and writer for Fragrantica has led to a plethora of fragrance-related offers.

Our financial and business development course has put us on the path of manifold financial offers from some rather persistent people, requesting an appointment as soon as possible.

Personally, I would never consider such impersonal pitches. I must confess, I am eager to expand my client base. To achieve this, I consistently produce and share content on a daily basis. Additionally, I deliver a newsletter and invest in advertisements. Moreover, I have developed a long-term marketing strategy that may appear modest, but has proven to be quite successful.

In life, it’s crucial to bring value to the table. Without it, your sales pitch is destined to fall flat.
It’s puzzling why some businesses jump straight into selling unnecessary services instead of focusing on delivering value first, or, at least, starting a conversation.
Being persuasive is second nature when you’re willing to assist others and build real relationships.
Indeed, although it may require more time, you will at least make progress.
Attempting to sell without understanding the specific issues that individuals require assistance with is a futile endeavor.

Marketing operates under the same principles. Without a clear understanding of your target audience, your marketing efforts can quickly become a drain on your resources.
It’s high time to put an end to their constant pitching and instead focus on doing their due diligence by thoroughly researching and understanding their customers.

Learn more in class!
Personalized one-on-one lessons or group classes are available.
http://www.seocopywriting.ro/en/contact-us.php

Magnolias on the night sky – by the author.

What Is Your Mission And Purpose In Life?

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I read on Instagram that discovering your life’s goal and purpose is essential before taking any action or hoping to achieve any kind of success.

What makes you get up in the morning?

About me
My true purpose and mission in life: to write very well. To make people stumble on my words and never stop coming back.
I love writing, and I am willing to work harder.
As I mentioned in a previous article: writing is a demanding task that requires skill and dedication. It encourages deep and thorough introspection. It demands a significant amount of determination and fortitude. It requires a solid grasp of the structure. A great deal of reading, tedious research, and summarizing are required. Not to mention battling the writer’s block…

To travel. To breathe different air. Didn’t you notice? In some oniric landscapes, the air is tangible and it has taste…
Working hard and being committed may lead to a more fulfilling existence, as I’ve come to acknowledge.

To work hard, and I will, so that my life is filled with unforgettable experiences and so that I may see the world through the eyes of others and learn about their ways of living.

AI-generated picture using my words above (In some oniric landscapes, the air is tangible and it has taste…)

How should you handle outrageous client demands?

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#LinkedInNewsEurope

Working with people is compelling, fascinating, and difficult, and it has been spicing up my life for some time. It is my type of work as I love communication and people’s reactions and approaches to various matters. 
Since I turned 40, everything seemed smoother, as the scriptwriter of Mad Men was right: “Until the age of 40, you will have met all the types of people they are.” 

After almost 20 years of entrepreneurship, I have realized that Pareto was right. 80% of my earnings come from a small minority of 20% of my customers, who are decent early-paying clients.

For the remaining 80% of clients, the sky’s the limit. I was surprised by some outrageous requests at the beginning of my entrepreneurial career—so outrageous that I wrote an essay about them.
For example, if a customer asks for a tornado of sharks for a copywriting job, I ask, “White sharks?” and move on.

Lesson learned: Do business in Equilibrium.

Once a representative of a medical company called, and between the “lines,” I picked up on their willingness for 17 people to benefit from our English course but to pay for only 10 people because some of the attendants might get bored in the end, as happens at all English courses, he says, “knowingly.”.
I never take this type of approach kindly, as a lack of respect for my time and efforts translates into a lack of respect for me and my hard-crafted projects, mission, and vision. Learning a language is not for everyone, as it involves commitment and hard work, and new eyes are opened for you to see more and more with each passing class. Language is information.

Lesson learned: Set up specific protocols and keep detailed records.

Another bizarre request was to develop product descriptions for Amazon listings using unspecified American lingo on short notice before discussing the terms of the contract and payment methods. They were pooling descriptions in order to choose the finest ones and avoid paying the authors. They claimed to be in desperate need due to the approaching deadline. I almost fell for it.

Lesson learned: Consider requesting an emergency fee.

To summarize, I have very explicit terms and conditions that I discuss with customers beforehand, and I make sure to ask all relevant questions at the outset in order to determine what type of customer I am dealing with.
Not to mention that “no” is a very good answer sometimes…

Picture by the author, taken in Milan.

Unveiling the Power of Off-Page SEO: A Journey Beyond the Website

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Once upon a time, in the vast kingdom of the internet, there was a castle of knowledge—a website filled with valuable information and services. Its gates were adorned with intricate designs; its walls were fortified with strong algorithms; and its towers reached high into the digital sky. But despite its grandeur, the castle remained hidden in the depths of the virtual wilderness, obscured from the wandering eyes of the populace. This is where the tale of off-page SEO begins—a journey beyond the confines of the castle walls into the realm of links, mentions, and reputation.
Chapter 1: The Essence of Off-Page SEO

In the realm of search engine optimization (SEO), Off-Page SEO is the magical art of enhancing a website’s authority, relevance, and trustworthiness beyond its own domain. It involves activities conducted outside the boundaries of the website itself, primarily focusing on link building, social media engagement, and brand mentions across the vast expanse of the internet.

According to a study by Moz, off-page SEO factors carry more than 50% of the weight in terms of ranking factors, making it a crucial aspect of any digital marketing strategy. This emphasizes the significance of venturing beyond the website’s borders to establish a strong digital footprint.

Chapter 2: The Power of Backlinks

In the kingdom of SEO, backlinks reign supreme. These are the bridges that connect one website to another, signaling to search engines the popularity, relevance, and credibility of the linked website. Research by Ahrefs reveals that pages with a higher number of backlinks tend to rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs), illustrating the pivotal role of backlinks in Off-Page SEO.

However, not all backlinks are created equal. Quality surpasses quantity in this realm, as links from authoritative and relevant websites hold more weight in the eyes of search engine algorithms. Therefore, a strategic approach to acquiring backlinks through outreach, guest blogging, and content marketing is essential for success in Off-Page SEO.

Chapter 3: Social Signals and Brand Mentions

In the digital age, social media has become the bustling marketplace where conversations thrive, and communities gather. From likes and shares to comments and retweets, social signals serve as indicators of a website’s popularity and relevance. Studies have shown that strong social engagement correlates with higher search engine rankings, making it imperative for businesses to cultivate a robust presence on social media platforms.

Furthermore, brand mentions across the web contribute to the establishment of online credibility and authority. When reputable websites mention a brand or its products/services, it not only exposes the brand to a wider audience but also reinforces its trustworthiness in the eyes of search engines.

Chapter 4: The Journey Continues

As our journey through the realm of Off-Page SEO draws to a close, it’s evident that the landscape of digital marketing is ever-evolving. With search engine algorithms becoming increasingly sophisticated, the importance of Off-Page SEO in enhancing a website’s visibility and ranking cannot be overstated.

By harnessing the power of backlinks, social signals, and brand mentions, businesses can transcend the confines of their websites and establish a formidable presence across the digital domain. However, this journey requires diligence, patience, and a deep understanding of the intricate workings of search engine optimization.

As we bid farewell to the castle of knowledge and venture forth into the vast wilderness of the internet once more, let us remember that the journey of Off-Page SEO is not merely about reaching the pinnacle of search engine rankings, but about forging meaningful connections, building trust, and leaving a lasting impression in the hearts and minds of our digital audience.

AI generated image

Do you think AI tools will take over most SEO tasks in the future?

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I have found this question on LinkedIn.

AI technologies will undoubtedly still have a significant impact on SEO in the future, but it’s improbable that they will entirely replace human SEO experts.

What AI can do well in SEO:

Data analysis: AI excels at crunching huge amounts of data, identifying patterns and trends that humans might miss. This can help with tasks like keyword research, competitor analysis, and technical SEO audits.
Content optimization: AI tools can analyze existing content and suggest improvements based on SEO best practices, ensuring it’s optimized for search engines. Some can even generate content drafts, though human editing is still crucial for quality and creativity.
Predictive modeling: AI can analyze past data to predict future trends and user behavior, allowing for more proactive SEO strategies.
Automation: AI can automate repetitive tasks like link building outreach and technical SEO maintenance, freeing up human time for strategic thinking.

What AI cannot do:

Creativity: Artificial intelligence (AI) will never be able to replace humans in creative content strategy development, user intent understanding, or audience engagement evaluations. For examaple, I can write an astounding post about the photo below or a poem.
Strategic planning: Embracing the task of establishing comprehensive SEO targets, harmonizing them with wider corporate goals, and flexibly responding to evolving algorithms calls for a keen grasp of human comprehension and astute strategic expertise.
Communication and relationship building: Business is no longer B2B but H2H (human-to-human) interaction. Engaging in outreach, skillful negotiating, and cultivating connections with partners and influencers continue to be most effectively managed by individuals.

Exciting news! Our new courses in March will delve into AI technology and its use in growing our business activities. Get ready for an enlightening journey! Stay tuned!

Photo by the author.

The Most In-Demand Jobs on LinkedIn Right Now

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Jobs with the Fastest-Growing Demand
Roles with the greatest quarter-over-quarter increase in share of paid job posts, Q4 (October 1 – December 31) 2023 vs. Q3 (July 1 – September 30) 2023

Care Specialist
Surgical Technician
Tax Preparer
Medical Surgical Nurse
Secretary
Sonographer
Progressive Care Nurse
Home Health Licensed Practical Nurse
Customer Associate
Business Administrator

Source – LinkedIn

What is a Customer Associate?
A customer service associate manages customer concerns with the objective of maintaining positive customer relationships with an organization. They interact directly with customers to listen to concerns, resolve problems, and recommend products and services according to the needs of each individual.

https://www.linkedin.com/business/talent/blog/talent-strategy/most-in-demand-jobs?trk=eml-mktg-lts-eml-202401-global-to1-1-midj-en&src=e-eml&mcid=7153077802320216064&veh=LTS_EML_ACQ_202401_GLOBAL_TO1_1_MIDJ_EN

February

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February bursts onto the scene with an undeniable force of fresh changes.

February is shaping up to be one of my most action-packed months ever. I am thrilled to be embarking on the creation of two exciting new one-of-a-kind English courses. At present, I am fully engrossed in crafting the syllabuses while also eagerly delving into the realm of marketing strategies.
I do not mind, as I like new things, new opportunities, and new paths, and these two projects are like that.
A few hints: you will learn how to use new tools in your activity as a business owner, CEO, CFO, or corporate employee.
Both courses will be launched in March 2024.

Additionally, I am joyfully penning some delightful pieces for Fragrantica. I like the creative process of writing, as it envelops me in a comforting embrace, shielding me within the narrative. I find myself among a flurry of activity, yet I am eager to capture the invigorating mountain air in my words and the delightful love cloud permeating everything.

Photo by the author (taken in the mountains).

Unleashing Growth: The Art and Science of Business Development

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In the heart of Silicon Valley, where innovation thrives and dreams take flight, a small startup once dared to dream big. The year was 2007, and a visionary entrepreneur named Steve Jobs stood on a stage, unveiling a device that would revolutionize the way we live, work, and connect – the iPhone. Little did he know that this iconic moment would not only mark the birth of a technological marvel but also underscore the significance of strategic business development.

Business development is more than just a buzzword; it’s the lifeblood of any thriving organization. It involves the creation of long-term value for an enterprise from customers, markets, and relationships. In this blog post, we’ll explore the art and science of business development, leveraging insightful statistics and data to unveil the strategies that drive success. Let’s embark on a journey through the realm of business development, backed by real-world numbers and industry trends.

The Growth Imperative
To understand the importance of business development, one must first recognize the growth imperative faced by companies in today’s dynamic market. According to a report by McKinsey, 85% of executives consider organic growth through business development activities as crucial for their organizations.
Source: McKinsey & Company – “Growth Excellence: The Secret to Sustainable Value Creation”

Building Strategic Partnerships
Successful business development often hinges on forging strategic partnerships. Research by Deloitte reveals that companies with strong collaborative networks are twice as likely to outgrow their competitors and experience higher profit margins.
Source: Deloitte – “The Collaboration Imperative”

Data-Driven Decision Making
In the age of information, data is a powerful ally in business development. A study by MIT Sloan Management Review found that organizations using data-driven decision-making processes are 5% more productive and 6% more profitable than their counterparts.
Source: MIT Sloan Management Review – “The Age of Analytics: Competing in a Data-Driven World”

Customer-Centric Approach
Understanding customer needs and preferences is at the core of successful business development. According to a Salesforce survey, 84% of customers say the experience a company provides is as important as its products and services.
Source: Salesforce – “State of the Connected Customer”

Digital Transformation
In an era dominated by digital advancements, embracing technology is pivotal for business development. IDC predicts that by 2024, over 50% of all global GDP will be driven by digitally transformed enterprises.
Source: International Data Corporation (IDC) – “IDC FutureScape: Worldwide Digital Transformation 2020 Predictions”

As we navigate the ever-changing environment of business development, it becomes clear that it is more than just a strategic function; it is a dynamic force that shapes the future of enterprises. From the visionary leaps of IT titans to the collaborative networks that drive success, the data-backed tactics listed above are the foundations of effective business development.

In the spirit of Steve Jobs’ debut of the iPhone, let us be motivated to dream large, create courageously, and embrace the art and science of business development to drive our businesses into a future of limitless growth.

Photo by the author.

2023: A Banner Year

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2023 was a banner year for me.

I’ve had the pleasure of attending perfumery exhibits and perfume releases, where I’ve had the opportunity to witness the unveiling of remarkable scents such as Osmanthe Liu Yuan by Le Jardin Retrouve and the latest creations by the incredibly talented Stéphanie Bakouche for Miraj. I’ve had the pleasure of encountering remarkable people and immersing myself in the captivating narratives they’ve shared. Human beings can be likened to walking volumes of knowledge. I have had the privilege of observing the remarkable growth and development of AI.

Lately, I’ve found myself delightfully immersed in the pages of Charlotte Bronte’s timeless masterpiece, Jane Eyre (yet again). In this literary gem, the protagonist cherishes a leisurely stroll around a park on a captivating November morning, shrouded in a gentle mist. It is really a precious and cherished experience for her.
In this modern day and age, we are fortunate to be bestowed with an abundance of information, experiences, and all kinds of content. I sometimes day dream and think about what a character from a novel, such as Jane Eyre, would do with the technology we have today….
The gift of knowledge is invaluable. The myriad of possibilities that lie before us when it comes to choosing what to do with these many resources is what sets us apart.

As an astute teacher, I have ingeniously crafted a cutting-edge curriculum tailored specifically for the realm of artificial intelligence, showcasing my unwavering ability to stay abreast of the ever-evolving landscape of knowledge. I have had the pleasure of teaching countless hours of bespoke professional English courses. I am delighted to announce that I have embarked on the exciting journey of creating a newsletter on LinkedIn to chronicle my many endeavors and the diverse roles I undertake.

I’ve been delightfully immersing myself in the world of perfumeries, all while keeping pace with the thriving and vibrant Romanian fragrance industry…

For the New Year I aspire to work more and better. I am eager to expand my writing skills and leave a lasting impression. Harnessing my abilities and experience to craft exquisite creations. Reviews, interviews, and essays are just a few of the many avenues via which one might reflect upon and explore more. I really anticipate witnessing the forthcoming advancements in the realm of fragrances.

During my talk with perfumer Stéphanie Bakouche for Fragrantica, we discussed the future of perfumery. If the future belongs to slow perfumery, it is yet to be seen this new year.

The big questions for 2024

AI challenge: where do we go from here?

Are there new perspectives and more market opportunities for developing new products?
Can you build a business solely on AI? Some say that it is possible … I wish I had time to give it a try.
What new (AI-based) products can I use to scale my business?

Perfumery Challenge: The Future of Perfumery

I wish I had some insight into the new launches. I will soon, of course.

What would be the main trends in perfumery?

Customers that purchase fragrances in the future are more considerate than previous generations. There are additional factors to consider when making a purchase decision. The fragrance market has been seeing quite a transformation recently, with the emergence of sudden TikTok sensations, and a growing emphasis on ingredient transparency.

These infrastructural changes suggest a perfume consumer that is approaching products, interactions, and purchases in a fresh and innovative manner.

For the new year I want: more sleep, more music, more tea, more books, more sunsets, more happy encounters, more creating, more strolls on the beach, more jokes, more laughter, more dreaming, more fun, more love, more peace.

And let us not overlook the fact that a bike ride is truly unparalleled, except perhaps for a leisurely stroll amidst the ethereal beauty of the clouds.

Photo – AI-generated