Category Archives: Business Story

Students’ Stories

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My students are stories on two legs, armies of kind feelings, fleets of questions, and wonderful partners in crime, doing their best to master the English language, making use of all kinds of actions, such as growth hacking.

A growth hacker is “a person whose true north is growth”. – Sean Ellis

Some students have retold their difficulties in collaborating with other speakers overseas.  

Some of my air traffic controller students have reported a few details about classified incidents involving airplanes and alien sightings.

A solicitor stated that one of her clients unknowingly signed a contract and subsequently demanded that she sever the ties, realizing that performance was rendered impossible by the newly added provisions that were not mutually agreed upon.

Other students reported about starting four businesses, failing all of them, then being successful in the fifth. 

Some engineers told me that some tunnels in the metro network in Bucharest are rumored to be haunted. They received first-hand information from their colleagues who were in charge of the maintenance of the underground tunnels. That’s a scary story.

I have another amusing anecdote to share from my students who attended an English course held at the motion picture studio where Cold Mountain was shot. They realized they needed some help with their English when one of their colleagues asked Anthony Minghella on the set, “What did you say?”

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Looking to level up your English-speaking game? Whether it’s nailing those corporate presentations, acing employment interviews, or slaying any public speaking situation, I’m here to help you shine! Let’s unlock your full potential together!
Also, I am a human-centered copywriter and author who writes about feelings, fragrances, and entrepreneurial freedom.

Sign up: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd5Y2UyeID8uVRuLD1-OxuF-0lbIDkap53MJxFQ34ucMuQ44g/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0

What Is A Side Hustle?

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More Companies Are Starting as Side Hustles

New data from payroll company Gusto shows that 44% of new business owners in the US launched their ventures while working part- or full-time last year. That’s up from 27% in 2022.
Source: Bloomberg

What is a side hustle?
It is a piece of work or a job that you get paid for doing in addition to doing your main job:

More people started selling things online during the epidemic due to a surge in entrepreneurship caused by millions being laid off after Covid-19 lockdowns. The shift to online shopping created new business opportunities, leading to a significant increase in newly established enterprises in the United States, exceeding pre-pandemic levels by over 50%. Americans’ interest in side hustles grew during the epidemic due to financial strains, prompting individuals to seek additional income sources. Factors like rising prices, financial burdens, and reduced salary increases also contributed to this trend, with generative artificial intelligence enabling individuals to manage side hustles alongside full-time jobs.

Generative artificial intelligence, like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, has made it easier for people to run side businesses while working full-time by speeding up company setup and proof of concept. While AI can serve various purposes such as marketing campaigns, video editing, graphic design, and e-commerce strategies, its effectiveness is limited and cannot fully replace human creativity.

Next, I will go over some straightforward side hustles to get started with.

Photo by the author.
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Looking to level up your English-speaking game? Whether it’s nailing those corporate presentations, acing employment interviews, or slaying any public speaking situation, I’m here to help you shine! Let’s unlock your full potential together!
Also, I am a human-centered copywriter and author who writes about feelings, fragrances, and entrepreneurial freedom.

What Are The Best Blogs On Business Development?

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Business development is a key topic in our courses.

I cannot but remember Elon Musk’s words:
“Starting a company is like staring into the abyss and eating glass.”
This quote perfectly captures the essence of what it takes to build a successful company from scratch.

There are no gold rules and no guarantee that you will be successful in your endeavors.

Based on our course and observations, the main challenges are as follows:
Ideas
Implementation
Funding
People
Delegating
The first clients
Keeping the clients
Positioning in the market
What do you really sell?

The latter is a very good one is quite compelling, as it highlights the fact that certain companies lack a clear understanding of their own products or services.
Jeep does not sell cars. They sell adventure. Amazon sells convenience and affordability…
I think there is never enough information about starting and developing a company, so I have been digging for more.

Here are some of the top blogs you can follow to get your daily dose of business development wisdom:

Fuel Lines: Founded by Michael Gass, a renowned business development expert, Fuel Lines offers insights on various business development aspects, like lead generation and building relationships [Fuel Lines blog].
Nopio: This blog dives into practical tactics for business development teams, covering topics like crafting compelling landing pages and measuring brand awareness metrics [Nopio blog on business development].
Sales Odyssey Blog: If you’re looking for a well-rounded perspective that integrates business development with sales, the Sales Odyssey Blog is a great resource [Sales Odyssey Blog].
The Social Bungalow Blog: This blog explores the intersection of social media and business development, providing valuable tips on leveraging social media platforms for B2B lead generation [The Social Bungalow Blog on business development].

These are just a few of the many excellent business development blogs out there. To find the ones that resonate most with you, consider your specific interests within the field.

Look for industry-specific blogs: Many publications cater to specific industries, offering business development advice tailored to your niche.
By following these blogs and exploring different resources, you can stay informed about the latest trends and develop a winning business development strategy.

If you enjoyed this article, be sure to check out our recommendations for top blogs on crafting compelling copy.

Photo by the author.

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Looking to level up your English-speaking game? Whether it’s nailing those corporate presentations, acing employment interviews, or slaying any public speaking situation, I’m here to help you shine! Let’s unlock your full potential together!
Also, I am a human-centered copywriter and author who writes about feelings, fragrances, and entrepreneurial freedom.

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