Why I’ve Embraced the 'Lazy January' Mindset as an Annual Essential for Life & Business.
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Relying too heavily on Meta (Facebook, Instagram, etc.) for marketing can be risky.
However the same can be said about any of the current available options. They do for the most part come with similar pro’s and con’s. You’re at the mercy of the algorithm, which can change the reach of your posts without warning, making organic growth harder to achieve and maintain. Additionally, the pay-to-play model can get expensive, especially for small businesses, turning visibility into a costly investment rather than a long-term strategy. Account suspensions or restrictions can happen suddenly, leading to a loss of revenue and customers. Perhaps most importantly, you don't actually own your audience—if your Meta account is suspended or deleted, you lose access to your followers altogether. It’s crucial in my opinion (today more than ever) to diversify your marketing channels to ensure sustainable and ethical growth. How to Diversify Your Marketing Strategy If Meta isn’t the only way, what is? The key is to spread your marketing efforts across different platforms and strategies so your business remains stable no matter what happens to one channel. Here’s where to start: 1. Build an Email List (Your #1 Asset) Unlike social media, you own your email list. No algorithm controls who sees your messages. Start collecting emails through networking and lead magnets (free resources, discounts, exclusive content) and nurture those relationships directly. 2. Strengthen Your Website & SEO Your website should be your business’s home base. Focus on creating valuable blog content, optimising for search engines, and making it easy for people to contact you or buy from you without needing social media. 3. Explore Alternative Social Media Platforms Meta isn’t the only game in town. Depending on your industry, consider:
Consider creating a space where your audience can connect outside of social media. This could be a private membership group, a Discord server, etc. 5. Don’t Ignore Offline Marketing Not everything happens online! In-person networking, collaborations with local businesses, industry events, and word-of-mouth marketing are still powerful ways to grow your business. Practical Next Steps to Start Today You don’t need to quit Meta altogether, in fact, I don’t intend to quit it for my business use anytime soon. I say that as someone who until recently, was guilty of centring Meta in my marketing strategy a bit too much. However, I think that actually a more balanced approach is what is needed. Here’s what you can do right now to achieve long-term success: ✅ Start collecting email addresses if you haven’t already. ✅ Write a blog post for your website to strengthen your online presence. ✅ Choose one new marketing channel to explore this quarter. ✅ Engage with your audience outside of Meta—join industry forums, attend an event, or start a newsletter. Meta platforms can be a valuable part of your marketing strategy, but they shouldn’t be your entire strategy. By diversifying where and how you connect with your audience, you create a more secure, sustainable business - one that won’t disappear the next time an algorithm changes. ![]() Do you ever feel like staying motivated is harder than it should be? If so, then you’re not alone!! Something I’ve found that makes a real difference in keeping me focused and motivated is creating vision boards, especially as part of my Q4 planning in preparation for the New-Year. It’s a chance to visualise my goals, set my intentions, and create a clear, inspiring roadmap for the months ahead. Vision boards have become a key part of how I stay on track and motivated, no matter what I’m working towards—whether it’s personal growth, family life, or business success. Today I want to share that process with you all! A vision board is so much more than a collage of pretty pictures—it’s a powerful tool that helps you gain clarity, stay focused, and take inspired action toward your end goals. It’s a way to visually map out your dreams and keep them front and centre in your life. In this post, I’ll show you exactly how to harness the power of vision boards. We’ll dive into what they are, why they’re so effective, and how you can create one using my Canva template. So, whether your goals are focused on personal growth, family life, or building your business, a vision board can help you turn your dreams into reality; one step at a time! What Is a Vision Board?A vision board is a visual representation of your goals, dreams, and aspirations. It’s a collection of images, quotes, and affirmations that reflect the future you want to create. By combining creativity with focus, a vision board helps you manifest your dreams by keeping them front and center in your mind. That also means no more forgotten New Year's Resolutions!! Why Create a Vision Board? Clarity: A vision board helps you cut through the noise and zero in on what truly matters to you. It’s easy to get distracted by day-to-day demands, but having a visual reminder of your goals brings a sense of purpose and direction. By defining what you want, you can create a clear path toward achieving it. Inspiration: Your vision board serves as a daily reminder of your "why"—the deeper reason behind your goals. Whether it’s a quote that resonates, an image that sparks joy, or a symbol of something you’re striving for, it acts as a constant source of motivation to keep going, even on tough days. Action-Oriented: A vision board isn’t just about dreaming—it’s about doing. Each image or phrase can act as a trigger, encouraging you to take tangible steps toward your goals. It transforms abstract ideas into actionable tasks, helping you stay aligned with your priorities. Visualisation: Seeing your dreams laid out visually strengthens your belief in their achievability. This mental rehearsal is backed by science—visualising success activates the same neural pathways as actually achieving it. This positive reinforcement builds confidence and momentum as you work toward your goals. How to Use a Vision BoardOnce your vision board is complete, it’s important to use it intentionally. Here’s how:
How to Create Your Own Vision Board Ready to get started? Follow these steps to create your own vision board using my Canva template: Step 1: Access the Template Click here to open the template in Canva. If you don’t have an account, signing up is free and quick! Step 2: Reflect on Your Goals Think about the areas of your life you want to focus on:
Step 3: Customise the Template
Step 4: Save and Display
What My Vision Board Includes To inspire your own creativity, here’s a glimpse at the key elements of my vision board:
Why Vision Boards WorkVision boards are rooted in the science of visualisation and goal-setting. By keeping your goals in front of you, you train your subconscious mind to look for opportunities and solutions to achieve them. Combined with consistent action, they’re a proven way to stay motivated and aligned with your dreams. Make Your Own Vision Board Today!Creating a vision board is a fun and inspiring way to set your intentions for the future. Using my Canva template, you can design a personalised vision board that reflects your unique aspirations. Whether you’re focusing on family, personal growth, or career goals, your vision board can help you manifest the life you dream of.
What will your vision board look like? Start creating today and share your masterpiece to inspire others! If you’re new to the wonderful world of CHATGPT and feeling completely confused about how you can make use of this powerful new tool, then you are probably wondering how to get the most out of your interactions.
Clear Objective Clearly define your objective. 💡Knowing exactly what you want to achieve with your request is the first step. 💡For example, instead of a vague query like, “Can you help with my marketing?” specify your goal: “I’m looking for ideas to improve my social media marketing strategy for a local coffee shop. Can you suggest some engaging content ideas?” 💡This clarity will guide ChatGPT to provide more targeted and useful responses. List Specifics List out specific details and aspects of your request. 💡The more precise you are, the better ChatGPT can tailor its response. If you’re asking for advice on improving team productivity, include information about your team’s size, industry, and current challenges. 💡For instance, “Can you suggest strategies to boost productivity in a small marketing team that’s struggling with tight deadlines?” 💡This specificity helps in getting actionable advice. Explain Context Explain any relevant context. 💡Providing background information helps ChatGPT understand the situation better and offer more relevant advice. 💡If you’re seeking help with writing a blog post, mention details like your target audience, the main theme, and key points. 💡A prompt such as, “I’m writing a blog post for a tech-savvy audience about the latest trends in AI. Can you suggest some engaging angles to explore?” gives ChatGPT the context it needs. Ask for Examples Ask for examples if you need further clarification or practical illustrations. 💡If a response seems complex or abstract, requesting examples can make the advice more actionable. 💡For example, “Can you give me an example of a successful social media campaign for a non-profit organization?” This helps in visualizing how to apply the advice in real scenarios. Request Depth Request the level of detail you want. 💡Let ChatGPT know if you need a brief overview or a more detailed explanation. 💡If you’re looking for a quick summary, you might say, “Can you give me a brief overview of the benefits of mindfulness for workplace stress?”. 💡For more in-depth information, specify that: “I’d like a detailed explanation of how mindfulness techniques can be integrated into daily work routines to reduce stress.” Track Follow-Ups Track follow-up questions and requests. 💡If the initial response doesn’t fully address your needs or sparks additional queries, ask for more details. 💡For example, after receiving suggestions on improving customer engagement, you might ask, “Can you expand on the idea of using gamification to enhance customer interaction?”. 💡This iterative approach ensures comprehensive coverage of your topic. Hone Questions Hone complex queries by breaking them down into smaller, manageable parts. 💡This makes it easier for ChatGPT to address each component of your request. 💡For example, if you need help with crisis management, you might ask: “What immediate steps should I take to address a data breach?” “How can I effectively communicate with customers affected by the breach?” “What long-term strategies should I implement to prevent future issues?” Indicate Scope Indicate the scope or depth of information you need. 💡Let ChatGPT know whether you want a high-level overview or a deep dive into the subject. 💡This helps in receiving a response that matches your expectations. For instance, “Can you provide a detailed guide on setting up an e-commerce store from scratch?” versus “Could you give a brief overview of the key steps in starting an online store?” Note Politeness Note the importance of politeness and professionalism. 💡Although ChatGPT is an AI, maintaining a courteous tone makes the interaction more pleasant. 💡Use phrases like, “Could you please…” or “I would appreciate your help with…” to foster a positive exchange. Keep Learning Keep learning and adapting. 💡Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of prompts and questions. The more you interact with ChatGPT, the better you’ll understand how to frame your requests to get the most relevant and useful responses. 💡Use your experiences to refine your approach and improve your interactions. Mastering the art of crafting effective prompts can significantly enhance your AI interactions and increase the value of the outputs you receive from Chat GPT. Each element of this approach contributes to a more targeted and meaningful dialogue, allowing ChatGPT to provide you with better tailored insights.
So embrace this framework as a guide, experiment with different approaches, and continue refining your prompts. With these practices in place, you’ll quickly release the full potential of ChatGPT and be able to navigate your projects with greater confidence! Have you ever found yourself struggling to stay focused on a task, feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list, or just wishing you had a bit of extra motivation to tackle that big project? If so, you're not alone. Enter the concept of body doubling—a productivity technique that's quietly been a part of our everyday lives, even if we didn't know it!
What is Body Doubling? Body doubling involves working alongside someone else to enhance focus, motivation, and accountability. It's especially beneficial for neurodiverse individuals, such as those with ADHD, but it can also be a lifesaver for busy families and students juggling multiple responsibilities. The Science Behind Body Doubling. So, how does body doubling work its magic? The answer lies in some fascinating psychological and neurological principles. When we work alongside someone else, our brain releases neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which are associated with motivation and well-being. This makes tasks feel more manageable and less daunting. Research has shown that social facilitation—the tendency for people to perform better on tasks when in the presence of others—plays a significant role. A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that participants performed better on simple tasks when they were being observed by others. This effect can be harnessed through body doubling to improve focus and productivity. Everyday Examples of Body Doubling. You might be surprised to learn that body doubling is already a part of your daily life. Here are some examples:
Benefits of Body Doubling for Neurodiverse Folks For those who are neurodiverse, body doubling can be a game-changer. Here’s why:
Benefits of Body Doubling for busy families Finding time for everything every day can feel like an uphill battle a lot of the time, but in my own home I often use body doubling with the kids and I know some of my clients have started this in their own homes too:
Students and Body Doubling Students, whether in Primary, High school or , can reap significant benefits from body doubling:
How to Incorporate Body Doubling into Your Life Ready to give body doubling a try? Here are some tips to get started:
It's SO easy to get lost in our daily routines and forget the bigger picture, but every small step we take brings us closer to our goals so you might have even made progress without realising! ![]() First, let's take stock of your wins. Have you started a new hobby, improved your fitness routine, or perhaps taken on a new project at work? Pat yourself on the back! Recognising your achievements, no matter how small, is the best tip I have for maintaining motivation over the long term. Secondly, reflecting on what held you back from working on your goals is an important step towards progress. Take a moment to think about any obstacles or challenges you faced. Were there specific distractions or time management issues that got in your way? Understanding these barriers can help you develop strategies to overcome them in the future. You might want to consider keeping a journal to track your experiences and identify patterns that might be affecting your productivity. This self-awareness can be incredibly valuable in creating a more effective action plan moving forward. If a journal seems like too much even just sending yourself emails can be useful! Now that that is out the way, let's talk about those goals you set for 2024. How are they coming along?
If you feel like you've fallen behind, don't worry – it's never too late to get back on track. There's a quote I love by Marie Forleo that says, "I might not FEEL ready to start, but I become ready by starting." For me this reminds me of the importance of taking action especially when you're unsure or hesitant - that is because small actions help you build momentum and make it easier to gradually work towards achieving and maintaining your larger goal without burning out. The best way to get back on track quickly is to break down the task into smaller, more manageable steps. If you have done this and it is still not manageable, then make the steps even smaller! For example, if your goal is to read more books but that hasn't happened yet, start today by simply choosing what you want to read tomorrow; then tomorrow if you read even just a paragraph it is a lot more likely that the following day you will find yourself thinking, "that was easy, I'll spend a little more time reading right now!". Remember, consistency is key and it's okay to adjust your goals as needed. Life happens, and being flexible will help you stay motivated all through the year. I hope you are able to make the second half of 2024 as productive and fulfilling as possible! KTVAS Flash DealsIf you find it a bit of a struggle to keep your social media game fresh, or if your content creation process needs that extra spark to completely grab the attention of your audience then look no further than my ‘KTVAS Flash Deal’. For a limited time, enjoy £50 off my usual price as I'm eager to expand my portfolio in this area (prices valid until 31/08/24). Don't miss this chance to elevate your social media strategy at a discounted rate - schedule your Discovery Call today! Level 1: KTVAS Flash Offer - £100Essential Social Media Content Creation:
Level 2: KTVAS Flash Deal - £150Enhanced Social Media Content Creation:
Level 3: KTVAS Flash Deal - £200Comprehensive Social Media Content Creation:
*You must be happy for parts of your content to be featured in my 2024/25 Portfolio.
* Examples of work can be provided on booking a Discovery Call. Review/Set Up Your Online Dating Profile Believe it or not, lending a hand with online dating profiles is more common than you might imagine. In today's digital age, online dating has skyrocketed in popularity, and many folks are seeking a little extra help to ensure their profiles shine in the sea of potential matches. As a VA, I've had the privilege of guiding clients through the process, assisting them in writing interesting bios, selecting the perfect photos, and optimising their profiles to stand out from the crowd. It's all about showcasing their authentic selves while making that unforgettable first impression.
There's something truly heartwarming about helping someone put their best digital foot forward in the search for love. My approach to reviewing or setting up online dating profiles revolves around authenticity and celebrating the unique personalities of my clients. Whether they're starting from scratch or seeking a fresh perspective on their existing profile, I'm right there with them, working side by side to craft a profile that authentically reflects who they are and what they're looking for in a partner. We kick things off by diving deep into their interests, hobbies, and quirks, shining a spotlight on the aspects that make them truly special. From there, I assist them in selecting the most flattering photos and penning a bio that captures their essence genuinely and compellingly. It's all about striking that perfect balance between being approachable, engaging, and unapologetically themselves. I also offer valuable guidance and support in navigating the complex world of online dating. From choosing the right dating platform to ensuring online and offline safety, and even crafting messages that spark real conversations– I'm here to ensure my clients feel confident and empowered every step of the way. I even offer to call mid-date to provide an exit excuse if needed (though happily, I haven’t ever had to do this part)! So far, I've had the joy of working with three clients on their online dating adventures, and the results? Nothing short of heartwarming - I love hearing how they get on! And who knows? Perhaps one day, I'll be lending my expertise to help plan their dream wedding! Language Learning Support: Practice Your English.One of the most rewarding tasks I've undertaken as a VA is providing language learning support for people aiming to enhance their written and spoken English language skills.
My approach involves engaging my clients in conversational practice sessions focused on improving grammar and pronunciation. Together, we work collaboratively to strengthen these fundamental language skills. Over time, I assist my clients in building their own toolbox of tailored learning materials. This includes a variety of resources such as worksheets, online materials, podcasts, and language learning apps, catering to their specific learning preferences and goals.. I integrate role-playing activities into our sessions to offer practical language practice in real-life scenarios. Whether it's preparing for job interviews, presentations, or social interactions, these simulations provide valuable opportunities for my clients to apply their language skills in context. Fostering cultural awareness and contextual learning is paramount in language acquisition. Therefore, I make it a point to discuss cultural nuances, idiomatic expressions, and language usage across different contexts. By understanding the cultural context of language, my clients are better equipped to communicate effectively and confidently in English. In essence, my goal is to provide comprehensive language learning support that is tailored to the individual needs and goals of my clients. These hourly sessions can significantly enhance language proficiency, opening doors to new opportunities and enriching lives in the process. So far, I've only had the pleasure of working with five individuals on this task. It all started with one initial request, and then that one client led to four more referrals. But here's the nicest part – two of those clients stuck with me for over six months, and one of them? A whopping year! Witnessing their dedication, progress, and the transformative impact it had on their lives has been nothing short of inspiring - and I would love to do more of this kind of work. Professional Listener Service Sometimes what we need most is simply someone who will listen and bounce ideas with you. That's where my Professional Listener Service comes in – providing you with a friendly, confidential and empathetic ear whenever you need it most. I understand how important it is to have a trusted confidant to share your thoughts, concerns, and ideas with. Whether you're navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, grappling with personal dilemmas, or simply need someone to troubleshoot life with, I'm here to lend an attentive ear and offer support every step of the way.
Here's how my Professional Listener Service works: Confidential Communication: Your privacy is my top priority. All conversations we have will be kept strictly confidential, ensuring that you feel comfortable opening up about whatever is on your mind. Empathetic Listening: I provide a safe and non-judgmental space for you to express yourself openly and honestly. Whether you need to vent frustrations, brainstorm solutions, or simply share your thoughts, I'm here to listen with empathy and understanding.. Thoughtful Feedback: While I primarily serve as a listener, I'm also here to offer thoughtful feedback and perspective when requested. Whether it's providing reassurance, offering practical advice, or helping you see things from a different angle, I'm committed to supporting you in whatever way I can. Flexible Communication Channels: Whether you prefer phone calls, video chats, or messaging, I'm flexible in how we communicate. My goal is to make it as convenient and comfortable as possible for you to reach out whenever you need someone to talk to. Regular Check-ins: In addition to being available for spontaneous conversations, I also offer scheduled check-ins to ensure we stay connected and you always have someone to turn to when you need it most. So far, I have helped 2 individuals through my Professional Listener Service, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. One is a fellow entrepreneur and our conversations centre around overcoming business hurdles and the other is a mature student so those sessions are more about providing a listening ear and helping to come up with ideas on how to balance learning, selfcare and work while staying focused during challenging personal times. My Professional Listener Service is designed to provide the support and companionship you need to navigate life's ups and downs with confidence and resilience. So if you're feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or simply in need of a friendly ear, don't hesitate to reach out. I'm here to listen, support, and empower you every step of the way. Whether you're facing uncertainty, seeking clarity, or simply craving connection, my Professional Listener Service is here to support you. Together, we'll navigate life's twists and turns, celebrate your successes, and work through any obstacles that may arise! |
WelcomeHi! I'm Kim and this is where I will answer questions relating to the who, what, where and why of Kim Thomson Virtual Assistant Services. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask. I believe that there is no such thing as a pointless question because if you are wondering it, chances are someone else is or has also wondered. Archives
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