Women are usually considered risk averse in the investment world. In business too, women are stereotyped as being cautious of risk and responsibility—and prefer mostly support roles.
Recently we talked with Nina Nordling—entrepreneur, motocross enthusiast, and a woman thriving despite these ste…
Read more on Life as an investment >> http://www.lifeasaninvestment.com/money/entrepreneurship/womens-personal-high-heaven/
We all have busy lives and there is no changing that perception until retirement. It’s just a plain fact that today’s society demands everything in an instant, so who really has the time to wait, especially when it comes to grabbing a “quick” healthy bite to eat.
Here in Stockholm “grab-and-go” m…
Read more on Life as an investment >> http://lifeasaninvestment.com/money/entrepreneurship/new-sushi-roll-concept-hits-stockholm/
If you an entrepreneur with an amazing idea and want to pitch it to your friends or even an investor, get ready to experience sweaty palms and rosy, red cheeks. Why?
Because you never have a second chance to make a first impression!
Here are some tips to avoid screwing it up:
I. Make a plan and write it down.
Here is a plan: The American Express advice US makes it simple and useful.
FIRST BLOCK
1) Name of your business
2) Your product/services
3) Market segment
4) Problem solving
SECOND BLOCK
1) Why your product is needed
2) Which problems can it solve (this makes life easier, saves time and is more productive)
3) Why are you better than the competition—USP
THIRD BLOCK
1) Sales & Profitability Statement
2) End with a statement about what you are looking to accomplish
II. Repeat your pitch format again, and again.
In front of mirror or video camera, run through your offer at least a few times. Also, pitch your idea in front of friends and ask them to be critical by asking several questions.
Overall, if you repeat your sales pitch to roughly ten different people you should be prepared to answer a wider range of questions during the “actual” sales meeting.
You need to achieve the certain level of confidence in your knowledge about what you are trying to express. When the words begin to flow naturally from your mouth in rhythm and sequence, you’re probably ready.
III. Now watch what you recorded
Pay close attention to your body language and facial expressions. Here is a very useful video from TED by Amy Cuddy “Your body language shapes who you are”. Strongly recommended!
IV. Speak simple without generalizing
Try pitching the idea as if you were speaking to a five-year-old child—if a child can understand it, an adult most certainly can too.
V. Remember practice makes perfect!
Good luck!
Let’s admit it—financial education studies at school suck!
It doesn’t really matter which country you live in. Everywhere in the world, biology, history, and math are the main subjects in school. Such subjects as financial education and communication in society are not included in ordinary school curriculums. However, these two subjects are essential, and used in everyday life.
It doesn’t matter how old are you or how much are you earn, there is always the possibility to spend money wisely. Rethink your spending behavior in order to protect yourself, your future and your family.
Here are two books that I strongly recommend to everybody. It doesn’t matter if you have a financial education, or not.
Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki.
I remember the feeling I had after reading this book at the age of 18. I felt like the biggest secret of the world was all of the sudden, revealed.
The book is very easy to read, the examples are easy to remember, but the idea of the book is worthless. Stay ahead forever!
Even now, I remember the messages from Rich Dad, Poor Dad. Robert Kiyosaki repeats them several times throughout his book:
– If ‘the harder you work, the more you get’ formula is your philosophy, then you will never be rich in the end.
– Always question your spending habits: when you spend money on something, do you spend it on the things that will require you to spend even more later (like cars, for example) or are you wise with money, using it to bring more in the future (buying the apartment and rent it out).
– “You need to get an education, then go and find a stable job – this is the way to success and an independent financial future!” If somebody tells you this, laugh out-loud! This is one of the biggest myths ever created by society!
Rich Dad, Poor Dad has an entrepreneurial spirit. It engages you to think out-of-the-box and pay yourself first; taxes later.
The next book talks more about an “investment plan” for employees with emphasis on understanding the importance of discipline and understanding compound interest.
The Wealthy Barber by David Chilton.
It is nicely written, and with a sense of humor. The Canadian author gives it away with the title—it does not matter what you do and how much money you earn, you have the same chances of being wealthy as anybody else. Most importantly, follow your financial plan no matter what.
David Chilton is not only a writer; he is also a successful investor. He can be seen making investment decisions at the Dragons’ Den Canada show (from 2012-present).
On a cozy weekend evening, make a cup of warm chocolate, sit on your favorite armchair and enjoy reading and learing…
(to be continued…)
Life as an Investment 