Spirit of the ANZACS

"Spirit of the Anzacs" is the first single from Lee Kernaghan's 2015 album of the same name. The charity single features Guy Sebastian, Sheppard, Jon Stevens, Jessica Mauboy, Shannon Noll and Megan Washington. It was released on 22 January 2015 to raise funds for Legacy and Soldier On.

"Spirit of the Anzacs" is the first taste of an album that has brought soldiers' letters to life in song.

The project was inspired by Kernaghan's 2014 visit to the Australian War Memorial when he was shown archives of soldiers letters to family from the front lines.

"Spirit of the Anzacs" is based on Paul Keating's 1993 eulogy at the interment of the Unknown Soldier.

 

 

4 Marketing Strategies for the COVID-19 Crisis

How to Market During the Pandemic

From connecting in our relationships to running our small businesses, COVID-19 has transformed the way we live, work and socialize. I do feel fortunate that my family and I are healthy and safe, and I'm trying to find the positive opportunities in all of this.

That's why I recently shared an article called "How to Pivot Your Small Business Strategy During the COVID-19 Crisis", on our website.

I am also hearing from many small business owners who are wondering whether or not to stop marketing during COVID-19. That article showed entrepreneurs how to market during the pandemic, including ways to create a crisis marketing strategy and to:

  • Help customers rather than simply selling to them
  • Focus on online events and offerings
  • Plan for future growth
  • Empower employees

As we continue self-isolating to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, I wanted to follow up with some other effective ways to keep your business running smoothly and successfully.Here's 4 marketing strategies to consider:



1. Focus on Digital Campaigns

With the shutdown or slowdown of most brick-and-mortar businesses, entrepreneurs are relying more than ever on digital strategies. A big part of brand marketing during this pandemic and into the future is going to be shifting most (if not all) of your small business online.

In fact, Larry Kim from Mobile Monkey just wrote, "One new customer closed their brick and mortar locations nationwide and found web traffic is up +150%."

According to Klaviyo, an email marketing platform that taps into a network of 30,000 businesses for insights, 22% of brands said they're spending more on ads. And 66% of brands that are spending more on ads are also seeing increased efficiency, with a reduced cost per 1,000 impressions (CPM) and cost per click (CPC).

If you're wondering how to market during the pandemic, consider using Facebook Ads, Google Ads, Instagram for Business or LinkedIn Ads to direct traffic to:

  • Well-researched and useful blogs and videos
  • Online products with free shipping
  • Virtual services you can offer, whether that's financial therapy or online music lessons
  • Gift cards that can be used now or in the future

That said, don't be afraid to pause campaigns that aren't relevant right now, or that you think may turn your customers off.Part of brand marketing during this pandemic is knowing when to re-strategize and pivot, rather than continuing with an ad campaign that's not going to resonate with-or even offends-your target audience.

2. Update Your Google My Business Listing

Your customers and potential customers are counting on you for the latest information about your small business. If you're closing your company temporarily, whether you're changing the hours you're open, or offering curbside pickup right now, you need to let people know.

Using Google Posts can be a great way to update people on everything from reduced hours to gift card purchases. Here's some guidance from Google on how to best change your profile.

And don't worry about SEO implications when you're editing your profile. For example, marking your business as temporarily closed will not affect your search ranking, and Google will still display you in the search results.

If you don't immediately see the changes that you make to your Google My Business profile, don't panic. Google has said they may review updates for quality before publishing.

3. Don't Stop Posting on Social Media



Even if you have to completely shutter your business for the time being, stay active online. In addition to tools like Google My Business, customers look to your Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram channels for the most up-to-date news. It looks really bad to have outdated posts or information languishing on your social media pages.

Some of the updates you could share include:

  • Your crisis management strategy, including the steps you're taking to protect your employees and customers (sanitizing workstations, not letting sick employees work, ensuring employees wear gloves, etc.)
  • Changes to hours or business policies (for example, only letting one person into the store at a time)
  • If you're taking online orders and/or offering free shipping
  • If you have private shopping or curbside pickup options
  • Uplifting quotes or personal messages

One of our clients is offering private shopping appointments and curbside pickup for customers. Malary's in Cloverdale, BC is a good example of a small business that's pivoting during COVID-19 and providing customers with a little TLC.

4. Be Careful What You Share

There is a lot of misinformation circulating on social media, and it can be dangerous to give your customers the wrong advice (not to mention hugely damaging to your reputation).

Here's an example of poor marketing strategies for the COVID-19 crisis: A yoga studio in Delta, BC was shut down in March following complaints that the facility wasn't following social-distancing. Not only that, but they sent out a newsletter claiming that hot yoga can help prevent getting COVID-19.

So map your crisis management strategy out and think before you send out that article to all of your email subscribers or repost something you saw in your Facebook feed. Use trusted sources for coronavirus resources, like the World Health Organization or the Government of Canada.

For example, rather than forwarding one of the articles on homemade hand sanitizers that are circulating, consult this list .

READ: "Finding Your Purpose During Self-Isolation" on our website:

Stuck at home? Now is a good time to figure out your purpose! Our lives are so busy, and we rarely have a moment to just sit in silence and reflect on our life journey and how it has led to where we are now.

For many of us who have chosen to self-isolate, now is a good time to take advantage of the quieter environment to discover if your precious resources are being used to maximum effect.

Whatever your marketing strategies for the COVID-19 crisis are, always look to your brand for guidance. Your brand vision, mission, and values should always be your "North Star" as you stay active online and let your customers know that you're here for them - now and in the future.

Susan Friesen, founder of the award-winning web development and digital marketing firm eVision Media, is a Web Specialist, Business & Marketing Consultant, and Social Media Advisor. She works with entrepreneurs who struggle with having the lack of knowledge, skill and support needed to create their online business presence.

As a result of working with Susan and her team, clients feel confident and relieved knowing their online marketing is in trustworthy and caring hands so they can focus on building their business with peace of mind at having a perfect support system in place to guide them every step of the way.

Visit http://www.ultimatewebsiteguide.ca and download your FREE "Ultimate Guide to Improving Your Website's Profitability - 10 Critical Questions You Must Ask to Get Maximum Results".

 

7 Ideas to Use “Found Time” During COVID-19

It's no longer "business as usual" to say the least. During this COVID-19 pandemic, nothing is as usual.

You may have found yourself working from home - with or without children to care for - or discovering that many of your customers have shut down operations, so you're wondering what to do with this "found time" in your schedule.

This could be an ideal opportunity to tackle those items on your business "to-do" list that you've neglected far too long. Here are 7 ideas to help you take back a bit of control in your business and prepare for when things get back to a new "normal."

1. Check out the competition.

Go online and "creep" your competitors. What are they doing? What new products and services are they offering? What are they saying?

Obviously, you don't want to copy what they're doing or saying - but this can be an ideal time to find out how you can stand apart.

Look at the competition in your area and then see what others are offering in other countries. Then consider what you can do differently or what can you add to your roster that shows you're a leader in your industry.



2. Review your Website and other marketing materials.

Is it time for an update? Often, creating new or updated content for your business is pushed to the backburner as you bring on new customers or work to deepen relationships with existing clients.

Now's the time to read through your Website with fresh eyes - the eyes of your customer - and make sure the message you're sending is the one you want others to read.

For tips for creating conversational content and maximize your impact, check out https://www.susanregier.com/tips.php for more insights.

3. Update all social profiles.

Be sure your profiles share the outcomes that you deliver and don't read like a job-seeking résumé. And be sure your profile is accurate for where you are today. Share your accomplishments. Share your story.

4. Update your presentations.

If you're a speaker or trainer, go through all your presentations and give them an in-depth refresh. Stats change. The way we do everything changes. Make sure your presentations reflect your changing industry.

Look at your talks, your slide decks, and your signage. Would a few small tweaks make a significant impact or are they tired-looking and benefit from a complete overhaul? Note, if you're bored with your presentation, chances are your audience will be as well.

5. Research new prospects.

This can be a great time to research to find new customers. LinkedIn is the ideal platform to find B2B contacts. Please note, this is NOT the time to be selling. If you want to share useful information/insights, then reach out. But creating a list of potential contacts now will make work so much easier when things begin to get back to normal, and you have a ready-to-go list of new connections.

6. Create videos.

You can easily create quality videos using your computer or smartphone. These can be a great way to train customers or staff, offer industry insights and helpful tips, showcase products, or introduce employees to "humanize" your company.



They don't have to be perfect! I always recommend that you check your background to ensure it's not distracting. The focus should be on you and not on all the stuff behind you. That being said, Gary Porter, President of Flash Displays, offered this brilliant suggestion to use your tradeshow display (or part of it, if it's huge) to use as your video backdrop. What a great way to brand your videos! You can then use these videos to send to customers, use on social platforms, Webcasts, etc.

When I create my videos, I like to do several at one sitting and post them over time on a schedule. This makes perfect sense if you're setting up your display once, shoot several videos, and you're done.

Also, Gary mentioned that as many tradeshows have been cancelled, you could still set up your booth and video your display and share your presentation, training, or insights about your company.

7. Reach out to current and past customers.

This is an excellent time to pick up the phone and re-connect to find out how others are dealing with this crisis (again, not to sell). These are extraordinary circumstances, and many people are not dealing well with the forced isolation they find themselves in. Your check-in call could be a lifesaver on many levels.

Susan Regier, owner of Vantage One Writing ( https://vantageonewriting.com ). is an in-demand copywriter, marketing strategist, and business breakthrough specialist to ambitious entrepreneurs who want to have a profitable business they are passionate about. She has the uncanny ability to find the hidden gems in a business that can ignite sales and profits for her clients. Claim your free guide: 15 Tips to Increase Your Influence, Attract More Clients & Make More Money at https://susanregier.com.

 

Your Attitude’s Impact On Mind And Body During COVID-19 Crisis

My front window gives onto the street, and every day I see people walking their dogs. Maybe a half dozen folk in all, giving their pups some exercise. But over the last week, since California went on "lock-down," I'm utterly amazed by the number of people walking. With dogs, without dogs, with children, on their own, pushing strollers; it's a wonder to behold because along with the benefits of fresh air and exercise, these walkers are stimulating their immune systems.

And what, along with following the CDC and WHO guidelines, does the most to protect you from COVID-19? Strengthening your immune system, which--in a nutshell--is your body's defence against disease. We already know that the coronavirus is deadliest among those with compromised or weakened immune systems. Maintaining/developing a strong immune system can go a long way toward our staying healthy.

That being said, you can only walk so much in one day. Gyms are closed, both my dance studios are closed, soccer games and other group sports are cancelled. Working out at home to YouTube videos is great, but again, limited by how much "no pain no gain" one is willing to endure.



But here's the good news: there are 2 things you can do right now in the privacy of your own home to significantly improve your immune system.

1. Institute The 5-minute Pity Party.

I don't know about you, but my first response to my finding out my ballet and ballroom classes were shut down indefinitely was to call my BFF and whine. Loudly. For a good 15 minutes. Poor woman, I'm surprised we're still BFFs. Oddly enough, when all my work cancelled, I didn't have a melt-down, because at that point I still had dance to help me keep my sanity. But once the dance classes went, that's it, I lost it.

That's when I knew I needed to institute the 5-minute Pity Party. The 5-minute Pity Party is when you acknowledge that you need to rant, rave, whine and generally have a FIT over whatever aspect of your life has just been nuked by the coronavirus. It doesn't matter whether it's your job you can't go to, your child who now relies on you 24-7 for all education, entertainment, maintenance, etc., or your gym/church/class you can't go to, it's time for a release of your anguish. Fine.

Set a timer for 5 minutes. Have at it! In the safety of your shower, bathroom, parked car, wherever you have maximum privacy, let it all out. Scream if need be at the injustice of it all, wail your despair at what seems to be a hopeless situation, and cry out your woe-is-me to your heart's content. But when that timer dings, you're done. Pick yourself up off the floor of misery and regroup. Move on to step 2.

2. Value What You Can Today For A Better Tomorrow.

There are actually 2 parts to this step. One is how you think/feel, the other is what you do.

A. Think/Feel

Look around you. What can you appreciate about your life right here, right now? You still enjoy running water and electricity, you still have a roof over your head. Don't let thoughts like "Yeah, but for how long?" intrude. You still have whatever health you enjoy. You still have your friends/family. You have endless access to resources via the internet. Dwell on whatever you can find to appreciate, to value and be grateful for, because that single action will have a dramatic, positive impact on your immune system.

You see, when we think/feel negativity, our immune systems suffer. And when our immune systems cease functioning optimally, our health can rapidly decline. So bolster your positive thinking as much as you can. Turn yourself into an optimist. Because optimists thrive-and so should you.



B. Do

Get creative! What's the best possible use of the time you now have? Many are finding that with a little creativity they can continue some or all of their business using online platforms mostly from home. There are always projects we let go by the wayside for lack of time, how about picking up some of those now?

Make daily (realistic) lists of what you want to accomplish, and check off items as you get them done. You will feel productive like you're not just spinning your wheels, and with that, your immune system will benefit. In the long term, so will your life.

In every crisis, there is opportunity for new growth, new inspiration. Let's keep our moments of dark despair as brief as possible and amp our times of appreciation as much as possible so that we come out of this challenging situation stronger and better than ever.

Noelle C. Nelson, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist, consultant, popular speaker in the U.S. and abroad, and author of over a dozen best-selling books. Dr Nelson focuses on how we can all enjoy happy, fulfilling lives while accomplishing great things in love, at home and at work, as we appreciate ourselves, our world and all others. She is the author of "Happy Healthy... Dead: Why What You Think You Know About Aging Is Wrong and How To Get It Right" (MindLab Publishing). You Matter. You Count. You Are Important. Visit http://www.noellenelson.com, https://www.facebook.com/MeetTheAmazings

 

Coronavirus COVID-19: What To Make Of It and What To Learn From It

So, what is COVID-19 trying to tell us?

  1. Pay attention

No other virus, war, natural disaster or other similar adversity has managed to draw the COLLECTIVE attention in such a powerful way for a very long time. The question what exactly we need to pay attention to is complex (as there are many things that we have been sweeping under the carpet). But isn't it wonderful that we are forced to slow down, stay home, and (hopefully) reflect without distractions on what is important, what is valuable and what is worth spending our life on. Of course, if we waste this valuable time on watching cute puppies and posting stupid videos on Facebook instead of paying attention to what really matters, we are seriously missing the point here.

  1. We are in all connected (otherwise known as "A lesson in Oneness")

If we ever needed proof that we are all connected and that everything we touch (literally as well as metaphorically) is connected to everything else, now we have it. Finally (and hopefully) a big realization is starting to dawn on us: we can no longer continue to "pee" in one end of the pool (i.e. the Planet) and go swim in the other end thinking that our shit won't catch up with us. We all swim in the same pool and whatever we do in that pool does come back to us. Thus, taking "dirty" production out of Europe into China (and this is just one of millions of examples of separation) cannot and does not serve Europe (or any other continent for that matter). For the shit inevitably comes back, as the virus spread is illustrating clearly. Incidentally, isn't it remarkable that a situation that calls for social isolation (i.e. apparent separation) in fact intensifies the feeling that we are all connected, that we are all in this (and every other thing) together!



  1. It's time for renewal

Old structures need to be torn down so we can start fresh (hopefully with new awareness albeit with little resources). On the face of it, it is not accidental that the virus has so far targeted the life of primarily old people with one, two or more pre-existing conditions, i.e. these are people that should have been dead a while ago if it weren't for the artificial ways of extending life. But the artificial life-saving resources are now running out (no breathing machines, no medical personnel or other supplies). So that should make us rethink the life-saving technologies that so many people have come to rely on and have, as a result, relinquished personal health responsibilities. What about focusing on disease prevention plans instead (when the pandemic is over): healthy eating, exercising, meditating, etc.? How many people would have heart disease and diabetes (the two top conditions that go hand-in-hand with coronavirus deaths), if there was no junk food or modern stress?

  1. Get comfortable with death by making every moment of life count

Death in and of itself is not a tragedy. Rather, a wasted life is a tragedy. A person who has lived with integrity, has contributed meaningfully to themselves and to the society, and has maintained quality relationships during their life time, has no regrets. This kind of person is ready to die anytime, and happily. Become that person yourself. Re-evaluate your priorities and start spending time on what matters. Let go of the grudge. Start to feel that you are connected to all other human beings. Forgive. Feel more love and less resentment. Stop living a tragic life and your death won't be tragic either. They can both be a celebration.So these are some of the messages I think we need to hear right now. Of course, there are many other things to be taken into account and much more will be revealed to us in the course of this experience. That's why we need to stay flexible, observe carefully (pay attention), ask smart questions and continue to search for their answers deep within. This way we are really taking advantage of the situation by cleaning up our own baggage. Any other behaviour (e.g. impatience, frustration, anger and looking forward to this blowing over so things can go back to "normal") is immature. We need a shift in consciousness (to shift the virus) and if we resist it, the virus will persist.

Vyara Bridgeman is an Advanced Certified BodyTalk practitioner who works with patients from all over the world suffering a variety of physical, mental and emotional conditions. To find out more about Vyara's BodyTalk practice, what her clients say about her, and how she can help you achieve a balanced body-mind, visit: http://www.BodyTalk4Life.com

 

Covid-19 and Our Money: Managing Money and Staying on Top

Money can be a slippery customer at the best of times. Maybe we don't quite hit our projected income targets for a certain period. Perhaps we ended up spending a little more than we would like to. Or it could be that we simply can't pin down the reason our finances don't quite add up.

This is because money management is... well, it's tricky.

Factor in global issues like Covid-19, and it becomes even more tricky. The coronavirus has had far-reaching effects across the planet, causing death, misery, social division, and economic depression.

When faced with something like this, keeping on top of our finances becomes more than tricky - it becomes downright difficult. Difficult, yes, but not impossible.

It all comes down to adopting the right approach. We are talking about confidence and positive attitude, of course, but we are also talking about practical solutions to make us financially resilient, even in the face of such challenges.

And this is crucial. This is how we are going to re-stimulate the economy - both in our home countries and across the globe - as we push through this difficult situation. This is how we - all of us - are going to do more than survive - we are going to thrive. It all begins when we empower ourselves, and our finances.

Let's take a look at some of these practical money management tips.



Be Realistic with Your Short-Term and Long-Term Budgeting

Now is the time to bone up, and to really get to know your finances. You need to know your current income situation, how it has been affected by the virus, and how your finances will fluctuate in the near future.

It is crucial to avoid the debt trap here. Sure, it might seem like putting a load of purchases on a credit card is fine because you know that, when things pick up again, you'll pay it off. But make sure this is a last resort. Instead, consider how you can keep yourself thriving even when your income has taken a hit.

This requires realistic planning, and a proactive approach to spending reduction, at least in the short term.

Be sure to put pen to paper on your budget plan. Making the plan real in this way makes it much easier to follow, and you will, in turn, find it easier to keep your finances healthy.

Leverage Any Assistance You Need

None of us are alone in this crisis. We share the burden, in our communities, our nation states, and right across the world. We are in this together, and it's important to remember that.

This is why, if you need and qualify for help, it is important that you access it. Local, state, and national governments offer a wide range of assistance packages and policies designed to help those who may be in need.

We've all been affected by this crisis, and it does not make sense to suffer alone. Speak to your local government representatives, or go online to find out more about what is available in your area. A little bit of help can make all the difference.



Readjusting Spending on Luxuries

Again, this tip comes down to knowledge - knowledge of yourself and what you really need.

Of course, there are standards of living to be maintained. We're not saying that you need to eat only a bowl of porridge every day, and that anything else is an extravagance. No. Instead, we advise considering what you need to maintain a standard of living close to the one that you and your family are used to, and rolling back on unnecessary spending.

You might find yourself at home a little more often than you would like, and it's tempting to hit the online clothing or gadget stores in search of a bit of retail therapy. There's no harm in this occasionally, but make sure to keep on top of it and that it is in line with your written budget plan.

Look for WFH Tax Advantages

Are you working from home? Well, this may dramatically change what you can claim for against tax.

Any purchases you have made to improve the working environment in your home can be claimed back against tax. In fact, the ATO have introduced a raft of concessions, advantages, and potential payment deferments, designed to make life easier for small businesses and the self-employed.

Consider Diversification of Income

The internet affords us a wide range of opportunities. Even if you are not able to get out there and pursue your more usual revenue channels, you may still be able to boost your income through investments and remote or web-based work.

Maybe you will decide to use an online investment platform to carefully grow your assets. Or perhaps you will begin offering freelance consulting services online. At first, the returns may be small, but diversifying your income in this way will help you to stay protected in the future.

Learn from the Experts

There is always more to learn. There is always more to add to our experience. This is why it is so important to gain the advice of the experts.

Read up online, check out expert webinars and online sessions, speak to mentors and inspirational figures, and get the insight you need to really thrive.

These are tough times, but being positive is the only option. Together, we'll get through this.

Det David Love is a consultant with Money Mastery International, a financial education consortium. MMI offers live workshops and seminars designed to help people become financially independent. The instructors are professionals and business entrepreneurs who take a wholistic approach to financial literacy by exploring the psychology of money, practical money management methods, and time-tested wealth-building principles.

by Dave Love

For more information, please visit our website:

http://moneymasteryinternational.com/