COVID-19: Business Survival Tips

Business Tips that every Entrepreneur needs to do

Some of the top CDC-Recommended Tips that small business owners can take to mitigate risk, protect employees and support customers during the COVID-19 pandemic

As of February, we all started to see major changes in the economy, virus, etc and now we know that COVID-19 pandemic is spreading at a much faster pace – faster than we have ever seen with past viruses.

And as the situation evolves, many families including small business owners, entrepreneurs, freelancers are unsure of what steps to take to mitigate risk, protect their business; employees, but also support customers.

Here’s a
FREE Tool Kit.

Here are additional tips that I would also like to share with you during this COVID-19 crisis:

If you are NOT working at home make sure to establish a Remote Work Option
Reduce all meetings and/or travels
Establish some work flexibility in order to protect your employees/workers/freelancers, etc.
Communicate effectively and transparently with your customers and make sure they also understand your new policies (if any) during these difficult times.
Stay safe, clean and healthy
1. No handshaking
2. Wash your hands
3. Do not touch the face
4. Disinfect areas

During these difficult times, we tend to watch the news, listen to the radio, social media and 8 out of 10 times we are receiving conflicting and misinformation.

I highly recommend that you stick to one channel to AVOID CONFUSION:

Follow your City, County, and State news for accurate and up to date information
Also, make sure to sign up or follow updates with the SBA or US Chamber of Commerce to get information about potential help during these difficult times.
Also, try to consider obtaining “interruption insurance” because that may be an option for you in case of significant business losses. Ask your insurance broker.
Re-evaluate your financial situation;
1. Decrease your unnecessary costs
2. Create a new financial plan
3. Start saving if at all possible
4. Search for small business loans, disaster assistance loans, forbearance payments, hold or freeze your credit card payments.

This is the time to be proactive and search for help, but also try to minimize all your costs, plan for the future, and more importantly prepare for the worst.

COVID-19: Safety and Readiness Tips

Business, Home, Life Disruption tips

In late 2019 many were speculating about a possible economic crisis unbeknownst to many – this coronavirus outbreak would be the cause of a huge global financial crisis and possible recession.

In December I started to see a lot more articles, and was hearing more entrepreneurs talking about a “potential crisis”. However, many were speculating that it could be due to ongoing changes with the new AB5 Calfornia Law, as well as other things.

Now, if you went through the last “economic crash” then you know that this type of information is NOT taken lightly.

You know you will start to prepare just in case there’s a potential impact and a possible scenario.

So in December of 2019, I started to share insight information “411” with many of you online to help you prepare – because that’s what I do…I help others!

However, many of you said that I was: “taking this out of proportion, fear-mongering, and saying it was a Hoax”…

Unfortunately, here we are in 2020 on “locked down, stock market down, a possible recession, people sick, dying, etc”.

Therefore I always say “It’s better to prepare for the worst and pray for the best”, Faviola the CEO Hustler

I hope that now you realize that this was not a LIE!

So it’s NEVER too late to prepare!

I want to make sure that moving forward you’re prepared and properly positioned for any impact this virus might have on yourself and your business.

This includes taking care of you, your family, your business, and prepare for impacts to your business.

Here’s a copy of my CORONAVIRUS- BE PREPARED ROADMAP to help you prepare with some essential tips for you, your family and business.

It’s time to “Hunker Down” and be vigilant, prepared, and stay healthy and safe!

Sharing 5 major and essential TIPS to HELP the spread of the VIRUS

Wash your hands ALL THE TIME
Don’t sneeze or spread your germs!
Hunker down, don’t leave your house unless IT’S VERY NECESSARY
Clean frequently; disinfect
Avoid touching eyes, face and keep your distance

As an Entrepreneur, we know this is NOT ONLY going to impact us, our family, friends, but also the globe!

Yes, this is a global epidemic and we must take it very seriously if we ever want to get back to our normal life!

This is a good time to spend doing some of these 5 TIPS…

Self-training
1. Watch FREE training entrepreneur videos
2. Listen to a FREE entrepreneur training podcast
3. Read blogs and get trained
Self-evaluate your skills and see if you can put them to work
1. Example: I’m bilingual and I’ve been using my language skills to provide onsite interpreting, document translations, and over the phone interpretations.
2. I’m also a bilingual skilled entrepreneur providing bilingual virtual administrative online services
Time to work on those OVERDUE projects
1. YouTube channel
2. Podcast
3. Blog
4. Website
5. Planning and Development, etc
I also DON’T RECOMMEND that you do ANY SPENDING at this time unless it’s absolutely necessary.
Furthermore, STAY POSITIVE, MOTIVATED AND DON’T LOSE HOPE – we will get through this together

Lastly, I want to remind EVERYONE to PLEASE do your due diligence and don’t let yourself get “sucked in” by all the online social media posts.

Get informed by going to each government agency’s website: If you live in the County or City please check their websites and get informed.

Also, if your State has a text message system sign up so you can get the latest alerts on changes within your State.

I welcome all comments and additional information that will help our viewers.

Self Care Goals

SelfCare Goals

How to Keep Up Your New Self-Care Goals

By FAVIOLA VALENCIA C/O SHEILA OLSON

How to Keep Up Your New Year Self-Care Goals

There’s something invigorating about waking up to a new year after December 31 comes to a close.

We tend to believe we can accomplish anything we want despite having not achieved these goals in the year before.

While it is tempting to set lofty goals each new year, changing not necessarily the goals, but how we approach them, is the key to success.

With a few tips and some advice, keep up with your new year’s self-care goals.

You might even be surprised at how easy accomplishing those goals will be by the end of the new year.

“Selfcare is so important for both your health, family and business – Faviola the CEO Hustler”

Start Small

Setting out with lofty goals can be setting yourself up for failure from the start.

When challenges and intentions reach a point of seeming unattainable, that’s when most people begin to fall short of their goals.

Therefore, start with small changes to your routine to accommodate a single new goal that motivates you or build to meet your long-term goal.

For example, if your self-care goal is to spend more time for yourself in the morning, do not start by setting an alarm for an hour and a half earlier than you already wake.

(Begin by waking up just 15 minutes earlier, and then work your way up gradually.)

Similarly, if you wish to spend more time meditating with the goal of reaching an hour-long meditation, do not simply set out at an hour.

Build up slowly in small increments; this way, it seems manageable and you grow accustomed to the incremental changes.

If you need help getting a handle on meditation — or any new task, really — look for an app that can lend a hand.

Headspace, for example, is a great place to start.

And if you discover that it works for you, there’s a $12.99 subscription service that can help you expand your skillset.

Make More Time

If you do not get enough sleep and cannot afford to wake up a little earlier to fit everything into the day, consider outsourcing some of the chores and tasks you do.

Hiring someone to take some chores off of your shoulders is an easy way to make more time in your schedule for wellness and self-care.

Whether it is a meal-prep kit or hiring a weekly — or even monthly — housekeeper to clean up, there are quite a few options you can explore.

It is, however, important to consider the expense.

For example, the cost to clean the interior of a home in Sacramento is typically between $119 to $241, with the average cost landing at around $177.

Make sure you set aside or have enough money saved up to afford such an expense.

Inducing more stress is not the goal, so remember to plan ahead.

Be Kind to Yourself

Remember to be kind to yourself when setting and keeping up with your self-care goals and intentions.

Set one goal and be realistic.

Consider how much time you have to give this goal and the attainable, actionable steps you can take to make it happen.

Come up with a plan and even write it down or outline it if that helps you stick to it.

No matter the goal or journey, there are bound to be missteps along the way, so do not worry or beat yourself up if you have an off day.

Do not let a single fall keep you from finishing your goal either. Pick up where you left off the next day and stick with it.

Reward yourself too, which will help you maintain momentum toward the end goal in the long-run of the year.

Even actions such as enjoying a bath or indulging in a face mask and time to read a good book can be affirmative actions after taking visible strides forward with your new year goal.

In all, set realistic goals and expectations that motivate you to make small changes.

Work toward accomplishing these ideals with changes you can live with each day.

Build up over time, and consider off-loading some of your work or chores to make more time for yourself.

Through successes and failures, remember to respect your efforts and be kind to yourself.

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Tips for Tackling Sleeplessness Without Prescription Pills

By FAVIOLA VALENCIA "THE CEO HUSTLER"
Blog courtesy of Sheila Olson

Entrepreneurs sacrifice many aspects of their personal lives for their business. Unfortunately, this often means de-prioritizing healthy activities like exercise and sleep. Women are particularly at risk of the adverse effects of sleeplessness.

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, women are more likely than men to suffer from trouble sleeping and tend to have a harder time functioning on too little sleep. There’s no doubt that women business owners need to make sleep a priority in their lives! If you’re having trouble getting the quality sleep you need, check out the following tips to relieve sleeplessness naturally.

“Life is to short live it wisely and don’t stress on things that you can’t control and focus on the things you can- Faviola Valencia”

Transform Your Phone into a Sleep Coach

Although your phone can be extremely useful for connecting with clients, managing your marketing strategies, and staying organized during the workday, it can be a serious sleep disruptor in the evenings.

Transform your device from a bedtime procrastination culprit into a personal sleep coach by downloading some sleep-promoting apps. Headspace and Relax Melodies, for example, are excellent resources for guided meditations and soothing sleep sounds. Other apps, like Sleep Time and Sleep Cycle, will track your sleep cycles and gently wake you up in the morning during your optimal sleep phase. Just make sure your smartphone is powerful enough to run your apps all night long!

If you’re in need of a new phone, some of the latest iPhone models have up to 25 hours of battery life and wireless charging. If you’re an Android user, models like the Asus Zenfone 6 and Moto G7 Power are high-performing devices and offer multi-day battery life.

Give Your Bedroom a Makeover

Our bedroom environments affect our quality of sleep more than we think. Some common household sleep disturbers include noise, heat, and clutter. If your bedroom environment doesn’t feel like a sleep sanctuary, it’s time for some redecorating! Thrive Global recommends decluttering, hanging blackout curtains, and repainting in calming pastel colors.

Investing in a new mattress can also do a lot to improve your sleep. Outdated mattresses are uncomfortable and unsupportive, which is why it’s important to replace your mattress every 7 to 10 years. If it’s time for an upgrade, be sure to read online reviews before buying a new bed. Different mattresses are better suited for different body types. For example, Tuft & Needle mattresses can be very comfortable for small and medium-sized sleepers but may not provide enough support for people over 250 pounds. You’ll also want to keep your preferred sleep style in mind when selecting a mattress since back and stomach sleepers tend to need more support, while side sleepers need conforming pressure relief.

Adopt Healthy Lifestyle Habits

The activities you engage in on a daily basis can also have an impact on your sleep. For example, nicotine and alcohol have a very negative impact on sleep quality and increase the frequency of nighttime wakings. Research suggests that these substances are even worse for our sleep than caffeine! On the other hand, a healthy diet will ensure you get all the essential vitamins and minerals that your brain uses to regulate sleep-inducing hormones. Regular exercise can also help you fall asleep faster and sleep longer, especially if you get moving in the late afternoon. Just try to avoid exercising too vigorously right before bed. In general, healthy habits tend to help us fall asleep faster and enjoy better quality sleep.

Don’t underestimate the importance of sleep. Your business relies on your ability to care for yourself and stay balanced. Getting a good night’s sleep every night will benefit your overall health in several ways, and in turn, give you the energy and motivation you need to take your business to the top.

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Work – Life Balance

Work-life balance and how to help you achieve it.

Work-Life Balance

And Self-Care are Important

By FAVIOLA "THE CEO HUSTLER" VALENCIA

Work-Life Balance is so important in today’s modern world, do you agree?

Do you also agree that our lives are constantly up/down, left/right and we are constantly struggling to achieve the “comfortable work-life balance”…

“In business and in life we must have work-life balance in order to be happy and avoid the daily stresses of life and business” – Faviola

Do you know that part of the problem is that:

Technology has REMOVED all boundaries between work and home.
That we are so focused on building an “Empire” vs focusing on what’s important “family, friends, ourselves”.
And we spend more hours at work, business vs our home and family.

“According to a blog provided by (JodyMichael.com) a recent study, 65 percent of employees said that their manager expects them to be reachable outside of the office; one in five survey respondents reported working 20 or more hours per week on their own time.

While a growing number of companies are recognizing the many benefits of work-life balance, it remains up to you to keep the scale in check.”

At what point do we say “enough is enough”, it’s time to focus on me, my family, friends and NOT so MUCH on money and work that we lose focus on what’s important!

In my line of work I see this happening so much day in/day out and like I mentioned before I’m guilty of this myself!

I was just like many of you – focusing on “work, work, work” instead of focusing on my kids and family…But I’m one of the lucky ones…

Our kids turned out OK (Good abiding citizens)
Thank God our kids are well behaved (at least when at home)
My kids are doing good (sports, Navy, Trade work)…BUT

Not many families can say the same…Many of you;

Are dealing with your kids being depressed, sad, misbehaving, etc
Don’t have time for your kids and therefore are acting up
Have kids with bad behavior, or are struggling with your kids

Now I get it for many of us business owners, professionals, freelancers a work-life balance is incredibly important, but sometimes hard to achieve, but we also know that it’s important for happiness, productivity, and effectiveness at work.

In my years (decades) as a business owner, wife and mother to 4 children (9, 15, 18, 23) achieving the right balance between business and lifestyle will not only give you the best chance of strong performance at work but also help you to maintain a healthy relationship.

Learn more about why Work | Life balance is imporatnt

Watch it for free . No registration needed.

The point to this post and video is that as a parent and business owner, it is our responsibility to care for our families regardless of the amount of work we or how tired we are, or how much we have on our plate.

Our FIRST job and responsibility are to take care of ourselves, SECONDLY, you have to take care of your family and LASTLY create a WORK-LIFE BALANCE in order to achieve our goals!

Here are some basic SIMPLE TIPS to consider…

Plan and prioritize your Day for both Work and Home
Design a “Work-Free” zone and a “Work” zone
You must Create and Stick to the time designated for your Business and Family
Create a budget and live within your means, so your not stressed and overworked trying to make ends meet
Don’t overextend yourself and take more than what you can handle

As parents, our job is our family and it’s our responsibility to embed good values, respect, and it’s our responsibility to care and mentor our children. Teachers are there to help, but it’s NOT their responsibility to raise our kids!

We live in a horrible time and I ask that you take some time and reevaluate yourself, your life, your business and ask yourself…

“Am I living and doing the right thing, Am I providing my family the love and support and care that they need, Am I overworking myself and un attending my family for money, Is my priority my family or my business or both and can I create my Life-Work balance, Am I ready to make changes for the best benefits for myself, my family and business”…

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Clean Air in Your Home_How to Keep your Family Healthy

Faviola the CEO Hustler

Sheila Olson, Blog Contributor

By FAVIOLA VALENCIA

Clean air is important for our health, but we often associate it solely with the outdoors. Pollution of all kinds can be found across the U.S., although more and more people are making an effort to reduce their consumption of fuel and energy in order to offset the effects of global warming. However, air pollution can also occur inside the home, creating issues related to mold, bacteria, dust and mites. That’s why it’s so important to ensure that your house has the cleanest air possible through cleaning and the removal of pollutants.

One of the most overlooked air quality issues in a home is often the filter for the HVAC system. When the filter isn’t changed for a period of time, dust, debris, pet hair and even pollen can become trapped inside and blow right back out into your home as it gets full. Changing your air filter once a month — especially during the spring and summer, when outdoor air quality is often the worst — can help you keep your family safe and healthy.

“Always do what you love and remember to #bossupandrise”

Remove and prevent mold

Mold is a pollutant that can cause lots of problems if left untreated, from asthma to a chronic cough. If you use a rubber-backed bathmat on the floor, hang it up after each use to air dry and wash it often. Keep an eye out for standing water in the basement especially after it rains, and make sure the hot water heater is in good shape. For more on mold and its dangers, read on here.

Add some plants

Indoor plants are great for improving air quality, and they won’t break the bank, either. As a low-cost, easy-to-care-for option, you can place aloe vera plants around a room to help boost the oxygen levels and add some color. Just make sure you choose plants that are safe for pets and children and keep them out of reach out of an abundance of caution.

Dust and vacuum regularly

It can be difficult to stick to a schedule of cleaning when you already have so much on your plate, but dusting and vacuuming regularly will help you keep the air clean and reduce allergies for yourself and your family members. This is especially important if you have pets, as their hair and dander can contribute to the air quality in every room they’re in. Shake out carpets outdoors, and don’t forget to clean the furniture, especially if your pets lounge on it.

Use the A/C

You may be tempted to save on your utility bills in the spring and summer by leaving the windows open for fresh air rather than turning on the air conditioning, but you’d be surprised at how much that can change the quality of your home’s air. Pollen, spores and bugs can come in through open windows, leaving you vulnerable to allergies and sticking to your carpets and furniture. Some fresh air is fine, but using the A/C as much as possible will help eliminate some of those allergens.

Having clean air in your home is imperative when it comes to keeping your family healthy, and it doesn’t have to be stressful. Look for ways you can ensure each room in your house is clean and talk to your family members about how they can help.

So it’s so important to keep your home, office and surrounding areas clean especially for those with allergies, autoimmune disorder or medical conditions.

Category: Health, Fitness and Life

COVID-19: Business Survival Tips

COVID-19: Business Survival Tips

Business Tips that every Entrepreneur needs to do

COVID-19: Safety and Readiness Tips

COVID-19: Safety and Readiness Tips

Business, Home, Life Disruption tips

Self Care Goals

SelfCare Goals