Building a Marketing Empire: Adi Ankonina’s Path to Social Domination

NY Weekly Staff on February 20, 2023

Having control over your business is every business person’s goal, achieved through a comprehensive understanding of the specific needs of your business in every phase of its development. The goal is to grow daily, which can sometimes be challenging. Adi Ankonina is a marketing professional driven by a strong work ethic to develop market research that makes businesses stand out effectively through social media.

Adi is a creative woman who focuses on social media growth. She specialized in this field at the age of 24 when she realized many entrepreneurs were advertising their products and services on Instagram, but they weren’t getting the traction they wanted. She partnered with Antoly Tolik Eidelman to launch her social media agency to help people struggling to market their products.

Adi’s innovativeness has provided valuable insight and guidance to over 2,000 clients and 100 students over the past five years. She focuses on providing the best for her clients by giving them tips to market their products. She has dominated the online space through other platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook, where her unique strategies are helping her customers conquer the realm of social media.

Success doesn’t happen overnight. It takes hard work and determination to see you grow through the process. Adi has found great fulfillment in her journey of helping others build their business empires, and as a result, she has received numerous accolades in recognition of her achievements. She has mastered her craft to be labeled the best growth marketing expert in 2022. In 2021, her agency was ranked in the top five growth agencies, and she was one of the top three most talented agency owners. Adi has also established a learning course and provides daily value and support to her students to help others grow their businesses.

Despite her success, Adi remembers a Friday back in 2022 that she terms “Black Friday” as a global problem with Instagram required immediate attention, and the businesses she was working with were unable to log in to their accounts. She looked into the issue, conducted thorough research to understand the situation, and after working nonstop for 72 hours, resolved the problem. It is out of situations like these that Adi has experienced growth. “It was a challenging experience, but as the saying goes, ‘What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,’” says Adi.

“Never give up” is her motto, and it drives Adi, particularly when faced with difficulties—it helps her overcome them and emerge a winner. “Being an entrepreneur involves ups and downs, but the challenges are what make it worthwhile,” Adi adds. She says sharing knowledge and helping others is something she enjoys by finding solutions, creating new products and services, and providing maximum value to those in need and those around her.

“I aspire to continue serving clients globally and delivering the best solutions, including utilizing cutting-edge AI tools,” Adi discloses. She aims to continue educating more people about marketing to assist others in realizing their aspirations and living up to their ambitions. Adi hopes to see her SAAS platforms attain great success, with at least three of them doing great on their own. She hopes to continue helping clients find solutions for their social media platforms and empower them in their journeys to greatness.

Byte vs Invisalign: Everything You Need To Know About Two Popular Invisible Aligners

NY Weekly Staff on February 20, 2023

Image Commercially Licensed From: Unsplash

Ever curious how Byte and Invisalign differ from one another? Many people are interested in learning how the two differ from one another. You will have a better understanding of each type from this blog post, enabling you to choose the one that best suits your requirements.

While Byte and Invisalign offer different types of treatments, they both achieve similar results in terms of straightening teeth. But what precisely distinguishes them from one another, do you wonder? Find out by reading on!

What is Invisalign

The modern method for straightening teeth without surgery is Invisalign. These aligners can be worn over your teeth, unlike braces, so no one will see them there. As long as you wear your braces properly, this orthodontic procedure should be able to straighten any crooked or misaligned teeth in just a few months.

A transparent plastic tray called Invisalign ignores the need for braces. If your bite has to be adjusted, whether you have an overbite or underbite issue, it can help. It has been demonstrated to be quite helpful with individuals who have a slight misalignment.

You are intended to be as comfortable as possible when wearing the Invisalign aligners. Depending on the stage of treatment you’re at, it needs to be worn for 20 to 22 hours each day. Every week, it subtly shifts your teeth’s position without being obvious, making it unnoticeable as you eat.

WANT TO LEAR MORE ABOUT BYTE ALIGNERS AS AN ALTERNATIVE WITH INVISALIGN?- CLICK HERE

How Does Invisalign Work?

The first step in the treatment process is a visit to the dentist, who will evaluate your dental health. Although Invisalign is incredibly effective in treating dental issues like overbites, not everyone is a good candidate. Invisalign cannot realign teeth that have been rotated or moved more than 20 degrees, or that have been shifted vertically up and down in the gum tissues. Before evaluating whether you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, the dentist will perform digital scans and x-rays to diagnose the issue.

After deciding that you need Invisalign treatment to straighten your teeth, the dentist will perform 3D scans of your mouth and input the results into specialist software to produce custom-made, BPA-free thermoplastic aligners off-site. These will be manufactured and mailed back to you as soon as possible so that you can start wearing them.

After getting your trays, you must visit the dentist for a final fitting to determine whether any adjustments are necessary before leaving for home. Since the aligners fit over like mouthguards, it usually just takes a few minutes. Additionally, it is easily removed when eating or drinking. Furthermore, depending on how much correction is required to get the best results, you must wear them for at least 20 to 22 hours per day and change out sets every 1 to 2 weeks.

You should see the dentist at least once every six weeks to maintain the health of your teeth. Your dental health will be monitored by the dentist, who will also take care of any problems early on. Cleaning is typically done after dental work; doing so will aid in preventing tooth decay brought on by plaque accumulation. Maintaining the condition of those trays is also important; failing to do so may result in them becoming stained or damaged by food particles lodged between your teeth after meals.

What Is Byte?

A firm called Byte sells clear aligners. These specialized aligners are delivered right to your house. The aligners are constructed of smooth, transparent plastic and are fashioned to exactly fit your teeth’s contours. Since the procedures are carried out remotely by their staff, unlike Invisalign, there is no need to see a dentist for treatment. They have certified dentists and orthodontists who will keep an eye on the patient’s progress online.

  1. Byte provides an at-home dental impression kit for $95, which can be used to take impressions of teeth and mail them back to Byte. Byte only completes work via mail, unlike other businesses that offer in-person stores.
  2. Byte will assess your impressions and use SmileScience to provide a personalized treatment plan based on the alignment of your teeth. We’ll make 3D renderings of your future grin to show you how it will look.
  3. In five to seven weeks, your aligners will arrive in the mail. The aligners can be worn for either 22 hours per day or 10 hours per day at night. You may feel sore for the first few days while your teeth and gums become used to the aligners.
  4. In addition to the aligners, Byte throws in some free BrightBytes with every kit. The teeth whitening procedure might be used with the aligners.
  5. The duration of the treatment regimen would be between two and four months. To maintain the proper tooth alignment after completing all of your aligners, you must wear retainers. The initial set of retainers is free, but each additional pair costs $129 to purchase.
  6. You must wear your retainers all day long for the first two weeks, with the exception of eating and drinking. You only need to wear the retainers while you sleep for at least eight hours starting in the third week.

WANT TO LEAR MORE ABOUT BYTE ALIGNERS AS AN ALTERNATIVE WITH INVISALIGN?- CLICK HERE

Is Byte Cheaper than Invisalign?

Yes! Invisalign is more expensive than Byte. The aligner kit costs $2,749 for therapy during the day and $3,399 for treatment at night. Although Byte costs more than other at-home aligner choices, it already comes with the HyperByte gadget, an aftercare retainer, and a complimentary whitening treatment.

On the other hand, depending on the complexity of the situation, Invisalign treatments range in price from $3500 to $9000.

Pros of Invisalign

Appearance: The typical choice for individuals who want to straighten their teeth but don’t like the idea of wearing braces is Invisalign. The traditional ones are far less comfortable and handy than these clear aligners, which are hardly noticeable.

Removable: As often as necessary, especially when you eat, drink, and brush your teeth, Invisalign can be taken out.

Ease of cleaning your teeth: Traditional braces could make it difficult to brush and floss your teeth, but Invisalign can be taken off while doing either. By eliminating bacteria near your teeth and gums, it makes for a healthier mouth.

Fewer potential problems: The wearer of traditional braces may experience considerable difficulty and discomfort. Always be on the lookout for broken wires or brackets. Consider getting Invisalign if you’d rather have straighter teeth without all the trouble.

WANT TO LEAR MORE ABOUT BYTE ALIGNERS AS AN ALTERNATIVE WITH INVISALIGN?- CLICK HERE

Cons of Invisalign

Ineffective for complex issues: While Invisalign is a great option for small modifications, your dentist may recommend another option if your issues are more complex since Invisalign might not be the best choice for you.

Requires compliance: Although it needs commitment and perseverance, Invisalign is a trustworthy method for straightening your teeth. A minimum of 20 to 22 hours a day must be spent wearing them. While you can occasionally eliminate them, keep in mind that you might not end up with the outcomes you were hoping for.

Removal when eating or drinking: When eating or drinking, you should remove your Invisalign since bacteria can accumulate in your mouth because of food and liquids getting inside them. If not addressed, it could result in cavities. Additionally, liquid seeps down into the tray, which could discolor it.

Food limitations: The sorts of meals you can eat are limited since you can feel sore after removing the aligner. It would be advisable to stay away from sticky, chewy, and hard foods.

Pros of Byte

Length of time: Other clear aligners take substantially longer to work than Byte’s treatment. You could notice the effects of its high-frequency vibration technology as soon as three months.

Customer Support: In comparison to other businesses in this sector, Byte goes above and beyond to care about and take seriously the experiences of its patients.

By making a personal advisor to each patient, Byte has elevated the level of customer service. They are available at all times for inquiries or needs.

Lifetime Guarantee: The lifetime guarantee they’ll give you will ensure that you have a stunning smile for the rest of your life. Even years after the Byte treatment, they will provide you with new aligners for free if your teeth change.

Nighttime-only treatment: The “At-Night” aligners from Byte, in contrast to those from other providers, are a more practical and pleasant option for people who want to wear their aligners while they sleep. When compared to the typical 20+ hour wear-time of other clear aligners, it takes 10 hours of continuous use.

Payment Options: To help you acquire the care you require without harming your credit score, Byte offers simple financing.

Cons of Byte

No teeth-scanning: You must order an imprint kit in order to start the procedure because there aren’t any current teeth-scanning services available.

New in the industry: In SmileDirectClub, a giant in the field, Byte, a newcomer, faces a formidable opponent. However, they are well on their way to becoming one of our most popular brands given the number of customers who are already satisfied with them. But unlike the industry’s dominant player SmileDirectClub, they don’t have a long history in this area.

What’s Better for Me, Byte or Invisalign

You must take into account what each firm has to offer when choosing which one to work with for your clear aligner therapy. In some situations, one might be preferable to the other, and vice versa. For folks who want modest modifications, Byte aligners are preferable to Invisalign, which is a fantastic solution for people with more serious alignment difficulties.

Before making any final selections, it is advised to visit a dental facility and chat with a dentist to help you decide which clear alignment procedure would fit you best based on your particular circumstances. This will help ensure that the process goes smoothly.

How Smile Direct Club vs Byte Compare

Compared to Invisalign or braces, Byte and SmileDirectClub offer clear aligners and quicker treatment for less money. Every brand has advantages of its own.

Byte has significantly lower prices and a slightly quicker turnaround than SmileDirectClub.

SmileDirectClub makes it simpler to get started by providing in-person consultations.

Byte vs. SmileDirectClub: The Main Differences

 

Byte is Faster

One of Byte’s primary selling points for customers is its quick treatment times. Their aligners are renowned for correcting malocclusion issues quicker than rivals.

Byte’s typical length of treatment is 3 to 4 months (according to Byte, 2 months may be possible in some cases). This is quicker than the standard treatment time of 4 to 6 at SmileDirectClub.

Note: Using your teeth too quickly might be risky and have undesirable effects.

WANT TO LEAR MORE ABOUT BYTE ALIGNERS AS AN ALTERNATIVE WITH INVISALIGN?- CLICK HERE

SmileDirectClub Offers In-Person Consultations

At their actual SmileShop studio locations, SmileDirectClub provides consultations. There, qualified dentists or orthodontists scan your mouth many times in 3D.

You must get an impression kit in the mail to use Byte

Professionals examining your bite in-person lessen the possibility of mistakes. It also facilitates a simpler beginning process.

If it is determined that you are not a good candidate for treatment, the consultation fee and the kit ($45) are reimbursed.

Byte Has Stronger Customer Support

 

Despite having a larger firm and a long history, SmileDirect’s customer service has come under fire. Even though the business’ customer service score has been improving, reviews claim they are hard to reach and unresponsive.

Byte sets itself apart with outstanding client service. Each client receives individualized attention from them. This has given it the opportunity to obtain a competitive edge against bigger businesses like SmileDirectClub.

SmileDirectClub is More Established

In 2014, SmileDirectClub was established. As a result, it predates Byte, which was established in 2018.

They have therefore treated more than a million malocclusion sufferers, far more than Byte’s whole customer base.

This indicates that SmileDirectClub has a more extensive track record, which makes it simpler to draw a conclusion. Additionally, it implies that they have more expertise in treating bite problems as a group.

Byte is More Affordable

The cost of the Byte procedure is $1,999 as opposed to $2,050 for SmileDirectClub.

Byte includes post-treatment retainers in the price, whereas SmileDirect charges an additional $99 for them.

Byte is even more cost-effective when post-treatment retainers are taken into account (SmileDirect’s cost $99 apiece).

In smile direct club’s favor, their impression kits are almost half the price of Byte’s: $49 compared to Byte’s $95 (though Byte does run specials that bring this cost down).

The first down payment for smile direct club’s payment plan is $250 as opposed to $349 for Byte.

Final Thoughts

When choosing between Invisalign and Byte, there are many factors to consider. You should balance the benefits and drawbacks of each treatment to determine which is best for you. Budget, taste, and the severity of your malocclusion must all be taken into account.

WANT TO LEAR MORE ABOUT BYTE ALIGNERS AS AN ALTERNATIVE WITH INVISALIGN?- CLICK HERE

2023: The Year to Slow Down and Reflect, According to Coach Rachel Randolph

NY Weekly Staff on February 20, 2023

The start of the new year is always a time when we want to catch up on everything we didn’t do the year prior. We fill our schedules to the top and set to start ten new habits. However, there’s always a voice telling us millions of excuses and opinions. This mental chatter can be so loud it doesn’t allow you to think clearly. 

Eventually, you get trapped in a loop of mental overwhelm. 

This whole process is exhaustive, leaving you with little energy or willingness to continue working on your goals. In this case, Communication Coach, Rachel Randolph advises you to pause, stop looking outside yourself, and start looking inwards.

“Think about everything that overwhelms you, conversations you haven’t had, boundaries you haven’t established, and how draining it is to have an inner voice that doesn’t leave you alone because you don’t understand it,” says Rachel.

This is how to know it’s time to pause and tune inwards, and the beginning of the year is a great time to do it. 

We need time to acknowledge what’s happened, what we’re doing, and what we want next. The beginning of the year is the best time to do this. 

Rachel advises taking a pause and observing the space between a situation and your reaction. Sit back, and identify the thought: What are you scared of? What thoughts are overwhelming you? Are they rational? After a few moments of consideration, you will feel calmer and more capable of communicating appropriately. This is called self-regulating, a skill Rachel shows her clients to cope with their inner dialogue.

Learning to Self-Regulate to slow down and have better communication.

The first step is to understand your inner voice and how they relate to your emotions. What does your inner dialogue sound like? What thoughts repeat on and on in your head? What is the voice saying? Write one or two sentences with what comes up to help you gain clarity. 

The second step is to learn how to emotionally regulate. Though it isn’t common, Rachel teaches her clients to incorporate a breath work technique called “box breathing,” allowing them to regulate their nervous system and establish a presence. Her clients learn to calm their nervous system through breathing, which allows them to calm their minds. A calm mind allows them to navigate emotional triggers and conversations with more control and calmness, allowing for more effective communication. 

The last step, and the most important one, is to maintain it. She has generated extreme results for her clients because she holds her clients accountable for how they implement self-regulation daily. Week by week, Randolph shows them new skills, allowing them to improve their communication skills and implement the skills she teaches them in real-time. She believes in integration guidance, which makes her coaching the most innovative compared to another coaching. 

The best method a person can implement to learn is to learn from life. Become aware of the sensations and feelings that fill your body through certain situations, what are you noticing? When your awareness grows, it’s important to be mindful that your mental overwhelm will too. When the thoughts come, do as mentioned in the first step. Become aware of them through writing or mapping, capturing the essence, so you have clarity, and taking confident action. The most powerful communication you will have is with a calm mind.

About Rachel Randolph

The first thing you must know about Rachel is that she doesn’t have a cure for your problems; 100% of this change is your responsibility. While that might be intimidating, it’s the most crucial aspect of creating sustainable changes to your communication skills. After 4 years of working with dozens of people from all over the world, she has built a framework to educate people on honing their communication skills through introspection, self-awareness, and self-agency over the changes. This unique aspect is what makes the most difference in her coaching. She not only teaches empowerment via responsibility, but how to be gentle with yourself as you learn to take responsibility for your communication. Taking responsibility for your communication skills is taking responsibility for your life. 

The place to begin this transformational journey is by slowing down and knowing that the trajectory of your life is made through small decisions, it’s worth taking care of when making them.

3 Game-Changing Ways Property Broker Power Paul Makes Deals Easy and Stress-Free

NY Weekly Staff on February 20, 2023

We will all probably have to deal with a broker—or real estate agent—at one point in our lives. Some harbor such a passion for property that they become professionals themselves. Others develop a close relationship with their trusted broker as they make money buying and selling houses at precisely the right moment.

Following a long period of scouring the space for an experienced agent, we got some insight from a prominent industry insider. We found one with both knowledge and a strong philosophy that leaps out of online narratives and client testimonials.

Over 20 years on from first starting in the industry, specialist listing agent Power Paul (Paul Jung) of ReMax Frontier has whipped up the know-how to help everybody deal with property seamlessly. In his stomping grounds of Long Island and Queens, New York, he constantly talks with his client pool as the market rises and falls. But the things he has learned along the way could help budding brokers like you just as much as the property punters who depend on him.

1. Put your clients first

It’s the origin of Paul Jung’s illustrious reputation in the industry. You might think it’s a cliche, especially if your eye is firmly on your commission. But the person who has entrusted you with a property deal should always take priority over yourself.

“After selling a property, one of my clients told me that I was the true broker he was looking for – one that knew how to put the client’s needs ahead of his own,” Paul said. “That insight stuck with me and reassured me that I should continue to provide this same level of catered service to everyone. Prioritizing the client over myself led them to call me ‘Power Paul’.”

Selflessness in property is a broad philosophy that Paul is known for. But, if you’re starting your real estate career or are looking to sell your home in New York, you might be wondering what that looks like in practice. The listing agent shared his knowledge in that department too.

2. Realize that a house is often a home

Sure, you may come across plenty of sellers in your career who only want to make a profit. However, part of maturing as a real estate professional means realizing that people could buy or sell a house for a whole range of reasons. Being sensitive to the property’s value beyond money could make your client’s experience much more positive.

“For sellers, the home they sell is often their biggest asset,” Paul explained. “And each home has its own story. As an agent, I try not only to produce the maximum result but also provide services tailored to each individual.”

Wrong property professionals need to remember their personal role in a transaction. To be a more effective real estate agent, you need to grasp all the other factors potentially preventing the deal from going as smoothly as possible. Your clients need to feel at ease with their property in your hands.

3. Keep your clients close

One of the biggest mistakes a broker can make is presuming their job is done the second a sale closes. In reality, it may only just be the beginning. As mentioned earlier, people may engage in the real estate markets two, three, four, or more times in their lives. You must be there for every step, not just the first one.

“I always try to communicate with my clients by providing them with the market information they need, even if they are not ready to sell their home yet,” Paul revealed. “Even after they decide to sell their home, I try to allay their fears by calling them first and informing them about the current situation.”

If you’re an aspiring property broker, hopefully, it’s sinking in that relationships will be the key to your success. On the other hand, people thinking about purchasing or selling a home should accept no less than regular communication with their agent. Brokering is a service, regardless of where you fit into the deal.

Like so many other walks of life, the property sector is becoming about more than the bottom line. People don’t just want to flip their homes and pocket the money. They want to be informed and cared for, making them feel comfortable and unburdened throughout the process. 

As a real estate agent, that’s in your interest too. Because a client getting cold feet is the last thing you want when a deal is about to go through.

How Building Self-Esteem Can Positively Impact Your Everyday Life

NY Weekly Staff on February 20, 2023

Image Commercially Licensed From: Unsplash

Building self-esteem takes time and effort, and a lot of mental willpower, but what are the benefits? Is it really worth going through the trouble of building your self-esteem? While you may have made it this far with lower self-esteem, having higher self-esteem can benefit so many aspects of life. That’s why we talked to some people who have made it a priority to build their own self-esteem. Take a look at how building your own can positively impact your everyday life!

Improve Your Confidence

One of the major benefits of higher self-esteem is better self-confidence. Confidence helps us through so many challenges and situations on a daily basis that you might not even recognize it. It affects our ability to take risks and think outside the box or to try new things, all of which we’ll cover below.

“Having confidence is something most of us struggle with growing up,” says Sumeer Kaur, CEO of Lashkaraa. “It can be difficult to build self-esteem and feel confident when you’ve grown up in a world where everyone was always compared to each other. Social media definitely hasn’t helped this situation. Building self-esteem can give you more confidence in yourself and your abilities to do what you want with your life.”

The Glass Is Half Full

Are you an optimist or a pessimist when facing challenging circumstances? Having higher self-esteem can help you look at situations with a positive outlook rather than jumping to the worst-case scenario. Being positive affects not only your mental wellbeing, but it affects everyone around you as well.

“Think about it: do you want to spend time with someone who is always down on themselves and every situation, or would you rather hang out with someone who has a positive outlook on life?” says Zach Goldstein, CEO of Public Rec. “Developing a higher self-esteem can help you be that positive influence on your circle of family and friends, and you can improve the way people think of you while also positively influencing them.”

Enter Situations With an Open Mind

When you have low self-esteem, you’re more likely to shy away from new or threatening experiences. Entering situations, whether it’s at work or in your personal life, with an open mind can help you experience new things and discover more about yourself in the process.

“People with low self-esteem often get stuck in their ways because they lack the confidence to try something new,” says Kim Walls, CEO and Co-Founder of Furtuna Skin. “At work, this could make you seem argumentative or stubborn when it comes to listening to the ideas of others. When you improve your self-esteem, the world doesn’t seem as threatening, and you’re able to hear and experience things with an open mind and less fear of the future.”

Dealing With Disappointments

Disappointments and let downs are a part of life. When you have low self-esteem, it can be very difficult to pull yourself out of a funk once you’ve been disappointed in something. Whether a friend canceled plans or your ideas just didn’t pan out, it can be tempting to be hard on yourself and cause even more problems. 

“Rather than beating yourself up or wallowing in your disappointments, people with higher self-esteem are able to pivot and look for a new idea or something positive to grasp in that moment,” says Michael Fischer, Founder of Elite HRT. “When you’re able to let these things roll off your back, pulling yourself together becomes a much easier process.”

Be Your Own Advocate

Speaking up for yourself in situations where you feel you’re being treated unfairly or that something is being done that shouldn’t happen can be terrifying to someone with low self-esteem. While these situations may always be a bit uncomfortable for some, having higher self-esteem can give you the confidence to advocate for yourself in times of need.

“You have to stand up for yourself,” says Jodi Neuhauser, CEO of Ovaterra. “If you don’t voice your thoughts or opinions on things that are important to you, your feelings will never be known. Don’t let your lack of confidence stop you from becoming all that you can be because you’re afraid to speak up. Learn to advocate for yourself and your values in all spheres of life.”

Improve Your Work Quality

Did you know that improved self-esteem has been linked to better work quality? It’s true! People who are more confident in their own self-worth have been shown to produce higher quality work because of their willingness to go above and beyond without fear of breaking the rules. 

“High self-worth lets you take calculated risks and try new things, which often lead to better work and higher productivity,” says Chris Thompson, CEO of Sober Sidekick. “People with low self-esteem often aim for ‘safe’ work and stay within clearly defined expectations. An employer doesn’t promote a person that follows the rules and never thinks outside of the box. They look for the people who are reaching for the stars and willing to take these reasonable risks to advance themselves and the company.”

Trust Your Own Judgment

Learning to trust your own judgment is a big part of the risk-taking process that was mentioned above. Building your self-esteem can positively impact your judgment skills because you’ll be more willing to take those risks due to your improved judgment.

“We’re often our own worst critics,” says Den Montero, Marketing Director of Moeflavor. “Learning to trust our own judgment typically involves learning to ignore the toxic negative thoughts that tell us we’re not smart enough or brave enough to try this new thing. Developing positive self-esteem helps us learn to navigate the world through new eyes with positive self-talk and the ability to trust our own reasoning.”

Build Stronger Relationships

It’s been touched on already, but you’re not the only one affected by your low self-esteem. Building your confidence can help you build stronger and deeper relationships with those around you. Relationships require a level of trust that feels dangerous to someone with minimal self-esteem; this can cause you to hold back or self-sabotage friendships rather than moving them forward. 

“Relationships are hard. Whether we’re talking about romantic, friendly, or familial relationships, there’s a large amount of trust that you have to have in the other party in order to open up,” says Breanne Millette. CEO of Bisoulovely. “People with low self-esteem either don’t share because they’re afraid to open up and show themselves to people, or they go the opposite route and share too much in an effort to receive positive words of affirmation or condolences from their friends. The first can cause friendships to remain very surface level or even dissolve if the other party feels their openness is not being reciprocated. The latter can lead to relationships where the other party constantly feels drained by the need to validate their friend.”

Adapt to Change

Change is one of the only consistent things in life. As we’ve mentioned a few times, people with low self-esteem often struggle with risk-taking or adapting to disappointment. In the same vein, change can cause a lot of stress on a person with low self-esteem because they often find their comfort and confidence in their routines rather than in their own self-worth. 

“Change is hard for a lot of people, but for individuals with low self-esteem, life changes can be particularly challenging,” says Rachel Roff, Founder and CEO of Urban Skin Rx. “Big life milestones that should be exciting, such as buying a house, starting a job, or the birth of a child, lead to feelings of self-doubt and toxic, negative thoughts. Improving your confidence can positively impact your life by allowing you to respond positively and with excitement to these changes rather than doubting your abilities as you move into a new chapter of life.”

Try New Things

Trying new things can be especially daunting for someone who has low self-esteem. New things, like change, often bring feelings of anxiety and doubt. Instead of looking forward to learning something new or the opportunities that await, people with low self-esteem often assume the worst will happen.

“Trying new things is how we grow our own worlds,” says Randee Machina, Director of Marketing at Simpli Pleasures. “While you may be happy where you are right now, imagine if you hadn’t tried your favorite hobby for the first time or took a chance at starting a relationship with your significant other. There are things that we love about life that were once ‘new’ to us. Building your self-esteem can help you find new passions, loves, and opportunities that would otherwise pass you by.

Conclusion

Improving your self-esteem can positively impact your everyday life in many ways. It can boost your confidence, giving you the ability to explore your world with less fear and anxiety about new things or what others think about you. Hopefully, these impacts have made you think about how you could improve your life by building self-esteem and what you could do to explore that process.

Shrestha B, Yadav S, Dhakal S, Ghimire P, Shrestha Y, Singh Rathaure E. Status of self-esteem in medical students at a college in Kathmandu: A descriptive cross-sectional study. F1000Res. 2021 Oct 11;10:1031. doi: 10.12688/f1000research.72824.2. PMID: 35464184; PMCID: PMC9021663. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35464184/.

Vohs, K. D., Raumeister, R. F., Campbell, J. D., & Kreuger, J. I. (2013, May). Does high self-esteem cause better performance, interpersonal success, happiness, or healthier lifestyles? Psychological science in the public interest: a journal of the American Psychological Society. Retrieved September 14, 2022, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26151640/

How to Reduce Liability As a Construction Business Owner

NY Weekly Staff on February 20, 2023

Image Commercially Licensed From: Unsplash

Construction workers expect to go to work, do their job, then return home safely to their families, but that doesn’t always happen. Construction work sites can be dangerous, and employees can face any number of hazards that put them at risk of injury or even death. 

As a construction business owner, you likely want to keep your employees as safe as possible and, in the process, reduce your liability. Take the following actions, and you might achieve your goals. 

Ensure Adequate Training

Construction accident attorneys like those at gorayeb.com represent countless victims whose employers failed to provide them with the necessary training to keep themselves safe. Provide training sessions on how to use particular equipment, handle situations they might encounter daily, and what to do in an emergency. The more training your team has, the easier it might be for them to avoid situations threatening their well-being. 

Put Safety Protocols in Place      

The construction industry is leading the way regarding the number of fatal work injuries. In 2020, 1,008 fatalities were recorded, equalling 21.2% of all workplace deaths. Keep your employees safe and reduce liability by implementing safety protocols to manage accident risks. Ladder safety, heights training, protective equipment, and proper lifting techniques might all go a long way to ensuring your team remains safe at work. 

Maintain Equipment

Construction equipment is made to last, but not without ongoing care and maintenance. If it’s not properly cared for, it might pose a danger to workers who need it to function as it was designed. 

Make maintenance your priority. Assign tools and heavy equipment with maintenance schedules, ensure maintenance tasks are undertaken in a timely manner, and keep all warning labels and guards in place. It’s also essential to check for wear and tear and mark all potential hazards to ensure employees are aware of them. Heavy equipment operators and construction laborers make up 63% of related deaths, and there’s very little room for error. 

Work With Lawyers

The average construction business owner might understand everything about their own business, but they might not have a firm understanding of their legal requirements and liability. Before hiring employees or contractors, consider meeting with a lawyer to discuss your liability risks and the measures you can put in place to reduce them. Lawyers might recommend solutions like waiver forms, insurance policies, and adequate training. 

Carry Insurance

While you might be on a budget and want to keep costs low, insurance isn’t a cost you want to cut as a business owner trying to reduce liability. Adequate insurance might protect you from a lawsuit and possibly even bankruptcy after a construction site accident. 

Most insurance companies offering insurance packages for construction companies provide commercial property insurance, builder’s risk, construction equipment insurance, and surety and fidelity bonds. The more coverage you have, the more peace of mind you might enjoy. 

Reducing liability as a construction business owner requires a multi-faceted approach. Keep your workers safe, create a safe working environment, and educate yourself on your legal requirements. You might then never have to worry about workplace accidents at your place of business.

Uncovering Houston’s Top Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Patrick Hsu’s Gift

NY Weekly Staff on February 20, 2023

If a woman wants to look a certain way or possess a particular body type, plastic surgery is now very much a feasible option. With the correct procedure executed by a skilled surgeon, a great outcome makes all the difference, enabling a woman to feel her absolute best.  

The trick is, however, to find a surgeon with top-notch expertise you can trust. Someone you can feel at ease with is particularly crucial for women undergoing their first procedure. 

Dr. Patrick Hsu is changing the plastic surgery game with his attention to detail. He has also become world-renowned through individualized patient care, fostering a comfortable, caring environment for both first-timers and return patients. 

Dr. Hsu was born and raised in the Tri-State area (Short Hills, New Jersey) and began his training at Rutgers University, where he received a bachelor of science. He completed a fellowship and residency at Baylor College of Medicine, the top academy in the field. At UMDNJ, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, he received his medical degree and graduated as the president of his class, with the highest honors and distinction. 

As a board-certified plastic surgeon and reconstructive microsurgeon with 15 years of valuable experience, Dr. Hsu has focused his efforts on cosmetic and reconstruction surgery of the breast and body.

One area he’s become known for is Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBL). By delivering consistent, natural-looking results, Dr. Hsu has developed a substantial social media following for those interested in the popular procedure. There’s now a two-year waitlist of patients from all over the world just for his BBL patients. 

Since he established Memorial Plastic Surgery (MPS) in 2013,  it has steadily risen to become one of the leading practices in Houston. MPS offers state-of-the-art reconstructive cosmetic and medical spa procedures on the face, breasts, and body to patients in Texas and beyond its borders. 

By 2019, he launched two medical ventures, Memorial Ambulatory Surgical Center and Hedwig Recovery Suites. Meantime, the rapid growth and success of Memorial Plastic Surgery meant they could now accommodate an expanded facility.  

For his hard work, Dr. Hsu has been feted with the Rudolph C. Camishion Award for Academic Excellence in Surgery. He also received the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Alumni Association Award among other accolades. 

Recognized as one of 2015’s “Super Doctors Rising Stars.” Dr. Hsu has since been consecutively named a Texas Super Doctor for the past eight years straight. And in 2017, he was listed as a RealSelf.com Top Doctor. In 2021, he was listed in Newsweek as one of the best plastic surgeons and featured among the top 200 plastic surgeons for breast augmentation and the top 150 for liposuction, facelifts, and rhinoplasty. 

His many awards and the undeniably beautiful results he’s achieved have given Dr. Hsu a huge following on Instagram. With over 130,000 followers, he has used the platform to “be impactful in the field of plastic surgery and change as many lives as possible for the better—this obviously includes patients but also encompasses anyone whose path I may cross and I feel may benefit from any of my teachings, philosophies, or advice.” 

Using social media for before-and-after photos, Dr. Hsu has helped people find the best surgeons, set realistic expectations, and take them behind the scenes of the most popular procedures. 

Dr. Hsu cites his uncle as his greatest inspiration; a skilled orthopedic surgeon that was also a highly caring doctor. His advice to aspiring surgeons? Find their individual motivation and let their passion drive them.

Dr. Hsu is confident that continuing to build a reputable, world-class surgical experience where his patients can feel whole is the right path. Adding two more prominent plastic surgeons to the group, as well as venturing into more male and facial aesthetics are just some of the exciting action items on Dr. Hsu’s plans.

Bringing Stories to Life – Pietro Barba’s Editing Journey

NY Weekly Staff on February 20, 2023

Pietro Barba, a gifted 25-year-old Italian editor, has the rare ability to spin tales that tug at the heartstrings of his audience. His passion for writing blossomed in his formative years, inspired by his Italian teacher, who encouraged him to unleash his imagination and bring his stories to life. Later, he discovered the potency of cinema, which transformed his stories from words on paper to vivid,  pulsating narratives brought to life through the magic of the camera and editing. Driven by his talent and passion, Pietro created a short film called “Behind the  Keyboard” with his childhood friend, Giovanni Perolo, which sparked a beautiful collaboration that birthed a TV series called “If Only You Knew,” which aired on an Italian network for two seasons. Despite the challenges and hurdles, Pietro continued to hone his skills, landing an internship at a multimedia company where he mastered the art of editing and filming multimedia coverage for various organizations. 

Pietro Barba

Sourced Photo

Enraptured by the magic of Hollywood’s silver screen, Pietro yearned to carve out a place for himself in its glittering landscape. He won a scholarship that took him on a pilgrimage to the city of angels. The journey was fraught with uncertainties and fears, but he marched ahead with unwavering grit and determination, seeking to find his place in the magical realm of films. During his time in LA, Pietro collaborated with an American basketball company. He worked as an editor for two documentaries, filmed a commercial for Adidas and starting as an assistant editor on various projects; he quickly became the lead editor for award-winning short films, commercials, and eventually, TV series and feature films.

Pietro’s journey to professional editing involved taking risks and making big moves to pursue his dreams while immersing himself in the film industry and gaining invaluable experience along the way. Thanks to the editing prowess he displayed in his short films “Kandy” and “The Role Play of Life,” he received numerous job offers, and within a year, he worked on more than a dozen short films that garnered critical acclaim and audience admiration. The awards he won were not mere accolades; they were tokens of his unrelenting spirit, his devotion to his art, and his unwavering pursuit of excellence. 

Pietro’s editing talent breathed life into the films he worked on, and he earned recognition and accolades for his work. Editing is not merely a job to him; it is a form of art, a way to weave together the fabric of a story and bring characters to life. He continued to hone his craft and eventually found work at a commercial agency, where he edited masterclasses and TV series. 

As Pietro’s reputation grew, so did his workload; his next goal is to assemble a  team of assistants to help him fulfill his commitments and pursue his dream of one day opening his own editing company. 

The road was not always smooth, but Pietro’s passion and perseverance propelled him forward. His latest project, a feature film, was a three-month journey that pushed his skills to the limit. It was a challenging process, but one that opened doors to more opportunities and helped him grow as an editor. Now, as he stands at the threshold of his next project, Pietro looks back on his journey with pride. He is filled with a sense of purpose and an unwavering determination to continue chasing his dreams, no matter the obstacles that lie ahead. His path has been long and arduous, but he would not have it any other way. 

Email: pietrobarbafilms@gmail.com 

Instagram: @pietro_barba 

Website: pietrobarba.com 

Why Do Real Estate Tech Programs Keep Failing?

NY Weekly Staff on February 20, 2023

We sat down with Mark Weithorn, President of DPI Showcase Websites, to talk about his unique perspective as an industry leader on the status quo of real estate:

I’m a big fan of Brad Inman, whose blog I read almost every day. He built a business by staying in the loop with real estate companies and their trends, and his blog keeps track of every major player in the business.  Most of all, though, I love reading the comments made by Realtors and brokers giving us glimpses into their day-to-day experiences.

Sometimes, there’s good news, like the November 2022 article about revenue rising at eXp Realty.  But lately, there’s been a rash of bad news, like another article that same month about Opendoor losing nearly $1 billion in the third quarter, and Redfin Realty and Zillow’s stocks reaching all-time lows. 

As the owner of a tech company that works with real estate agents, I pay close attention to articles concerning tech products.  Lately the news hasn’t been great. 

It’s a case of “déjà vu all over again:” a real estate broker wakes up one day with the concept that providing real estate agents with advanced technology will make them more efficient, help them follow up with clients, and result in closing more deals. They rebrand themselves, raise millions of dollars in VC money, go public, and never turn a profit.  Eventually, they can no longer hide the losses; then, the layoffs begin, their stock price drops like a rock, and their future is rendered uncertain.

For a recent example, take a look at Compass Realty. Formed in 2012, Compass prided itself on providing agents with the latest in technological tools. According to Upnest.com, “Compass provides a comprehensive suite of technology tools to its agents to help better serve clients and close more deals (at a higher price point) than most agents.” As reported on Inman.com in September 2022, Compass has yet to make a profit, has let go of a sizable number of its tech staff including its Chief Technology Officer, and its stock has slid to an all-time low.  

The challenge is, most real estate agents aren’t tech people. Over the past 20 years, I’ve taught marketing classes to tens of thousands of Realtors. There’s a basic theme: they exclaim, “I don’t know how to use a client database program, post on social media, organize my emails, etc.”  And based on feedback from Realtors, many of their clients aren’t tech people either. Realtors often complain when their brokers charge them a monthly technology fee for programs they don’t use.

I see a disconnect between tech programmers and users. Programmers keep creating advanced features that too many average users don’t need or know how to use. What’s more, creating and maintaining tech products can be very expensive. There’s the cost of programmers, servers, and other expenses needed to maintain and upgrade these programs. Combining the lack of consumer understanding and the large expense of running a tech product yields losses.  

Last April, I was a guest lecturer at the Internet 2.0 Conference in Las Vegas. The title of my talk was “The KISS Method: Keeping IT Systems Simple.” The room was full of tech people and programmers. The basic premise was, stop making technology programs complicated. Just when you get used to using a program, it changes. Then you scratch your head wondering, “What’s the benefit?” Naturally, being in a room of tech people, my message was hard to digest.  Their purpose is to upgrade; prove their worth. The problem is, they aren’t thinking about how receptive non-tech users will be.

One fine example is GoDaddy.  As a builder of web sites for real estate agents, we’re constantly logging into GoDaddy to change server settings. They’re constantly changing the interface.  Now, every time they make a change, we have to spend an hour figuring out how to do simple tasks. One company that has pleasantly reversed course is Facebook. It started complicating the method of adding photos or videos, offering too many options that I’d guess 99% of their users didn’t know how to use, but now, they’ve simplified the process. It’s quite refreshing.

It seems many programmers fall into the same trap. They believe that average users will embrace changes when complexities are added to a program, but in reality, the opposite is true.  Consumers will not use or pay for things that are too complex. Just because technology allows you to do something advanced doesn’t mean consumers will embrace it.

Then the spiral begins. A downturn in the economy, consumers cut back, tech companies keep losing money, and then layoffs. We see this in one article after another. This January, The New York Times had an article about tech layoffs in the US. As of January, more than 146,000 tech workers were laid off. The tech-heavy NASDAQ keeps losing ground.

The key is to create easy-to-use, low-cost tech products that consumers will use. At our company, DPI, we have embraced a different philosophy, the art of automation. We have created a client management system (CRM) that automates many of its tasks. This way, a real estate agent doesn’t have to sit around doing data entry. The system automatically captures the info and agents are alerted when they need to make a phone call or when a client is searching for something on their website.

The key here is automation. Make programs easy to use. Seamless. When we drive an automobile, we don’t want to worry about the mechanics of how the engine or transmission works. We want it to perform as expected. It’s the same thing with technology. Keep IT systems simple. Make sure both the user and client feel comfortable using the software to get their desired results. Most of all, tech companies need to turn a profit.

How Blank Apparel is Taking Over the American Fashion Scene

NY Weekly Staff on February 20, 2023

https://unsplash.com/photos/tvG4WvjgsEY

Over the past few years, blank apparel has slowly taken over the American fashion scene. From streetwear to high-end fashion, blank apparel is becoming increasingly popular with men and women of all ages. Whether you’re looking for a basic t-shirt or an oversized hoodie, blank apparel offers something for everyone. Notably, at Wordans, you can find a variety of Gildan wholesale blank apparel products that people of all ages and gender can wear. Whether it’s a round neck plain t-shirt or a blank black sweat pant, you will find something that fits your taste and style. But what makes these blank apparel so appealing?

Analyzing the appeal

Blank apparel has become increasingly popular among American fashion consumers due to its versatility and affordability. Blank apparel is typically made from basic materials such as cotton, polyester, or nylon and can be easily customized with various designs, colors and logos. It allows consumers to create unique looks that reflect their style without breaking the bank. Additionally, blank apparel is often more comfortable than other types of clothing because it does not have any extra embellishments or decorations that can irritate. Finally, blank apparel is also effortless to care for since it does not require special washing instructions or treatments like some other types of clothing do.

Shopping for quality blank apparel

Shopping for quality blank apparel doesn’t have to be expensive. You can use a few tips and tricks to get the best deals without breaking the bank:

  1. Shop around and compare prices from different retailers. It will help you find the best deal on the items you need.
  2. Look for sales and discounts available at certain times of the year or during special promotions.
  3. Consider buying in bulk, as this can often save you money in the long run.
  4. Please take advantage of online stores, which often offer lower prices than brick-and-mortar stores due to their lower overhead costs.
  5. Remember to check out secondhand stores or thrift shops, as they may have fantastic deals on quality blank apparel that won’t break your budget.

Styling and customizing

There are many ways to style and customize blank apparel purchases. One of the most popular methods is screen printing, which involves transferring a design onto fabric using a mesh screen and ink. This method can be used to create unique designs with multiple colors. Another option is embroidery, which involves stitching a design onto fabric using thread. Embroidery is often used for logos or monograms, creating a more professional look than other customization methods. Heat transfer vinyl (HTV) is another popular way to customize apparel, as it allows customers to apply their designs without any special equipment or skills easily. HTV can also add text or images to clothing items such as hats and bags.

Celebrity inspiration

Celebrities have been known to be trendsetters and they often inspire others with their fashion choices. Blank apparel is no exception. From classic tees to stylish hoodies, celebrities have been spotted wearing blank apparel in various ways. To get some celebrity inspiration for your wardrobe, look at some of the top celebrities who have seen rocking blank apparel. Try taking cues from Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid for a casual yet chic look. Both models are often seen sporting simple white tees paired with jeans or shorts for an effortless off-duty style. For something edgy, check out Rihanna’s streetwear-inspired looks featuring oversized hoodies and graphic tees. No matter what style you’re going for, plenty of celebrity-approved looks feature blank apparel that can help you create the perfect outfit.

In conclusion, blank apparel has become a popular trend for Americans of all ages and is quickly taking over the fashion scene. It is versatile, comfortable and affordable, making it an attractive option for those looking to update their wardrobes.

 

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