Meeting Minutes Can Save Your Projects And Your Time

Mar 9, 2018

Posted by | 302 Comments

Just recently, I was working with an acquaintance on a small project. We didn’t document our first initial conversation about a potential project. The project moved forward only to find out that our understanding of the roles and responsibilities differed.  Even though two of the three people involved had the same understanding, person number three didn’t remember it quite the same way. It caused delays, confusion and ultimately the project was postponed. Now, if we had meeting minutes from our initial phone conversation, we would have a basis to refer back to as proof.

As a new entrepreneur, our plates are always full. When you start a new venture, you more than likely will do everything yourself: marketing, sales, IT, accounting, customer service, and there’s no administrative assistant that you can call on.

With an already full day, who has time to add another task to that ongoing list? I sure don’t. But as challenging as it is, to do everything on my own, the one task I try to make a habit of is taking meeting minutes. It’s a simple task that can be easily forgotten especially when you are working for yourself.

Our brains are full of to-do’s as entrepreneurs and as humans we forget.

Writing down key points from a meeting, specifically, meetings that happen over the phone can save you time, in some cases money and a whole lotta hassle in the future.  It can clarify any discrepancy’s when speaking again with a potential, partner, vendor or client.

If each person walks away with two different understandings of the original conversation and there’s no documentation, it can hurt the potential of a project. It can be something as simple as spending too much time rehashing specifics that were already discussed. Which happened in my case.

Meeting minutes don’t have to be extremely formal it can be simple or as complex as you need it to be. You can find a ton of free simple templates online to get you started.

Like this one, (download for free)

You can create your own template. It should include at the very least,

  • The date of the call
  • Who attended the call
  • The purpose of the meeting
  • The key things to remember during the meeting (actions, next steps, to-dos)
  • The outcome

Send a copy of the meeting minutes to everyone at least 24-48 hours after the call. This gives them a chance to challenge or confirm what was said during your call.

After that, you’re off to the races! You now have your expectations, who said what and what actions to take until you meet (or speak) again.

Cheers!

Photo via

 

 

Read More

Five Things I’ve Learned About Worrying And Why It Really Doesn’t Help

Feb 22, 2018

Posted by | Leave a Comment

Photo: www.nappy.co

Over the years I’ve been told that I worry too much. Especially, when I was younger. As I get older, I’m much better at taming that worrying beast. I think worrying is natural, especially being a mother. When you’re responsible for someone’s life, it’s more than likely you’ll worry about them. Your mind is constantly trying to confirm if you’re actions as a parent is right or wrong.  Life naturally causes us to worry about bills, our families, being successful and just about anything you can think of.

It requires a different way of thinking to change how you deal with worry and worrisome situations.  It takes time and maturity for the most part. As you grow and gain different life experiences, you realize worrying really doesn’t help you. There’s no benefit to it. You get better at learning not to sweat the small stuff, deal with the big stuff and you gradually figure out what is truly important. Some people do breathing exercises, others are great with self-talk.

Here’s what I’ve learned about myself when I worry,

  1. It causes stress and stress can affect my health. Without my health, I’m no good to myself or anyone else.
  1. At no time has worrying helped my situation. Not one time!
  1. The faster I am able to calm my emotions, I can use my brain power to figure out a solution. I actually spend less time worrying.
  1. Pray about it. If you believe in a higher power like I do, just leave it with him, her or the universe (or whatever). An answer will come. It may not be the way you expect but a solution will appear none-the-less.
  1. Worrying clouds my judgment. So keeping calm helps me think clearly.

The reality is, some people worry more than others. Like I said, I am naturally a worry wart but it’s getting better. For the most part, it’s easier said than done to tell yourself, “Stop, think logically and do not let this stressful situation get to you.”  Changing our mindset sometimes requires a bit of advice or guidance on how to do it. Through my life experiences, I’ve been able to deal with worrying a lot less. I’ve also learned a few tips and tricks from the book  “How To Stop Worrying And Start Living.” 

There are too many tips to list but here are my top three,

1.  One grain of sand at a time, one task at a time. I know we’re told that multi-tasking is a great skill to have but you simply can’t do two things at once. Well, at least not effectively.

2.  Let’s be content to live the only time we can possibly live: for now until bedtime.

3.  Discover the worst that could possibly happen, accept it and then use your time to improve upon the worst.

Worrying sucks just like any negative emotion we feel but if we can tackle it on head-on, I truly believe we’ll live a much longer, healthier life.

 

 

 

 

 

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. Clicking these links won’t cost you any extra money.

Read More

My Top 5 Treat Yourself It’s Valentine’s Day Gift List

Feb 14, 2018

Posted by | Leave a Comment

 

 

 

 

Happy Valentine’s Day ladies!

Whether you’re kicking it solo today like your’s truly or you have a wonderful significant other to spend some time with, let’s celebrate with a little self-love and treat ourselves today. I don’t mean go break your bank account, or anything like that. But you work hard, so let’s take something off of your never ending wish list, shall we?

A little retail therapy never hurt anyone, especially today.

So, I give you “My Top 5 Treat Yourself, It’s Valentine’s Day” wish list…

1. Bond Aviator Frames

First up, the Bond Aviator frames by luxury eyewear brand Bôhten. Their eyewear collection has a classic yet modern-funky feel to it. Toronto entrepreneur Nana Boateng uses reclaimed wood from Ghana to create each piece.  Everyone looks cool in aviator frames but with pink lenses, com’n! I love them. The brand is launching their Bohten5 collection this summer.  The Bond frame is one of the first pieces that combine both wood and acetate materials.

Price: Not currently listed on their website.  A current pair can start anywhere from $150.00 or more.

2. VitaJuwel “Cupid’s Kiss” Water Bottle

The VitaJuwel water bottle (available at Ka-space concept store) is the mother of all water bottles. It’s not only pretty to look at but the Vitajuwel system infuses your water with carefully selected gem stones. The balance of the two, helps to release the stones energies and healing powers.  Different, right?  Each bottle has an exchangeable bottom piece (a gem pod) that holds the gem stones in place. You can exchange the gem pods to infuse your water with different gem stones. The Cupid’s Kiss bottle (shown) has a rose quartz gem pod that is said to release emotional wounds and trauma and to bring peace and calm.

Price: $160.00

3. Wear Your Words Bangle

Love & Light Jewels uses a number of gemstones and crystals throughout most of their jewelry collection. It’s hard to choose just one item to love but their Wear Your Words Bangle caught my attention. The simple, adjustable bangle is a stylish way to carry around the “If you can dream it, you can do it” mantra.

Price: $20.00

4. Green House Juices

Green house has a number of cold-pressed juices, handmade nut milks, tonics, boosters and cleanses if you’re looking for a healthy way to get in your daily nutrients.  On my list for two reasons;  I love beets and their Deep Root Juice is mixed with beets, apples, carrots, celery and lemon and they deliver right to your door with their customizable monthly subscription service.

Price: $10.50 bottle, subscriptions vary.

5. Eye Shimmer: Pure Gold

I have a thing for natural colours and earth tones, especially with makeup. Many of my friends often tell me to add some colour to my already limited makeup collection. So, I bought a bold red lipstick. I know, different (insert rolled eyes here). Stone Line Cosmetic’s Gold Eye Shimmer caught my eye. No pun intended. Their cruelty-free brand is hypo-allergenic, fragrance and paraffin free. The line was designed with women in mind, who tend to break out when wearing makeup for long periods of time.

Price: $17.70

And there you have it. Five affordable to semi-affordable ways to treat yourself this Valentine’s Day. What’s on your wish list today? Any plans to treat yourself?

 

Here’s a few of my favourite things from last year! 

Read More

Recipe: Gluten-Free Cacao Cranberry Loaf

Jan 17, 2018

Posted by | Leave a Comment

I’m not a lover of cooking. I mean, I don’t like long prep times to prepare meals. If I can spend less than 20 minutes in the kitchen to make a meal, I’m all for it. Anything beyond that, I get a bit antsy. Okay, I’m exaggerating a little (not really) Christmas breakfast took me at least one hour to prepare. Not including the slow baked ham.  So the holidays are an exception.

It’s a new year and with a new year comes new goals. My number one goal is to keep to a solid healthy eating routine. I don’t mean simply minimizing the amount of bad food that I eat but really making an effort to cut them out of my diet permanently. My number one priority is to eliminate all gluten.

In general, I’m conscious of what I eat. I very rarely eat white flour, drink pop, or fried foods. I drink lots of water, not always a full 8 glasses but I get up there. I do occasionally have a sugar and bread binge but eventually I get back on track. Since being gluten-free is my priority and snacking tends be a  weakness, I’ve decided the best way to control my gluten intake (especially when I crave sweets) is to make my snacks from scratch. I’m not sure how long the Betty Crocker effect will last. Remember, I’m not one for slaving away in the kitchen for too long.  But at least, I can feed my occasional craving in a fairly healthy way.

Enter in my gluten-free-cacao-cranberry loaf….

A personal recipe inspired by whatever I had sitting in my kitchen cupboard (mostly). It was only my third time making the loaf but it’s been a life saver for breakfast or as a quick snack. And the best part is it only takes 20 minutes to prepare. Like I said, 20 minutes or less and I’m a happy camper!

Bon Appétit!

________________________________________________________________

PREP TIME: 20 minutes or less

COOKING TIME: 30 – 40 minutes

INGREDIENTS:
1 cup of gluten-free flour
1 cup of brown rice flour
1/4 cup of flax meal
1 tablespoon of baking soda
1/2 cup of organic cane sugar (1 cup if you want a sweeter taste)
1/4 cup of organic cacao bits
1/4 cup of cranberries (fresh, frozen)
2 1/2 cups of Almond milk (3 cups if you want to make the batter a bit thinner)
1 tablespoon of coconut oil
1/2 tbsp of nutritional yeast

INSTRUCTIONS
Mix the brown rice flour and gluten-free flour in a large mixing bowl with a fork. Then mix in the baking soda, nutritional yeast, flax meal, again continue to use the fork. Then mix in the cane sugar.

Once all of the dry ingredients are mixed together, add the milk, cocoa bits and cranberries and then mix everything together one last time. Let it sit for a few minutes and dust a bread pan or cake pan with a bit of flour and pour in the mixture. Put in the oven.

Let bake for 30 minutes or until brown at 275 – 300 degrees. To ensure the middle is cooked insert a butter knife or toothpick in the centre of the cake. If it comes out clean with nothing sticking, the cake is done.

 

Read More

All Things Natural At The Textur’d Hair And Beauty Show

Oct 1, 2017

Posted by | Leave a Comment

I’ve worn my hair naturally mostly under protective hairstyles for a few years now. It just made things easier. But easier isn’t always better if you let a busy schedule and a non-existent hair care routine get in the way. If your natural hair isn’t getting TLC on a regular basis it will take a toll on the health of your hair.  Let’s just say, my hair is in need of TLC, a good hair care routine and a few good products to match. Coincidently, timing couldn’t be better. The  Textur’d Natural Hair & Beauty Show was happening right in my neck of the woods and I was able to catch day 2 of the event.

With over forty (mostly female) vendor’s, I looked forward to chatting it up with hair and beauty brands from Toronto and the United States. It was hard just to choose just one item from the variety of organic, vegan and naturally handmade products available. Almost all of the brands had a solution to maintain, repair and encourage healthy hair growth.

Not just a vendor showcase, several workshop facilitators shared their unique knowledge on everything to do with natural hair, body and skin care. Nutritional Consultant, Trisha Smith, discussed natural remedies and the connection between digestive disorders and the various effects on the hair.  Certified Shea Butter Technician, Kedar Waterman, discussed the many healing properties of premium grade Shea Butter and it’s benefits.

I ATE whole wheat roti, coconut curry chickpeas and quinoa salad courtesy of Chic Peas Veg, a plant based catering company.  I CHATTED with Ndija Anderson-Yantha,  a natural hair advocate and author of “What are you going to do with that hair?” A non-fiction book encouraging young girls to celebrate and love their natural hair. And I BOUGHT, (with so many wonderful products to choose from) En’tyce Your Beauty’s Herbal Temple Root Gro to help with thinning edges. And Muthaland Secrets’  Three Leaves Special Body Bar to help tone and purify your skin. It was a great afternoon fill with positivity and love for all things natural!

My haircare brands wish-list to definitely try,

What do you use in your natural hair?

 

 

 

Read More

5 Basic Photography Tips That Helped Me Take Better Photos

Sep 22, 2017

Posted by | Leave a Comment

I have a slight addiction to stalking beautiful looking Instagram profiles. Seriously, I do. You know how you can get lost on Pinterest for hours? Yup, like that. I can look at any number of individual profiles for hours taking in the quality of the photos, the layouts and everything that makes the images visually appealing. I often wonder if everyone online has a dedicated photographer on speed dial. Cuz I sure don’t.

So, what do you do when your photography skills are very limited? You get inspired and you learn “how-to”. I challenged myself to stop the point, shoot, click and hope for the best tactics. And learned a few basics to help me spruce up my photos.

(2 pieces of white Bristol board, iPhone camera 5s, Snapseed app for editing)

 

TIP #1 INSTAGRAM IS YOUR PORTFOLIO USE IT THAT WAY

I’ve taken a good look and studied the Instagram profiles of a few influencers that I admire. They all treat their profile as a secondary blog or showcase a body of work of some sort. It’s their portfolio. It helps promote who they are and what they do. Because of this, their images have a consistent tone, style, or colour scheme and quite often each photo aligns with their brand. As I work towards creating a seamless looking profile, I get lots of inspiration from online influencers ThisRenegadeLove, TheMattieJames and Kwame Delfish.

TIP #2 YOUR IPHONE AND A GOOD EDITING APP WILL DO

If you’re just starting out (and for the purposes of Instagram) you don’t need an expensive digital camera to take great looking photos. I use my iPhone 5s camera (yes, it still works) and the SnapSeed editing app to help me enhance and adjust my images. Snapseed and VCSO (another recommended app) are absolutely free. Take some time to learn each editing feature. I’ve made the mistake of trying to accomplish a look rather than learning how to use each feature to eventually get the look that I really want.  I often use the white balance, tune image and rotation features to customize my photos.

(iPhone Camera 5s, Snapseed editing app)

 

TIP #3 NATURAL LIGHT IS YOUR FRIEND

Natural light is everything. I’ve heard it time and time again, from the various photographers that I’ve worked with. I take advantage of the natural light that shines through the largest window in my home. When I shoot things like accessories,  I’ll take photos in the early part of the morning. Extremely sunny days can often create a shadow of the object you are trying to shoot. To block or minimize the appearance of a shadow, I often prop a piece of white Bristol board (folded in three parts) behind the object that I’m shooting.

TIP #4 STAGING THE PHOTO BACKGROUND CAN BE SIMPLE AND AFFORDABLE

For affordable photo backgrounds make a trip to your nearest dollar store and pick up two pieces of Bristol boards. Lay them on a flat surface, place the object in different positions and start shooting until you have something you like. It’s the easiest most cost efficient way to create clean looking photos. For a pop of colour, use brightly coloured Bristol boards or your brand colours.

Fabric works the same way. Purchase the ends of textured or print material from your local fabric store to use as your photo background. Furry materials, rugs or a fluffy white comforter often adds a soft touch to the photo. Be careful with very busy prints, it can distract from your primary object.

TIP #5 TAKE A CLASS

If you’re not one to learn on your own, a beginner photography class can get you off to a good start. I’m not saying take an entire certificate to add to your already busy life but an online tutorial course can teach you basic editing skills, photography styles or photo processing tips.  Skillshare (an online teaching platform) offers a large variety of simplified courses in almost any industry.  The best part is, each course is developed and taught by individuals experienced or currently working in the field.

Have any other tips to share?

 

Cheers for now!

Read More

Weekly Wisdom: Just Live

Sep 19, 2017

Posted by | Leave a Comment

I was stressing for a little while about life and all that comes with it. One thing that added to my stress was my lack of commitment to writing more frequently. Yes, time was a factor but more than anything else, I found myself overthinking every single topic I wanted to write about. Nothing seemed to fit or be good enough. It wasn’t a brand issue, it was an authenticity thing. Do I really want to talk about it, kinda thing. I couldn’t understand why it was so difficult for me to get something down and like it. I mean, I’m not new to this. I’ve done this before.

While voicing my frustrations out loud, my daughter said two little words that was a clear sign of the issue I was having. Those two words stuck with for the entire day and ended all my confusion.  “JUST LIVE!” She said. That was it. I wasn’t living. I was worrying. And the moment I stopped worrying and starting living the stress disappeared. The ideas started flowing again and now I have so much more to write to about.

 

Cheers,

Read More

Must Try Turmeric Infused Energy Boosters

Aug 24, 2017

Posted by | Leave a Comment

 

Getting through a tough work week can be tricky when overloaded with tasks and to do lists. For me, working a 9-5 while slowly transitioning to full-time blogging can be a bit stressful (mentally and physically). Working long hours can often make me feel sluggish and lack energy and a great energy booster often gets me through the day. I was never a coffee drinker and for better health I stopped drinking caffeinated teas and pop some time ago. As a natural alternative to any sugary or caffeinated drink, pure turmeric infused juices have been my savings grace!

Why turmeric juice?

  • It’s a great detoxifier for your liver and blood
  • It promotes good digestion and improves gas and bloating
  • It acts as a natural anti-inflammatory
  • Helps to boost the immune system

Haven’t tried a turmeric infused juice yet? Lucky for me our city has a number of organic juice bars with great tasting pure turmeric juices.

Here’s a few to get you started,

FRESH

Their cold pressed Healer blend is a mix of turmeric root, ginger, orange, pineapple, celery, lemon and Himalayan pink salt. They produce their juices in small batches, is 100% organic, raw, vegan and cold pressed.

www.freshrestaurants.ca

THE GROW UP

Their Golden Potion is a mix of yellow turmeric root, grapefruit, lemon, orange, ginger and hemp oil. They also have Runner’s High blend with white turmeric root, ginger, pineapple, lemon and chlorella.

www.thegrowop.ca

VILLAGE JUICERY

Their turmeric booster shot is a fresh blend of turmeric root, orange and black pepper.

www.villagejuicery.com

GREEN HOUSE JUICE

Their YYZ booster is a mixture of orange, turmeric, ginger, organic camu camu.

www.greenhousejuice.com

 

Try one it will be well worth it!

 

Read More

3 Ways To Take 10 Minutes And Make It Me Time

Jul 28, 2017

Posted by | Leave a Comment

 

Last weekend, I spent the entire weekend driving around running errands, dropping kids off, visiting with family and still had to find time to get some real work done. You know, like, developing content! It’s amazing how 12 – 18hrs can fly by without a moment’s notice.

By all means, I’m not complaining. I had an amazing weekend. I enjoyed an evening with friends as they celebrated their daughter’s recent graduation from law school. And stuffed my face at a 55th birthday BBQ. It was nice to lay back and not be bogged down with a long list of to do’s. But as much as I loved spending time in the sun, being outdoors, laughing and sharing good vibes, there’s that little voice in my head asking for just 10 minutes of me-time. Even if the time I’m spending with family and friends is enjoyable.

As a busy women, mother, blogger with very high entrepreneurial ambitions I can be taken so far down the work-business-family responsibilities rabbit-hole, I often forget to take time for myself. So, whenever I can squeeze in 10 minutes just for me,  I’ll take it!

10 MINUTES OF ME TIME !

Massage Yourself. I know it may not be as appealing as an actual massage. And the entire point of a massage is someone else doing the work. But if you’re undistracted and have time to sit with your head phones on and some warm body oil, a 10 minute self-massage allows your mind to slow down and your body to relax. If you can’t get to your entire body in 10 minutes (it’s difficult, I tried) attempt to get to your feet and hands. We tend to use them the most.

Colouring? I mentioned this briefly in my “How To Unplug” from social media post. Without trying, Adult colouring (yes, there’s a term) can be the most relaxing activity you can do in a matter of minutes. Have you ever picked up one of your children’s colouring books and found yourself meaninglessly doodling around to finishing an entire page some time later? I have. Colouring automatically calms the mind and forces your brain to focus. It’s been said to bring down stress levels, act as an alternative to meditation and helps you to enhance your creativity.

Take A Bath!  If you have a full house, wake up a bit earlier than your family, fill your tub with some scented oils (to help calm your nerves), Epsom salt (to relieve muscle pain, headaches etc) and soak. I’m a shower girl myself. I usually don’t have time to sit in a tub and do nothing. I constantly feel like there’s something I need to get to that absolutely can’t wait (hence the reason for this post). Like most, I do a lot of my thinking in the shower, or while I’m washing dishes.  When I do get time to take a bath and soak for a few minutes, I’m so calm I often find myself dosing off. I’m definitely more relaxed and have a clearer mind to start my day.

Do whatever it takes to get you to your stress free place. These are merely suggestions. All it takes is 10 minutes to get your mind and body back in balance.

Photos via

Love,

 

Read More

So You Want To Start A Blog?

Jul 21, 2017

Posted by | Leave a Comment

My very first blog post was published in November 2008. Shortly after, I started seriously blogging in 2009 for approximately two years or so. Blogging full-time, you would find me at some of the cities hottest events, interviewing well-known artists and connecting with various influencers along the way.  But with all the events, socializing and meeting people, I didn’t understand how to financially sustain a bloggers social lifestyle, produce unique mind-blowing content every single day and continue to grow an online audience for the long term. Not having the right tools, resources or knowledge to guide my next steps was a big factor in my (then) full-time blog very quickly becoming a part-time hobby.

Launching a blog today is fairly simple. There are far more tools, resources and templates to guide you. I’m a big fan of social marketing blog sites: Hubspot and Co-Schedule.  The hardest part in creating a successful blog is keeping your readers interested long enough so they find value in your content.  I read there’s approximately 6.7 million people that blog on blogging sites as of 2016.  That’s a whole lotta blogs! I remember back in ’09 companies weren’t sure what to do with a blog, let alone have a budget to market products and services online. Blogs were personal diaries, for the most part.

Even if creating an income from blogging isn’t your goal, how do readers notice you with so many blogs and bloggers online? Well, there’s no truer statement than “everyone has a story to tell,” advice to give, experiences and knowledge to share. And the simple truth is, no two stories are the exact same.  I recently told a friend, “Once I’m sharing my personal story online then my ‘news’ can never be outdated, it can never get old.”

If you’re passionate about starting a blog even in this oversaturated market, I say go for it!  I did.  But before you take the leap, here’s some simple advice,

  • Be consistent, really consistent. When I started, I posted daily and covered events weekly.  So decide what works for you and your capacity to write. If you’re posting once a week than make sure you blog every single week, religiously.  Some expert bloggers suggest that posting any less than twice a week isn’t enough to grow your audience.  I say start where you can and perfect your consistency.
  • Create good content when you begin but aim to create great content as you get more comfortable with posting consistently. As you define a clear direction and your blog audience, your content will be more targeted.
  • Blogging takes time, a lot of time. Time to research, write, edit, edit again and promote. But most importantly, it takes time to establish your blog and connect with your online audience. So put time aside, schedule it in your calendar, leave the house to create in a quiet area if you have to, but make the time to write.
  • Personalize your content. This may be difficult but your life  experiences mentioned in your posts resonates well with readers. It often gives readers an understanding of who you are.

Go ahead and take the leap. Happy blogging!

 

Love,

 

 

 

 

Read More
Like IAmWhatsHot on Facebook!
Check out our YouTube Videos!
Follow IAmWhatsHot on Instagram!
Follow IAmWhatsHot on Twitter!