Want to improve your networking? Read these best-selling books now!

Networking, as we all know, is essential for building connections professionally. When you network, you grow your business, and you also grow yourself.  It helps you build connections that can help you in the future, even with your circumstances. 

Whenever you go to a networking event, taking just a digital business card and preparing an opening pitch is not enough. You need to also work on your craft so that you are confident enough to go to any networking event. One of the best ways to gain enough confidence is through reading books on networking.

Want to know which books to read? Here is the list of the best books that will help you network.

1. The celebrity CEO: How entrepreneurs can thrive by building a community and a strong personal brand

A book by Ramon Ray is an incredible source through which you can build your brand. Having a brand is imperative when you want to go out and network. If you do not have a brand, what will you tell people about networking? 

A personal brand ensures you stand apart. Thus, read this book if you are looking to make a brand as the celebrity CEO helps with a strategy to make a personal brand.

2. Taking the work out of networking: An introvert’s guide to making connections that count

A book by Karen Wickre helps introverts network successfully. Introverts believe they cannot be good at networking. But with this book, any introvert can successfully network without changing themselves.

The book teaches an introvert to use their skills to make deep connections. Also, she teaches how to network one-on-one.

Making deep connections is what gets you going, and this book is for everyone who wants to network.

3. Super connector: Stop networking and start building business relationships that matter

This book by Ryan Paugh and Scott Gerber is essential for anyone who believes in quantity over quality. Several times, we go with the mindset of connecting with tons of people. In doing so, we might miss making meaningful and deep connections, which is essential. It tells you the importance of making a deep connection and giving importance to your time too.

Also, the book helps introverts who are unsure how to network through examples and more.

4. Networking is not working: Stop collecting business cards and start making collections that last

Derek Coburn, in his book about networking talks about the old approach. The one with going to a networking event, meeting people, and sharing business cards. Though it is the right approach, it is not enough even if you follow up later.

You need to work on other things, strategies and approaches if you wish to make a connection that lasts for long. How? Read this book now!

5. Friend of a friend: Understanding the hidden networks that can transfer your life and your career

Who says that you have to go out and network with people whom you do not know? You can network with people you know as well because they present a strong connection to you.

This book teaches you all about this, give it a try now!

How to use Instagram reels for growing your business?

 In June 2021, Instagram came up with a reels feature. In this, you can make short engaging videos that stay on your profile till you decide to delete them. A business or influencer using this the right way can ensure more likes and followers for their business.

Reels received positive reviews from critics, and even the audience loved this feature. For all businesses looking forward to blow-up their business, using reels is a must. Even if one of your reels blows up, it will give your business an incredible boost.

Here is how you can use Instagram's reels option to grow your business.

1. Instagram reels for brand story

A brand story is exactly what it sounds like! It is all about the reason why your brand exists, and irrespective of the business’s nature, every brand has it. Through reels, you can share your brand story in an engaging and fun way. Keep in mind to make it a sales pitch. Work on making it exciting and informative for people in a fun way.

2. Make educational content

Your audience is not always aware of how to use your products. Sometimes, they have to google it for answers from random people. Isn't it better if you tell them how to use it in a creative way? With the use of reels, you can share educational content about your product. It will ensure that they are aware of how to use your products and also follow your page.

3. Share the process

Every business has a process, the creative part, which is fun and intriguing for most people. For instance, if you have a small jewelry business, people would love to get a sneak-peak on how you pack the order or make jewelry and more. So, why not give it to them? Not only does it make for a great content piece, but it shows people how much time you spend on making beautiful and useful products for your customers.

4. Product video

Reels are seen by all, even the people who are not following you. It is an excellent opportunity for every business to get more views, followers, and engagement. Thus, you must make reels informing people about the products you make. Use trending songs or audios to show people what you are selling? Make it fun, short, quirky, something that will appeal to people.

5. Show behind-the-fun videos

Everyone wants to know how your business works. They want to see the people running the business and what all your employees are up to. So, show them BTS on how they make or pack products or more.

Also, show fun videos from office parties and more. All these show your humane side, which people love.

To ensure your reels work, use the above-mentioned ideas. Also, buy 50 Instagram video views for your reels to ensure your content is on top. Keep working on making engaging content. It will ensure that you do not end up losing the progress you made for your business through the reels.

Planning to visit Australia? Then do not make these mistakes.

Australia is one place that is on the bucket list of every backpacker. It is an ideal location, whether you want to go on a solo trip, or with friends or family, or for a romantic getaway. The scenarios, the culture, and everything is incredible here and will give you a homely feel.

However, there are a lot of things that we do not know about a new country. From its traditions to the lingo, there are many things we should be aware of when going to a new place. It will help us avoid mistakes that can ruin our trip in any minor or major way. Thus, in this blog, we are listing a few mistakes that you should never make when you are in Australia.

Mistake 1: Do not ask where Starbucks is

Starbucks is a massive coffee chain with a global presence. However, if you ask for directions to the nearest Starbucks, you will be making a huge mistake. Why? Because the coffee culture in Australia is quite intimate. There are cozy little cafes with quite an interesting history. Here you will get multiple varieties of single-serve coffee that use Nespresso compatible pods. Starbucks didn't survive here because people prefer their quaint little cafes better. 

Mistake 2: Disregard the prices you see in Australia

Australia is an expensive city to live in, there is no other way to put it. If you plan to travel here in any season, do not under plan your budget. Even the cost of eating here is expensive and getting alcohol is more expensive. People are often shocked to hear the price of living and eating here, which is a big mistake.

Mistake 3: Getting scared of wildlife

Australia has great wildlife, but you do not need to be afraid of it. Many people are afraid of Australia, thinking that they will encounter wild animals in the city limits. It is not true! They are always in the forest region only. The only animals you will see in the city are kangaroos or koalas. Also, if you do encounter any wild animals, just let them be, and you will be okay.

Mistake 4: Choosing to travel everywhere by train

Contrary to popular belief, traveling everywhere by train is not a feasible option. It is because Australia is a big country and you cannot cover it in one week. Also, you cannot travel by train everywhere as it is quite expensive. What you can do is look for other options like a budget airline.

Mistake 5: Not using a helmet when riding a bike

When you rent or get a bike to see Australia, you need to wear a helmet. If you do not do that, you will get fined on the spot. Do not think Australia is a small country. It is massive with tons of metropolitan cities and you need to plan your vacation according to it.

Australia is a marvelous place and you will enjoy it to the fullest. However, set your expectations right to have better fun.

4 Networking tips for journalists

Are you a journalist? Or a budding journalist or freelance journalist? If yes, networking is extremely essential for you. In this field, to determine a good scoop or find a source to figure out the truth behind a story, you need contacts. Also, networking means you meet like-minded people or people who have the power to help you out from a tight spot. A journalist could always use this, and thus, they must do their best to network.

For a journalist, networking opportunities can arise anytime. When they are chasing a story or attending an event and more. Thus, they need to be prepared. That means, carry a digital business card with them. Why digital? Because it helps them conveniently and sneakily share their details with anyone. Also, it is cost-effective, and as we know, journalism doesn't pay much. 

So, with your business card by your side, here is how you can network and make impeccable contacts.

Always try to say yes to an event invitation

Journalists are always seeking the truth. However, often they are shy and do not like to get out to socialize as they are trying to find some truth. But if you want to network, which can help you in the future, they need to get out of their comfort zone. If it is an industry event, you will get to be the leaders and icons of your industry. It gives you a chance to build a connection with them. If it is any other social event, you still get to meet people and sometimes find a connection or even a story.

Always be in contact with people

When you meet a prospective client at an event, stay in touch with them. Maybe you want to work or write for them in the future. If you want that, letting them know you are available is essential. That can only happen when you stay in touch with them. For instance, drop them a professional mail or call them up on festivals or important dates and more.

Do not try to sell yourself

If you are a budding reporter or journalist, do not try to sell yourself at an event. Whether the person whom you are looking to network with is from your field or not, it does not matter. Show interest in their life and work too. If you keep talking about yourself, it will not work. They will lose interest in building a connection with you. Thus, ask about their work, listen to their stories, and more to help build a connection.

Meet other journalists

In any industry event, you will meet many other journalists. Thus, it is essential that you greet them and not shun them away. A journalist community can help each other, and you should keep that in mind.

Knowing the right people can make a lot of difference. As a journalist, networking and making connections need to be your priority. It is all about getting people to trust you to share things with you, which they usually won’t. Try these tips now!

Want to be the best writer? Then practice these rituals daily!

 If you aspire to be a writer, there are a few things that you need to do daily. It is because to be a published and well-known writer, you need to work on your craft every day. If you let your guard down even a bit, it can affect your writing, and the competition in this field is too high.

Whether you are writing your first novel or writing an article, remember a few things. It will ensure you are the best at what you do. 

1. Read a lot

To be a better writer, you need to be an avid reader. Pick out any book, article, or magazine that is well-written and read it. Make it a habit to read at least one chapter or one page daily. That will ensure that you learn new words, or understand how people put forth their perspective and more.

2. Forget television

What you watch on television will not help you write. Sure, TV has creative content, but it is not right for budding writers to keep watching TV. Instead, read and write a lot to become the best writer your century will ever know.

3. Start writing daily

Make it a habit to write every day, even if it is for 10-15 minutes. That will help you hone your skills and be a better writer. You don't have to worry about the spelling or grammar, just free-write about anything. Maybe it can be towards a particular subject that will help you become perfect in it. Use the Scrivener alternative tool to write and organize all your free-writing stuff, in case you decide to use it to write your first book.

4. Don’t use exclamation points too much

We think that by using exclamation points, we are giving more emphasis to our sentences. The truth is that we are not. Instead of using exclamation points to show weight in our message, use your words and sentences to convey your message.

5. Prepare yourself to deal with failure

When you write a piece, you will face failure and criticism. You will self-doubt, and even other people will criticize your craft. However, do not let that distract you from writing. Take that failure and criticism in stride and keep writing. Do not give up writing a particular piece because you fear all this. It will not help you, but writing even when you do not feel like it, will help you overcome this challenge.

6. Don’t let rude comments change your mind

When you are writing a book or an article, you will find people who are not pleased by it. They will call you names, and you have to accept that. Do not try to please people, but write what you believe in.

There are tons of bad writers out there and you do not want to be one of them. Thus, practice these tips daily and you will become better for sure. Keep learning as writing is one field that keep evolving, and maybe there are a few tricks that can help you better your craft.

How to promote your bakery on social media?

Do you run a bakery? Do you want to promote it and get more business? Yes, you do! Then why not use social media to promote your bakery? When you share mouth-watering and appealing images of cakes or cupcakes on your profile, people would follow it instantly. Showing your craft online gets you, new customers. It also ensures that your old customers keep coming back for more orders. 

Another reason why you should use social media platforms for marketing your bakery is that it is cost-effective. Most of the time, you can promote your brand on social media free of cost. If you plan to run ads on it, that will cost, but not too much.

There are many benefits of using social media for your bakery business. How to do that? Read below for that!

Instagram- the best social media for bakeries

For any food-related business, using Instagram is the best social media platform. Why? Well, it is because Instagram is a visual platform, and when you share irresistible photos of cakes or donuts, nothing trumps IG. If you start an account on Instagram, here are a few things you need to do to get more likes, followers, comments, and engagement.

• Make a business account on IG as it gives you access to insight which is helpful for any brand.
• Create a hashtag relevant to your bakery. Use it in captions or posts and even place it in your bio so that your customers can use it too.
• Share appealing and aesthetically incredible photos.
• Make reels of your staff creating an incredible cake or something and post it on IG. Reels can blow up and give you more exposure.
• Post around lunchtime so that people can know at what time you operate. Also, it will make them more hungry at this time, and you may get many orders.
• Run promotional or discount offers on IG to engage more people.

Remember, if you buy 50 Instagram followers initially, it is okay. But only if you continue working on getting organic likes, followers, and engagement.

Facebook- The most used social media

Even now, after so many years, the power of Facebook is unmatched. That is why you need to have an account on Facebook too for the promotion of your business.

• Create a business page and choose a theme according to your brand.
• Next, upload a cover image representing your brand, preferably a logo. The cover image should also be related to your brand. You can even go with a cover video.
• Give them discounts for liking your FB page or posts. It is a perfect way to engage customers.

Note: Pinterest is also a great social media for bakeries.

To promote your bakery, you do not need to be on every social media platform. Do a little bit of research and determine which social media your customers are using. It is essential to be on those social media that your customers are on so that you can market your business. Try these tips and you will get better results.

Love coffee? Then you must know about these incredible facts about coffee

Whenever you see a historic movie, the characters are sipping tea. However, nowadays, most popular shows and movies have characters drinking coffee. It begs the question when did coffee come into existence? It also raises more questions about coffee. Thus, we are digging deep to share a few interesting facts about coffee that will amaze you.

Ready? Let's go!

Fact 1: 800 AD saw the first mentions of coffee

Many experts believe that in the 9th century, goat herders used caffeine when their goats ate fruit from the coffee plant. The goats intoxicated with caffeine danced the night away. A monk then decided to make a drink out of it and could not sleep the entire night. Thus, coffee, as we know and drink now, came into existence.

Fact 2: Brazil is the front runner when it comes to coffee production

When it comes to the production of coffee, every country has some region dedicated to it. But the best and most coffee production takes place in Brazil. It is responsible for producing about 1/3rd (almost 40%) of total coffee production. Vietnam is the second-largest producer of coffee. The third on this list is Colombia. 

Fact 3: Caffitaly pods are an Italian coffee brewing system

Australians love drinking coffee. Most people here start their day with a cup of java. One of the famous coffee systems here is the caffitaly pods. However, Australis is not the origin of this coffee. It is Italy. Yes, the land famous for espresso is also the creator of caffitaly pods. 

Fact 4: Coffee has a colorful history of getting bans 

Did you know that many people tried to ban coffee? In the 15th century, Mecca leaders were against coffee and banned it. Why? It is because according to them, coffee was promoting radical thinking amongst people.

In the 16th century, Italy’s clergymen also tried to ban it for promoting the worship of satan. However, Pope Clement VII tried this and fell in love with this decadent drink. Thus, he lifted the ban and also baptized it. A fun intriguing history for a beverage. No?

Fact 5: Coffee can lead to overdose

Did you know coffee overdose is possible? Yes, it can happen. Though, you would need to drink over thirty cups of coffee for it. 

Maybe coffee overdose doesn’t happen every day. But coffee addiction can happen. So, try to limit your coffee consumption to 4 cups a day and not more. 

Fact 6: There are four types of coffee beans

There are four types of coffee beans- Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa. However, only Arabica and Robusta are commercially consumed. Also, amongst these two, Arabica is more popular. Robusta has more caffeine and is bitter. 

Fact 7: Decaf coffee does have caffeine

Decaf does not mean that it does not have any coffee. The amount is less, around 12 milligrams, but it does have caffeine.

Aren’t these facts amazing? How many did you know? Tell us below. Also, these make for fun chats during your next coffee party with friends.