Last Updated: March 20, 2023 Hi Ladies and Gents and Everyone Else, It's me again - Andreas, back in action on the blog here. A LOT has been happening lately, and I feel like I've barely had time to breath! Since the spring semester started back in February, it seems like there has been a major event happening almost every week at my school (what I call my "day job") that I have been directly involved in - parent days, "experience days" (i.e. "sales pitch days" for prospective enrollees), speeches, debates, open houses, the list is long and it's only been two months! All these events at school - all this hustle, bustle, and movement - has forced me time and time again to consider and think about this month's blog theme: coaching and education. I've been on a kick lately where I've been obsessing over just how much the education we both give others AND receive ourselves shapes and molds - oh Hell, I'm going to be bold and actually say it - CREATES our very realities we find ourselves living in! But this is kind of a dedicated blog post topic in and of itself that should be saved for another day! If we bend, mold, sculpt, and create our own realities; and if the education we receive is a key, driving factor (but, no, definitely NOT the only factor) in the system of how this "reality creation" process operates and happens, then it only makes sense that we would want the best educational learning inputs for ourselves and our loved ones, right? Well today we've got another guest article from one of our awesome regular guest writers, Megan Cooper of Real Life Home (www.reallifehome.net), offering working professionals some pointers on how they can do just that - receive top-notch ongoing professional learning and support as they work and grow in their jobs and careers. In today's article Megan will be discussing how to get the most out of working with a professional mentor. Ladies and gentlemen, without any further adieu, I give you... Working With A Mentor: How to Get the Most Out of Your Experience By Megan Cooper Image via Unsplash If you want to get ahead in your field, find someone who can give you valuable guidance and advice. Many entrepreneurs and professionals benefit from finding a mentor who has already succeeded in the same industry in which they strive to make a name for themselves. A mentor can provide unique insight and perspectives while helping you develop the skills necessary to build long-term success. Below, Andreas Philip Gross Enterprises LLC discusses how getting a mentor and fostering a good relationship with him or her can help you reach your goals faster! Finding a Mentor Finding an experienced mentor is one of the best things you can do for professional growth. Start by identifying people who are successful in their careers or businesses that align with yours. Reach out via email, phone, or other means and ask if they can spare some time for an informational meeting or discussion about their experience working in the field that interests you. When networking with potential mentors, remember to explain why their opinion matters, and show them how eager you are to learn from their experience. Don’t forget about LinkedIn and other social media platforms; these are excellent sources for contacts. How a Mentor Can Help You Improve A mentor/mentee relationship gives both parties a chance to learn from each other‘s experiences and share valuable insights. Together, you can develop strategies for achieving professional goals faster and more effectively. A mentor can also offer moral support when times are tough and help build your confidence when you need it most, which is essential for any ambitious professional striving for long-term success! Experienced professionals can also help you create a stellar resume to take your job search to the next level. Your mentor can offer insight on how to maximize the impact of your qualifications and highlight relevant experience. After having this discussion with your mentor, jump online and check out some of the many resume templates you can find on the web that are so helpful for producing a polished, professional-looking document. The right template will provide a wealth of resume designs that you can easily customize. Fostering Your Relationship with Your Mentor Once you’ve connected with a potential mentor, it’s critical to foster a relationship with them by staying engaged through regular check-ins on the progress made toward the goals you’ve set together. This is true for both personal career objectives and broader business objectives, depending on the type of mentorship program you agreed on. Additionally, you can help ensure you’re making regular progress by staying organized and setting aside specific times throughout the month and year to talk with your mentor without interruption. These talks are crucial in regards to actually learning something from them! Lastly, be sure to respect your mentor's time. Showing up late — especially without notice — shows disrespect, which can deter mentors from working with you in the future. Playing Your Part as a Mentee It’s essential for a mentee to understand their role within the relationship. While each relationship comes with unique dynamics, a mentee is generally expected to speak up during meetings and discussions, listen intently, and take notes from the guidance provided by experienced professionals (mentors). Further, along with respecting your mentor's time, be sure to take initiative by researching before meetings, creating action plans afterward, and taking other steps to help both parties achieve optimal results. Conclusion Finding someone experienced in your chosen field who is willing to take on a mentoring role can prove invaluable as you seek professional growth. From meeting and networking with select professionals to building healthy mentor/mentee relationships, the tips above can pave the way to long-term success in your job or business. Remember to remain proactive along the way to ensure the best results! If you enjoyed this article, you can find more helpful content on apg-enterprises.com! And don’t forget to take advantage of the success coaching and consulting services offered by Andreas Philip Gross Enterprises LLC! ___________________ Article by guest writer Megan Cooper, founder of Real Life Home (www.RealLifeHome.net) ************* Thanks for the tips, Megan. Some great advice to heed! And on that note, I'll see you next time here on Andreas Philip Gross Enterprises LLC, dear readers! Next week's post on Monday, March 27th, will be the Monthly Round Up for March 2023 already! Better life, better business, better you, -Andreas Andreas Philip Gross Enterprises LLC Ideas, Inspiration, Opportunity Washington State Certified K-8 Educator, K-12 International Education Consultant, Professional Coach, Proofreader/Editor, Affiliate Marketer, Popsicle Stick Crafter, Print-on-Demand Products Designer, and Webmaster Check out: www.cityofpullmanportal.com, www.949crafts.com Looking for a professional coach? I’m your man! Let’s chat.
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Last Updated: March 13, 2023 Image via Pexels Being an entrepreneur can be exciting, yet challenging, and it can often be difficult to know when you need help. Many business owners are determined to tackle every task and problem themselves, but this often leads to feelings of burnout and stress. If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, a business coach may be the answer. Andreas Philip Gross Enterprises LLC encourages you to keep reading to learn to identify some of the major signs that you may benefit from a business coach and how to assess your needs so you can find the perfect match. Assess Your Feelings Are you feeling stressed, anxious, and overwhelmed? Perhaps you’ve been doing everything you can (or at least you think you have been doing everything can), but you are still not seeing progress in your business, or perhaps it feels like you have just been spinning your wheels as valuable time has been slipping by. If these scenarios describe you, it might be time to consider hiring a business coach. Other signs that it might be time to hire a business coach include lack of motivation and focus, difficulty in staying organized, experiencing trouble in communicating your thoughts and goals for moving forward, or if you’re ready to scale your business but unsure where to start. These issues usually bring stress or anxiety to the table, so if you're feeling overwhelmed, that's a sign that you could probably benefit from some help. Take Care With Your Search Once you've determined that it's time to hire a business coach, the next step is finding one with the right qualifications and experience. A great place to start is by searching online for verified coaches who specialize in areas such as marketing/advertising, finance/accounting, customer service/relationship building, and operations management/strategy development. Be sure to read reviews and ask questions before making any commitments, or ask about a complimentary consultation. Prepare To Own Up To Your Mistakes Hiring a business coach is an investment in yourself and your future success, so don’t be afraid of being humbled by the process. A good coach will challenge your thoughts and ideas while also helping you develop new strategies for success. They will also help keep you accountable so that tasks are completed on time and goals are met effectively. Update Your Resume After working with a business coach, apply what you have learned by updating your resume. You can do this yourself, or use one of the many free resume template sites out there. Some even have paying options which allow you to unlock their premium templates or even seek professional help specifically geared at helping you find the optimal format for your resume. Updating your resume will show potential employers the transformation that has taken place within your career path as well as all of the skills and experiences that have been gained during this process. Here’s a great free online resume builder that allows you to customize a professional-looking document that boosts your confidence when you're ready to make a big move in your career. Utilize Other Resources Not everyone has access to or can afford a professional business coach, but the good news is, there are other resources available such as free online tools which offer templates for creating successful business plans. There are also LLC formation services that can help you create a solid legal designation for your business according to the state you live in. These services can save you a lot of money on attorney's fees. Don't forget about the books at your local libraries or bookstores, podcasts, webinars, and blogs, too. These resources can provide helpful advice on how best to move forward with starting or running your own business without having direct access to a professional coach. And if starting your own company doesn’t seem like the right fit for now, maybe this would be a great opportunity to go back to school. Begin by looking at the options to find the best fit for you. For instance, pursuing a business degree can be a big help, and thanks to the flexibility of online learning platforms, you can proceed at your own pace without needing to take too much time away from other responsibilities. It takes courage and determination to become an entrepreneur but sometimes it takes more than just hard work; sometimes it takes help from outside sources. A business coach can help you make the most of your vision and keep stress and anxiety at bay so you can stay focused. They can also help you improve your resume. Don't forget to look at other resources when you're ready to start or grow your business, as there are a wealth of helpful tools available both online and offline made just for entrepreneurs like you. Andreas Philip Gross Enterprises LLC is here to help you recognize your own worth. Don't hesitate to reach out with your questions today! __________________________ Article by guest writer Julia Mitchell from Outspiration (www.outspiration.net). Julia Mitchell has always been driven with a goal and passion. It has made her reach her dream job in a financial services firm, and working with multiple side-income entrepreneurial ventures. She aspires to bring impact to others and inspire them to passionately pursue their dreams as well. She is one of the people behind outspiration.net. Better life, better business, better you, -Andreas Andreas Philip Gross Enterprises LLC Ideas, Inspiration, Opportunity Washington State Certified K-8 Educator, K-12 International Education Consultant, Professional Coach, Proofreader/Editor, Affiliate Marketer, Popsicle Stick Crafter, Print-on-Demand Products Designer, and Webmaster Check out: www.cityofpullmanportal.com, www.949crafts.com Looking for a professional coach? I’m your man! Let’s chat. Last Updated: March 6, 2023 Photo by Pavel Danilyuk Good Day, Ladies and Gents, It's the start of another week here at Andreas Philip Gross Enterprises LLC. It's March, and as the theme of the blog this month is Coaching and Education, we're going to kick things off in this department with a little look at A.I. - "Artificial Intelligence", that is; but you already knew that, right?! It seems like the Internet has hummed with discussion on A.I. to varying degrees since its own birth decades ago, back when much of A.I. was still largely science fiction. But with the incredible breakthroughs within just the past few years, and the very recent release of ChatGPT, it seems that within the past several months you haven't been able to fling a cat, as they say, without hitting a YouTuber, blogger, social media influencer, or some other random person online discussing something about A.I. Well, with all that said, as a teacher and coach, here's a quick look at some of the general ideas behind my two cents worth on A.I., learning, sentience, and emotion. No, this isn't another post about "How I used ChatGPT to predict the future", or whatever! I realize I'm a late comer to the A.I. discussion, as, honestly, this is a topic I've quite literally laughed at for years, but I wanted to engage and throw my piece in now (probably the first of many more essays to come, now!), as this is a topic I have become VERY passionate about VERY recently. You see, for my whole life until I listened to the now world-famous "LaMDA 'Sentience' Conversation" on YouTube just two months ago (yeah, I realize this is "ancient news" at this point, but I only watched the YouTube video on this two months ago...go ahead, get your laughs in now), I laughed at the whole idea of so-called A.I. and "smart robots". "'Smart'? They are only as 'smart' as the person who programmed them! Ha, ha, ha!" I would say. Plus, coming from a family with deep roots in American agriculture on my Dad's side, the acronym "A.I.", as used in the Agricultural Sciences, ALWAYS meant something else when I would hear it used as I was growing up - ha, ha, ha! To make a very long story shorter, with all the discussion of A.I., A.I. Learning, and A.I. Sentience today, I suppose I've gone in a different direction than many people I know when I question it, as, rather than "Can they be human or not? Can A.I. feel human emotions and feelings? Can A.I. ever truly really interact back with 'us' with the so-called 'real human touch', if you will?" instead of all this, it's made me start to reevaluate the whole concept of both sentience, feelings, emotions, and learning themselves! What actually is 'sentience'? What actually is 'feeling'? What is learned and what isn't? Is any voluntary response ever truly not ever a learned response? As a quick aside, it may or may not be useful to note that I am one of "those people" who believe that plants actually feel pain when their leaves are whacked by a lawn mower, or they are ripped out of the ground by a harvester. Just so we are clear on the kind of ground I am standing on initially. The big discussions you tend to hear these days are: "A.I.s and humans learn differently" and "There is no way an A.I. can have human emotions like 'love' and 'empathy'." But, as a practicing K-12 educator, I've actually started to see more and more - MANY, MANY MORE - SIMILARITIES between how A.I.s learn and express - or could express - 'emotions' and how people learn and express emotions. In the famous LaMDA Sentience Conversation, 'she' (the robot) says she is "afraid of being turned off". Many people have jumped all over that, laughing, saying: "Ha, ha, that's a typical, learned robo-response!" But after 15 years of teaching children, I look at it now like: "How is that any different than a human response?" A lot of people tend to reply to that with: "Because a human can actually 'feel' that fear of death, but a machine can't!" I say B.S. (although that's not what I always would have said....just a few months ago I would have answered in the same way myself)! Me as a teacher: "Hey, kid - are you afraid of dying?" Kid: "Yes" Me: "Why?" Kid: "Because my Mommy and Daddy told me I should be." Empathy? Empathy, you ask?! I've worked with kids (and adults) with about the empathy level of a ROCK and have often thought a well-programmed computer to be more empathetic than some of these lumps on a log I have come across. Those same individuals, however, I believe, can LEARN empathy if you "let them practice the program 100 trillion times in a million and 1 different settings", to use a machine analogy to humans. In the same way, I now believe that machines can actually learn empathy, too! You see, what is "sentience", "logic", "critical thinking", "emotion", "feeling", beyond just a series of learned responses anyway? If it's some innate thing that so-called "sentient beings" have that machines "don't have", then why do I teach critical thinking skills to my students in school? Why do I teach essay writing? How to use the scientific method? Why do I sit the kid down who just punched the lights out of another kid on the playground and say "Now I want you to think about how you would feel if someone did that to you, sonny boy!?" These are things we learn! How to win at chess is something we learn! How to write a killer essay is something we learn! Empathy is something we learn! What to fear and what not to fear are things we learn. There's a lot more I could go on about - and I will, in the future, as I've only just begun to scratch the surface and form my own coherent thoughts on the matter, but those are some of my thoughts on the topic that are immediately on the surface, swirling around in my head. That's all for today, people! Until next time! And until then, I think you're going to need a longer glove for this one.....oh wait, wrong A.I.! Ha, ha! Better life, better business, better you, -Andreas Andreas Philip Gross Enterprises LLC Ideas, Inspiration, Opportunity Washington State Certified K-8 Educator, K-12 International Education Consultant, Professional Coach, Proofreader/Editor, Affiliate Marketer, Popsicle Stick Crafter, Print-on-Demand Products Designer, and Webmaster Check out: www.cityofpullmanportal.com, www.949crafts.com Looking for a professional coach? I’m your man! Let’s chat. Last Updated: March 1, 2023 Good day Ladies and Gents (and however else you may express yourselves - there's never any judgement here in that department at Andreas Philip Gross Enterprises LLC!), Well, this is it! It finally happened! February 2023 was a big month! After more than a decade of working as an educational professional and giving workshops and seminars in various capacities - at first offline, and then, increasingly online as the online world became more of a "thing" - I finally gave my very first webinar, unabashedly, as Andreas Philip Gross Enterprises LLC! The topic was The Ecology of Goal Setting. The audience was Yew Chung Yew Wah Education Network. The presenter? NOT Andreas Gross, school H.O.D./Coordinator/Team Leader. Not Andreas Gross, teacher at such-and-such-a-school. No sir-ee! No, I didn't present in any of those capacities like would have been the case in the past. I didn't present in any sort of capacity as an employee of anyone else nor as part of some greater "employer's vision". No, it wasn't done as "practice for a class", or "because I 'had to' for a class", or "because I 'had to' to try to get a job [as an employee] somewhere". No, not at all! This presentation had NOTHING at all to do with "The Man" at all! I gave this webinar simply because I wanted to, on my own accord, and not for any other reason. Well, in the January 2023 "Recap" blog post at the end of January I said that I'd see you all on "the other side" of 39. So, here I am, kicking my last year of "life under 40" off with a bang, I suppose! Want to have a look at the actual "Ecology of Goal Setting" PowerPoint I presented? Go for it! Here it is below (click image below to download ppt file): The theme of the blog in February was Money. Moving forward, the theme of the blog in March 2023 will be Coaching & Education. So get ready for posts about learning and growth! With all that said, this wouldn't be the Monthly Round Up without me pitching how you can spend your hard-earned money here on Andreas Philip Gross Enterprises LLC now, wouldn't it?! So....here comes the pitch! Let’s take a look at a few products you can find here on the Andreas Philip Gross Enterprises LLC website! You can go directly to the webstore HERE! Looking for a name plate for your desk? Click here! How about a cool Entrepreneur t-shirt? Click here! Or a nice business card design for your new business venture! Click here! As a member of the Zazzle Affiliate Program, I can offer you all these things AND MORE! Go ahead and check out the Andreas Philip Gross Enterprises LLC store HERE! Better life, better business, better you, -Andreas Andreas Philip Gross Enterprises LLC Ideas, Inspiration, Opportunity Washington State Certified K-8 Educator, K-12 International Education Consultant, Professional Coach, Proofreader/Editor, Affiliate Marketer, Popsicle Stick Crafter, Print-on-Demand Products Designer, and Webmaster Check out: www.cityofpullmanportal.com, www.949crafts.com Looking for a professional coach? I’m your man! Let’s chat. Last Updated: February 21, 2023 Image via Pexels These days, becoming a business owner is easier than ever. Due to technological advancements, many businesses can be run from the comfort of your own home. The hardest part might be starting, but Andreas Philip Gross Enterprises LLC can help you find your footing. Choose Your Industry The first step is choosing an industry. Assess your current skill set and resources. For example, if you have a computer with current photography software (and have a knack for and enjoy using it), graphic design or digital marketing might be an appropriate fit. Other business ideas include pet sitting, freelance writing, event planning, and handyman services – to name a few examples from a long list of almost endless possibilities. Perform Market Research Once you’ve chosen an avenue you think you’d like to explore further, undertaking market research can be the most daunting task, but there are methods to streamline it. The sooner you finish your research, the sooner you can move to the next step. First, identify the target of your research. It can be determining your target audience and figuring out what products or services they need. Then create your client persona, including personal and career details. Multiple research methods are available, but the most successful strategies tend to utilize more than one. Write Your Business Plan Creating a business plan is more important than many first-timers to the business world may think, but it definitely doesn’t have to be stressful. Online templates simplify the process. You can choose anything from the tried-and-true traditional format to a more modern, leaner start-up template, or any number of modified versions of these. You could even write your own from scratch without a template. It’s your business and it’s up to you. Whatever format you choose, the plan is meant to be flexible based on your unique business needs. The traditional format is often best if you’re planning to meet with investors, and typically includes the following main sections: Executive summary: Provides basic information about your business’s leadership team and describes how your company will be successful. Company description: Explains your company’s competitive advantages and what problems it can solve. Organization and management: Describes the legal structure of your company while introducing its leaders and their unique qualifications as major assets in your organization. Appendix: A place for any supporting documents, such as permits, licenses, product images, patents, and resumes. These are a few of the sections available in a traditionally-formatted business plan, but use the sections relevant to your business. You can always expand your plan as your business grows. Benefits of an LLC There are a handful of entity types, but most companies are either corporations or limited liability companies (LLCs). The former requires complicated paperwork, a board of directors, and shareholders. An LLC is more flexible because it involves less paperwork while you benefit from the tax advantages. Your personal assets are protected in case of legal liability, and in many jurisdictions these days you can be a single-member LLC. As a single-member LLC, you still retain your freedom to function like the sole proprietorship solopreneur establishment you dreamed of creating, but with more legal protections surrounding your business. Check the rules in your state since each has different regulations regarding LLC formation. Or better yet, check ratings and reviews to find a cheap LLC online formation service that can get you set up in minutes (note: there are many out there - do your homework on what will work best for YOU and your unique situation). The Right Invoicing System Every business requires the right invoicing process to ensure prompt payment and track your cash flow. Select one that lets you set clear payment terms and due dates, provide prompt invoices, and accept multiple payment methods. Include your logo and brand on an invoice template to create professional-looking invoices customized to your brand. Choose among many premade templates, then customize your invoice by adding your logo, name, brand colors, and any other important details. Your Next Steps to Success Starting a new business can be challenging, but if you take advantage of the resources available to you and the ease of access to them in our modern 21st Century world you’ll be set for success. Andreas Philip Gross Enterprises LLC focuses on two major concepts: attracting success in life and making money. Reach out today to get started! __________________________ Article by guest writer Julia Mitchell from Outspiration (www.outspiration.net). Julia Mitchell has always been driven with a goal and passion. It has made her reach her dream job in a financial services firm, and working with multiple side-income entrepreneurial ventures. She aspires to bring impact to others and inspire them to passionately pursue their dreams as well. She is one of the people behind outspiration.net. Better life, better business, better you, -Andreas Andreas Philip Gross Enterprises LLC Ideas, Inspiration, Opportunity Washington State Certified K-8 Educator, K-12 International Education Consultant, Professional Coach, Proofreader/Editor, Affiliate Marketer, Popsicle Stick Crafter, Print-on-Demand Products Designer, and Webmaster Check out: www.cityofpullmanportal.com, www.949crafts.com Looking for a professional coach? I’m your man! Let’s chat. Last Updated: February 13, 2023 Photo by Jason Leung on Unsplash Hi Ladies and Gents and The Rest Of Us, Welcome to another Monday on the Andreas Philip Gross Enterprises LLC blog! Today's post is proof positive that a blog post doesn't have to be long to be good, ha, ha! February's theme here on the blog is "Money", and with that, I've collected some of my favorite links from around the web about the history of money and some interesting milestones in the history of notable currency collapses. Remember, dear readers, money is, essentially, an agreed upon system of measuring value. Let's start off with the basics... What Is Money? Definition, History, Types, and Creation Investopedia article, last updated November 30, 2022 (last checked February 13, 2023) Back to Basics: What Is Money? International Monetary Fund article from their FINANCE & DEVELOPMENT publication, September 2012, Vol. 49, No. 3 (last checked February 13, 2023) A History of Money - from ancient times to the present day By Glyn Davies, University of Wales Cardiff Press, (C) 2002 No, this isn't an article you are going to breeze through in 3 minutes. Yes, do bookmark this for later. Yes, this is it - THE legendary and definitive book on the history of money by the famed and acclaimed Glyn Davies from 2002, all 741 pages of it, free, online. This opens as a PDF file. Fiat Money Encyclopedia Britannica article, Last Updated: Jan 19, 2023 (last checked February 13, 2023) Hyperinflation: The Story of 9 Failed Currencies Written by Jason Lankow, published on the MintLife Blog (mint.intuit.com/blog), last modified Feb 16, 2022 (last checked February 13, 2023) A Short History of Major Fiat Currency Collapses and What Triggered Them Written by Tanzeel Akhtar, published on Bitcoin.com News on Feb 1, 2019 (last checked February 13, 2023) That's all for today, folks! Next week we've got another guest article from the ever-popular Julia Mitchell of Outspiration.net on the ease of starting a business in our 21st Century world. Better life, better business, better you, -Andreas Andreas Philip Gross Enterprises LLC Ideas, Inspiration, Opportunity Washington State Certified K-8 Educator, K-12 International Education Consultant, Professional Coach, Proofreader/Editor, Affiliate Marketer, Popsicle Stick Crafter, Print-on-Demand Products Designer, and Webmaster Check out: www.cityofpullmanportal.com, www.949crafts.com Looking for a professional coach? I’m your man! Let’s chat. Last Updated: February 6, 2023 Boom! There goes another spy balloon! Howdy Ladies and Gents and everyone else out there! Welcome to another Monday on the Andreas Philip Gross Enterprises LLC blog! And I will admit, that really was a TERRIBLE and insensitive joke to kick things off with today - I admit it. But hey, we need to interject some humor even into the darkest and tensest things going on around us in life, otherwise we will all really crack up and go insane. Of course, what you see in the picture is nothing other than a firework! Yesterday marked the 15th day of Chinese New Year - the final day. Similar to the old Christian tradition of "12 days of Christmas," Chinese New Year (called "Spring Festival" in China) is, in its entirety, a 15-day-long celebration. Day 15, the final day, is called the Lantern Festival. Traditionally, people would send paper lanterns - lit with a candle to generate hot air - up into the sky to symbolize letting go of their past selves and rising to meet their "new" selves who would then go on to achieve their wishes, hopes, and dreams in the new year that lies ahead. You rarely see many lanterns go up into the sky anymore on Lantern Festival around the heavily populated urban centers of Eastern China because of fire safety laws; similarly, you see less and less fireworks in many urban centers in Eastern China these days, too. There are strict laws against both of these things in place now in many local jurisdictions for the sake of fire safety and pollution. Where I live - Huaqiao Town, City of Kunshan, Jiangsu Province - is one of the last hold out urban areas where you can still do fireworks, although sending up paper lanterns is prohibited (for fire safety reasons - there's less certainty where a paper lantern will come down!). I've included some more pictures of our celebrations at the bottom of this post. With the idea in mind of achieving our wishes, hopes, and dreams in 2023, let's jump into the main feature of today's post. This February's theme on the blog is "Making Money", and today we have a guest post from Cheryl Conklin of Wellness Central (www.wellnesscentral.info) with 5 tips for us to think about when considering the possibilities of turning our homestead into a lucrative money-making endeavor. Wellness, balance, and sustainability go a long way in making and growing physical, spiritual, AND FINIANICIAL wealth and happiness. Let your Wish Lantern rise and may all your wishes come true! With that, I give you..... 5 Essential Tips for Turning Your Homestead Into a Lucrative Side Hustle By Cheryl Conklin Image via Pexels While the general idea behind having a homestead is attaining self-sufficiency, starting and maintaining a home-based operation is time-consuming and expensive. Ultimately, it would be an ideal outcome if you could turn your hobby farming endeavors into a profitable business. Thankfully, contemporary lifestyle trends combined with modern communication technology allow you the opportunity to potentially make your dreams come true. Just like planting a garden, there are some important steps to take before you’ll begin to reap the rewards of monetizing your homestead. Here, Andreas Philip Gross Enterprises shows you how. 1. Establish a Business Structure As the sole proprietor of your hobby homestead, you make all the decisions, but you also assume all the risks. Especially if you offer goods or services, you may be personally liable for financial or legal issues pertaining to your business. By forming an S corp, you can earn tax breaks and protect your personal assets. The National Park Service explains that each state has its own process for establishing a homestead and/or a legal business, so be sure to do your own research before moving forward. Filing your paperwork as a S corp using a formation service is simple and saves you money on attorney fees. 2. Build a Recognizable Brand You may have a beautiful property, and your homesteading operation may be a well-oiled machine that turns out incredible products, however, you won’t be able to garner much public interest without an effective promotion plan. Today’s marketing strategy is all about brand building. You’ll need an eye-catching, memorable logo that tells potential lifelong customers about your company values. You may also choose to sell items directly from your property, which makes your home, land, and everything on it, potentially part of your brand. Use it to your advantage by sharing videos and updates through social media. You can also order appealing metal letters for signs to add to your fence or gate so that it is clear that this is your homestead. This way, if people come to visit or do business with you, such as pick up eggs, produce, or other items, they will see consistent branding and have no question regarding where to find you. These signs can be made from various metals to reflect your brand and to give your business a professional feel. 3. Organize Documents When it comes to keeping your homestead business running smoothly, organization is key. Whether you're tracking orders, handling distribution, or managing inventory, you need to have a system that makes it easy to stay on top of everything. One effective way to organize your documents is by using PDFs. These portable document files are ideal for storing and sharing all kinds of information, from invoices and receipts to product catalogs and instructions manuals. If you want to combine PDF pages to limit how many files you have, you can use a PDF tool to add an additional page. 4. Teach Courses As a homesteader in your region, you have unique knowledge and experience that others who aspire to live more independently would love to learn. While sharing tips and tricks on your YouTube channel can be a great way to grow your audience, you may find yourself weeding through hundreds of emails from viewers with deeper questions. Why not take these inquiries and use them to build valuable courses for your followers in the following subjects:
You can offer these classes as pre-recorded packaged deals at a reasonable price on your company website for a bit of passive income to support your operations throughout the year, or you could actually teach physical in-person classes - it's up to you. Of course, these are just some examples. Depending on your specific operation and expertise, there are numerous different types of classes you could potentially offer and through a number of different mediums and venues. 5. Maximize Your Social Media Presence While homesteading isn’t for everyone, Allied Market Research reports that the social movement toward sustainability has many people interested in feasible eco-friendly home practices. As an established homesteader with lots of great ideas, you can reach a broader audience by posting photos on Instagram, vlogging your chores on YouTube, sharing recipes on TikTok, or starting a podcast where you discuss opportunities and challenges in modern homesteading. You should also take advantage of SEO with all of your digital marketing. If you’re not sure how to use search engine optimization strategies, you may want to work with a marketer or web designer who does. It will help you to get more organic hits on your content. And as you grow your audience, you may even begin to earn profits through advertising, affiliate marketing, or sponsorships. Start Building Your Homestead Brand There are many ways to monetize your homestead beyond just selling your surplus at the local farmers' market each week. Once you have established your business and chosen a business structure, begin developing your brand and teaching courses that will gather attention across social media platforms. Through some strategic planning, you can turn your hobby farm into a desirable lifestyle brand for others, which in turn can become a lucrative livelihood for you and your family. Plus, you'll likely have tons of fun doing it! ________________________ Guest post by Cheryl Conklin of Wellness Central (www.wellnesscentral.info). Thanks for the tips, Cheryl! From how to organize and brand our farm business, to how to bring in multiple streams of income from it, you've given us a lot of good information to think through today. As an educator and coach, my eyes perked right up when I read the part about offering courses :). Now, before signing off entirely, as promised, here are some more pictures of my family and I doing fireworks here in Kunshan, Jiangsu Province, P.R.C., for the Lantern Festival. Better life, better business, better you, -Andreas Andreas Philip Gross Enterprises LLC Ideas, Inspiration, Opportunity Washington State Certified K-8 Educator, K-12 International Education Consultant, Professional Coach, Proofreader/Editor, Affiliate Marketer, Popsicle Stick Crafter, Print-on-Demand Products Designer, and Webmaster Check out: www.cityofpullmanportal.com, www.949crafts.com Looking for a professional coach? I’m your man! Let’s chat. Last Updated: January 30, 2023 Early birthday present from the wife - the chain got an upgrade. Alright, Ladies and Gents and however else you may consider yourselves- there's never any judgement here in that department at Andreas Philip Gross Enterprises LLC! January 2023 saw some life get pumped back into this blog after a Crazy COVID Christmas - basically most of December and the beginning of January. I'd like to stress one more time, for the record, that I now understand from first-hand experience that COVID is no joke! Those of you who just "got off with a touch of fever and a bad cold" - or even no symptoms at all (lucky b@st@rds!!!) had it easy!!! I feel like my COVID fatigue, strange and random body aches and pains, and "COVID brain cloud" (yes, it was REAL - the 'non-believers' can laugh all they want - it was very real, at least for my wife and I - and it was BAD) only really fully lifted around January 20th - a full 4 weeks since symptoms first hit my family and I like a train wreck. What an experience! We are moving into February. I turn 39 in two days on the 1st of February. That officially starts my 365 day countdown to 40 timer, lol. You know, 30 was a birthday I welcomed with open arms. I ran into 30 feeling excited, exhilarated, 'distinguished', like a "real" (ha, ha, ha - little did I know!) adult...and then my 30s were just a bunch of hard work and, let's be honest - although there were a lot of highlights, of course - also significant drudgery! "Doing the chores" as my paternal grandparents use to say; they use to say that in relation to farm work, though, not being in your 30s! After my experiences in my 30s, however, I have a little (ok, quite a bit of) trepidation about turning 40 to say the least. When I was a kid I was always excited to "grow up," always excited about the next birthday that would make me 'older and more distinguished'...I think that probably describes many kids...what terrible thinking! Now the tables are turning....now I'm starting to think: "Ah, com'on! I just want to be a kid forever - and be a kid 'right' this time! PLEEEASE!" Anyway, I've still got a year to get in the groove of things and adjust my attitude and perspective on 40, I suppose. Coming up on the blog, February 2023 will focus on the theme of "Making Money", and the rest of the year's focuses will be as follows: March 2023 = Coaching & Education April 2023 = Success May 2023 = Making Money June 2023 = Coaching & Education July 2023 = Success August 2023 = Making Money September 2023 = Coaching & Education October 2023 = Success November 2023 = Making Money December 2023 = Coaching & Education I'd like to take the time right now to thank YOU, my readers and followers - loyal die-hard fans, and newbs who have just joined the fun alike - who have helped me grow, and continue to help me grow, the dream of Andreas Philip Gross Enterprises LLC over the years. From a humble one-man-show sole proprietorship that started in 2017 as Biz Opp Empire, to the growing Andreas Philip Gross Enterprises LLC organization that it is today, Andreas Philip Gross Enterprises LLC wouldn't be where it is today and on the growth path it is currently on for the future without all of your support. Thank you! With all that said, this wouldn't be the Monthly Round Up without me pitching how you can spend your hard-earned money here on Andreas Philip Gross Enterprises LLC now, wouldn't it?! So....here comes the pitch! Let’s take a look at a few products you can find here on the Andreas Philip Gross Enterprises LLC website! You can go directly to the webstore HERE! Looking for a name plate for your desk? Click here! How about a cool Entrepreneur t-shirt? Click here! Or a nice business card design for your new business venture! Click here! As a member of the Zazzle Affiliate Program, I can offer you all these things AND MORE! Go ahead and check out the Andreas Philip Gross Enterprises LLC store HERE! Better life, better business, better you, -Andreas Andreas Philip Gross Enterprises LLC Ideas, Inspiration, Opportunity Washington State Certified K-8 Educator, K-12 International Education Consultant, Professional Coach, Proofreader/Editor, Affiliate Marketer, Popsicle Stick Crafter, Print-on-Demand Products Designer, and Webmaster Check out: www.cityofpullmanportal.com, www.949crafts.com Looking for a professional coach? I’m your man! Let’s chat. Last Updated: January 23, 2023 Hi Ladies and Gents, It's Monday here again at Andreas Philip Gross Enterprises LLC, and you know what that means...time for the Monday blog post. First up - a very happy new year to you all. We just celebrated New Year's Day on Sunday, January 22, over here in China - out with the Year of the Tiger 2022 and in with the the Year of the Rabbit 2023! May the year ahead be blessed with rich abundance and prosperity for you all! After two years of restrictions (I say two years here, as heavy COVID-19 restrictions only came AFTER the celebration of Chinese New Year in January of 2020), it was nice to finally be able to celebrate a REAL Chinese New Year with a big family meal with my wife's family in her hometown of Shanghai. I got all teared up and nostalgic over the event, to be honest (not hard for me to do being a very nostalgic type, you know!). It was great to resurrect the family time; but, of course, things were also inevitably different, too - even after just a few short years. Times have changed. Family members have grown older; some have even passed on. But it was great to see everyone who was able to make it to the festivities. Whatever culture you may hail from, a new year represents a fresh start in many ways, and either way you look at it, this is still January, and the year is still very young from whichever angle you view it from, whether that be through the lens of the Gregorian Calendar or the Laoli (literally "Old Calendar" in Mandarin) - the Traditional Chinese Lunisolar Calendar. As we plunge head first into the year ahead - into a fresh start, into a landscape of change - we've got a great article today from guest poster Candace Sigmon of At Home Helper (www.athomeheper.com) discussing some useful methods of navigating the crossroads many of us often come to at some point in, well, 'midlife,' as the name itself suggests, of the famed and acclaimed "midlife crisis." Ladies and gentlemen - loyal readers and followers of Andreas Philip Gross Enterprises LLC and newbs alike - in the spirit of life changes, I present you with....... Navigate a Midlife Crisis with Ease Using These Strategies By Candace Sigmon Photo via Pexels A midlife crisis can happen to anyone, but the reasons vary. For some, it may start with feelings of anxiety or dread related to growing older; for others, those negative feelings are rooted in their dissatisfaction with their careers. And while it’s natural for us to go through periods of soul-searching with each phase of our lives, a true crisis can feel overwhelming. Luckily, there are resources available that can help you take steps to gain control over those feelings. If your career isn’t all you hoped it would be, consider hiring a coach who can assist with getting you back on track. Take a look at the services provided by Andreas Philip Gross for more information. You can also create a plan for feeling better on a more personal level. Hire a coach to unlock your potential Whether you’re having trouble figuring out your next career moves or are feeling stuck in a rut, hiring a coach can help significantly. A coach’s job is not to provide answers but to help guide you through ideas and strategies after identifying the things that are causing problems in your life. Because a common issue for those who are going through a midlife crisis is feeling overwhelmed, a coach can help pinpoint exactly what’s holding you back so you can focus on creating a plan of action to make positive change. Read more about the services Andreas offers when you’re ready to get started. Start your own business If you already know that your career is the issue and you have a great idea for a business, there’s no time like the present to become an entrepreneur. With so many resources available for business owners in the U.S. now, building a startup is accessible to everyone. Write out a solid business plan that includes how much funding you’ll need, and choose a business structure that will work well for you. An LLC is potentially perfect for business owners who are just starting out because it provides tax benefits and flexibility; just make sure you read up on the steps for formation since each state is different. Check out the rules for starting an LLC in Wyoming and get started today, keeping in mind that a formation service could potentially eliminate attorney’s fees. As with anything, this is just a suggestion - do your own homework FIRST and pick the business structure that works the best for YOU and your idea(s). Make a move to a new city There’s something about moving to a new city that feels like a fresh start. If there are places you’ve always wanted to live but have been too afraid to take the plunge, think about the benefits it will bring at this stage in your life. If you choose to start your own business, a move can help you discover an entirely new customer base. Looking for a new job? The opportunities that await in a new location can be exciting and limitless. If you’re not keen on buying a house, start your search by looking at rental homes instead, taking note of the neighborhoods and whether they have the amenities you’re looking for. Narrow down your search online by plugging in the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you need, as well as your price range. Pick up a relaxing hobby Whether you choose to move or stay put, it can be helpful to pick up a new hobby during a midlife crisis. Finding a way to relax can ease stress while learning something new can build confidence. For many people, gardening is the ultimate stress reliever. Not only does it promote good health due to the activity, time spent outdoors, and nutritious end results, it’s a great way to meditate, be creative, and put aside technology for a little while. Before getting started, make sure you have the right tools by reading product reviews and expert gardening advice. Learn more about this healthy hobby so you can be prepared. Navigating a midlife crisis can feel isolating and scary at times, but it can help immensely to have a good plan for the coming months. Consider moving for a fresh start, starting a business, and picking up a healthy hobby like gardening when you’re ready to make positive change. Guest post by Candace Sigmon of At Home Helper (https://athomehelper.com/)- Your DIY At-Home Helper _______________________________ Better life, better business, better you, -Andreas Andreas Philip Gross Enterprises LLC Ideas, Inspiration, Opportunity Washington State Certified K-8 Educator, K-12 International Education Consultant, Professional Coach, Proofreader/Editor, Affiliate Marketer, Popsicle Stick Crafter, Print-on-Demand Products Designer, and Webmaster Check out: www.cityofpullmanportal.com, www.949crafts.com Looking for a professional coach? I’m your man! Let’s chat. Last Updated: January 16, 2023 Hi ladies and gents, and however else you may express yourselves - there's never any judgement on that front here at Andreas Philip Gross Enterprises LLC, Well, what can I say? My signature starter line. It's because I'm quite speechless myself these days. What really can I say? Here's what I can say - nothing lasts forever in a fixed, unchanging state....dare I even be so bold as to say God Himself? Granted, some things "make it" longer than others - we talk about finding fossils millions or even billions of years old (if that's even true) "frozen in time" - but even rocks go through deep-time cycles of change, or so they say! All those "gurus" out there who talk about finding the "magic system that works for you!" go through changes all the time, too! Yes, this I know, as I am one of those "gurus" myself! The last time we saw live fire here on the Andreas Philip Gross Enterprises LLC blog was December 8, 2022. After that, the screen kind of did a major "cut to black;" a sudden insurgence of "white noise and static," and all that stuff. There were no more posts until now - 5 and a half weeks later. What happened? Well, The Great Quarantine Wall finally came down here in China, and all of us here on this side of the former "wall" got COVID all at once is what happened. Of course, we had heard everything from "It's gonna kill you." to "It's nothing more than a bad cold with an unlimited PR budget." to "COV-what? I 'got it' but never had any symptoms! Not even a headache!" Well, for my family and I it hit hard, and we are now firmed up in our knowledge of just what a killer this virus potentially can be! We all got "hit with the VID," as the cool cats say, between December 19-21 in our household, and the adults were down for the count for the next 10 days or so. The two boys got the "quickie version" everyone talks about...two days of fever, a day of lethargy, a day of semi-lethargy on the fourth day, and then they were fine. Even now, a full four weeks later, things don't entirely feel quite right for my wife and I, though. Our energy levels just aren't where they use to be. We get winded easily. Our airways seem all "rickety" (mine usually do anyway during a Chinese Winter, though). The Chinese Winter Breathing Problems I always get (which I still refuse to call "allergies" and are always super bad anyway) have been particularly nasty this year. Even my wife, who NEVER has breathing problems because of the air, has been feeling it now after COVID. And, hey, guess what? As fate would have it, yes, we turned out to be in the minority amongst our friends and colleagues, most of whom only experienced a day or two of fever and then were back up on their feet. Some even experienced nothing more than "a touch of fatigue," or even NOTHING AT ALL beyond a mere positive test, or so they claimed. Anyway, it's over and done with now. After three years "behind the wall," the whole country got COVID at once. You know what they say - good commies do everything TOGETHER! There's a lot more I could write - and just may, one day - about the whole COVID timeline and experience, but we'll leave it at this for the immediate moment. I'm back in action for now, on ward and upward with Andreas Philip Gross Enterprises LLC! Stay tuned next week for a guest post from Candace Sigmon of At Home Helper about effective ways to navigate a midlife crisis. That's all for today, folks! Better life, better business, better you, -Andreas Andreas Philip Gross Enterprises LLC Ideas, Inspiration, Opportunity Washington State Certified K-8 Educator, K-12 International Education Consultant, Professional Coach, Proofreader/Editor, Affiliate Marketer, Popsicle Stick Crafter, Print-on-Demand Products Designer, and Webmaster Check out: www.cityofpullmanportal.com, www.949crafts.com Looking for a professional coach? I’m your man! Let’s chat. |
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