Posted in life

Small Businesses Vs. Corporations

It’s not easy running a small business, I know this from experience. A Small Business owner myself, this post aims to motivate and inspire dreamers. Standing proud for thriving through the hurdles of Covid-19 pandemic and super typhoon Odette.

There are numerous challenges to overcome even before you can open the store. Application of permits, approval and paperworks that felt like forever.


Pexels.com

Yes, it is almost impossible to compete against massive corporations. With current economic situations and opening of tourism slightly favoring big companies. They have the resources, manpower, budget, warehouse, etc.



Though it seems like we don’t stand a chance, there are also advantages of small businesses according to Forbes.com

  • Custom Approach

Small businesses can offer a more personalized and customized service. That something large companies cannot do. It would be a waste of time (for them) to cater to individuals instead of dealing with consumers as a whole.

Being one of the pioneers in cake customization business, I remember famous bakeshops used to offer basic birthday cakes, clients are asked to choose from cake designs that are – basic and generic.

  • Flexibility and Less Bureaucracy

Big companies have complex internal structures, they follow a heirarchy. Approval and response processes can take a lot of time in a large organization. While small businesses can be flexible in dealing with customers. Adding a personal touch to everything, treating each other as family.

  • Creativity

Just like with flexibility, they have an edge in creativity. Having decision-making in their hands, creativity can flourish. There’s more ‘relaxed’ room to design, create and improve. No added pressure from meeting monthly quotas, etc.

  • Level of Care

Small businesses provide an individual level of care and involvement. For them service is on a personal level. Not from a corporate standpoint. Everyone is treated like a family. They have the ability to provide a one-on-one, personalized experience that clients value the most.




  • Adaptability

Business is all about people and small businesses have the advantage of knowing each and every client really well. The ability to be flexible and adapt to day-to-day needs of customers, invention of new products and services, and so on.

  • Passion with Purpose

Small businesses are well appreciated in social media like Instagram. They are trailblazers, supporting and igniting people using their passion with a purpose. There’s no shortage of passion as they continue to stay motivated by fueling their shops with personal connections to customers.

  • Speed and Agility

Aprroval and decision-making processes are faster in a small business. When a client needs help right a way, they can respond in small but special ways when big corporations are too busy.

  • One-on-One Magic

That advantage to connect one-on-one with customers is what small businesses have. I ventured into franchising from a famous convenience store chain and noticed the complex nature of their structure. An ordeal when trying to sort out things with them, I didn’t feel we were connected and that our intentions are for the business alone.

Learning from experience and seeing through it all, small businesses can maximize these advantages competing against astronomical companies. Having the right and loyal people communicating to clients gives your store a personal touch.

Posted in motivational

Signs of high EQ

As part of my note taking in Emotional and Social Intelligence ESI (UC Davis) – a course I’m currently taking online. Here are the signs of a person, employee or co-worker with high EQ (emotional quotient) or EI (emotional intelligence).

But first we define Emotional Intelligence or EQ as the capacity to be aware of control and express your emotions as well as navigate interpersonal relationships with both good judgement and empathy.

EQ/EI affects every aspect in your life and has been proven to be in the top 10 most important workplace skills needed for success according to World Economic Forum (2020).

Professor Laurie Cozart, UC Davis
– UC Davis

More bullet points to remember;

  • EQ is not as a soft skill
  • people with high EQ make more and perform better
  • high EQ is synonymous to high satisfaction
Professor Laurie Cozart – UC Davis
UC Davis

Posted in faith, motivational

Must read bible verses when you’re faced with criticisms

I’ve faced criticisms my entire life. Prior to taking Psychology, I’m already curious about dealing with people – particularly “difficult” people.

But beyond and above scientific knowledge and strategies is the grace and word of God.

Let me share this with you, this has helped me a lot…

Caring for what others think of you stops us from doing God’s will. You’ll be distracted, occupied and worst be frozen in fear.

I want to also remind you that there are mean people in this world. (a.k.a. haters) Don’t allow people to hurt you with negative words toward you. Their words are irrelevant. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. God thinks good thoughts about you so think good thoughts about yourself as well.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14 NIV

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7 ESV

Do not judge or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Matthew 7:1-2 NIV

It is dangerous to be concerned with what others think of you, but if you trust the Lord, you are safe. Proverbs 29:25

The Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

1 Samuel 16:7
Posted in faith, motivational

Motivational Quotes You Need

When your day is overwhelming, troubled, exhausting and nearly lost for words…

Here are some inspiring, motivating quotes to lift your spirits up.

A diamond is a chunk of coal that did well under pressure.
You can’t change the past nor predict the future. So it’s better to focus on today.
You always pass failure on your way to success.

🙂

Posted in faith, motivational, prayer, prayers

Why bad things happen to good people

I finished reading a book – “When Bad things happen to Good People.”(1)

In our lifetime, we experience betrayal even by the ones closest to us. After trusting them, believing them… In the end, their masks fall off & leave. Other “good people” experience physically pain, suffering with incurable afflictions. 

It begs the question – Why bad things happen to good people? 

One of my favorite author – C.S. Lewis said, “God uses pain to get our attention.” 

“We can ignore even pleasure. But pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains..” (2)

And so we suppose, if God really uses pain to speak to us, in order for us to grow. Are there painless means? 

Not long ago, when I asked in my prayer. Sulking in tears, “Lord please don’t be far from me.” 

I asked God why things go wrong for good people, like they’re being tested the more. Why is it that after hurting us, they can continue to live a good life, why they can get away with their evil ways…

In agony I look at them, as they continue to deceive more unsuspecting preys with their ill intentions and greed.

These people fool us with scheming ways. Faces in misleading masks, gifting us with their exaggerated generosity that’s actually a strategy to lure our innocence.

I opened my bible app and here’s what He said;

1 Lord, you have seen what is in my heart. You know all about me.
2 You know when I sit down and when I get up. You know what I’m thinking even though you are far away.
3 You know when I go out to work and when I come back home. You know exactly how I live.
4 Lord, even before I speak a word, you know all about it.
5 You are all around me. You are behind me and in front of me. You hold me in your power.6 I’m amazed at how well you know me.
Psalm 139 🙏

I think this sums up everything. 

God answered, this verse was His reply. He knows and sees right through us. Relieved, I know that God will never be misled. He hears the righteous and forsaken.

I believe in Him. 

Bad things happen, but God is working for the good of those who love Him.

Romans 8:28

Let us not be bitter in wondering why good people are being examined and tested in endless ordeals.

God sees everything. And He knows each one of us.

  • (1) When Bad Things Happen to Good People: Harold S. Kushner
  • (2) Problem with Pain: C.S. Lewis
  • Bible NIV
Posted in motivational, quotes

C.S. Lewis quotable quotes

From the man behind Chronicles of Narnia – C. S. Lewis, a compilation of my favorite quotes.

Read and be inspired…

To love is to be vulnerable.

 

Miracles are retelling in small letters of the very same story which is written across the whole world in letters too large for some of us to see.

 

We would mind Humiliation less if we were humbler.

 

Children are not a distraction from more important work, they are the most important work.

 

It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.

 

 

integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is watching.

 

There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind.

 

What draws people to be friends is that they see the same truth, they share it.

 

 

We are what we believe we are.

 

You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.

 

 

Courage, Dear Heart.

 

Much love,
Mitch
Posted in beauty and wellness, life, motivational

Self Confidence for All

Today, I felt the need to post something about – confidence or self esteem. Many of us had or have low self-esteem. It’s deeply rooted from painful childhood experiences, neglect, abuse, illness/debilitation, painful life events such as losing loved ones or a job, divorce, and the most common is discrimination.

As a daughter, grandchild, mother, sister and friend, my dream is to empower people most especially women and young ones and help them boost their self confidence. Yes it’s not easy, I know. I’ve seen enough death in my family, my granddad who was like a father to me died in a car accident when I was very young, sudden passing of my younger brother then my father. And to add discrimination and scrutiny on the side. The negative early events later on become contributors to Low Self Esteem.

I’m no expert but I’m talking based on experience. It’s never too late to believe, to stand up and it all starts with forgiveness. To let go of these thoughts, forgive yourself and always remember that there’s always another chance. New hope.
Think positive. Instead of saying, “I’m a loser” or “no one really likes me” why don’t you talk to yourself and be your first and only effective motivator and coach – “You can do this!”

Positivity leads to positive outcomes.

Smile, laugh and surround yourself with happy and positive people. You’ll feel better as go through the process. They say faking confidence can help, and that’s true. I’ve tried that many times, put your chin up, dress up, use accessories or wear makeup just to elevate self confidence.

When you look better, you will feel better. 

And it may take time and effort. But trust me, I’ve been there and it will all be worth it…

 

with much love,

mindful_mp

17952732_10209122463719161_384731989884522918_n