It's not long now until our website for Let's Buy British launches.
With Brexit upon us we decided we would create a directory if you will of companies big and small creating something different. The site will display multiple companies in an array of industries, all that focus on their products being British made. Our aim is to bring as many of these products and services under one roof for the British public and the world to find!
If you create or offer a service and are interested in being listed, then don't hesitate to get in touch via email: info@letsbuybritish.co or find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LetsBuyBritish/
With Father's day swiftly approaching, here at Ray of Sunshine we have put together an edit of gift ideas to help you in the decision making and don't forget to head over to https://www.hansamservices.net/rayofsunshinegifts for more gifts!
Optimising your work process is key to achieve the goal set for each day. Such as in our last post Working from home, we spoke about setting goals and planning your day in order to get the most out of your time. Obviously this isn't always as easy as it sounds and I for one completely struggle with keeping to my schedule. There is always something that creeps up which tends to be that bit more important. I want to tell myself in a situation like this, change it, make what you're passionate about the more important thing but when it comes to washing, eating etc they are necessities. Although, in a sense so is your work, if it's something that makes you happy it's a necessity and you need to figure out a way to fit everything else around it. I definitely do still struggle with this as working a full time job alongside being a marketing assistant for Hansam takes up a lot of time and sometimes there just aren't enough hours in the day. However, I am gradually finding ways around it.
1. Buy yourself a nice diary. I find that the cheap ugly ones don't motivate me to do anything. If you are a quote lover find one with something motivational on it or if you're like me a colourful pretty pattern does the trick. This is something simple that just makes your diary a bit more inviting, you'll actually want to use it. A weekly planner is a great idea as well!
2. Learn when you are most productive to help schedule in what days you need to have specific tasks done, such as your household chores and your work or when you find you are seriously lacking motivation creating an hourly schedule will help to keep yourself on track.
3. Moving to a different location really seems to help my concentration. Whether it's to a different room in the house or to my favourite coffee shop, it helps me to look at things differently and sometimes really helps to overcome that nasty writers block.
4. Snacking! This is something I have realised over the last year or so, is that if i'm lacking concentration I will be distracted by everything and just want to snack. By making a smoothie to have with me whilst working it gives me no excuse to leave my work station to get food. If you're struggling with this too, why not give it a go!
5. Chill time. Don't forget to chill out and re-charge the batteries. Over working can really drain you and won't help you in creating good content.
With the UK brexit-ing from the EU there is no better time to stand together and support small British businesses.
Lets buy British is simply that. It is a site to support and promote British made products to sell to consumers in the UK and abroad. The site was first launched in 2014 and plans to make a major comeback in the coming months.
So if you are a small business owner don't hesitate to contact us by clicking here to help us help you.
Working from home may sound like the easy life. You’re working for yourself, with your own rules, you don’t have to ask for time off and you can wear what you like. Sounds pretty good doesn’t it?
However, anyone with a small business working from home knows that it has it’s own trials and tribulations. Your home isn’t only your home but your workspace and finding that 'home - work balance' can sometimes be difficult. There’s no such thing as working from 9a.m. to 5p.m. or the luxury of holiday pay or sick pay. You need to be a motivator of your own time but also know when to switch off. You have to be prepared for any type of distraction, whether it be your favourite TV series or uninvited guests.
Being a small business owner you are not only an innovator but a photographer, a film maker, a marketing pro, and a secretary, amongst a whole number of other things.
As a team we all have our own ways with dealing with working from home. Mark and Sue have owned their own businesses working from their home for 20+ years and have put together a list of tips to help you in your journey.
1. Make sure your work area is tidy and organised. No one can work in a messy work space, you can easily lose things and ideas that can potentially be important or beneficial to the growth of your business.
2. Move location - by this we don't mean move house but going to your local coffee shop or a park can help get those creative juices flowing.
3. Believe in what you're selling. If you believe in the products or the service you are offering the more time and effort you'll put into it, which overall will give you a better presence.
4. Use your time wisely plan your day, even if it means making a list of things to do. You tend to achieve more by having a constructive direction to your day.
5. Try to make sure you drink plenty and have a break for lunch, (although it may not be at a set time each day, as work/jobs can come in at any time), dehydration can slow the brain and your work capabilities.
6. Schedule your free time too. To avoid turning into a workaholic, 'me time' is essential and needs to be made. Treat this like all your other appointments and put them in your diary.
7. Redirect your calls. To avoid missing out on business, have your landline redirected to your mobile phone in case no one is home to take the call. This way you can ensure to never miss out on an opportunity and it makes you a great communicator.
8. Create a routine. Whether it's answering all your emails, writing lists or simply having breakfast in the morning, knowing what is to come every day will make getting out of bed easier. Make working from home a habit and remember - you're the boss, make your own rules and stand by them.
As a team we flew out to Cyprus in January to work on new ideas and to get going again. For me it was the first time visiting the island known as the playground of the gods. I didn't know what to expect but that's enough to make anyone intrigued! It is believed that Aphrodite the goddess of love was born here which immediately sets an image of beauty in your mind and it did not disappoint.
The island is full of natural wonders such as Aphrodite’s rock or Petra tou Romiou, named after Aphrodite and Mount Olympus, where the sky-god Zeus in mythology is known to rule. Maybe it's because I like mythology but the thought of the gods actually roaming the lands here fascinate me, it created a sense of magic about Cyprus before I had even visited. If the mythological references aren't enough to convince you, then maybe the fact that Cyprus rose from the sea will. It is an ophiolite and was exposed above sea level around 20 million years ago, creating a captivating landscape that no doubt everyone could fall in love with.
Around every corner there is something new to be discovered here and we didn't even make a dent. Lemon, orange and olive trees charmingly line the country, transforming the scenery into an array of colours, not to mention the compelling religious monuments and famous neolithic sites standing proud in all of their glory. From the mosaics to the castles to the stunning sunsets, Cyprus is just picture postcard worthy.
Surrounded by the Eastern Mediterranean, the island thrives from the sea. Restaurants offer fresh fish on a daily basis, with many situated in the harbours supplying the catch themselves. A key thing that made me fall in love with Cyprus that little bit more was the sustainability of the island. The fact you can eat fresh locally grown food, that hasn't been imported certainly adds an extra delight into dining out and definitely ticks those 'this place is perfect' boxes. The island even brews it's own beer, Keo, which can be found in all major supermarkets here. The brewery based in Limassol runs tours in English everyday, something definitely worth seeing if you visit.
Plus the sun is just an added bonus. Cyprus is known to have sun for majority of the year, even in January, Mark - the director, got sunburnt! If you're anything like me and struggle to keep motivated in the typical English gloomy winters then maybe a quick week
away in the sunshine is something you need! There are plenty of English run places for short term rent such as Rob's pad, an apartment situated in Aphrodite Hills, Paphos. Or maybe you are looking for something more long term in which case, Aphrodite Property Sales may be the company to help you relocate. With more than 25 years in Cyprus the team can tailor the service to suit you.
Cyprus is truly an amazing country, but don't take my word for it, take the step and visit the island yourself. If my words aren't enough to persuade you, then maybe the short video below will!
