Hannah Viviers Blog

February 16, 2015

The Number One Reason Entrepreneurs Fail

Failure is absolutely normal. It happens. To everyone. It’s an event. Or a series of events. But failure is not who you are. The moment You believe that You are a failure you’re done. The End. And we’ll probably never hear from you again.

One of the most crucial attributes of successful people is that they are confident.

If you don’t have confidence You might as well call it quits.

Having confidence in your abilities is not enough. Anyone who’s been trained and has enough experience in their work is confident about their abilities.

But confidence in self isn’t something many have. Even some of the most excellent people at their jobs lack self-confidence.

True self-confidence is not just about what you can do. It’s about believing in who you are.

Confidence, like most skills, can be learned.

Some of the things that build self-confidence include:

Putting yourself out there more.

Stop running way from trying new things because you’re afraid you’ll fail.

Raise your hand for challenging tasks.

GET OUT of environments and relationships that erode your self-confidence!

Stop using vocab that limits you and your potential.

Failing is hard. And sometimes extremely difficult to get over.

But it’s like that saying goes, “The only people who don’t fail are those who do nothing.”

Entrepreneurs don’t fail because of lack of money or support or anything other reason we often quote- Entrepreneurs fail because their self-confidence takes knocks some are unable to recover from. Then it’s Game Over.

The number one reason Entrepreneurs fail is a lack of self-confidence.

Confidence says, I have something incredible people need. I’m the one to give it to them. And charge for it.

There are a host of people who desperately need you. They need what you have and they need who you are.

Believe in You. And Prosper.

Much Love,

Hannah

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February 13, 2015

Simple Guide to a Fab Business Plan

Simply and Briefly Answer these Four Questions:
1. What do I want to do?
2. Why do I want to do it?
3. Who do I want to do it for?
4. How will I do it for them?

Hannah Viviers is a Personal Branding Coach, TV Talk Show Host and avid Blogger. If You enjoyed this and would like similar posts sent directly to your email sign up for free by clicking here

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February 12, 2015

Extreme Adventurer Riaan Maanser on what makes Him Successful

Many times Riaan Manser has risked his life to achieve an insane goal:

On His first EXTREME Adventure Riaan rode around the entire circumference of Africa on his bicycle.

He’s had a few other Crazy Adventures in-between which you can read about here.

I’d interviewed Riaan for SABC 3 when he returned from his Around Africa trip.

I had the fab pleasure of interviewing him again for my Dream BIG TV Show, after him and his girlfriend Vasti Geldenhuys rowed almost eleven THOUSAND kilometres, in treacherous waters, from Morocco to New York.

At one point they capsized. It was a GRUELING journey, but they didn't give up. — At one point they capsized. It was a GRUELING journey, but they didn’t give up.

Below is the Dream BIG TV Show Interview we had with Riaan.

In this interview he spoke about some practical steps that make him successful despite the insane challenges he faces during his adventures.

What he shared inspired us tremendously, it was aired on Cape Town TV, we’ve shown it at companies where we’ve been asked to give talks, so today, I thought to share it with you.

Much Love,

Hannah

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February 9, 2015

The hardest things to achieve are often the Greatest

When I was a little girl, I used to spend hours playing characters I’d seen on TV.

There was one particular role I enjoyed most: co-host on one of the kiddies programs I thoroughly enjoyed. Years later I’ve managed to live part of my life long dream to work in TV. But my dream has not been fully fulfilled just yet.

Have you ever reached a place in your life that feels as though you might never truly live your dream?

Things get tough and the harder you work the harder it seems to get?

I know what that feels like. I know what it feels like to want something so badly your belly aches.

The dream is so vivid and so real there are times the Right Now doesn’t matter- you’re lost in that place where you’re living your dream- it’s so real you can taste it, you can feel your feet walking down the corridors of this splendid dream- and then it’s almost as though reality strikes and you’re brought back to now. Back to the place where your dream is still only in your mind. And, getting to where you want to seems miles and decades away.

What I’d like to say to you today is don’t stop dreaming. As often as you can, go to that place in your mind where everything around you is as you always wanted. And when you come back to “reality” get to working on your dream.

No matter how far away they may seem there is no reason your ambitions won’t come to pass.

Through my Dream BIG TV Show I’ve come across people who beat insane odds to make it. They didn’t do it just hoping that one day things would work out for them- they stepped out and did. One thing at a time. One day at a time.

God loves you way too much to give you instant success. It would destroy you.

There’s wisdom in you going through the ranks, taking one step and then another and then another.

One day you’ll be able to tell others your story. You’ll be able to share your testimony and it will elevate a multitude of people who want to give up because it’s hard.

Of course it’s hard. That really is why not everyone’s doing it. But you are. And you should.

One day dear friend the dream that is in your heart and head now will be your new reality. And you’ll have bigger and MUCH wilder dreams- WAY BIGGER than you can even fathom now.

Don’t ever stop believing, because the hardest things to achieve are often the Greatest.

Much Love,

Hannah

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February 5, 2015

Are Labels Holding You Back?

Many of us buy items we grew up using.
Such as the brand of toothpaste, or dishwashing liquid- the type of mayonnaise or the car we think is best-

Growing up I thought Toyota was the best and most reliable car on the planet.
Then in 2009 Toyota made a Worldwide Recall of some it’s cars. I was dumbfounded. Because how could the brand I’d trusted all my life have made a mistake? And one SO Big?

I was a grown woman and yet my reaction was still being influenced by my parent’s love for Toyota coupled with decades of hearing what a reliable brand Toyota was.

On the flip side of things I’ve always thought Fiat was a rubbish car.

My parent’s first car was a fiat. It gave them endless problems and to this day, over thirty years later, my mom still expresses her utter distaste for Fiat.

For the longest time I believed this about Fiat too.

Lately I’ve noticed a few on the road I quite fancy and, truth be told, I wouldn’t mind owning one of those babies.

Fiat 500L — Now here’s a Fiat I’d be VERY happy owning!

So here’s the point of my car story: brands matter. Labels matter. A lot.
What we grow up believing of anything sticks with us. Those childhood labels are not easy to let go of.

In the same way we view labels and brands, we may have inner beliefs about ourselves that are just as solid. Some are good- others are dangerous.

Sometimes the labels are given to us by others- sometimes the labels are a result of our own personal experience.

For instance, if we tried many times and failed, we may begin to form an inner label that says we’ll never succeed at that thing we failed at.

Sometimes the label of failure in one area of our lives seeps into everything else we do, and everything else we are.

Last year, I believed there was tremendous breakthrough waiting for people in this year. But I also felt that breakthrough was not going to be easy.
Those who want it- who want to operate at a new level of AWESOME are going to have to break some molds they’ve been stuck in and move into what they were destined for.

There’s a Win inside You.
In fact there are many wins.

But to live what you envision you’ll have to be that person.
Who do you have to be to achieve what’s on your heart?
Until you believe that about You it’s going to be hard to achieve what you want to.
Check your labels- if you don’t like what they say about You, get rid of them and create the stuff of Powerful brands in your inner being.

Much Love,
Hannah

You’re welcome to join me on Facebook or Twitter @hannahviviers. I look forward to speaking with you there.

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January 30, 2015

Dream BIG Manifesto

This is for the Dreamers. The ones who start stuff. The World Changers. The Lovers who inspire. The channels of hope that compel us to fly.

This is for the radicals. The darers. The ones who forge paths where few dare to explore. The Warriors who know that every champion gets hit- it’s the getting up and staying in the game that wins.

This is for the Reachers. The ones who know the stars are not out there but inside them. The ones who live for a calling greater than human ears can hear.

This is for the jumpers. The ones who’d rather take uncertain jumps and fly for just one moment than live wondering, “What If?”

This is for the Creators. The ones who don’t wait for change but make the change we need.

This is for the ones who cannot be tamed. The ones who cannot be contained.

This is for the crazy! The bizarre! The magicians that bring us WOW! The ones who cannot stop. The ones who dance to their own rhythm. The ones who show us the beauty of living.

This is for the Game Changers. The Impacters. The ones whose hearts are so focused on their Destiny no set back can hold them down.

This is for the ones who don’t give up. Who keep going against staggering odds.

This is for the Dream BIGGERS! The ones who inspire us to reach beyond ourselves and bring to life what we’ve always dreamed.

Dream ON DreamBIGGERS! Dream ON!

Join the Dream BIG Movement Below for Inspiring Stuff, Fuel to keep Your Passion burning and Amazing Stories of BIG Dreamers just like You.

January 28, 2015

Quit Asking God for Money!

That’s far too short-sighted.
God not only wants to bless you with money, He wants you to create Your Own Money Printing Machine: A Successful Business or Career.
So quit asking God for money and ask Him to show You how to create wealth instead.
Money doesn’t last. Wealth of Knowledge does.

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January 24, 2015

How to turn Your BIG Idea into BIG Profits

Inspired by the responses we’ve received so far for the Survey we sent out Titled “Calling ALL BIG Dreamers” I’d like to answer a theme that has come up in almost all the responses we’ve received so far: Where to start.

A lot of the time we may have a GREAT idea but it’s the getting it done that often holds us back.

My way of dealing with this is: Just start. Don’t over-think just do one thing and go with it.
The very first place to start is getting in touch with Like-Minded people.
The way to do that is so super duper easy you’ll kick yourself if you’re not already doing it: Post A LOT about what you’re interested in on your social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIN etc.
One of our survey respondents said they were most interested in healthy and sustainable living and hoped to one day open their own business geared toward this.

I can’t give details about their idea as I don’t have permission to do so, but I know there’s a huge, HUGE, market in this particular space they want to get into.

So what should their first step be? Start posting a lot on their social media platforms about healthy living.

Let me give you an example using one of my own interests.
I’m BIG on detoxing. In my mind, detoxing is THE number one cure/prevention/best thing EVER!
If I wanted to open a detox type business I would post things about the benefits of detox.
I would give a list of common ailments people may be struggling with (such as constant fatigue, bloating and insomnia) and what foods they could cut out of their diet that would INSTANTLY make them feel better.

For instance some researchers believe that there could be a strong connection between intolerance to gluten (mostly found in wheat, barley, rye and oats) and insomnia.

So on my social media platforms I might post something like:

Could GLUTEN be keeping You Awake?

Then I’d give a bit more info on this.

I could also post pictures of juicy slices of fresh paw paw (which is one the best detox foods one could eat).
I’d share pics of GORGEOUS skin and give a few tips on how to cleanse and tone using natural products such as olive oil and honey.

One of my fave detox juices is pawpaw and pineapple. It’s DELICIOUS and best taken as a breakfast smoothie. I’d share such easy (quick) healthy recipes.

Pic taken from Jeyashri's Kitchen — Pic taken from Jeyashri’s Kitchen

I’d post beautiful glasses (or bottles) of water and write one liners such as: “The number one ingredient for younger looking skin”.

I would post pics of me or a friend working out and write one line like: “My happy time” 🙂

Some of my status updates would read something like:
“Did you know that sunshine is a natural aphrodisiac? Get your sun fix today and feel the love 😉 ” For that one I’d probably include a happy pic of someone dancing in sunshine or just relaxing in open air…

I could share real life stories and incidents of how healthy eating and detox plans have helped families who’d battled to conceive finally do so naturally etc etc etc

I’d share powerful information from various sources on healthy living including videos (such as a trailer from the documentary film Food Matters).

I would definitely also share my own personal stories of how detox saved my life and stories of people I’d met who’d cured themselves of serious illnesses by following detox programs.

I can tell you now that if I did this regularly the people connected to me on Social Media would soon recognise Me as THE go-to person on health, natural remedies and of course detox!

Once I’d done this for a while and could see that people were responding and engaging with my posts I’d then take it one step further…
That one step further I’ll share with you another time.

What I wanted to share in-depth here is that too many people are complicating the “how to start” part.
The best way is to start small, with people you know. Your venture will grow from there.

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For ideas of how to use what I’ve shared here for your own unique business idea let me know by connecting with me on Facebook (here) or Twitter @hannahviviers.

January 22, 2015

HUGELY Effective Networking Tips

1. Become very active on social media. Post about yourself, things you think about, things that matter to you, encouraging material and what you’re most passionate about.

2. Interact with people on social media. At least once a day go through your Facebook/Twitter and “Like”, “Comment” or “Favourite” on other people’s posts. Do NOT spend too much time on Social Media so make a time for this and ensure it doesn’t interfere with your productivity.

3. If someone comments or shares your posts, like their comment or go to their profile and like your post that they shared. People want to be acknowledged and this is a great way to thank people who take the time to interact with your posts.

4. If you have a business speak about it at least once or twice on social media. Not more than that as it may seem as though you’re hounding people with your product/service.

5. Every day think of how you can serve others with what you know/have.

6. Contact people you know personally such as friends and family. Send them an email detailing your business. Add a personal touch by telling them what inspired you to start your business and what you enjoy most about it.

7. Meet people Regularly for the sake of making new friends. Don’t seek to meet new people with the sole aim of how they’ll benefit you. Meet people to get to know them, what they enjoy doing and what’s important to them. This is an INCREDIBLE tip I learned from Dale Carnegie’s book “How to Win Friends and Influence People.”

8. Make your business about serving people instead of making the quickest buck. You’ll be amazed at how much more you’ll connect with potential customers. And how much more loyal they’ll be to your business when they feel valued by You.

9. No matter who you do business with, a family member, friend, colleague or complete stranger, treat everyone with the highest honour, integrity and professionalism.

Even your family members will NOT recommend you or your business if you did not show them these qualities.
Word of mouth referrals are vital for any business. Be sure that every customer you serve is SO THRILLED with your service and product they tell others about you.

10. Be Genuine. Every day people are BOMBARDED by companies and people wanting money from them. Putting your customers first is a rare quality they’re sure to love you for.

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January 12, 2015

TOP Tips on writing a Winning CV

So You want the job. But so do hundreds or even thousands of others.

Wanting it is not enough.

I’ve put together some useful tips that have helped me land jobs I really wanted.

1. Don’t rely solely on positions advertised in the media. Target companies You would like to work with.

2. Find who the relevant person is to approach at the company you’d like to work. Unless you’re responding to a position advertised in the media never randomly send your CV to an HR Department. Ever. Always look for the hiring decision maker for the position you’re looking to fill, then email them directly.

3. Before you start sending out your resume ensure that it reads great. Always have a Cover Letter accompanying your proposal.

What most employers want to know is largely about your experience. (Which is why it’s crucial for young people to gain some experience in whatever field they hope to get into as early as possible). The number one question any company wants to know from potential employees is: What do you bring to the table?

Remember No One is looking for You. No one is wanting to do you a favour by hiring you- companies will hire you based on only one thing: How you will add or improve to their offering.

Your cover letter needs to show them how you’ll do this.

Your cover letter is the body of your email. Your CV will be attached to this email.

The things you need to pay extra attention to are:

– Who your email is going to. Address it to the decision maker.

– Subject line of your Email:

For Example: Proposal to work with Your Dream BIG Production Team

Be specific about which division you’re applying for.

In the body of your email never ever write: “To whom it may concern…” Not Ever.

This is why it’s essential to know who your mail is going to. Address that person accordingly. Be sure of what gender they are and address them accordingly: Dear Ms… or Dear Mr….

For Example:

Dear Ms Viviers,

I trust this finds You well.

Ms Viviers, I currently work as a Senior Content Producer at 1TV…

Always be formal in your address to your potential employer.

Now for your cover letter,

Keep it short and straight to the point. Usually only three paragraphs at most. No one cares for lengthy emails. Especially in business.

In the first paragraph briefly explain:

– Who you are

– Your responsibilities at the company you’re working at currently

– Highlight what has made you efficient and successful in your current role. This is important because it instantly shows your value to the potential employer.

In the second paragraph give reasons for wanting to move to the company you’re applying to. Never say it’s because you want more money and by Goodness don’t ever say it’s because “you’re not happy” in your current job. All that’ll say to the person reading your job application is that you’re a whiner and they cannot trust to hire you.

Make your desire to move from your current position ALL about your desire for growth in your career. Be very specific about how you see the company you’re applying to as superb to spur on that growth.

It helps very much to have researched the company you’re applying to because then you can be specific about the role you see yourself playing at the company and also how you envision them encouraging and nurturing the growth you desire.

In your third paragraph briefly put everything together: Your experience, your desire for growth, the opportunities you see in the marketplace and how you want to be a part of what the company you’re applying to is doing to be a market leader.

End your cover letter with:

I look forward to hearing from You regarding my proposal to work with you.

Yours Sincerely

Joe Blog

OR

Warmest Regards

OR

Kind Regards

PART 2: Your CV

The truth is, for the most part, no one really cares which primary school, high school or college/university you went to.

So please do not start your CV with your past educational qualifications. No one really cares.

Start with your personal details.

Be brief and neat.

Right after your personal details include your current employment details i.e. where you work and your job title there. This should be followed by your work experience at other companies.

After your work experience you can now cite your academic qualifications. Always start from most important and highest qualification going backwards. Stop at your most past academic qualification after high school. Again no one cares which high school you went to so don’t include that.

After that cite at least three references with reachable contact details. Cell numbers are best. Include land lines and email addresses as well.

Your CV is your very first interview with a potential employer. Treat it as such.

Best Wishes!

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