TikTok, everyone’s favourite short-form video platform, has continued to surge in popularity, giving rise to a unique feature: TikTok Live. 

While the app itself is an epicentre for creativity and engagement, its Live feature offers even more profound connections. But how can one effectively use TikTok Live? What does it take to captivate a live audience, and how do you ensure that the experience is both enriching and secure?

Our comprehensive guide will uncover the secrets behind successful TikTok Live streams–from the basics to expert-level tips, ensuring you are well-prepared for your next broadcast.

And that is not all, we will also be covering the infinite benefits of partnering with an agency to expand your efforts in the world of TikTok Live and help you bring in even more dough.

TikTok live streaming has exploded in popularity, empowering creators to connect with their audience in real-time. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all users, TikTok has established clear rules and guidelines for live streaming on the platform.

This guide will walk you through the key aspects of TikTok live streaming. We will cover age requirements, follower count thresholds, and community guidelines to help you stay compliant and avoid potential penalties.

Discover valuable tips for creating successful live streams that engage your audience and keep them coming back for more. Our step-by-step instructions will guide you through the process of going live, from setting up your studio to interacting with your viewers.

Maximize your reach by learning effective strategies for promoting your live streams. By choosing the best times to go live, creating engaging teasers, and setting interesting topics, you will attract more viewers and grow your TikTok presence.

Whether you are a seasoned TikTok creator or just starting, understanding, and adhering to these rules and best practices is crucial. Plunge into and discover how to make the most of your TikTok live streaming experience while maintaining a positive presence on the platform.

TikTok Live: A Brief Overview

TikTok Live has taken the world by storm and continually made waves with every update since its initial conception in 2019. Creators large and small have made big bucks by simply hopping on once or twice a day and entertaining their fanbase with content geared towards their audience.

What is TikTok Live?

TikTok Live allows users to broadcast themselves in real time to their followers and the broader TikTok community. Unlike the app’s traditional 15 to 60-second videos, TikTok Live offers an unedited, raw glimpse into the lives of creators, fostering a deeper and more genuine connection between them and their followers.

How is it Different?

While TikTok primarily revolves around pre-recorded, edited videos set to catchy sounds, its Live feature presents a whole different universe of opportunities and contrast. Because there is no option to edit or apply filters post-broadcast; it is an authentic, in-the-moment experience. This spontaneity can be both a challenge and an opportunity, giving creators the chance to engage with their audience in real time, answer questions, and showcase a different side of their personality or brand.

Why is it Gaining Traction?

Live streaming is not a new phenomenon; platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube have long embraced it. However, TikTok’s younger demographic, combined with the platform’s inherent virality, makes its Live feature uniquely positioned. The TikTok algorithm also seems to favour live broadcasts, pushing them to a broader audience, resulting in higher visibility and engagement. You might have noticed that you have been offered up curated TikTok Lives on occasion while just perusing the feed and swiping. This is not by accident, but a testament to the algorithm positioning

The Road Ahead

For brands and creators looking to expand their digital footprint, understanding, and leveraging TikTok Live is becoming increasingly critical. As we delve deeper into this guide, we will explore the myriad ways you can harness this feature’s power to engage, entertain, and even monetize your audience.

TikTok Live: Why Go Live? The Benefits of TikTok Live for Brands and Creators

So, what is in it for brands and creators when it comes to harnessing TikTok Live? Let’s dive into the compelling reasons to tap into TikTok as a platform and ultimately the TikTok Live feature.

1. Real-time Engagement

TikTok Live allows for immediate interaction with viewers. This real-time dialogue can lead to higher engagement rates, as audiences feel they are part of a conversation rather than passive observers. Whether it is answering questions, addressing comments, or even reacting to viewer suggestions on the spot, the two-way communication fosters a stronger community feeling.

2. Showcasing Authenticity

In a world saturated with polished content, authenticity stands out. Live streaming offers an unfiltered glimpse into the lives of creators or the behind-the-scenes workings of a brand. This raw and unedited insight can help build trust and form genuine connections with viewers.

3. Expanding Reach

The TikTok algorithm is known for its mysterious yet potent ability to amplify content. Going Live can push your stream to a wider audience, including users who might not be familiar with your content. This visibility can be a game-changer, especially for emerging creators or brands looking to expand their TikTok presence.

4. Monetization Opportunities

Live streaming on TikTok comes with its unique monetization perks. With features like virtual gifts, coins, and more, creators can earn while they engage. For brands, this real-time platform offers opportunities for product launches, demos, or flash sales.

5. Deepening Audience Connection

Unlike pre-recorded content, where the narrative is tightly controlled, Live streams are unpredictable. This unpredictability, combined with real-time interactions, allows creators to showcase their personalities in a more profound manner. For brands, it is a chance to humanize themselves, allowing audiences to connect with the people behind the logo.

6. Content Versatility

TikTok Live is not restricted to any content type. Q&A sessions, tutorials, behind-the-scenes glimpses, collaborations – the platform is versatile. This flexibility means creators and brands can continually innovate, keeping their content fresh and engaging.

7. Feedback in Real-time

For brands and creators seeking instant feedback, whether on a new product, content idea, or any initiative, TikTok Live is invaluable. The immediate reactions and suggestions from viewers can serve as a focus group, helping tailor future endeavours more effectively.

Going live on TikTok Live offers a symbiotic relationship where creators or brands can engage, entertain, and even monetize while viewers receive authentic, real-time content that feels personal. As the digital landscape evolves, staying ahead means embracing such dynamic platforms and understanding their inherent potential.

TikTok Live: Preparing for Your First Live Stream

Venturing into the world of TikTok Live can be both exhilarating and daunting. To ensure a smooth streaming experience and leave a lasting impression on your viewers, adequate preparation is essential. Here is a step-by-step guide to setting the stage for your very first TikTok Live:

#1 Plan Your Content

Start with a clear idea of what you want to achieve with your live stream. Is it a Q&A session? A tutorial? An exclusive behind-the-scenes look? Outline your primary objectives and the topics or activities you will cover.

#2 Technical Check

Ensure that you have a stable internet connection. It is advisable to use Wi-Fi over mobile data to avoid any unexpected disruptions. Also, verify that the audio and video quality are up to par. Check your camera angles, lighting, and make sure your surroundings are not too noisy.

#3 Create an Engaging Title

Your live stream’s title is the first thing users will see. Make it captivating, relevant, and clear. This will help attract viewers who are genuinely interested in your content.

#4 Promote Ahead of Time

Let your followers know in advance about your planned live stream. Share teasers or countdowns on your TikTok feed and other social media platforms. This builds anticipation and ensures a higher initial viewership.

#5 Prepare Engagement Boosters

Think of ways to engage your audience during the live session. This could include preparing questions to spark discussions, planning giveaways, or setting up polls.

#6 Set Up Your Space

Your background matters. Choose a location that is visually appealing, free from distractions, and well-lit. You might want to invest in some basic equipment like a tripod or a ring light for enhanced video quality.

#7 Have Backup Plans

Live streaming is unpredictable. Whether it is a technical glitch, a question you had not anticipated, or any other surprise, be ready with contingency plans. This might mean having backup devices or a list of topics to fill in any unexpected lulls in the conversation.

#8 Stay Informed on Community Guidelines

Before going live, familiarize yourself with TikTok’s community guidelines. This ensures that your content remains compliant and reduces the risk of your stream being taken down.

#9 Relax and Be Yourself

Remember, one of the charms of live streaming is its authenticity. Do not strive for perfection; instead, aim for genuineness. Your viewers will appreciate your realness.

Essential Equipment for a Flawless TikTok Live

While the spontaneity and authenticity of TikTok Live are its main draws, ensuring the best audio and visual quality can greatly enhance the viewer’s experience. Thankfully, you do not need a professional studio setup to achieve this. Here is a list of essential equipment to elevate your TikTok Live streams:

• Stable Internet Connection – A smooth live stream relies heavily on a stable internet connection. Always prioritize a strong Wi-Fi connection over mobile data. If you are streaming from a location without Wi-Fi, consider using a portable Wi-Fi device.
• Smartphone with Good Camera Quality – While this might seem obvious, the camera quality of your smartphone plays a crucial role. Newer smartphones often have cameras suitable for live streaming, but if you are using an older model, you might want to consider an upgrade.
• Tripod with Phone Holder – Holding your phone for an extended period can get tiring, and it might result in shaky footage. A tripod ensures stability and allows you to focus on the content without worrying about holding the device.
• External Microphone – Sound quality is as vital as visual quality. An external clip-on microphone can significantly improve your audio, reducing background noise and making your voice clearer.
• Ring Light – Good lighting can make a significant difference. A ring light provides even lighting, reducing shadows and highlighting your features. It is especially helpful if you are streaming indoors or during low-light conditions.
• Portable Charger – There is nothing worse than your phone dying mid-stream. Ensure you have a fully charged phone before you start, and keep a portable charger on hand, just in case.
• Earphones with a Built-in Mic – For streams where you need to move around or if you do not have an external microphone, a good quality pair of earphones with a built-in mic can be a lifesaver.
• Background Setup – Your background should complement the content of your live stream. Whether it is a tidy room, a decorative backdrop, or an outdoor setting, ensure its visually appealing and free of distractions.
• Pop Socket or Hand Grip – If you decide to hold your phone for a more personal touch or are on the move, a pop socket or hand grip can offer added stability.
• Streaming Software – For those looking to add a professional touch with overlays, animations, or multi-camera setups, consider using third-party streaming software compatible with TikTok.

Boosting Engagement: How to Interact with Your Live Audience

In the dynamic world of TikTok Live, interaction is the key that sets live streaming apart from pre-recorded content. Building a strong rapport with your viewers in real-time not only enriches their experience but also fosters loyalty and boosts the overall engagement on your stream.

Here are some strategies to ensure your TikTok Live is both engaging and interactive:

Greet Your Viewers

As viewers tune in, take a moment to acknowledge and greet them by name. This personal touch can make them feel valued and more inclined to stick around.

Ask Open-ended Questions

Stimulate conversation by posing questions to your viewers. Whether it is their opinion on a topic, personal experiences, or general feedback, open-ended questions encourage more comments and interaction.

Respond to Comments

Regularly engage with the comments section. Answering queries, addressing feedback, or even laughing at a funny remark can establish a two-way communication channel.

Host Q&A Sessions

Dedicate a portion of your live stream to answer questions from your viewers. This not only provides valuable insights but also builds trust and transparency.

Conduct Live Polls

Some third-party tools allow you to conduct live polls during your stream. This can be a fun way to gather opinions or make decisions in real-time.

Showcase User-generated Content

If a viewer shares a relevant photo, video, or story, consider showcasing it in your live stream. It not only validates their contribution but also promotes a community-centric atmosphere.

Encourage the Use of Gifts

Gently prompt your viewers to send gifts as a token of appreciation. However, ensure it does not come off as forceful. A genuine acknowledgment of received gifts can also go a long way.

Collaborate with Viewers

Depending on the content of your live stream, consider inviting viewers to join in. It could be a dance-off, a duet, or a shared story – involving viewers directly can significantly boost engagement.

Use Interactive Features

TikTok periodically rolls out interactive features designed for live streams. Stay updated and incorporate them into your sessions to keep things fresh and engaging.

End on a High Note

As you wrap up, express gratitude, summarize key points, and give a sneak peek into your next live stream or content. This leaves viewers with a sense of anticipation.

Interactivity is the heart and soul of TikTok Live. Cultivating a vibrant and responsive community not only amplifies the success of your current stream but also ensures a growing and loyal viewer base for future sessions.

TikTok Community Guidelines for Live Streaming

When you are ready to start live streaming on TikTok, it is essential to understand and follow the platform’s community guidelines. By familiarizing yourself with these rules, you can ensure your live streams are compliant and contribute to a safe, enjoyable environment for everyone.

Adherence To General TikTok Community Guidelines

Just like any other content on TikTok, your live streams must adhere to the platform’s general community guidelines. This means steering clear of content that includes violence, hate speech, nudity, or anything else that is inappropriate or offensive.

Copyright Considerations, Especially Music

Copyright laws are crucial for live streaming, especially when using music. Stick to tunes you have the rights to or find in TikTok’s licensed music library. Playing copyrighted music in the background of your live streams can lead to strikes or penalties, so it is best to avoid that altogether.

Reviewing Live Stream Rules Before Going Live

Before hitting that “go live” button, take a few minutes to review TikTok’s specific live stream rules. These guidelines cover everything from prohibited content to user interaction and general conduct during your stream. Understanding and following these rules will help you create content that aligns with TikTok’s expectations and keeps your audience engaged.

Consequences Of Violating Live Stream Guidelines

Violating TikTok’s live stream guidelines can lead to various consequences, depending on how severe and frequent the violations are. It is crucial to understand these potential outcomes to maintain good standing on the platform and keep your live streaming privileges intact.

• Maintaining Good Standing on The Platform: Consistently following TikTok’s community guidelines and live stream rules is the key to maintaining good standing on the platform. If you do violate these guidelines, you might receive warnings, temporary live stream suspensions, or even permanent bans, depending on the nature of the violation.
• Preserving Live Streaming Privileges: If you repeatedly violate TikTok’s live stream guidelines, you risk losing your live streaming privileges altogether. To avoid this, make sure you fully understand and follow the rules. If you do receive a warning or suspension, take the necessary steps to fix the issue and prevent future violations.

By taking the time to understand and adhere to TikTok’s community guidelines and live stream rules, you can create engaging, entertaining content that keeps your audience coming back for more while maintaining a safe, respectful environment for everyone on the platform.

TikTok Live Best Practices: Do’s and Don’ts

Mastering TikTok Live requires more than just technical know-how; it is equally essential to understand the nuances of engaging with a live audience in real-time. To help you navigate the live streaming landscape, here are some tried and true best practices, along with a few pitfalls to avoid:

Do’s

1. Plan Ahead: Just like any other content, a successful live stream starts with a plan. Outline your topics, segments, or activities to ensure a smooth flow throughout the session.
2. Engage Actively: Constantly interact with your viewers. Acknowledge their comments, answer questions, and make them feel seen and heard. This fosters a genuine connection.
3. Promote in Advance: Let your followers know about your upcoming live stream a few days prior. Use stories, posts, or even other social media platforms to build anticipation.
4. Stay Authentic: One of the most appealing aspects of live streaming is its raw, unedited nature. Embrace this by being genuine and true to yourself.
5. Test Your Setup: Before going live, ensure that your internet connection is stable, your audio is clear, and your lighting showcases you in the best possible way.
6. Collaborate: Consider bringing on guests or collaborating with other creators to diversify your content and tap into a broader audience.
7. Stay Updated: TikTok often rolls out new features or updates for its live streaming. Ensure you are always updated to make the most out of your live sessions.

Don’ts

1. Ignore Negative Comments: Every creator encounters trolls or negativity. Instead of engaging in arguments, focus on positive interactions or utilize the block feature when necessary.
2. Over-Promote: While it is okay to market your merchandise or paid collaborations, ensure that it does not overshadow the content and engagement aspect of your live stream.
3. Neglect Post-Live Engagements: Once your live session ends, engage with comments, thank your viewers for tuning in, and gather feedback to improve future sessions.
4. Compromise on Quality: Whether it is video clarity, audio, or content quality, always strive to give your viewers the best experience.
5. Rely Solely on TikTok: While TikTok is a powerful platform, always consider diversifying to other platforms or having backup plans in case of technical glitches.

TikTok Live can be a fantastic tool for creators when used effectively.

Remember, it is a two-way street of communication, so always prioritize your audience’s experience. Stick to these best practices, and you will be on your way to creating memorable and impactful live sessions.

Conclusion

TikTok live streaming presents an incredible chance for creators to connect with their audience in real-time, nurturing engagement and fostering a strong community. To guarantee a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, it is essential to grasp and comply with TikTok’s live stream rules and guidelines.

By implementing the tips covered and following the step-by-step instructions on going live, you can produce successful live streams that strike a chord with your target audience. Always prioritize the safety and well-being of your community by moderating your live streams, steering clear of inappropriate content, and addressing any offensive behaviour.

Utilizing the capabilities of TikTok live streaming responsibly can help you effectively expand your presence on the platform, forge lasting bonds with your followers, and make a positive difference in the lives of your viewers.

As a business owner, mastering the art of TikTok live streaming can be a game-changer for building brand awareness, showcasing your products or services, and establishing a loyal customer base.

I want to share a valuable insight that has guided me throughout my professional journey; true success lies in being a leader, not just a boss.

In many organizations, the terms “leader” and “boss” are often used interchangeably. However, there is a significant distinction between the two.

While a boss merely holds a position of authority, a leader inspires, empowers, and brings out the best in their team.

Let’s explore why embracing leadership is crucial for personal and organizational growth.

1️⃣ Building Relationships & Trust:

Leaders focus on building strong relationships with their team members. They actively listen, understand individual strengths and aspirations, and create an environment of trust and respect. By fostering genuine connections, leaders cultivate a sense of loyalty, commitment, and collaboration within their teams.

2️⃣ Empowering Others:

A leader understands the importance of empowering their team members. Instead of micromanaging or exerting control, they delegate responsibilities and provide autonomy. Leaders trust their team’s abilities, encourage innovation, and create an atmosphere where individuals can grow, take ownership, and make meaningful contributions.

3️⃣ Inspiring Vision and Purpose:

Leaders have a clear vision and are able to articulate it to their team. They inspire others by sharing a compelling purpose that goes beyond the day-to-day tasks. A leader’s vision motivates individuals, aligns their efforts, and enables them to see the bigger picture.

4️⃣ Effective Communication:

Leaders are exceptional communicators. They not only convey information clearly but also listen actively and encourage open dialogue. Leaders provide constructive feedback, recognize achievements, and ensure that their team feels heard and valued.

5️⃣ Continuous Growth and Development:

A leader invests in the growth and development of their team members. They provide opportunities for learning, mentorship, and skill-building. Leaders understand that their success lies in the success of their team.

6️⃣ Leading by Example:

A true leader leads by example. They embody the qualities they expect from their team, whether it’s integrity, resilience, or a strong work ethic. Leaders are not afraid to roll up their sleeves, get involved, and show their team what it means to be committed and dedicated. They inspire others through their actions.

Let’s all strive to be leaders rather than mere bosses.

By embracing leadership qualities, we can foster a positive work culture, drive innovation, and unlock the full potential of our teams.

Here’s to becoming leaders who inspire, empower, and make a lasting difference in the lives of those we lead.

Despair, gloom, isolation, depression… words we’ve been hearing during this global pandemic. With the current state of a depressed economy, many small business owners feel as though there is no need to plan ahead. Their idea is to just endure these uncertain times as best as possible, hoping for a brighter future.

To the contrary, planning is a must. When the recovery starts (and it certainly will one day), long-term growth will be a by-product of planning, instead of doing nothing or making haphazard business decisions.

Planning involves many different aspects of a business. Consider these five areas in your planning to help your business survive the pandemic.

1. Strategic approaches

There are a multitude of strategic approaches that a business can take, and each can be equally successful. This is what creates a competitive marketplace. However, if you do not have a clear idea of your strategic approach, then you cannot make decisions that will consistently lead to accomplishing predetermined goals.

Whether it is during good times or bad times, you must know what direction you want to take your company in order to better compete with rival businesses. Examples of different strategic approaches might be:

• Strive to be a low-cost provider.
• Have a higher quality product or service than the competition.
• Focus on a narrow market niche.

If you’re not completely sure of what strategic approach you will be undertaking, now is the time to perfect and market an approach that is most likely to secure business now and in the future.

2. Marketing

Even though revenues are down in most businesses, marketing is essential to keep your company’s name in front of customers and prospects. Although you may need to reduce your marketing budget, it is important to concentrate on those marketing components that have and will produce the best results for the money spent.

As your business starts having an upturn, then your marketing strategy can be updated. Marketing is an integral part of any business and cannot be ignored, even during times of trouble. Having a marketing strategy allows you to connect with current customers, identify potential customers, and then convince everyone that your products and services have intrinsic value to meet their needs.

3. Alliances

Strategic alliances can be a viable growth option for many small businesses. They can be a way to monetize what your business has to offer with little cost or liability. Forming the right alliances can improve market access and allow your company to gain entry into markets that would otherwise not be open to you.

When business is slow, it can be a great time to investigate different types of alliances that would be a good fit and start communicating with potential alliance partners.

4. Finances

Financing and budgeting are also essential elements of planning. Businesses must plan for the future to ensure sufficient capital is available for operations, asset acquisitions, debt servicing, and possible expansion. Near-term and future cash needs must be anticipated; investigate various governmental assistance programs that are available and apply as soon as possible. Without proper financial planning, your operations could come to a standstill.

5. Employees

Although many businesses (if not most) have had to furlough employees during the pandemic, companies must plan when and how employees will be rehired. Businesses also need to consider if skill sets in the future will differ from the skill sets required today.

The best products or services cannot be sold or provided without quality employees, so if your employees were laid off, you need to consider if those same employees will be available when operations resume at full strength. If you will be hiring new employees, there needs to be proper training in place to facilitate returning to full operation as soon as possible. Employees are the most valuable asset your business has, so employee planning is definitely an important aspect of overall general business planning.

Create a blueprint for the future

Although business survival rather than planning might seem like the activity of the day, small businesses must still plan, if even only for the next quarter or next six months. Proper planning today with forethought for the future allows for implementation with a reasonable timeline. If you choose to wait until “the time is right” before planning and executing action, you may miss out on opportunities.

Planning is the blueprint to building a solid business. It is a road map to guide your company to success. Rarely does a business beat its competition by making spur-of-the-moment decisions. Good planning and good execution are interrelated functions that create positive outcomes.

Turning the hobby you truly enjoy into a thriving revenue generator can be one of the most exciting, generative and truly satisfying experiences. The exciting news is that you can turn your hobby into a profitable business if you are willing to make the transition from an employee to a business owner and the CEO of your own life.

Businesses take commitment and skillful management to make them successful, so your love for your hobby will provide the generative energy it will take to create your new business and make it a successful one!

Moreover, the only way to create a sustainable business is to do great work. And the only way to do great work is to do what you truly enjoy and to sincerely love what you do. Again, your hobby provides this.

Doing something you deeply enjoy as a business has the great potential to create a sustainable income faster than any other wealth-producing strategy. But how, exactly, do you turn your hobby into a thriving business?

There are five simple ideas to start turning your hobby into a business. So, if you already have the willingness to be and do something different, here’s how to get this transformation underway:

1. Look at the objective and the rationale behind turning your hobby into a business.

Ask yourself why you want to own your business, what is your primary aim for turning your hobby into a business, and what you truly want to create. Will it be a full-time or a part-time venture? Do you want to create a part time business to supplement your income from your job, or maybe you would like to make it full time business venture? That’s the starting point.

2. Look at your priorities and big picture.

Do you have a big picture of the way your business can be integrated into your life and living? Your ability to see the big picture will expand your awareness to greater possibilities. Ask yourself these questions:

• Would turning your hobby into a business be enjoyable, generative, fun and satisfying?
• Would you be able to draw at least a living wage from the business?
• Would you be able to gain some benefit beside cash flow from your business?
• Would you be able to generate a long-term sustainable financial future from this?
• Does the business have capital growth potential?

3. Take stock of yourself and your current financial state.

If you would like to develop your business to be a principal source of income for you and your family, then you need to know how much money your business needs to generate so you can live the life you desire. There is no more essential precept for turning your hobby into business than to start by taking stock of yourself and your finances. You must know what it costs you to live the life you desire and to run your business, so you can see what kind of money would be required to generated by your business.

What really matters are what targets, both financial and non-financial, you would require your business to achieve in order to generate the kind of life you want to lead.

4. Develop your strategy.

While you may be good at your hobby, before you jump in and start charging for the products or services, you need to research and develop your business strategy for greater success. By business strategy, we mean positioning yourself now to create growth into the future.

You can start your business strategy by outlining the key priorities of your business into the future. The strategy must provide the details of your business, including the services you offer, what you want to achieve, what does your business stand for, how you’ll differ from the competition, financial projections, marketing strategies, what specific objectives do you want to achieve, both short and long term.

5. Move from strategy to action.

Once you’ve formed the business strategy (and it can be on merely one page), the next step is to physically actualize it. To ensure your strategies are brought to life, there needs to be specific action plans for each of the strategies set, and the necessary steps to get you there in an agreed time frame. This is vital to the success of your business. Without a realistic set of incremental steps, overarching strategies are not likely to form in the way you would like (if at all).

Powerful strategies are made from the right building blocks and a willingness to act. If your action plans do not support your key strategies, there is little to no chance that you will successfully realize the strategies to create different possibilities for your business. And be prepared to change strategy if it’s not working for you!

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DO YOU WANT TO IMPROVE YOUR MARKETING STRATEGY?

If you are interested to learn the unique marketing techniques for your business, let’s apply for our Business Development & Marketing Communications Service. We, at SAZ Diversify Legacy (SAZDL), will help to boost your business! This service is open for any type of businesses. For more information, you may visit our website:
www.sazdl.com

Please CLICK HERE and fill the form to book our training and do not feel hesitate to contact us!

It has been almost seven (7) weeks as the Movement Control Order (MCO) in Malaysia has taken effect but already it’s clear that life will not return to normal soon. In fact, there has already been some significant and fundamental changes in the world and many of these will become permanent. When this health crisis abates, we will be in a new world. Here are some ways this new world will break with the past:

1. Supply chains will be local rather than global. The tariff and trade wars had stretched global supply chains to breaking point. The virus pandemic broke those chains. Local companies will be loathe to trust all the supply from one foreign country or even from outside country will look to diversify their suppliers and to favor local suppliers, even at higher costs.
2. Shop, work, and play online. Retailers with physical stores were already struggling to compete with online shopping. The shelter-in-place rules forced everyone to shop, work, or play online. As the last online laggards adjusted to online commerce, they will likely not go back. So in-store shopping and commercial real estate will take a hit long-term.
3. Digital divide will become a chasm. Everyone shifted to working and learning online. Those with connectivity and technology jobs and skills could continue working remotely fairly unaffected during the shelter in place order. Access and ability to work online will become even more important and those who are unable to connect online, will fall further behind economically.
4. Home-bias will increase dramatically. Economists have long known that we perceive higher risk the further away the threat is from us. It’s the fear of the unknown. Put it another way, we have a favorable bias and a perception of lower risk for what’s closer to home. Investors pulled back from investing overseas or out-of-state as travel was difficult during this crisis which prohibited proper due diligence. Investors are likely to revert to more investing closer to home.
5. Healthcare for all becomes a more standard view. Before the crisis, universal healthcare was still considered a left-of-center view. During the crisis, there was unified view that free testing for all was critical in protecting everyone. As rich and poor got afflicted, it became clear that we need a good health care system, for all.
6. Unemployment benefit is not just for the lazy. When unemployment was at 3.30%, it was hard to get anyone to support unemployment benefits or minimum wage. The perception was that only the lazy were unemployed or couldn’t support themselves financially. About 2.4 million jobs are expected to be lost in the impending economic recession created by the corona-virus pandemic in the country, said the Malaysian Institute of Economic Research (MIER). This became clear that there are economic gyrations that impact large swathes of people, regardless of their skills, abilities or work ethic. And not providing unemployment benefit for these who are caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, could crater the whole economy for all.
7. Loss of trust will take time to recover. How long will it take before folks are comfortable going on a cruise again? Or when will homeowners feel comfortable letting a stranger into their house to rent it for a weekend? How long before countries with high infection rate will be deemed clear so their citizens can come visiting as tourists again? It will take some time. My personal guess is two (2) years or more.
8. Insurance takes center stage. In the past, businesses often viewed risk mitigation and insurance as boring areas that reflected overly pessimistic views. This incredible unimaginable crisis is unfolding and causing tremendous damage to every sector every where in the world. Those who had contingency plans and robust risk planning are really benefiting. Risk management will become a core activity in the new world. Companies will actively develop and test contingency plans and look for insurance services to protect themselves. Hedging will not be viewed as an unpleasant cost but a wise necessity. Of course, insurance companies will also look to protect themselves and tighten their exposure.

After any prolonged period of crisis, there is a strong desire for rebirth and renewal. After a war, there is a post-war boom. The citizens of a country that has been at war are weary of death and destruction and with peace comes a second chance at life and a tremendous burst of creative energy and economy-building. There is pent-up demand for products and services; folks are eager to get back to work and to invest and to shop. Hopefully, that rebirth is also part of the new world.

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DO YOU WANT TO IMPROVE THE PERFORMANCE IN YOUR ORGANISATION?

If you are interested to learn the unique techniques and the easier ways of building your leadership skills for personal and also for your team, let’s apply for our Leadership Storytelling Training. We, at SAZ Diversify Legacy (SAZDL), will help to unleash your inner talent! This program is open for any type of businesses. For more information, you may visit our website: www.sazdl.com

Please CLICK HERE and fill the form to book our training and do not feel hesitate to contact us.

Humans are not meant to stop growing. In fact, no living thing on earth is meant to stop growing. We are all alive, reaching for the sun.

Progress in life is all about reinvention. I am going to preface all of this by saying that reinvention is not the same thing as endlessly seeking reward or achievement. There is a difference. Seeking an achievement usually implies an “end.” You win the trophy and then you’re “done.” That’s not what you want to aim for–because as soon as you say you’re “done,” you are no longer reaching and stretching yourself, which means you stop growing.

Reinvention, however, leaves the end open–which is actually a good thing. Reinvention is what allows you endless opportunities to continue exploring new parts of yourself. Exploration is growth, and growth in this sense is not outward facing but inward.

Whenever you find something about yourself you want to change, you need to look for a way to reinvent it.

1. See yourself outside yourself.
   Imagine you are a sculptor. A sculptor looks at his or her piece of stone and endlessly questions new ways to shape it. And if he or she thinks of something to change, there is no emotional attachment. They just do it. This is how you need to see yourself–as a work of art, always in progress. No need to get upset, or come down hard on yourself when you see something you do not like. Instead, like an artist, just get to work.
2. Find the habit associated with the thing you want to change.
   Far too often, people focus too much on the thing they want to change instead of the habits that formed the thing in the first place. For example: They try to solve being overweight with doing a lot of ab exercises, without acknowledging that the problem is their poor diet. To truly reinvent aspects of yourself, you have to find the habit that created that trait in the first place–and then adjust the habit.
3. Practice every day, no matter what.
   Change is not something you do some days and then take a break from other days. Change is a shift in lifestyle. It requires daily dedication, to the point where that new habit takes the place of an old one and no longer requires conscious effort.
4. Set realistic goals.
   You can’t just wake up one morning and say, “I’m not going to be impatient anymore!” Yes, you are. And you actually help yourself by acknowledging that a bad habit like that won’t be solved immediately. Instead, set the goal to be more patient during your team meeting that happens every morning. Use that as an isolated practice space and subconscious reminder of what it is you want to practice. Focus on that for a few weeks, and then go from there.
5. Constantly look in the mirror.
   Things get dangerous when you refuse to stop and really look at yourself–when you avoid self-reflection. There is a time and a place for “go go go” mode, and then there is a time and place for reflection mode. Both are necessary. And you will quickly find that unless you take the time to ask yourself the tough questions, you will fall off track and not know how you got there.
6. Surround yourself with people who will tell you the truth.
   If everyone around you is telling you “yes,” then you have a serious problem. You need people who are going to challenge and question you. You need people who won’t be afraid to tell you the truth. Tough feedback is essential for personal growth.
7. You have to take risks.
   You will never become the person you want to be by continuing to be the person you currently are. Growth’s only request is that you step out of your comfort zone. That’s it. And unless you are willing to take that risk, to take that uncomfortable leap into the unknown, you will forever stay exactly where you are.

Summary

Reinvention is an art. It is a process. It is not a “quick fix” or an “overnight solution.” It is a deliberate practice, day in and day out, until you realize who it is you want to be, you already were all along.

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You want to get rid the negativity and be brave in facing challenges in life, but you are not strong enough in spirituality and no one want to listen? If you are looking for a Life Coach to help and guide you, then you come to right place. My mission is to help my clients attain transformative change their lives and careers in order to achieve greater success, fulfillment and well-being. CLICK HERE and fill the form to book your slot for life coaching consultation.

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I wonder how much more productive we would be if we didn’t talk about how productive we could be. I wonder if it would be easier to ‘find our purpose’ if there weren’t thousands of blogs and people telling us how we should find our purpose. And I wonder if everyone would be happier if we didn’t over analyze everything to the nth degree using the myriad of social media and blogging outlets.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not a hater. I have a blog. I use social media tools. And I definitely over analyze everything. But last week I just stopped. For one day, I decided to stop talking and start doing. And here’s what I found:

1. I found that I was lonely. I was so accustomed to my ego being stroked by the people I surrounded myself with online that I had forgotten what it was like to be alone. Someone once said you can only be happy when you’re alone if you like the person you’re alone with. I think today’s society has taken away from alone time. Even when we’re alone, we’re still communicating; be it on Twitter, Facebook, Blogging, WhatsApp, Messenger, Telegram or the next “big thing”.
2. I was productive. I wasn’t writing about “getting out of my comfort zone”, instead I was actually working to push myself out of my real comfort zone. I found work to challenge myself and enveloped myself in it.
3. I had time to spend with my close friends to find out how their days were and to just talk about something or nothing at all and while we all enjoying quality time together, you know that they are the people who read your blogs and keep update with your social medias. I would say that they are a “type” of friend that you can call as true family, because they are the type whose house you can go to at 4:00AM when something is wrong.

Most importantly, I was doing. I wasn’t talking about what I WOULD do, or what I DID do. I just did. And I realized that while blogging and podcasting and social media and all of these other communication tools are great to market oneself; they also take away from the concept of self. All of the sudden, people need positive reinforcement for writing a blog post or developing a podcast. I would ask, are they ‘doing’ for themselves? Or so they can receive the positive feedback their egos crave?

I wonder when this movement of talking about oneself will end. I wonder if it will end. People naturally think they’re interesting; and they inherently want to be liked, to be noticed. But most importantly, I wonder what would happen if we all just stopped talking about what we are doing, or did, or going to do and just started doing.

So I plead with you to discipline yourself. Be honest with yourself. Take some time alone and find the real reason you are seeking constant communication, approval, or even disagreements. Could it be that you, too, have forgotten how to be alone? And you’ve forgotten how to “do” without talking about it? Take a step back. You’ll be amazed at what you find. Trust me!

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You want to get rid the negativity and be brave in facing challenges in life, but you are not strong enough in spirituality and no one want to listen? If you are looking for a Life Coach to help and guide you, then you come to right place. My mission is to help my clients attain transformative change their lives and careers in order to achieve greater success, fulfillment and well-being. CLICK HERE and fill the form to book your slot for life coaching consultation.

The program can be conducted face-to-face or 100% online for those who are far from Kuala Lumpur. I am looking forward for the opportunity to work with you. You may visit my website at: www.shahalghazali.com

Many successful people attribute at least part of their success to having a mentor. The right mentor can provide advice and connections that help their mentee reach heights that would be impossible alone.

Here are some pieces of advice on mentorship, with perspectives from successful tech professionals who have seen its benefits firsthand.

1. Mentorship requires intentional investments of time and energy; you get what you put in.

Being a mentee is not a passive role. When you have a mentor, it’s your job to define your own goals, cultivate the relationship, seek out advice, attend meetings or events you’re invited to, and so on.

“Building a strong network of mentors requires commitment of time and energy, but with these types of relationships, you absolutely get out of them what you put in,” says Shah Al-Ghazali, Founder of SAZ Diversify Legacy. “The more you know yourself, what you are good at, what you are not, the more value you and your mentors will get out of the relationship. Then make time to invest in those relationships.”

Says Noraniza Mohtar, Executive Senior Sales Director of Mary Kay (Malaysia), “Mentor relationships must be tended to and are constantly evolving. Those experiences and discussions culminate in a stronger bond to navigate more complex life or business discussions in the future.”

2. Experienced perspectives are invaluable for young careers and companies.

While mentorship can be valuable at any stage of a career, it’s especially important when the mentee doesn’t have as much personal experience in the industry. With a mentor, they can benefit from the insights gained through years of experience without having to spend years of trial and error themselves.

“When I first started my career, I discounted the importance of experience,” says Fatim Aiman, Business Development Executive at SAZ Diversify Legacy. “A strong mentor has the experience to help a startup avoid the pitfalls and identify possibly paths to success. Often entrepreneurs feel like there isn’t time, but the time and trouble you can save by working with a good mentor is invaluable.”

Syazwan Shukri, Founder of Al-SyuQ Palace Spa Cafe, still experiences this firsthand in his career. “As a first-time founder, I look to people who have lived through the experiences and challenges that I face every day in building and scaling my company. I’ve found it invaluable to have a board of advisors who have experience scaling companies and can provide valuable, actionable advice.”

3. The best mentors are the ones who can fill gaps in your skillset. Don’t seek a mentor who’s your clone.

Every entrepreneur has their own strengths and weaknesses. And while mentors can certainly help make the strengths even stronger, it’s usually even more valuable to have someone who can give advice in areas where you’re struggling.

“Entrepreneurship is essentially about constantly learning, and having great mentors is crucial to learning fast,” says Muhammad Shahffiq, Business Administration Executive at SAZ Diversify Legacy & Subject Matter Expert at ByteDance (Malaysia). “In particular, it’s important for for a mentor to supplement the strengths that the entrepreneur brings to the table. For example, I came to the game as a strong technologist, but had to learn about the science of enterprise sales, finance/operations, etc. An entrepreneur should always select a mentor that fills the gaps in his/her experience and skill set.”

4. You don’t always have to follow a mentor’s advice but listen to it and evaluate it.

One important thing to understand about mentorship is that the mentor can’t live your life for you. They’re there to provide advice and perspective and make you think differently not make unilateral decisions for you. “Counsel need not always be followed, but should always be carefully considered,” advises Noraniza.

“The role of the mentor is to make you reflect, not to give you advice or answers. Helping you ask the right questions that’s real mentorship,” explains Louis Hong, Business Analyst at SAZ Diversify Legacy & Founder of Life Mastermind.

5. Anyone can be a mentor even without knowing it.

If you go through life with the perspective that you have something to learn from everyone you meet, you’ll collect a lot of informal mentors along the way.

“In my own life and career, I have had numerous mentors, most of them accidental, and many of them unaware that I saw them as mentors,” says Louis. “At one point I decided that any person I meet will be treated by me as a mentor for the time the interaction lasts. In an Uber or Grab, the driver can be my mentor for a few minutes. Among friends, I seek out mentorship moments. I even have fantasy mentors, i.e. I envision myself being mentored by someone I admire (for instance, Tun Dr. Mahathir) and I try to figure out what questions that mentor would ask me. It works!”

6. Diversity of mentorship is important.

It’s common to have one person you regard as a primary mentor, but that doesn’t mean you can’t seek out a variety of perspectives on a more informal basis as well.

Noraniza further her saying, “At Mary Kay, majority of our investing partners are women. Having such a diverse set of mentors has helped me realize that there isn’t a cookie-cutter for success in Mary Kay, or any industry for that matter. This gives me confidence in my own career path, and has helped shape the way I think about investing and entrepreneurship.”

Shah Al-Ghazali also encourages seeking out mentors who bring other perspectives to light: “I always encourage people to find mentors who you not only trust to be sources of counsel throughout your career, but also who bring a different point of view to your own.”

7. There are specific things you can do to being a good mentee.

Often, people consider the “burden” of mentorship to be on the mentor. But mentees can take responsibility for cultivating the experience of mentorship too.

“The biggest difference between people having a successful mentor relationship boils down to initiative,” says Mohammad Muzammil, Operation Executive at SAZ Diversify Legacy: “Many thoughtful pieces have been written about how to be a good mentor, but there is less attention on how to be a good mentee. When I look at those that I have mentored and those that are getting a lot out of the program have some clear similarities:

• They thoughtfully select the right person.
• They establish the framework of the relationship.
• They work at the relationship.
• They are prepared with specific questions, areas for feedback, and requests for support.”

8. Mentorship is beneficial for the mentors too.

Finally, just as the responsibilities of mentorship are shared by mentees, the benefits are shared by mentors.

“The most successful mentorships are the ones that are a two-way experience where both sides benefit from the relationship,” says Noraniza. “In these relationships, the mentor experiences satisfaction and new perspectives by providing guidance and insight to the person seeking advice, while the mentee gains the benefit of experienced advice.”

“We tend to think that mentorship was designed to help the mentees, the up-and-coming. But mentorship helps the mentor too,” adds Louis. “To be a mentor makes you a more understanding human being. It keeps your mind young and your skills fresh. Successful people who don’t start to mentor others will over time lose touch with their own excellence. Mentoring someone connects you back to the original you who became so excellent.”

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DO YOU WANT TO IMPROVE THE PERFORMANCE IN YOUR ORGANISATION? If you are interested to learn the unique techniques and the easier ways of building your leadership skills for personal and also for your team, let’s apply for our Leadership Storytelling Training. We, at SAZ Diversify Legacy (SAZDL), will help to unleash your inner talent! This program is open for any type of businesses. For more information, you may visit our website: www.sazdl.com

Please CLICK HERE and fill the form to book our training and do not feel hesitate to contact our team at +601123827811 (Aiman) or +60169667912 (Louis), to discuss further.