EMA’s Model Training - Tabitha Mercury Reporting…

Recently, while I was out venue hoping, I decided to fill out an application for a modeling position with Eden Modeling Agency (EMA). Owned by Jocelyn Amber and Aufreizend Lexico, EMA is located on the Dragon Field sim. I turned it in after filling it out with all my previous hopes and dreams about being an SL model. I have wanted to get into modeling in SL since I started years back. I was here years ago, under a different name which I had no idea how to get into, I think I may have even deleted the account. My memory grows fuzzy in my old age. *wink*

The Initial Meeting

Sue (sue.terr): I am the CEO and Trainer so you will only be with me for the course and any shows or shoots we do

Tabitha Mercury nods

Sue (sue.terr): Today I want to establish if you have the right enthusiasm behind you to become a model. The course is free and takes around 6 weeks as this is spread out so it does not interfere with your S/L life as well as your R/L life.

Tabitha Mercury nods

Sue (sue.terr): Should you pass the course you will be awarded a certificate of training and a place will be offered as a registered model at Eden Model Agency

Tabitha Mercury: (I am surprised it is free, that's a bonus for sure!)

Sue (sue.terr): yes it is

Sue (sue.terr): Besides the course there will be AO’s you will need for photo shoots and catwalk shows which could cost 2000L but I can show you which you require.

Sue (sue.terr): I do not want to mislead you thinking you have no other costs.

On shoots and shows you are given clothing jewelry and footwear by the designers which can be of 800L or more so free clothing is what you get, however you may get tips too.

Aufreizend Lexico: Tabitha, reason the course is free, is you need to buy the AO

The interview with Sue

The questions posed:

• So can you tell me why you could be a model?

• Do you have any dependents to look after in S/L or R/L?

• Are you married or have a B/F G/F who may get upset if you're not available In S/L or R/L?

• How would you feel on a photo shoot just wearing underwear with the photographer looking at you for a shot?

• Do you take orders well?

• Could you give 12 hours notice if you can not attend a shoot or show?

After pondering my truest answers and answering their very good questions, I excitedly accepted their offer (Aufrezend sat in) to do model training with them. I shot off a letter to my editor, explaining my latest article idea. A weekly peek into what it’s like to become a model in SL. Luckily, she approved and here we are.

First day of training

I landed at the sim and went into the office to wait for Sue Terr, the CEO and trainer of Eden Modeling Agency (EMA). She had a R/L thing and we started an hour later than scheduled, which was fine as I was a dingbat and thought that I would be training for 5 hours every week, during one sitting and prepared my schedule as such. It is only one hour per week, I was very relieved to find out.

We went to the modeling studio classroom and began my training. There was a lot of information given. A lot of requirements and common sense things one could expect. First we started with the rules of modeling.

1. If you go to a casting, runway practice or fashion show, be there at least 30 minutes before it starts. ( it's a Golden Rule )

2. Never ever wear bling shoes or jewelry.

3. The runway is not the place for shoes with sound.

4. Please do not wear any hair that is glowing. (use the midnight setting to see this)

5. Respect other models and designers and their work.

She stressed number 5 and mentioned she wouldn’t hesitate to drop you from future shows and shoots because she will not tolerate anything less. Personally, I think this is a very professional approach and should be what’s expected in the industry from each other.

I got lessons in lag, my body, tattoos, a hair reminder about glowing hair and the reminder that your face, body, style (clothing), is your branding. I must admit, I was disappointed upon finding out that I would have to change my petite body to a tall body on occasions, depending on the designer's needs. Lamented the fact that I would likely have to remove my tattoos and then had the horrible realization that I was going to have to remove my wedding ring, as well.

I was relieved to find out that I can go back to being “me” when I am not doing the shows or the shoots. I feel it would be smart to keep myself in “designer” clothing to keep the branding of myself going, modeling or not. My face will stay true, my body shape may change temporarily to an amazonian goddess size, I can wear my wedding band when not working as a model, and it’s a good thing this is SL and I can remove and add my tattoos at a moment’s whim.

Conclusion

I knew that modeling in SL would entail a lot. I had hoped to find a place where I didn’t really have to change my body shape but I haven’t found one, yet. You become partial to your avatar, as it is an extension of yourself and take great care in curating what you feel makes your avatar the you that you want to be in SL. I would say that if you are not willing to change these things, modeling in SL professionally is not the route you want to go. For myself, this will be an adjustment, but I do look forward to my opportunity before me!

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Pushing Through Tough Times With These Motivation Tips

 

Photo by Tirachard Kumtanom: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-wearing-black-bra-and-white-tank-top-raising-both-hands-on-top-347135/

Do you lack motivation and simply put things at the bottom of your list? Us too. We’ve all been there. It's annoying, we know. But there are ways out of this.

Whether you are a fashion business hoping to succeed or a college student trying to get through your exams, you need all of the motivation tips to push you through. Don’t worry; you’ve got this!

Using this guide, you can discover the best motivation tips of all time to push you through the times you need to focus and hit deadlines.

Listen to Your Favorite Music

Music can put us in a totally different mood and headspace, can’t it? We can put our favorite song on and feel different. Hence, it makes sense to get a music subscription so you always have access to music when you need some motivation. It doesn’t need to break the bank, either. Luckily, we can get spotify premium cheap and be sure to have all of the music we need to motivate us.

Set Goals Often

Goal setting is one of the most powerful techniques people can use to help them achieve what they want in life. They have been used by millions of successful people all over the world. This is because they are highly effective at helping people take consistent action toward what they want and overcome obstacles. 

Focus on the Positive Things

Keep a positive attitude and focus on the good things in your life. We all have our challenges and our rough times, but focusing on the positive things in your life will give you motivation and let you know that it’s not that bad on the super-bad days. Show gratitude for the things you already have by acknowledging the blessings and opportunities. Practice gratitude for simple things, like the blue sky, a baby’s laughter, or your favorite flavor of ice cream. Cultivate optimism by recognizing a negative situation and then finding a way to put a positive spin on it.

Seek Inspiration

Find inspiration in uplifting books, motivational quotes, inspiring podcasts, role models, and mentors. Answer this question, “Who are my role models, and how could they help?" Figure out what inspires you and what you value; let this fix your mindset. In addition, these people listen and believe you should be inspired by what you have accomplished in the past. Listen and believe yourself that you can do it like you have before.

Be Flexible and Adaptive

Be willing to embrace flexibility and adaptability in your approach to navigating through tough times. Keep in mind that when things get tough, if you have the perfect plan, you have probably created a scenario that is not plausible and, therefore, is doomed to fail. The more broad your plan and structure, the better off you will be when things inevitably change. 

Break it Down 

When faced with a huge task, try to break the task down into smaller, more manageable steps. You should learn to celebrate a little when you achieve each step. This can help build momentum and confidence, making it seem like making progress and achieving a goal is less daunting.

Seek Connection and Support

Do not be afraid to ask friends, family members, or trusted colleagues for help during difficult times. Share with them what challenges and aches you so you receive empathy, courage, and a new or different perspective. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and know you will get through this hard time, even when you don’t.

Carve Out Time for Self-Care

Another simple way to stay motivated through tough times is to carve out some time for TLC. We all deserve it. Make taking care of your well-being a priority in your life, and spend time, money, and energy on taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental energy stores when times are tough. This means doing therapeutic things for your mind, body, and soul, like exercise, meditation, engaging in hobbies, or spending time in nature. This also means setting time and energy boundaries and prioritizing things that make you feel joyous and fulfilled!

Celebrate Your Progress and Milestones

Take a moment to appreciate how far you’ve come, no matter how small the progress or how insignificant the milestone may seem. Consider and celebrate the achievements, milestones, and growth moments that occurred along the way. Celebrate that you kept going through the rough times and stuck to your goals when things were great.

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Kinetics Dance February Premiere Show! February 7th at 6pm SLT

 

You're invited to the Kinetics' February Premiere Show! We have an exciting lineup of new acts to share with you. It's going to be an evening of killer moves, awesome beats, and all-around good vibes. Our dancers have poured their hearts into these performances, and we're stoked to bring the energy to the stage. Feel free to bring friends, family, or anyone who's up to start their day with dance and fun. Save the date, mark your calendar, and let's make February 7th an evening to remember! Get here early so you can make sure there's enough space for everyone. Find us on Fantasies Island - can't wait to see you with us! Salut, Kinetics Dance

NB*Adult only Sim

🎉 Date: February 7, 2024 🕖 Time: 6 pm slt 📍 Where: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Fantasies%20Island/89/60/1001 Got questions? Email us at kineticsdancesl@gmail.com

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A 101 For Making Your Pharmacy's Clients Happy

 Photo by Kampus Production: https://www.pexels.com/photo/cafe-employee-wearing-an-apron-shaking-hands-with-a-person-6684795/

Are you the owner of a pharmacy that wants to make its customers happy?

Operating a profitable pharmacy isn’t just about handing out drugs. It’s about trying to put your patients in a good mood or, at the very least, ensuring they leave your pharmacy feeling satisfied. Satisfied customers influence the success and legitimacy of your pharmacy. 

In this inclusive guide, we will delve into the different techniques and tactics your pharmacy can utilize to not only satisfy your patients but also blow them away. Let us offer your business a helping hand.

Packaging medications correctly and safely

Packaging your medications correctly is important. Using a professional pharmaceutical packaging company, you can be sure that your products are safely packaged for the consumer. This will give them peace of mind and make sure they always trust you. 

No matter what type of consumption business you run, you can benefit from using safe packaging so the consumer knows the product hasn’t been touched. 

Be sure to safety train the team

Providing safety training for members and staff will guarantee that everyone knows how to take the best care of their clients. They will guarantee that each procedure and conversation they pursue is done carefully. 

When a staff member knows how to speak to clients and maintain their safety, it will put the client’s mind at rest and make sure they are completely satisfied with your company.

Create the most welcoming environment

The first step to a happy pharmacy customer is a welcoming environment. You can make your pharmacy welcoming by having a comfortable and cozy setting. Make sure your physical space is clean and aesthetically appealing. Having welcoming and approachable staff will greatly help increase the warmth as well. A good layout design that is easy to navigate and has good signage is very helpful in making your clients feel comfortable and not overwhelmed.

Make communication a top priority

Communication is the key to any successful relationship, and the relationship between pharmacist and client is no exception. Train your staff to be effective, clear communicators and to interact empathetically with clients. Take time to actively listen to your client's problems and questions and provide easy responses for them to understand. Offering clients updates about their prescriptions or ongoing consultations for medication management, for example, can add to their positive experience.

Offer every client personalized customer service

Every customer that comes to you will have a completely different profile, and if you're skilled at using this information to your advantage, you can market your services better than anyone. Using a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, you can garner and manage important details like preferences, medication histories, and special needs devised by individual customers. Additionally, offering personalized programs like medication synchronization can simplify refills and increase overall adherence.

Educate and empower your clients

Educating the client empowers him or her to maintain or improve his or her health status. Provide written or verbal materials. Provide workshops with one-on-one consultations. Provide information about the medication being taken, potential side effects, lifestyle modifications, etc. A well-informed client is a better adhesive and more likely to make better lifestyle options.

A responsive service is always beneficial 

Responding professionally and in a timely fashion to patient requests can be the difference between a pharmacy losing or maintaining client loyalty. The promptness of services rendered is key to client satisfaction. Fast service is considered a priority, so be responsive.

Stay compliant and ethical, always 

Adhere to the highest standards of compliance and ethical practices in all your pharmacy operations. Meet all regulatory requirements. Dispense medications with 100% accuracy and maintain patient safety. Ethical practices provide assurance and confidence for the client. The client relies on your pharmacy for their health and well-being.

Create a loyalty program for your clients

Reward frequent business with some sort of customer loyalty program. You can run a lot of different promotions. Some examples include creating a way for your customers to earn free services or products. Or, run a friends and family promotion where if a customer refers a new client, they both get some sort of discount. Or creating an exclusive program for your best customers where they get discounted products and/or services. Or even just running frequent promotions for the same customers. A loyalty program not only attracts people to keep coming back, which is perfect for same-day prescription refills, but it also makes your pharmacy associate with their healthcare.

Adopt good old technology

In today’s ever-changing healthcare environment, incorporating technology into your pharmacy operations can greatly enhance patient satisfaction. By having computerized prescription management systems and mobile apps for prescription refills, you can provide patients with convenience and accessibility. With technology, not only will you be streamlining processes, but you will also be seen as a forward-thinking and customer-focused pharmacy.

Don’t be shy; get involved with the community

Get involved with your local community to strengthen the connection between your pharmacy and your clients. Sponsor a local event, participate in health fairs, and collaborate with other healthcare providers. When your pharmacy is active in the community, it becomes more than just a place where you fill your prescriptions; it becomes a trusted partner in community health.

Proactive health services make a huge difference

Take your pharmacy services to the next level with proactive health initiatives. Showcase your commitment to community health with immunization clinics and wellness programs. These kinds of services not only contribute to your client’s well-being and establish your pharmacy as the go-to for more comprehensive healthcare.

Handle any complaints effectively 

No matter how hard you try, problems and conflicts with clients and customers will happen. Train your staff to be understanding and to be able to handle protests and conflicts with the utmost professionalism. Having a clear and clean process for resolving conflicts is a must. Working hard and having your customers and clients see that you will go out of your way to make them happy will keep them coming back for more.

Offer sustainable practices

Additionally, sustainability is worth considering. Many people are growing more concerned about the environment and litter creation. Incorporating a recycling program into the pharmacy and reducing the amount of waste from paper is beneficial. Maybe even look into eco-friendly packaging as opposed to regular packaging. Finally, make a point to let your clients know about your business, which will result in people referring all of their friends there since they are environmentally friendly.

Transparent pricing is key

Be transparent with your pricing to build trust with your clients. Clearly communicate the cost of medications, including any potential out-of-pocket expenses or insurance copays. By providing accurate and transparent pricing information, your clients are more informed and more likely to make the best decisions for them, and they won't be surprised at the check-out counter.

Create a mental health and wellness space

A wellness corner is a specific area you develop in the pharmacy to promote wellness. You offer information about vitamins, supplements, and over-the-counter products that support health and well-being. You may sponsor wellness events in the pharmacy such as yoga classes or nutrition workshops, to encourage clients to engage in their personal journey regarding health and wellness.

Offer language services 

There are some clients who might not be able to speak clearly. If not, it can help to provide them with a translator. Then, they can feel comfortable and obtain the medication they need.

Collaborating with healthcare providers is great 

Partnering with physicians, nurse practitioners, and dietitians in the area would be an excellent collaboration. A collaborative network will enhance the level of care you can give your clients. Having a network of healthcare providers means that clients will pass from one provider to another in an expeditious way, talking about their needs and concerns to improve their care.

Stay aware and updated on industry trends 

Keep your drug store up-to-date with the most recent headways in the social insurance industry by staying educated about the most recent healthcare trends. Frequently going to gatherings and reading pertinent distributions will help you stay informed about emerging treatments and healthcare policies. This indicates that a customer at your pharmacy will have a reliable supply of the newest information.

Health insurance guidance is useful for clients

Help clients navigate health insurance coverage by outlining plan details and copay clarification, as well as providing guidance on securing pre-authorizations. A dedicated insurance assistance service can ease the stress for clients and contribute to a cohesive healthcare experience.

Employee wellness strategies are great

Acknowledge the significance of employee well-being and its impact on a positive customer experience. Implement wellness programs for employees, cultivate a positive workplace environment, and foster professional growth to have a motivated and dedicated team.

Using this extensive guide, you can discover the best ways to make your pharmacy practice more efficient and friendly. This will result in happier staff and clients. You can build a pharmacy that your clients love. When you make clients happy, that’s all that matters. Take the best care of their health, and they will be satisfied with your company.

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Why Start An Online Dating Site?

Starting a side hustle is nothing new these days, and many people have chosen to go down that route because they need some extra money or they want to do something more interesting than their day jobs (among many other reasons). It’s clear that starting a side hustle is a great option for a lot of people, but that’s precisely the problem - so many people are choosing to do it that it’s becoming harder and harder to think of something that doesn’t already exist. 

If that’s the situation you find yourself in, don’t worry - there are plenty of side hustle ideas still available, and whether you come up with something brand new or you decide to take an older idea and make it unique, the choice is yours. One idea that might appeal is starting an online dating site; read on to find out what this could be what works for you. 

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

Meeting People’s Needs

The last thing you’ll want to do is finally come up with an idea for a side hustle only to find that no one is interested and you don’t have many (or any) customers. All that time and effort - and maybe money too - would have gone to waste, and you’ll have pretty much nothing to show for it. 

So when you’re choosing your side hustle, it’s a good idea to choose one that’s going to meet people’s needs in the modern world, and online dating is something that ticks a lot of boxes. 

With an online dating site, you’re offering people a convenient way to meet people from the comfort of their own homes in their own time. There’s no pressure (everyone has enough of that in other areas of their lives), it’s flexible, and it fits in with any and all careers and family situations. 

Technology Is Advancing

Not only does starting an online dating site make sense because it’s what people want now, but thanks to advanced technology and new ideas that are being produced all the time, it’s something that can be what they need in the future too. You only need to think about how online dating sites worked twenty years ago compared to now to see that, as long as you move with the times, this is an industry that you can grow with rather than against. 

The trick is to put as much modern tech into your business as you can right from the start. That could include safety features, it might mean using AI or virtual reality, or it could mean using adult website processing so that payments can be made smoothly and without any stress. When you do that, you won’t have to update for a while, and people can be used to your business as it is. 

A Flexible Business

We’ve talked about how flexible and convenient online dating sites are for your customers, but they’re also convenient and flexible for you as a business owner. There’s no stock to think about, you don’t have to be open during specific hours, and as long as you keep the site updated and ensure everyone is following the rules, there’s not that much for you to do on a day-to-day basis, and even less if you outsource things like marketing and accounting. 

That means running an online dating site can be the ideal side hustle to have alongside your other job, or if you’re busy with other things - it’s not one hundred percent passive, but it can be very close! 

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The Profitability of the HVAC Industry

 While much has been written about business ventures that promise financial gain, one industry which has truly seen expansion is Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC).

Photo by Elimende Inagella on Unsplash

The Profitability of the HVAC Industry

The HVAC industry offers promising returns to those willing to dive in. Its profitability stems primarily from necessity; climate control has become a necessity in both homes and offices alike, creating an ongoing demand for HVAC services. Furthermore, rising eco-awareness combined with technological advancement has resulted in energy-efficient HVAC systems being introduced which have seen exponential market expansion. Currently totaling an impressive $150 billion each year just in the US alone! It certainly shows its immense potential.

Keys to Profitability in HVAC 

HVAC business can be lucrative, but anyone can't just start making big bucks overnight. Three key elements determine profitability: expertise, operational efficiency and customer service.

Expertise

HVAC industry requires more than simply installing or repairing equipment. It is a complex world encompassing thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and heat transfer principles as well as knowledge of electrical systems and technologies used within them. Acquiring certifications will not only strengthen your expertise but will make you increasingly sought-after within this competitive market. Remember that in the HVAC world, the more you know, the bigger you blow (away the competition, that is).

Operating Efficiency

Running an HVAC business takes more than just technical skills - it also needs strong business acumen to keep operations running smoothly and efficiently. Incorporating sophisticated job management software is one way of streamlining scheduling, dispatch, invoicing and other administrative tasks. HVAC dispatch software, for example, can assist in optimizing routes and assigning technicians based on skillset and location - saving both time and resources in the process. Furthermore, data analytics tools offer insights into trends to allow you to make more informed business decisions. When it comes to increasing profitability in the HVAC industry, investing in operational efficiency pays dividends. Supply chain management plays a crucial role in this regard - by building reliable networks of suppliers and maintaining adequate inventory levels of parts and equipment can significantly decrease job turnaround times and saving both money and time in your jobs. Remember: time in HVAC means real cash.

Customer Service 

Effective customer service is at the core of every successful HVAC business. While technical expertise may be crucial to their business's success, customer interaction must also be considered when planning and providing superior technical service to clients. Prioritize clear communication, punctuality and responsiveness to customer calls and concerns. Offering regular maintenance checks and emergency services will build your customer base. Conducting customer satisfaction surveys and acting upon feedback provided can greatly enhance services, customer retention, and overall customer satisfaction. Remember, in the HVAC industry, an impressed customer can be more than just repeat business; they're also your most effective advertising vehicle. Receiving testimonials from satisfied customers can go a long way towards increasing business growth and profits.

Conclusion

The HVAC industry can be highly profitable, but success does not come easily. Success requires knowledge, efficient operations and outstanding customer service - three things not all businesses possess. So if you can remain cool under pressure then working in this industry could become your ultimate cash cow. Remember, comfort is something people are willing to pay for so keep your services easy-going and your customers comfortable, then watch your profits soar.

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Tips For Hiring Your First Employee

Not all business owners want to hire people - they (or you) might be perfectly content to work by themselves and there are certainly some benefits to that, including the fact that you’ll be in complete control of everything. However, if many cases you won’t be able to expand your business fully without employees, so if you do need to hire people, it’s wise to have a good understanding of what you need to do so you can be sure you’re getting it right. With that in mind, here are some useful tips for hiring your first employee. 

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

Make It Legal

If you’re going to hire someone, you need to ensure that everything’s legal and above board. If it’s not, your business, perhaps you personally, and maybe even the employee can get into serious trouble, which will be expensive to deal with and could potentially spell the end of the business altogether. 

Therefore, when you hire someone, make sure you have a fair contract in place that everyone signs and is happy with. You’ll also need to ensure you’re paying at least the minimum amount required by law, and that you comply with all the various guidelines and regulations when it comes to safety and benefits. On top of that, you’ll need to find a good employee identification number application service so you can register everything in the right way. Get all that in place, and hiring someone will become a lot less of a hassle. 

Interview Well

Before you can hire someone, you need to know if they’re going to be good for the job, so of course, you’ll need to interview them. This will take up some of your time, and it’s not always the most enjoyable of tasks, but it’s crucial to do it well so you have a good idea of who the candidates are, what they can do for you, and whether or not you feel you’ll be able to work with them - this is very important, as a good atmosphere in the workplace and mutual respect means a lot more gets done and work doesn’t feel unpleasant for anyone. 

Before the interview, make a list of all the most important questions you need answers to and start there. As the chat goes on, it might be that other questions come to you and you start to get a better feel of who you’re talking to, but having questions prepped that will help you get to know the candidate is a vital place to start. 

Keep Your Promises

As a potential employer, you’ll have made certain promises to your potential employee in your jod ad, in your interview, and even in the contract you want them to sign. The key to being a good employee and enjoying a positive reputation is to keep those promises. 

The better you treat your team, the harder they’ll work and the more loyal they’ll be, meaning they’ll stick with you rather than look for another job. That’s great because you can build a good team and you won’t have to spend time and money hiring replacements. So stick to your promises and over-deliver if you can, and you’ll have the best employees you could ask for. 

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