Relationship

Life is a daring adventure, or nothing!

“Life is a bold adventure or nothing. Safety does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men generally experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than exposing yourself.” Helen Keller.

I’ve always loved this quote, well to be honest I’ve always loved the first part. I have never seen it complete and when you do it makes it even more powerful. He came to me at the end of my meditation and somehow resonated deeply. What he also resonated was that it is my choice. Am I going to continue choosing the daring adventure? Are you?

The past year has been a roller coaster year for many people and many have found it fraught with challenges. Maybe it’s the same for you. At such times it’s tempting to crawl under the covers and feel a bit ‘poor me’. However, it is not only the time to move on, but it is also the time to step back in the middle of the river instead of clinging to the sides. To choose the daring adventure.

I was recently talking to someone who told me that he was moving from where he had lived for a long time. I asked “where are you going?” and she replied “no idea, but something will come up and I’m open to what comes.” Now that is life as a daring adventure. Are you living your life as a daring adventure? It can be so easy to fall into the “I’ve tried everything and nothing can change” trap, when you start to believe that, you stop being open to adventure.

As you move toward identifying what you want in your life, it’s good to have plans, goals, and milestones along the way. We need them to achieve the goals we set for ourselves. However, if we focus too much on a plan, we stop being aware of what is happening around us. And we start to believe that there is only one way to climb a mountain.

The problem is that when we can only see one way to get to the top of the mountain, we focus on the tunnel, believing that there is only one way to get there. Instead of the daring adventure, the world gets smaller and smaller. Nice and safe, no surprises, but no change in sight. And, as you know if you know anything about NLP and how the mind works, once we focus on just one thing, our unconscious mind can act like a search engine to find us the exact match. Fantastic if you’re focused on the right thing – fatal if you’ve forgotten to be open to this or something better.

It’s great to write your passions on a card, but the most important thing is to write ‘this or something better’. That is the daring adventure. That’s being open to what’s coming. Yes, focus on what you want, yes, focus on your passions, yes, set goals. and markers and things to accomplish and yes, take action to make it happen. They are all important. And leave the door open so that what you want comes in a different way.

Time and time again I have seen this happen with clients when they are identifying what will fill them up. Once they’ve seen the essence of what would make them happy, it has appeared, but not in the way they would have thought when we started working together.

So my challenge to you is to look and see where you are limiting your life. Where are you limiting yourself in relation to seeing the life you really want? Where are you not living life as a daring adventure? Where you don’t see the opportunity because it doesn’t look exactly the way you think it should? What can you let go of to create the space where you really want to flow? If you really want a life that feels like that daring adventure, get rid of the limitations, look at the big picture. Your heart will lead you on this adventure; it will ‘feel good’. Once you have that feeling, even if you have no idea how you’re going to make it happen, commit to doing everything you can so that you, too, can live the bold adventure, your bold adventure.

Health Fitness

Bowflex M3 Max Trainer Review – Bowflex Max M3 Pros and Cons

Thinking of the Bowflex M3 Max Trainer? The M3 is the most affordable model in the Max Trainer series – it’s under $1000.

The other model is the M5, which is the premium version of this hybrid crosstrainer with a stepper. The M5 costs around $500 more than the M3. This leads a lot of people to wonder what the difference is between them, and if the M3 is really a good buy.

With that in mind, here’s a review of the pros and cons of the Bowflex Max M3 to help you decide:

#1 on the market, the most affordable high calorie burning fitness equipment

The M3 is under $1000, making it one of the most affordable Bowflex machines on the market (Treadclimbers start at $2300 and up). This in itself is a great advantage.

With this machine, you can burn up to 2.5 times more calories than a treadmill, elliptical or stair climber. That means you lose weight faster.

According to the manufacturer, Max is also designed so that you can get this calorie-burning effect even if you only train 14 minutes a day. So it’s great if you’re too busy to spend hours toiling away on a treadmill.

#2 Work the upper body and activate more muscles

According to the manufacturer, in the lab, the Max engaged more core and upper body muscles than even the elliptical trainer.

That not only accounts for the higher calorie burning effects, but also helps you tone your upper body, unlike on a treadmill or stair climber.

#3 Low impact means less joint pain

The Max trainer was built to be very low impact, combining the action of climbing stairs with the upper body arms of an elliptical.

So if you’re struggling with joint pain, shin splints, or even back problems, this could be the right machine to help you avoid that, while continuing with your workouts.

#4 The M3 Max Trainer Workout Keeps You Burning Calories For hours after your training

Bowflex built the M3 and M5 models to include the specialized 14 minute high intensity workout. This workout has been designed to challenge your body with short bursts of activity followed by longer periods of rest.

This type of exercise has been shown to rev up your metabolism for up to 24 hours after your workout. So you will burn more calories even at rest after your workouts on the M3.

#5 Save space in your home

The M3 Max trainer has a smaller footprint than most treadmills or even elliptical trainers. Measures 2.5 x 3.5 feet.

So if you don’t want, or have room for, a lot of bulky gear, the Max M3 is a great option.

Those are the pros, and the cons?

Well, the M3 is a “simpler” version of the M5 Max trainer. So you don’t get some of the fancy extras:

#1 No backlit console

The M3 doesn’t come with the backlit console that you get with the M5. This may or may not matter to you.

But if lighting is limited in your training area, you can opt for the M5 model to view your training stats (or just buy a small flashlight).

#2 Less resistance levels

The M3 has fewer resistance levels than the M5: 8 vs. 16. So if you’re in top physical condition, you might want the added challenge of the M5 trainer instead of the M3.

But for new exercisers, you’ll probably be fine with 8 resistance levels.

#3 Fewer built-in workouts

The M3 has a manual and Bowflex’s special 14-minute interval program, but that’s about it.

The M5 has several other built-in workouts like calorie target, fat burn, stairs, steady state, and fitness test. Again, this may or may not matter to you depending on your training style.

#4 Without manual heart rate sensors

The Bowfex M3 Max trainer comes with a wireless heart rate monitoring system, but there is no hand sensor option. The M5 has both the wireless and the hand sensor.

So what is the bottom line?

The Bowflex Max M3 is a simpler version of the premium M5 Max Trainer. Both offer the same calorie-burning, upper-body toning, high-intensity training, and compact design benefits.

So all the basics are covered for you to get a calorie burning workout.

The main differences are in the premium “extras” that many people like, like the extra resistance levels, backlit console, and workout programs. So it’s really up to you and what you prefer.

But if you’re looking to see faster results in less time during your workouts, the M3 might be the best machine for you!

Legal Law

Tips for Finding the Perfect Bankruptcy Lawyer

Filing bankruptcy can be a daunting process, but it doesn’t have to be one you face alone. Relying on the experience of a bankruptcy attorney can help you navigate legal complications and avoid common mistakes. By allowing an attorney to guide you through the process, you are making your bankruptcy efforts easier and more likely to succeed. Regardless of whether you file for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, it is generally in your best interest to seek the advice of an attorney.

the right choice

However, there are many options available and it can be difficult to find the perfect bankruptcy attorney for your situation. Finding one who is a personal fit for you and has the experience to successfully guide the case can be challenging. Since a bankruptcy attorney can charge significant fees, it is crucial to find one that you like and trust before hiring one.

To find the perfect bankruptcy attorney, consider:

• Ask friends and family. Yes, Google exists, and for good reason! But referrals and recommendations from your family and friends should be trusted and they can offer good connections that can help your case.

•Find a specialist. Don’t just look for any attorney. Bankruptcy attorneys have proven experience in the bankruptcy law and process. They can help you as you file for bankruptcy and can also provide advice as you recover financially.

• Contact your state bar association. If your family, friends, and Internet searches don’t turn up any prominent leads, consider contacting your state bar association for lawyer referral services. You can find reviews and complaints about lawyers.

•Taking advantage of the free consultation. Most bankruptcy attorneys offer free consultations to discuss your case. Instead of completing this over the phone, try to see the attorney in person. You will be able to feel the personal connection and determine whether or not you trust him. This also gives you an idea of ​​what it will be like to work with this particular attorney, and you can compare him or her to other bankruptcy attorneys you have seen and considered.

•References from other attorneys, bankruptcy court. If you have used an attorney for anything else, feel free to contact them for a bankruptcy attorney referral. Most professionals are well connected within their industry and can provide you with information on who to trust. A bankruptcy court might also be a great place to look for information.

Once you consider all of these tips for finding a good bankruptcy attorney for your case, filing for bankruptcy will be easier than you thought possible! A skilled bankruptcy attorney will help you complete all the necessary paperwork while filing for bankruptcy, as well as represent your case with specialized skills.

Lifestyle Fashion

The benefits of removing blackheads

To get rid of blackheads, you need to know about all the possible blackhead removal solutions that suit your needs. But how are you going to start looking for the solution if you don’t know where it all started? Take note that knowing the root of the problem will give us the best solution to end the problem.

What are blackheads? Blackheads are formed due to the sebum produced by the sebaceous glands. Sebaceous glands are present on everyone’s face. It produces oils or the sebum that normally clogs our pores in the hair follicles. It is usually white in color when it is not fully exposed to air. Sometimes their color turns yellow due to skin pigmentation. But if these oils are exposed to air and oxidized, they will create a black coloration and turn into blackheads. Blackheads are commonly found on the nose, chin, and somewhere on the forehead and cheeks. Blackheads are very unpleasant to have, that is why blackhead removal solution is very important.

Blackhead removal solution can be done in any medical establishment or clinic by consulting beauty experts. There are some modern tools that can be used to remove blackheads quickly and easily, but they are also expensive. There are also some oral medications that are given to patients for some reason, such as worsening acne and skin allergy from some creams. But the blackhead removal solution is not always expensive. There are many ways that are easy to use, always available and most effective.

Taking a hot shower is the easiest blackhead removal solution available at home. It can be done every day or whenever you want. The temperature of the water will help your pores to open. After showering, you will notice that your skin is soft and smooth; So, now it is easy for you to remove blackheads from your face gently. Taking a hot shower also helps to make your skin soft and smooth.

Using blackhead removal strips is the most affordable blackhead removal solution available at all health and wellness stores, drug stores, and convenience stores. It is a white strip that can effectively remove blackheads with ease and without causing any pain. It is a one-step blackhead removal solution. Just place it over your nose or any part of your face. After a couple of minutes, peel it off and you will notice that the blackheads are now sticking to the strips. Leave your skin clean and soft.

There is a blackhead removal solution that is available today called blackhead extractor or blackhead remover pen. It is a long metal stick that can be used to remove blackheads from the nose or face. It is commonly used by some beauty clinic conducted by beauty experts. It is not recommended that you practice it at home because it could make the problem worse. Only beauty experts can do this kind of process for you. Doing so could damage your skin and create another type of skin problem or worse, skin irritation or skin infection. Seeking help from beauty experts would be the best solution to remove blackheads.

Pets

More Than Just Entertainment – Burbank Homes and Real Estate

Burbank houses provide an interesting topic of discussion. Burbank, CA, or the Media Capital of the World as it’s called, sits just outside of famous Hollywood, CA. More people work in the entertainment-oriented city of more than 100,000 residents than actually live in it. The mainly upper-middle-class area offers something for everyone. While it’s true that stars like Orlando Bloom, Sean Penn and Patton Oswalt own real estate in Burbank, what’s little talked about outside of Burbank’s entertainment focus are the many vibrant communities that make up this famous city.

For starters, there are Burbank executive homes perched on the Verdugo hillside that captures the beautiful views of the Valley. Business owners, executives, and entrepreneurs call this area home. Includes the pristine developments of Burbank Hills, Burbank North, Halston and Highridge Estates.

Homes for young professionals in Burbank who want the ideal urban zen tend to be located in the downtown Burbank area. Downtown Burbank contains many lofts with cafes, entertainment venues, and shops right outside of them. In fact, this is the perfect community for people who choose to live and work in a vibrant area that never allows for a dull moment.

In addition to the executive and downtown Burbank homes discussed, Burbank also boasts of a thriving Equestrian Ranch district. This beautiful area is an idyllic ranch community that is ideal for horse lovers. In fact, many of the houses in this district have their own stables.

Last but not least, probably Burbank’s most overlooked home communities are its family-oriented districts. One such area is Magnolia Park, which contains many California Spanish and ranch-style bungalows. The houses are conveniently located close to schools, cafes, shops and parks. Another such area is the Media District, which is in close proximity to Disney, NBC, and Warner Bros.

Burbank homes and real estate is quite an interesting topic. While focused on the entertainment industry, Burbank, CA has communities for executives, young professionals, horse lovers, and families. There is something for everyone in Burbank.

Real Estate

Top 5 Reasons to Sell Your House to a Real Estate Investor

You are probably wondering why you would want to sell your home to a real estate investor instead of listing your home with a real estate agent or selling it yourself. There are many very good reasons why you should consider selling to a real estate investor. I’m going to share with you some different options that you probably never thought of or knew you could do before. I’ll give you the top 5 reasons why you should consider selling your home to a real estate investor.

1) A real estate investor will buy your home no matter what condition your homes are in. What this means to you is that you won’t have to make expensive repairs to your home. Now, if you listed your home with a real estate agent, they will want you to do all the necessary repairs to your home before they list it. The other reason is that most lenders in today’s market will not lend money to buyers who are buying a home that needs major repairs. Now, secondly, if you try to sell your house yourself, you may have to change the flooring and repaint the walls. Most buyers in today’s market will not want to move into a home and start making repairs. Therefore, you will have a limited number of buyers who might show interest in your home, but will want to get your home at a deep discount.

2) Real estate investors will buy your house for all cash “as is”, or they can give you up to the full market value of your house if you are a little flexible on your terms. A real estate investor will work with you to figure out all of your goals for selling your home. Then they will do everything they can to meet or exceed all of your goals to sell your home. They are professional homebuyers who help people solve their real estate problems. They have a lot of experience buying houses from people just like you in all kinds of situations. Just to name a few of the situations where they can help you: If your home is simply not selling in the current market, Inherited Homes, Distressed Properties, Vacant Homes, Probate Homes, Late Payments, Divorce, Liens and Home Judgments , rental property , expired real estate listing, bankruptcy, or if you are just facing foreclosure. No matter what the condition, area, or situation you have with your home, a real estate investor can provide you with many viable options to sell your home quickly.

3) If you sell your home to a real estate investor, they can close on your home quickly, usually in 10 days or less. You’ll be able to get cash in your hand quickly without any of the hassle of selling your home the traditional way. Real estate investors are professionals with extensive experience in helping homeowners navigate the process of selling their home quickly. The reason they can close on your home quickly is that they work with a large network of buyers who have cash and are ready to buy homes in your area fast. This is not like a traditional buyer you would get by selling your home yourself or from a real estate agent. These types of buyers will take at least 30-60 days to close and that would only be if they make it through the loan process.

4) Real estate investors don’t want to list their house, they want to buy it fast. When you sell your home to a real estate investor, you will be marketing your home to your buyers at high speed. By this I mean if you sold your house yourself, you would probably put a sign in front of your house, put an ad in the newspaper, or even be able to list your house on the MLS for a flat fee. These things are nice, but at best, you’ll probably only get a small number of people to come see your house, but most of them will be tire kickers. In today’s market there are more houses for sale than there are people willing to buy them all. The same is true if you were to list your home with a real estate agent; they’ll put up a sign in their yard, list it on the MLS, and wait for people to call. Most real estate agents don’t continually market their property through other avenues beyond that. A real estate investor will market your property immediately after you agree on the price and terms. They will market your house with all the advertising available so that your house sells fast. Also, they have a huge list of buyers who are currently buying houses and have the money to do it fast. Therefore, selling to a real estate investor is your best option if you want to sell your home quickly in today’s market.

5) When you sell your house to a real estate investor you will not have to pay anything out of pocket. In fact, they work hard for you and with you to sell your house at no cost to you and very fast. The reason they can do this is that they actually get a fee from the buyer they sell the property for, and therefore eliminate any cost to you, the seller. Not to mention, real estate investors will give you a net offer on your house. What this means to you is that you will receive that net offer at closing. Now if you sold your home the traditional way, buy it yourself or through a real estate agent, at closing you will only get an average of 80-85% of your home’s listing price. The reason this is true is that your real estate agent will take his 6% commissions, then you have to pay 2-3% loss costs, then the buyer will want a discount of at least 5% on the current market. After all those discounts, the buyer will do a home ownership inspection, and the inspector will come back with a big list of potential issues the buyer will want a discount on. This is usually another 3-5% discount. Most sellers don’t realize that this is actually the amount of money they will get at closing, having waited 4-8 months through this entire process to sell their home the traditional way.

As you’ve probably realized by now, there are many more benefits to selling your home to a real estate investor than selling your home the traditional way of selling it by owner or with a real estate agent. Is all the hassle and hassle of selling your house the traditional way really worth your time and money? If you sell your home to a real estate investor, you’ll have a quick, friendly, and hassle-free sale of your home.

Shopping Product Reviews

Common Food Sources of Biotin

Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, can be obtained from a wide range of food sources within a typical diet. There are some especially outstanding food options that contain higher levels of biotin that can be easily added to your family’s diet to help you reap the benefits of biotin. We’ll get into those foods in just a minute. First, we’d like to go over the basics of adequate biotin intake to give you an idea of ​​how much biotin your body needs.

Adequate Intake (AI)

The Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine, an independent, non-profit organization that works outside of the federal government to provide authoritative and non-judgmental guidance to the open public, considered that there is insufficient evidence to be able to calculate a Recommended Daily Diet. Allowance (RDA) therefore established adequate intake amounts. The Institute determined that your adequate intake of biotin should be between 35 and sixty micrograms (mcg) per day in adult men and women.

Biotin Food Sources

Biotin can be available in quite a few foods, although generally in smaller amounts than other water-soluble nutritional vitamins. Fortunately, the biotin your body requires can be obtained through a healthy diet that includes ingredients such as eggs, nuts, vegetables, fresh fruits, fresh fish, various meats, and certain dairy products. It is also important to note that fresh foods will offer you a higher level of vitamins and more biotin benefits compared to processed foods.

Eggs and Dairy

The foods that have the highest amounts of biotin are eggs, especially egg yolks. Eggs can contain between 13 and 25 micrograms of biotin depending on their size and how they are cooked. Cooking generally depletes foods of their total nutrients, but this doesn’t mean they lose all of their benefits. Eating raw egg whites is actually detrimental to raising biotin levels simply because they hinder the body’s ability to absorb the nutrient. The yolk is actually where you are sure to get the best benefits from biotin. In addition to eggs, milk, a number of cheeses, yogurts, and other dairy products include reasonable levels of biotin.

Fruits and vegetables

Fruits like bananas, avocados, and raspberries are good, nutrient-dense sources of vitamins like biotin. Vegetables that are high in biotin range from broccoli and cabbage to leafy greens like Swiss chard. Organic mushrooms, sweet potatoes, carrots, and cauliflower offer higher levels of biotin.

Meat, Poultry and Fish

Almost all varieties of meat, poultry, and fish are excellent and abundant sources of biotin. Chicken, turkey, beef, and pork contain low to high levels of vitamin B7. Beef livers can pack a full day’s worth of vitamin B7 in one serving. Fish such as tuna, haddock, and salmon also have good levels of the nutrient and are generally among the best sources of biotin in shellfish.

Nuts and Whole Grains

Almonds and peanuts are wonderful sources of vitamin B7 and contain a full day’s worth per 1/2 cup serving. Hazelnuts, commonly known by their somewhat funnier name “Filbert Nut,” offer you a great way to get thirty micrograms per 1/2 cup serving. Peanut butter can also provide up to 30 micrograms per serving. Whole grain breads, definitely not white breads, often have a good percentage of your acceptable daily requirement.

For those who currently eat a well-balanced diet, especially one that contains some or all of the foods mentioned here, chances are you are keeping your own biotin levels right where they should be. If after reading this article you have realized that you are not consuming as many biotin-rich ingredients as you should, simply start incorporating some of these foods into your next dinner.

Sports

The NBA Basketball Mindset

Being a fan of the NBA and a basketball coach, I have been constantly searching for the secret of what makes a successful basketball player. I have come to discover that the secret to success in basketball is the same secret to success in any area of ​​life and that is the mindset of a person. Have you ever thought about the fact that an NBA basketball player was born without a basketball and didn’t know about basketball until he was exposed to the game, which means that he learned how to play the game during his lifetime? ? For some it means starting to play at two or three years old and for others you start at 15 or 16. Personally, I started playing at 8 years old. So why are some players able to pick up the game later than others and become much better players in a very short period of time?

A great and very famous story is that of Michael Jordan. I’m sure most people reading this know that Michael was cut from his high school basketball team and went on to become the most amazing basketball player of all time. What happened when Michael was cut was that he developed the mindset that no matter what, he was going to become the best. He wasn’t born with that talent, he didn’t even have that talent when he was 15 years old, but as soon as his mindset changed so that it was his duty to become the best, his actions followed.

The most important thing to remember about being a basketball player is that it’s not what you can do that makes you a great player, but what you will do. It’s the actions you’re willing to take that make you great. I have seen a lot of very talented and very talented players for a reason they actually worked very hard to become great but beware that if you are already a good player and if you stop practicing hard and smart you will not remain the good player for a long time. If Michael Jordan hadn’t practiced every day with the intention of being the best, he would still have been a good player, but definitely not the best.

I cannot stress enough that it is what we do in life that makes all the difference. The difference is getting up early on a Saturday morning to practice your ball handling skills or paying $20 to rent a basketball court if none are available because you have to take 200 shots every day. It is doing what is needed instead of doing what makes you feel comfortable. People who went the extra mile now play in the NBA.

Think about how much an NBA rookie would practice in his rookie season. You will discover that they arrive early to training and leave late. They practice every day more than necessary. Once again, it is what you will do that makes the difference. I suggest modeling the practice habits of an NBA rookie if you want to be an NBA rookie one day.

It’s important that if you’re committed to becoming an NBA player, that you work hard at the right things. Don’t spend 2 hours a day working on post moves if you’re 5’10. Now that’s a simplified example, but simple tips like practicing game speed shots are just as important as spending 2 hours a day practicing. It is absolutely necessary to look for a good training! If you don’t have a good coach, you may find it very difficult to achieve success.

I also suggest that conditioning your body is very important to reaching your basketball potential. One of the main things that needs to be taken into account is speed and jumping ability. When you increase those two things, your basketball skill increases a lot. Your defensive ability is much better because you can move your feet faster and you become very difficult to contain offensively when you can jump 8 to 12 inches higher.

On a final note, I commend you for taking action in advance. The best thing that can happen to you as a basketball player is to believe, believe in yourself!

For more articles by this author please go to,

http://www.onelovebasketball.com

Tours Travel

Choosing cricket batting gloves

Protective gear is especially important for the cricket batsman, necessary protection includes a helmet with face shield, leg pads and gloves and a box or cup, batting gloves are worn to prevent hand injuries.

Sometimes injuries are unavoidable, and in fact, broken fingers are one of the most common injuries in a wide range of sports. Hand or finger injuries usually occur when a player catches the ball or from the impact of a blow. Common hand injuries include ligament sprains, fractures, and dislocations. They are really important to protect yourself from the possible direct impact of the ball, which can be excruciatingly painful.

Batting gloves are also used to help increase your grip on the bat, maintaining a firm, controlled grip is essential to ensuring successful hits. You need to be very careful when choosing the right cricket gloves, making sure that the fingers of the gloves have flexible padded areas with extra thumb protection.

CA Sports Ltd is now a famous world class producer of all cricket equipment. This reputed manufacturer offers high-quality products and can recommend three cricket batting gloves for your preference. Suggested batting gloves are CA PLUS Premium, CA Pro 2000, and CA Power. The first two models are available for right-handed and left-handed hitters, while the latter is only available for right-handed hitters. The CA Plus Premium and CA Pro 2000 models are designed with premium sheepskin leather and a soft palm, a double protection reinforcement layer, flexible construction in the finger area with an improved finger chamber system for protection and comfort. The CA Power glove is designed with good quality PU upper, leather and cotton palm fused together. This manufacturer has been conducting research since 1958 to meet the needs of consumers for their cricket equipment including bats, gloves, etc.

It is essential that you choose the correct batting gloves to ensure that you get the best possible protection.

Technology

4 Branding Tips on Using Instagram for Your Business

How to Create a Powerful Instagram Social Media Marketing Strategy

One of the most powerful marketing tools marketers have today is social media. From Facebook posts to Twitter tweets, sharing your products or services on social media platforms is a great way to increase brand awareness, engagement, sales, and leads.

However, many people are left scratching their heads when it comes to marketing with Instagram.

Many of us use Instagram as a personal account to post photos of our family, friends, vacations, and food, but how can it relate to business? And should I?

With the speed at which Instagram is growing, don’t underestimate its value in boosting your brand and marketing efforts.

It has become an incredibly valuable marketing platform and while users aged 18-29 are still frequent users, the older age groups are quickly catching up.

Some 2018 Instagram statistics from Sprout Social are revealing:

• 7 out of 10 hashtags on Instagram are branded

• 80% of users follow a business on Instagram

• 65% of top performing Instagram posts feature products

If you feel the urge to explore Instagram as part of your social media marketing strategy, check out these starter tips to help you get started:

1. Use Hashtags Wisely

You don’t need to include every hashtag you can think of in a post, but you do need at least a few.

A hashtag is the # sign followed by descriptive words about your image, like in this example, I used #marketing and #ctaconf, which was the conference I was attending at the time.

When a user clicks/tap on a hashtag or types a hashtag in the search box, all images using that hashtag appear. The user can even subscribe to continue following that hashtag.

The hope is that the user will see your photo, go to your profile, and at best follow you and engage with more of your posts!

However, when hashtags are extremely popular, the competition to appear in the results is fierce. Just like SEO keywords, the more popular a term is, the harder it is to stay at the top of search results. So my example of using #marketing was really useless if I wanted to get any traction from that post.

You want your hashtags to be relevant to your business and location, but also compelling enough for a user to type into the Instagram search box.

For example:

• Let’s say you have a pizzeria in Vancouver. You post a photo of your pepperoni pizza with the hashtags #VancouversBestPizza #NicolosRestaurant #DeliciousDeepDish

• Or you are a wedding planner in Toronto. You post a picture of the bride and groom’s first dance using the hashtags #TorontoWeddingPlanner #LoveWins #WinterWedding

Holidays and special events are a great time to promote your business and gain followers on Instagram. Whether it’s a Black Friday sale, a Thanksgiving-related use for your product, or product recognition on National Dog Day, they’re all ideal opportunities to showcase your company’s brand in a non-commercial way. .

2. Thank your audience for coming

Don’t just post a bunch of photos and hashtags and wait for the likes to roll in.

To gain followers on Instagram, engage with your audience, and increase sales or leads, you need to put in the time.

See an example here from video expert Michele Moreno responding to every single comment left on her video post.

So if someone leaves a comment or question on one of your posts, please take the time to reply and thank them/answer their question.

Take a look at their profile and if you like what you see, follow them.

Businesses often follow commenters first, hoping they can return the favor.

You can also search for people who might be interested in your product, then comment on their photos and/or follow them, but don’t spam them asking them to follow you right away.

3. Engage with the right influencers

Influencers are Instagram users who can influence their target audience due to their popularity and/or following on social media.

Danielle Bernstein is a good example of an influencer who has worked with a brand. You may not recognize her name, but the 1.8 million followers of her WeWoreWhat Instagram account do.

Bernstein and FIJI Water worked together to create BodyWoreWhat, a marketing campaign featuring 8-minute workout videos featuring her and her personal trainer.

That can be an extreme example, and unless you have a lot of money, you probably won’t be able to attract an influencer with almost two million followers.

But don’t despair. From mom bloggers to local foodies, you can always find someone your target audience follows, likes, or admires. Maybe they would be willing to review your product or take a photo wearing it. Use your imagination!

4. Don’t just sell your products

Instagram is not the place to simply share product photos all the time. Think about the experience people have using what you’re offering, or the benefits it gives people.

Even better, show real examples. Requesting user-generated content from your audience is one way to do this. That means users share your photos using a hashtag you provide.

Online furniture store Wayfair.com does user-generated content very well. They have a user-generated campaign that allows customers to share photos of their stylish Wayfair-filled homes using the hashtag #WayfairAtHome.

Be sure to let people know that their images can be featured on your Page and that you can boost your Instagram content big time – for free!

No matter how you use Instagram for your business, stay authentic and stay true to your brand. That’s what the platform is all about, and it will help you grow your business, gain followers on Instagram, and attract sales or leads.