Category: Health

Who can resist shopping and cake?

Shopping and cake. These are two of my favourite things. Are they yours? If you like shopping or cake, or both, come and join me at my “Celebrating 40 Years of Arbonne” event! It’s on from 7pm to 9pm on Monday the 16th of March at Wet Led (Church Street, Macclesfield) and everyone’s welcome to come along.

At the event I’ll be showcasing some of the award-winning products created by Arbonne. So, if you fancy some pampering, come along! I’ll be able to show you some of the fabulous skincare cleansers, toners, moisturisers and creams to smooth out wrinkles and make your skin glow radiantly.

We can talk about the latest make-up trends, which colours are popular this season, and how to wear different types of make-up during the day and how to add special effects for evenings out.

I’ve noticed the Arbonne moisturising lip balms are extremely popular at this time of the year when it’s still cold outside. The soothing moisture lip balm with sustainable shea butter can be used on its own, or because it’s clear in colour, it can be used as a base layer to protect your lips before a coat of lipstick. Having chapped lips can be awkward for eating and speaking and this deceptively simple product can ease painful lips and boost your confidence.

Arbonne is a pioneer in plant-based, 100% vegan, cruelty-free products, created from sustainable sources and backed by both scientific and clinical research. I am proud to be a brand ambassador for this amazing company with its holistic values to improve the skin, body and mind, inside and outside.

I mentioned cake at the beginning and there will be plenty of cake at Wet Led on the 16th of March. Lots of cake and lots of drinks as well! I’m hoping the evening will be filled with fun and laughter, chatting about everything from family to holidays, stories of adventures and most of all, bringing people together.

I hope anyone who arrives as a stranger will leave as a friend. My event “Celebrating 40 Years of Arbonne” is open to everyone however please confirm you’re coming (very important for cake supplies!) using the contact details below.

Celebrating 40 years of Arbonne – Hosted by Rachael Chiverton

Venue: Wet Led, Church Street, Macclesfield

Date: Monday 16th March

Time: 7pm to 9pm

Please comment here if you can come along, or please give me a call on 07756 772950. If there are any Arbonne products you would like to purchase on the evening, please let me know on or by Friday 13th of March. Any products can be ordered on the night for prompt delivery.

Give Yourself A Confidence Boost With Clear And Healthy Skin

How many party invitations have you turned down because you weren’t happy with the way you looked? Have you ever hidden your face away from the camera or asked friends to remove photos of you from Facebook or Instagram?

It happens more often than you might think. Everywhere we look, especially online, many people paint a perfect picture of reality. They might add filters or change the lighting, doing anything and everything to make the photo look acceptable in their eyes. In extreme cases you might not recognise someone in real life from the persona they have created and cultivated online.

Clear Range - no more hiding your face
Clear Range – no more hiding your face

In behind the scenes, there’s often a deep-rooted desire to be accepted. There’s a widely believed perception that if you have the perfect face, perfect skin, it will somehow change things. But, in reality, it all comes down to how you feel about yourself and that’s something you do have control over.

Gaining confidence over your appearance is something everyone can achieve. It starts from within, taking care of yourself and being mindful of your health and nutrition. It doesn’t mean ditching all the takeaways and fast food, but instead making informed choices and having a variety of food each day.

The results will show in your skin and it’s always good to have a glow from making healthy choices. Instead of dry skin, blocked pores, breakouts, discolouration and a washed-out feeling, choosing products from the Clear Future Collection will help restore a healthy balance to your skin. You’ll have the confidence to stand tall and pose for photos without worrying about how you look.

As an Arbonne Independent Consultant I really enjoy helping people develop confidence in themselves. It’s a breakthrough when someone contacts me to say they feel better about themselves simply by making small changes to their lifestyle and appearance.

Having “bad skin” isn’t an unsolvable problem. It can take time and perseverance, but with five high performance natural solutions in the Clear Future Collection, it’s possible to have super smooth skin that’s clear and glowing. These highly recommended products are powered by acne-fighting salicylic acid and botanicals to help calm and soothe your skin.

According to Arbonne’s research, after 3 days 76% of participants noticed a visible improvement in skin redness. After 1 week, 79% of participants noticed a reduction in acne blemishes and after just 4 weeks 91% of participants reported that they would recommend Clear Future to their friends and family.

If you would like to know more about the five skin-healing, confidence boosting products, please contact me to chat about how these can fit into your lifestyle and make a big difference to how you see yourself.

I can show you results from using the Deep Pore Acne Cleanser, Corrective Acne Treatment Pads, Mattifying Acne Treatment Lotion, Intensive Acne Spot Treatment and Soothing Overnight Mask and how they can help you too. Please give me a call on 07756 772950 and I’ll help you gain the confidence to stand at the front of your next group photo.

How to take your existing business skills successfully into different ventures and different markets.

Having a “job for life” is something that’s rare in today’s world. Changes in the economy, general uncertainty and advances in technology are some of the reasons why “safe jobs” in many traditional industries are changing. New jobs are often advertised as zero hours contracts, shift work, or temporary assignments.

This shift in corporate thinking has filtered down to local businesses and I’m sure it has prompted a surge in both men and women taking on self-employment to create a secondary income. It’s not uncommon to meet someone employed in one job who also runs their own business as a side-line to bring in some extra cash.

This has lots of different rewards and many people carve out a lucrative income and flexible, family-friendly lifestyle, by working for themselves following tried and trusted methods. Instead of being seen as a supplementary income, with the right organisation and attitude, the sky is the limit. What may have started out as a side-line or hobby can become a primary source of income for many people.

Arbonne the power to transform lives
Arbonne the power to transform lives

I’m talking about my work as an Arbonne Independent Consultant through which I have discovered a way to complement my existing work and extend the range of products and services I can offer my clients. I am able to use my business skills in accounting, customer service, organisation and administration, to put together ideas and strategies to help individuals and business owners alike.

If you’ve heard of Arbonne, you’ll know the principles behind this world-leader in nutrition, skincare, bath, body and hair products. But, there’s more. Through using the products myself I was invited to join an Arbonne team. This was the launchpad for me to use my existing business skills to organise events and showcase the products to potential customers.

Then to prove Arbonne is an excellent opportunity for men and women to be involved, I introduced my friend Jon Smythe from Smooth Design to the range of products and discussed the potential for running events together.

Jon Smythe - independant Consultant Arbonne
Jon Smythe – independant Consultant Arbonne

Jon’s background in graphic design enables him to create powerful, eye-catching images for his clients. He also has many years of experience in network marketing, successfully promoting a range of healthcare products to an audience in the UK and abroad. With consumer interest shifting, Jon agreed to try the Arbonne products for himself.

Then following our conversations, Jon was impressed with the products and the company ethos enough to become an Arbonne Independent Consultant himself, switching from the healthcare products he had previously promoted and transferring his skills to the new market.

I asked Jon for a quote to share in this blog about how I’ve helped him transfer from promoting his previous products across to Arbonne and join the team with me. This is what he said:

“I first met Rachael when she was known as “The Contracts Lady”, helping business owners with their legal documents and terms and conditions. Rachael is extraordinary as an accountability partner. It’s what she’s best at. She’s efficient and organised and will help you achieve anything you need to do, when you need to do it. Whatever I say to Rachael I need done she will make sure I get it done.” – Jon Smythe, Smooth Designs.

Through our individual work and regular collaborations creating pop-up shops and other events, Jon and I are pleased to see the impact of Arbonne products, such as the fizz sticks and skin creams, being used on a daily basis by new and existing customers.

I find talking about the benefits between a healthy body and a healthy mind are so intrinsically linked that you cannot have one without the other. I am organising several events this year and looking for people to join me, either to try the products or to hear more about the lifestyle benefits.

If you would like to know more about the sustainably sourced, gluten-free, 100% vegan certified products in the Arbonne range, including the popular fizz sticks that beat the afternoon energy slump, please contact me either by emailing rachael@rachaelchiverton.co.uk or by telephoning 07756 772950. Together we can make a big difference using your existing skills in different markets.

Merry Christmas And End Of The Year Reflections

Over the last twelve months I’ve covered many different topics through the Focus Guru and RachaelChiverton blogs. Some of the blogs have been written to address common questions I’m asked about business and contracts and others have been about mindset, creating habits and making the best use of time.

End of year reflection, what have you achieved
End of year reflection, what have you achieved

Here is a re-cap of everything I’ve covered, from my Communications and Cashflow Workshop with James Perryman, to the business skills we can learn from our pets.

I’ve had some lovely feedback from clients in different sectors who are gaining huge benefits from the improved time management and streamlined processes I have helped to implement.

If I can help you or your staff with any business related issue, please contact me either by emailing rachael@rachaelchiverton.co.uk or by telephoning 07756 772950. I offer a free 15 minute consultation and will work with you to make small changes that make a big difference.

January

February

March

April

May

June

August

September

October

November

December

Thank you for sharing this year with me. As 2019 draws to a close, I hope to continue working with you, developing new strategies, boosting your social media presence, creating new habits and being accountable with sticking to them, writing your contracts and enhancing your processes and productivity. Let’s make 2020 your best year yet!

How to look after yourself and your business in the Christmas party season

December is a great time of the year for social get-togethers and work parties. Lots of people relax, let their hair down, and there’s a party atmosphere that lasts for most of the month. I always have the feeling of closure as the year ends and lots of anticipation to see what’s next.

Many of my clients have their planned work-dos, office parties, meals out and in-office celebrations. If you have a partner who works in an office or has a team get-together, then you may have double the number of invitations to indulge in the festive spirit.

And talking of spirits, and wine, and beer, this month is renowned for excess. Lots to eat. Lots to drink. Late nights. Lots of socialising and partygoing. These indulgences can have a huge toll on our health and wellbeing, sometimes without us realising. The effect on our body and mind can be slow going, things taking longer, clouded thinking and poor decision making.

But, just like a winter cold, these symptoms can be treated without missing out on the fun.

4 Steps Hangover Kit Cure
4 Steps Hangover Kit Cure

I can recommend four things which will help your after-party hangover and keep you feeling fresh and fit to cope with your end-of-year workload.

  1. Complete Hydration

When drinking alcohol your body needs to rehydrate to clear that fuzzy, sludgy feeling that makes everything seem more difficult than usual. Complete Hydration is a product filled with electrolytes to support rehydration and make you feel normal again!

  1. Fizz Sticks

I love these and use them nearly every day to boost my health and wellbeing. Each fizz stick is packed with antioxidants, ginseng, vitamin B and natural caffeine. These help with improving your mental alertness and reducing fatigue.

  1. Rescue and Renew Detox Soap

Who can resist relaxing in a warm bath to ease away troubles? These quick-dissolving sea salt crystals contain grapefruit, orange, lavender, rosemary and ginger oil and are perfect for unwinding after talking and dancing all evening.

  1. Bio-Hydria Herbal Infusion Drink

As if these ideas weren’t enough to revitalise you, there are more ways you can stay hydrated, relaxed and focussed. Instead of relying on traditional tea and coffee, these hydrating teabags filled with chamomile, rosemary and wild thyme, are designed to give you a natural boost throughout the day.

While you’re looking after yourself and making sure you’re feeling 100%, this will naturally help your business to run smoothly, which in turn can lower your stress levels, which in turn keeps you on a healthy track for success in 2020.

If you want more time and more energy and more choice, take the time to look after yourself even more than usual during the party season.

If you would like to find out more about these “hangover cures” please get in touch on 07756 772950 or call into my pop-up shop next Thursday (19th December 2019) at the Wet Led Bar in Church Street, Macclesfield. Next Thursday is also the last posting day if you would like to order energy products to be delivered in time for Christmas. Please see my online shop at www.rachaelchiverton.arbonne.com for exciting Christmas gift ideas for friends and family.

The Top 5 Business Skills Your Dog Can Teach You

Having a dog can make a big difference in your life, especially if you work from home. It’s their constant presence that means you’re never alone. It’s the way he or she waits for you to return from the shops, a meeting, or even the bathroom. To your dog you are the most important person in the world, and they have much to offer in return for your affection.

Missy is my dog and together we share adventures throughout the day. I’ve noticed subtle ways she encourages me in my working day, and these are the business skills I’m sharing with you.

Missy lives in the moment, exploring everything as we should be doing in business
Missy lives in the moment, exploring everything as we should be doing in business
  1. Simple is Best

Keeping things simple is the foundation of a stress-free life. We lead complicated lives and yet if we go back to the basics and get these right then we can achieve so much more. Three of Missy’s favourite things are walks, food and sleep.

If I incorporate these three things properly into my daily routine, I find I have more energy and motivation to achieve everything I have set out to do. Missy and I walk for at least an hour every day, rain or shine. The outdoor air is refreshing and energising. It clears my mind and allows me to concentrate much better when I return to my desk. Sometimes I’ll make phone calls on our walk and this means I can use my time twice.

  1. Listen then Act

Missy is always listening. Even when she’s asleep, the slightest noise will attract her attention. She makes quick decisions whether the noise is something important or something to ignore. An example is the rattle of her lead. She knows she’s going for a walk. The doorbell rings. She barks to let me know someone’s at the door.

In business, listening is as important as speaking. Being known as a non-judgemental listener enables your staff, suppliers and customers to share with you any success or problems knowing you’ll give them your full attention, even if things have gone wrong.

  1. Training is Important

Learning new things is a great way to expand your knowledge and upgrade your skillset. In Missy’s world, she’s always learning. We started with simple skills using simple commands, such as “sit”, “heel”, “catch” and “fetch”, increasing her knowledge through listening and repetition.

These skills mean we can do more together and I know how she will respond. It’s the same for humans. Going on a course, attending a workshop or gaining an accreditation are great ways to learn new skills for personal and professional development.

  1. The Power of Play

If something is fun, we are more likely to enjoy it. If we enjoy it, we are more likely to remember it. This is the reason why the power of play is an essential component in bonding with our colleagues, suppliers, customers and family. It could be sharing a joke. It could be a teambuilding exercise. It could be having a pint after work or meeting up at the weekend.

Play promotes creativity and productivity. Missy doesn’t worry about getting muddy or not looking her best after a run around the park and it doesn’t hurt for us humans to schedule in some playtime either.

  1. Living in the Moment

Dogs are exceptionally good at living in the moment, meaning they can enjoy wholeheartedly what they are doing, while they are doing it. They aren’t thinking about the next activity, or what happened five minutes ago. If Missy is playing “catch” and drops the ball, it’s not the end of the world. She knows I’ll throw the ball again and she has the chance to catch it next time.

Missy takes her time to stop and survey her surroundings, taking everything in one sniff at a time. She’s always keen to try something new, to meet someone new, to eat something new, and loves exploring. Her endless enthusiasm encourages me to be more aware of the present and to appreciate everything that happens, as it happens.

These are the business skills we all could do with using every day of the working week and at the weekend as well. From keeping things simple, to listening, training, playing and living in the moment, these are the skills we can learn from our canine friends.

For more business tips visit getfocus.guru, or call me on 07756 772950 to discover how my training sessions will help you find more time for dog walks and the things you enjoy doing the most.

Do You Need Some Fizz In Your Business?

As we’re drawing towards the end of the year, this is the time when it’s harder to get motivated. With the nights drawing in and the darker mornings it can be more difficult to get started each day. For many of us, the change in season can be an emotional time. All those new year’s resolutions that got broken. All those goals fallen by the wayside.

But, for some of us, myself included, this is the time to get energised and focussed, to see what can be achieved by the end of the year and not worry about what has or hasn’t happened in 2019 already.

Fizz helps you focus and energise
Fizz helps you focus and energise

This is where I recommend adding fizz into your life!

I don’t mean champagne fizz, although that’s a great way to celebrate your achievements and I don’t mean the fizz from fireworks either.

I mean FIZZ.

Fizz is the energy, the zest, that burst of ideas so powerful that things get done quickly and efficiently. We all have fizz, otherwise nothing would get done. But, if you’re feeling tired, demotivated or bored, then maybe you need a little more fizz.

Fizz is the power of concentration, the ability to use your time twice to achieve more tasks. Fizz helps you stay positive, even when things go wrong. It is something we can all use to give us a boost and stay on track at home and at work.

I believe we can be in control of our lives in many ways. From what we eat and drink, to how much we exercise, how we look after our bodies and minds manifests itself into our productivity, our positivity and our performance overall.

From speaking with people from all walks of life at networking events and with my clients, there is a common theme that we all want more energy and more time. I believe these are 100% interlinked.

With more energy we can use our time to better effect. With more time we have more energy to use on other activities. To quote the phrase, we want to “work smarter, not harder”, and that is where having more fizz means more energy and more energy means more time becomes available.

If you’re in the Macclesfield area, come and join me at my New Product Launch event at The Park Tavern on Tuesday 8th of October between 4:30 and 6 or Friday the 18th of October between 2pm and 3:30pm. I’ll be talking about how you can add some fizz into your life to get more energy to do the things you enjoy the most.

New Product Launch

Tuesday 8th October

4:30 pm to 6pm

The Park Tavern, Macclesfield

OR

Friday the 18th of October

2pm to 3:30pm

The Park Tavern, Macclesfield

I’ll be sharing business and lifestyle tips which you can use at home and at work to add some fizz into your life. There will also be products for sale to help you gain more energy and fizz, which can help you achieve more tasks in less time. This is a free event and everyone’s welcome. For more information please contact me on 07756 772950.

What Habits Do You Need To Change Today?

Over the last few months I’ve been writing about habits, how to create good habits and how consistently practising good habits will help you run your business more efficiently and effectively.

It’s all very well creating new habits, but what about the bad habits? Are there things you need to change?

When I chat with clients, one of the recurring themes is time management, how to make more time, how to save time, how to get more done in less time, and so on. The end result always comes back to the choices they make and the actions they take, which are largely dictated by the habits each person has formed during their lifetime.

Take the dog for a walk - best habit
Take the dog for a walk – best habit as fresh air, exercise and companionship

Setting an Alarm

For example, setting an alarm clock to wake you each morning is a habit many of us do. This habit makes sure you’re awake on time and can start your day. It’s perhaps something you learned in childhood which made sure you were on time for school. As an adult, continuing this habit, either with your alarm clock or setting an alarm on your phone, makes sure you’re on time for work, for networking, for meetings and other appointments.

Coffee and Emails

Another example is the habit of having a coffee and checking emails as soon as you arrive in the office. This habit can take ten minutes, or most of the morning, depending on your workload. It can be a good habit to divide emails into categories of importance and priority. If you struggle with this, I can recommend my Time Intensity Grid to help with prioritising your messages and putting systems in place to respond quickly to new tasks.

Fifteen Minute Slots

If you find you’re chasing around with low intensity messages and tasks, it’s worth analysing your time over the course of a day. Simply break your day down into fifteen-minute slots and make a brief note about what’s happened in each slot on a piece of paper or in a spreadsheet.

This makes it easy to identify bottlenecks and deadtime. If you continue this analysis over the course of a week or a month you can spot patterns and behaviours in yourself and your staff. This gives you the ammunition you need to make changes and create new habits.

Create a New Habit

Something I’ve just put into place is to have my food shopping delivered. It’s not something I’ve done before, but it’s saved me the time (and fuel) not driving to and from the supermarket. It’s saved time not hunting for the ingredients I don’t normally buy. Shopping online has saved time not queueing at the checkout. And, it’s also saved me time unloading the car as the shopping is brought to my front door.

Adding this up, this change in habit has probably saved me at least two hours a week.

That’s two extra hours I can spend with my family and friends.

The time has always existed, it’s not new hours in the day. There’s no magic trick. I don’t have a time machine either. The difference is how I’m choosing to use those hours. I can choose whether I spend the extra hours working, or whether I assign the time to house chores, or spend it with my family.

Making small changes to my daily habits is how I’m saving time and making more time for the things I want to do. I can show you how to do this too.

If you’d like to find out more simply book a 15-minute exploration call with me and I’ll help you find the time to create great habits at work and at home.