Tag: better with bark

Meet Brandon – CEO of Brave Top Construction

Today we’re jumping across the pond to Ontario, Canada, to chat with someone who really knows the definition of hard work – Brandon, CEO of Brave Top Construction and Clean Er Up Bin Rentals. Let’s dive in!

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your professional background. 

I’m 26 years old from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. I started Gutter Cleaning as a side job while running a bin rental business. 

I spent around 10 years doing roofing working for my father so it came naturally to me, watching him and my mother sell to people either on the phone or in person. 

That, combined with reading, and the fact that friends my friends were concerned about money during Covid 19 motivated me to start a side hustle on top of an already busy business. I wanted to show that you can juggle two businesses at the same time. 

Lots of my friends were complaining about how difficult it was to make money. I also wanted to prove them wrong – that it was actually achievable if you took the time to educate yourself about an industry by reading books, learning from YouTube, and applying that into action!

When did you join Bark, and why did you join? 

I joined Bark in June 2020. I wanted to challenge myself, and Bark seemed like the perfect platform to grow my second gutter cleaning business.

I started off with a goal to reach $10,000 in gross income in 1 month, and I knew I could do it as there were so many leads coming through on Bark – I just had to plan it accordingly. 

Did you experience any setbacks in the early stages of your business? 

Absolutely! When I first started I failed on every single lead. I was in a brand new role and industry, so I didn’t know what I was doing wrong. It was only through trial and error that I started to see some success. 

Within a few months, the business started to grow from strength to strength. My income was $200 in June 2020, and six months later I’d crossed my personal goal of $100,000 gross income. 

After that, the business just blew up. My favourite moment was when a major rainstorm happened – I got 52 Leads in one day and I had to turn off my business phone, it was going crazy!

What do you owe your success to? 

I focused on customer service, not money. The money will always come when you offer great service and care about the customers. 

Before launching my business, I also read a lot on sales, stocks, economics, business and decision-making skills. This gave me the foundation to deal with the everyday challenges of business. 

What’s the best thing about owning your own business? 

My favourite thing about having this business is being able to meet new people, which has also led to opportunities for business partnerships. 

For example, I’ve created a partnership with Alu-Rex where I upsell Leaf Guard to customers who are tired of having their gutters cleaned. 

Working with Alu-Rex has shown me different ways to approach customers, as well as teaching me how to educate customers on how Leaf Guards work. It’s a win-win scenario.

Tell us about your experience with Bark 

It’s been absolutely amazing. The customer support team respond to my queries on the same day. I owe a lot of my success to the team at Bark – 90% of success comes from Bark, the other 10% comes from me doing the job. Bark is there for you all the way. 

What’s the best thing about Bark? 

The customer support is like having free employees so why not leverage their amazing team?! They’re with you all the way, from teaching you how to be successful, to providing tips on how to sell to customers. You’ll have instant success if you understand how to engage with customers, Bark gives you all the tools to succeed.

Do you have any tips for success for professionals new to Bark? Or for new business owners in general? 

  • Respond instantly to every lead you know you can complete right away or you know you can book it in for the next day or so.
  • Make sure you have good credit so you can leverage your borrowing power for tools/materials. 
  • Customer Service first, money ALWAYS last.
  • Be prepared to reinvest your money and buy a bigger credit package, as this will give you a better discount per credit.
  • Ask the Bark team for help when needed. Let them know what they can do better to make your experience better.
  • Be honest to customers & don’t do poor work. Follow this and your life will change positively.
  • You can still do business on Bark if you don’t have a work vehicle. Just book your jobs in for the weekend and rent a van/truck for the weekend so you can complete the jobs. No excuses to not work for yourself.

How helpful have you found the Customer Success team? 

Extremely helpful. Occasionally I’ll send over suggestions on how to improve Bark. They scratch my back so I scratch theirs.

Anything else you’d like us to include? 

Bark has changed my life forever and they will change yours as well.

I want to say thank you Bark for the opportunity to change my life and inspire the friends and family that are closest to me. I always tell customers to go onto Bark if they need help finding any other services. Bark is the present and the future and I recommend it to everyone – customer OR professional. 

Wow – it’s pretty impressive to get your side hustle off the ground in the middle of a global pandemic, while holding down a busy full-time job – serious props to Brandon! 

If you’re looking for Gutter cleaning, demolition services, skip hire or waste management check out Brave Top Construction’s Bark Profile. Read their 5-star reviews, view photos of their work and request contact! 

Want to get to know more professionals? Head over to the professional spotlight section of our blog, where you’ll plenty of inspiration from people who built flourishing careers despite Covid-19.  

Could the next success story be yours? Join as a professional on Bark today. 

Meet Ivan – Founder and CEO of Magic Pro Cleaning

This week we’re off to Burnham in the UK, where we have the pleasure of chatting with Ivan, founder and CEO of Magic Pro Cleaning! 

Let’s hear how Ivan’s company has flourished into a thriving business, with a little bit of Bark magic. 

Tell us a little bit about your company and how long you’ve been operating for 

Magic Pro Cleaning was born in 2013 with the idea to create a unique experience for our clients. 

In the beginning, we provided carpet cleaning only. As demand grew for more and more services, I knew that if Magic Pro Cleaning was only a carpet company, the competition would devour it. Shortly after, I added deep cleaning to the list. Not long after, I added window cleaning and pressure washing to our services. Our goal is to be a one-stop-shop for cleaning. 

If you aren’t competitive and you don’t change according to your clients’ demands, it’ won’t be long before your business stagnates. 

What made you join Bark? 

Magic Pro Cleaning joined the Bark family in 2020. I’ve used Bark from the customer side, so I knew how it worked and wanted to give it a go. In less than a year, Magic Pro Cleaning has become one of the top-rated providers on Bark – we’re very proud to have been awarded the Bark Certificate of Excellence for our services. 

Tell us about your experience with Bark! 

On Bark, I managed to find many of Magic Pro Cleaning`s clients. It is also really helpful to know how our customers rate our services through the review section on our Bark profile  – it gives me the strength to go on!

 

 

What’s the best thing about Bark? 

It is really great to have a clear view of what the clients want before your first contact with them. When you call them with an offer it is a lot easier to convert the lead into a booking. 

Bark has provided me with a steady flow of clients, even in the coronavirus pandemic. 

What are your top tips for success as a professional on Bark? 

To succeed with so much competition out there you must offer a top service and listen to your clients.

How helpful have you found Bark’s Customer Success team? 

They are always there when I needed them! 

And there you have it, one man’s mission to change the world one cleaning service at a time, and a little bit of Bark magic. If you’re looking for a reliable, top-rated cleaning service, check out Magic Pro Cleaning on Bark. 

Magic Pro Cleaning is also on social! Check them out on Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok, and Youtube. 

Want to reach new heights with your business? Join as a professional today on Bark today. 

Meet Adrian – Owner of Ristin Construction

Today we’re off to Bedfordshire to chat with Adrian, proud owner of Ristin Construction. 

Let’s hear Adrian’s story about his company and how he’s grown it through Bark. 

Tell us a bit about you and your background! 

I’ve been in the construction industry for about 9 years. Before Ristin Construction, I started my journey in a labourer position and worked my way up to a site supervisor. It was in this role that I learnt the importance of health and safety, leadership, and teamwork. After years of learning and working hard, I decided to open up my own company and try to work on my own because I have a passion for what I do. 

When did you join Bark, and why did you join? 

I joined Bark in October 2018. I saw an advertisement for Bark and thought I’d give it a go – it looked like the right platform for what I was looking for. 

What has your experience on Bark been like so far? 

I’ve had the best experience since joining Bark. It’s really helped me get closer and closer to my goal, from the regular product updates to the staff that answer our calls and offer us insight and guidance. 

What do you like most about Bark? 

The best thing about Bark has to be how straightforward the whole process is, from making the account to the point where you start getting jobs – you feel supported by the team from the very beginning. 

Do you have any tips for success for professionals new to Bark? Or for new business owners in general? 

  • Visualise your goal, work hard, and never give up.
  • Don’t forget to ask for help and guidance from Bark’s Customer Success Team.
  • Insist on getting jobs, and work hard.
  • Finally, be polite, be friendly, and be yourself. Speak on the phone with a smile on your face (the clients can feel that). 

What do you think of the Customer Success team at Bark? 

The customer success team is amazing, very hard working, always there when you need them. 

How has Bark helped you through the Coronavirus pandemic? 

During the pandemic Bark was with me every step of the way, from phone calls to very useful updates, making it even easier to get in contact with the client to secure the job. They also offered information and guidance to take a professional and the clients through every day of the pandemic safely. 

Anything else you’d like to include?

Maybe this will inspire you. 

Before Ristin Construction I went through a bankruptcy, it was a very tough time, I suffered from depression and Bark helped me fight it and leave it behind. The feeling of being useful and to see that it might just be possible to reach my goal. I cannot stress how much Bark has helped me, I am very grateful. Thank you for not stopping, waking up early, and working hard. 

It was an absolute pleasure to chat with someone as motivated and hard-working as Adrian – we could all benefit from adopting some of his work ethic! If you’re looking for handyman jobs, decoration, driveway works, and much more in Bedfordshire check out Ristin Construction’s Bark Profile. Read their incredible 5-star reviews, view before and after photos, and request contact!

Want to meet more professionals? Head over to the professional spotlight section of our blog where you’ll find tonnes of inspiration from people who have grown their careers on Bark during Covid-19.

Could the next success story be yours? Join as a professional on Bark today.

Meet Debra – Personal Trainer at PlatinumFit PRO

This week we’re off to White Plains in the US to speak with owner of PlatinumFit PRO personal training, Debra Ann. 

Let’s hear about Debra’s journey growing her business with Bark. 

Can you tell us a little bit about what you do? 

I’m a certified personal trainer and health coach, with 20 years of experience in the field. I’m a muscle specialist, providing muscle centric movement to prevent, treat, or in some cases reverse chronic conditions that arise from being under muscled. 

By age 30, we are no longer in a growth phase; we experience shifts in hormones and bone mass restructuring. Having a solid resistance training and nutritional plan in place are the foundations to ageing with strength and beauty. 

Resistance training is not about looking like Arnold Schwarzenegger or…it could be. It’s about building on the strengths you already have, addressing concerns and achieving goals.

What made you join Bark? 

I joined Bark in November 2020. I found it by accident when I was browsing the web. I surveyed my clients and a few were familiar with the site and had positive results. On that, I decided to roll the dice and set up a profile and purchase credits.

Tell us about your experience on Bark 

Since joining a month ago, I have successfully anchored new clients. Bark has ample and qualified leads. I love the many distinctions on the client profile.  

What’s the best thing about Bark? 

Personal training is just that…personal. It is a one-on-one service that is a custom fit and tailored to the client. I feel Bark shares the same philosophy with its providers. 

The Bark support team is on call 24 hours a day. They are kind, courteous and helpful. My questions are answered quickly and they provide clever suggestions which have been helpful when setting up my profile. I appreciate having Bark to help grow out my personal training business.

Anything else you’d like us to include? 

Your customer service is the best I have come across. I feel supported by you all.

It was a real pleasure chatting with Debra and learning about her fitness philosophy – we wish we knew that much about how the body works!

If you’re looking for a Personal Trainer or Health Coach in the New York area, head over to PlatinumFit PRO’s Bark profile. Read reviews, find out more information and get in touch – all from one place! 

Keen to meet more professionals? Head over to the professional spotlight section of our blog where you’ll find plenty of inspiration from people who have built fantastic careers on Bark, in a global pandemic! 

Think the next success story could be yours? Join as a professional on Bark today!

How effective is online counselling in treating anxiety?

Anxiety can be crippling. It can make it difficult to do the simplest of tasks, for example going to the supermarket, meeting your friends or even answering the phone.

Counselling is often seen as an effective treatment for anxiety. It can help you to explore the root of your feelings as well as finding coping strategies to help you to manage your anxiety when it flares up.

But what if your anxiety makes it difficult for you to see a counsellor? For some people, just leaving the house is enough to trigger a panic attack. Could online counselling be a solution for treating anxiety?

What causes anxiety? 

Anxiety is caused by the body’s fight or flight response. When your body feels like you’re in danger, it triggers this response in an attempt to keep you safe. During this fight or flight response, your body produces adrenaline to keep you alert to the danger. When the threat is gone, your body stops producing adrenaline and you can relax.

However, with anxiety, this is not the case. Your body continues to produce the adrenaline, despite the threat not being there. This causes you to feel anxious and on edge and can cause sleep difficulties.

How can counselling help with anxiety? 

Counselling can help you to understand the cause of your anxiety and find ways to overcome it. A good counsellor will support you to explore your anxiety and why you feel like you do.

You’ll probably start by talking about how you feel and what’s causing your fears. The counsellor will then move on to looking at any underlying issues including the triggers for your anxiety. Once you understand the cause of your anxiety, you can start to work on changing your unhelpful thinking patterns and work to overcome your anxieties.

It could be a particular stress in your life or a reaction to a past experience. Finding out the source of your anxiety can help you to deal with it, finding ways to release the anxiety and learning coping strategies to help you when your anxiety flares up.

Different techniques work best for different people – it’s all about finding the technique that works best for you, and a good counsellor will work to explore this with you. Many people enjoy practicing mindfulness as a way to relax and allow their anxieties to fade away.

Is online counselling effective in treating anxiety? 

Online counselling is a highly effective treatment for anxiety. In fact, a 2018 study which was published in the Journal of Psychological Disorders found that online counselling was equally as effective as face-to-face counselling for treating social anxiety disorder, panic disorder and generalised anxiety disorder.

As many people suffering from anxiety may find it challenging to leave their house or meet new people, online counselling may feel like an easier alternative than traditional face-to-face counselling.

How to find an online counsellor 

Bark offers an easy way to find online counsellors who are ready to help you to overcome your anxiety. You can view their profiles and read genuine reviews from their past clients before you make contact.

If you’re ready to take the first step in overcoming your anxiety, you can find a counsellor on Bark.

Five steps to living your best life during Covid-19

The coronavirus pandemic has left no area of life untouched. From your work life to your family life and your health to your social life, it’s likely you’ve experienced some major life changes over the past year.

Most people have simply been living in survival mode, doing whatever it takes to get through daily life. However, for some people, the Covid-19 pandemic has caused them to take a step back and reassess their lives, making long-term changes which will last long beyond the pandemic.

Whether you’re run off your feet as a key worker or struggling with isolation, here are five ways that you can take control of your life and thrive during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Focus on what you can control 

It’s easy to feel out of control when so many areas of your life are restricted and you’re facing high levels of stress. But try to focus on the things that you can control. Set yourself small goals, whether that be starting to plan the book you’ve always dreamed of writing or taking up running. Focusing on specific goals can help you to take back control of your life.

Connect with nature

Spending time outdoors can help you to feel grounded when things are out of your control. Try going for a walk and really focusing on what you can see, hear and smell. You could also have a go at growing your own fruit or vegetables – there’s nothing more satisfying than eating food that you’ve grown yourself.

Maintain a routine

It’s easy to forget about self-care if you aren’t leaving the house as much as usual, but self-care translates to positive mental wellbeing. Try setting your alarm for the same time every morning to get up, take a shower and brush your teeth. A consistent morning routine helps to set you up for a good day, leaving you ready to achieve your goals.

Keep talking 

It can be easy to feel isolated when you can’t see your friends and family as much as usual. That’s why it’s important to find new ways to stay connected during the coronavirus pandemic. Take the time to contact your friends and family by text, phone call, or even video call as regularly as possible. As well as supporting your own mental health, it could benefit the people you reach out to as well.

Hire a life coach 

If this period of reflection has made you reconsider your priorities or empowered you to make a big change to your life, it’s worth considering hiring a life coach.

You may be wondering “what is a life coach?” A life coach can help you to make the changes you desire, whether that’s in your career, your relationships or your day-to-day life. They’re there to help you to set realistic and achievable goals and to empower and motivate you to achieve those goals.

Best of all – life coaching can be done virtually, so there’s no need to wait until the pandemic is over to get started. Your online life coach can support and empower you through video calls and over the phone, allowing you to make changes towards a positive mental wellbeing and a successful future.  

If you’re thinking of hiring a life coach to help you to improve your life, you can find a life coach on Bark.

 

Five reasons to hire an online dog trainer for your pandemic pup

Covid-19 made everybody reassess their priorities. For many people, it resulted in a new addition to their home: a dog.

It may be that you live on your own and need company, or that you’ve discovered a new love for walking that you want to share with a four-legged friend. Whatever your reasons for deciding to welcome a dog into your home, your canine will need training.

Whether it’s a rescue dog that you’ve rehomed or a young puppy that you’ve carefully selected from a litter, your dog will be looking to you for guidance on how to behave in their new home.

Here are five reasons to consider hiring an online dog trainer.

Counteract the ‘new normal’ 

Everyone keeps talking about the ‘new normal’ that we’re all adapting to. This new normal means that you’re probably spending most of your day in the company of your four-legged friend which is great for bonding but may also mean that your dog is becoming reliant on you. This could become an issue when it comes to leaving your dog alone in the future.

Your dog is also missing out on everyday stimuli, such as other dogs, people outside your household, traffic, and loud noises. Investing time in training your dog at this challenging time can help to counteract this strange situation, ensuring that you aren’t left with deeply-rooted issues later down the line.

Keep your dog calm in quarantine 

There isn’t much that’s more stressful than your dog getting a sudden burst of energy when you’re in the middle of a Zoom meeting and deciding to destroy your chair leg!

Hiring an online dog trainer can help you to harness your dog’s energy and put it to good use. The online dog trainer can provide you with daily training exercises to do with your canine which will exercise their brain, leaving them worn out – so you can fool everyone into thinking you’re concentrating on that next video call.

Fend off the boredom 

Let’s face it – lockdown is boring. When you’re not working or doing your daily exercise, there isn’t much else to do.

An online dog training course will give you something else to get stuck into, with daily training exercises to complete with your pup. While all of your friends are comparing how many box sets they managed to watch, you can revel in your success of training your four-legged friend.

Don’t miss out 

When it comes to toilet training or lead training, there’s a critical window where your dog will be most receptive to training. Miss this window and it can be more difficult for your canine to master their new skills.

An online dog trainer can give you professional advice on the best way to train your specific breed of dog because they’re all different. The sooner you can train your dog, the less time they’ve got to get stuck in habits that are challenging to break.

Some things can’t wait 

There are some issues that need dealing with straight away. Dog behaviour problems, such as aggression, require immediate attention. Signs of aggression in your dog include growling, snarling, baring teeth, snapping, or lunging. Fail to address aggression in your dog immediately and you could be left with a serious problem.

Online dog trainers are highly skilled in dealing with issues such as aggressive dogs, giving you techniques and exercises that you can do at home with your pooch.

If you’re ready to get started with dog training, find a Dog Trainer on Bark.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Is online tutoring effective for younger children?

Using technology to aid learning is not a new concept. Since the 1990s, many children have benefited from digital learning including educational television shows, specially designed learning laptops, and electronic reading devices such as Leadpads.

Over the past decade, education has come to rely on technology, with digital devices now used widely in schools. This includes interactive whiteboards and tablets which support the teacher, homework tasks involving online games and quizzes, and laptops and computers in the classroom.

It’s vital that children learn to use technology from a young age so that they don’t get left behind in an ever-increasing digital world. But with younger children naturally having a shorter attention span than their older peers, is online tutoring really realistic for younger children?

Can online tutoring work with younger children? 

The good news is, online tutoring can be highly effective with younger children if it is done in the right way. Experienced online private tutors will have a range of tactics to keep your child engaged whilst teaching them everything they need to know.

The benefit of private tuition is that it is generally done on a 1:1 basis, meaning that the online tutor can tailor the sessions to your child’s abilities and interests. A good tutor will also establish which learning techniques are most suited to your child, meaning that they can adapt the teaching materials to be as effective as possible for your child.

How to keep younger children engaged with online tutoring 

The best way to keep your young child engaged with online tutoring is to choose a tutor that your child relates to. It’s important to take your child’s personality into account when choosing a private tutor. Will they connect best with someone who is outgoing and funny or someone who is more reserved and serious?

It’s also important to carefully consider the time that your tutoring sessions occur. For young children, it’s best to avoid the evening when they may be tired. If you’re planning on booking a morning session, it’s a good idea to take your child for a quick walk or encourage them to play outside beforehand to burn off any excess energy so that they are ready to sit still.

To prepare for your child’s first online tuition session, offer your child a healthy snack half an hour before so that they aren’t distracted by hunger during the session. Try to choose a room where there are as little distractions as possible so that your child is able to focus on their learning.

How to find an online tutor

It can be difficult to find the right online tutor for your child. That’s where Bark comes in. Through Bark, you can view the profiles of every available online tutor to find the right one for your family. You can even read reviews from former clients to make sure they’re right for you.

Whether you’re looking for a maths tutor, an English tutor, a French tutor, or even a general primary school tutor, Bark can help. If you’re ready to start your search for an online private tutor for your child, you can find a tutor on Bark.

Meet Dan – Owner and Founder of dogHEART

This week we’re heading to Richmond California to chat with Dan, owner and founder of dog training company dogHEART.

Let’s hear Dan’s story about building a successful career on Bark.

Can you tell us a little bit about you and your company? 

dogHEART is a behavior training business for Service Dogs and Pet dogs that started in 2017.

We strengthen the human-canine trust by showing humans how to bring out the best value in their dog so their dog will be safe, and owners will have confidence and peace of mind in public.

What were you doing before you launched your business? 

I was in business development, helping failing non-profits become sustainable.

What made you want to start your company?

I enjoyed helping non-profits continue their mission with underserved communities. But it was time for me to follow my dream to help people find comfort and strength in life and trauma through dogs.

Well-behaved dogs are powerful healers just by their presence and unconditional love. My dream is to start an Integrative Wellness Center, utilizing Service Dogs in a holistic approach to heal trauma.

When did you join Bark? What made you join? 

I decided to join Bark in November 2020 because I had to rethink how to continue business due to the Covid-19 pandemic locking everything down. I posted ads on Google Search and YouTube, which yielded minimal results. Bark was my only viable option.

Can you tell us about your experiences on Bark? 

I began to receive more results in two weeks than I did in two months with my other ads! By my third week, I had three clients. I cancelled my other ads, and I am staying with Bark.

What’s the best thing about Bark? 

There are so many great things I have found with Bark. Probably the best for me is their business model. I am no longer sending out ads, supposedly focused on my demographic, and waiting for clicks.

Bark reversed the current marketing model by allowing my business a space to be visible to the people seeking out my specific service, and I find that this model yields high returns on investment.

Any top tips for success on Bark?

Show your passion. Follow the profile template the Bark professional marketers set up. Contact your leads as soon as possible. Utilize the professional help that Bark provides.

What do you think of the Customer Success team at Bark? 

I have reached out to Bark’s Customer Success Team several times as I was getting started. I am continually impressed at how quickly I can get a real person who is courteous, professional, and who expedites solutions. 

How has Bark helped you during Covid-19?

I am thankful that I found and joined Bark. We all have to get through life during this difficult time. I find Bark to be the link between me and clients who need my services.

Anything else you’d like us to include? 

I am amazed at how much Bark wants business people like me to succeed by offering to reapply credits if you do not receive any clients from your first credit pack. I love that credits do not expire!

We’ve loved chatting with Dan today – it’s great to hear how he’s used Bark to follow his passion (and we didn’t mind the adorably cute pics of the dogs either!). If you’re looking for a dog trainer, then head over to Dan’s Bark profile. You can find more information about dogHEART, check out his reviews and make an enquiry – all from one place! Stuck at home? Dan also offers puppy training online (for puppies 2 months to 5 months of age).

16 things to do during lockdown

Life is on hold, but you don’t have to be 

 

Stuck indoors and looking to relieve the lockdown boredom? If you’re struggling to find a series on Netflix you haven’t watched, it’s time to think outside the box. Staying in doesn’t have to be a waste of time – why not discover a new skill or hobby? Not only will lockdown fly by, but you’ll come out of it as a new and improved version of yourself – win, win! 

Train your pooch! 

Give your pup some love this lockdown by giving them some behaviour training. Whether it’s combatting aggressive behaviour or teaching them basic obedience commands, dog training can lead to your pup living a longer and happier life. If you’re not sure, hire an online dog trainer and learn the most effective tips and tricks.

Learn a new language

Being stuck indoors is the perfect opportunity to brush up on your language skills. Long gone are the days of dusty old language books – there are now endless ways to learn a language online. Whether it’s watching foreign language shows on Netflix (with subtitles, of course!) or listening to podcasts, language learning doesn’t have to be boring anymore. 

If you’re serious about improving your language skills, hiring an online tutor is a perfect way to add some structure to your learning. They’ll also hold you accountable on the days where vegging out on the sofa is much more tempting! 

Set goals

If you enjoy living life in the fast-lane, lockdown might feel like it’s been put on pause. But having the time to slow down and reflect can be really helpful when it comes to understanding where you are in life and where you want to be. 

Whether it’s working towards financial independence or trying to live a healthier lifestyle, setting goals and breaking them into small daily tasks will help you to feel focused and productive. If your goals seem unattainable or you don’t know where to begin, why not hire an online life coach? As long as you’ve got a strong internet connection you can have consultations via video call, or over the telephone. 

Try a healthy new diet

One of the upsides of lockdown is that you can spend more time in the kitchen, try out new recipes, and kick-start healthy eating habits. If you have difficult dietary requirements or need help controlling your calorie intake, start your journey the right way by getting a nutritionist or dietitian.

Balance the books 

Okay, so not very exciting – but hear us out! Lockdown is the perfect time to get on top of those boring financial tasks. If your business has been affected by Covid-19, it might be time to reassess your financial situation. If you need some help getting your affairs in order, an online financial advisor will be able to help you manage a number of tasks, including cash-flows and reassessing your budget. 

Get the boring stuff out of the way so you can free up time for what’s important when lockdown ends! 

Kick bad habits 

Did you know it takes 21 days to break a bad habit? Lockdown is an ideal time to say goodbye to bad habits and form some healthy ones! The first step is identifying what you want to change and what your triggers are. 

Once you’ve figured that out, there are lots of exercises to help you combat a bad habit. A tried and tested one is replacing a bad behaviour with a good one – if you find yourself regularly reaching for the cookie jar, why not replace it with some dried fruit? Alternatively, you could hire an online hypnotherapist to help you with the legwork. 

Learn to code 

Coding is an incredibly sought after skill in our digital world, so why not give yourself a head start and give it a go? There are tonnes of online coding courses out there, or if you’re looking for more personal support, you can find an online coding tutor. 

Learn a new instrument 

Ever committed to taking up piano or the guitar only to find that you simply don’t have the time to practice every day? With so much time on your hands, lockdown is the ideal opportunity to get your daily practice in. Struggling to find your inner Beethoven? Find an online music tutor. 

Revamp your living space 

If you’re sick and tired of being stuck at home, maybe all you need is to give it a new look! Interior designers are now providing their services online – designing a ‘virtual’ room and filling it with real-life items available to purchase – pretty cool right?

Learn to draw 

Okay, so you may not be the next Picasso, but drawing is a great way to pass the time, and has been proven to help with anxiety and stress. If you’re serious about improving your sketching skills, it’s worth hiring an online drawing tutor to help you hone your craft. 

Give your website a face lift 

If your business has had to come up with new ways to connect with customers remotely this year, then having a great website should be at the top of your priorities. Whether it’s improving user experience (UX) or refreshing your content, investing time into your website will help to attract and retain new customers. But it can be a tricky task – especially if you don’t know the basics of web design. Hire a web designer to ensure your website gets the high-quality finish it deserves. 

Get fit 

With an abundance of online fitness classes to choose from, there’s no reason you can’t get fit from the comfort of your own home! Grab some household objects as weights and get moving! Getting an online personal trainer is a great way to add structure to your workouts and help you to achieve your fitness goals. 

Get party planning! 

Whether it’s a birthday, wedding, or anniversary, lockdown is a perfect time to start planning your next event. Yes, the world seems uncertain, but there’s no harm in giving yourself a headstart for when normality resumes. If you need a helping hand, why not hire an online event and party planner? From scoping out the best venue to finding decorations, it’s easy for them to tick off their to-do list from home. 

Update your CV 

Smash the job market as soon as you get out of lockdown by updating and refreshing your CV. Not sure how to make the most of your CV? Online CV writers are on hand to ensure your CV is perfected and polished – highlighting your best bits!

Write a novel (or a blog) 

There’s no better time than during lockdown to get those creative juices flowing. Pick up a piece of paper and a pen (or your laptop) and start working on that novel you’ve been meaning to write for the last five years. Or if you don’t fancy yourself as the next William Shakespeare just yet, maybe ease yourself in with a blog post. 500 words are very different from 500 pages, after all! If you need a polished blog for your business, you can find online blog writers to do the hard work for you. 

Try out yoga 

Lockdown is the ideal opportunity to find your inner zen. Whether you’re an experienced yoga-lover or a complete beginner, there will be something online for your age and capability. All it takes is a quick two minute Google search. Alternatively, you could hire an online yoga instructor – they’ll be able to ensure your form and techniques are spot on, saving you nasty injuries later down the line.