Selfless Service, Meaningful Connection, and Mindful Awareness: The Unexpected Rewards of Conscious Business
At Mindful Movements, we believe that true success in business development comes from embracing three core principles: selfless service, meaningful connection, and mindful awareness. These values aren't just buzzwords; they're the foundation of our approach to creating meaningful impact in the business world and beyond.
Selfless service reminds us that our work is about more than just profit - it's about helping others without expectation of reward.
Meaningful connection emphasises the importance of fostering genuine relationships, recognizing that we're all part of a larger community.
Mindful awareness encourages us to stay present and attentive, allowing us to respond to situations with clarity and empathy.
Recently, I experienced a powerful reminder of how these principles can manifest in unexpected ways. Picture this: I'm rushing out of work, headed to an important appointment. In the car park, I encountered a line at the exit barrier. The car ahead isn't moving - for a good 5 to 7 minutes. Frustrated, I get out to investigate.
Approaching the car, I realise the driver is having a panic attack. He's visibly distressed, unable to exit because the car, belonging to his partner, lacks the necessary access card. Instead of getting annoyed, I chose to embody our core values. I chose to offer help without any expectation of reward.
"It's okay," I reassured him, "we're going to sort this out together." At that moment, I saw beyond the inconvenience of delayed traffic. This wasn't just a stranger holding things up; this was a fellow human in genuine distress.
Staying calm and present, I focused on the situation at hand. I assisted him in communicating with customer service, and when he was too flustered to remember his car's registration number, I stepped in to check it for him. Eventually, the barrier lifted, and the relief on the driver's face was palpable as he drove away.
This experience might seem small - just helping someone out of a car park. But it reinforced the power of these core values. By choosing compassion over frustration, community over individualism, and mindful presence over reactive behaviour, I not only assisted someone in need but also experienced a profound sense of fulfilment.
As business development professionals, it's easy to focus solely on metrics and strategies. However, true success comes from never losing sight of our humanity and the impact we can have on others, even in small ways. I challenge each of you to look for opportunities to practice compassionate service, community building, and mindful presence in your daily lives and work.
You never know when a simple act of kindness or moment of presence could make a world of difference - both to someone else and to yourself. Let's continue building a business culture that values compassion, connection, and mindful presence just as much as growth and achievement. After all, success isn't just about reaching goals; it's about the lives we touch and the positive impact we create along the way.
From Meditation Website to Billion-Dollar App
From Meditation Website to Billion-Dollar App: The Inspiring Journey of Calm
The Visionaries Behind Calm
Calm was co-founded in 2012 by British entrepreneur Michael Acton Smith and American Alex Tew. Smith, known for founding Mind Candy and creating Moshi Monsters, partnered with Tew, famous for his Million Dollar Homepage project. Despite their tech backgrounds, neither had experience in wellness or meditation. Their collaboration stemmed from a shared interest in mindfulness and its potential to help people in our increasingly stressful world.
Humble Beginnings and Early Struggles
Calm started as a simple website offering guided meditations. The early years were challenging, with Smith admitting, “The first few years were very tough. We made no money and had no users.” The co-founders bootstrapped the company, living on tight budgets. They faced scepticism about meditation as a viable business, difficulty attracting users to a website in a mobile-first world, and competition from established wellness brands.
The Turning Point: Mobile App Launch
Recognizing the shift towards mobile, Calm launched its app in 2014. This move was crucial, but growth remained slow initially. The team focused on creating quality content, including their now-famous “Sleep Stories” – bedtime tales for adults narrated by celebrities. By 2017, five years after its inception, Calm began to gain serious traction, being named Apple’s “App of the Year.”
From Startup to Unicorn
2018 marked a milestone when Calm raised $88 million in funding, valuing the company at $1 billion and earning it “unicorn” status. Today, Calm boasts over 100 million downloads and was valued at $2 billion in 2020. It has expanded its offerings to include music, body stretches, and masterclasses, becoming a comprehensive mental wellness platform.
Overcoming Challenges
Calm’s journey wasn’t without hurdles. They faced challenges in market education, content creation, technology scaling, and monetization. However, their persistence and adaptability helped them overcome these obstacles.
The Impact of Calm
Beyond business success, Calm has made a significant impact on mental health awareness. Millions of users report improved sleep and reduced anxiety. The app has been used in schools to help children manage stress and has partnered with companies like American Airlines to bring mindfulness to new spaces.
Key Lessons from Calm’s Journey
1. Patience is crucial: True success often takes years of dedicated work.
2. Quality content matters: Investing in premium, unique content can set you apart.
3. Timing and trends play a role: Calm’s growth aligned with increasing mental health awareness.
4. Adapt to user needs: The shift from website to mobile app was pivotal.
5. Persevere through tough times: Belief in the mission is essential during lean years.
Have we inspired you yet?
Calm’s transformation from a simple meditation website to a billion-dollar app serves as an inspiring reminder that success often requires years of dedication and adaptability. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, remember that great things take time. Start small, stay consistent, and your own calm approach may lead to something revolutionary. Book a clarity call with Mindful Movements today and begin your path to business success.
Power Moves To Get Through 2024
Power Moves To Get Through 2024
The first three months of 2024 might be over but that doesn’t mean the year is.
Have you reviewed the first three months of the year to see what went well, what didn’t go well and are you on track with your objectives? If not, we recommend working on business OKR’s (Objectives and Key Results) as a priority task for your brand growth. If you are not sure what I mean, you can book a free 20 minute call to discuss this.
But that’s not all I am here for today.
We want you to take control over the future of your business. Whilst OKR’s will definitely support this, I also wanted to share some other bits:
1. Craft your masterpiece: No more blurry dreams! Define your “why”, and paint a picture of your empire – no dream is too big or too small, go wild.
2. Master the “flex”: Ditch the rigid play-book and move away from the expectations that one magic formula will support you. Develop strategies that bend, not break.
3. Innovate: When you come to a hurdle, stop, take a step back and watch your natural creativity spark new ideas.
4. Network and connect: We perform so much better as a tribe. Outsource your work, hire interns, grow a team or simply attend networking events with other like-minded brand owners. You never know where an encounter can lead to….
5. Use your data: I see so many brands not using data enough. Data isn’t a leash, it’s a compass. Measure, adapt, and dominate. Track progress and tweak your tactics.
This year, don’t just hope for change, build it. This is your business, your legacy.
Remember, success is yours to claim. What are you waiting for?
#BusinessBoss #NewYearNewWins #SuccessResolutions
The Power of Mindfulness: How It Helps Business Owners Accomplish More
The Power of Mindfulness: How It Helps Business Owners Accomplish More
In the fast-paced and demanding world of business, it’s easy for business owners to become overwhelmed, stressed, and lose focus.
However, incorporating mindfulness practices into their daily routine can be a game-changer. Mindfulness is essential for business owners it can help brands accomplish more through:
- Enhanced Focus and Clarity
- Reduced Stress and Improved Well-being
- Enhanced Creativity and Innovation
- Improved Decision Making
- Increased Resilience and Adaptability
If you fancy digging a little deeper into the above, click on the topic to find out more.
Enhanced Focus and Clarity:
Mindfulness cultivates a state of focused attention and heightened awareness. By practicing mindfulness techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises, business owners can improve their ability to concentrate and maintain clarity amidst the chaos. The Grounded Yogi is Anita’s personal yoga teacher, which has enhanced her focus, aided in better decision making and supported her in staying on track to achieve her goals.
Reduced Stress and Improved Well-being:
Let’s be honest – running a business isn’t supposed to be easy!
It often comes with high levels of stress and pressure. Mindfulness offers effective tools for managing stress and promoting overall well-being. Regular mindfulness practice has been shown to reduce stress, lower anxiety levels, and enhance resilience. By reducing stress, business owners can optimize their mental and physical health, leading to increased productivity and a greater sense of fulfilment.
Enhanced Creativity and Innovation:
If you want to open your mind to new possibilities and perspectives – start practicing mindfulness. Break free from habitual thought patterns and approach challenges with a fresh mindset. This ability to think outside the box and embrace creativity can lead to groundbreaking ideas, unique solutions, and a competitive edge in the market.
mproved Decision Making:
How many times have you made a bad decision? Be honest…
Imagine making thoughtful, rational decisions rather than being driven by impulsive reactions. Mindfulness cultivates a state of non-reactivity and non-judgment. Take a step back, observe your thoughts and emotions without judgment – allowing you to respond to situations with clarity.
This approach to decision-making leads to more effective and well-considered choices that can positively impact business outcomes.
Increased Resilience and Adaptability:
The business landscape is dynamic and ever-changing, requiring business owners to be adaptable and resilient. Mindfulness practices nurture these qualities by teaching individuals to embrace the present moment and accept circumstances as they are. This mindset enables brand owners to bounce back from setbacks, navigate uncertainties, and adapt to new challenges with grace and resilience.
Have we convinced you yet?
Here at Mindful Movements, we believe mindfulness is not just a personal development practice; it is a powerful tool that can transform the way business owners operate and achieve success. It’s why we have it in our name!
So, make mindfulness a priority in your entrepreneurial journey and witness how it empowers you to accomplish more, while also fostering a sense of balance, well-being, and fulfilment.
Unlocking Success: How a Business Mentor Can Help Your Brand Accomplish
A Unlocking Success: How a Business Mentor Can Help Your Brand Accomplish More
In the competitive landscape of today’s business world, having a mentor by your side can be a game-changer for brands seeking to achieve exceptional results. A business mentor brings a wealth of experience, expertise, and guidance to the table, acting as a trusted advisor and catalyst for growth.
In this blog post, we explore how a business mentor can help your brand accomplish more and unlock its true potential.
Strategic Direction:
Imagine having a fresh perspective to your brand, someone to help you identify opportunities and support you in refining your business goals – that’s exactly how a mentor can play a crucial role in providing strategic direction. Through their experience, they can guide you in making well-informed decisions, avoiding common pitfalls (you may as well learn from someone else’s mistakes right?), and steering your brand towards success. Mindful Movements strategy development service is all about provided strategic direction taking into consideration all the variables specific to your business.
Skill Development:
How many of you are still unsure about business acumen? A mentor’s knowledge and expertise are invaluable resources for honing your skills and expanding your knowledge. Whether it’s marketing, finance, or leadership, a mentor can provide targeted guidance, suggesting best practices and helping you develop new competencies. They can also help you identify gaps in your skill set and recommend appropriate training or resources.
Network Expansion:
One of the most significant advantages of having a business mentor is their extensive network. Mentors are well-connected individuals who can introduce you to key industry players, potential clients, or valuable partnerships. By tapping into their network, you gain access to a wealth of opportunities, collaborations, and valuable connections that can accelerate your brand’s growth. Don’t stay indoors or behind a screen – there’s a whole world out there!
Accountability and Support:
Do you have days where your motivation dips, followed by “can’t be arsed” vibes which slowly moves into guilt and before you know it you’re kicking yourself in the teeth for not acting sooner…. sound familiar?
Well a mentor serves as a trusted confidant and source of encouragement. They hold you accountable for your actions and goals, pushing you to stay focused and motivated. During challenging times, they provide support, offering guidance, and helping you navigate obstacles with resilience. Founder Anita, continues to provide unwavering support and can inspire you to overcome hurdles and achieve milestones you may not have thought possible. If you don’t believe us, see what others say!
Continuous Learning and Growth:
A business mentor fosters a culture of continuous learning and personal growth. They challenge you to step out of your comfort zone, embrace new ideas, and push your boundaries. With their guidance, you can develop a growth mindset and cultivate the skills necessary to adapt to changing market dynamics, ensuring your brand stays relevant and competitive.
In a world where businesses must constantly evolve to thrive, having a business mentor is an invaluable asset. If you are looking for support, have a browse of our services to see which ones suit your needs. And if you are unsure, book in a clarity call so we can help you figure it out!
What are you waiting for? Make your Mindful Movement today.
A Moment Of Mindful Movements With The Grounded Yogi
A Moment of Mindful Movement with The Grounded Yogi
We sat down with Rima from The Grounded Yogi to understand how Yoga helps business owners think more clearly, make better business decisions and have overall peace amongst chaos.
Rima, what is Yoga and why is it so important in today’s world?
Yoga is a spiritual practice that promotes a connection between your mind and body. Now more than ever, we need a way of disconnecting from all the noise and distraction around us in order to tune in with our own self. With stress levels and burn out rising each day, Yoga is a practice that each of us can benefit from.
How can implementing Yoga help a business owner?
Yoga is an adaptable practice and can provide business owners with tools to ensure they succeed, without burning themselves out.
For example, there are pranayama (breathing) techniques that restore calm when you are feeling anxious. There are yoga postures designed to energise the body or strengthen the spine and correct bad posture.
Most business owners at early stages of their journey lack a lot of time and feel guilty for “taking a break” – what is your advice to them?
I completely understand that time can be so short for business owners. The best way to look at your Yoga practice is not the time you’re taking away but what you’re getting back. Even a 10 minute morning practice can increase productivity, provide focus and clarity so you can make better business decisions. At the end of the day, a few minutes of calm can help you unwind and be able to sleep better to restore for another day of business success!
Check out more from our fellow Grounded Yogi here.
info@thegroundedyogilife.com