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Tag: means

  • The single-minded proposition for your media persona isn’t as single minded as you think

    The single-minded proposition for your media persona isn’t as single minded as you think

    The one-line single minded proposition is your ticket to drive on the media motorway.

    Get it right and you get green lights all the way, and infact you can confidently accelerate, almost like you’re in a jet stream. Get it wrong and you can be stopped by every single red traffic light, traffic jammed for miles crawling along at a snail’s pace or remaining totally stationary altogether.
    If the single-minded proposition is your tree anchored by the roots of your back story, all your content in the form of subsequent stories are the branches that stem from it.
    It’s what William Chase, the founder of Tyrrells Crisps and Chase Vodka calls ‘The Magic’.
    Literally, it’s like Ali-Baba And The Flying Magic Carpet. Get on and you effortlessly take off, seemingly without a care in the world, riding high across the Arabian night sky.
    I first worked with William Chase ‘making the magic’ around the exit stage of Tyrrells crisps in 2008 which he sold for £40 million. This sale overlapped the early growth phase of Chase Vodka, which sold for an estimated £80 million to Diageo in 2021.
    I came up with and deployed the narratives about Chase ‘selling vodka to the Russians’ around the time of the Football World Cup after Chase won the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for ‘world’s best vodka’ knocking P Diddy endorsed Ciroc rock off its perch.
    Chase is now fully focused on his ‘third coming’, Willy’s Apple Cider Vinegar, getting people hooked on a daily dose of Willy’s to keep the doctor away and boost immunity. In this ‘virus world’, that’s certainly ‘of its time’.
    He’s pondering how to best position and reignite his back story so it breathes life into Willy’s Apple Cider vinegar.
    Chase’s personal story as a farming entrepreneur has always cross-fertilised first his potato crisps business followed by the potato vodka business – selling the provenance and craftsmanship of the brands.
    William Chase positioned himself as an Everyman anti-hero. A fighter. An overcomer of obstacles.
    But that’s only part of the single-minded positioning.
    The other part, which creates ‘The Magic’, is the strap-on, change-out component, the ‘campaign’ that adjusts the single-minded proposition to the media market – the mood and temperature of the time, but more importantly, allows you to fill a position not already owned by someone else.
    Get it right, and it means you can personify and fill a market gap and get lift off because there’s space for you to occupy.
    So the single-minded proposition isn’t so single-minded after all – but instead a single-minded proposition, adjusted to the market at any given time through a ‘subplot’ or ‘campaign’.
    Diet Coke is a brand with grounded, solidified somewhat static brand values. So the ‘Kate Moss for Diet Coke’ is the sub-plot or campaign which has a short life span and is changed out.
    If your personal brand is Harrods, then the subplot or ‘campaigns’ are the ever-rotating dazzling window displays that create interest and maintain freshness.
    So the two, the X and Y chromosome are one. The X is the anchor. The Y is the market adjustment and filler of a gap.
    It can become a bit like a chess game played with a suck it and see attitude.
    Market testing can take a while before something finally gels. The agar growing on the jelly.
    William Chase found the gap in terms of his single minded-proposition but adjusted to the market mood, as the antithesis of the BBC Dragons’ Den multimillionaires all showing off about their wealth in documentaries with them jumping out of helicopters in Monte Carlo and magazine interviews showing off their car collections back in 2006 and 2007.
    Chase was raw and real and quite literally ‘down to earth’ and ‘down on the farm’.
    He cut to the chase, revealing how he had filed for bankruptcy at the age of 32 when he had problems harvesting the potato crops. He was happy to be this real and honest and gritty to anyone that would listen.
    Rather than keeping his bankruptcy a guilty, hidden secret, Chase zeroed in on it as his subplot or ‘campaign’ and created a positioning – sharply in contrast with the multi-millionaire Dragons.
    He wasn’t a ‘me too’ entrepreneur like the Channel 4 Secret Millionaires chasing the coat tails of the Dragons but positioned as the antidote to the gratuitous, showy-offy displays of personal wealth. Yes, James Caan had not one but two Rolls Royce Phantoms in his garage! Will Chase was happy on his tractor.
    It worked.
    His story truly took off and subsequently the food and drink sections of all the national newspapers followed suit by filling their pages with product PR for Chase Distillery and the features sections with personal profiles on William Chase, the hardworking Hereford farmer.
    When you get it right, rather than simply putting out, you get a lot of requests back the other way from journalists trying to keep up. It all starts to build like stoking a roaring fire in winter.
    In the same way The Rolling Stones were the antidote to the clean-cut Beatles, Chase was the antidote to the multimillionaire BBC Dragons.
    Hertz got famous with the slogan. ‘We’re only Number 2, but we try harder’. They fully accepted that Avis were number 1, admitted it, and then found the gap with their ‘service with a smile’, showing they try harder. That penetrated the media curtain. That positioned them for take-off.
    The famous 2011 book of inspiration by M&C Saatchi is called ‘The Brutal Simplicity of Truth: How It Changed The World’.
    One particular story in there sums up the importance of positioning in terms of making things fly for either products or people.
    It says:
    ‘Every day, a blind man sat on the pavement in Central Park. He had his hat in front of him, begging for money. The sign read:
    I am blind
    Passers-by ignored him.
    One day, an advertising man saw his plight. He altered the wording on his sign and the cash started pouring into the hat. What had he done?
    He had changed the sign to read:
    ‘It is Spring and I am blind’.
    Your personal brand is much the same. Just being blind is only one aspect.
    The missing component is market adjustment and qualifier. In this case ‘it being Spring’ was the vital component for the blind man to get traction with his audience.
    Each subplot, campaign or ‘cartridge’ has a lifespan and then needs to be swapped out at some point once it’s run its course.
    Chase can’t create ‘The Magic’ for Willy’s Apple Cider Vinegar by telling the bankruptcy story all over again. It’s been done to death. That subplot in terms of his positioning is over.
    Meghan Markle is currently struggling for relevance in the USA as she tries to recycle her victim status at the hands of the ‘nasty racist royals’.
    People aren’t wearing it. Not because she’s not presenting it in a believable, emotion-fuelled way, but because she’s exhausted the positioning of being a victim at the hands of the Royal family. It’s run its course and she’s done it to death. She needs something new like the US Presidency to set her sights on.
    The change-out subplots can be rapid-burn or slow-burn depending on market forces.
    For Las Vegas based Entrepreneur Krista Waddell I had a truly golden period when she brought to Britain Ounces2Pounds at the onset of the financial crash of 2007-2008. Reverse tupperware-style parties were ‘of their time’. They had started in Canada and the USA. Krista was the first to bring them to Britain. I had Krista interviewed on BBC business shows as an innovator. Loads of Me too copycats launched and started getting press traction eventually – generally as spin-offs from various pawn brokers. But Ounces2Pounds were in first, and maxed out the press. I had them on BBC Breakfast, CNN, The Sun, The Telegraph you name it. Krista eventully melted down £2 million worth of junk jewellery made up of single cufflinks and single gold earrings in Birmingham before leaving the country again. The financial crash was her ‘campaign’ which, bolted on, created her positioning.
    You’ll know when its time to develop and deploy something new as your bounce seems to be becoming a little flat.
    Madonna has had more media lives than I’ve had hot dinners because she has expertly repositioned her personal brand time and time again with ‘Great resets’ while never removing or eroding the essence of what makes her tick.
    The two-pronged ‘single-minded proposition is the key to unlocking the door of media coverage gold. Once you get this right you can proliferate your content and start to push it out into the media marketplace.

  • The Importance of Early Intervention in Mental Health? – Health Cages

    The Importance of Early Intervention in Mental Health? – Health Cages

    Early intervention in mental health is really important. It means helping people with mental health issues as soon as possible. This early support can make a big difference in how quickly someone recovers from their problems.

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    Nearly half of all mental health issues start when people are kids before they turn 14. Kids can have different kinds of mental health problems than adults.

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    Sometimes, kids can’t express their feelings as well as adults. This might make them act out or have problems with relationships. People might think these kids are just being naughty, but it could be a sign of something deeper. If we don’t figure out what’s going on, their mental health could get worse without anyone knowing. So, it’s important to understand and help kids with their feelings early on.

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    Early Mental Health Intervention Benefits

    Easier Treatment

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    When people get help for mental health issues early, they don’t need as intense treatment. It’s like fixing a problem when it’s small instead of waiting for it to get big. Early help lets people learn how to deal with their feelings before it becomes a big issue. This might mean they don’t need as much medicine, or they might not need it at all. It also helps prevent harmful things like using drugs or hurting themselves.

    Quicker and better recovery

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    If mental health problems aren’t treated, there’s a risk of them coming back even after getting better. Early help makes sure the problem doesn’t become too big or traumatic. It also helps people recognize signs of the problem coming back and gives them good ways to cope.

    confidence and motivation

    Asking for help with mental health can be tough because of how people might see it. But getting help early actually makes people feel better about themselves and more motivated. It’s like tackling a challenge and feeling proud of taking the right steps at the right time. This boost in confidence helps people take on other challenges in life and lead healthier lives.

    Early  Interventions for Kids and Teens

    It’s crucial to help kids and young people early when it comes to mental health. If we catch problems early, it can make a big difference in their lives.

    For little kids, early help might mean figuring out which ones might have a higher chance of having mental health issues or facing big behavior problems.

    As for teenagers, having mental health problems can make it hard for them to finish school and keep going with their education. It can also affect their health in the long run, both mentally and physically. This doesn’t just impact them; it affects their families, friends, and everyone around them. So, helping them early is super important for their future.

    The Importance of Recovery Mental Health

    It’s important to keep track of your mental health, like making notes about how you feel and any challenges you face. This helps in preventing problems early on and making sure you get the right support.

    Imagine having a health guide for yourself. When doctors know about your past mental health experiences, they can step in sooner if new issues come up. This way, they can understand and help you better. It’s like having a plan that is just for you, considering your specific needs and risks. So, keeping good records of your mental health can make a big difference in getting the help you need at the right time.

    Does it make recovery rates higher?

    When individuals seek treatment for mental health concerns earlier, they have a greater chance of managing their symptoms effectively and reducing the impact on their daily lives.

    In contrast, delaying treatment can result in symptoms becoming more severe, which can make recovery more challenging and time-consuming.

    Moreover, early intervention can help individuals learn coping strategies and develop healthier ways of thinking and behaving, which can lead to sustained improvements in mental health over time.

    The Effects of Mental Health Problems on Child Development

    Mental disorders can have a devastating impact on a child’s daily life and their ability to healthily develop. If a child has untreated mental health issues, such as depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or anxiety disorder, it can contribute to social isolation from peers. Mental health issues can lower self-esteem, impede communication skills, and disrupt functioning and school performance for children.

    This can also create physical consequences, which are known to increase the risk of chronic illnesses. Any mental health concerns should be addressed quickly because early intervention strategies may mitigate the long-term impacts of mental health issues and give children a greater capacity for successful future development.

    These issues can interfere with a child’s ability to learn, make friends, and engage in healthy behaviors. If left untreated, mental illnesses in childhood can lead to problems in adulthood, such as substance abuse, joblessness, and relationship difficulties.

    Early intervention allows people to gain coping mechanisms while they are still capable of using them.

    People who struggle with addiction often won’t accept their situation and don’t want to seek treatment. An intervention gives your loved one a chance to make changes before things get even worse.

    Early childhood intervention programs have been shown to yield benefits in academic achievement, behavior, educational progression, and attainment.

  • Best Massage Therapy in San Diego: Find Your Fit

    Best Massage Therapy in San Diego: Find Your Fit

    Massage therapy is not necessarily a luxury; it can give people a precious means of healing as well as pain management and better living. There are so many types of massage to select but how do you know the right one to select? San Diego offers a variety of therapeutic massage treatments which are specific to meet the lifestyle and health needs of each and every person. Learn which of the alternatives may fit you now.

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    At the core of massage therapy lies understanding your individual body requirements and working with professionals who take an individualised approach. Fix Medical Group stands out for providing this personalized care at its wellness centre in San Diego; their holistic and evidence-based therapies support long-term recovery and performance enhancement.

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    Understanding Your Options

    Before scheduling your session, let’s briefly outline three of the most sought-after forms of massage therapy in San Diego and how each works:

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    1. Deep Tissue Massage

    Deep tissue massage could be your perfect remedy to relieve chronic tension, stiff muscles or recovery from injury. This technique targets deeper layers of muscles and connective tissues for maximum effectiveness at relieving knots or tightness in muscle fibres and tissue layers.

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    They do massage which goes deep beyond pressure: their experts work in certain strokes which discharge tension at its beginning apparatus at the same time remain agreeable entire session. Suitable for athletes, office workers and anyone who lives with ongoing discomfort in their muscles.

    2. Swedish Massage

    Swedish massage is also known as classic style massage therapy, and it provides you with a method of relaxation by which there are long and flowing strokes of the massage, kneading and gentle circular movements that help your circulatory system and other aspects of relaxation.

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    It is true that Swedish massage does not penetrate into the muscles as deeply as other techniques, but the popularity of the method is explained by its ability to treat the tension and relax the nervous system. Specific sessions of Swedish massage are designed depending on an individual to regain the balance between the mind and the body; hence, it would be the ideal choice as a beginner or any individual who wants to have the pleasure of a good massage.

    3. Sports Massage

    Swedish massage, also known as classic style massage therapy, can give you a great way of relaxing yourself through its long, flowing massage strokes, kneading and circling modes to make you sleep more comfortably and get better circulation.

    They provides sports therapy and massage as part of its holistic recovery and performance plans, whether for triathlon training or repetitive strain injuries. Their emphasis lies on performance-based care to get their customers back doing what they love more safely than before.

    Why Your Massage Therapist Matters

    They understand how dangerously inappropriate care can leave its patients worse than before they entered. That’s why they provide personalized attention from certified, experienced staff with deep body mechanics knowledge, not simply massage.

    Every therapy session begins with an in-person consultation designed to assess your health goals, pain points and daily activity levels. This ensures your therapy session won’t just be relaxing but effective and tailored towards meeting the long-term wellness plan of each client.

    Massage Therapy with a Purpose

    Medical Group does not consider massage therapy a solution by itself, but it is a component of a general strategy to enable patients to feel better and perform at their highest efficiency levels. Our massage therapists work in cohesion with other professionals, who include chiropractic practitioners, cupping sessions and rehabilitation programs to develop comprehensive healing strategies, which are formulated just to suit you.

    They have built their reputation on treating their clients like individuals instead of numbers. Their massage therapy approach embraces compassion, knowledge and the latest advances in physical wellbeing science, so no matter who or when their patient visits Fix, everyone feels welcome at Fix Medical Group San Diego!

    Making the Right Choice in San Diego

    There’s no shortage of massage therapy providers in San Diego, yet not all clinics provide equal services. When selecting your clinic, it is crucial that they view massage not just as an additional service but rather as an integral healing modality within broader health strategies.

    1. Do they offer personalized treatment plans?
    2. Are the therapists certified and experienced?
    3. Does their service ensure continuity across other health services?
    4. Does Your Advisor Take Time to Understand Your Goals
    5. If the answer to all five is affirmative, then rest easy knowing you are safe with them.

    Final Thoughts

    When it comes to massage therapy in San Diego, you deserve more than a quick fix; you deserve an experience tailored specifically for you, meeting you where your body is at and gently moving forward, whether that means deep tissue, Swedish or sports massage. They provide expertise, care and results you can count on.

    Start on your path toward better health today. Massage therapy isn’t simply a luxury treat. It’s an investment in your well-being! In San Diego, Fix Medical Group San Diego  is here to support this journey every step of the way. 

    Ready to feel better, move better, and live better? Book your massage therapy session today and take the first step toward a healthier you!

  • EU aims to create a ‘competitive’ single market for space services

    EU aims to create a ‘competitive’ single market for space services

    The initiative comes as Europe risks further lagging behind global competitors such as the US and China. It would apply to EU and non-EU operators—excluding military activities—and it foresees support for small and medium-sized enterprises.

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    The EU Commission is aiming to create a competitive single market for space services and data by cutting red tape, protecting space assets and ensuring a level playing field for all businesses, in a new EU Space Act proposed on Wednesday.  
    “The Space Act will allow us to grow in space,” EU Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius told reporters. “Growth in space means growth and jobs on Earth and in space,” he added. 

    The regulation also seeks to address Europe’s fragmented space rules by harmonising national measures to make the bloc’s space market cleaner, safer, and more resilient. 
    “This fragmentation is bad for business, bad for competitiveness, bad for our future in space,” Kubilius argued, stressing that Europe wants a stronger stake in the global space economy. 
    In 2023, the global space economy was valued at €572 billion and is expected to grow by around 9% annually until 2035, potentially reaching €1.6 trillion. 
    So far, however, the space market has largely depended on public investment and institutional programmes—areas where Europe risks falling behind. 
    According to the European Space Agency (ESA), Europe accounted for 11% of global public space funding in 2023 (€12 billion), while the US contributed 64% (over €65 billion) and China 12%. 

    Europe’s share of global private investment follows a similar pattern, with European investments totalling €980 million compared to the €3.6 billion invested by the US. 
    To support the development of Europe’s industrial and economic presence in space, the EU executive also presented on Wednesday “A Vision for the European Space Economy,” a communication outlining 40 proposed measures intended to help the bloc expand its participation in the global space market. 

    Space increasingly ‘congested and contested’, says Kubilius

    “The European industry, although very competitive, can only capture one third of the accessible upstream market and one fifth of the downstream market,” a senior EU official said ahead of the proposal. 
    The space economy is typically divided into three key areas: the upstream segment, which covers research, development, manufacturing, and launches; the downstream segment, focused on applications using space-based technologies; and a derived market, which includes all economic activities benefiting from space advancements, such as photovoltaic panels.

    Kubilius also warned that space is becoming increasingly congested and contested. “It’s time to put in place rules of the road for space to prevent damage and disasters and protect space services,” he said. 
    Over the next decade, an estimated 50,000 new satellites and around 140 million pieces of debris will enter orbit, according to EU figures. 
    Space assets are increasingly exposed to threats, both intentional and accidental. Kubilius pointed to rising cyber and physical risks.
    “We know there is continuous radio-frequency interference with our systems, jamming, and spoofing. We know there are many cyberattacks. So, with our Space Act, we will increase the resilience of our satellites and space operations,” he said. 
    If adopted, the regulation would apply to EU and national space assets, as well as non-EU operators providing services in the European market. However, it would not cover military activities.
    To ease the transition, the Commission plans to provide support to help businesses—especially small and medium-sized enterprises—manage any costs tied to compliance.
    MEP Christophe Grudler (France/Renew), co-chair of the Parliament’s intergroup on sky and space, welcomed the proposal as an important first step toward building a space industry on an EU scale. “This, together with the upcoming EU Space Programme, will set the EU into orbit for the global space race,” he said in a press release.
    The Space Act also includes steps to boost the EU’s presence in the satellite launcher market, which is currently dominated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX. One measure would make a single launch authorisation valid across the entire EU.
    “This is a strong signal to encourage innovation and strengthen the competitiveness of the European space sector, which we want to see grow,” Grudler concluded.

  • What Is a Relapse in Mental Health? – Health Cages

    What Is a Relapse in Mental Health? – Health Cages

    Introduction:

    This blog teaches us about mental health relapse, which means when symptoms of a mental illness come back after feeling better for a while. It’s different from addiction relapse, where someone starts using drugs again. Mental health relapse can be triggered by various things like changes in medication, using drugs or alcohol, stress, hormonal changes, and sleep problems. 

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    It’s important to talk to your doctor before making any changes to your medication and to pay attention to how you’re feeling every day. Taking care of yourself, getting support from others, and managing stress can help prevent mental health relapse.

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    We’ll discuss these topics in this blog:

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    What Is Mental Health Relapse?

    A mental illness relapse is when symptoms come back after feeling better for a while. This happens in stages and patterns unique to each person. The recurring symptoms can vary for each person recovering from mental illness. The seriousness of a relapse depends on the disorder and how easily someone can get treatment. For instance, people with severe disorders like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder often have many relapses in their lives. With consistent mental health care, it’s possible to avoid these relapses.

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    At Banyan Mental Health, we offer different programs for various disorders in Boca. From depression to PTSD, we focus on providing thorough mental health care for every patient.

    Many know about relapse in addiction—a sober person starts using drugs again. But with mental health, it’s different. A person with a mental disorder may not stop having all symptoms. Instead, a mental health relapse means symptoms get worse. This can happen because of life changes or behaviors like not exercising or losing support from loved ones. A mental health relapse can be scary when mental health starts declining. People with mental health issues want to avoid this whenever possible.

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    What Causes Mental Illness Relapse?

    A mental illness relapse can happen for many reasons. What triggers it can be different for each person, depending on factors like how much treatment they’ve had and how long they’ve been recovering. Relapse is common, especially early in recovery, but it’s still possible to prevent it.

    Some common causes of mental illness relapse are:

    • Changing medication
    • Changing the dose of medication
    • Not taking medication
    • Using drugs or alcohol
    • Stress
    • Hormonal changes

    If you’re taking medication for a mental disorder, always talk to your doctor before making any changes. If you notice changes in your thoughts or behavior, tell your doctor too. It’s important to pay attention to how you feel every day to make sure your medication and treatments are helping you. Also, be careful about taking other prescription medications or drinking alcohol. Drug abuse and alcohol can mess with the chemicals in your brain, causing a relapse in your mental health and possibly leading to addiction.

    Relapse Factors for Mental Health

    Everyone’s triggers for a mental health relapse are different, but some things can lead to stress and make mental health worse. Some of these you can avoid, but others are just part of life. If you’re going through a tough time, it’s important to get extra support.

    Here are five common triggers:

    Substance Abuse

    Using drugs or alcohol too much can mess up your mental health. In serious cases, it can even lead to addiction. If you’re struggling with both mental health and addiction, you might need special treatment for both.

    Financial Stress

    Money problems can stress you out and make your mental health worse. Even though you can’t always avoid financial stress, it helps to have support from friends or to stay active.

    Changing Medication

    Sometimes, your doctor might need to change your medication. But this can be hard and might make your symptoms come back. Always talk to your doctor before stopping any medication.

    Sleep Problems

    Good sleep is super important for mental health. If something messes up your sleep, it can make your mental health worse too. Try to stick to a sleep routine to help.

    Getting Complacent

    When you start feeling better, it’s easy to slack off on the things that helped you. But if you stop doing those things, your symptoms might come back. Stay connected to your support system and keep up with your coping strategies. If you feel like you’re slipping, it might be time to reach out for more help.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, being aware of the triggers that can lead to a mental health relapse is essential for maintaining stability and well-being. While each person’s journey is unique, understanding common triggers like substance abuse, financial stress, medication changes, sleep disturbances, and complacency with self-care can empower individuals to take proactive steps in managing their mental health. Seeking support from friends, professionals, or support groups can provide valuable resources and assistance in navigating challenging times. By prioritizing self-care and staying vigilant against potential triggers, individuals can cultivate resilience and maintain their mental wellness journey with greater confidence and success.

    Faq’s

    Q1. What is a relapse in mental health?

    A1. When someone’s mental health symptoms come back or get worse, it’s called a relapse. People might also say “dips” or “blips” to talk about this. While you can’t guarantee you won’t feel unwell again, you can take many steps to help prevent or lessen the impact of a relapse or worsening symptoms.

    Q2. What does relapse mean?

    A2. Relapse means when someone starts using drugs or alcohol again after a period of not using. A “lapse” is a brief slip-up where someone might use, it but then stop again quickly. A relapse is when someone goes back to using fully.

    Q3. Is relapse good or bad?

    A3. Relapse is a setback but also a chance to learn and improve during your recovery from addiction. When you first go to treatment, you might not think about relapsing later. You’re probably focused on getting sober and leaving treatment.

    Q4. What is behavior relapse?

    A4. Relapse happens when someone can’t keep up with a behavior change, especially when it comes to health or addictive behaviors. It’s always tough for both clinicians (doctors or therapists) and clients (patients).

    Q5. What is a relapse victim?

    A5. Relapse means the symptoms of a disease come back after getting better for a while. This applies to addictive behavior, like drinking or using drugs, just as much as it does to medical diseases like cancer. Relapse shows that recovery is a process that can have setbacks.

    Taking care of your mind matters. Learn more on our blog:

  • Can you fly without an ID? What you should know before heading to the airport

    Can you fly without an ID? What you should know before heading to the airport

    Losing your wallet hours before a flight can feel like the end of your travel plans. The big question on your mind: can you fly without an ID? While the situation isn’t ideal, TSA has procedures in place that may still allow you to board a domestic flight, provided you can prove your identity through other means.

    Even if you find yourself in this stressful spot, preparation can make all the difference. Having alternate documentation ready and knowing what to expect at security can help you get through the process faster. If you are looking into flight deals or already have a set date for your flight, keep reading because these advices will help you feel a little less tense and a lot more safe.

    Understanding TSA’s identity verification process

    TSA agents are trained to handle travelers who arrive without official ID. You won’t be turned away immediately; instead, you’ll be guided through an identity verification process. This usually involves:

  • Digital marketing: Where to start

    Digital marketing: Where to start

    Feeling Overwhelmed by Digital Marketing?

    Digital marketing is basically any way to shout out your brand on the web. Think of it as a toolbox—full of gadgets that can help you hit those goals. But no matter how shiny new the tech is, the big question pops up: where to begin?

    Common Pitfalls When You’re Not Sure

    Maybe you’re debating: Social media, PPC, email blasts, or flashy banners?

    The Starter Kit – Three Must‑Try Moves

    • Set Up a Social Media Profile – Even if you’re old school, a quick Instagram or LinkedIn page can start building a community. Keep it simple, post consistently, and watch engagement grow!
    • Launch a Small Pay‑Per‑Click Campaign – Think of it as renting a billboard for a few dollars. Target the right keywords, set a modest budget, and test what clicks.
    • Send a Targeted Email Newsletter – Personal, direct, and usually cheaper than a banner. Offer something of value, and let your audience come to you.

    Pick one, test it, learn, and iterate. That’s the magic trick that turns digital marketing from a messy jungle into a clear path.

    Website

    Your Website: The First Big Hello

    Think of your website as that warm handshake that sets the tone for your whole business. With over 80 % of UK folks surfing the web daily to hunt for products and services, it’s basically a crystal ball that tells people who you are and why they should care.

    Why a Memorable Site Matters

    • Aesthetics & copy. Eye‑candy and punchy words win hearts.
    • Seamless flow. Navigation that feels like a walk in a park.
    • CTA that clicks. Call‑to‑action buttons that actually drive sales, not just clickbait.

    But getting people to peek inside? That’s where the real grind begins.

    SEO: The Magic Elevator to the Top Spot

    Search Engine Optimisation is often treated like a black‑box spell, but it’s actually a set of clear tricks. When your site speaks nicely to Google, it climbs higher in the search results — and since 90 % of UK online queries happen on Google, that means more eyes on your page.

    What Does SEO Do?

    • Nice tags. Meta tags, title tags, alt text that humans and bots love.
    • Image treatment. Optimised pictures that load fast and give context.
    • Kitchen‑decks of tricks. Structured data, sitemaps, mobile‑first design.

    And the easiest hack? Write fresh, useful content. A blog post or a FAQ page that answers real questions keeps the algorithm humming and the visitors coming.

    Next Stop on the Digital Highway

    Once your site and its SEO are polished, it’s time to wing it onto the social media stage. A solid social media program isn’t just a checkbox; it’s a chance to meet your audience where they already hang out, share stories, and build loyalty.

    So, lace up your sneakers, tweak those meta tags, drop some killer content, and let the world know you’ve got something great to offer.

    Social media

    How the Big Three Are Roasting Your Biz – and How to Get in the Kitchen

    Think of Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn as the social‑media kitchen where your brand gets seasoned, plated, and served to a hungry crowd of potential customers.

    Why Your Content Is the Secret Ingredient

    In the world of digital marketing, it’s not just the platform that does the heavy lifting – it’s what you cook up in your feed. The more flavorful your posts, the more folks will bite.

    What to Expect When You Let Third‑Party Sites Work Their Magic

    • Instant Exposure: Your business gets handed out straight to millions of users. Picture a billboard that’s portable.
    • Audience Targeting: From age groups to niche interests, the platforms slice the market to focus on the people most likely to buy.
    • Brand Persona: Your tone, eye‑catching visuals, and storytelling become the face that the world will see.

    It’s Not Just About the Platform

    Social media is a playground with more tricks than a magician’s hat. If you’re still scratching your head about where to start, dive into one of my earlier Business Matters columns: Using social media for your business?. It busts out the nuts and bolts, explains the how‑to’s, and shows how these channels can transform the way you talk to customers.

    Bottom Line

    Turns out, you don’t just need a presence on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn – you need a story that’s as unforgettable as a good joke. Put in the effort, serve it up, and watch the hyped audience mingle around your brand’s table.

    Email marketing

    Why Your Emails Might Be Falling Flat (And How to Fix It)

    Hold your phone—before you just hit “mute” on your marketing, let’s clear up a couple of big myths. Email isn’t magic; it’s a tool, and if you use it right, it can feel like a conversation with friends instead of an unwanted spam‑alert.

    What’s the Difference Between “You Can’t Miss” Emails and the Good Stuff?

    There are basically two camps:

    • Unsolicited (spam) emails: These come from data you neither asked for nor purchased properly. Think pirate emails—bad reputation, low open rates, and an angry unsubscribe button.
    • Opt‑in newsletters: These are the clubs where people voluntarily signed up. The good stuff—your golden ticket to build a loyal following.

    Talk to these sign‑ups like you’re chatting with a long‑time friend. Show them who you are, what you’re doing, and why they should care. It’s your chance to:

    • Share special offers and sneak previews.
    • Send timely, relevant content—regulations, market shifts, insider tips.
    • Grow trust, so they’ll think about your product before they shop elsewhere.

    Not All Emails Are Created Equal

    At Gravity Digital, we use three main email types—each with its own personality. Pick the right one for your goal:

    • E‑briefings: The “handy, in‑depth guide.” They’re serious, packed with new data, and designed to inform without telling you’re selling.
    • E‑bulletins: News, stories, and eye‑catching visuals. Think of a magazine—beautiful, engaging, and keeps the reader scrolling.
    • E‑shots: The classic “Hey, check this out!” promo. Full of words and images, all spun around your brand’s message.

    Ready to Rule the Email Jungle?

    These tools are great, but email marketing is not a one‑size‑fits‑all approach. For real results, you’ll want a customized plan that turns your subscribers into customers—lively, loyal, and long–term.

    Take the next step: Call an email marketing whiz. They’ll help you decide whether an e‑briefing, e‑bulletin, or e‑shot will get the most bang for your buck.

  • Construction suppliers beware: New corporate insolvency law requires ongoing performance

    Construction suppliers beware: New corporate insolvency law requires ongoing performance

    The introduction of the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020 (“CIGA“) in June 2020 was one of the many preventative measures taken by the UK Government in an attempt to safeguard the economy in the wake of the global Covid-19 pandemic.

    Its primary purpose is to provide breathing space to businesses during the pandemic as well as to support continued trading.
    CIGA, which introduced significant changes to contracts for the supply of goods and services, has significant implications for businesses that supply construction and engineering services.
    In this column I outline what those implications are, and what construction businesses can do to protect themselves.

    What are the changes to contract law introduced by CIGA, and how does it affect construction businesses?

    CIGA introduces a new section 233B into the Insolvency Act 1986. This makes two important changes to contracts for the supply of goods and services.
    Firstly, suppliers of goods and services are prevented from exercising certain rights of termination against a company that is going through a relevant insolvency procedure. Secondly, suppliers must continue to supply goods and services even if they have not been paid for goods and services already delivered.
    In the context of a construction contract, a supplier is likely to the contractor, a sub-contractor, or a consultant under a professional appointment.
    In practice, this means that there is no longer an automatic right for a supplier to terminate a contract in the event of a client becoming insolvent. Rather, there is now a legal expectation that suppliers will continue to deliver.
    This means that the supplier will need to continue providing goods and services even if it has not been paid for those already provided at the point the company enters into a relevant insolvency procedure. However, in the context of construction and engineering contracts, if the company defaults on payment during the insolvency period, there is protection afforded to the supplier through its statutory right to suspend works (for non-payment) under section 112 of the Construction Act.

    How can suppliers protect themselves?

    Potentially, CIGA is a piece of legislation that could wreak significant harm on the construction industry supply chain.
    On one level, as a piece of emergency legislation, it made sense at a time when robust, reliable supply chains are essential to, for example, the provision of vital supplies to the NHS.
    However, whilst it aims to assist ongoing trading (through securing supply chains) during the Covid-19 pandemic, it is difficult to ignore the possible consequences this may have on cash flow and the strain that this may place on suppliers in the construction sector.
    For many years now, this sector has had the benefit of the Construction Act.  One of the main objectives of the Act was to improve cash flow (once famously described by Lord Denning as ‘the life blood of the industry’) through the construction supply chain with the aim of reducing the number of insolvencies in the sector.
    The Construction Act sought to achieve this by introducing processes such as adjudication, rights to interim payments and the right to suspend works.
    It appears that the practical effect of the changes introduced by CIGA are now in direct conflict with the processes provided by the Construction Act, continuing a growing trend of conflict between insolvency and construction legislation. The effect this will have on the construction and engineering sector as a whole remains to be seen but it is clear that suppliers will need to be even more on their guard than ever.
    In this context, there are several practical issues that parties to construction and engineering contracts will need to consider carefully.

    Is the definition of Insolvency (whether as set out in the standard contracts or in a bespoke form) suitable – or even correct – in light of CIGA?
    The timing of exercising a right to terminate is even more important than ever. A party must not attempt to exercise a right to terminate before that right has crystallised under the relevant contract. The consequences of doing so incorrectly could be hugely damaging and professional advice should always be sought.
    Suppliers may seek to negotiate shorter payment periods.
    Might this more precarious landscape prompt wider use of mechanisms such as project bank accounts to provide greater levels of comfort for the supply chain?

    I would urge construction businesses concerned about the impact of CIGA on their cash flow and financial sustainability to seek immediate legal advice.
    Refusing to perform could expose firms to potential claims from liquidators – so it’s certainly worth seeking specialist legal advice to ensure you minimise your risk and exposure to future claims.

  • How to Overcome the Fear of Selling

    How to Overcome the Fear of Selling

    We take the word ‘no’ to be rejection, and in so many cases it is not. The understanding of this word will really help so many of us to overcome that natural fear of selling.

    When a customer says ‘no’, it is only ever a ‘no, not today’. We live in such a dramatically changing lifestyle that circumstances and situations change very rapidly.

    Lets imagine a world where nobody could say no, the word simply did not exist. What would you be doing more of? How many more calls would you be making? How many more people would you approach? I illustrate that because within this word – ‘no’, there is a massive business opportunity.

    I once tried to sell to a company for two whole years, every couple of months or so; we would go back and try to sell. Finally after two years of trying, they gave us a small order, then a slightly larger one and lastly, the biggest order we had ever received.

    ‘No, not today’ is an expression that I want you to embrace completely in your professional sales career. Understand what a ‘no’ means – it is not a straight ‘no’, it is a ‘not right now’ or ‘no, not today’. I’m not saying you have to put pressure on your customers or be pushy. I’m not saying you have to continually ask and make it difficult for the relationship to grow. But understanding what a ‘no’ is will make you an absolute fortune.

    Let’s use telesales as an example. Within a telesales team, you get a huge amount of rejections and as a result you see the core rate of phone calls made drop over time. The sales staff would take longer lunch breaks or more frequent toilet breaks – any excuse to not pick up the phone. When I worked in a telesales environment, every so often I would have some fun with the team. I’d ask them to see how many ‘no’s’ they could get in that day, as many as possible. I’d state that the person to get the most will win two bottles of wine, the second – one bottle and the third, a box of chocolates. You would instantly see the core rate rocket and as it did, so did the ‘yes’s’. Of course, people would still be saying ‘no’ but the example I’m pointing out is – if you want more ‘yes’s’, you have to get some ‘no, not today’s’.

    As you begin to understand the opportunity of a ‘no’, it becomes so exciting. My experience in sales, over many years, has shown me and demonstrated over and over again, the importance of getting a ‘no’.

    I was never despondent of a ‘no, not today’, we would simply add them to the list and would re-contact that prospective customer, maybe within 3 months, maybe within 6 months but we would stay in contact.

    In every business I have been involved with, our biggest source of revenue comes from our existing client base. The second biggest – the list of ‘no, not today’s’ and the third comes from a completely new list of people who we have never been in contact with before.

    So…in summary…don’t undervalue the ‘no, not today’s’. Keep a list and stay in contact regularly. In the process of understanding the word ‘no’ – it completely removes this ridiculous fear of selling and helps us to be so much more professional.

    You cannot win them all. It is highly unlikely that we will ever produce a selling technique that will help the seller to close every sale.

    If I wanted to compete with your business – I would simply ask for your ‘no, not today’ list. I will guarantee I will make an extremely successful business and take market share from that list. Value your ‘no, not today’ list, it is priceless.

    Good luck & great success!

    Richard Denny is one of the world’s most inspirational business speakers and business growth specialists. He is one of the foremost authorities on sales, management training and personal development. Richard is an international best seller and has written 5 hugely successful books which have sold two million copies worldwide and been translated into over 28 languages. He has been dubbed the Millionaire Maker by the Daily mail and Birmingham Post.