Business &amp; Branding

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Stay ahead in business: strategies and insights for success

By David Osborne, CEO, Virgin Pulse



As CEO of a health and wellness company, I’ve had the opportunity to build a team of global professionals all focused on changing lives for good. Along the way, I’ve learned what it takes to be a good leader and <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/virgin-pulse-ceo-david-osborne-is-committed-to-employee-wellness/">how to empower employees and organizations to thrive</a>. I’ve also been fortunate enough to learn from one of business’ most iconic personas—Sir Richard Branson. What follows is a distillation of lessons that have had a big impact on me, and I hope will be helpful to you in your career:



<h3>Self-care: the secret to becoming an effective boss.</h3>



Sir Richard Branson says, “If you take care of your employees, they’ll take care of your business.” However, you can’t be a good boss and take care of your employees if you don’t first take care of yourself.



If ever there was a time to focus on your personal health and well-being, it’s now. We’re all dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, and, as flight attendants have reminded us for decades, we must put on our own oxygen masks before we can assist others. Leaders can’t lead if we don’t make it a habit to recharge our own physical and mental batteries, every day. 



Personally, I’m running every morning and challenging myself to bump up my step count. Running is training me to focus my energy in productive ways and takes my mind off the negative and distressing news that seems to permeate every aspect of our lives. I’m also meditating and find that it’s helped me reduce stress levels and build mental resilience.



<h3>Leaders focus on others.</h3>



The most important aspect of what leaders do is serve the people around them by building an environment in which their employees can thrive, love what they do, take on new challenges and succeed in their goals—even during these challenging times.



Right now, every leader’s number one priority should focus on encouraging employees to put their health first. This means attending to aspects of their lives that can be too easily neglected in the midst of an ongoing crisis like the pandemic, including mental well-being, physical activity and nutrition. For example, working from home can be productive but can also lead to declining physical movement. Even walking from one meeting to the next or from the parking lot or train station to the office, as we did before COVID-19 shut down our workplaces, encouraged many of us to move throughout the day as part of our routine. Today, it’s difficult to get steps in as we sit in video conference calls for hours on end (not to mention that it’s mentally exhausting).



A recent study published by the Journal of the American Medical&nbsp; Association (JAMA), which looked at the connection between movement and mortality, found that every 4,000 steps we take—whether outside or inside our homes—reduces our risk of dying from heart disease and other causes by 50 percent or more. That’s why it’s imperative to encourage employees to schedule—and take—physical and mental breaks.&nbsp;Walking or stretching for even 30 minutes can go a long way toward building positive habits now and into the future.



<h3>To become resilient, you must first struggle.</h3>



Let’s talk about the importance of failure. No one wants to fail and no one tries to fail, but paradoxically, failure is what inspires innovation.



In today’s pandemic stricken world, leaders in every sector of the world are being forced to operate in ways we never before anticipated—from implementing new technologies to connect disparate teams, establishing new remote working expectations, and trying to manage wildly-disrupted supply chains to keep organizations running. At some point, we’re all going to experience challenges and failure amidst our new normal. And we should.



Strange as it may seem, the pandemic presents opportunities to reinvent parts of our business, to rethink how we collaborate and communicate, and to test new concepts and ideas. At Virgin Pulse, for instance, our marketing team has borrowed the idea of a “daily stand-up” from the engineering team.&nbsp; When the pandemic has forced us all home, marketing recognized that a daily morning meeting to connect, align and ensure that everyone has the support they need to achieve their goals was an effective way to start the day.



Some ideas may lead to new products and services; some may help us work and operate more efficiently and may even become our new normal.&nbsp; And some may not work out.



It’s OK to fail, as long as you fail fast. What I mean is, you need to recognize when something’s not working and shift gears right away. As Henry Ford is quoted as saying, “Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.”



As leaders, we must encourage&nbsp;and challenge our people to see failures and crises as a chance to learn, examine and do better.&nbsp;In fact, going through hard times is when real growth occurs; struggle is a key ingredient to building resilience, both personal and organizational.



<h3>Bonus lesson from Sir Richard Branson.</h3>



Virgin Pulse was founded in 2004 as part of Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group, and I’ve been fortunate to spend time with and learn directly from him. Here is one of his insights that I’ve taken to heart:



As a leader, you have to treat your employees like family. If you don’t, they won’t be happy, productive or loyal to your company. At Virgin Pulse, I try to treat our employees the best I can in everything we do. We make it a point to celebrate successes; we look for opportunities to recognize people; we learn by failure; we encourage transparent communication; and though it’s hard to do right now, we try to have fun.



Because Virgin Pulse’s workforce is globally dispersed and diverse, we’re intentional about meeting people where they are and being empathetic to their needs—especially during the pandemic. Some employees are grocery shopping for their grandparents or other family members; many are homeschooling their children; and still others are struggling with their new “office,” which for some may be the kitchen table. Everyone is adjusting and has their own challenges. You have to accommodate for every individual’s unique situation.



It’s also important to recognize that some people will come out of this pandemic broken, less healthy.&nbsp; Many employees aren’t as physically active now as they were before COVID-19 became part of our daily reality; depression and anxiety are on the rise, as is substance abuse. Those with pre-diabetes will be less likely to reverse their condition during this time. These people are your employees.



Listen to them; hear what they are saying, and be sensitive to the fact that everyone has different needs. By doing so, you’ll garner their respect and loyalty. You’ll help them be more productive at work and in their personal lives. Not only will you be viewed by your employees as a true leader, you’ll find that your empathetic actions during this trying time will become the most satisfying in your career.



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David Osborne is the CEO of Virgin Pulse, the world’s largest digital health and well-being SaaS company. Learn more at <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.virginpulse.com" target="_blank">www.virginpulse.com</a>.

Virgin Pulse CEO David Osborne shares advice for becoming a good leader and empowering employees and organizations to thrive.

Virgin Pulse CEO David Osborne shares advice for becoming a good leader and empowering employees and organizations to thrive. | SUCCESS

3 Lessons I’ve Learned in My Career—Plus, One From Sir Richard Branson

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3 Lessons I’ve Learned in My Career—Plus, One From Sir Richard Branson | SUCCESS

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The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership

The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership | SUCCESS

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Successful entrepreneurs have one thing in common: they have help. Whether that help comes in the form of a dynamite sales director, a compassionate co-founder, or a humble mentor, there is virtually no entrepreneur who climbs to the top alone.

So how do you meet these essential connections to help you build your business or further your career?

Meet <a href="https://m.onelink.me/1a6d0441" target="_blank">Shapr</a>, a free app that introduces relevant, nearby professionals who are up for a cup of coffee. The app is not just for entrepreneurs—it’s useful for professionals at every stage of their career.

 
Whether searching for your next hire, hunting for the right adviser to help you grow your ideas or mapping a career change, <a href="https://m.onelink.me/1a6d0441" target="_blank">Shapr</a> uses your self-selected interests (such as #startups or #marketing), location and industry to suggest 15 or so people a day you might find interesting. Just swipe right on the people you want to meet. When a match is made, you can message your new connection to decide on a place to grab coffee or a time to Skype. Shapr’s priority is introducing quality people who are open-minded, helpful and curious.

<img alt="" class="media-image attr__typeof__foaf:Image img__fid__39446 img__view_mode__full" src="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/sites/default/files/shapr2.jpg" style="width: 100%;" typeof="foaf:Image" />

With more than 1 million users, the app has produced some meaningful exchanges that have helped to pivot and grow various businesses and careers.

We caught up with Sysamone Phaphon, the CEO of film distribution platform <a href="https://www.filmhero.club/" target="_blank">FilmHero</a>, and an avid Shapr user. Based in San Francisco, Phaphon left a career in health care to design her dream app, which was originally focused on introducing moviegoers who liked the same genres. This career shift required Phaphon to build an entirely new network to support her business. After a few weeks of balancing evening networking events with being a single mother, Phaphon told a friend how labor intensive and unproductive most networking events felt. Her friend suggested <a href="https://m.onelink.me/1a6d0441" target="_blank">Shapr</a>.

“I started off chatting with a few matches while still in my pajamas,” says Phaphon. “In that moment, I knew this app was going to make networking so much more convenient for me. I was hooked.”

<img alt="" class="media-image attr__typeof__foaf:Image img__fid__39447 img__view_mode__full" src="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/sites/default/files/shapr3.jpg" style="width: 100%;" typeof="foaf:Image" />

<a href="https://m.onelink.me/1a6d0441" target="_blank">Shapr</a><a href="https://m.onelink.me/1a6d0441" target="_blank"> continued to play a critical role</a> in her business as Phaphon traveled to Los Angeles. Over coffee, one of Phaphon’s matches suggested a much larger need in the film industry— help with distribution for independent filmmakers. Conversations with other Shapr users continued to validate this need, and Phaphon pivoted her original idea to a service that helps filmmakers book screenings of their work and market these events to potential audience members and buyers.

“Shapr helped me build connections with the right people,” says Phaphon. “I was at the intersection of two new industries and didn’t know where to start and who to talk to. Now I have strong networks in both industries and I’ve met tons of collaborators. <a href="https://m.onelink.me/1a6d0441" target="_blank">Shapr</a><a href="https://m.onelink.me/1a6d0441" target="_blank"> is a game changer when it comes to networking</a>.”

Shapr helped Phaphon gain useful perspective on her new industry, and later find partnerships and investors for her business. She is just one of many professionals who have used Shapr to further their careers.

So what are you waiting for? <a href="https://m.onelink.me/1a6d0441" target="_blank">Download </a><a href="https://m.onelink.me/1a6d0441" target="_blank">Shapr</a><a href="https://m.onelink.me/1a6d0441" target="_blank"> to find that professional connection that just may change your life.</a>

Successful entrepreneurs have one thing in common: they have help. Whether that help comes in the form of a dynamite sales director, a compassionate

Successful entrepreneurs have one thing in common: they have help. Whether that help comes in the form of a dynamite sales director, a compassionate | SUCCESS

Successful Professionals Swear by This App

Successful Professionals Swear by This App | SUCCESS

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I love the phrase “soft skills are hard skills.” Many of us learn specialized skills through academic and on-the-job training, which are valued by modern organizations. And if you’ve also developed the communication practices necessary for effectively influencing others, the knowledge and training you’ve worked hard for can propel you to even greater success.

I have been teaching communication for almost 20 years and have worn a number of other work hats during and before my career as a professor. Through these experiences, I’ve observed and found (sometimes through hard knocks) what <a href="https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/trackclk/N636.2307719SUCCESS/B9849877.206236268;dc_trk_aid=406045345;dc_trk_cid=93473563;dc_lat=;dc_rdid=;tag_for_child_directed_treatment=" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">effective communicators and leaders</a> practice. In a nutshell, the little things matter:

<h2>1. Change is hard. So is listening.</h2>

A lot of current research talks about how best to lead and manage change in people and organizations. We naturally become entrenched in habits, especially if they have been successful or rewarded in the past (which is one reason habits are so hard to change). Through a “listen-first” approach, taking the time to learn about the history of a department/team/company that is going through change is a great step in building trust. Being understanding of how hard change can be for people and navigating those conversations with empathy can be even more powerful in leading constructive, effective change.

<h2>2. Know your audience.</h2>

Take the time to learn about who you are talking to. What are their needs and motivations? Worries, stresses and goals? Talking to the IT people often requires a different approach than the marketing folks. And certainly the needs of your support staff are going to often differ from your boss. Louis Pasteur, the famous inventor and scientist said, “Luck favors the prepared mind.” Taking the time to study and understand your audience is well worth the investment, serves to build trust and often creates future leadership opportunities.

<h2>3. Cultivate cultural awareness.</h2>

We often think of cultures as groups of people from different countries with different languages, religions, and customs. That is true of course, but if you consider every encounter as intercultural communication, you become much more attuned to the subtle ways cultures work and influence the way we think, show emotion, react and relate. In the U.S., even geography plays a big part in shaping cultural practices in unconscious ways. People speak more quickly on the East Coast than the West Coast and tend to “interrupt” each other (at least from a West Coast view) more. Depending on your own ethnic background, it might be perfectly fine to raise your voice and show emotion and passion when considering a proposal or idea. For others, that doesn’t work so well either as a speaker or listener. Bringing awareness of how cultures operate and influence you and others is a soft skill and another way to set yourself apart in your organization.

<h2>4. Hone your “presentation skills.”</h2>

We often think of these skills as something you learned in a public speaking class and use in a formal presentation or speech. Not so. A number of respected communication researchers say that over 60 percent of communication in face-to-face interactions are non-verbal, so honing in on your body language, eye contact, facial expressions, vocal qualities, and how you organize and express your thoughts are relevant and sometimes even critical in face-to-face encounters. Whether you are speaking to one other person or 500, focusing on the micro-skills of effective delivery and organization can make the difference in your success and influence. I’ve seen good public speakers ignore best practices in small group settings (like a job interview) at significant cost. Learning and practicing these seemingly little, basic things and seeking feedback from trusted friends and co-workers on what to work on puts you into a growth mindset and will certainly propel you to becoming a better communicator.

—Michael Hazel

These are the things effective communicators and leaders practice.

These are the things effective communicators and leaders practice. | SUCCESS

4 Communication Skills That Will Advance Your Career

4 Communication Skills That Will Advance Your Career | SUCCESS

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You are successful. 
 
You have put in the time, effort and discipline to create positive change in your life and surround yourself with quality information and people. Small, positive changes you make each day are compounding to make your life and career more engaging, fulfilling and positive. 
 
You are ready to leverage your positive choice into more success. 
 
If you are responsible for growing your own business or driving sales for your organization, you are sitting in front of a fantastic opportunity that can take your powerful mindset and skills and turn it into new sales and profits. 
 
The world of selling has transformed dramatically in the last five years and opened a very unique opportunity for entrepreneurs and local businesses.

<h2>Why?</h2>

<h3>1. Online searches for local businesses, products and services have increased dramatically.</h3>

Consider this: 81 percent of <a href="https://www.adweek.com/socialtimes/81-shoppers-conduct-online-research-making-purchase-infographic/208527." target="_blank">shoppers now conduct online research before making a purchase</a>. These customers have purchase intent, which means they are already planning to buy the product or service and are just searching for the business that will provide the greatest experience.

With the majority of customers looking online for what you have to sell, you can focus your online marketing for just the search phrases that have purchase intent and tap into a waiting market of customers who already want what you have to offer!

A very small and manageable online campaign can produce significant volumes and profits because you focus on just the customers who are already planning to purchase.

<h3>2. Digital reviews have completely shifted customers’ purchase behavior.</h3>

Recent studies show that <a href="https://www.brightlocal.com/learn/local-consumer-review-survey/" target="_blank">92 percent of consumers now read online reviews</a> before making a purchase decision (versus 88 percent in 2014). When using online reviews to drive more customers, the most important factors are the number of business reviews and overall rating.

Here is where this becomes powerful for you and your goals: You’ve made it this far. You’re dedicated and have what it takes to stand out in your market. You have an excellent product, amazing service and strong core values.

The online marketplace needs someone like you. The consumers want better products, services and a strong brand to support. You just need to properly showcase your online reviews using the same search phrases your customers are already using.

When you become well ranked on the first page of the search engine and become the most positively reviewed company in your niche, you’re on your way to connecting your business with new customers.

<h2>How?</h2>

<ol>
	<li>You need to become a top-ranked option on the front page of search engines (Google, specifically) for the search phrases in your niche that have purchase intent.</li>
	<li>You need a system in place to engage your past, current and future customers. Over time, this works to make your business the best-rated option in your category.</li>
	<li>When you are listed on the front page with more positive reviews than your competitors, the majority of your online customers will choose to engage your business first.</li>
</ol>

Although the concept is simple, it can become a bit more complicated in practice. But just like any other meaningful goal in your life, getting ranked on search engines is a goal that can seem overwhelming until you take the first step. Once you have the knowledge, start taking small, consistent steps in the right direction every day. You can do it.

<img alt="How to Become a Top-Ranked and Top-Rated Business Online" class="media-image attr__typeof__foaf:Image img__fid__34266 img__view_mode__default" src="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/sites/default/files/howtobecomeatoprankedandtopratedbusinessonline_incopy.jpg" style="width: 75%;" />

For a little motivation, check out one of the recent success stories from Connection Inc. Jen owns a family-run custom furniture business that was struggling to reach an online audience. We optimized their website, helped them create and optimize content, and taught them how to engage with clients for online reviews. They saw a complete revolution in return on investment from the online presence.

You can get started using these must-have tools:

<h3>1. A Google My Business Page</h3>

This is the core of your online rankings, the page that will showcase your reviews and show up on the front page in the local business listing—aka the “3 Pack” in front of local customers. 
 
On many of our successful campaigns, the direct phone calls and visitors to the business come directly from the Google My Business page rather than the client’s website.

<h3>2. An Online Reputation Campaign</h3>

When the search engines are looking to rank businesses, they are searching for brands that are going to provide an excellent user experience. But because Google can’t actually do business with you, it looks for online signals that demonstrate you are a leader in your niche.

Give Google the right impression of your business by making sure you are listed on websites, such as the Better Business Bureau, Facebook and LinkedIn. Sign up for local and national review sites.

Starting now, mention your Google My Business profile to every happy customer who does business with you. Every 5-star review on your Google My Business page will generate new customers because your products and services are positioned as the first and best choice.

<img alt="How to Become a Top-Ranked and Top-Rated Business Online" class="media-image attr__typeof__foaf:Image img__fid__34268 img__view_mode__default" src="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/sites/default/files/howtobecomeatoprankedandtopratedbusinessonline_incopy2.jpg" style="width: 75%;" />

Who would you call from the options above if you were searching for a Mortgage Broker?

<h3>3. A Website Optimization Campaign</h3>

Think of your website as the foundation for the rest of your online presence. With a proper online marketing strategy, your website boosts your Google My Business, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn and other platforms in front of future customers.

Online optimization is a topic that requires an article on its own, but here are some simple steps you can take to see great improvements:

Get listed. The more references search engines can find about your business online, the more reputable your brand becomes. Although it is best practice to sign up for each of the online directories manually, you can also use a service, such as whitespark.com or yext.com to quickly get listed on major directories.

Create content. The more often you update your site or blog, the better chance you give search engines to see you as the authority they should be showing to their traffic. The better the content, the better the results. Pro tip: Write specific content for each of your 10 best-selling products or services.

Get noticed. Every time you post a new piece of content, you want as many reputable online sites to link to it as possible. Make sure you have a promotional plan for every piece of content. These can include ads on social media, press releases, trade journals and asking your peers to add links to your content on their websites.

With these simple tips, you can showcase your quality work to customers who are already looking for you. Imagine being the top-ranked and top-rated business when customers type their “purchase intent” phrases into the search engines.

 
—Chris Johnstone

 
 
Chris Johnstone is CEO of Connection Inc. He helps businesses create significant sales growth and increased profit margins using digital marketing. Johnstone is a passionate trainer who has helped consult and train thousands of salespeople, entrepreneurs and executives. Visit <a href="https://www.connectionincorporated.com" target="_blank">ConnectionIncorporated.com</a> for a free analysis of your website and online marketing strategy. Johnstone can be reached at <a href="mailto:chris@connectionincorporated.com">chris@connectionincorporated.com</a>.

The simple formula to make your business known online

The simple formula to make your business known online | SUCCESS

How to Become a Top-Ranked and Top-Rated Business Online

How to Become a Top-Ranked and Top-Rated Business Online | SUCCESS

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I once had the greatest job in the world for an art nerd: I interacted with the works of Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Joan Miró and other art world titans at a museum in St. Louis while pursuing my Bachelor of Fine Arts in sculpture.

Then two months after graduating, I was in Tanzania with my wife, launching a program to promote HIV/AIDS education. After six years of managing an international nonprofit in difficult working conditions with mostly volunteers, I moved to North Carolina to start a new adventure: <a href="https://www.newenglandcollegeonline.com/resources/educational/an-mba-versus-a-masters/?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=content&amp;utm_campaign=media-success&amp;utm_content=all&amp;campaignid=70161000000QX0B&amp;vid=2120408" target="_blank" rel="noopener">earning an MBA</a>.

While in school, I discovered that <a href="https://www.newenglandcollegeonline.com/resources/business-administration/7-tips-for-international-negotiation-understanding-cultural-nuances/?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=content&amp;utm_campaign=media-success&amp;utm_content=all&amp;campaignid=70161000000QX0Q&amp;vid=2120408" target="_blank" rel="noopener">organizations across the world</a> (nonprofit and for profit) encountered similar challenges to those we experienced during our time overseas. And I’ve learned that any experience, no matter how disparate it might appear, brings value, something I pass on to my students.

When I discuss consumer behavior, I talk about the challenges of raising awareness of HIV/AIDS throughout villages in Tanzania. And I rely on my art school background to demonstrate how to effectively visualize data. Here are three ways entrepreneurs and artists share common ground:

<h2>1. Entrepreneurs and artists possess similar skills.</h2>

An entrepreneur is a name for an artist with a different set of tools. Artists and entrepreneurs must be self-motivated, disciplined, comfortable with some risk, adept at marketing ideas, and able to communicate and function in a resource-constrained environment. Both are driven by a greater goal, and achieving that goal requires taking risks and communicating.

Whether you are building a sculpture or a business, the process is largely the same: It requires research, prototyping, experimenting and constant assessment.

<h2>2. Artists don’t copy others—and neither do entrepreneurs.</h2>

Entrepreneurs need to look at the world in <a href="https://www.newenglandcollegeonline.com/resources/psychology/creativity-out-of-unexpected-experiences/?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=content&amp;utm_campaign=media-success&amp;utm_content=all&amp;campaignid=70161000000QX0f&amp;vid=2120408" target="_blank" rel="noopener">new ways</a>. Art venerates unorthodox ideas, an approach I have found to be valuable in a time when the rules of business are constantly shifting.

Thinking “out of the box” helps entrepreneurs discover unrecognized value. Entrepreneurs are not successful because they copy others; they are successful because they find a way to do something better, faster or cheaper. Better yet, they find something that meets a deep unrecognized need. Entrepreneurs need to be bold enough to tell a different story.

<h2>3. Entrepreneurs and artists allow themselves to think creatively.</h2>

Entrepreneurs and artists ignore the internal and external filters telling us why an idea will not work. In other words, they develop their creative thinking skills by giving themselves permission to think creatively.

My class once discussed the various business exploits of Elon Musk, who is legendary for his <a href="https://www.newenglandcollegeonline.com/resources/psychology/lateral-thinking-how-it-can-help-you/?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=content&amp;utm_campaign=media-success&amp;utm_content=all&amp;campaignid=70161000000QX0k&amp;vid=2120408" target="_blank" rel="noopener">“out of the box” thinking</a>. Pick any of his businesses and it is easy to see why so many thought his ideas were crazy, yet he persisted through the naysayers and has managed to completely upend the solar, electric car and space industries in the past 10 years.

An entrepreneur navigating a startup will face countless decisions with unknown variables and continued creative problem solving will be a key to success.

—Kevin Martin

&nbsp;

Kevin Martin is Assistant Professor of Business Administration and Associate Dean of Management Division at New England College.

Tips for entrepreneurs to make creativity work from New England College Online

Tips for entrepreneurs to make creativity work from New England College Online | SUCCESS

3 Ways Entrepreneurs and Artists Share Common Ground

3 Ways Entrepreneurs and Artists Share Common Ground | SUCCESS

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When Deluxe Corporation launched the Small Business Revolution in 2015 as an entrepreneurial movement, they sent a documentary team across the country to capture and share the stories of small businesses – and their fantastic owners – as the best representations of the American entrepreneurial spirit. These are their stories:

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/122045363" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="420"></iframe> 
<a href="https://vimeo.com/122045363">Spirit Reins: A Small Business Revolution Mini-Documentary</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/smbizrevolution">Small Business Revolution</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>

When traditional talk therapy hasn't worked for the troubled or abused kids that arrive at this Texas equine ranch, <a href="https://spiritreins.org/about-us" target="_blank">Spirit Reins</a> therapists introduce them to these horses as a new kind of relationship they can trust. “The kids we work with come from hard places" says ranch owner Rhonda Smith, who left corporate America after a near-fatal automobile accident changed her perspective on life. "Those kids need an opportunity to build relationships, and horses are honest with them.”

That honesty often comes from a shared place of trauma. "When the kids first get here, one of their first experiences is going to choose a horse," Smith says. "They go out to the big herd and we tell them the stories of the horses out there. We're using those stories that the horses have to help them find themselves in the stories of the horses so they know they're not alone."

"Horses thrive off relationships. They're meant to be heard animals, just like humans," says program director Tim Jobe. "A kid who’s been through trauma is like a horse. He’s going to be at his worst when he’s off by himself. It's not the relationship with the horse that they need. That's the one that's going to help them find the relationships they need."​

&nbsp;

This originally appears on&nbsp;<a href="https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/clk/304302105;131308320;a?https://smallbusinessrevolution.org/stories/" style="line-height: 20.8px;" target="_blank">SmallBusinessRevolution.org</a>.

Mini-documentary series highlights the Small Business Revolution championed by Deluxe.

Mini-documentary series highlights the Small Business Revolution championed by Deluxe. | SUCCESS

The Way This Horse Therapy Ranch Heals Traumatized Kids Will Bring Tears to Your Eyes

The Way This Horse Therapy Ranch Heals Traumatized Kids Will Bring Tears to Your Eyes | SUCCESS

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Mini-documentary series highlights the Small Business Revolution by Deluxe

Mini-documentary series highlights the Small Business Revolution by Deluxe | SUCCESS

How This Bronx Daycare Is Teaching Kids to Be the Change They Want to See

How This Bronx Daycare Is Teaching Kids to Be the Change They Want to See | SUCCESS

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Have you ever returned to the conference room and discovered your whiteboard notes had been erased? Never lose your notes again with a SMART kapp-equipped office! SMART kapp, maker of the whiteboard reinvented, is giving a SUCCESS reader an Office Tech Bundle worth $6,500, including a SMART kapp iQ 55 and five Samsung Galaxy Tablets.

The SMART kapp iQ 55 is an Ultra HD display with built-in whiteboard that lets everyone see what’s being written in real time. SMART is also throwing in five Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5-Inch Tablets, one of the many devices that can connect to the iQ 55.

To enter, simply submit your name, email address, and company in the widget. Earn additional entries and increase your chances of winning by also submitting your industry and phone number. Only residents of the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany are eligible to win. The more actions you complete, the better your chances are of winning.&nbsp;

<div>&nbsp;
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</div>

Here's how to win:

<ul>
	<li>The Smart Kapp IQ55 contest runs through 11:59 PM EDT on Saturday, October 10, 2015.</li>
	<li>Any resident&nbsp;of the United States, United Kingdom, or Germany may enter by filling out your name, email address, and company.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Additional entries may be earned by submitting your industry and phone number.</li>
	<li>Winner will be chosen at random from the entries.</li>
	<li>One (1) winner will be chosen to win the grand prize of a SMART kapp iQ 55 and five (5) Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5-Inch Tablets.</li>
	<li>Remember, the contest closes 11:59 PM EDT on Saturday, October 10, 2015.</li>
</ul>

If you can’t see the widget, click&nbsp;<a href="https://lockerdome.com/7768236582243137/8017406157134618" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to enter<img src="https://t.yesware.com/t/f134ed02e1754d12b97ac6693aa3bca026186401/00ef52e529934a12166f52b8922e7443/spacer.gif" /><img src="https://t.yesware.com/t/f134ed02e1754d12b97ac6693aa3bca026186401/00ef52e529934a12166f52b8922e7443/spacer.gif" />

Have you ever returned to the conference room and discovered your whiteboard notes had been erased? Never lose your notes again with a SMART kapp-equipped

Have you ever returned to the conference room and discovered your whiteboard notes had been erased? Never lose your notes again with a SMART kapp-equipped | SUCCESS

Giveaway: Avoid White Board Rage with This Smart Board

Giveaway: Avoid White Board Rage with This Smart Board | SUCCESS

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