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How Mind Coach David Rahman Transformed My Life

Sun, 16 Feb 2025 12:42:35 GMT

A Personal Account of David Rahman’s Mindset Methods

(Photo above: Jamieson Lee Hill 2024)

By Jamieson Lee Hill, Gold Viking Limited MD

This article narrates my personal journey of transformation with mind coach, author and international speaker David Rahman. My sincere hope is that it helps people around the world discover David’s work and develop themselves using his groundbreaking mindset techniques. I am not a paid affiliate and I am not receiving any compensation for this article. I truly support his work in the Well being Sector.

First Encounters Of The Mindset Kind

I first encountered David Rahman around 2020. I’d been working since January that year with an international AI website and franchise organization called Blam Digital, which has over 200 partner agencies in 20 countries.

David is a regular feature on Blam’s lives and I immediately connected with David’s approach. I would describe his style as effortless simplicity; very accessible and put into layperson’s terms, so anyone can understand it. It’s easy to mistake that simplicity for a lack of depth, but the more you engage with David’s work, the more you realize it’s underpinned by credible scientific research.

In fact, David has a deep understanding of neurology, and his techniques and methods create profound and lasting change by building new neural pathways in the brain. I’ll go more into that as I share my own experiences.

The Moment That Changed Everything

During that first live session, there was a Q&A at the end. I asked David a question about emotional blockages, referencing something that happened to me in 1992 but without going into detail.

David’s response instantly connected with me. I felt an electric sensation, like that "Eureka moment" when something clicks on a deep level. His approach, his words, and very presence resonated with me in a way that no other self-development coach ever has.

After the session, I emailed him through his website, sharing how deeply his words had affected me. I told him about an experience from 1992 when I was travelling through Europe. I was attacked and mugged at knifepoint, and later nearly mugged again by a gang of five.

The trauma from that experience had a lasting impact on my life, but I had never fully dealt with it. Immediately after that trip, I went to university, but by January of the following year, I dropped out due to severe anxiety and depression. Looking back now, I realize that if I had sought therapy at that time for the trauma of someone threatening to kill me, my path might have been different.

Uncovering the Deep-Seated Trauma

At that time, David made me realise that I had deep, buried trauma from that incident, and it was underpinning a poverty mentality. The event had ingrained a belief of loss and scarcity in my mind. After all, I lost everything I had on that trip, including my expensive camera, 13 rolls of film, and most of my money.

The only things I had left were £50 worth of guilders (since it was before the euro) and my passport. I eventually made it back home, but the psychological damage stayed with me for decades.

I continued engaging with David’s content on Instagram, Blam Digital, and his website, and everything he taught resonated with me. I felt a real synergy with his teachings and knew I could create real change by putting his methods into practice.

Reading Let It Go and Embracing Change

I also read his book, Let It Go, and found it phenomenal. Again, his writing epitomises effortless simplicity which could be mistaken for superficiality, but every insight is backed by a deep understanding of neurology.

David often speaks about incremental change. He teaches that a 1% improvement everyday adds up to a 365% transformation over a year. His approach helps you build the building blocks of lasting change.

One-to-One Coaching: A Life-Changing Year

I took my transformation further by starting one-to-one coaching with David. For over a year, we worked through a wide range of techniques that helped me rewire my thinking.

At the time, I had just begun breaking into a new career as a video game story writer, a huge transition from my previous roles as a lecturer, teacher trainer, and curriculum manager.

David’s coaching helped me:

Strengthen my confidence
Overcome my poverty mindset
Discover who I really am
Stop living in the past

For years, I had struggled with letting go of my past identity as a manager. I had worked my way up in the education system, managing 38 lecturers, two admin staff, and 550 students. I designed curriculums, secured £500,000 in funding, and played a major leadership role.

When I left that career, it was a huge shift. Suddenly, I wasn’t the ‘manager’ anymore, and that affected my confidence. David helped me see that I needed to stop looking back and embrace who I was in the present.

The Hasina Coaching Hub and 90-Day Challenge

David also invited me to join his Hasina Coaching Hub, a brilliant community within the Mighty Networks platform. The community offers tonnes of resources, including:

Videos & audio courses (like Overcoming Anxiety)
Live coaching sessions
The 90-Day Unshakable Confidence Challenge

I’m currently on Day 24 of the challenge, and it’s reinforcing the profound effect David’s work has had on me.

Why David Rahman Stands Out

I’ve been involved in self-development for 30 years. I’ve read countless books, attended workshops, and explored everything from contemporary shamanism to psychology and personal development.

I can honestly say that David Rahman is my favourite coach. His work is grounded in scientific research and neurology, but delivered in an accessible, relatable way. He has worked with:

Dentists
Police officers
Business professionals
People struggling with confidence, anxiety, and self-doubt

Now, he’s even training his own coaches and establishing his own institute.

Final Thoughts: Why You Should Check Out David’s Work

My hope is that David’s work continues to grow and impact more people worldwide. His methods are truly groundbreaking. He helps you rewire your brain, overcome imposter syndrome, anxiety, poverty mentality, and any other barriers holding you back.

If you can’t afford one-on-one coaching, I highly recommend joining the Hasina Coaching Hub . It’s an absolute goldmine of:

Daily personal development nuggets
Quotes, challenges, and video courses
The life-changing 90-Day Confidence Challenge

I cannot express my heartfelt gratitude enough for David Rahman’s work. Check him out if you haven’t. Read Let It Go . Join the Hasina community. You won’t regret it.

Jamieson Lee Hill

For Content Marketing Services or Enquiries about Online English Lessons please fill out the form below:

The Mini-Guide To Lead Generation For Your Small Business

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 11:26:28 GMT

Tips to keep those leads and sales coming in

By Jamieson Lee Hill, 26th February, 2024

In a highly competitive global market, consistent and effective lead generation is key for your small business. In our first article of 2024, we present an in-depth mini-guide to help you manage your leads successfully. Let's dive in!

The Significance Of Lead Generation For Your Small Business

Generating leads for businesses involves more than just a numbers game. It's about identifying the right audience, individuals who need what you offer and are likely to become paying customers. A valuable insight from Lead Genera highlights this:

"Without lead generation, your company will have a hard time attracting new customers and sales opportunities."

Effective lead generation allows you to identify potential customers, understand their needs, and tailor your offerings accordingly. This process guides potential customers through several stages – awareness, interest, consideration, intent, evaluation, and finally purchase. Each stage is a crucial step in converting a lead into a customer.

Lead Generation Strategies For Businesses

There are numerous strategies for generating leads for your business, including networking events, online marketing, referrals, and cold outreach. It is important to focus on a few and do those well, rather than spreading yourself too thinly. Otherwise, you can end up with what is known as ‘half-finished bridges’. Watch this video with DigitalMarketer Founder Ryan Deiss explaining this concept.

Every strategy has its own strengths for generating leads for your business and should be chosen based on your target audience and business goals. The emphasis is on quality over quantity with lead generation.

The Key To Generating Leads For Your Business

Once you have generated leads, the next step is to manage those leads effectively. The process involves tracking each lead's progress, from initial contact to conversion to get a clear picture of the metrics. This will also show you how well your investment into lead generation has paid off.

Salesforce states that a good lead management system allows you to keep track of all the metrics so that no leads fall through the cracks. Salesforce also categorises leads into 5 main types:

New leads are potential customers you've gathered data on, like those who've visited your website or store.
Working leads are those you're actively engaging with, such as email subscribers or social media followers.
Nurturing leads aren't ready to buy but maybe later; maintain contact via newsletters or product updates.
Unqualified leads show no interest in your offerings, making them dead leads.
Qualified leads, or sales leads, want to do business.

Generating Leads For Your Business With Technology

Technology and automation are at the heart of generating leads for your professional services business. Customer relationship management (CRM) systems automate many aspects of the lead management process, which frees up your time to focus on other important tasks.

Also, analytics tools can provide valuable insights into which lead-generation strategies are working and which ones need tweaking. The highly respected company Entrepreneur .com is a strong advocate for technology to drive lead generation. They also describe how they aligned their marketing and lead gen to achieve stunning results,

“Thus, a decade ago, we decided to align our lead generation and marketing tactics. And we've grown phenomenally ever since, like the 90 percent of other businesses that have made similar decisions, according to CSO Insights .”

Source: Entrepreneur.com, Nov 2023

The Human Aspect Of Generating Leads For Your Business

While technology is all important, you should also remember the human element when generating leads for your business. Building relationships with potential clients is key to converting leads into customers and creating long-lasting relationships. This means taking the time to understand their needs, providing a personalised service, and following up regularly. This is all part and parcel of what we call ‘The Customer Value Journey’.

“What is the customer value journey? The Customer Value Journey is a blueprint for creating a predictable flow of customers. It defines the step-by-step process of converting total strangers to high-value customers and brand promoters.”

Source: Risdall.com , 2024

The Final Step In Generating Leads For Your Business

The ultimate aim of generating leads for your business is to convert them into paying customers. The Customer Value Journey helps you to achieve this. US Marketing giant DigitalMarketer explains the importance of the CVJ,

“The Customer Value Journey is the strategic foundation of everything we do here at DigitalMarketer. It’s the master template upon which every other digital marketing discipline and tactic is built.”

Source: Digitalmarketer.com, 2023

Nurturing leads through the sales funnel, from initial interest to making a purchase is all part of the CVJ. You must have a clear conversion strategy to turn your leads into paying customers. Adopt an agile marketing approach where you continuously evaluate and adjust your strategy based on metrics and results.

Reflections

Managing and generating leads as a small business involves much more than just lead generation. It is part of a strategic and holistic approach that includes understanding your target audience, leveraging the power of technology, building long-lasting relationships with prospects, and implementing a clear conversion strategy to have consistent sales throughout the year.

If you are interested in running your own Online Business, speak to Gold Viking MD Jamieson today. Gold Viking are ambassadors for Your Business Group who have exciting ‘off-the-shelf’ businesses ready for you to run! Fill out the form now.

How Love & Music Brought One Man From Africa To England!

Sun, 02 Apr 2023 06:37:49 GMT

One man’s personal battle to become a singer and musician

By Jamieson Lee Hill

Listening to Noel Bako’s singing and music you would think he was the happiest man in the world. But the truth is he had to overcome great adversity and heartbreak to reach where he is now. In this article we explore the fascinating adventure of this intrepid Zimbabwe musician and how love and music brought him to England’s fair shores!

Early Life

His real name is Noel Bako and he was born on the 9th of September 1995. Noel grew up with parents that loved music which nurtured his early passion. His aunt and her husband became his parents as his biological father died before he was born and his mum died in 1999 when he was only four.

Overcoming Sadness With Music

Although he has 4 brothers, sadly he only knows two of them. Two of them are live in other villages but he never met them when he lived in Africa. In addition to this, he also has a sister.

Facing family tragedy and separation took its toll on Noel as a child. He used to dwell on the past, present and future which he admitted in his own words ‘there are times when I needed to be alone, so I can cry.’ As a young man Noel faced a lot of adversity, but he managed to channel that heartache into making beautiful music.

The Road To Music

Noel has faced many difficult situations in his life, many of which he will not go into detail about. Nevertheless, he has cultivated a love for music throughout his life. At school, when he started the first grade he fell in love with music. He recalled how his seniors used to play beautiful and relaxing music using a Marimba(a long wooden keyboard instrument. Noel recalled, “That made me feel better”.

As a result, he started going there everyday when they were having a session. He didn’t play music himself, he just went along to soak up the music.

Discovering The Joy Of Singing

As time passed, Noel started to sing along to music,

“I was trying to express my emotions through music and that's when I realised I wanted to sing." All of this was happening at school but no one from home knew.

When he was in grade 4, he started coming home late, around 6 everyday because he would stay for music after school. Unfortunately, his parents did not like this and it was not to last .

Banned From Singing

Noel recollects how his joy for singing and music was suddenly cut short,

“My parents stopped me from doing it because they didn't want me to do music. To such an extent that they changed my school from the town to the village in 2004. There was no music at all at the new school. But music was the only way I could express how I felt in my emotions, so I never stopped singing.”

Noel continued to sing in secret as he had to find a way to follow his passion.

Recording In Secret

Moving back to a town called Gweru in 2008, he started to look for someone who could record him ‘because I had a lot in my mind to say’. In fact, Noel kept on going secretly with his singing and music until 2011 when he found a friend who had a bedroom studio . Triumphantly, Noel recorded his first track called ‘Officer’ and he really enjoyed it.

Supermarket Deal and Radio Play

From that point onwards Noel started writing more songs and he even composed a song for a big supermarket in his area. The supermarket liked the song so much that they began promoting him on road shows and helped Noel to get played on radio. They also helped him to pay the studio fees to record for that month. This was a brilliant milestone for Noel because music was his life, despite the obstacles he had to overcome.

Falling In Love

Life was set to change for Noel forever when he met an English woman at a conservation park called Antelope Park in Zimbabwe. Her name was Jaima and she was working with lions and elephants. That day they first met, Jaima was in the cold room getting the meat ready to feed the lions. At the same time, Noel was there washing his truck and it was then that they started chatting,

“So the thing is I told her my name and I said I’m an artist, and she said can you make one song for me? I agreed and the song was called Zumba instructor!”

Noel admits that they had a connection from day one and their love grew,

“ Our connection started to get stronger and stronger, but we were not allowed to date volunteers at work, so we had to keep it as a secret til she flew back to the UK.”

Jaima motivated me to start writing and singing love song because I was so much in love with her .

17 Months Apart

We spent more than 17 months without seeing each other & it was depressing but she decided to come back. We got married in 2020 during the covid lockdown and it wasn’t easy but we managed. After that day my wife flew back home again and we applied for the visa which took us about 6 months to get. Here I am now in the UK making more music with the help of my wife putting my music on BBC Radio!"

Releasing 3 Albums

Noel never stopped writing and recording music until eventually his parents let him do music. Now all of his family support him,

"Since I started music till now I have released 3 albums which are all on my music platforms @ Paurosi Music and I have got more than 100 singles!"

BBC Introducing in England

Jump forward to 2023 and Noel was thrilled when BBC Introducing approached him to play his music on their radio show.

The future is bright for Noel and inspired by love and music, he is surely destined for great things!

Coming Soon - Gold Viking's Exciting New Online Self-Study Courses

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 10:05:09 GMT

News Update From Gold Viking!

Hello Viking Followers!

It has been some time since we posted a blog article, simply because Gold Viking has been busy working under the banner of other brands to create exciting content, copywriting and social media posts for a variety of companies in the UK, USA, Canada and elsewhere.

I have exciting news about a new project Gold Viking is undertaking. Gold Viking will be creating and publishing self-study courses in the near future under our own brand. With a distinguished background in curriculum design, this project connects the very best aspects of course design, subject knowledge and digital marketing skills. As you may know, Gold Viking Limited evolved from a curriculum design and training business called Three Flames Education and Training that ran from 2012 to 2021. Therefore, this new project will draw on the skills of educational course design that Three Flames served many clients with over the years, combined with copywriting/content writing skills of more recent years.

The platform which will be used to publish the courses is yet to be decided, but Udemy is a firm favourite. The topic for the first course has not been finalised but it is likely to be in the area of business, enterprise and digital marketing. Also, with a pedigree and background over 2 decades in English as a Second Language teaching and curriculum design, there will be courses for this sector as well. Affordability and high quality will be the joint focus.

That is all for now!

We hope you are well and we look forward to delivering top quality self-study courses later in 2023!

All the best,

Jamieson Lee Hill,

Gold Viking MD

If you need any of our services including digital marketing, editorial and proofreading or videogame storywriting/copywriting, please fill out the contact form below.

Let's Talk!

5 LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING TIPS!

Thu, 23 Dec 2021 11:12:53 GMT

TIPS FOR BUYING PRESENTS IN THE WEEK BEFORE CHRISTMAS!

By Jamieson Lee Hill, Editor and Ecommerce Specialist

Here we go again! It is that time of year and it is time for last minute Christmas shopping. Don’t panic! There’s still time. It can be really stressful panic buying at the last minute with overcrowded shops, especially with Covid on the rise. Here are five tips to help you get it all done on time.

Last Minute Christmas Shopping Online

Save yourself a lot of bother and stress and do your last minute Christmas shopping online. Not only is it easier, but you also save the money you would spend on transport and food. Yes, it is social going to the town or city, but with Covid rising again, is it worth the bother? Stick on Christmas tunes, pour a glass of wine and shop away from your armchair! Then have a snooze! Easy life. Haha!

Plan Your Last Minute Christmas Shopping

Before you start buying, write a list and a budget and keep to it. Don’t be tempted to overspend because at the end of the day it is not about the money. Save your money for 2022 with such uncertainty in the world. Also, plan to do your shopping in the morning because the longer you leave it, the more likely shops are to sell out. Also, delivery times may be longer or even worse, gifts may arrive late after Christmas day.

Go for Sensible Choices

It is very easy to panic buy when doing last minute Christmas shopping and end up buying a unwanted present. Instead go for a more sensible option buying something which is useful. For example if you are buying for your dad, partner, brother etc, go for a Men’s Gift Set with things they are likely to use. This is an easy win because most guys will use stuff like that.

Focus Your Search Terms

You haven’t got a lot of time to do your last minute Christmas shopping, so that last thing you want is to spend ages looking at websites. Or even worse end up down a rabbit hole that burns away your time. Get focused in your search intent. To give you a head start, we’ve compiled a list of useful search phrases. These are all phrases people have used in Google in the last 30 days:

Last minute Christmas gifts Amazon
Last minute Christmas shopping
Last minute Christmas gifts for him/her
Great last minute gifts
Last minute Christmas gifts for husband/wife
Last minute shop
Best last minute stocking stuffers
Amazon gifts that arrive before Christmas
Last minute Xmas shopping
Amazon last minute Christmas deals

Support Small Businesses

It has been a really tough year for businesses with the pandemic. So rather than line the pockets of multi-nationals, buy from small businesses on Amazon, Ebay or elsewhere or on your local high street. Amazon gets a lot of criticism but in fact it is a platform for lots of small ecommerce businesses. Show your support and buy from them. Sure Amazon takes a cut, but the lion’s share goes to the small business owner.

Bonus Tip!

As it is Christmas, here is a bonus tip! I know I said five tips, but this is my Christmas gift to you. If you’re like me and hate Christmas wrapping why not get the presents wrapped in store or choose the gift wrap options on Amazon and other platforms? It saves you time and frustration, so on Christmas Eve and Day, you can chill out without the hassle of last minute wrapping!

Right now get on with it! It is time for your last minute shop. I sincerely hope your last minute Xmas shopping goes well. Stay calm and deep breaths! Hahaha!

SHOP NOW FOR GIFTS FOR MEN

About the Writer

Jamieson Lee Hill is a full stack Digital Marketer and is currently Head Copywriter for Inventuna Games, Blam Websites and Love My Businesses.com. He is also an Ecommerce Specialist and Video Game Storywriter.

He has written two books on pedagogy and edited three books:

The Adventures of Tom Sharpe by Peter Drinkwater (Book 1 and Book 2 )
And ‘Life’s A Game’ By Mev Dinc.

How To Keep Your Mental Health Tip Top in These Times!

jai@goldviking.online (Jamieson Hill) — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 12:57:35 GMT

Tips for looking after your mental and emotional well-being during the pandemic

Life is an ocean. Waves come crashing in, some lift us up and some knock us down. The trick is to get back on your metaphorical surfboard and keep on going.

On March 11, 2020 the World Health Organisation officially declared a pandemic. It has affected people in different ways. Emotions ranging from fear, sadness, anger, frustration, and for some plain boredom. It grinds on and we groan that our world was turned upside down.

Looking after our mental and emotional health in these times is critical. Here are some of the things I did and do:

1) Hypnotherapy audio

I have been a fan of hypnotherapy for years now. About 6 years ago, I came across a Scottish guy called Andrew Johnson who creates mp3 recordings . Well, I started with Quit Drinking and that worked a treat. Then I started to use other ones. Nowadays, my three favourites are:

• Beat Procrastination

• Build Confidence

• Visualise Success

He has free ones on You Tube and his website. I highly recommend you start with Power Nap.

I usually listen in the afternoon but in the darkest days of lockdown, I would listen to one upon waking. First, I close the door to avoid disturbances from our two crazy cats! Whack on the headphones and lie down. The session lasts about 30 minutes. Don’t forget to turn off your phone’s internet connection and mute calls during the session.

His voice helps me go into a deep trance state as he puts positive suggestions into my conscious and subconscious mind. The power of hypnotherapy is stunning. I have felt the change inside. I am more relaxed and confident.

The important thing is to listen each day for at least 3 weeks to feel the effects. At £2.39 a pop this is a great and inexpensive way to stay positive!

2) Binaural Beats Music

Binaural beats are something I have been listening to for years. My mind can jump from one thing to another or I can sometimes feel down. The perfect solution is binaural music. I have written about this method before on one of my Wordpress blogs.

Binaural beats are basically music set at different beats and wavelengths. Depending on the hertz wavelength they have different effects on your brain. Some overcome fatigue, others combat worry and stress, some release seratonin, dopamine etc.

Use headphones as binaural music works on both ears with different sounds. Try different ones until you find tracks you are comfortable with. I use ones for concentration , overcoming fatigue and to release the happy chemicals!

3) Nature and Exercise

Over 80 days in strict lockdowns was tough in Istanbul. I live partly in the UK and partly in Turkey. We were only allowed out to the shops once a day and some days not at all. The only nature we saw was the odd passing tree and birds flying by.

Now we have freedom of movement, I speed walk up the hill to a wonderful tropical park with palm trees and wild parrots. My little corner of paradise with a variety of exercise machines there too.

Overlooking the sea and the football stadium of Besiktas, Macka Park is heaven. 90 minutes speed walking and working out is the perfect way to get my happy chemicals.

4) Avoid Heated Debates Online and Doom and Gloom Merchants!

With a pandemic raging on, the last thing you want is to waste your time and energy in a heated debate online. A lot of people seem to be getting more polarised. Don’t get involved. Post positive and moving content. Avoid politics and other heated issues.

In real life, don’t let your headspace be brought down by people who are always negative. Avoid people who live in perpetual fear and doom and gloom. We all have off days but stay away from people who constantly make you feel low. They are often using you as a dumping ground for their own fear. Don’t let this happen! Take control.

5) Burn Sage

Burning sage is a tradition that goes back centuries in many countries. Sage has scientifically proven properties for cleansing the atmosphere of impurities.

We use it every day. You can burn sticks of sages and waft it around the house or smaller pieces. It really changes the energy of your space. Try it and see.

Also, I love to make sage tea or drink it at my friend’s café. It gives me a buzz. But don’t drink too much as it can affect your hormones! Lol.

6) Meditation

Easier said than done. I know. Well, I have been meditating for 30 years now, so I don’t even think about it. It becomes part of your everyday routine.

Look online for a method that suits. Keep it simple. Do the same thing every day. Meditation is all about routine.

A basic way to meditate is to breathe in through your nose on a count of 5. Then to breathe out through your mouth on a count of five. Do that for at least 10 minutes and relax as you breathe. Check my blog post for meditation tips .

7) The Miracle Morning

Hal Elrod’s best-selling book is all about a positive routine to start your day. The first thing is to meditate, then visualise your goals in business and personal life. After that you repeat affirmations for success.

Next, you read something inspiring, either business related or more general. Following this, write a daily journal about your thoughts, intentions, and goals.

Finally, exercise to keep your happy vibes flowing.

I mix up the order. In fact, I usually start with exercise first. The order doesn’t matter, the repetition is what is important. Miracle morning is a great way to start your day with a buzz.

The 6-Steps For a Miracle Morning :

1. Meditation/Silence

2. Visualisation

3. Affirmation

4. Reading

5. Journal

6. Exercise

8) Reading

My thirst for books has grown even more. Reading a great book immerses you in a positive mindset. Here are my three favs of recent times:

1. ‘The Courage To Be Disliked: How to free yourself, change your life and achieve real happiness’ by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga

2. ‘The Happiness Trap’ by Russ Harris

3. ‘The Art of Saying No’ – By Damon Zahariades

9) Be Creative and Try Something New

During lockdown, I worked on 9 songs for a second album for our band Nexus Xiii . A friend called Clyde Martin and I make Alternative Electronic music.

Also, I also I kept a business journal. More recently I have been researching how to make a music video with a mobile phone.

Whatever your creative preference is, transform negative feelings into positive art. Paint, write, draw, film, sing, dance etc. Art is the perfect medium to change your mood!

10) Perspective and Small Victories

World War Two went on for 6 years. During that time people must have been terrified. But in their hearts, they knew that it would end. We lived through a year of terror attacks and a military coup in 2016 in Istanbul.

We had attacks every two months. You could never really recover from one attack before another happened.

3 major incidents were within a few kilometres of our place. In that time, I learned to cope under extreme stress and with a very real threat to our lives (100 people died in our area in those 3 incidents). In the same way, we will get through this pandemic. Keeping perspective is vital.

Live each day at a time. In a time of great uncertainty cultivate the art of living – celebrate small victories each day. Don’t look too far into the future. Live each day to the full.

So those are my top ten tips. As the waves of life come crashing in, let’s surf high and wide into better days.

Stay happy, safe and keep your mental and emotional health tip top!

How I Got Fooled By A Scam Interview On Upwork

jai@goldviking.online (Jamieson Hill) — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 16:52:35 GMT

A Cautionary Tale For Freelance Workers Online

Now I thought I was pretty sharp. In fact, I usually sniff a scam a mile away. But yesterday I got caught hook, line and sinker. Now I am feeling like a plonker and also trying to calm down my rage and indignation.

So, what the hell happened you’re probably thinking? Well, to cut to the chase, I run a small UK business and I specialise in Content and Copywriting for SMEs. Anyway, I have profiles on numerous job and freelancing sites. I am a one-man set-up.

Times have been hard during the pandemic and in truth the work had dried up recently. I guess there is far more competition online for remote work with people losing their jobs due to lockdown.

Nevertheless, it is important to remain stoical and positive during a recession. And yet I have to admit at times we can all reach that point when we say to ourselves ‘What is the point of it all?’ after doing lots of lead generation and getting no hits. You can reach a low point, then some more work comes in and you pick yourself back up and carry on. Resilience and belief are the tools of the entrepreneur. Thankfully, business is now returning to normal after a slowdown in lockdown!

Suffice to say it was a grind for many freelancers in lockdown and I was conscious of keeping my physical and mental health tiptop during this world crisis. Walks by the sea in the sunshine and little timeouts from the gruel of trying to get new clients in a turbulent time. With this in mind, a scam interview yesterday has made me absolutely incensed and defiant that I will work even harder at lead generation. Plus, in sharing this fraudulent experience with fellow online workers, I hope to stop others from being deceived.

So, it was late Wednesday afternoon on September 30th, 2020 and I suddenly get a message on Upwork from a potential client I put a proposal into for Content Writing. This was the original post. Please note no mention of Harpers Collins Publishing:

"500-700 word blog article on "How to tell your origin story"

Content & Copywriting Posted Sep 25, 2020

Only freelancers located in the U.K. may apply.

Hi! I'm looking for a writer to write a blog post about "How to write your origin story" - what it is, what it is not, and examples of good ones companies use. The audience is small business owners/marketing and branding professionals interested in branding and storytelling. Maybe you could title it "3 Tips to Make your origin story stand out" or something like that.

If this works out I'd be looking for help 2-3 times a month writing articles.

Thanks!

Kenny ."

Having written a proposal on Tuesday, on the Wednesday I received an urgent message in my Upwork inbox. It was from a Kenny Hubert and contained a pdf invitation to connect on Google Hangouts or Skype. He said he was from Harpers Collins and that I had been selected for an urgent interview.

Looking back, I now realise I was rather stupid but when you have written 20 proposals a week and are striving to get your next contract, psychologically an offer for up to 30 hours a week is a great proposition.

I made contact and was told to stay online as an interview would be conducted. Then a person claiming to be a Director of Harper Collins Publishing, Simon Green, came online and asked me questions. He typed in the Google Hangouts chat box and said that, although unorthodox, the interview would be carried out via chat box on Google Hangouts to begin with.

At the time I thought as it was a freelance position for a Content Writer, so they were initially testing my ability to write under pressure to a time limit. Also, the questions were congruent with the type a big corporation would ask. Having worked as a college manager 10 years ago, I was familiar with these types of questions, so it seemed legit. I assumed a video interview would take place if I passed the test. Again, I should have realised it was a scam at this point. I was just so excited to have landed a potentially great gig.

Then I had the 40-minute timed test/interview which I really enjoyed. I had to write and answer about 10 questions about my professional experience and then another set of questions about payment, banking, availability etc. I really went for it and gave a succinct but confident account of my history of writing e-books, Curriculum Design and Content/Copywriting. It felt great to be sharing my successes and speaking openly about how I could contribute to the team. I now realise how dumb I was to be drawn into this scam.

It was a very intense process, but I assumed they were testing my ability to write quickly in a short time. I took the test seriously and gave some solid answers. Then at the end of the test, the person called Simon Green said that I had done extremely well and he thought that I was the right candidate for the work. He said he needed 20 minutes to check my answers to confirm but that overall, he thought I would be perfect. He also said the training would start on Friday. Upon reflection of course a Director of Harper Collins would not conduct a freelance interview via Upwork. I was truly not thinking clearly!

He said to check back in 20 minutes. In those 20 minutes I started to wake up to the fact that a big corporate publishing house would not operate like this. Then I started to realise that Harpers Collins would not use a Gmail address and would have a professional recruitment process carried out by a HR department. Therefore, they were highly unlikely to need to use Upwork for their freelance positions. After all, they are a massive organisation with a worldwide marketing machine.

I was so excited about telling my mum and wife the great news that I would be working with such a prestigious organisation. The realisation that it was all a scam was a massive kick in the guts. In truth, I felt sick inside and anxious about being so naïve.

My drive and burning desire to be writing quality content for a big brand had clouded my judgement. I was a manager in a corporate college years ago, so how I could have been so stupid to fall for this scam? In addition, some of the capital letters and wording in the original pdf and in the chat box were a bit odd and not in keeping with a top company. Clearly, I should have woken up to this fraud from opening the pdf invitation in the first place.

Fortunately, one hour after taking the test and waiting for the 20-minute period I knew it was an elaborate scam. I assume they were either going to try and get my bank details which I wouldn’t have given. Or they would have set me content to write and then not pay me and disappear.

Realising it was fake, I wrote in the chat box to the fake Simon Green that I knew it was a scam and I was reporting it to the police and Upwork. They didn't reply. Then I blocked them on Google Hangouts, Skype and Upwork.

I am concerned that it was a phishing scam; that the test and waiting time were to give them time to hack my pc. There was a password reset attempt on my bank account but nothing since. However, I didn't give them my bank details. I just wrote about the names of the banks I use for business and personal banking. I know it sounds stupid but the test and interview questions were very professional and I was fooled for a short time.

To be honest, it was a horrible experience that made me feel disturbed to the core, but I am undeterred. I will not allow scumbags like this to break my spirit.

In sharing this, I hope other freelancers out there can be made aware of the scams that are taking place. These scammers are absolutely the lowest form of life cheating people during a world pandemic.

But rather than allow this to disturb my psyche, I am defiant in the face of adversity.

I will continue to work hard to build my business during a turbulent period of world history.

I hope this post alerts others to such schemes and stops other freelancers from being duped.

5 WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR ENGLISH

jai@goldviking.online (Jamieson Hill) — Wed, 30 Sep 2020 12:42:39 GMT

Time For Lift Off! Make Your English Rocket!

Here are five great tips for developing your English. There are also lots of free websites to help you improve.

1) Reading and Listening

Reading and listening are the input skills. Spend 20 minutes each day listening and 20 reading. Do it every day. After a few months, you will see a big improvement. Try the websites below:

Website Business Relaunches Rescue Solutions Package With Survival Tools to Combat Commercial Effects of Coronavirus Crisis

jai@goldviking.online (Jamieson Hill) — Wed, 24 Jun 2020 10:45:58 GMT

Digital Lifelines for the Food Industry, Salons and all Retail

.Press release published 24 June 2020

#DigitalLifeLines2.0

UK based website provider, Gold Viking, has relaunched its solution-focused initiative, Digital Lifelines 2.0, in a bid to continue combatting the devastating commercial implications of the 2019 Coronavirus outbreak.

Helping SMEs around the globe bounce back from the pandemic, the Digital Lifelines initiative provides an indispensable toolkit of practical digital solutions for any business aiming to remain present, up-to-date and in the minds of their customers during this period of economic change.

Business commentators have observed that after the pandemic, every small business will need a website if it is to survive. Even traditional retailers and companies that have not previously sold online will need the means to do so and some companies which have embraced website and app tools during COVID are now flourishing. The restaurant sector, which now relies on apps to drive 39% of their delivery visits, is part of the takeaway industry which is now worth £4.9 billion per year in the UK alone.*

‘Gold Viking’s Digital Lifelines 2.0 Package’ offers a highly effective and proven website and app features which can provide powerful tools for companies aiming to promote themselves and thrive both in the UK and around the globe.

It includes:

• Free-of-charge services for two months with no tie-in contract

• A 5-page AI website with e-commerce features

• A 5 -feature mobile app with food ordering; loyalty options and more

Jamieson Hill, MD, and founder of Digital Lifelines said:

"Small businesses must ensure that they are well-equipped to deal with limited face-to-face opportunities and continuing restrictions. We have put together a toolkit which offers genuinely useful and practical solutions to keep businesses afloat and make it through.

For example, our mobile apps can provide features such as mobile food ordering, loyalty schemes, online purchasing and more, plus our artificial intelligence websites are capable of generating greater numbers of prospects from visitors. Customers will find that our online products are extremely easy to update, even for a non-techie!.”

The scheme is set to run throughout June and will finish on 31 July 2020 with spaces limited due to Gold Viking team capacity. Businesses interested in taking advantage of the scheme should register their interest at:

https://www.goldviking.online/contact

Or phone 0044 1905 570838

Or email Jamieson Hill at: jai@goldviking.online

*https://iikosoftware.com/food-delivery-a-technology-guide-for-restaurants-dark-kitchens/

How To Prevent Your Business Website Being Left Behind!

jai@goldviking.online (Jamieson Hill) — Mon, 22 Jun 2020 08:15:13 GMT

Five Essentials To Future Proof Your Business Website

These are 'Unprecedented times!' Since the Covid-19 pandemic erupted on the world scene, that phrase has become like a mantra. Some businesses had to close, but others prospered. We knew that things were never going to be the same again for business worldwide. We had to adapt to a new normal.

Business owners' lives across the world that have changed since the pandemic struck. Entrepreneurs are now having to adapt in all sectors, from the travel industry to leisure business, from sport to transport and so many more,. The Covid-19 virus has meant large-scale change.

In marketing we’ve seen a huge transition to a world where all businesses know they now need a website that is future proof. If a second wave and lockdown comes, it will be the only way to trade. Therefore, businesses need to be ready.

All businesses know they need to be on the web, but what do they need their site to do? More importantly, how can they rise above the competition and maintain healthy sales online should the world experience further pandemonium.

Here are five essentials to future proof your business website for future lockdowns and virus outbreaks:

1. Future proof your website. Updating a website can be time consuming and costly. Ensuring hackers are kept at bay and the technology stays up to date is key. Therefore businesses will need to have a pro-active web designer or system that either automatically updates or uses AI technology to ensure the key messages are being delivered.

2. Brick and mortar ONLY businesses will be a thing of the past. Every shop will need way of selling online using e-commerce technology. This may include delivery services too, but at the very least a click and collect function. This includes food, retail and even service based industries that will now deliver their products using website technology, like Zoom or Google Meet.

3. Quick and easy to update. As so much more commerce will now be done online, reacting to the market quickly will be essential. Gone are the days that “Billy back bedroom” part-time web designer updates your website when he get’s around to it. Having a simple interface to do it yourself or reactive low-cost agency team to do it for you will be the norm.

4. Artificial Intelligence. It may sound Sci-fi but cutting edge web designers have been using this tech for years to help deliver the right messages to the right customers, intelligently. Making this affordable and effective will ensure businesses gain more customers and browsers will receive messages that are of interest to them, a win, win!

5. Social media integrates with websites. Since the lockdown some figures are telling us that social media usage is up over 25%. Gaining this engaged audience and pointing them to your website is the perfect way of reaching the right prospects and then converting them into customers on the website. Also, showing a feed of relevant social posts on a website will now be the norm in any modern business.

Websites are now recognised, even by the most traditional of businesses, as an essential part of running a company. There has never been more demand for quality, affordable websites and here at Gold Viking Websites, we’ve never been busier and that doesn't look like it will change anytime soon.

So don't leave it too late. Get your business website ready for future challenges.

Go AI and you'll understand why!

For any business owner wanting a free 73 point Marketing Audit to help them discover how well they are digitally prepared, please email Jai at: jai@goldviking.online or call 0044 1905 570 838 for a friendly chat.

It takes about 30 minutes online and helps you see if you are ready and future proofed.

How To Reach The Top in Business With an AI Website

jai@goldviking.online (Jamieson Hill) — Fri, 12 Jun 2020 14:15:04 GMT

When you go AI, You Understand Why

Getting a website which reflects your company image is what every small business owner wants. There are so many alternatives on the market. It is easy to feel overwhelmed.

You can go for the cheapest option to keep overheads low. However, in the long run that cheap option often equals lower sales and stress maintaining the site.

My first business was an education and training company started in 2012. I purchased a D.I.Y. website on a well known platform. It cost about £100 a year. At first it was exciting to be writing content and choosing the images. I even designed my own logo.

However, as time went on, I realised that the site was barely ranking on Google. It was slow to load and people didn’t stay on site long - dwell time. My friend who was a website designer tried to tell me. I wouldn’t listen as I was proud of my achievement that took hours and hours!

In a nutshell, it was a shop front that wasn’t drawing in the traffic. I spent ages creating it, but the analytics showed it was visited about as much as a Himalayan mountain cafe in Bhutan. Rarely!

So, 6 years later, I decided to update my site and sort out the SEO. The tricky content management system drove me up the wall. Updating and adding to it took long hours when I should have been looking for customers. It was like building a house and then nobody really visited it.

At the same time, I opened a free site on a popular blogging platform. It was easy to upload content and cross post it on social media. But I soon found that certain blog posts were not mobile responsive. Like the original site, it looked awful when viewed on a mobile.

Much tweaking and faffing around later, I finally got it fixed. When there were technical issues with either, I had to wait a couple of days to get an answer. That could mean lost customers, if the site was down or not reading properly on mobile phone.

The Content Management system was not clear and it irritated me. Adding up all the time I spent on both sites, it was well over £3000 worth of work time. I suddenly realised that I needed a pro option that would take up little of my time. My D.I.Y. website days were over.

Finally, I realised it was time to invest in an AI site which was lightning fast. The AI function engaged with visitors according to time of day, location and number of visits. Displaying different personalised messages.

It even had the facility to tell visitors that I was busy and asked for an email and telephone number to get back to them. This was invaluable for lead generation. It was like having a personal assistant!

One of the most incredible aspects of my AI website was that it was ‘future-proofed’ – each month it updated with the latest features. It wouldn’t grow outdated like many websites.

Your website is the first ‘store’ a customer sees. So it needs to be fast, simple and impressive. Buying an AI website is like the difference between turning up to your customers’ house in a rusty old van or pulling up in a modern, reliable and branded van.

The other features of my AI website are:

SSL certificate - security certificate. Secure, hacker proof and Google marks it as safe
Running on the fastest servers on the planet - Amazon
Simple content management system - easy to update by you
Built in Analytics with regular reports
All year round technical support on the phone
Dedicated Account Manager
Artificial Intelligence to personally interact with the prospect. This increases leads and sales. Notifications for time of day, number of visits and location.

In today’s digital world, you need to have a fast, simple and hi tech option. Digitally smart customers of the 21st century expect it.

You could scrimp on the website and go for a cheap one or business directory listing or Facebook page. But at the end of the day, those choices will not impress customers. Long term you will miss out on the 19% increase in sales which customers enjoy using an AI website.

The other day a work contact was selling a website to a builder. The builder proclaimed, “ I don’t need a website mate. I just use a Facebook page.” To which the website consultant responded, “If you are a customer and you have a choice of 4 different builders: One has an AI Website, two have basic websites and the last one a Facebook page, which will you choose?” It is a no-brainer...

Having a top quality AI website shows the customer that you mean business. If you were the customer and you had to choose a company, the one with the professional AI website is the likely winner every time. It shows a statement of intent. You mean business. Not an amateur set up.

You are investing in a hi-tech, lightning fast, ‘selling machine’ that engages with your prospects even when you are busy.

If you turn up to give a price quote in a battered old van and the other builder turns up in a modern van in tip top condition, which will you choose to contract? It is the same with websites.

Check out our work:

https://www.goldviking.online/our-work

That is why I always tell friends and family to invest in an AI website for their businesses.

When you go AI,

You understand why!

For further information about AI websites, Email Jamieson Hill at: jai@goldviking.online

Or Telephone 0044 1905 570838

HOW TO MAKE YOUR BUSINESS FLY WITH AN APP!

jai@goldviking.online (Jamieson Hill) — Thu, 28 May 2020 09:15:44 GMT

Supporting Small and Medium Sized Businesses With Apps

We started Spring with a shock. The world went into lockdown and some businesses were forced to furlough. The lucky few managed to continue trading. So, now a lot of businesses are looking to bounce back.

Apps are the perfect solution to sell your products and services online and get those revenue streams flying again. In a nutshell, our apps are like a mini website for you to display your products and services to get those sales booming. First, let’s go through what an App can do for your business.

An App To Suit Your Business

Creating an App experience that relates to your business and its unique situation is what you need. You want to make sure that your App provides your customers with everything that they are looking for. At the same time, build a strong and enjoyable platform for customer engagement. Business customers need to be able to download an App for ease of use, a new experience with your business, and useful tools.

Struggling With Phone Calls?

This is the typical story we hear – "I am a one-person business. When the phone gets busy, I don’t have enough time to answer all the calls."

This situation means you are losing customers. But it does not have to be that way. If you have a product or service that can be put through an App, the App will deal with ordering, delivery, and payment. Use an App to optimise your business and win more leads and sales. You can do the same with our AI websites.

The investment in an App is quickly paid for and the time you save not having to answer the phone is gold. You have more time for the important daily tasks of running a small business.

Call Now for more details: 0044 1905 570838

Email: jai@goldviking.online

Gold Viking Apps - Building Apps to Meet Your business needs.

Apps and AI websites are what Gold Viking specialises in. Our Apps are designed as selling machines and/or information/communication devices. The team in Birmingham HQ have years of experience designing, coding, and creating the graphics for Apps.

Our App development team are experts when it comes to creating Apps. Apps that get the most out of your business and customers. With years of experience in the field, they know how to create fully functional, aesthetically pleasing, and effective Apps for both small and medium sized businesses. We make sure that your Apps are accessible through the Apple App store and the Google Play Store, so no one misses out.

Create a new level of customer engagement today.

With amazingly low prices, all businesses can now enjoy having their own App! Our mobile Apps are no longer just for big businesses, and have the same functionality and high quality, at a much lower cost. We can help to create a personalised experience for you and your customers.

Example Apps We Have Designed

The best way to see the quality of our Apps is to check out the Apps our design team have already produced.

QR Code For Customers

Each App has a QR Code which you can share online or on a printed card or flyer. Get your customers downloading your App! Here is an example: https://www.innatthefarm.co.uk/

Here are 12 Apps which our Birmingham Team designed for 12 happy Customers. CLICK links. Open in Google Chrome and Download:

1. The Farm: http://cms.blam.online/app/thefarm1

2. Bap and Burritos – Deli: http://cms.blam.online/app/bapandbu

3. Black Tap – Pub: http://cms.blam.online/app/blacktap

4. Body Transform – Gym: http://cms.blam.online/app/bodytran

5. Dr Minx – Salon: http://cms.blam.online/app/drminx

6. Kings Tattoo - Tattoo Parlour: http://cms.blam.online/app/kings

7. Olegs Furniture - Recycled Furniture Shop: http://cms.blam.online/app/olegsfur1

8.. Perfection Barbers – Barbers: http://cms.blam.online/app/perfecti4

9. Parkside – Garage: http://cms.blam.online/app/parkside1

10. Pauper To - Barber Shop: http://cms.blam.online/app/pauperto

11. Stouffville – School: http://cms.blam.online/app/stouffvi

12. Shure Prop - Holiday Rental: http://cms.blam.online/app/shurepro

Call Now for more details: 0044 1905 570838

Email: jai@goldviking.online

PWA & Android Mobile Apps

Your customers with be able to download your App from Google Play Store, meaning they are accessible across Android and Google smart phones or via our Progressive Web Apps (PWA) for your Apple device. This wide accessibility means that everyone can enjoy a whole new world of customer engagement.

Marketing Support

You will not be on your own! We'll provide you with all the help you need to make sure your App is a success, and will help guide you through the process of marketing an App to your customers, so that they can interact and enjoy your business a whole lot more.

Total Brand Support

Branding is a crucial aspect of any business and we really value its importance; it is what makes your business so unique. We will make sure that your App is professionally designed to match your company brand.

Simple To Manage

The last thing you want is to have a stagnant or unmanageable App on your hands. This is what can happen with complicated systems. Our App builder is designed with you in mind. You can update and manage the content on your App with complete ease. High tech Apps that are easy to use.

Content & Creation

With our Apps, you can copy and paste web content. Or you can create it from scratch, upload your images, embed YouTube videos and much more. Our team make sure that you have rich content pages within your App; the possibilities are endless!

Over the Phone Support

You can speak to one of our support in Birmingham over the phone Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm. Gold Viking is a franchise partner for BLAM Online and all websites and Apps are designed by BLAM. The BLAM HQ team in Birmingham are highly experienced designers with years of experience.

User interaction

Whether you want to interact with your customers, or you want them to interact with your business, our Apps have a variety of integrated tools that allow a new era of business and customer connection.

Customers like to have a personal and interactive experience with a business, as it makes them feel important, supported and almost a part of it. A business that can connect with customers on a more personal level is seen as more trustworthy and reliable. Therefore, it can result in improved customer retention. The more you engage with your customers, the more they remember you.

Media

Whether it is image and video led media, or social media, the digital age that we live in thrives off being able to view, hear and share content with our friends and family. The benefit for business, is that it opens new doors of media-based marketing and with our Apps you can really take advantage of this ever-growing marketing sector.

App Analytics

Measure your App success with our built-in analytics tool to track App downloads by device and country or view how many active users you have. You can even connect to Google Analytics for more advanced insights and reporting functionality.

Push Notifications

Push is the most effective way to communicate with your customers. Send messages directly to your customer’s phone screen and promote exclusive offers and sales, events, company updates or news. Target your App users based on their location or proximity to your business or competitors using our advanced geo-fencing feature.

Customer Management

Respond directly to private chat messages and provide an easy way for customers to stay connected with your business 24/7. Keep track of your customer’s App interactions and sales history and group multiple customers using tags for targeted campaigns.

Success Stories

Last month, our international franchise sold an App to a restaurant in the West Midlands, UK. On a Friday and Saturday evening, they took £4000 in total. Another restaurant bought an App and made £3000 in a night. Our existing customers are raking in the profits. The Apps create more valuable free time to do other tasks with their automated functions for ordering, delivery and payment.

Call Now for more details: 0044 1905 570838

Email: jai@goldviking.online

Gold Viking App Features

These are some of the features your App will have:

About Us

Provide contact details, directions, social links, and your opening hours from one easy to access tab.

Message Centre

Communicate directly with individual App users with your own secure chat centre and send attachments.

Special Offers

Drive sales and incentivise App downloads with redeemable coupons with set start and expiry dates.

Stamp Card

Customise your own stamp card and even create midpoint offers to keep your customers coming back.

Contact Forms

We can create custom forms for anything with features like photo upload, text, and signature fields.

Food Ordering

Perfect for Takeaways and Restaurants. Offer food ordering services from your own branded App.

Gallery

Promote your services, product or portfolio and allow users to rate your photos.

Loyalty Points

Let customers earn points to redeem again rewards by checking into your business or scanning a QR code.

Content Pages

Add text, upload images, embed videos and create unlimited pages of content.

Why Choose Gold Viking For Your Business?

• We are passionate about using digital to strengthen small and medium sized businesses.

• We know you are busy, and time is limited. We supply products that free up your time for other important tasks. The tech automates systems which usually require staff time and management.

• We want to build long-lasting relationships with customers based on trust. We want you to be so happy about our products and services that you tell your network. Win-Win relationships is what we thrive on.

• We loathe pressure sales and spammy marketing. Our mission is to deliver honest, transparent, and professional customer service. Supplying the products you need to make your business boom, not the most expensive ones.

• We want you to have peace of mind. We do this by offering all year-round Technical support on the phone with the Birmingham design team.

Why Choose Gold Viking Apps for Your Business?

• The Apps are super easy to use and automate your orders and deliveries.

• Payment is through the App. You can send discounts, stamp card and points to build loyalty.

• The Apps keep your business at the front of your customers' minds, as it is on their mobile phones.

• The App acts as a database. It makes it easy to market to customers.

• Our existing customers in the franchise have had sales increases of up to 19% on average using our Apps.

Make your Business Fly With An App! Call now: 0044 1905 570838

Email: jai@goldviking.online

Website: https://www.goldviking.online/mobile-Apps

How To Win Customers When Your Phone Line Is Crazy Busy - The Takeaway Whose Phone Never Stopped!

jai@goldviking.online (Jamieson Hill) — Wed, 27 May 2020 10:07:27 GMT

Stop Losing Customers Because of A Busy Phone

Some businesses struggle to keep up with all the phone calls and emails for orders. This can be the case if you are a busy takeaway or e commerce seller. The beauty of having an app is that you combine ordering, delivery and payment all in one place. I am going to tell you a story about a burger takeaway and restaurant which had a crazy busy phone line.

A friend tried to order a burger the other day and he received a message from the burger takeaway:

“The Phone line will be open from the moment we open the Burger restaurant. If the phone continues to ring, cuts out or you get the message ‘User Busy’, we are not ignoring you. It is because we just have one phone line and one person taking calls. Please let the phone keep ringing or try again later. Thank you very much for your patience”

So, my friend messaged me and said, ‘Jai, this burger restaurant needs an app. Then they won’t need to use the phone or have one person manning it.’

He was absolutely right. Our Gold Viking apps process everything for takeaways like this – ordering, delivery and payment! And you can remarket to customers with discounts and offers because all their details are safely stored in the app. Now that is real Gold. An app that saves you putting a member of staff on phone duty, an app that takes the order and helps process the delivery digitally. And it takes the money!

So anyway, to cut a long story short, I tried to get in touch with this burger restaurant. First by email and then by phone. But guess what? They didn’t answer the phone because they were too busy. It is businesses like that, that I am itching to help. Because you don’t need a busy phone line and person rushed off their feet and customers waiting to be served and some not getting served. Because you can just use an App. It is that simple!

You don’t need to miss out on customers because you can’t take all the orders on the phone. Get them to order through your app with a few clicks!

What is more, with an app you can remarket to customers offering loyalty points, stamp cards and discounts to build their brand loyalty. It is a chance for a small business to streamline your service into one affordable, fast and responsive app.

Whether you are a pub, restaurant, retailer, fitness instructor, hairdresser or other type of business, an apps contains tools and integrated tabs that will aid your business objectives and values. You are missing out on customers relying on Stone Age Tech – i.e. the dog and bone phone!

Some restaurant takeaways have taken orders worth £2000 or £3000 in a night on our apps! Yes, in a night. So, they have more than paid for their App night one with profit! Plus, the poor staff member stuck on the end of the line with irate customers, who spent ages trying to get through, can let the customers do it all with a few simple CLICKS.

I am hoping the burger restaurant my friend tried to order from get in touch soon. Because he never got his burger, as they were too busy to answer. My friend needs his burger after a hard week's work!

No brainer? Give me a ring. It is time to get APPY!

Call Jamieson on 0044 1905 570838 or email me: jai@goldviking.online

Website: https://www.goldviking.online/

Need an App?

I am the Chap!

GOLD VIKING

MALVERN VIKING IN BOUNCE BACK BUSINESS BATTLE CRY!

Fri, 15 May 2020 14:28:05 GMT

Bounce Back Business Initiative Offers Hope for SMES

Published 15 May 2020

One Malvern Start Up is determined to help small and medium sized businesses and organisations bounce back from the Covid disruption.

#Bouncebackbusinessbundle

Recent times have been gloomy for businesses with many furloughed and others waiting with bated breath. However, one Malvern start up is leading a rallying call for bounce back.

A brand-new deal from Malvern based website provider, Gold Viking Limited, has been launched today. Gold Viking is helping firms get back on their feet and come through the Coronavirus crisis. Gold Viking is particularly focused on helping businesses in Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire, the MD having grown up on the border of the 3 counties.

After detailed research into the digitalisation of retail as a Content Writer, MD Jamieson Hill decided to set up an agency supporting businesses with digital products. It was set up to help SMEs with AI websites, Apps and Digital Marketing services.

The ‘Bounce back Business Bundle’ is set to provide a dynamic combination of digital tools. A package that fully supports companies wanting to grow their online presence, generate leads, and increase sales. Also, to build their brand further during the economic downturn.

Lockdown conditions significantly increased the amount of digital media consumed by people online. The bundle has been released in response to the numbers of businesses now looking to provide content to captive internet users.

The Gold Viking Bounce Back Business Bundle will include:

· An artificial intelligence website with over 50% off the normal price

· Free design of Google Remarketing Ads

· Management of Google Remarketing Ads for £99 per month (a third less off the normal price)

· A free mobile phone app

Jamieson Hill, MD, and founder of Gold Viking Limited said:

"A strong digital presence is now vital as firms look at the best ways to allocate their marketing budgets and compete in the wake of the coronavirus crisis. Customers are spending more time than ever on their laptops, phones, and tablets so firms need to improve their chances of being found online whilst delivering an enhanced customer experience. Digitally transforming companies should be a top priority for all businesses as apps, digital ads and harnessed data all provide a competitive advantage and can unite every part of a company for the common purpose of generating more sales.”

The total cost of the Gold Viking Bounce Back Business Package is £149 PLUS VAT per month with no upfront fee and no contract. Companies investing in the offer will save over 70% on the normal recommended price. Bundle Weblink: https://www.goldviking.online/bounce-back-bb-core-offer

The name Gold Viking came from a childhood fascination with Vikings, Anglo-Saxons, and Celts:

“I wanted a name that was original and fun. I have always loved reading about Vikings and watching TV series and movies.”

“On a more serious note, we don’t have time for lethargy or negativity. Now is the time to get the UK economy thriving again.”

This bundle is available from May-Jun 2020. Businesses interested in taking advantage of the offer should register their interest at:

https://www.goldviking.online/bounce-back-bb-core-offer

or email Jamieson at: jai@goldviking.online

Restaurant And Pub Owners… ...How To Put A Big Smile Back On Your Face!

jai@goldviking.online (Jamieson Hill) — Wed, 13 May 2020 10:28:05 GMT

Peebles Restaurant cranks up customer conversion by 50 percent with DWP.

The Facts

• Increased total number of 'Reserve a Table' clicks by 50% between August and September with the simple addition of a Notification Bar

• Capturing first-time visitors’ emails with a form submission DWP to use in marketing outreach

• Leveraging the content management drag-and-drop website builder to make frequent updates with no need to code

The Story

A few months after creating the website, Peebles restaurant began toying with the idea of incorporating dynamic content to help improve their customers’ experience and their marketing efforts. From experience, they knew that implementing a pop-up to capture first-time visitors’ emails would increase their overall customer conversion. Once someone joined their mailing list, they could use marketing emails to turn them from a guest that would come to the restaurant one or two times a year into a loyal guest who would stop by six or twelve times a year.

To implement this kind of pop-up on their new site, they leveraged our unique DWP feature. “The process was really straightforward, which was honestly surprising. The old pop-up required coding, but to create this new one, all I had to do was log in to the editor, select the widget I wanted to add, and set it to only show for first-time visitors”

Within a few days, they started seeing substantial growth in the restaurant’s mailing list. This success got them thinking about other ways they could implement dynamic content on their website.

“I set a Notification Bar up with a link to our reservation page. This was in addition to the normal reservation widget we have on the site. I figured it wouldn’t hurt to give visitors a message right at the top of the site, and that we might get a few more reservations out of it. It worked and worked well"

“During the month of August, we had a total of 9,303 visits to the site and 499 clicks on the reservation widget,” he says. “In September, we only had 8,428 visits and since I added the Notification Bar, it gained an additional 374 clicks on top of that. Together, that brings the total number of reservations clicks for September up to 873.”

This 50% increase in conversion also got them thinking of a few other ways the Notification Bar could be used to promote special events taking place at the restaurant.

What about if your Pub or Restaurant is Closed?

Are you closed to the public due to Covid-19? We have some fantastic takeaway apps.

Check out this example from a pub website with a QR code for customers to download the app: https://www.innatthefarm.co.uk/

Here you can have a play with the app features: http://cms.blam.online/app/thefarm1

So, what are the benefits?

• The apps are super easy to use and automate your orders and deliveries.

• Payment is through the app. You can send discounts, stamp card and points to build

loyalty.

• The apps keep your business at the front of your customers' minds. So, when you open

again, they are eager to come back.

• The app acts as a database. It makes it easy to market to customers.

Our existing customers in the franchise have had sales increases of up to 19% on average. Our franchise sold an app to a pub in Brum. They made £2000 in a night last weekend using the app.

So, when your business fully reopens, you will have strengthened your revenue streams with these cutting-edge apps.

Put a Big Smile Back on Your Face with Gold Viking AI websites and apps!

Whatever your business is, Gold Viking wishes you success in these tough times.

Contact: Jamieson Hill MD – jai@goldviking.online

Website: www.goldviking.online

Locksmiths: How To Open The Door To a Fantastic Future!

jai@goldviking.online (Jamieson Hill) — Wed, 13 May 2020 10:17:37 GMT

Ashley from AF Locksmiths was struggling with sales conversion on his old website. He consistently ran Pay per click campaigns with Google. It was to gain more customers.

His existing website was a desktop only. It didn't have any functionality for the Site Visitor to Call. When I met with Ashley, I explained the importance of having a call button on his website. This is because most of his site visitors were Mobile Users. Existing Analytics showed many unique visitors visiting the website.

We spoke about the importance of being mobile responsive. We also spoke about implementing Dynamic Website Personalisation to his new website to increase conversion.

With his new site things have changed. Every time a FIRST TIME Visitor lands on his new website, an "EMERGENCY CALL" button shows immediately. As soon as AF Locksmiths new website went live, mobile conversion increased by 60%. This massively improved sales.

Another feature: Every time a THIRD TIME Visitor lands on his website a "NOTIFICATION BAR" appears to LIKE his Facebook page.

Ashley can now carry on with the daily running of his business. Meanwhile, he watches the leads come in! A happy customer.

If you are a locksmith or other trade, get in touch now for a friendly chat:

Email: jai@goldviking.online

Website: www.goldviking.online

Whats App Calls: 0090 549 449 0034 (Audio or Video)

UK Limited Company Number 12547779. Gold Viking Limited.

https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/12547779

Make the most of the season by following these simple guidelines

grant@blam.online (Blam Websites) — Wed, 13 May 2020 10:09:08 GMT

The new season is a great reason to make and keep resolutions. Whether it’s eating right or cleaning out the garage, here are some tips for making and keeping resolutions.

Make a list

Lists are great ways to stay on track. Write down some big things you want to accomplish and some smaller things, too.

Check the list regularly

Don’t forget to check in and see how you’re doing. Just because you don’t achieve the big goals right away doesn’t mean you’re not making progress.

Reward yourself

When you succeed in achieving a goal, be it a big one or a small one, make sure to pat yourself on the back.

Think positively

Positive thinking is a major factor in success. So instead of mulling over things that didn’t go quite right, remind yourself of things that did.

Keep in touch with site visitors and boost loyalty

grant@blam.online (Blam Websites) — Wed, 13 May 2020 10:09:07 GMT

There are so many good reasons to communicate with site visitors. Tell them about sales and new products or update them with tips and information.

Here are some reasons to make blogging part of your regular routine.

Blogging is an easy way to engage with site visitors

Writing a blog post is easy once you get the hang of it. Posts don’t need to be long or complicated. Just write about what you know, and do your best to write well.

Show customers your personality

When you write a blog post, you can really let your personality shine through. This can be a great tool for showing your distinct personality.

Blogging is a terrific form of communication

Blogs are a great communication tool. They tend to be longer than social media posts, which gives you plenty of space for sharing insights, handy tips and more.

It’s a great way to support and boost SEO

Search engines like sites that regularly post fresh content, and a blog is a great way of doing this. With relevant metadata for every post so search engines can find your content.

Drive traffic to your site

Every time you add a new post, people who have subscribed to it will have a reason to come back to your site. If the post is a good read, they’ll share it with others, bringing even more traffic!

Blogging is free

Maintaining a blog on your site is absolutely free. You can hire bloggers if you like or assign regularly blogging tasks to everyone in your company.

A natural way to build your brand

A blog is a wonderful way to build your brand’s distinct voice. Write about issues that are related to your industry and your customers.

Tips for writing great posts that increase your site traffic

grant@blam.online (Blam Websites) — Wed, 13 May 2020 10:09:06 GMT

Write about something you know. If you don’t know much about a specific topic that will interest your readers, invite an expert to write about it.

Speak to your audience

You know your audience better than anyone else, so keep them in mind as you write your blog posts. Write about things they care about. If you have a company Facebook page, look here to find topics to write about

Take a few moments to plan your post

Once you have a great idea for a post, write the first draft. Some people like to start with the title and then work on the paragraphs. Other people like to start with subtitles and go from there. Choose the method that works for you.

Don’t forget to add images

Be sure to include a few high-quality images in your blog. Images break up the text and make it more readable. They can also convey emotions or ideas that are hard to put into words.

Edit carefully before posting

Once you’re happy with the text, put it aside for a day or two, and then re-read it. You’ll probably find a few things you want to add, and a couple more that you want to remove. Have a friend or colleague look it over to make sure there are no mistakes. When your post is error-free, set it up in your blog and publish.