The Perfect Backdrop

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Are you shy on video?

I just did my second Periscope broadcast…and I made the silliest mistake with…MY BACKDROP!

To see if you can spot my silly mistake, watch this short video below (I also share tips on motivating yourself, by the way):

Watch this 10 minute video.

Did you spot it? Comment below and let me know. I know, right? I should know better, I teach this stuff! (insert red faced emoji here!)

Yes, me, “The Backdrop Stylist”…and I must admit, the perfectionist in me did have quick thought of deleting the broadcast but I immediately thought again and decided not to, why?

Because it has been such a stretch, such an effort to actually be able to jump in a #shareathon (to know what that is, go here peri10k) that I want to keep every scope as a reminder of the process and of my evolution.

Because every facebook live and every scope is a reminder of where I started from and where I want to get.

For those of you who are not shy, this may not resonate at all, but anyone struggling with getting more visibility, anyone who finds video out of their comfort zone will definitely recognise these symptoms: nerves, cold sweat, stumbling on words, mind going blank…all these things happen before and during a broadcast.

You hit that Go live button and all you can think of is of running away and never coming back!

I know, if it is that awful, why do you keep trying? You need to keep reading to find out…

My mission has always been to make people happier by creating beautiful surroundings where they can feel inspired, relaxed and happy. I want to Inspire people to be aware of their environment. In 2015 my Power Word © was precisely Inspire.

Your surroundings affect your life and work.

 

 

Through my years designing and styling homes and workspaces, I know for a fact that you can create any mood by styling your space a certain way.

You can improve your concentration, your motivation, your productivity, focus and well-being. Isn´t that a good enough reason(s) to leave my shyness behind and try this video thing?

If your mission has nothing to do with reaching and impacting more people, and your service isn´t mostly visual , you probably don´t need video. You might find writing to be your preferred way of communicating or anything else that doesn´t involve video. However, in my case, creating beautiful workspaces and especially video backdrops (!) does require me to show what I preach.

I did my first You Tube video back in November 2015. It was a tutorial on how to create a centrepiece. I knew in my mind exactly what I wanted to create when I first started my School of Style as part of The Perfect Backdrop — I wanted to inspire as many people as possible to create beauty around themselves in order to feel happier.

That video was actually not that bad, except for the fact that I started in daylight and it was getting dark by the time I finished. It was way too long, I went into a lot of detail and I had to cut it into three parts.

But the nerves and fear I experienced were so awful, I just wasn´t able to do another video till December 2016! That was over a year after.

That meant that my plan to impact and reach as many people as possible was halted for a whole year. I did write and do other things and I really enjoyed my offline workshops and projects but the reason behind The Perfect Backdrop was to help people worldwide, not just locally. My fear had put a stop to that worldwide reach and impact…till I realised something.

The fact that My mission is bigger than my shyness. Click To Tweet

By keeping my expertise off camera , I was not allowing people to learn how they could improve their surroundings, I was keeping the power of improving their lives and businesses to myself.

So, every time I think of doing a video, I remember my mission. It is not a magic pill but it does give me the push I need to try again. And if I feel like postponing it, I think of the people I might not be helping through not doing it.

See? This is why jumping on the #Shareathon meant so much for me, it meant if I can go live in front of x people, sharing a specific time slot with amazing speakers, having to introduce them and interact with viewers while delivering valuable information…well, I can do it all on video.

Even if it were just one person that I inspired, it would be worth doing.

Now, to anyone struggling on camera, I am still far from being a natural on screen but I can assure you, you can do this. If I can, anyone can.

As I mentioned before, for those of you who have no mental blocks stopping you and freezing you when you go live, this article will mean nothing but if you have ever felt the fear of doing a video, if you are still panicking when you hit that Go live button, the advice I would give you is:

The more you try, the less fear you feel. The less fear, the better you communicate. The better you communicate, the more people you inspire.

 

I have not reached the point yet where I can feel totally happy with my videos, I still stumble upon my words at times but the evolution has been amazing (in the way I feel at least).

So, I won´t say it is easy, you will feel the fear, but it diminishes bit by bit and you know what? Two weeks ago I noticed it was the first time I was actually enjoying a broadcast! It felt so different. I though, ok so this is the excitement people feel when they go live! There had to be a benefit (apart from exposure and visibility) or people wouldn´t be doing it.I could describe it as “good nerves”, they felt tickly but nice.

Since that day, since that one broadcast in which, in spite of the nerves, I had fun, I know for sure that someday soon I will look forward to going live. I might even have a blast!

My recommendation is find yourself a support group where you can start doing videos bit by bit, shorter ones at the beginning until you start feeling comfortable. A safe environment where you can feel protected, supported and encouraged. On Periscope you can choose your audience, set it to only you and test a few times to become more used to the platform and to get more at ease.

Then, make a commitment (I find that making it public helps with pulling through) of going live or creating a pre-recorded video at least once a week.

You will find that the more you do, the less nervous you will get . And then suddenly, one day, you will realise that you are enjoying yourself-I promise!

If you would like to practice in a safe environment, you are very welcome to use my group as a training platform. I understand what you are going through and I will be able to help and support you.

Another thing that will make you feel more confident in your videos is having a Perfect Backdrop, it provides a supportive environment, it gives you plenty of conversation starters, it makes you look more trustworthy ad professional (among other benefits), so if you would like The Perfect Backdrop for your videos, get in touch and we will chat.

I cannot begin to tell you the difference it makes in your confidence!

The reason behind The Perfect Backdrop is to help you shine in your videos, to make you show up confidently and for people to trust you. And it works, this is not one fancy marketing tactic, it really and truly works.

Let me help you become more confident on video, let´s chat.

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How to create a Vignette

 

You have seen them in magazines and the homes of the rich and famous. Those dreamy hall entries with a table or console and beautiful objects and flowers on top, those perfectly styled coffee tables with books and accessories that are neatly stacked and nestled against each other… Read more

 

You can find more tips on creating a beautiful home focused on stylish well-being in the Empowered Wellness Magazine.

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Home-staging- the smart way to sell your house fast

 

What is Home-staging ?

 

Home-staging is creating the perfect canvas for buyers to fall in love with your home by creating spaces where they can imagine themselves living happily.

 

Home-staging is creating the perfect canvas for buyers to fall in love with your home by creating spaces where they can imagine themselves living happily. Click To Tweet

 

The purpose of Home-staging is to maximise your home´s strengths and diminish or neutralise any cons it may have.

The main difficulty of Home-staging is that you are looking to appeal to the widest possible range of buyers, you don´t know their background, their taste or their needs, so you need to show the most neutral look possible.

In some cases, you can get a bit of information from your Real Estate agent (but not always). For example, if a family with small children will be house hunting, you will want to make the house look as safe as possible: no candles in dangerous places, open spaces to play in, etc…

We all love our home as it is but sometimes we make the assumption that everybody else will love it too, and that is freakin´ impossible!  So, no matter how much you love turtles, you might want to keep that 1,000,000-piece collection in a box!

Most buyers are uncapable of imagining a space without the furniture, the décor, the paint on the walls…and this is where Home-staging plays an important role.

By creating a neutral and functional space, you are giving them a white canvas where they can “paint” their own reality. Click To Tweet

It shouldn´t be too modern or too classic, too bright or too dark…it´s about finding the perfect balance.

You need to make them fall in love with your home and imagine themselves living there happily.

 

How can you create this neutral and appealing look?

 

  • Keep furniture and décor to the minimum that way the space will seem roomier and bigger.
  • Keep colours very muted: whites, and neutrals. In most cases, I advise to paint the whole house white, but it obviously depends on your budget and willingness to do the work.
  • Put away trinkets, and very personal (taste) accessories, only display neutral ones.
  • Choose accessories that are either a trend right now, to avoid the space looking outdated- or in natural materials (they appeal to a mayority of people), again, neutral and natural colours work best.
  • Create styled compositions to give that designer look.
  • Style cushions the designer way too (throws look good too).
  • If your lighting is good, have it on when they come, or use it in your favour to enhance the best features.
  • If you have a nice view, show it! Open the curtains (drapes) or doors to make sure the buyers see it.
  • Keep personal things out of the way: hair brushes, tooth brushes, PJ´s, slippers, shoes…they need to feel that could be their home, not someone else´s.
  • Create a beautiful flower arrangement (or more), this evokes freshness and beauty, again, go for quite discreet colours. Use just one or two colours at the most. White is always a good option.
  • Be careful with smells or scents, not too strong or overpowering. Again, they need to feel it could be their own space.
  • If you are looking to sell well, who isn´t? Be careful with the materials you use, the higher quality, the more value you give your home, the more expensive it looks, the more money you can ask for…well, you get the idea.

There´s plenty more things to consider and many other tips, but I hope this gives you a good start in creating an attractive space for buyers.

 

Have you got a property to sell? Let us help you. For more information on our Home-staging service, please contact us.  Whether you are a Private client looking to sell your property or a Real Estate agent , we have a solution for you.

 

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Branding & graphic design

 

 

Your branding is a full scope of things , it is not just your website, or your logo.

Your branding is a visual representation of your personality, your style, your business, your values…

Think of your branding as a cocktail:

It has to taste good and look nice.

It needs the right amount of the right ingredients.

 

The best ingredients mixed to perfection will ensure your cocktail is a success! What cocktail is your brand going to be?

 

The best ingredients mixed to perfection will ensure your cocktail is a success! What cocktail is your brand going to be? Click To Tweet

 

Expert mixologists have a special talent and skills and know what to serve to each customer at each precise moment, they immediately “get them” and provide the perfect mix.

We can do the same for your brand.

We will carefully study your needs, your business, your style, your audience…we will then create a bespoke cocktail, using only the highest quality ingredients, adding a touch of impeccable taste…Nothing will be left to chance, from the glass we choose to the tray we serve it on.

This is how we do graphic design Melanie Falvey style.

 

 

 

Would you like a cocktail?

Take a look at our list, we will bring you the best cocktail you have ever tasted!

 

To order, please book an appointment with our expert mixologist AKA Melanie Falvey & Team for a bespoke package or a quote for the above list.

 

 

 

 

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Eight seconds to captivate

 

 

You have 8 seconds to get someone´s attention before they decide to listen to you or not.

A gold fish has a 9 second attention span, yes, more than humans!

So, How are you going to use those 8 seconds?

Research carried out over the last few years state that human attention span has decreased from 12 seconds before the year 2000 to just 8 due to the overload of information our brain is constantly bombarded with.

I have to disagree with this, at least on Social Media, our attention span is reduced to merely 4-5 seconds. You can test this yourself. Scroll down any facebook wall:

How long do you spend on each post?

What makes you stop and pay more attention?

Live streams are beginning to be boring, there is no novelty anymore, since everyone is doing them-look, even I am!

And remember also people usually have their audio off, o they cannot listen to your great message at the beginning, they are just seeing you.

I know very well what makes me want to stop and watch or read something.

There are two situations:

1- You know the person already and you know what type of content they put out. If you already, and notice I am saying already, know them and have the certainty they give value or they make you giggle, you might be willing to pay more attention.

However,

2- If you don´t know the person, you have no idea whether they give value or not, whether they are amusing or not, whether that live streaming will be useful or just a waste of time…

In my case it is clear, if I don´t see anything in their backdrop* that makes me think they have something interesting to offer, I will scroll down. I won´t even give them 8 seconds. And it is not just me, we all do it.

Remember we are VISUAL beings, so you need to give your viewers a VISUAL STIMULUS or they will leave you…

So what can you do if you only have 8 seconds to captivate your audience? Take into account their audio might be turned down also…

Options: paint your hair green…

It´s an option, but that is not even original any more…

How can you make sure they´ll want to stay on longer, turn their audio up and actually watch you?

Here is where having a well designed backdrop comes in.

What is a backdrop*?

It s the area behind and around you that people see when you are on screen.

Your backdrop has the ability of enhancing or breaking your message.

It cannot do everything for you , you will still need to have a good message, your expertise but it can help A LOT!

So this is what you can do today.

Decide on a spot you will use for you next live stream. Add one element that represents your business and place it somewhere where your audience can see it.

Tell me how it goes.

 

Watch the facebook live I did on this topic:

You can join the facebook group I mention in the video here.

Would you like to learn how to do this correctly?

I have a course that is perfect for anyone doing videos, online courses and live streams.

In just 3 weeks , you will learn all the power of a backdrop,

How to use it as a marketing tool,

How to use it as a branding tool

And how to create it

With one-on-one help

In a fun way, easy, step by step instructions.

You can totally fit it into a busy schedule.

Get it right from the start. Your backdrop is the most powerful marketing, branding and communication tool you can use in your online presence. Start paying attention to it.

 

 

 

 

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Can Your Surroundings Affect Your Mood And Performance?

Creating the perfect environment at your home or office is fundamental for you to start thriving, being happier, more focused and relaxed.

It is a fact that our environment can affect our mood, our productivity and our creativity.

Read more.

Would you like to get our articles without missing any? Sign up for our weekly newsletter. Tips, articles, tools to make your space more beautiful and healthy.

Would you like to feel well , happy and relaxed in your home or office?

Book a free consultation with me and I will assess your space or you can fill in our Initial Consultation if you prefer.

One-on-one e-design is the most effective way you can update and re-style any space. Book your call.

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In a Box backdrop design

 

 

Are you working towards making video your #1 marketing tool? (By the way you should, video is going to be huge over the next few years).

Does your online image speak to your audience while making you stand out as an expert in your field?

Does your video backdrop enhance your message?

Does your backdrop show the level of excellence you have reached in your field?

 

 

If you are using Facebook live, video, online courses, skype or zoom calls in your business, you need to be using your backdrop as a branding, marketing and communication tool.

 

But first of all… what is a BACKDROP?

 

A backdrop is the space behind you and around you that your viewers can see in your videos.
It should enhance your message and show your expertise.
It is a very powerful communication, marketing and branding tool!

Are you showing your viewers a polished , professional backdrop that enhances your message and tells your story?

Or will they leave your broadcast feeling confused because your message doesn´t match your setting?

Too often I see videos where the message is excellent, the broadcaster really knows their topic, however, they are in the wrong setting, the colours, the feel, the style does NOTHING for their message, quite on the contrary, it is actually diluting the message:

Your backdrop can make or break your message.

If you want to be seen as an expert, a valuable professional, you must start paying attention to your backdrop.

You have worked hard to get to where you are in business, now you need to make sure your backdrop is up to your high standards too.

A branded backdrop will make it easy to get your audience´s attention and enhance your message, amplifying it to reach a bigger audience.

Start looking professional, your business and YOU deserve it.

With my IN A BOX design service, you will be getting expert advice and solutions to all your backdrop needs, not only that, you will be feeling more confident, inspired and productive in your office as a BONUS!

 

Did you know that?

 

  • Branding your broadcasts will make it easier to find your tribe.
  • You can easily solve many branding needs just by styling your backdrop, I will show you how.
  • Your brand will instantly become cohesive, powerful and stylish.
  • Your videos will become  immediately recognisable in a crowded and saturated feed.
  • You will be seen as an expert.
  • You will provide the proof of your success as your setting represents your business.
  • All your online communication (video, livestreams, skype or zoom meetings, courses, ads) will be branded, looking professional and stylish and visually appealing.

 

This is what Emily B. had to say after working with me:

“ THANK YOU Melanie!! My eyes are open to new and wonderful things I can add into my backdrop.  I would highly recommend working with her to anyone who wants to skyrocket their brand and image through the way they design their space”.

 

Disclaimer: I must advise: there is a likely chance that during our time together, you will turn into a styling addict! It has happened before…

 

So, if you want to get your backdrop looking professional, while making it part of your office space, let me help you.

 

 

 

My IN A BOX design service is perfect for you if:

 

-You already have an online presence but you feel your office space and backdrop is not at that same level of excellence as your work.

-You are doing or want to do videos, live streams or any other type of online communication (courses, webinars, etc).

-You need to get your message out in a bigger way, people need your product or service, you owe it to them.

-You are done with playing small in the visibility field and you are ready to shine online.

-You are a successful entrepreneur or business owner and you need to prove it in your videos.

-You see other big names out there with beautiful video sets and you want one of your own too!

-You want to start feeling inspired, confident and focused in your workspace.

-You ant a bigger audience to trust you immediately.

-You want to bring your branding to your videos but you just can´t figure out how.

-You need a solution to your video backdrop pronto!

 

 

I will design the Perfect Backdrop for you and your business.

 

This is a bespoke service, you will get a 100% tailored design that will match your style and personality, that will enhance your expertise and show your field of expertise.

How it works:

1- Initial consultation.

Via email zoom or skype where we will get clear on your needs, style and budget.

2- Assessment and design.

I will then assess your space and I will start working on your bespoke design. I will find every detail you need to include in your backdrop and will take care of everything. At this point, you just sit back and relax!

Note that in our Initial consultation, we will establish your budget for props.*

3- Delivery

I will get everything ready, I will put it all in a beautiful box and…voila you will soon have it at your doorstep. I have thought of every little detail to make your experience unforgettable…

4-Walk-through styling session

We will meet again via zoom or skype, you will unbox your props (if you have´t done so before, which I don´t think has ever happened!) and I will walk you through each and every prop to tell you exactly where to place it and how to style it.

Once everything is perfect, you will have your own branded, stylish, stunning backdrop and it will be your time to shine online!

 

*No props or materials are included in the price. We will set that budget beforehand, in the initial consultation. Every case is different , we need to take into account your needs, budget and area to style, so establishing a one size fits all is not possible, however, as a guideline, boxes start at $150 + shipping.

**Please allow about 2 weeks for completion of design and report. (2 weeks from initial consultation). Shipping time  not included.

 

Book this service. An appointment calendar will be sent to you once payment is cleared.

*This service is highly demanded, so please bear this in mind when booking.

 

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Optimising Workspace System

 

Here’s The Situation:

 

You have been stuck in the 5-figure level for too long and no matter what you do,

you still can´t open the next door...

 

What is holding you back from breaking that income level?

Why can´t you seem to be able to grow past a certain figure?

 

Have you lost motivation?

Do you need to feel the excitement of a challenge you know you can conquer?

 

If you have tried everything to break past that 5 figure income level and nothing is working, I have good news for you:

 

Optimise your surroundings and you will be optimising your business and your life.

 

An Optimised Workspace ensures you can be in the RIGHT MOOD at the RIGHT TIME so that every minute spent on your business is productive and enjoyable and therefore you can work smarter and have more time for the things that matter to you.

 

So, let me ask you this:

 

What is the mood

your business

needs you

to be in right now?

 

The reason why you do what you do is very likely to have more freedom (in every sense); to be able to spend time with your loved ones and to enjoy life more.

 

When you are working from the wrong workspace, your productivity is negatively impacted, your focus is lost often, you feel stuck and you unable to find answers and solutions to your problems and your motivation is low most of the time.

 

What is holding you back?

 

You know how to run a business, you have taken yours to the 5-6 figure level, you have systems in place but somehow, you cannot break that glass ceiling, you keep bumping into the same income level…you are starting to feel unmotivated because there are no more challenges for you to grow…

 

Your surroundings have a direct impact on your performance. You cannot possibly evolve if your surroundings are not upgraded to match your next level.

 

Your success depends hugely on how you feel and perform in your workspace.

 

Your focus, motivation and productivity require a very specific set of triggers in your workspace.

 

What´s more, your needs have outgrown, you cannot stay stuck in the same old environment and expect new performance in your work.

 

Over the last 2 years I’ve noticed that people are not aware of how fundamental their surroundings are to build a solid business.

 

Working from the wrong environment is making you to underperform, it is keeping you stuck and it is not allowing you to perform at you highest potential.

 

I am not just saying this out of nowhere, for the las 12 years, I have been designing high performing spaces for high achievers and high-end clients.

 

I have researched and tested what triggers keep them motivated, focused and inspired.

 

I have used commercial design principles, Emotional Intelligence and seller psychology to enhance their workspace so that it becomes a container for success.

 

I have brought all that research and experience into the Optimising Workspace System. It is the only 360º office design solution that  takes into consideration your emotional, psychological , lifestyle, spatial and aesthetic needs.

 

It is a bespoke solution catered to your needs and surroundings.

 

Being a business owner is no easy ride, the emotional rollercoaster you are on, requires a balancing and supportive environment in which you can feel safe, recharged, resilient and motivated.

 

If you are tired of feeling stuck, if you are done with trying different trainings and coaches that have disappointed you, now is the time to get those foundations reinforced.

 

Because, here is the thing, the environment that got you to 5 figures, won´t get you to the next income level.

 

Your surroundings need to be inspirational as well as aspirational, otherwise, you will remain stuck.

 

Your surroundings are keeping you stuck.

 

Are you ready to break past that outdated environment?

 

The Optimised Workspace System is a complete One on one solution that’s designed to help business owners:

  • Who need to perform at their highest potential
  • Who have big goals and aspirations
  • Who are already making, at least 5-figures but somehow feel stuck at that level.
  • Business owners who don´t care for a DIY course because they are past the testing phase
  • Business owners who want a proven, done for you service that will finally help them break that income level

If you are ready to transform the way you feel in your business. Book your Consultation call.

 

If you want to be able to use your space as a powerful high performing tool.

 

If you are tired of invasive solutions every time you need to do videos, an Optimised Workspace can double up as a Video Studio and an unlimited source of inspiration and images for your social media posts. A space that can double up as a Video studio, with an Optimised Video Backdrop that will make your videos stand out.

 

A fully bespoke solution that will give you a beautiful, high performing space from which to work from and work around your needs.

 

The whole design process is a beautiful journey that will help you learn exactly what triggers your motivation, what keeps you on track, what enables you to work at your highest potential, the Optimising Workspace System is nothing like any other design service you have tried or heard of, this is about going deep into your the needs as a business owner, getting clear on your aspirations, identifying what keeps you going (we are all different and respond to different type of triggers) and, once we have that emotional aspect defines, we will dive deep into what style and functionality you need to make that space, not just beautiful, high-end looking, but also highly functional in an aesthetical way. A space that will fit seamlessly into your lifestyle and personal needs.

 

 

Let me unleash the full power of your space to turn it into a complete beautiful Optimised Solution for you and your business. Book your Initial Consultation.

 

 

 

 

 

The Perfect Office Design Package is a fast and complete option for you to create the perfect environment for your brand and business.

It is a completely bespoke service, tailor-made to accommodate all your needs and vision.

 

 

To learn how this 1:1 service works, please book your Initial Consultation.

 

These are just some of the BENEFITS of having The Perfect Office:

 

  • You will have a bespoke designed space that will make you feel productive, inspired, creative and focused in your business.
  • You will have a supportive environment that helps you reach your next level of excellence.
  • You will be able to do your live streams, videos, calls in a professional and stylish looking backdrop and setting, thus establishing trust with your clients and customers, being able to enhance your expertise and show up as the successful individual you are.
  • You will portray a highly qualified image.
  • You will have a branded space that communicates your message whenever you broadcast or appear online.
  • You will have an efficiently designed work space that will trigger your motivation and will ensure your well-being.
  • You will have resources to make sure your mood matches the task you need to do.
  • Your mood and performance will improve considerably.
  • Your focus will be much better.
  • Your daily tasks will become less overwhelming.
  • You will learn all the tips and techniques you need to create a productive environment.
  • You will learn how to change your mood by tweaking your space.
  • You will be able to use your space in multiple ways, even as a branding tool and social media marketing tool, so you will save a ton of time and money! You will be able to use your beautifully branded new office in all your social media posts!

 

How long do you want to wait to reach your next income level?

Let´s get on a call and I will be able to assess your situation.

 

The experience will change the way you work forever!

 

What does this package include?

  • 1:1 guidance, help and walk through.
  • Initial assessment and  research.
  • Bespoke design of your work space and  video backdrop.
  • Branding through style package included: how to use your space as a branding tool in your social media.
  • Detailed instructions for setting up and styling. Walk through session via Zoom, where I will guide you as show you exactly where to place each item. Outsourcing service available too.
  • Detailed list of materials, accessories within your budget and where to purchase them (or in-a-box-delivery).

 

BOOK your Initial Consultation call.

 

 

 

 

Let´s connect