Austin Spotlight - June 2020

A U S T I N S P O T L I G H T JUNE 2020

INSIDE THIS ISSUE SUMMER SKIN CARE • SPOTTING LOW SELF-ESTEEM IN KIDS EATING FOR A HEALTHY SPINE • COMMODORE PERRY ESTATE IDEAS FOR A COVID DATE NIGHT • IMPROVE YOUR MARKETING BOOSTING YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM • AUSTIN'S HOUSING MARKET

C O N T E N T S

06 10 18 22 CARLY MAZUR

SUMMER SKIN CARE

Get ready for your new summer skin care routine.

DR. JEANNIQUE MOORE

EATING FOR A HEALTHY SPINE Understand how to find the right food and nutrition for a healthy spine and joints.

ALEXANDRA CARRIER

COMMODORE PERRY ESTATES

Austin's newest luxury hotel is set to open this month and give you a vacation worth staying in Austin for.

TROY SCHLICKER

SHOULD YOU CONSIDER BUYING OR SELLING A HOME RIGHT NOW? Let's take a look at everything happening in Austin and the economy to consider when buying or selling real estate.

C O N T E N T S

30 36 39 42 KEVINÂ WILMORE

7 WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR MARKETING DURING DISRUPTION

As the world scrambles to meet the challenges we face, businesses must get creative to survive.

MICHELLE SMALLWOOD

HOW TO SPOT LOW SELFESTEEM IN YOUR CHILD?

Shyness or low self-esteem? Learn to notice the signs in your child.

DR. NORMA PEREZ

CREATIVE IDEAS FOR A COVID DATE NIGHT

With the entire family stuck at home you need to find out of the box ideas to connect with your spouse.

BRYNNA CONNOR, M.D.

BOOSTING YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM Steps you can take to make your immune system run at optimal levels.

C R E D I T S Photo Credits Courtesy Commodore Perry Estates Kathryn Scarborough Free-Photo from Pixabay.com RitaE from Pixabay.com congerdesign from Pixabay.com Commoore Perry Estates William Iven from Pixabay.com Paul Brennan from Pixabay.com 192635 from Pixabay.com Bessi from Pixabay.com Alexandra Gorn from Unsplash.com Anna Pelzer from Unsplash.com Marcelo Leal from Unsplash.com

A U S T I N S P O T L I G H T INSIGHTS AND STOREIS

As a Realtor in Austin I get the chance to meet many amazing people in our city, to hear their stories and listen to their insights. The knowledge your fellow Austinites have deserved a larger audience and thus the Austin Spotlight was born.

While so many things going on in the world are out of our control in this inaugural edition we try to focus on things you can control in your life or business right now. Thanks for coming along on this journey.

Troy Schlicker

Summer Skin Care Everyone loves the summer.

BBQ’s, lake days, vacation time but there are all sorts of skin issues that can arise when you are enjoying the great outdoors

(attention allergy sufferers!).

Sudden downpours to pollen clouds to the sun’s rays hitting skin that’s been covered up for months, summer carries the potential for

skin turmoil. This is why summer self care should include proper skin care. Here are some common summer skin concerns and tips to handle them:

SUN PROTECTION Reconnect with your skin that’s been hiding under layers of clothes. You have already been using sun protection on your face since that is a must year-round, but protecting your arms, neck, chest area and hands is key if you want to avoid visible signs of aging down the road and most

"My go to are SPF 50 or higher that is lightweight, yet gives 80 minutes of water-resistant + sweatproof protection all over." importantly protect yourself from skin cancer. Sunscreen is hands down the one thing we overlook in the summer and a crucial part of your daily skincare routine. My go to are SPF 50 or higher that are lightweight, yet gives 80 minutes of water-resistant + sweatproof

protection all over. It is important with sunscreen that you check ingredients, SPF value for UV protection, and reapply throughout the day.

HYDRATE AND WAKE UP TIRED EYES Believe it or not your skin needs as much H2O as your body. There’s a certain enthusiasm that comes with summer time that can lead to outdoor happy hours, pool days, and late evenings leaving us depleted. Heavy work schedules, stress, being overzealous can lead to dehydration and dullness in the eye area. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water so you are hydrated from the inside out is important and adding in a hydrating face cream and eye serum twice a day to wake up tired eyes and brighten the eye area is a quick and easy tip to replenish and hydrate the thin area of skin around our eyes. Wearing sunglasses helps with protecting the eyes but doesn’t help repair that lipid barrier like a good face cream will.

DRY SKIN ON ELBOWS, KNEES AND OTHER TOUGH SPOTS Your skin has been secretly giving away its moisture to the dry winter weather regardless where you live and if you are in the sun often you will need to exfoliate and moisturize even more. Why is exfoliating important? Exfoliating helps with cell turnover, the natural shedding of dead cells that slow down as we age.

"I personally love RF’s Active Hydration Body Replenish" If cells accumulate, skin can feel rough and look dull. It’s not uncommon to find that your elbows, knees and other body parts feel (and look) drier the second you ditch the long sleeves and pants. I personally love RF’s Active Hydration Body Replenish which contains a 3D3P Molecular Matrix to attract water from the atmosphere and lock it onto skin, hydrating and moisturizing

instantly and over time. It’s a drink of water for thirsty, parched skin, which just so happens to be all over your body right now. We all need a little help smoothing out the appearance of our skin, even when you are properly hydrating, cleansing, and treating. Luckily, the

there are solutions to deal with this season's skin hazards and we can just rejoice in the fact that summer really is right around the corner.

Now let's get outside, enjoy the fresh air, sunshine and some good old fashion summer self-care.

Article by Carly Mazur Carly Mazur is the CEO of Team Aspire for Rodan + Fields.

773.330.9984 | carlysmazur@gmail.com cmazur.myrandf.com

Eating for a Healthy Spine

You are what you eat. Did you know that this classic saying also relates to the health of your spine?

The spine is not something that usually comes to mind when one thinks about nutrition – but it should. Nutrition is important in having a healthy spine. How you eat and exercise (or don’t exercise) starting at a young age will make you more or less likely to have problems with your bones, joints, and connective tissue into adulthood. Good nutrition also helps control pain and disability when we are suffering from many different types of spine conditions and improves our body’s ability to heal during times of injury.

There are 33 vertebrae of the spine. Between each vertebra is a disc made of tough outer cartilage with a fluid center. These discs provide the cushion that allows your backbone to bend and twist.

Discs also act like shock absorbers as we walk, run, and jump. Each vertebral segment consists of bone next to bone with a cartilage

cushion between. They are tied together with connective tissue, ligaments, and tendons.

When we are young, the bones in our spine are strong, our muscles are limber and our discs are at a healthy height, allowing us to move effortlessly. Participation in athletic activities, though many benefits can be acknowledged, if coupled with poor body mechanics and nutrition, can mark the beginning of disc damage or arthritis in the spine.

INFLAMMATION: The GOOD, BAD, AND THE UGLY Most neck and back pain have roots in inflammation.

Inflammation is the term given to describe the body’s response to tissue damage such as bacterial infections, trauma, chemical exposures and dying tissue. The problem is that there are times when the inflammation response isn’t accurate and those chemicals, when released on a continuous

basis, without any injury or infection to confront, go from healing damaged cells to harming healthy ones. Inflammation can be a good thing, but when wrong, it’s very wrong.

Good Inflammation In human physiology there are two forms of inflammation: acute and chronic. Acute inflammation is actually the good kind; this is what happens when the body responds to an injury by creating an environment that is conducive to healing and tissue repair. For instance, a sprained ankle will suddenly swell, turn pink and become warm to the touch. This is the body responding properly to this injury and sending proper fluids and blood cells to the area of the injury to help repair the damage or fight off the invader.

This biological response is selfregulating and “turns off” when it is no longer needed.

Bad Inflammation The problem arises when this response (this releasing of chemicals) happens on a continuous basis, when there is no injury or invader to face or oppose.

Ideally we want inflammation to come in, hit hard, and go away.

When it doesn’t turn off, you get chronic, smoldering inflammation that can eventually cause tissue and cell damage.

What does this mean for my spine?

When it comes to the spine, this inflammation typically occurs in the connective tissues of the ligaments,

tendons and vertebral discs of the spine. These important structures of the spine are composed primarily of collagen and cartilage.

Often confused, our tendons connect muscle to bone and ligaments connect bone to bone.

Both tendons and ligaments provide stability for the spine.

Vertebral discs provide cushion and act as a shock absorber between each vertebrae. Herniated and bulging discs are one of the most common and painful problems one can endure when experiencing back pain. However, an inflamed ligament or tendon can also cause extreme pain and discomfort.

When there is inflammation, pressure or irritation occurs in the nerves of the spine. Reducing the inflammation allows the nerves to quit firing pain signals and therefore brings relief.

MYTH: Joints get damaged as we use them and exercise can aggravate this damage FALSE: Most believe that joints get damaged as we use them and that

exercise or an active lifestyle with sports can aggravate this damage.

However, what we commonly think of as joint “wear and tear” is really “cumulative repair deficit” – when we don’t support our body enough to repair the natural damage caused by using them.

When used with nutritional joint support and restoring proper joint movement through spinal adjustments, our joints actually benefit and are healed from movement through increased circulation and delivery of nutrients to the joint tissues to promote tissue health and renewal. It is inflammation that causes the tissue changes that create the sensation of pain.

Does your spine and nervous system like the foods you’re eating? – Reducing inflammation naturally Though chiropractic care can greatly improve these types of spinal issues, nutrition is also important. Based on what we know to be the primary causes of chronic inflammation, diet and

exercise with the wellness lifestyle may control chronic inflammation and help the body begin to properly regulate inflammation levels.

Eating foods that contain antiinflammatory properties is extremely beneficial. Also, collagen boosting foods help keep ligaments, tendons and discs flexible. Some important nutrients that help support and repair the spine’s ligaments, tendons and vertebral discs.

Calcium It's the most common mineral in your body but there's more to calcium than just building healthy bones. Calcium supports functions including nerve conduction, heartbeat regulation, muscle contractions and weight maintenance. In order for your body to properly absorb and use calcium, you also need other essential nutrients, specifically Vitamins D and K. Because calcium is typically found in the same foods that help it absorb in your body, it’s best to get the calcium you need

from real food sources, or complex food-based supplements Found in: Dairy Products, leafy green vegetables (Kale, collard greens, broccoli, okra), almonds, cashews Magnesium Is a key mineral for bone density in the spine. Magnesium is required to move calcium into bone and is also needed to make vitamin D active. Magnesium is used for hundreds of reactions throughout the body, and if it is lacking, it will be pulled out of the bones. Your body needs it in order for the muscles to properly contract and

relax, so a deficiency can prevent proper muscle strengthening. Found in: leafy vegetables, fish, beans, Brazil nuts, avocados, bananas Vitamin D Is very important for strong bones.

Calcium and phosphorus are essential for developing the structure and strength of your bones, and you need vitamin D to absorb these minerals. Even if you eat foods that contain a lot of calcium and phosphorus, without enough vitamin D, you can’t absorb them into your body. The shock

absorbing discs in the spine (as described above) have chemical receptors for vitamin D. Found in: Sunlight, cod liver oil, salmon, tuna, mackerel, mushrooms, egg yolk Vitamin C We need this vitamin to create collagen, the major protein found in our joints and connective tissue, and for the health of our immune system which, if it goes wrong, can be the cause of joint pain due to autoimmune arthritis. Vitamin C is also essential for the health of spinal discs and bone remodeling.

Vitamin C is a moving target: since it is not stored in the body (it is excreted in urine), we need to ingest it every day.

Found in: oranges, red peppers, kale, brussel sprouts, kiwi, broccoli, strawberries B-Vitamins B6: B6 is necessary for hydrochloric acid (HCl) production by the stomach, and HCl in turn is necessary for calcium absorption.

Found in: legumes, vegetables (especially carrots, spinach and peas), potatoes, eggs, fish and sunflower seeds.

B12: Adequate B12 is critical to maintain the myelin sheath, which surrounds and protects nerves. A deficiency in this vitamin can lead to damage to the myelin sheath and problems with nerve functioning.

Found in: Wild-caught salmon, grass-fed beef, feta cheese, cottage cheese, lamb, sardines Omega-3: Found in fatty fish like sardines, tuna and salmon. Omega-3s are

both collagen forming, as well as anti-inflammatory. I personally recommend supplementing with quality fish oil to get an adequate daily dose.

Found in: cold-water fish (sardines, tuna, salmon), grass -fed meat, fortified eggs, flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts The typical food or food categories linked with chronic inflammation include: dairy, processed or refined sugars, refined grains, vegetable oils, trans-fats, nightshade vegetables (such as potatoes, peppers and eggplant), red meats high in omega-6, egg yolks, soft drinks, alcohol, high fructose corn syrup and chemical food additives.

Good rule of thumb: Seek colorful foods Find the most colorful foods, the darker and richer the color of your vegetables the higher the nutrition

content. Increase physical activity and spend more time outdoors. The more you move the better you breathe, and increased oxygen to your cells will help your body function better and decrease inflammation.

Article by Dr. Jeannique Norbert Dr. Norbert is a chiropractor and owner of Empower Family Chiropractic in Lakeway, TX. As a Family Wellness Chiropractor she incorporates suggestions to increase family's health through wellness, 512.956.6370 | info@empowerfamilychiro.com www.empowerfamilychiro.com

Commodore Perry Estate

Your Summer Austin Getaway You would normally be anticipating a summer vacation right now but the world is still in a bit of a pause. We aren’t really sure what the future of travel looks like and if we want to be the first to jump in and test it out.

Many people are looking to stay close to home but still create memories and experiences and maybe get a little break while doing it. Fortunately there are some great options in and around Austin. An option that no one has had the opportunity to experience yet is right down in Hyde Park and will be opening on June 22nd. The brand new Auberge property will be called Commodore Perry Estate.

This urban retreat sitting on 10 acres is a historic landmark where Commodore Perry threw many a lavish party for friends and family.

IMAGINE THESE MOMENTS Borrowing a book from the mansion library, snagging a poolside lounger and letting the mind drift away.

Sipping the Bee’s Knees from a stylish coupe on the Loggia overlooking the fountain's summer’s blooms.

Listening to warm, crackly vinyl in the Mansion with specially curated reserve bottles ranging from cult Napa Valley Cabs to limited runs of small batch bourbon.

Lingering over a picnic spread complete with a comfortable picnic blanket, a game bag for a little friendly backgammon competition, and delectable bites.

Spread out your blanket in the English Gardens or head off of the Estate for lunch in Zilker park or to catch a sunset overlooking the 360 bridge.

Lounge by candlelight and dip your toes in the pool with a cocktail in hand as the pool turns into an outdoor Moroccan oasis with specialty cocktail service and poolside grilled bites in the cool nighttime air.

The mansion includes 42 King rooms and 5 King suites, personalized bar carts tailored to your preferences whether it's a spicy jalapeno margarita, Old Fashioned Martini or Gin & Tonic.

Each guest will be assigned an Estate Host that will be able to assist with any and all requests.

Commodore Perry Estates is the perfect place to reconnect and rejuvenate for a weekend or staycation.

Article by Alexandra Carrier Alexandra is a the CEO of Adventures by Alex.

512-761-3564 alex@adventuresbyalex.com

SHOULD YOU CONSIDER BUYING OR SELLING A HOME RIGHT NOW? Spring is traditionally one of the busiest times of the year for real estate. With the coronavirus outbreak and subsequent stay at home orders many individuals have put their plans to buy or sell on hold. April saw a 45% drop in new listings and a 15% drop in the number of homes sold compared to April 2019.

Fortunately, as restrictions have eased, home sales have picked back up. Many economist expect a complete rebound in July, August and September, as fears about the pandemic subside. If all of the buyers who held out during the spring return to the market this could cause a large amount of pent-up demand.

Given the current climate of the economy and potential safety

concerns, is jumping back into the real estate market right now advisable?

For you to make that decision it’s important to consider your specific needs and circumstances as well as understanding what’s likely ahead for the housing market and how it could impact your decision and your ability to buy a home.

OUTLOOK FOR THE HOUSING MARKET? In the aftermath of the coronavirus outbreak the economy has taken a severe hit. There are record numbers of unemployment, and experts believe we are headed towards a recession if we’re not already in one. However people will always need a place to live.

What impact will all these influences have on housing?

Home Prices Projected to Remain Stable Americans recall the recession of 2008 and assume home prices will drop significantly as they did then.

However in 2008 the real estate market crash was the cause of the recession no the result. Looking at information from ATTOM Data Solutions regarding the prices of home for the last five recessions shows that home prices increase in three of the five recessions. The only other time, besides 2008, that saw a decline in home prices was in 1990 and then there was only a one percent decline.

Many economist expect home prices to remain relatively steady during this down turn. The early numbers back up those assertions. As of mid-May, the median listing price in the U.S. was up 1.4% from the same period last year. In Austin we’ve seen a more pronounced increase with the median sales price up 3% in April from last year.

Demand Will Continue to Exceed Supply Affordable homes have been in short supply for years in the market and the pandemic only compounded the supply issues.

Sellers not only delayed putting their homes on the market but new home starts from builders fell 22% in March. In fact, Fannie Mae doesn’t foresee construction levels returning to pre-pandemic levels before the end of 2021.

The shortage of supply will prop up home prices despite the fact that recessionary factors might reduce the number of home buyers. Predictions on what home prices will do nationwide the remained of the years range from slight increases from Fannie Mae and the National Association of Realtors to more pessimistic views, with a decline of 2-3% expected from Zillow.

Even the most pessimistic projections would be a far cry from the double-digit declines that occurred in the last recession.

Austin is in a stronger position than the national housing market.

The pandemic and economy slowdown have not been as severe in Austin and the increase in home prices, even while the number of sales has slowed down, are a strong indicator that prices will

continue to rise this year.

Government Intervention Will Help Stabilize the Market The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed by Congress gives government-back mortgage holders who were impacted by the pandemic up to a year of reduced or delayed payments. You should consult your real estate or

HOW HAS THE REAL ESTATE PROCESS CHANGED? Real estate and mortgage professionals across the country adjusted their procedures and processes as the pandemic hit to adapt to the shifting safety standards and economic realities.

Moving to a more virtual experience may seem strange initially but international buyers, military clients and many others who have been relocating to Austin have been utilizing these tools for years.

Safety Procedures

mortgage professional prior to applying for this assistance however; as it could have an impact on your ability to purchase or refinance a home in the immediate future. Legislation like this has been pass specifically to prevent mass foreclosures like we saw in 2008 and policymakers have reacted quickly to make sure these measures have the largest impact.

The safety of our clients and team members is our top priority. That’s why we’ve been relying more on technology during the buying and selling process for our clients to minimize personal contact.

With listings you may have seen online open houses. This experience allows virtual viewings and one-on-one walk-through tours with potential buyers where questions can be answered and the entire house explored. Video

chats are also used to qualify interested buyers before booking in-person showings. All of this technology allows your home to be promoted to a wide audience while limiting the physical foot traffic to serious buyers only.

Similarly for buyers virtual showings and video tours can minimize the number of homes they need to step inside and decrease the amount of time spend previewing homes. Ready to visit a property in person?

Steps are taken to decrease contact with surfaces by asking the seller to open doors and turn on lights before arriving to the house.

Paperwork has gone mostly digital years ago with most of the legal and financial documents involved for buyers and sellers to sign done via eSignature from a computer or smartphone.

Higher Mortgage Standards and Longer Timelines The process of buying and selling real estate is taking longer these

days, with caution coming from both buyers and sellers. With fewer home available in the market it can take more time to match a buyer with the right property. However the amount of time a home stays on the market in Austin has decrease 23% from April 2019 to April 2020. This means buyers are having to make quicker decision when they see a property they like.

In a recent survey, 67% of Realtors reported delays in the closing process. While there have been delays in the appraisal and home inspection process due to increased safety protocols the top reasons where due to the added scrutiny during financing. With forbearance requests rising, lenders are becoming increasingly conservative when they issue new loans. Many are raising standards with higher credit scores and larger down payments required. You should be prepared for greater scrutiny as well as build in extra time needed for the lender to secure financing and closing to happen.

IS NOW THE RIGHT TIME FOR YOU TO MAKE A MOVE?

home to work remotely more often permanently.

There is no “one size fits all” answer when it comes to buying or selling a home because everyone situation is unique. Now that you know the state of the market and what you can expect consider the following questions:

How urgently do you need to move?

Why do you want or need to move?

Why you are considering moving is critical to understanding if now is the right time for you and if your needs or reasons may shift over the next year. For example if you need more space for your growing family then your space constraints are only likely to amplify moving forward and finding a larger home will bring many benefits.

However if you’ve been planning to move closer to work consider how your schedule and commute might change. Companies are reanalyzing their office dynamics and may encourage employees who have been working from

If you are starting a new job, have a baby on the way or want to live in a specific neighborhood you want to begin searching for homes as soon as possible. With fewer homes on the market and a longer closing process, it takes clients longer than anticipated to find and purchase a home.

Thinking of selling this year? Now is the time to prep your home.

Low inventory levels mean that you’re in an advantageous position plus predictions for a second wave of infections this winter could mean another slowdown in interested buyers. If you wait you might miss your window of opportunity.

How long do you plan to own your new home?

The U.S. real estate market has enjoyed steady appreciation since 2012, which made it fairly easy for

home owners and investors to buy and sell properties for a profit in a short period of time. While price appreciation is expected to slow for the remained of year nationwide, Austin’s market should still see steady price growth. However, your best bet for financing success is buying a home you can envision owning for several years. With today’s low interest rates the monthly payments have never been more affordable to help you start to build equity right away.

Can you meet today’s higher standards for securing a mortgage?

Lenders are tightening their mortgage standards in response to the economic activity and the growing number of forbearance requests on current mortgages.

Even if you’ve been approved in the past the higher minimum credit scores and large down payments requirements for applicants will make securing a mortgage more challenging.

Contacting your lending or real estate professional to find out if

you meet the more stringent standards is a must.

Is your income stable?

Do you think there is a good chance you could lose your job? If you answered yes you are better off waiting to buy a home. The one exception would be if you’re planning to downsize. Moving to a less expensive home would allow you to decrease your monthly payment and tap into any home equity. This can be used for a number of options to bring you financial security.

WHEN YOU’RE READY TO MOVE Uncertain market conditions may give you pause but they can also present opportunities. The average spring season would have been flooded with real estate activity, but right now only motivated buyers and sellers are in the market.

Looking to buy? Today’s record low mortgage rates give you a boost to your purchase power and with fewer buyers looking you might be able to snag the home of your dreams.

If you’re considering selling this year you’ll have fewer listing to compete against in your neighborhood but you’ll want to act quickly. Economist expect a surge of buyers who had been waiting on the sidelines to enter the market in July. Prepping your

home now is important. Also keep in mind if a second wave of coronavirus cases hits this winter buyers could return to the sidelines.

Feeling comfortable and confident during this unprecedented times can be challenging. Consulting a trusted real estate advisor who knows the market and can discuss your specific needs and circumstances is important to help you make the best decision.

Article by Troy Schlicker Troy Schlicker is a Real Estate Advisor with Engel & Völker Austin.

He is also the host of the Austin Spotlight Podcast.

512.809.6166 troy.schlicker@evrealestate.com

7 WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR MARKETING DURING DISRUPTION There’s a well-known “ancient curse” that says, “May you live in interesting times.” Well, our lives have certainly become more interesting recently. Side note, despite what I’d always heard, there’s no proof that this “curse” is actually Chinese at all. Interesting.

As the world has scrambled to meet the challenges we face,

business owners and leaders have also had to get creative and make many tough decisions in order to keep their companies viable. One set of decisions many business leaders wrestle with when times are tough is how, and how much, to market their business. In the paragraphs that follow I’ll share seven ways to improve your marketing during this disruption,

and a couple of things not to do.

1 – Take the Time to Plan Marketing is just part of your overall business plan and the best marketing is anchored in a solid overall plan.

If you don’t already have long-term goals, 5 or 10-year goals, sit back and give it a thought. Where do you want your business to be in 10 years? Be BOLD! 10-Year Goals aren’t the place for conservatism.

Do you want to own your two biggest competitors? Open in 5 new markets? Retire? These are often called BHAGS – Big Hairy Audacious Goals.

Now that you know your long-term BHAGS, where would you have to be in 3-years, in order to meet that 10-year goal? What would that look like? How much revenue would you have to have? How many team members? Paint the picture in your mind. Write it down.

Next, repeat the same process to set your 1-year goals. What are the key metrics you need to track to meet your 3-year goals? How far along will you be in 12months? Obviously, reality weighs pretty heavy on how we are setting annual goals right now. Be realistic, but don’t aim low.

Finally, what are the most important things you can get done in the next 90 days to ensure your business hits the 1-year target you just established? Now you know the top priority projects/tasks for your next quarter. Schedule around them and ensure you get them done.

Prioritize them to the top of your list. When you’re successful, you’ll be just 39 quarters away from reaching your BHAGS!

2 – Network & Collaborate Networking is a vital form of marketing for most small businesses. In today’s environment, interestingly enough, there are more

opportunities to network than ever before. In fact, it’s less expensive and less time intensive to network now than it was before this virus topsy-turvied our lives.

might never be able to regain.

Once again, it’s all about having a strong plan, and executing that plan.

So, create some new connections.

Find business leaders with complementary businesses or competing businesses and collaborate with them. Maybe it’s a shared offering or just an exchange of ideas. Whatever the result, your odds of finding an opportunity for growth increase with every Zoom happy hour and entrepreneur virtual meet up you attend.

Even though it’s important to continue to market, the message may need to change. Research has shown that most consumers want and expect companies to be operating and trying to make ends meet - it’s OK to talk about your business. That said, we’re living through a national tragedy. Tone and message are important. You can be opportunistic, without looking like an opportunist.

3 – Keep Investing Marketing is not an expense.

Marketing is an investment in the growth of your business. Right now, there are companies in your competitive set who are aggressively marketing and selling and taking market share. If you go too far into conservation mode, you’ll lose market share and mind share to those companies that you

4 - Adjust Your Messages

Focus on empathy and language.

Make sure you are highlight the value of your offering and the problem it solves for consumers. – This might be an entirely new problem that didn’t exist 3 months ago for most people. In the end, find the Win/Win. You make sales/close deals and your customer is glad they found you.

5 – Direct Response Marketing is King for Small Businesses Branding is important. That said, your business is not Apple or Coke. You probably don’t have billions to spend on building your brand. Most small businesses need marketing that drives real, bottomline results now. Brand awareness, familiarity and building credibility in the marketplace are great sidebenefits of a well-designed directresponse marketing campaign. So is getting the cash register to ring!

Some of the most common types of Direct Response campaigns for small businesses are Direct Mail, Google Ads and social media advertising. Regardless of the platform, all direct response ads should include the following elements:

There is a compelling offer for your targeted audience There is a call to action – Tell your audience how to respond.

Call to Get Your FREE Gift!

Clear Instructions – Confused Prospects Don’t Buy. Tracking and Measurement – One great thing about digital or print Direct Response advertising is you can track the response to the offer. Make sure you understand how you are going to track response before you invest.

Strong Copy. – What makes your business different? What’s the value? What’s the motivating factor for your audience, there problem?

6 – If Your Website is Not Up to Speed, Your Results Will Lag Think about how you shop. You see an ad, either online, in a magazine or flyer or on a billboard. You pull out your phone to check out the company’s website. If the site is horrible, the interaction is over. If the site is good, you learn more about the company/product. If you’ve been waiting to update your website, now is the time. It’s one of the most important investments you can make in your business, regardless of how you typically advertise. There are other pieces that play into your overall online presence, but none are as important to new customer acquisition as a quality website.

7 – Increase and Improve Your Online Reviews Did you know that most people now trust online reviews more than they trust a recommendation from a friend or family member? Let’s go back to your shopping habits again. After you check a company’s website, or maybe before, you check their online reviews. No reviews or terrible reviews means

no sale. There are a variety of ways and tools to help improve your online reviews. Prices range from free (time) to thousands of dollars.

I’d encourage you to try this experiment. Google your category. How many reviews do your top competitors have? You need to have at least enough to appear credible next to them on that list or you will not be included in most consumer’s consideration sets.

Finally, as promised, two things not to do during a downturn Don’t Cut Your Advertising! I know, that’s a lot like Keep Investing, but it’s important.

Don’t think, “But my business is different.” – All businesses require a steady flow of new customers to survive. In a “normal” year, up to 20 percent of your customers either move or retire. What will that percentage be this year?!

One last note of advice. Take action using a multi-channel approach and be disciplined about tracking your results/ROI. Not all marketing vehicles work for every business. It takes discipline and planning to track results and adjust message, placement etc. to drive a positive ROI. Find a partner, or a couple, you enjoy working with then plan, execute, measure, repeat.

Article by Kevin Wilmore Kevin Wilmore is the owner of The Inside Coup Austin.

505.553.0676| kwilmore@theinsidecoup.com

Have you noticed a change in your child’s mood or a decrease in their motivation? It’s possible that a lack of confidence can cause or worsen these issues. Here are some signs of low self-esteem to look out for in children: Difficulty taking criticism.

Low self-esteem levels can be associated with sensitivity to criticism. This also includes a student’s resilience, or their ability to “bounce back” after a challenging situation. It’s not unusual to feel “down in the dumps” after a bad test score – after all, nobody likes to fail.

However, if you notice your child becoming severely critical of themselves after a disappointing result, there may be deeper issues at play. With low selfesteem, students aren’t able to develop a growth mindset – the inner confidence that they can overcome challenges through applying themselves.

How to Spot Low Self-Esteem In Your Child?

Decreased motivation.

If you notice your child lacks motivation in school, low selfesteem may be a factor. This is especially true if grades are beginning to slip – academic success is made up of many components, and self-esteem (or academic confidence) is just one of them. When students feel like they

material. As a result, they aren’t able to find meaning in what they are learning. In many cases, a private tutor can serve as an academic coach – able to design customized lesson plans and instructional approaches that cater to the individual student’s interests and needs.

Unwillingness to try new things.

aren’t able to keep up with academic requirements, they can begin to lose their confidence to succeed in school altogether. This can in turn create a “snowball” effect where the student’s decreased interest and effort towards school further affects their grades. When students lack motivation, it often means they are having trouble connecting to the

If a student is unwilling to try new things, it may mean that they feel uncomfortable stepping outside of their comfort zone. Trying new approaches and enjoying new things is a wonderful part of life, and kids with low self-esteem may unknowingly miss out on rewarding experiences due to their unwillingness to experiment.

Of course, if a child prefers familiarity, that doesn’t necessarily mean they have low self-esteem.

Some children have a more passive approach towards life and just aren’t as eager to jump into new things right away. However, if you notice your child’s selectivity is beginning to impact possible

growth low self-esteem may be a factor and should be addressed.

Advice for Parents It’s important to remember that, when it comes to mental health, not everything can be determined by clear cut indicators. For instance – some students may have a lack of energy that comes from low selfesteem. However, a lack of energy can also come from poor diet or irregular sleeping patterns.

In other words, we shouldn’t be quick to assume that self-esteem problems are the sole cause of a particular problem. Some students have healthy self-esteem but may just be more reserved – being shy doesn’t necessarily mean you lack confidence.

In general, it’s best to consider selfesteem as one part of a person’s overall mental health. If you notice any serious emotional changes or increasingly withdrawn behavior, there may be other issues as play and you should contact your child’s doctor and/or teacher immediately.

Article by Michelle Smallwood

Michelle Smallwood is a the Owner of Tutor Doctor in Lakeway 512-550-9924 msmallwood@tutordoctor.com www.tutordoctor.com/lakeway

Creative Ideas for a COVID Date Night It’s hard enough to do Date Night when all is well in the world.

Normally, it’s all the kid activities or social and family obligations that get in the way. Now, with so many activities and social gatherings put on hold, why is it so hard to do Date Night? You may think, “well there is nowhere to go”, “I can’t get a babysitter because I don’t know where they have been”, or you have just gotten on each other’s nerves so

much that you really don’t feel like being “a couple” at the moment.

STOP! Take the time now to do a Date Night! Now is the time when it is most important. Take advantage of this lull in commitments and recommit to your spouse. Most of us have some problem-solving skills, so let’s use them now and come up with a way to do

Date Night every week. To get you started, here are a few recommendations.

Getting creative with an athome Date Night If you have kids, put them to bed early or set up a movie for them in one of the bedrooms and tell them they can’t come out unless it is a true emergency. Then have your Date Night!

Have a picnic in your backyard.

Light some candles, start a fire, roast some marshmallows. Get out of your head and out of your home-isolation routine and have some fun together. Make sure you take your shoes off and touch the earth, it's healing and therapeutic.

Cook together. Think about what your favorite meal is and make it together. If you’re already getting on each other’s nerves, pick an easy recipe. If things are going well between the two of you, pick a challenging meal. It’s always great to get outside your comfort zone with your partner. That way you can grow together through overcoming and prevailing through a challenging experience.

If you really want to get outside your comfort zone, do a virtual cooking class. Several have popped up with great chefs teaching viewers how to make their famous dishes.

Do a virtual wine tasting. There are many wineries, companies, and stores offering a variety of options.

Some have you pick up your wine, others deliver it ahead of time. Pick one that works for you.

What if you have the luxury of a Date Night out?

If you have any family members, either in the home or outside of the home that you are still visiting with, ask them to watch the kids for a couple of hours.

Go have a picnic at the park. Pack your favorite snacks, some music, and a blanket and go be with each other. If you are really adventurous, take a kite to fly. Flying a kite really gets you outside of your head.

Again, make sure you take your shoes off and touch the earth, very healing and therapeutic.

Find a restaurant that is practicing safe social distancing and the recommended safety protocols.

Make reservations and enjoy the evening together. Many restaurants are re-opening with your safety in mind. Reward them with your patronage.

Get out of town and go for a ride in the country. Fill up the tank with gas, pack some snacks, and take off without a plan in mind. Explore some of the back roads of Texas that you have never traveled. Take notes of where you want to return when more things open back up.

The bottom line is, have a date night every week. If you do the work to nurture your relationship, then you will have a healthy relationship. If you don’t, you won’t. Simple cause and effects logic!

Article by Dr. Norma J Perez Norma Perez has a PhD in Clinical Psychology and runs a private practice at Mind, Body, Life Connection.

512-365-4278 drperez@mindbodylifeconnection.com www.mindbodylifeconnection.com

BOOSTING YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM I’m often asked, “How do I improve my immune system?" Especially this year, as we have been faced with so much illness and pandemic fears, I have been asked over and over again- “Am I doing enough to stay healthy? What else do I need to do to keep my immune system strong?”

Now more than ever, the phrase "boosting our immune system" seems to be a buzz “word”. What does this mean?

Your immune system is the part of your body that helps you fight off infection, and, if and when you get sick, it is your immune system that keeps any infection under control, kills the infection, and removes the infection from your body. We want

to keep this incredible system of ours running at optimal performance.

How do you do this? You can focus on these steps to help you maintain a strong immune system.

First of all; sleep is under-rated! As important as a healthy diet and exercise are, proper sleep is every bit as critical. Poor quality sleep and lack of sleep can cause many physical health issues. This can also affect what may not appear as a physical issue - at least not right away - and that is your mood.

Sleep deprivation can increase stressors, and as a result, outside stress can seem much worse.

Depression and anxiety follow closely behind. Additionally, if we don’t get enough sleep, physical health is closely affected. Blood pressure changes, your metabolism is altered and you diet is negatively affected (hello carbs and sugar to stay alert!). If sleepdeprived, we often don't have time

or make the time, to exercise and our physical activity level suffers.

This can directly affect our brain and even our emotional regulation.

Sleep is actually involved in the regulation of these immune cells mentioned above, and these cells help fight off infection. Those of us who are sleep deprived actually have an increased risk of contracting a virus or bacterial infection when exposed to these pesky germs.

Your cognitive and decision making skills are also affected without proper sleep. This affects our concentration in school and work.

I chuckle when I admit that power naps are THE way I got through med school, but it is true! As the quintessential “napper”, I could literally shut my brain off in two minutes, close my eyes, and take a power nap for 25 minutes, then wake up and hit the books again.

Limiting media exposure and eliminating blue light (TV, phones, tech screens) close to bedtime will help your body's circadian rhythm and lead to better sleep.

Decrease caffeine in the afternoon and evening. Have you ever wondered why you can’t drink several cups of coffee now that you're in your 30s or 40s like you could in college? It's not unusual for college students to drink several cups of coffee, or even a few pots, while cramming for exams, and still be able to go to sleep at night. This is because our liver does a beautiful job of detoxifying when we are young when we are a bit older not so much. This is part of the aging process and can cause us to have more restless sleep, if we can sleep at all. When the body has excess caffeine our sleep is also less restorative, not to mention the trips to the restroom in the middle of the night!

Your bedtime routine and sleep hygiene is critical too. Sounds bizarre but establishing a bedtime

routine of unwinding, and using your bed for sleep and sex only while trying to go to sleep and waking up at the same time daily will lead to more restful nights and rejuvenated mornings.

The other key component to an optimized immune systems is a diet rich in key immune boosting ingredients. Some of the most important are: Vitamin B6; which is crucial to support biochemical reactions in the immune system. B6 rich foods include chicken, cold water fish, (salmon/tuna) and green veggies, chickpeas (Yum! Hello, hummus!).

Vitamin C; one of the biggest immune system boosters of all!

A lack of Vitamin C can make you more prone to illness. Your body does not store Vitamin C so you need to take it in daily, but it’s in many foods, and if you don’t get enough there are high quality supplements available. Foods rich in Vitamin C include oranges, grapefruit, tangerine, strawberries, bell peppers, kale, broccoli and spinach.

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps the body fight off infection. Foods rich in E include nuts, seeds, and spinach.

Zinc, known as an antiinflammatory and antioxidant, helps the main immune cells perform their job, and, in turn, helps our bodies recover from, and respond to illness. Adding a zinc supplement to your regimen, especially right now, helps to ensure that you are better prepared for those pesky germs we discussed earlier.

Foods high in zinc include red meat, shell fish and nuts.

Finally, stress is a major factor that affects both our sleep and diet and it's more prevalent in times of uncertainty. One of the best ways for you to handle stress and anxiety is to reach out to a friend who may be going through the same things or to talk to a professional.

Article by Brynna Connor, M.D. Dr. Connor is a physician who is double board certified in Family Medicine and Anti-Aging & Regenerative Medicine.

512-382-9500 | www.doctorconnor.com brynnaconnormd@gmail.com