Lose weight: The first step counts

The path to your desired weight starts with a clear goal. Set yourself realistic expectations and divide your big goal into smaller stages. It is important not to want to change everything immediately. Small changes that you can integrate into your everyday life make a big difference.

As always first:

5 facts about losing weight

5 facts about losing weight that you may not have heard yet!

1. Muscles burn calories – The more muscle you have, the higher your basal metabolic rate, even at rest.
2. Sleep affects your weight – Less than seven hours of sleep can promote cravings and weight gain.
3. Water as a fat burner – Drinking water before every meal increases calorie consumption and reduces calorie intake.
4. Stress makes you fat – Chronic stress increases cortisol, which promotes fat accumulation, especially on the stomach.
5. Weight fluctuates daily – changes due to water, salt or hormones are normal, so focus on the long-term trend.

Why the first step is so crucial

The road to your dream figure is long, but it’s worth it! Losing weight often fails because the beginning seems too complicated. Start with a simple task, such as going for a ten-minute walk every day or planning your meals more consciously. This is exactly where the key lies:

“Just start and keep at it.”

Luke Jaque-Rodney

Even small habits, such as drinking water instead of sugary drinks, can make a difference. A minimalist diet – using only the foods you really need – also helps you to keep track of your diet and avoid stress. You can find more tips on this here in the interview with Spiegel bestselling author Luke Jaque-Rodney.

Bring more movement into your everyday life

Exercise is an essential part of losing weight. You don’t have to join a gym straight away – small changes in your everyday life are often enough to see the first results.

Calculate basal metabolic rate free of charge

With our free basal metabolic rate calculator, you can quickly find out how many calories your body needs every day. This value helps you to adjust your diet plan, regardless of whether you want to lose, gain or maintain your weight. Simply enter your age, weight, height and gender and get started!

Calculate your basal metabolic rate free of charge & online

The best tips for more exercise

• Start with a daily walk – just 30 minutes a day can help.
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator or deliberately park your car further away.
• Find a sport that you enjoy – whether it’s yoga, dancing or cycling, there are many options.

For long-term success, it is important to develop a routine. Fitness expert René also recommends preparing your meals in advance to help you cope with stressful days. Read his best meal prep ideas here.

Healthy eating: fewer calories, more quality

Losing weight only works if you eat fewer calories than you consume. But that doesn’t mean you have to starve yourself. A balanced diet that fills you up and still saves calories is the key.

• 40+ Diets (external on doktorfy.de)

How to change your diet

Start by replacing high-calorie foods with healthier alternatives. Focus on fresh vegetables, high-quality protein sources such as chicken or tofu and healthy fats from nuts or avocado. Plan your meals in advance to avoid unhealthy snacks. An easy place to start is with low-calorie recipes that are still tasty and filling, such as these fitness recipes.

Tips for everyday life

• Eat smaller portions and use smaller plates.
• Avoid highly processed foods and cook fresh as often as possible.
• Drink enough water – we often confuse thirst with hunger.

If you’re looking for inspiration for healthy snacks, you might be interested in these ideas: healthy snacks and to-go products.

Alternatives: WeightWatchers, Ozempic & Co.

For people who find it difficult to lose weight through diet and exercise alone, communities such as WeightWatchers can be an option.

Medication such as Ozempic is another option. This prescription medication supports weight loss by reducing the feeling of hunger and regulating blood sugar levels. However, you should only use such alternatives after consulting a doctor. Ozempic and similar medications (such as Wegovy or Mounjaro) should always be part of a comprehensive approach that includes a healthy diet and regular exercise.

What do I recommend? The healthy way, method “FDH” (eat half) + more exercise, that saves money and you experience more = winwin! With or without aids, during the weight loss process but also afterwards: stick with it!

Keep at it: Motivation and mindset

Losing weight is not a sprint, but a marathon. Setbacks are part of it, but they are no reason to give up. With the right attitude, you can be successful in the long term.

How to stay motivated

Set yourself small, achievable goals and reward yourself for success. Keep a food diary or track your progress with an app. To stay motivated, you can also train and cook together with friends or family. Exercise, nutrition, healthy awareness, that’s all you need if you’re motivated.

My tip: enjoy the process! Find joy in exercise and discover healthy foods that you enjoy. Losing weight shouldn’t just be a goal, but a journey to a healthier lifestyle.

Your path to a healthier life

The path to losing weight starts with the first step. Whether you start with more exercise, a healthy diet or both – the important thing is that you get started. Stick to realistic goals, find a routine that suits you and don’t let setbacks discourage you. You can do it!

Step 1: Calculate your calorie requirement

Do you already know our weight loss calculator? Food, calories, calorie requirement, BMI & Co.

• Weight loss calculator

Camping adventures planned: from the idea to the roof tent

The video is about a family called Gittel, consisting of Tino, Yvonne and their daughter Samiya, who are preparing for a camping adventure. Tino has the idea of getting his family excited about camping, although Yvonne has always preferred hotel vacations. In the video you can see their thoughts on how to choose the roof tent from iKamper and plan their trip, including the choice of campsite.

iKamper is a popular brand for roof tents. You can read more about it here:

• IKamper roof tent

You can watch the video here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uf5K8JMaoKE

The fascination of camping adventures: costs, equipment & family

The camping trend is enjoying great popularity, and many people cherish the desire for unrestricted freedom. They long for a vacation in the great outdoors that allows them to sleep in the most beautiful places and move on flexibly, depending on their mood. Whether you opt for a caravan, motorhome or tent depends on your personal preferences. According to a study by the ADAC, there are already 15 million enthusiastic campers in Germany. But how do you find your way around this wide range?

Between skepticism & anticipation: camping on vacation

Tino, Yvonne and Samiya Gittel live in North Rhine-Westphalia. Tino has come up with something special for his next vacation: he wants to get his family interested in camping. He thinks camping is very exciting, while his wife Ivonne is skeptical at first. She is worried that she will have to restrict herself too much in terms of space and comfort. However, their nine-year-old daughter is also enthusiastic about the idea. She has already been on a camping vacation with her aunt and had a lot of fun. So her mother is going to try it out for her sake.

This family tests camping: Ivonne, Tino and daughter Samiya.

Camping solution: roof tent, tent trailer & caravan

Sure, this year the decision has been made to go camping. However, there are different types of camping. Should it be a caravan or motorhome, or would you prefer a tent or caravan? The variety of options is considerable. A motorhome or caravan undoubtedly offers a certain level of luxury. But Tino has heard from relatives and friends who are faced with the problem of having to put their vehicle somewhere at the end of the season year after year.

A folding caravan or tent trailer, which is more compact than a caravan, is ruled out as it is too time-consuming for the family to set up. After extensive research on the Internet, the Gittels finally decide on a roof tent. Most rooftop tents on the net only offer a standard sleeping area of 1.40 meters maximum, which is too narrow for three people. Finally, they came across a suitable option – the X-Cover from iKamper, which is large enough to accommodate four people, measuring 2.10 by 1.90 meters.

Here you can quickly compare the considerations of the Gittel family:

The solution to the space problem: a larger roof tent! (Tip: You can find suitable sizes under: Roof tent for 2 people, Roof tent for 3 people, Roof tent for 4 people and Roof tent for 5 people).

Price of roof tents: Search for bargains

In terms of price, roof tents range between 800 and 4,000 euros. The decisive criteria for buying a roof tent are a sleeping area of at least 1.60 meters wide, quick set-up and an affordable price, with a pain threshold of 3,000 euros. The Gittels’ dream roof tent is somewhat expensive at 3,300 euros. However, you can also find second-hand tents on the Internet, which means you can make considerable savings. They browse for new items and bargains. Tino and Yvonne find what they are looking for: their dream tent now costs just 2,500 euros.

Price: 800 – 4,000 euros (used: around 2,500 euros)

Searching for the campsite: preparation & planning

Tino’s next challenge is to find the right campsite, which is no easy task given that there are almost 2,800 campsites in Germany. But which of these campsites is the right one for the family? The selection criteria are many and varied, because it’s not just about the campsite’s facilities. The family is looking for cleanliness and peace and quiet, which is why Tino believes that it is important to find out about the campsites in advance, for example by reading reviews and ratings.

They also want the campsite to have certain facilities, including a playground and a restaurant, to ensure they can cater for themselves on site. A site with at least four stars is preferred, and it should be a reasonably priced alternative to a hotel. In addition, they need to consider what sights they want to see and what activities they want to do. For more comfort, the roof tent is mounted on a trailer.

If you want to go camping with your child, these criteria can also help you find the right campsite:

• Reviews & ratings
• Cleanliness, relaxation & tranquillity
• Amount of the price
• Sights & activities
• Playground & restaurant?

Not just planning a campsite: buying accessories

Before the journey can begin, Tino and Yvonne have to do some shopping, including two sleeping bags, two sleeping mats as well as pots, crockery and cutlery to ensure that they are well supplied during the trip. Of course, a second-hand camping kitchen is also a must in the trailer. Tino is particularly concerned about the provisions, as he appreciates a certain level of comfort.

You need this absolute basic equipment in any case:

• Sleeping bags
• Sleeping mats
• Kitchen
• Pots
• Tableware
• Cutlery

Tip! You can read about what else you should take with you and other important camping tips here: Camping accessories.

Environmental protection & choice of destination: car & travel

A big advantage for Tino and Yvonne are the operating costs, as they use an electric car. This means that they only have to pay around 70 euros in electricity costs for a 500 km journey, compared to almost 100 euros if they were to use an older petrol car. It is also a more environmentally friendly travel option. For a shorter trip, the family opts for the North Sea coast and Cuxhaven as their destination. Friends of theirs are also camping there, and they like it too.

These tips will help you protect the environment and your wallet:

• Electric car: lower operating costs
• Choice of destination: not too far away

Is it worth it? Camping adventures with the family

In conclusion, the question arises as to whether the financial outlay was worth it and whether a camping vacation can be considered a cost-effective alternative to a hotel stay. The Gittel family is satisfied with their camping adventure. Samiya sleeps restfully in the roof tent and all family members can switch off in the fresh North Sea air without an all-inclusive program and time pressure. This vacation has brought the family closer together and they are ready for more camping adventures.

Here is the conclusion of our tester family in a nutshell:

• Satisfied Gittel family
• Restful sleep in the roof tent
• Relax in the fresh North Sea air
• Strengthening family cohesion
• More camping adventures with pleasure

Rooftop tent manufacturer: Overview for beginners

Would you also like to buy your first roof tent for the family? You can find many different manufacturers here:

• Rooftop tent manufacturer

Roof tent comparison: the best roof tent?

To help you find the right one, you can take a look at this comparison.

• Rooftop tent comparison

Sleeping in the great outdoors: that’s wild camping!

Wild camping refers to camping or spending the night in the wild outside of campgrounds or private property. It means staying overnight in a place that is not specifically set up for camping purposes. Wild camping involves finding a suitable place in nature, such as a remote forest, field or mountain, to pitch your tent and spend the night.

Close to nature & freedom to choose sleeping place

Wild camping offers a more intense nature experience and greater freedom in terms of site selection and activities compared to camping at organized campgrounds. It allows campers to choose their own campsite according to personal preferences and the needs of the trip. This opens the possibility of discovering remote places and experiencing new adventures in nature.

Rest & relaxation: recharge energy reserves

Wild camping allows you to be away from the crowded tourist areas and enjoy the beauty of nature in a secluded environment. It provides an escape from stressful everyday life and offers the opportunity to relax and recover from physical and mental stress. Spending time in nature, away from urban noise and distractions, creates space for inner peace and recharging energy reserves. It helps that you experience the wild camping, the animal and plant world up close.

Self-sufficiency, but inexpensive

When wild camping, people are often on their own and must provide their own equipment, food, and preparation. This fosters a sense of self-reliance and self-sufficiency as people learn to navigate the outdoors and be independent. Another advantage of wild camping is that it is a cost-effective alternative, as there are often no overnight fees. This allows travelers on a limited budget to experience and enjoy nature without the high cost of campgrounds.

That’s what wild camping is all about!

Quickly in the overview – that’s what’s special about wild camping:

• Camping in the great outdoors, away from campgrounds & private grounds.
• Freedom to choose where to sleep, such as remote forests, fields or mountain
• Intensive experience of nature & allows to discover remote places
• Rest, relaxation & recreation away from crowded tourist areas
• Promotes self-reliance, self-sufficiency & self-reliance in nature.
• Cost-effective alternative, as there are no overnight charges

Alternative to camping: Wild camping allowed!

When wild camping, it is important to note that in many countries and regions legal regulations apply or wild camping may even be completely prohibited. These rules are in place to protect nature, avoid danger, and prevent conflicts with landowners. To avoid fines or other legal consequences, you should inform yourself about the respective laws and regulations before wild camping.

Wild Camping in Germany: Allowed or forbidden?

In Germany, the following regulations apply:

In principle, wild camping is not allowed. However, briefly entering natural areas for recreation is allowed as long as you do not pitch a tent or give the impression of “living” there. It is allowed to sleep under the open sky, even with a tarp (also called a tarp). Except in Berlin, you are not allowed to do that. In Hesse and Schleswig-Holstein you are also not allowed to leave paths at night. It is also forbidden to camp in nature reserves, national parks or on private property without the owner’s consent.

When traveling by car, you are allowed to stop at the side of the road to “restore your fitness to drive.” This means you are allowed to rest briefly, but then you should continue driving. Again, you are not allowed to unpack your camping table and appear to be “living”. You should follow these rules to protect nature and avoid negative impact on the environment.

Alternative: trekking places in the open nature

However, there are also special trekking sites, which are smaller pitches for campers in the wild. Spending the night there is allowed. Usually these offer space for up to four tents, have a few simple seats and sparse sanitary facilities. However, you get closer to nature than in a conventional campsite. Surrounded by nature and the sounds of the forest, you can slowly drift off to sleep or cook under the open sky – with the cooking tips you are suitably prepared.

In Germany, wild camping is generally prohibited, but brief entry into natural areas for recreation is permitted. As an alternative, there are trekking sites that allow you to spend the night in the great outdoors and offer a more intense experience of nature.

Where to go? Travel tips!

In some countries, wild camping is even allowed, although there are certain rules and restrictions. It is of great importance to check the current information and regulations locally to make sure that you do not violate any laws or regulations. This article is for general information only and does not constitute binding legal advice.

Wild camping allowed: Estonia, Lithuania & Latvia

In these countries, wild camping is allowed as long as no noise is caused and no damage is done to nature. It is not allowed to camp in nature reserves and time and regional restrictions may apply. So please inform yourself thoroughly about the specific region you want to camp in.

Two days in one place: Finland, Sweden & Norway

Wild camping is also generally allowed in the Scandinavian countries of Sweden and Norway, as long as you stay away from agricultural land. You are expected to take your trash with you, and camping is usually allowed for a maximum of two days in one place.

You can find more vacation tips for the two countries here:

• Camping in Sweden
• Camping in Norway

Wild camping far from private land: Scotland

Wild camping is also allowed in Scotland as long as no pollution is left behind and no remains of tents and fires are left behind. However, there are regional restrictions and seasonal wild camping may not be allowed in some areas. Stick to the limit of three days in one place and camp only with a small group of people. In addition, stay away from farms, pastures, fields, private property and homes.

Preparation: Gather info & pack equipment beforehand

Before you set out on your wild camping adventure, it’s important to be aware of the legal requirements and regulations in your destination to avoid fines and legal consequences. Always think about your safety, learn about potential hazards and take a first aid kit and a communication device, such as a cell phone. Create an emergency plan and share your travel plans with someone for assistance if needed.

Wild camping holds the unique opportunity to experience nature intensively and enjoy greater freedom in site selection and activities. Respect nature, be responsible and don’t leave trash behind. By preparing yourself, respecting the environment and paying attention to safety, you can have an unforgettable adventure in the great outdoors while ensuring that future campers can enjoy the beauty of nature.

You should pay attention to this before you set out:

• Find out about legal requirements & regulations
• Think about your safety & inform yourself about dangers
• First aid kit & care for functioning communication
• Create a contingency plan & share your travel plans with someone
• Respect nature & be responsible (no trash)

Equipment: Exciting days & cold nights

When you’re getting ready to go wild camping, keep these things in mind.

Maps or navigation aids and a headlamp are important so you can find your way without reception or light. A power bank is also helpful, as there are no outlets outside and you should keep your phone functional for emergencies. Remember to bring trash bags to make sure you don’t leave any trash or dirt in the environment. Also, warm clothing is crucial as it can get cold quickly at night and in bad weather.

In addition to these essential items, you should also have standard camping gear, such as sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and cooking utensils. A suitable sleeping accommodation is also important, especially if you want to park anywhere but still want comfort. In this case, as before, it makes sense to take a roof tent. The roof tent you can quickly and easily unfold anywhere you want to camp and yet it takes up less space on the roof of your car than a caravan.

You can get help with setting up here: Sleeping & Living while camping!

With this packing list you are suitably prepared:

• Map or navigation aid
• Forehead or flashlight
• Mobile Phone & Powerbank
• Garbage bags
• Warm & weatherproof clothing
• Sleeping bags, camping mats & cooking utensils

If you want to read about it in more detail, you can read on here: Camping Packing List.

What is a pitch? Definition & Help

Larger projects are usually advertised so that several potential cooperation partners can apply for the job. The various participants then prepare their concept and present it. There are different forms of pitches and representation possibilities.

Pitches in advertising agencies: how the presentation works

Especially for creative ideas, large companies and firms like to draw on the expertise of several agencies. No matter whether it’s an advertising film, a creative online campaign or a viral social media campaign. For all these marketing methods it always takes a lot of good ideas. Since tastes are always different, even the best ideas often do not reach the customer, just as often there are bad ideas of which one is not really convinced. It is therefore advantageous to invite several cooperation partners to a pitch. Here they present their concepts in a short and clear presentation. What ideas and strategies are behind our concept? What does the media package look like? What goals have we set ourselves and what success do we expect from them? All this is presented in a pitch.

As a rule, there is a certain framework budget for the development of such detailed pitches. Such an advertising agency pitch is often worthwhile, because behind a copy, several large jobs stand. If then only three, or four agencies are allowed to contribute their ideas, after all most pitches are paid and you can’t commission infinite agencies, you have realistic chances to win the tender and achieve success.

In addition to all the success factors and key figures, such as the potential sales volume, there are usually figures that provide information about reach and performance. This is where social analytics comes into play and the ability to view Instagram channels in detail. Not only in competitor analyses to position yourself in competition, but also for advertising and promotion by bloggers and influencers. Here it helps to include very meaningful numbers and statistical values in the presentation.

Pitches for investors: preparation for start ups

Investors also expect a detailed presentation of the project at their pitches. As a rule, it is a matter of gathering the necessary capital for a new company. Anyone who provides capital wants to get a return on it. The return prospects for an investor are clarified in a pitch by the entrepreneur. Here, too, the reach plays a particularly important role, because the more people know about you, the more you might buy the product. The analysis in social networks, especially Instagram, is also becoming more important for investors because they also make their decisions on the basis of figures and data. Of course also out of faith in the entrepreneur himself, but in the end the figures must always be correct and convincing.

Social Analytics helps analyze the followers of bloggers and influencers for Instagram so they can provide meaningful data about the potential of your project. However, they can also use statistics and diagrams, as well as CSV exports, to demonstrate how their growth can be calculated on a sound basis. Instagram plays an extremely important role in many industries that deal with personal banking. Almost one billion people use their Instagram account several times a day. Brands that show presence here benefit from an incredible reach that founders would never have dreamed of ten years ago. At that time, you had to buy your reach through expensive campaigns, for start ups it was usually the flyer, very large companies placed advertisements in newspapers at high prices. If you have a large number of fans behind you on Instagram who support you, you will get this reach every day for free direct and indirect advertising of products. With every Like that is distributed and with every new comment, new people who follow the people who have interacted with us will see our contributions. In this way we can generate organic growth!

3 Tips for your first presentation on a pitch

Here we have prepared three practical tips for your first pitch presentation, which will certainly help you.

Be brief

Investors are often from the same or similar industry, but often do not have the same depth that you have invested in your project. So you should bring in the important key figures, but not get too deeply into the individual processes. For example, when pitching a software application, you should look at the benefits to users, the uniqueness and differentiation from the competition, and the key growth and return figures. It doesn’t matter which office furniture you should buy, or whether you choose Mac or Windows computers.

Demonstrate your presentation simply

If you use too many colors or animations, you’ll quickly become too playful. Investors prefer to see good old Excel lists that are clean and neatly structured! Here are clear facts and figures, provable, calculable, calculable. Your presentation should be structured in exactly the same way, avoiding all kinds of bells and whistles and adhering to facts and verifiable information. Avoid too much color play and animations. Many want to show through animation that you are creative, but investors are looking for people who can calculate well themselves and understand something about their job!

Take your audience with

If you inspire your audience, even if it only concerns a few people, then you have already achieved a lot. Most people who invest in a project do not invest directly in the hard figures, but also to a large extent in the trust in the respective cooperation partner. So if you manage to communicate your own idea with enthusiasm right from the start, you will often experience enthusiasm the same way back. On the one hand it helps to use small techniques, e.g. to rebuild oneself shortly before the presentation and to motivate oneself. It is also important to look the people you are talking to in the eye so that they feel adressed. You will usually always find a person who is relatively benevolent towards you. Grab this person, but don’t forget the others, make eye contact, get confirmation and feedback in between. Maybe you’re even lucky and this person is the one who is decisive, who gives the yes or no in the end. It is important not to be closed, radiate enthusiasm that you love your product yourself.

If you have internalized all these points, then you will definitely get your pitch through the stage well! The next step: Exercise, exercise, exercise!

You should always keep this in mind during preparation:

1. Pitch – max. 10 minutes
2. Elevator Pitch – 15 to 45 seconds
3. Why?
   Project Approval > Internal
   Investment > External
   Order > Customer

Do’s & Don’ts at pitches in agencies and before investors

A lot of theory – but what does the investor say in practice? What does a pitch have to be like in order to become an investor? The core statements of a very interesting, albeit spontaneous interview with investor icon Frank Thelen get to the heart of the matter. Frank Thelen himself was a Tech founder and is now a full-time investor. Accordingly, he not only invests in companies, he also actively looks after their interests and concerns. Accordingly, he is critical and selective when it comes to choosing the right companies; after all, you have a completely different bond when your own money is involved! In this spontaneous interview at the airport, he answers central questions very dotted. You should read through the most important learnings and core statements.

The full interview can be seen on the channel Start Up TV, titled: “Frank Thelen about: Investments, good and bad pitches & cave of the lions”:

Frank Thelens central statements as investor (interview statements)

What annoys you about pitches?

• “I have 1% market share and it’s a billion business idea”
• Buzzwords like “big data with blockchain”, although you don’t know what you’re talking about (buzzwords without substance).
• Founders do not bring over ideas (taking an extra 3 minutes). Ergo: The pitch must be prepared.

Should founders address problems?

• Yes, e.g. the CTO is missing. This is much better than hiding deficits
• I am impressed: “These are my strengths, these are my weaknesses, so I would like to fix that, you can help me”

What do you bring in when you invest?

• Cash is the smallest part. Finance to technology, server scaling, design, sales.
• 6 persons help as team plus network (and own start ups; experiences).
• We call 1x week, sometimes daily (PS: Frank Thelen is only investor, that is his core business).

What do you pay attention to when you invest in a start-up?

• Liabilities, outstanding receivables, patents (applied for or granted), market
• … Pitches are information on “espresso base”
• I don’t want 70% from a “bad founder”. I want to have 20%, with good company, take up new capital and in the end I go out with 10%

What makes a good founding team?

• The team is the basis – Ingenious idea, weak team? No investment
• Are the right people on board to move the product forward?
• “Unfair advantage”, e.g. 20 years of sales experience because sales is important or a technical genius who develops the algorithm because the company lives from generating high data quality. The team must fit the product!

You know the theory. You heard the practice. Let’s pitch!

Elevator Pitch: 15 seconds for all facts

The fastest form of self-presentation is the Elevator Pitch. The Elevator Pitch can not only be used for business models, but also for the presentation of the own person this fast variant of the presentation is suitable, especially after the Pitch, if it goes into the personal or as a component to the own presentation in the complete Pitch.

For an elevator pitch you have 15 to 45 seconds. So your task is to pack as many key messages as possible into a limited period of time. So forget details, it’s about attention and your USPs. First of all here is a rough model for the fast elevator pitch: attention / problem / business idea / qualifications. In the shortest form possible, you don’t even get your business idea across. This super short elevator pitch is created when a certain person has just heard about your business model and wants to quickly find out who you are between the door and the hinge. If your counterpart already knows what your project is about, it is now only about you as a person. The chance (for you) to get a coveted business card if, for example, you are a potential business agent or investor.

Elevator Pitch – Person (Career)

1. Get your attention (who are you? [start of conversation])
2. Note your career steps, goals and experiences (such as Photoshop or Design)
3. emphasize qualifications (like businessman/businesswoman)
4. Highlight (for the task) special qualifications (such as awards or 15 years mother [e.g. at Start Up online shop for baby needs])
5. Finish with open questions like “If you had time, I’d like to know more about your company and the opportunities”

And then it’s practice, practice, practice again. Training in front of the mirror is worth it. Every training is worthwhile to talk to employees, friends or already the first potential prospects or customers: “Oh, you are the founder of XY, how did you come up with the idea?

Elevator Pitch – Business (Project)

When it comes to your business model, it is worth using templates. The danger that you lose too much time with details is great without much experience and practice. Therefore I have here excellent templates for the fast, first Elevator Business Pitch. Find the structure that suits your business model best and convert the text modules accordingly.

Pitches are about convincing in every situation that the more secure your pitch elements are, the better your live performance will be.

Ask a question that identifies a pain point + introduce what you do + state your unique value proposition.

by Paige Arnof-Fenn, Founder & CEO, Mavens & Moguls

For (target customer) who (statement of the need or opportunity), our (product or service name) is (product category) that (statement of benefit). Unlike (our competitors), we offer (main point of differentiation).

by Adrian Salamunovic, Co-author, FREE PR Book

Sentence 1 (Your name, your title that everyone will understand/what it is you do, and your company affiliation) + Sentence 2 (Identify target client + Identify target client’s desired result + Identify the why, the unwanted or inconvenient steps you help the client avoid so he or she can achieve that desired result).

by Bridgett McGowen, Awarded International Professional Speaker, BMcTALKS Academy

Elevator Pitch – Example

To give us a direct practical example, I have applied two text modules to my companies here. Let us now look directly at the example of what such a formulation could look like. The simple construction, plus a breeze of entertainment then make up the pitch in the end. Here is best practice according to Paige Arnof-Fenns: “Ask a question that identifies a pain point + introduce what you do + state your unique value proposition.”

Example – Social Media One (Social Media / Influencer Agency):

How do companies actually reach young people with advertising – in times of social media? We have Germany’s largest Instagram and Tik Tok Influencer database. Companies and multipliers (influencers) can thus bring together and thus help both parties to succeed. The enterprises can buy so favorably range and attention with target groups of 12-18 years.

Example – Influencer Free:

What does an influencer cost for advertising? Nobody knows. Influencer Fee makes prices transparent for everyone. Influence Fee calculates prices for postings on Instagram with reach and interaction – 100% free. Companies, agencies or influencers who need calculations more frequently buy the Premium Model.

The Elevator Pitch was the shortest possible summary of your business plan. The mix of elevator pitch and business plan is then the normal pitch with an average duration of about 5 to 10 minutes. Of course you know the contents of the pitch through your work on the business plan. Now it’s time for you to compress the contents of your business plan in such a way that you bring a lot of information in a short form and, of course, entertainment as well. Now we come to the grand finale, how do you prepare your page? The success factors for yours are the timing, the storytelling and the topics focusing.

How much time do I have for the pitch?

As a rule, you have a maximum of 10 minutes, but even here, “less is sometimes more” applies.

But much more important is that in many situations you have to react individually and above all spontaneously. Maybe your potential investor has a lot of time and you have 10 or even 12 minutes to explain your business model and the structures behind it. Maybe the connection date is very close behind yours and he or she only has a few minutes for you. Depending on the situation you have to adapt spontaneously to the situation and to your counterpart, not easy! A second chance is rare with busy people, so it is important to prepare your pitch on different levels, in different time windows. You should also practice the pitch, because you never know when the next situation will occur spontaneously, when a relevant person develops an interest in your business model for a moment. Only regularity gives you a certain security.

Therefore note the following time factors:

1. If you say “I need 10 minutes”, the pitch should last 9 minutes; always 1 minute less than predicted
2. If your opponent says “you have 10 minutes”, the pitch should last 5 minutes; only half of the given time
3. “Finally I wanted to say… “, after that your end must really come, because it is expected
4. do not rush, always tell calmly and appropriately in speed, otherwise the whole presentation does not achieve its purpose
5. When using slides, maximum 3 minutes, per slide

Storytelling: arousing emotions and attracting attention

Attracting attention, that’s your goal at the pitch. Ultimately, this short situation is never about understanding all the facts and figures at first go. The investor wants to see that you are a good businessman or a good businesswoman and have a clear view of what is relevant. Accordingly, emotionality also plays a role in investors’ decisions. Storytelling can captivate your audience accordingly. The easiest way is, for example, with stories from childhood, which seem familiar to everyone and arouse sympathy. The story doesn’t have to have anything to do with a product directly, it gives an emotional introduction to the people who are spontaneously confronted with your business idea. The emotional bond simplifies perception and thus also understanding.

1. stories attract attention and keep them
2. Find your way much easier possible
3. Investors are bored with Excel spreadsheets and statistics
4. Develop it into a spirit / basic ideas for your project
5. Everyone loves a good story

After the storytelling and the emotional introduction it goes back to the facts. Your product, your USP, your service, your target group, your marketing, your revenue model. Revenue model? You will find out what this is directly after the most important key points on the topic of focusing in the pitch.

focusing on core elements: The 6 most important steps

1. Get attention:
   Time is a scarce commodity, especially with investors, so focus on absolute core statements
2. Explain exactly what your product or service is, what it is aimed at
   Stick to core statements, the product doesn’t matter in the end, if the profit is right
3. Explain exactly what the USP is
4. Explain exactly who the target group looks like
5. Explain exactly how to win customers
6. Revenue Model (business model) and Return of Invest
   Answer the question: “How does my company make you rich(er)”

Exkurs: Revenue Model

How do you make money? Here are all the important technical terms for your business plan! Here you will find the Revenue Model explained only in the form of key points. Why so short? The subject of revenue models is very complex, income from rights of use through images, rights of use of musical works, retail sales or even subscriber products. You can quickly open up the individual models to yourself. It is important that you have heard one or the other technical term for your future life as an entrepreneur. But more important is the question how exactly do you make money?

• Commerce and Retail
• Physical Products, Digital, Service in Units (Freelancer), as well as Service in Many Price Segments, Future Use Services, Daily Deals
• Subscriptions And Usage Fee – Subscriptions, Usage Fee, Rentals (Rental)
• Licensing – Licences Of Usage, Certifications
• Auctions and Betting – Auctions, Dynamic Pricing
• Advertising (Advertising)
• Advertisements (banner, text, etc.), Promoted Content (Sponsored), Sponsorships
• Data – Databases
• Transactions – Brokerage (trading of securities), Enablers, Affiliate, Marketplace
• Freemium – Paid version without advertising / restrictions, features, etc.

Pitch preparation and sequence

Now we summarize everything on 2 questions! Just like a good elevator pitch, from the reasons to the financing to the revenue model, our conclusion is that there are exactly two elements that every business plan, every pitch and every elevator pitch must contain. The mental component and the content component must be adressed. Entertainment and facts. Whether business plan or pitch, answer these two key questions for employees, customers, bankers and investors.

Who spends money on it? – Mental

1. Prepare well
   Facts about the company + questions (plan)
2. Know your audience, PS: Storytelling
3. Conspicuous information
   Who, what, why? No technical details
4. entertain the audience
   Mix: Realism and exaggeration
   Capital and profit expectations
5. Compare yourself
   “The Tinder for dog owners”
6. CTA – Call to action
   “Do you want to test the app?”
   “… together to stir up the market”

How do we make money? – Content

1. Presentation of the founding team
2. Description of the basic problem
3. Description of the solution to the problem
4. Product presentation
5. Unique selling proposition
6. Market including competition
7. Proof of Concept
8. Business model
9. Financing requirements and appropriation of funds

Let’s go. You know everything now. Good luck!

This is how you get your dream apartment! In our check we have the most important questions for you on the subject of interview for the new dream apartment or dream house! With two units you will get to know all the important questions that may arise in an assessment situation. Especially for interviews with the new landlord. Good luck with the online training. There are two practice units each: Exercise & 5 seconds Challenge.

Questions from the tenant – FIV App free of charge + online

These are the questions you should ask as a tenant.

▷ Apartment visit: Questions for tenants – Questions

▷ Apartment visit: Questions for tenants – 5 seconds Challenge

Questions from the landlord – FIV App free + online

You should prepare yourself for these questions from the landlord or broker.

▷ Apartment visit: Questions from the landlord – Questions

▷ Apartment visit: Questions from the landlord – 5 seconds Challenge

5 seconds challenge?

Exercise: Here you can prepare for your next job interview – for the job and for your new apartment. You have as much time as you want to answer the questions at the practice session.

5 seconds challenge: At the 5 seconds challenge you learn to give short and concise answers to the questions of the online course. The question is updated every 5 seconds – so you get the most profit from the short challenge unit.

Questions list – 20+1 question from you as tenant

Here is a small selection of questions that await you in the free app!

1. Is the apartment suitable for keeping pets?
2. Pets allowed?
3. Is the apartment cut so that all the furniture fits in?
4. Can an elevator, basement, attic, balcony or storeroom be used?
5. Are they in a similar life situation?
6. What do the other tenants look like?
7. What do the outdoor facilities look like?
8. Is there any odor nuisance?
9. How pronounced is the traffic noise?
10. Can you reach your workplace easily?
11. Does the apartment have a local transport connection?
12. Are there shopping facilities nearby?
13. Are there enough parking spaces?
14. To which direction is the apartment oriented?
15. Are the windows well insulated and tight?
16. Is there a cable or satellite connection for the television?
17. Does the fitted kitchen belong to the apartment or can it be taken over?
18. Is barbecuing allowed on the balcony?
19. can you hear sounds from the neighbouring apartment?
20. What kind of heating is used?
21. Must be renovated?
22. … you can find more questions in the app: Apartment visit: Questions for tenants

Questions list – 20 questions from landlord

Here is a small selection of questions that await you in the free app!

1. Do you have the Schufa information with you? (Protection Association for General Credit Security)
2. Have you brought a copy of your personal or passport?
3. Who is your current landlord?
4. Do you have your proof of income with you? (current salary statements, possibly employment contract, or for self-employed: the most recent tax assessment)
5. Are you ready to present a pre-letting certificate?
6. Are you ready to provide SCHUFA information?
7. Do you have debts from previous tenancies?
8. For what reason did your previous tenancy end?
9. Have you issued an asset report in the last three years or is a procedure for issuing an asset report pending?
10. Are you dependent on social security benefits to pay the rent or deposit?
11. Can you submit a pay slip?
12. What is your monthly net earnings?
13. Who is your employer?
14. Are you employed indefinitely or on a temporary basis? (only relevant in the case of dependent employment)
15. What do you do for a living?
16. Smoke or your roommates?
17. Do you or your roommates intend to make music in the apartment? * If so, which instrument do you or your flatmates play?
18. Do you intend to keep pets in the apartment? If so, which?
19. Do you intend to use the apartment for purposes other than living? If so, for what purposes?
20. Who are the other persons?
21. … you can find more questions in the app: Apartment visit: Questions from the landlord

7 Tips for your apartment viewing

Checklist for Models – What is important for a Shooting

Before a shooting you should allow yourself enough rest and sleep. Even the most experienced makeup artist is at the end with his skills when fatigue and a drunken night stick in your face. Even if it’s a very simple and self-evident hint, you should take this tip seriously and put it on top of your agenda as a professional model. The second important point is punctuality. Even if some photographers like to wait and be late for an agreed date, you should radiate professionalism and arrive punctually at the agreed location.

Unpunctual or unreliable models will not be gladly booked, because time is money after all and a team waiting for you in idle mode causes costs. Your accessibility is an important expression of the seriousness with which you look at your job and work in the model business. On the day before the planned shooting, or also on the shooting day itself it can come to unforeseeable changes and thus to a communication to you.

As an experienced model, you always have your phone at hand and respond to a call, an SMS, or a message in real time. At a shooting you appear unvarnished and even if it seems unusual to you: with unwashed hair. The Makeup Artist can make up and style you better if you stick to these rules and save so much time in the preparation for a shooting. There is nothing against washing your hair the day before, but freshly washed hair is practically impossible to style without numerous styling products and chemical ingredients.

Various outfits and colors for varied photos

All other Must Haves depend on the agreements of your Shootings and should consist in each case of a varied wardrobe. This includes different lingerie in at best different colors, bra’s without straps and shoulderless tops, as well as pumps and other high shoes in different designs. The best thing to do is to rely on shoes and tops that you can combine individually and exchange with each other.

Accessories for your Model Casting

You are also welcome to bring accessories for your hair, such as hair bands and hair clips, as well as your own make-up to the shoot. The goal of a successful shooting, which will provide joy for you and the photographer alike, are great final results, which present you in many perspectives and capture your most beautiful, extraordinary and personal perspectives. Accordingly, it is important that you feel comfortable in the chosen outfits and can pose flexibly. To avoid misunderstandings during a shooting, you should clarify the style of the pictures in advance and discuss, for example, whether you should pose for fashion, for lingerie, for a partial act, or even for an act. Only what corresponds to you and can be combined with your attitude to photography is allowed and becomes part of a professional shooting.

Very important: as a model you must not only bring plenty of utensils with you, but also make sure you are in a good mood and have fun on the set. The best atmosphere and the desire to work are therefore two extremely important things that you should have in your luggage for every shooting and present on site. If you’re not feeling well, you better cancel an appointment and ask for a postponement. Nothing is more counterproductive to great photos than a model who feels unwell at the shooting or is even ill.

More about model photography:

• Make up and Photoshop at a Photo shooting
• All Info for a Fashion Photographer

Model Photography: 18 poses in 18 minutes

Photographer Rüdiger Schestag and model Marina show the best poses for professional pictures: 18 poses in only 18 minutes!

Agency Arizona Model Bryce shows how models pose correctly

The experienced Arizona model Bryce Gressley shows in her How-To video the basics of poses and movements in front of the camera.

Date and location for a fitness photo shoot

To make the photo shoot as perfect as possible, an early appointment and the location are recommended. This is also important to ensure surprises and unpleasant stress for the model. The date, time and duration of the shooting should already be specified during preparation. It should also be clarified where the images are to be taken. If the shooting does not take place in the photo studio or in the fitness center but outdoors, the photographer can start looking for a location such as an old industrial setting or factory building in good time. The temperature on the day of the shooting should also be taken into account, as this may have a negative effect on the model’s muscle pump and vasodilation. The photographer should also know the date and location in good time so that he can prepare himself for it and determine the price for the shooting.

Price models for fitness shootings

So that no dispute arises later, it is agreed in advance with the photographer in writing whether it is a pay shooting (the fitness model pays the costs) or a so-called TFP shooting (Time For Prints). At a TFP shooting neither the photographer nor the fitness model get money. The photographer provides his time and equipment and the model receives the photos taken without payment. This agreement is especially interesting for beginners and amateur photographers. Not to forget the duration of the shooting, which can be very strenuous and can last several hours. Sufficient drinks and food should be considered.

Experienced fitness models will select the photographer according to his experience, his professionalism and his references. Also important is a personal contact to the photographer to see if the chemistry between the two parties is right. Mutual sympathy is of great importance for a relaxed and relaxed atmosphere during the shooting. Professional photographers often work with assistants who also perform tasks such as masks or hair styling.

Fitness shooting – Behind the scenes

And as such a shooting looks like, you can look at Agota Domokos. In this short clip she shows the everyday life of a fitness shooting. Not only her facial expressions and gestures, but also her body tension and muscles are very much staged in the pictures.

Now it’s not just watching. You have it in your hands to maybe one day be present live at fitness shootings. In the following you will find further tips in the area of fitness training, nutrition and motivation.

We’re ready to go – the last preparations for the model

Once the above questions have been answered, the fitness model can fully concentrate on the physical preparation. The model may have been training for several years, but now it is important to be fit to the point. In the time before the shooting the training should be set to maximum fat burning. The diet is designed to reduce the intake of carbohydrates. During this time it is not so much a matter of building up muscles, but rather of working out the details of the muscles well.

To achieve a healthy skin tone, the model lies down on the tanning bed about 10 days before the appointment. Afterwards the artificial sun is no longer recommended, otherwise the skin turns red and the photographer has difficulties to compensate for this. Some use a tanning shower to compensate for shadows on certain parts of the body. About one or two days before the shooting, a full body shave is required, which should be done by another person if possible. To make the skin look smoother and younger, it is rubbed with oil immediately before the shooting. About 20 minutes before the first images, the warm-up for chest, shoulder and arms is performed.

Training, Training, Training – First class fitness program

You wonder how hard models train to get a perfect body? How did Giselle Bündchen, Gigi Hadid or Alessandra Ambrosio make it as one of the best Victoria Secret models? Kelsey and Michelle are testing the Viktoria Secret Models’ workout for a week. The training is not for weak nerves. Both are accompanied by a personal trainer and after seven days they come to a satisfactory result. Even after this short workout, changes in weight, build and well-being are noticeable.

Food Diary – Nutrition Tips & -tricks for your dream weight

To get the perfect body as a model, you don’t have to do without everything. In the area of nutrition, many professionals offer tips and recipes that will bring you closer to your dream weight. To stay happy and motivated, you need to develop a plan to combine exercise, nutrition and motivation. Anne understands you and explains to you in a short video clip how to proceed. Even as a beginner in this industry and as a desire to become a model, you should stick to these plans to achieve your goals healthily.

Conclusion: Preparations in terms of nutrition, training and location are the A & O of a fitness shooting

Without proper preparation, a fitness photo shoot cannot succeed. Sometimes the fitness coach can help with a sophisticated nutrition and training plan, often an athlete knows after years of experience how to prepare himself individually for the recordings. After that, nothing stands in the way of a perfect photo shoot.

This is how you get your dream job! In our check we have the most important questions for you on the subject of job interviews! With two units you will get to know all the important questions that may arise in an assessment situation. Especially for job interviews on the job with the new boss. Good luck with the online training. There are two practice units each: Exercise & 5 seconds Challenge.

Application interview – FIV App free of charge + online

Your new dream job? With these questions you will convince your new boss!

▷ Application: Job Interview– Questions

▷ Application: Job Interview – 5 seconds Challenge

5 seconds challenge?

Exercise: Here you can prepare for your next job interview – for the job and for your new apartment. You have as much time as you want to answer the questions at the practice session.

5 seconds challenge: At the 5 seconds challenge you learn to give short and concise answers to the questions of the online course. The question is updated every 5 seconds – so you get the most profit from the short challenge unit.

40 questions for your interview

Here is a small selection of questions that await you in the free app!

1. How do you motivate yourself?
2. How would you describe your working style?
3. What was the last project you worked on and what was the result?
4. What techniques or tools do you use to organize yourself?
5. What would you do if you knew you couldn’t possibly do all your daily tasks?
6. How can you prove your trustworthiness in your new team as quickly as possible?
7. How do you feel when you get a “no” answer?
8. Have you ever worked in a team where one or more have rested on the work of others. How did you deal with it?
9. How do you deal with changes?
10. Which task was too difficult for you and how did you solve the problem?
11. What will you do in the first 30 days of this job?
12. What were you responsible for in your old job?
13. What interested you in this company?
14. What does the ideal company look like for you?
15. What would be an ideal work situation for you?
16. When were you most satisfied in your job?
17. What culture attracts you more – structured or entrepreneurial?
18. What applies more to you: you are detail oriented – you are visionary?
19. What is better: Should a boss be loved or feared?
20. What are the central characteristics of a good executive?
21. What is the difference between good and exceptional?
22. What conflicts have you experienced in your previous jobs?
23. If I were your boss and would demand something from you that you are not convinced of – what would you do?
24. Name five terms that describe your character.
25. What three traits would your friends say you have to describe you?
26. What are you particularly proud of?
27. What was the most important lesson you learned at school?
28. What was the most important lesson of your studies?
29. Who has had a decisive influence on your life? How?
30. Was there a person in your career who changed you?
31. Which manager is a role model for you and why?
32. What personalities do you get along with best and why?
33. What was the hardest decision you had to make in the last two years?
34. When did you do something wrong? How did you get along with it?
35. What do you regret most? Why?
36. Lunch: You order a steak in English. The waiter brings it fried. What do you do?
37. How would you feel if you had to work for someone who knows less than you?
38. Assuming you find out that your employer is doing something forbidden – how do you deal with that?
39. What kind of car do you drive?
40. … more questions you can find in the app: Application: Job Interview