Entrepreneurs, Tech & Sales: Own Your Voice on LinkedIn | Social Selling and Personal Branding —> Increase Pipeline & Brand Awareness | LEGO Flower Power 🌻

You're not a content creator. (Phew!!) 

You're a business owner leveraging content to grow your business.

2 very different ways to approaching LinkedIn.

You don't need to post daily. 
Chase the algorithm. 
Or become someone you're not.

You need conversations that turn into relationships that turn into revenue.

I'm on LinkedIn to help you get off LinkedIn.
The platform isn't the point. The relationships are.

That's what fills my cup AND my bank account.

---

Hi, I'm Natasha. 🙌

New mom. Breadwinner. Introvert who hates cold outreach.

I built my business to half a million in 2 years. All because of how I show up on LinkedIn.

Not by being loud. Not by gaming the algorithm. Not by sending soul-destroying pitch slaps in the DMs.

By building real relationships.

I've been "doing LinkedIn" for 10 years - as a scrappy sales rep who hated cold calling, running sales at Forbes Books, to now growing my own business exclusively through this platform.

I teach founders and executives to do the same.

---

Who is this for?

6-figure founders who've built something real.

You're good at what you do. Clients stay, refer, and thank you.

But on LinkedIn? Oddly invisible.

Your competitors aren't better. They're just louder.

The issue isn't confidence. It's knowing what to say and who to say it to.

---

Through my REALationship Growth Method I help founders go from respected offline to recognized online - without becoming someone they're not.

No hacks. No volume tactics. No influencer cosplay. 👀

Real outcomes:

→ Josie closed 3x 12 month contracts from one event
→ Michelle landed two $30k speaking engagements in three months
→ Dr. Ashley secured two speaking gigs in two weeks plus a five-figure client

If LinkedIn feels like noise, performance, or a mild existential crisis...

You're exactly who this is for.

DM me "LFG" and let's chat. 💜

Natasha Walstra

I hate drama. I have no bandwidth for it. I'm building a business, raising a toddler, and pouring everything I have into both.

But something came to my attention last week that I can't ignore.

Someone I trusted has been reaching out to my network - clients, partners, prospects. Scraping my posts and using my name to get in the door.

I'd be lying if I said it didn't sting.

Nothing prepares you when you realize not everyone operates with the same integrity you do. And that's a hard lesson when you assume the best in people.

The silver lining? It makes the right people stand out even more.

The ones who show up for you, the ones who protect your name when you're not in the room, the ones who would never use your success to build theirs.

Those are the relationships worth protecting.

So instead of losing any sleep over this, I'm focusing on how I show up. For me, for my family, for my clients, for all of you. And I'll keep doing it the way I always have - with integrity and real relationships.

All this to say, if you've received a message using my name, please know that's not a referral from me. Working with them reminded me why I don't operate that way. And never will.

Ok. Back to building.

You’re not a content creator. Good. You don’t need to be | LinkedIn personal branding & social selling for founders (not influencers) | Filling APRIL cohort - ask me about it! 🙌

I don't know what I was doing in college, but it sure wasn't this!

On Tuesday, I spoke at the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina to an entrepreneurship class where every student is starting a business this semester.

Let that sink in...they're not just learning about entrepreneurship. They're doing it. Literally! One student has an AI automation company and already bringing on big clients! 🤯

What we covered:
→ Why LinkedIn matters even when you're 20 
→ My 3-step framework for a successful LinkedIn presence 
→ 3 things they could do today

I also gave them a custom GPT, the Profile Glow Up, I built to help with their profiles. 

The questions they asked were so on point:

"I have a job lined up, but I'm building a business on the side. How should I show up on LinkedIn?"

"What content should I create beyond 'about me' posts?"

"How do I get a company's attention without pitching in the DM's?"

These students are thinking about intentional relationship-building NOW.

While everyone else waits until they "need" to network, these future founders are already making trust deposits. 😎

AND what was cool about this on a personal note? 
This is the third time I've spoken to this class.

The first time was exactly 2 years ago. 
I was six months into my business. Terrified. 
I have no idea what I even said to them.

Now I'm back. More confident. Having FUN.
Growth is wild when you're paying attention.

P.S. Shoutout to Jeff Savage, PhD for inviting me back. We met at a previous startup, and one of the best things that came from it was meeting him. Some relationships outlast the circumstances that created them.

I got reprimanded by 4 men on a call at 10am.

By 2pm, the President of Nokia asked for my resume.

Here's the full story:

I was on a call with the CEO, my manager, and two other senior colleagues. They were telling me how badly I was performing, especially on my cold calls.

(to be fair, I was sh!t on those calls.)

But I'd started leveraging LinkedIn for outreach instead, focusing on quality over quantity, building relationships instead of dialing for dollars. (booked calls with top companies like Home Depot even!)

They didn't see it that way.

For 30 minutes, I sat there shaking, on the verge of a panic attack...or throwing my computer out the door - wasn't sure which.

The crazy part? I had an in-person meeting in San Jose with the President of Nokia a few hours later..to pitch the tech from the company that just yelled at me.

You can imagine how that went.

I walked in and said: "I'm so sorry, I'm not sure what I'm doing here. I think I'm going to resign tomorrow."

He looked at me and asked, "Do you have a resume?" Then gave me a tour of the office.

I resigned the next day. And although I didn't end up going to Nokia, it led me to a unicorn 3D printing company that actually embraced my crazy LinkedIn ideas.

Sometimes the thing that feels like rejection is actually redirection. 

The approach that got me scolded is now the foundation of my entire business.

Turns out I wasn't bad at sales, I was just bad at their version of it.

P.S. How did I get that meeting with the President of Nokia? Through my network. I'd started intuitively connecting with and reaching out to people who already knew me, trusted me, and liked me. Wasn't intentional then (it was just better than cold calling 😅). 

P.S.2 Even crazier? Yesterday I had a call with the VP of CX from that same company. She was there that day, making sure I didn't break things (in the most supportive way). She's been following me ever since. Now she wants to bring what I do to her current company. Talk about full circle moment!

I'm finally retiring my profile pic.

(long overdue)

My hair is 3x the length now, I've got a lot more wrinkles, and a whole different life.

The pic was fun while it lasted! You might not even know the original actually has a plant on my head - edited it out last year. It was a whole vibe (see below).

But a lot has changed since 2021.

Back then, I was newly in leadership as VP & Director of Sales at Forbes Books and I'd just moved to South Carolina (for the first time).  

I was very unsure of myself, very single, and honestly? A lotta bit lost.

Feels like a lifetime ago...and it was.

Now? 

I'm a Founder, a wife, a mother.

Same me. Just with more clarity, more stories, and a lot more life lived.

Here's to the next chapter. 🙌 

P.S. Peekaboo! Expect some new fun pics in the coming weeks! 📸

The CO— by U.S. Chamber of Commerce featured me!

They asked me to be part of their "Ask the Board" series - where they connect business owners with thought leaders to help solve their biggest challenges.

(A fictional fantasy board of directors. Pretty cool, right?)

They asked me to share how to build a reputation-first business that cuts through the noise.

I've got a lot to share on this, as you can imagine.

Your reputation isn't part of your strategy.
It IS the strategy.

Everything else... your brand, your relationships, your growth... flows from it.

In the article, I break down 7 ways to build a reputation-first business:

1. Why your LinkedIn profile is your reputation's home base 
2. The content balance that builds trust (hint: it's not just expertise) 
3. Why posting alone isn't enough 
4. What to show instead of polish 
5. How to turn clients into amplifiers 
6. The long game most people skip 
7. The one thing that makes you referable

With fluffy BS, exaggerated claims, and flashy marketing, people are looking for something REAL.

This is how you become it.

Take a look!

https://lnkd.in/eR25iWea

P.S. Still can't believe that the girl who was "too empathetic to be in sales" is now giving business advice in the US Chamber of Commerce. Pretty cool stuff if I can say so! 🤓

You know those days where everything just flows?!

Yesterday was not that day.

→ Didn't sleep a wink
→ Massive headache
→ Bombed a workshop 
→ Mixed up client work
→ Dog threw up everywhere 
→ Spoke gibberish on my cohort call
→ Showed up 13m late to a call (thought was an hour later)

The good news?

Apparently, there's some planetary alignment happening that explains all of this.

I'm choosing to believe that. 👀

____

Anyone else blaming the planets this week? 🪐
.
.
.
TGIF

We're in a trust recession.

Your audience has been burned by pitch slaps, AI nonsense, and fake connections.

Their guard is up. 
They're skeptical of everything.

Which means the game has changed.

Not more content. 
Not more reach.

→ More real. 
→ More proof.

So: how are you showing you do what you say you do? 

____

P.S. I heard someone go as far to say we're in a trust depression...which honestly is (depressingly) spot on. 

It's been interesting to see this even with clients who've *already* signed with me, still skeptic 😅 but I've got a really good example of a breakthrough...stay tuned 😎

I posted the same story 2 days in a row.

And it still got great engagement.

Different angle. But same story.

Why am I sharing this?

→ Nobody is paying as much attention to you as you think they are.

We're all the main characters of our own movie.
But we're barely a background extra in everyone else's.

That thing you said last week?
They already forgot.

That post you're worried sounds repetitive?
They didn't see the first one.

That story you've told 3x?
Someone's hearing it for the first time today.

If you feel like you're sounding redundant...GOOD!

That means people might actually be starting to associate you with that thing.

Repetition isn't annoying.
It's how you become known.

The real problem isn't saying the same thing too often.
It's saying so many different things that nobody knows what you're about.

So say it again.
And again.
And then one more time after that.

That's how they remember you.

P.S. What do you want to be known for? Share below!

I want to be known for making your LinkedIn experience fun, empowering, AND profitable. Think my content does a good job of doing that? : )
(and if that's not what your experience has been so far on LinkedIn, we probably should talk. DM "known" to start the conversation!

LinkedIn's algorithm got smarter.

It's called 360Brew.

It reads your content. Checks your profile. Detects the gaming (finally).

And it's why some people are panicking while others haven't noticed a thing.

This week's newsletter (a few days late, my b 🤓) what changed, what it means, and how to use it to your advantage.


___

p.s. TGIF! Has it not been the longest week?!

A top creator asked me something interesting at the end of last year. "Are you feeling the algorithm change? I used to get 30,000 impressions. Now I'm

Open article: LinkedIn's new algorithm: 360Brew by Natasha Walstra • 3 min read

I'm a day late for International Women's Day.

But let's be real, one day isn't enough anyways!

I want to celebrate the 39 women in the REALationship Growth Method right now.

12 that just kicked off in my third cohort. 27 in my other cohort and community.

Every single one of them is building something unique.

Growing businesses, dominating industries...showing up with heart, care, and an insane amount of strength.

But it's not just how they show up for their own businesses.
→ It's how they show up for each other. 👯‍♂️

The encouragement, the referrals, the "you've got this" when someone needs it most.

I wake up every morning genuinely grateful that these women trust me with their LinkedIn and business development strategies... it's not something I take lightly.

To my cohorts and my community:
You inspire me more than you know.

Keep building, keep showing up, keep being exactly who you are.

The world needs what you're creating.

Their like was the first move.

Your DM should be the second.

No one will get mad at you for sending a DM after they like your post.

In fact, they might even be grateful you reached out because, guess what,
Initiating conversations is hard!

And someone has to start the conversation - why not let it be you? 🤔

Plus, the way I see it:

- A like
- A profile view
- And definitely a comment

These are the digital (subtle) versions of starting a conversation.

It's them quietly waving saying,
"Hello, I hear you, and what you said makes sense!"

Now, don't go pitch-slapping them, please. 🙏

But connect, say hi back.
See where the conversation goes.

You never know what inspired that little hint of interest.

Might be your next client.
Might be a referral partnership.
Might be an intro to the best networking call you've ever had.

All I know is this:
The best opportunities only happen once words are exchanged.

____

PS. I know it might be time consuming. I have to admit I'm not able to do this all the time either.

But if you're not doing this type of follow-up, you're going to struggle to see results from all the effort you're putting into actually posting!

My challenge to you:

After your next 3 posts, send 5 DMs to people who engaged with each one.
Start small. See big impact.

I never felt rage towards tech until ChatGPT.

(I'm embarrassed to say that. I shouldn't have let it get to me so much, I know 🙈.)

But it just wouldn't listen!

The em dashes everywhere.
The "Here's the thing:" before every point.
The excessive praise.
The trying-to-be-my-bro energy.

I'd ask for direct,
I'd get fluff.

I'd ask for my voice,
I'd get... motivational poster.

So when I discovered Claude early last year, I literally couldn't believe my eyes.

It actually listens.
It's straightforward.
It remembers what I've shared.

Yes, it still makes mistakes. 
But it doesn't hallucinate to the extent that ChatGPT does. 

And it does SUCH a good job maintaining tone of voice and copywriting.

My writing changed significantly since I started using it.

I brain dump ideas. 
Based on my instructions, it turns them into posts. 

Always starting with my original thought. 
Never replacing it.

Which sparked a really cool idea:
What if I made custom Claude bots for my clients?

So easy they can't NOT post.
So I did.

Now all my clients get a custom ClaudeBot - loaded with information about them, my Know-Like-Trust content framework, and their brand voice, and my instructions.

All they have to do is speak into their phone and poof! - a post is there.

It's the opposite of garbage in, garbage out.

Is it perfect? 
No. But it gets to 80-90%.

And then there's the feedback from clients:

"I can write 8 new posts in 4x less time."

"It's one of my most satisfying relationships" 
(that one made me LOL)

"This stuff is really good."

AI isn't replacing your voice.
It's amplifying it - if you use it right.

____

P.S. I offer this not just for my 1:1 clients, but my cohort, also! I've got 1x 1:1 spot left for March and already filling my April cohort. 

You also get custom branding...AND video content. 

(yep, I'm basically an agency disguised as a coach. if you've been even the slightest bit curious, now's the time to lock it in before things change!) 

DM me "LFG" for deets!

This isn't Mad Libs, y'all.

I keep seeing the same posts over and over:

"[#] lessons I learned from [random experience]"
"What [unexpected thing] taught me about [business thing]"
"I was today years old when I learned [obvious insight]"

You might not even realize you're doing it.
Because AI follows templates, too.
And you ask ChatGPT for a post idea.
It spits out a framework.
You fill in the blanks.
And now you sound like everyone else. 👀

Your audience has seen that format 1000 times this week.
Their brain skips right over it.
You become background noise.

Templates exist for a reason and can be really great!
They're training wheels.
They help when you're stuck.
They give you somewhere to start.

But training wheels aren't meant to stay on forever.

The posts that stop the scroll?
They don't follow a formula.
They sound like YOU said them.

They make people think "I've never heard it put that way before."
Your unique voice is the whole point.
Not your ability to fill in blanks better than the next person.

Thoughts? 

😉


___

P.S. LinkedIn's algorithm, 360Brew, is suppressing AI content (I know, the irony, an AI penalizing AI), my guess is templates are going fall into that category because of how overused and 'swiped' so many have become.

Templates are helpful, and I don't mean to hate on them, but if you use them, do your best to make them YOURS.

Mad Libs, LinkedIn Edition

"It's working out gooood!"

My client was skeptical for weeks. Wouldn't try it.
Finally did. First post? Someone reached out.

This same approach has gotten me 160+ workshop registrations and 3 SOLD OUT cohorts. 

Without a single promotional post.

What is it?

Take a peek! 👀

P.S. Can you guess what it is? ; )

Question for you: if you don't tell people how to work with you, how will they know how to work with you? Really obvious question, I know, but I find 

Open article: How to sell in posts without actually selling (I sold out 3 cohorts this way) by Natasha Walstra • 3 min read

How to sell in posts without actually selling (I sold out 3 cohorts this way)

I got real on this one.

Just did a podcast with Nick Berry about why LinkedIn feels harder than it should for business owners.

Nick's interviewed top dogs like Jason Feifer (Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Magazine), Dr. Benjamin Hardy (10x Is Easier Than 2x, The Science of Scaling), and other impressive people. I was so shocked to be asked on it.

This was his first episode specifically on LinkedIn for entrepreneurs.

We broke down:
→ Why most advice doesn't fit you
→ Why smart people act weird online
→ What to do instead

I also shared some personal stuff I've never talked about publicly.

Take a read (and a listen!)

https://lnkd.in/eFgkAg_D

(my most honest conversation about LinkedIn yet) Hey you! I was recently a guest on The Business Owner’s Journey podcast with Nick Berry. And I’m stil

Open article: You're going to want to hear this by Natasha Walstra • 3 min read

Everyone in my community wants 2 things:

Visibility and sales.

And one of the best ways to get both? Speaking.

So I brought in Marta Spirk, M.A.

Her story was powerful. 
Her framework was clear. 
And her interactive Bingo exercise got everyone thinking about their next move.

The feedback?
"This was a phenomenal session." 
"This was so valuable!"

I could talk about LinkedIn all day. 
But speaking? That's not my lane.

Part of building something that actually serves people is recognizing where your expertise ends and someone else's begins.

Marta was the right person to have in the room. 
And my people are better for it.

P.S. My April cohort of the REALationship Growth Method is filling up FAST. 

We're not just learning LinkedIn tactics, we're hearing from top experts, actually implementing together, and you guessed it, building REALationships. Spaces are limited, and the next cohort won't be until June! 

If you're curious to learn more, DM me "LFG" for more deets OR let's hop on a call! https://lnkd.in/ecAKhTAq

"There's no way anyone would respond to this."

My client said this about a DM I suggested she send.

It was a simple DM for when someone views your profile.

She thought it was weird, too forward, pointless.
She sent it anyway.

The response? A four-paragraph novel.

The person explained exactly why they'd checked out her profile, what they were looking for, what they were struggling with.

They went back and forth and then jumped on a call.
All from one "weird" DM.

Here's the reframe (and why she sent it anyways):

You're not bothering them, you're doing them a favor.

Most people have so much to say, they're just waiting for someone to start the conversation.

They viewed your profile for a reason, they're curious, maybe interested. 
But nervous to initiate.

So you go first.

And if they have no reason? They just won't respond. No harm done.

But more often than not? 
They're relieved you broke the ice.

The DM that feels awkward to send is usually the one that starts the best conversations.


____

P.S. I'm doing another live workshop! And you bet we'll cover this. 

April 2nd at 12:00 ET

Why Your LinkedIn Isn't Converting...and the System That Fixes It

Register here! https://lnkd.in/eg3Kq5iX

Brain fog, breadwinner, business owner... AND content creator?

No, thank you!

This week's newsletter is a permission slip for everyone who's been told they need to "show up more" but can barely remember where they put their coffee.

You don't have to become a content creator to grow your business.

You just have to play a different game.

Check it out 😎

P.S. I'm hosting my next live workshop! April 2nd at 12:00 ET!! Deets coming next week. In the meantime, register here:
https://lnkd.in/ejGSQN2Z

You expect me to be a content creator on top of everything else going on? No, thank you. I've got a multi-6 fig business I run on my own (with a few c

Open article: Brain fog, breadwinner, business owner, AND content creator? by Natasha Walstra • 2 min read

Brain fog, breadwinner, business owner, AND content creator?

Today’s the day!! 

LIVE MERCH LAB → Turning My “No Pitch Slaps” Into Swag! 

There’s a lot I’ve been saying lately that’s triggering (in a good way). 

Definitely could make for some good swag. 

And I love how Amanda Hofman turns your brand essence into company swag you’d *actually* wear. 

Can’t wait to see what we come up with today!! See you there!!

Branded Merch & Swag Expert | Chief Swag Officer | Your guide for sustainable & anti-boring branded merchandise | Print-on-Demand Shop Set-Up | NYC Marathoner turned Cyclist 🏃🏻‍♀️🚴‍♀️

Can LinkedIn advice become wearable? We’re about to find out.

Natasha Walstra is known for helping people sell on LinkedIn without being weird about it. She’s built her brand around making LinkedIn feel more human and helping you be more effective while you’re there.

Her signature rule: No Pitch Slaps. 

But Natasha’s message goes beyond one phrase. If her bold, honest, refreshingly real voice had to become wearable… what would actually make the cut?

In this 🎉 Live Merch Lab 🎉, we’re building Natasha’s very first merch line — translating her sharp, funny, straight-talking energy into something her community would genuinely want to wear.

If you care about building visibility without being cringe, spammy, or robotic, this session is for you.

In this live session, you’ll see:

→ How to brainstorm merch for your own brand while helping design Natasha’s
→ How to turn a strong point of view into something people proudly wear
→ What Natasha should absolutely NOT print
→ A live audience vote on the final picks

This isn’t a webinar. It’s a working session.

→→ RSVP to influence what makes the drop.

Bring your opinions, claim your (virtual) creative director seat, and help us decide what goes from idea to wearable.

Danae Gabriel, Kelly Edmondson and 34 other attendees

LIVE MERCH LAB → Turning Natasha Walstra’s “No Pitch Slaps” Into Swag

The most underutilized part of your LinkedIn profile?

→ Recommendations.

You might think no one looks at them. But if someone's about to spend $1000s with you? They're checking you out everywhere.

They *might* not notice if you don't have any...but they'll definitely notice if you do.

Here's one I got last week from Mahesh Guruswamy - CTO of Kickstarter when we worked together, now COO at Kajabi.

When someone's vetting me, they see this. They click his profile, they verify he's real, he held those positions, AND he said I'm "the real deal."

That builds trust faster than anything I could say about myself.

And right now? Trust is everything.
We're not in a trust recession...we're in a trust depression.

Everyone claims to be an expert, AI can write anything that sounds credible, and anyone can put "strategist" in their title.

How do you know who's the real deal anymore?
You don't - unless you can prove it.

Recommendations are one form of proof.

Real names, real titles, real companies, specific results.
 
Not a testimonial on your website that could've been written by anyone or a quote you could've made up.

A real person vouching for you in a way that AI (and potential clients) can verify.

If you don't have recommendations on your profile, you're asking people to take your word for it when where very few take anyone's word for anything anymore.
(Or at least, they want to trust, but they also just want a little proof to back it up. Recommendations give them that.)

P.S. I'm going to be sharing more juicy systems about why your LinkedIn isn't converting. April 2nd at 12:00 ET. LFG!

https://lnkd.in/epsuaE8z

Founder of Siliconchips Services | CEO | Values-based leadership 

➡️ WHAT WE DO:

We provide superior prepress and digital publishing services for book, journal, and magazine publishers across all industries and universities in a more cost-effective manner than in-house production.

Publishing Services

Includes authoring, copy-editing, proofreading, e-publishing, Open Access Platform, XML  tagging, Workflow tool, scripting, InDesign, artwork, Book Cover Design, and production management.

Printing Services

Bespoke solutions include digital, lithographic, and large-format printing, along with scanning and OCR.


➡️ WHO I WORK WITH:

-	Universities
-	Established publishing houses
-	Researchers
-	Production Directors
-	Open Access Platform Partners 

➡️ HOW IT WORKS:

Our expert team members deeply understand book and journal workflows and the operations of leading academic, educational, trade, and consumer publishers. They are also highly proficient with ELT, STM market, and Open Access platforms. We combine these advanced skills with cost-effective benefits to promptly deliver value and high-quality products.


➡️ WHY IT WORKS:

My secret ingredient is putting people at the heart of everything I do. I strive to create working relationships that help my clients and employees thrive and achieve their very best. 

My career has spanned engineering, IT, innovation, strategy and leadership in India, the US and the UK. This breadth of experience drives my desire to build an environment focused on diversity, inclusion, mutual respect and transparency.

I believe knowledge and its transfer helps us understand the world, break into new industries, explore, learn, and boost confidence.

➡️ WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT

Our company delivers sustainable and profitable growth for our clients and us. Our relationships are founded on mutual trust, transparency, integrity, and respect. We’re continually investing in the development of our team to foster innovation and improvement of our knowledge and practices—creating a motivated and empowered workforce.

➡️  WHY CHOOSE US

We take away the pain and complexity of outsourcing your production by consistently delivering your publishing projects with accuracy, clarity, and superior communication.

Get in touch today through our website: siliconchips-services.com

Shahid Chowdhary

😄 Ever notice how the week begins with energy, and by Wednesday you are negotiating with your own to do list?

This week is a reminder that steady effort beats sudden bursts of motivation. We often expect ourselves to operate at full speed every single day, but real progress comes from rhythm, not rush. When you pace yourself, you protect both your focus and your confidence.

Busy days will come. Unexpected changes will appear. What matters is how calmly you respond. A clear mind makes better decisions than a pressured one. Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is pause, reset, and return with intention.

Success is rarely built in one dramatic moment. It is shaped in ordinary hours where you choose discipline over distraction and patience over panic.

Key points for this week:
• Set realistic goals and honour them
• Focus on progress, not perfection
• Protect your energy and attention
• Reflect before you react

What is one habit you will strengthen this week to stay consistent and focused?

Revolutionising the end-to-end production of books and journals for established publishers and universities through innovative workflow systems and technology.

Friday Fuel 🔥

“So truly, where there is hardship, there is also ease.”  Qur’an 94:5

Hardship is never the final chapter. It may test your patience, stretch your strength, and shake your certainty, but it never arrives alone. With every difficulty, Allah promises relief. Not “maybe.” Not “someday.” But alongside it.

When the night feels long, remember: dawn is already written into its destiny. When your shoulders feel heavy, know that ease is being prepared in ways you cannot yet see.

Hold on. Stay patient. Trust the wisdom of the One who sees beyond the struggle. What feels like pressure today may be shaping strength for tomorrow.

Ease is not absent, it is unfolding. 🌅

#FridayFuel #BeKindAlways #InnerStrength

Friday Fuel 🔥

“So truly, where there is hardship, there is also ease.”
- Qur’an 94:5

Hardship is never the final chapter. It may test your patience, stretch your strength, and shake your certainty, but it never arrives alone. With every difficulty, Allah promises relief. Not “maybe.” Not “someday.” But alongside it.

When the night feels long, remember: dawn is already written into its destiny. When your shoulders feel heavy, know that ease is being prepared in ways you cannot yet see.

Hold on. Stay patient. Trust the wisdom of the One who sees beyond the struggle. What feels like pressure today may be shaping strength for tomorrow.

Ease is not absent, it is unfolding. 🌅

#FridayFuel #BeKindAlways #InnerStrength

Publishing tools are fast, efficient and very helpful. They are just not thoughtful.

Software can manage citations, track changes and speed up workflows, but it cannot judge clarity, argument flow or academic tone. That responsibility still belongs to authors, editors and reviewers. In scholarly publishing, accuracy and trust depend on human judgement.

The strongest workflows balance tradition with technology. Tools handle repetition and structure, while editorial expertise protects meaning and integrity. When this balance is right, errors decrease and confidence in the final output grows.

Publishing has always been a careful craft. The tools may change, but responsibility for quality remains the same.

Key Points:
✔ Technology supports efficiency, not judgement
✔ Human review protects academic meaning
✔ Balanced workflows improve quality
✔ Trust is built through careful evaluation

Which part of your publishing process relies most on human judgement?

#AcademicEditing #ResearchPublishing #ScholarlyCommunication #PublishingWorkflow

“Everything that is made beautiful and fair and lovely is made for the eye of one who sees.”
— Rumi

Beauty surrounds us every day, yet not everyone notices it. The world is filled with quiet moments of grace: the warmth of sunlight, the calm of a morning breeze, the kindness in a simple gesture. These things become meaningful only when we pause and truly see them.

Rumi reminds us that beauty is not only in what exists around us, but in the awareness within us. When the heart is open and the mind is present, ordinary moments begin to feel extraordinary.

In our busy lives, we often rush past what is beautiful without noticing it. But when we slow down and look with intention, we discover that the world is full of meaning, wonder and quiet inspiration.

As this week comes to a close, take a moment to truly see the beauty around you. Sometimes the smallest things carry the greatest light.

Have you noticed how deadlines walk calmly for weeks… and then sprint in the final 48 hours?

In academic publishing, time management often determines submission quality. Rushed manuscripts tend to carry avoidable issues - inconsistent references, unclear figures, formatting gaps or overlooked guidelines. These small details may seem minor, but they influence reviewer perception immediately.

Planning ahead allows space for proper editing, reference checks and structural review. When time is respected, quality improves naturally. Traditional publishing practices have always emphasized preparation for this reason. A manuscript reviewed calmly is far stronger than one corrected under pressure.

Strong research deserves thoughtful presentation. Managing timelines wisely reduces stress, shortens revision cycles and builds professional credibility.

Key Points:
✔️ Early preparation reduces errors
✔️ Time management improves clarity
✔️ Calm review strengthens quality
✔️ Planning protects credibility

How early do you begin final checks before submission?

#AcademicPublishing #ResearchWriting #JournalPublishing #TimeManagement

“Kindness is a mark of faith, and whoever is not kind has no faith.” Muhammad

Faith is not measured by how loudly we speak about it, but by how gently we live it.

It shows in the way you respond when tested.

In the patience you offer when disrespected.

In the mercy you extend when you could easily walk away.

Kindness is faith in action.
It is strength wrapped in softness.
It is power guided by humility.

If your heart carries belief, your hands will carry compassion.

If your tongue speaks faith, your words will carry mercy.

Today, let your belief be visible — not through force, but through gentleness.

That is real strength. 🤍

“Kindness is a mark of faith, and whoever is not kind has no faith.”
— Muhammad

Faith is not measured by how loudly we speak about it —
but by how gently we live it.

It shows in the way you respond when tested.
In the patience you offer when disrespected.
In the mercy you extend when you could easily walk away.

Kindness is faith in action.
It is strength wrapped in softness.
It is power guided by humility.

If your heart carries belief, your hands will carry compassion.
If your tongue speaks faith, your words will carry mercy.

Today, let your belief be visible — not through force, but through gentleness.
That is real strength. 🤍

Friday Fuel 🔥

"Do not lose heart or despair. If you are true believers, you have the upper hand."
Qur’an 3:139

This verse speaks directly to moments of discouragement. When setbacks arrive, it is easy to question progress and doubt strength. Yet this message reminds us that despair is not the final word. Steadfast belief, patience and integrity place us in a position of inner strength.

Having the upper hand is not about dominance. It is about resilience. It is the quiet confidence that comes from knowing your values are firm, even when circumstances are uncertain.

In professional life, challenges test commitment and character. In personal life, faith steadies the heart during difficult seasons. True strength is not loud. It is consistent, composed and grounded.

As this week comes to a close, may we move forward with courage, trusting that perseverance rooted in belief always carries strength within it.

#FridayFuel #BeKindAlways #InnerStrength #GrowthMindset

Complex research does not require complicated writing. In fact, the clearer the writing, the stronger the impact.

In scholarly publishing, clarity reflects confidence. When sentences are precise and arguments flow logically, reviewers spend less time interpreting and more time evaluating contribution. Overly dense language, however, can weaken even strong research.

Traditional editorial standards value simplicity, structure and coherence. Clear headings, logical transitions and focused conclusions guide the reader naturally. This does not reduce academic depth. It enhances it.

Publishing success often depends not just on what you say, but how clearly you say it. Careful refinement of language ensures that your ideas are accessible, credible and persuasive.

Key Points:
✔️ Clear writing improves reviewer engagement
✔️ Logical structure strengthens arguments
✔️ Simple language enhances impact
✔️ Refinement increases acceptance potential

Do you revise for clarity separately from content accuracy?

#AcademicEditing #ResearchPublishing #ScholarlyCommunication #ManuscriptPreparation

If abstracts were people, some would introduce themselves, tell their life story, and forget why they walked into the room.

In academic publishing, the abstract is often the most read part of a paper. Reviewers scan it first. Editors evaluate fit through it. Readers decide relevance from it. Yet many abstracts are either too vague or overloaded with detail.

A strong abstract is disciplined. It clearly states the problem, approach, key findings and contribution — without wandering. It should reflect the manuscript accurately, not oversell or under-explain. Writing it last, after the full paper is refined, often leads to sharper clarity.

A well-crafted abstract respects the reader’s time and strengthens first impressions. In publishing, first impressions quietly shape decisions.

Key Points:
✔️ Clear problem statement
✔️ Concise methodology summary
✔️ Specific findings
✔️ Direct statement of contribution

Do you write your abstract first for direction, or last for accuracy?

#AcademicPublishing #ResearchWriting #AbstractWriting #JournalPublishing

"Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself." — Rumi

This quote presents two very different approaches to impact.

The first is driven by cleverness. It focuses outward. It pushes, argues and attempts to reshape everything around us. It believes change happens through force, persuasion or control.

The second is rooted in wisdom. It turns inward. It asks what needs refining within us before we attempt to correct the world. It understands that influence is strongest when it is lived, not demanded.

Meaningful and lasting change rarely begins with grand gestures. It begins with character. With patience. With self discipline. With the quiet decision to respond differently than before.

In professional life, leadership by example creates cultures of trust. In personal life, growth within shifts relationships naturally.

The world does not transform because we insist. It transforms because we embody the change.

#RumiWisdom #LeadByExample #PersonalGrowth #InnerWork #MindfulLeadership #SelfReflection

The Man Who Failed 5,126 Times

Imagine spent five years of your life building prototypes in a garden shed, only to watch every single one of them fail. That was the daily reality for James Dyson. While the rest of the world was content with vacuum cleaners that lost suction and used messy bags, James was convinced there was a better way. He wasn't just tinkering; he was obsessed with solving a problem everyone else had simply accepted.

His strategy was pure, stubborn persistence. He didn't have a massive team or corporate funding; he had his house, his family’s savings, and a vision for "cyclonic separation." The challenge? He went through 5,126 failed prototypes before he finally got it right. Even then, the big manufacturers in the UK and USA didn't want his invention because it would ruin their profitable vacuum bag business. His solution was to back himself. He launched the product in Japan first, using the success there to eventually build his own factory back in the UK.

That persistence transformed a one-man operation into Dyson, a global technology giant. Today, his name is on everything from hair dryers to air purifiers in homes from London to Dubai. He didn't just redesign a vacuum; he redefined what British engineering looks like in the modern world.

The Impact: He proved that being told "no" by every major industry player isn't the end of the road—it’s often a sign that you are onto something revolutionary.

The Lesson: Success isn't about avoiding failure; it is about having the grit to start prototype number 5,127.

#JamesDyson #Innovation #Engineering #Perseverance #UK

😄 Ever feel like Monday morning deserves its own warning label?

We begin the week full of plans, then reality gently reminds us that not everything will go as expected. And that is perfectly fine. Some of the best growth happens when we learn to adapt rather than control.

This week, I am focusing on staying steady instead of rushing ahead. Progress does not need to be dramatic to be meaningful. A calm decision, a thoughtful conversation, or a small task completed well can quietly shape bigger outcomes.

When challenges appear, they are often invitations to respond with patience and clarity. The way we handle pressure says more about us than the pressure itself. Choosing consistency over chaos builds confidence that lasts.

Key reminders for this week:
• Start each day with one clear intention
• Respond thoughtfully, not emotionally
• Protect your time and energy
• Appreciate small progress

What is one intention you are setting for yourself this week?

#Motivation #SelfImprovement #PositiveHabits #LeadershipDevelopment #Inspiration #GrowthJourney

The Fax Machine Saleswoman Who Built a Billion

Imagine driving around Florida, sweating in a hot car, and trying to sell fax machines door-to-door. Most doors were slammed in your face, and some even led to a police escort. That was the life of Sara Blakely in the late 90s. She wasn’t a fashion designer or a tech mogul; she was a frustrated salesperson who just wanted to wear white trousers without panty lines showing.

Her strategy was radical simplicity: solve a problem that nobody else cared about yet. She took a pair of scissors to her pantyhose, cutting the feet off to create the first prototype of what would become Spanx. The challenge? No factory in the US wanted to work with her because she was an unknown inventor with no industry connections. Her solution was grit. She spent nights researching patents at the local library, wrote her own patent application, and used her $5,000 in savings to bootstrap the entire business herself.

She didn't wait for big marketing budgets. She walked into department stores, cornered the buyers, and modeled the product right there in the store to show them it worked. When she finally got a shout-out from Oprah, the business exploded. She grew the company entirely on her own terms, without venture capital or outside investors, eventually becoming the world’s youngest self-made female billionaire.

The Impact: She proved that you don't need a fancy degree or a massive investment to disrupt an industry—you just need a problem worth solving and the courage to knock on doors until someone listens.

The Lesson: Rejection is not a stop sign; it is simply a test to see how badly you really want to achieve your goal.

#SaraBlakely #Spanx #SelfMade #WomenInBusiness #USA

Friday Fuel 🔥

📚 “Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave.”

Learning is not meant for a single stage of life. It is a lifelong journey that begins in childhood and continues until our final days. Every experience, conversation and challenge carries a lesson waiting to be understood.

Knowledge shapes our character, strengthens our judgement and opens doors to wisdom. The more we learn, the more we realise how much there is still to discover. True growth comes when curiosity never fades and the desire to understand the world remains alive.

In professional life, continuous learning helps us adapt, innovate and grow with changing times. In personal life, it deepens our understanding of people, values and purpose.

As we move through this week, may we remain students of life, always seeking knowledge, always growing.

#FridayFuel #SeekKnowledge #LifelongLearning #WisdomJourney #KnowledgeMatters #PersonalGrowth #ContinuousLearning

“You were born with wings, why prefer to crawl through life?”  Rumi

🦅 What are your wings? 

Why are your wings? 🦅

We were not created to live small, afraid of the sky. Each of us carries something within a gift, a strength, a spark placed in us with purpose. Yet sometimes we forget. We settle. We doubt. We crawl when we were meant to rise.

Your wings might be your kindness, your resilience, your discipline, your faith. They might be your creativity and curiosity, the very qualities that push you to explore, to build, to imagine something better.

Wings are not given by accident. They are entrusted to us. Not for pride, but for purpose. Not to look down on others, but to lift ourselves and serve those around us.

So ask yourself gently:

What has been placed in me?
And am I using it to soar or choosing the ground out of fear?

The sky has always been there. 🦅✨

#Creativity #Curiosity #FindYourWings #PurposeDriven #RiseAbove

The Conclusion That Starts a New Story

Ever read a conclusion that feels like it just opened another chapter instead of closing the book?

In academic publishing, the conclusion has one clear responsibility: to finish strong. Yet many papers introduce new arguments, fresh data or unexplored ideas right at the end. This leaves reviewers unsettled and readers confused.

A strong conclusion does not surprise. It reinforces the core findings, reflects on their significance and ties them back to the original research question. It offers clarity, not expansion. When written with discipline, it leaves a lasting impression of confidence and coherence.

Traditional scholarly writing values structure for a reason. Each section has its role, and the conclusion is where clarity must be at its sharpest. A well-crafted ending signals that the research journey was thoughtful from start to finish.

Key Points:
✔️ Reinforce main findings clearly
✔️ Avoid introducing new arguments
✔️ Connect back to research objectives
✔️ Highlight significance without repetition

Do you treat your conclusion as a summary, or as a strategic closing argument?

#AcademicPublishing #ResearchWriting #ScholarlyCommunication #JournalPublishing

The Conclusion That Starts a New Story

😄 Ever notice how our “quick 5-minute task” sometimes turns into a 30-minute adventure? Work has a funny way of testing our patience and our planning.

This week is a good reminder that productivity is not about doing more things; it is about doing the *right* things with care and focus. Many times we chase speed, but long-term success is built on consistency and attention to detail. Small, well-executed actions create stronger outcomes than rushed efforts.

When the week feels overwhelming, pause for a moment and reconnect with your priorities. Clear direction reduces stress and improves decision-making. A focused mind works smarter, not just harder.

Progress often looks simple from the outside, but it is powered by discipline, learning, and steady effort behind the scenes.

Key reminders for this week:
• Start each day with a clear priority
• Focus on quality over speed
• Break big tasks into smaller steps
• Reflect on what worked and what didn’t

Consistency builds confidence, and confidence fuels growth.

What is one small habit you will improve this week to make your work more effective?

#WeeklyMotivation #GrowthMindset #Consistency #ProductivityTips #LeadershipThinking #PositiveMindset #ProfessionalGrowth #FocusOnQuality #WorkSmart #SuccessHabits #SelfImprovement #LearningEveryday

The "Czar of IT"

Imagine a 21-year-old engineering student at Stanford suddenly forced to drop out because of a family tragedy. That was Azim Premji. He returned to India in 1966 to find a room full of sceptical shareholders who didn't think he could run a simple cooking oil business, let alone a global empire. At the time, his company was just a small-town firm called Western Indian Vegetable Products.

His strategy was to be the ultimate "pivot master." When IBM was asked to leave India in the 1970s, he didn't just stay in his lane of soaps and oils; he saw a vacuum in the computer market. He famously hired the smartest people and gave them the freedom to build. But here is the different part: despite being a billionaire, his lifestyle was legendary for its simplicity. We are talking about a man who reportedly stayed in budget hotels, drove a modest Toyota Corolla for years, and even monitored the number of paper clips and staples used in his office. He believed that if you waste the small things, you will eventually lose the big things.

This "frugal giant" transformed that $2 million oil company into Wipro Limited, a $10 billion global tech powerhouse. He didn't just build a business; he became the first Indian to sign the "Giving Pledge," donating more than 60% of his wealth to improve rural education.

The Impact: He proved that you can be the "Czar of Indian IT" and still remain the humblest man in the room. He showed the world that true wealth is measured by what you give back, not what you spend on yourself.

The Lesson: Success isn't about the car you drive or the title on your door; it is about the values you keep when no one is looking.

#AzimPremji #Wipro #Legacy #Entrepreneurship #India

The "Czar of IT" who counts his staples

Imagine a 21-year-old engineering student at Stanford suddenly forced to drop out because of a family tragedy. That was Azim Premji. He returned to India in 1966 to find a room full of sceptical shareholders who didn't think he could run a simple cooking oil business, let alone a global empire. At the time, his company was just a small-town firm called Western Indian Vegetable Products.

His strategy was to be the ultimate "pivot master." When IBM was asked to leave India in the 1970s, he didn't just stay in his lane of soaps and oils; he saw a vacuum in the computer market. He famously hired the smartest people and gave them the freedom to build. But here is the different part: despite being a billionaire, his lifestyle was legendary for its simplicity. We are talking about a man who reportedly stayed in budget hotels, drove a modest Toyota Corolla for years, and even monitored the number of paper clips and staples used in his office. He believed that if you waste the small things, you will eventually lose the big things.

This "frugal giant" transformed that $2 million oil company into Wipro Limited, a $10 billion global tech powerhouse. He didn't just build a business; he became the first Indian to sign the "Giving Pledge," donating more than 60% of his wealth to improve rural education.

The Impact: He proved that you can be the "Czar of Indian IT" and still remain the humblest man in the room. He showed the world that true wealth is measured by what you give back, not what you spend on yourself.

The Lesson: Success isn't about the car you drive or the title on your door; it is about the values you keep when no one is looking.

#AzimPremji #Wipro #Legacy #Entrepreneurship #India

😄 Ever feel like your inbox holds more meetings than actual work?

Sometimes it seems productivity hides behind a calendar invite.

This week, I am reminding myself that being busy is not the same as being effective. We can fill our days with activity and still miss the one task that truly moves things forward. Real progress often comes from slowing down long enough to decide what actually matters.

When pressure builds, clarity becomes your greatest advantage. Choosing one meaningful priority each day creates momentum. It also protects your energy and sharpens your thinking. Work feels lighter when it has direction.

Growth is rarely dramatic. It is built in quiet decisions, steady effort, and thoughtful pauses. If we focus on quality rather than noise, outcomes naturally improve.

Key points to carry this week:
• Define one clear priority each morning
• Reduce distractions where possible
• Take short breaks to reset focus
• Measure progress, not busyness

What is one task this week that truly deserves your full attention?

😄 Ever feel like your inbox holds more meetings than actual work?
Sometimes it seems productivity hides behind a calendar invite.

This week, I am reminding myself that being busy is not the same as being effective. We can fill our days with activity and still miss the one task that truly moves things forward. Real progress often comes from slowing down long enough to decide what actually matters.

When pressure builds, clarity becomes your greatest advantage. Choosing one meaningful priority each day creates momentum. It also protects your energy and sharpens your thinking. Work feels lighter when it has direction.

Growth is rarely dramatic. It is built in quiet decisions, steady effort, and thoughtful pauses. If we focus on quality rather than noise, outcomes naturally improve.

Key points to carry this week:
• Define one clear priority each morning
• Reduce distractions where possible
• Take short breaks to reset focus
• Measure progress, not busyness

What is one task this week that truly deserves your full attention?

The Snowboarder Who Built a Digital Empire
Imagine wanting to sell snowboards online in 2004 and finding the available software so terrible that you decided to build your own. That was the start for Tobi Lütke. Born and raised in Germany, he moved to Canada and realised that the "off-the-shelf" tools for small businesses were clunky, expensive, and completely out of touch with what a real entrepreneur needed.

His strategy was to stop focusing on selling snowboards and start focusing on the code he had written to sell them. He saw that the world was moving toward a "creator economy" long before it was a trendy term. The challenge was massive: he was a programmer, not a traditional CEO, and he was trying to compete with tech giants from a cold office in Ottawa. His solution was to keep the software simple and elegant, making it so easy to use that anyone—from a hobbyist in Berlin to a boutique in New York—could launch a store in minutes.

That pivot transformed a tiny side project into Shopify, a global powerhouse that now powers millions of businesses across the globe. Tobi didn't just build a website builder; he created a platform that has processed hundreds of billions of dollars in sales, becoming one of Germany’s most successful tech exports to the world stage.

The Impact: He levelled the playing field, giving every small business owner the same digital tools that were once only available to billion-dollar corporations.

The Lesson: If the tool you need doesn't exist, build it yourself, you might find that the rest of the world needs it too.

#TobiLütke #Shopify #Ecommerce #TechLeader #Germany

The Snowboarder Who Built a Digital Empire
Imagine wanting to sell snowboards online in 2004 and finding the available software so terrible that you decided to build your own. That was the start for Tobi Lütke. Born and raised in Germany, he moved to Canada and realised that the "off-the-shelf" tools for small businesses were clunky, expensive, and completely out of touch with what a real entrepreneur needed.

His strategy was to stop focusing on selling snowboards and start focusing on the code he had written to sell them. He saw that the world was moving toward a "creator economy" long before it was a trendy term. The challenge was massive: he was a programmer, not a traditional CEO, and he was trying to compete with tech giants from a cold office in Ottawa. His solution was to keep the software simple and elegant, making it so easy to use that anyone—from a hobbyist in Berlin to a boutique in New York—could launch a store in minutes.

That pivot transformed a tiny side project into Shopify, a global powerhouse that now powers millions of businesses across the globe. Tobi didn't just build a website builder; he created a platform that has processed hundreds of billions of dollars in sales, becoming one of Germany’s most successful tech exports to the world stage.

The Impact: He levelled the playing field, giving every small business owner the same digital tools that were once only available to billion-dollar corporations.

The Lesson: If the tool you need doesn't exist, build it yourself—you might find that the rest of the world needs it too.

#TobiLütke #Shopify #Ecommerce #TechLeader #Germany

taplio

The Battle

Natasha Walstra

Shahid Chowdhary

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance ScoreNatasha Walstra's LinkedIn Performance

Performance ScoreShahid Chowdhary's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

taplio

The Battle

Natasha Walstra

Shahid Chowdhary

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Natasha Walstra's LinkedIn Performance

Performance ScoreShahid Chowdhary's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

Performance ScoreNatasha Walstra's LinkedIn Performance