She Always Had a Bit of Cat...

She always had a touch of cat about her—
She loved warm milk, long naps, and quiet grace.
And underneath each soft, gloved hand she carried
Five dainty claws, just barely out of place.

At night, when moonlight shimmered in her gazes,
And silver danced within her glowing eyes,
She seemed a cat for real, in all her phases—
So still… and yet prepared to spring and fly.

She curled beneath the blanket like a kitten,
And sometimes skipped on sleep the whole night through.
But every day, despite the rain or mischief,
She laughed with ease, as if the world was new.

Not everyone could stroke her silky fur—
Some passed her by with barely more than cheer.
A lucky few got close enough to purr…
But she still dreamed that someone would draw near.

Snow felt like magic falling from the skies,
And chocolate—her sweet cure for every ache.
At dawn, sleep gently touched her with closed eyes,
And in her dreams, kind arms held her awake.

The moonlight casts a trail, serene and fair,
You hear her steps drift softly out of reach…
One night, she slips away into the air—
The cat you never quite knew how to teach...

Dedication to my husband:

When we first met, I thought it was a game,

I thought we’ll play a bit and go our ways…

But time has shown me I was wrong,

What we both shared was more than just a joke –

The life exposed to me that we are worthy

To try and build some happiness for two.

You have awaken light that slept within me

You shown me how it is to love for true,

And when you’re close to me – the world is smiling

I feel alive, awake, I feel my place on Earth!

We had our moments with some rainy days

From time to time the sun would hide its rays

But your support and patience led us through

Together we grew stronger with each hitch

Like sun, like air, like water and blue sky

Like all the world around us filled with joy!

Together, me and you are strong enough to make it through!

I cannot promise world to you, or give you any oaths to keep

But you should know one thing for true

My non-conditional love is just for you!

Love, Stinka!        

Milo the Dog Playing

A little bit of fun with my dog Milo :) 

How to Make a Perfect Business Card

I have spoken about business image in previous topics. In this article I want to talk about another important part of a business appearance. 

BUSINESS CARD - it is the passport of a businessperson.

Just like a police officer that would ask you for ID, a business partner would ask you for your business card. The exchange of cards is a ritual at the beginning of any negotiations.

If a person takes your business card and does not give you his own in exchange, saying that he is out of cards while searching for them in his pockets, then he looks like a clochard that came to negotiations in order to sell you some rubbish.

Only COOL may not give their business card, but they have secretaries who give their own card instead.

A businessperson’s card is different from a loser’s card through design. We must be well familiar with business cards because those we work with, quite frequently make their own design for their cards. By looking at the business cards, you can read the faith of their owner even more effectively than a gipsy would read it from their hand.

Lets remember few basic rules:

If you see more than one job position on a business card then it is a chevalier of fortune, especially if the card has loads of scientific qualifications and the word “president” on it. Don’t even think about working with these kind of people – They go straight to the disposal!!!

If a card has more than on row of text than it is some poor freelancer desperately seeking any kind of work.

If a card has a text in two languages it means that its owner deals with international clients – it is a bonus.

Now a few words about design: If a business card has more than three colours, then it probably belongs to a scholar or a director of typography.

If the card has loads of phone numbers then the person is probably working in an office, he is nobody, and somebody else takes all the decisions. Those who take decisions do not need a bunch of phone numbers.

If the card is not of a rectangular shape than it probably belongs to a designer – they do not represent much interest to us.

If a business card is made of wood, velvet, rubber or steel – it belongs to a vendor, who probably became rich by chance and soon will be poor again, but while it didn’t happen – he is a gift of Fortune!

Now that you know few things about business cards, you should ask yourself what kind of card do you need? Well, remember: You need loads of business cards for all sort of events. It will depend on the impression you aim to make.

In addition, the last but not least: Only losers and paupers collect business cards, because collecting them is just like collecting handkerchiefs. Normal businessperson would input all the necessary contacts in the computer and would throw the card in a shredder.

Law of image in business

I would like to discuss the significance of image during business negotiations, drawing from my experiences in various business meetings. Here are some key observations:

Manner of Behavior: This is fundamental in business and, unfortunately, cannot be purchased. It sets the initial tone of respect and professionalism.

Symbols of Status: These items often convey your professional status. Three primary accessories can elevate your perceived status:

• Fountain Pen: Although modern business often relies on laptops or tablets for note-taking, the traditional fountain pen retains its charm. Why? The answer is easy – the magical ritual of signing the contract.  Interestingly, women may not need to carry one, as it is customary for gentlemen to offer theirs if needed.
• Watch: While watches are less essential for women—who may view them more as pieces of jewellery—there is a wide array of designer watches that blend functionality with high fashion.
• Mobile Phone: This is perhaps the most critical accessory. A top-tier mobile phone should be placed on the table at the start of negotiations, serving as a statement of prowess. This holds true regardless of whether the meeting is led by men or women. In recent years, many negotiations are indeed facilitated by women.

Final note - The Paradox of Phone Prestige: Those who own small, simplistic phones are seen as 'cool'. These phones, often no larger than a little finger and adorned with diamonds, typically have minimal functionality—sometimes limited to just receiving calls. Conversely, more 'business-like' individuals tend to have larger, smarter phones equipped with various features and applications, but without the ornamental extravagance. But, what is the difference between cool and business-like? - Cool one – gives the money, but doesn’t negotiate. On the other hand, the negotiator is the business-oriented person who may not hold the funds but plays a crucial role in the discussions.

Remember, your presentation in business meetings—through behaviour and the strategic use of status symbols—can significantly influence the dynamics and outcomes of negotiations.

Is Business a Necessity?

I experienced many business affairs,  due to the fact that I was raised by two business parents. Not everybody can be as lucky. Some people study all their life and don't know what to do with their knowledge.

Personally, I feel big passion for chemistry (not business). Nevertheless, I spent some time working in business industry, studied it and now I know how I can apply my knowledge and make something useful and profitable out of it. It is fullish to say that you don't need business in the profession you are studying for. When you start working - you become a part of economy and business teaches you about its processes and management, how to be proactive, self-disciplined and successful. 

I was doing a huge research on business and business ideas and realised that if I want to succeed in the subject I have chosen, I will need to make a living out of it.  Work for someone is an option, of course, but after years of working for myself it just doesn't fit for me. Constant development should be persistent during our whole life!

I think it applies to everyone. Develop every skill you have because it will come handy sometime!!!

Best On-line Business Courses

I'd like to offer some practical advice for those looking to enhance their business knowledge efficiently and cost-effectively.

Business concepts are often best understood through practical experience. However, a foundational understanding is essential before diving into real-world applications. Fortunately, acquiring this foundation has become increasingly accessible. You can explore a variety of business programs online, which I personally recommend. The digital learning environment today is highly developed, offering flexibility and accessibility to anyone with internet access. Whether you opt for self-paced online courses or structured virtual classes, you'll find that learning business online can be a direct, convenient way to build your skills without a significant investment of time and money.

Here you can find a few useful courses that are worth your time:

Introduction to Microeconomics: https://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/33985

How to Build a Startup: https://www.udacity.com/

Some Economics lessons: http://webcast.berkeley.edu/series.html#c,d,Economics

Entrepreneurship through the lens of venture capital: http://online.stanford.edu/course/entrepreneurship-through-lens-venture-capital

Financial Markets: https://www.coursera.org/course/financialmarkets (generally coursera.org is an amazing website for online learning, for any subject)

There are obviously more courses, which you can find by yourself or on the websites above or by searching with Google.

Good luck with your business studies!