My Weblog

Well, that isn't Wellness!

Last night, I went to my second networking event at an altogether smarter venue right next to Tower Bridge. I checked the attendees list to see if there was anyone, in particular, that I'd like to speak to.

As it happens I'd received a few emails from others attending who were looking to speak to me. As I'm an Ecademy newbie I'm not sure if they're genuinely interested in me and my work or it's some networking strategy.

I often get emails from fellow networkers who have seen my profile on the Ecademy website, who say that, they too, are in the "wellness game". These emails usually consist of the standard multi level marketing "wellness" message that focuses on money and building a business. It seems that the customers health and wellness is almost a by product.

My first impression last night was that the event was very business like, but in a social setting. I quite like that. It's natural to come to these meetings and talk about your business. But I generally find conversations that involve people's personal experiences far more interesting.

As Rod Sloane, one of the speakers, last night said, business is generated successfully if three elements are present: You know the person, you like the person and you trust the person.

Thankfully, there wasn't anyone pushing their MLM schemes on me last night. I know these types of products. I know the milkshakes, the pills and the energy bars that are all bundled up into a "wellness" package.

I don't like them and I simply don't trust the organisations that sell them.

A Swiss Reunion

Last week, I had organised the second "Swiss Evening" after our inaugural get together two years ago.

You might be thinking that this is just another excuse for me to don my lederhosen and matching string vest (weather and state of tan permitting). However, as the venue was in the heart of Soho I thought it wise not to attract any unsolicited attention.

We ate at the aptly named St. Moritz restaurant, which is a fantastic place. If you've ever been skiing in Switzerland you'd think you were back on the slopes! The interior of the restaurant is as authentic as can be.

Whilst we looked at the menus and recognised the dishes we all ate as children, we reminisced about the great things we did in Zurich. Such as swimming in really large and very clean swimming pools in the summer. These are not easy to find in Britain!

It's our third time to the St. Moritz restaurant and I ate my favourite bratwurst with rosti and onion sauce. Absolutely delicious and absolutely the wrong thing for me to eat! But hey! We can't eat healthily all the time! Claudia shared the meat fondue. Being a Brazilian I thought she might question the quality of the beef (don't get her started on the fish in London!) but she really liked it.

As we're all of the age or thereabouts, the conversation turned to weddings. A few of my friends are getting married this year so I think it'll be a busy summer. I've not yet been invited to any of them(minor detail) but I'm definitely going to one. My little sis is getting married in August.

By the way, if you know of a good wedding "speeches" website let me know!

I've been tango'd

Last night I went to my third dance lesson of the year. I must admit I wasn't particularly looking forward to it.

Last week had been a tangoing tragedy! There was nothing passionate or intense about my tango whatsover! It was more of a timid tango!

Last night, however, was a tango triumph! Something just clicked..something other than my right hip - must get that seen to.

Although, I'm still an absolute beginner I feel great when I can string a couple of moves together without my dance partner yelping in pain.

Our second dance was the West Coast Swing. More hip action there. My wife tells me that I have about as much hip movement as a penguin.

I have to say that I agree with her. I feel that swinging hips are to brazilian women what standing-at-the-disco-bar-and-staring is to British men. It comes naturally to both of us!

FAQs

Last night I went to a networking event where I bumped into very some interesting people. This event had a "business" theme to it and as it was my first time, I guess I was expecting a whole load of experienced "suits" and financial talk.

Much to my delight I actually met a lot of people who now manage a small business after having worked in a large company for a number of years. A bit like myself.

The two most common questions that were asked from the start are:

1) What do you do?

2) What are you expecting to get out of this meeting? (This one surprised me a little)

The first question usually generates a lot of interesting answers. I met a bespoke furniture maker who was previously an investment banker. I spoke to a former stand up comedian who now runs comedy workshops and also a couple who develop online yearbooks for schools and universities.

The answers to the second question usually went along the lines of meeting new people, self promotion and to make some new friends. All of which are true for me.

Once I had introduced myself as a health coach who get results for people looking to improve their health, bodyshape and reduce their stress levels I was frequently asked the following questions:

1. "So, you're a personal trainer then?" Not quite!

2. "Which diet book do you recommend?" There millions out there but I would start with Metabolic Typing by William Wolcott and Trish Fahey.

3. "Don't you just tell people to eat less and exercise more?" No. I help people find out which foods and lifestyle choices will help them achieve their health goals successfully.

4. "Why do people need a health coach?" Ask yourself how much money you've spent in the past on gym memberships and slimming products to get where you are now.

My programmes help people achieve their goals and are very educational. Once you have the information about yourself and what your body needs you'll be able to successfully manage your health and weight in the long term.

A Tale of Two Cities

One of our goals to achieve within the next five years is to live in two cities that claudia and I both love at various times of the year.

Our desire to achieve our goal is evermore accentuated by the dark and miserable winters we suffer here in London!

Ideally we'd spend October to March here!

Our hometowns of Rio de Janeiro and Zurich are never far from our minds and our vision boards remind us every day of the lifestyle that we want to have.

Claudia fell in love with Zurich when I first took her there a couple of years ago. It used to be a very boring, but beautiful city. But now, I'm quite surprised to hear myself say that's it's become quite trendy!

I loved my childhood running around care free in the streets and playing with my friends in the snow. It's a pity but it's not something that I nor Claudia can envisage our kids doing here in London!

This is where I used to live in Zurich!

Although the above picture was taken in winter it'll be cool when we can go to places like the one below to swim during the summer months!

 

Zurich lake in July!