Using energy, marketing and life experience to improve people’s lives. Bettina Schmidt combines her experiences to help improve people’s lives.
What’s your story?
Being from Tyrol, Austria, my move to Hong Kong opened new horizons. My goal was to never be employed again. This made me use my marketing background to collaborate on a company expansion to Asia as a first step and then build an organization from scratch. The knowledge I have had since childhood about energies in and around us came in handy and I realised I could incorporate them to help improve people’s business and private lives. Today I combine what I have learned from big corporations, building a business and my knowledge of energies to help my clients resolve disharmonies or improve their lives.
What excites you most about your industry?
This industry is very much in it’s infancy. For most people working with energies has something mystical or even negative connotations associated with it. Everyday we are dealing with energies unconsciously, for example in communication, relationships, stress, dealing with our body, etc. Also, illnesses start in our mind and what we see after is only the physical outcome. Being aware of that and the right usage can make you more efficient, more successful, and ultimately feel better on every level. Finding a simple, down to earth, easy to grasp way for adults, and children is what fires me up.
What’s your connection to Asia?
Growing up in a tiny village in Austria, I felt like I was living life in a bubble (a very nice one). Although, I was not experiencing actual life with unlimited opportunities. And sometimes I felt stuck. When I first travelled to Asia about 10 years ago it was like opening a door to a new world that I never wanted to close again. Since then I’ve always wanted to come back. That it was Hong Kong where my boyfriend and I moved to was merely coincidence. However, I have never regretted this choice as it is a very dynamic, adaptable, vibrant city.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
For the moment Hong Kong. I haven’t been to Tokyo, that’s on my bucket list. What I love about Hong Kong is that it still has a village feeling, so people can easily remember you, which is a benefit if you want to build a network. At the same time the city’s energy will soak you in. It’s a melting pot of opportunities and is definitely a pro-startup place with lots of open-minded people. I love the cultural variety. Also, transportation and lifestyle are both very efficient.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
I’ve received tons of great pieces of advice. I’ve learned so much over the past couple of years from various people. One of the things that helped me a lot is that you have got to listen without prejudging in order to learn and grow. So I’ll stick to the quote of the Dalai Lama who said, “If you talk you only repeat what you already know, but if you listen you may learn something new.”
This, and, “Never ever let anyone convince you that your dreams are too big.”
Who inspires you?
I feel almost every person has something inspiring to offer. Whether it is something you like, or something you want to avoid, both are needed. A person who definitely inspires me is my boyfriend Julian. His determination and energy strikes me over and over again. People I would like to meet are Oprah and Marie Forleo, as I love their stories. Really, my experience is that the most general conversation with a stranger can be very inspiring, so always listen carefully.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
Periscope. I absolutely love it. It’s a free of charge live streaming App from Twitter for easy access to share value with people all around the world in a very quick, easy setup. You can interact directly with your followers which gives it a very personal touch.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
I would have started building a high-quality network of people much, much earlier. You can have or get anything you want if you have a trusted network of people. I only learned this when I moved to Asia, so firstly, I needed to build my network. This costs a lot energy, effort and time; trust isn’t build in a day!
How do you unwind?
When I am doing sports I love to run & listen to audiobooks, preferably in the morning. Also I like to spend time either alone, with my partner Julian or very close friends. I unwind only in a calm environment. I am not a good party person as I am a big fan of deep conversations rather than small talk.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Thailand. I absolutely love Thai people. My last destination there was Chiang Mai, where I did a Reiki Course. I’m not sure if it was the people,the course, the delicious food, the nature or all of t combined, but I found it a truly magnificent place.
Everyone in business should read this book:
Richard Branson’s biography – or better still, any biography of entrepreneurs you can get your hands on. Starting off a business or being an entrepreneur can be a lonely place. It’s good to read stories of other’s that have been in exactly the same shoes. Also you can learn from mistakes they did and not necessarily repeat them.
Shameless plug for your business:
Life can be a bumpy road which makes us feel imbalanced within ourselves, in our family or our surroundings. No matter if it is your business or private life, some situations which come as no big deal at first, then progress and can become challenging. These situations make it difficult to see the whole picture when you are right inside the situation, and in many cases, if not looked at and dealt with immediately, can lead to illnesses. This concept is not rocket science, but you’ll be amazed how powerful and simple it is. I work with children and parents.
How can people connect with you?
Via any social media channel or through my website www.westandasbillions.com which has links to my social media pages.
Twitter handle?
www.twitter.com/hiiambettina
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This interview was part of the Callum Connect’s column found on The Asian Entrepreneur:
Callum Laing invests and buys small businesses in a range of industries around Asia. He has previously started, built and sold half a dozen businesses and is the founder & owner of Fitness-Buffet a company delivering employee wellness solutions in 12 countries. He is a Director of, amongst others, Key Person of Influence. A 40 week training program for business owners and executives.
Take the ‘Key Person of Influence’ scorecard <http://www.keypersonofinfluence.com/scorecard/>
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twitter.com/laingcallum
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Get his free ‘Asia Snapshot’ report from www.callumlaing.com
