You are here: Home / Archives for Social

Buy Local and Share it on Your Social Media

November 22, 2012 By

Buy Local and truly make a difference in your community. 

There is something new in the air…have you noticed it?

Collectively people are beginning to wake up and realize that their own personal successcan be impacted by others’ success, good or bad. What happens to those around us eventually impacts us.

When a company closes down in a community, far more people are affected than just those employees and families. Many other businesses in that community will also be hurt because the buying power and habits of those laid-off individuals change, and less is sold.

The good news is that this awareness has caused people to start seeing the value in helping others succeed. We have come to a paradigm shift from focusing on just our own lives—to realizing that our life successis directly connected to how others are succeeding around us, and in our community.

We are seeing more and more business owners working together with companies they once would have considered competitionand community citizens going out of their way to promote local businesses they like and trust.

This is so encouraging. But let it not stop here. Each and every person has a part in bringing collective success back to our communities and now is the perfect time.

SHOP LOCAL

  1. Before you head out for Black Friday Shopping, think about the gifts you can buy from small local stores. Not only will they be unique, but you’ll get the satisfaction of knowing you’ve helped build your community- one gift at a time.
  2. Get your kids involved and teach them the great things they are doing by shopping local – make it an opportunity to help them become focused on others around them, teaching them the power they have in how and where they spend their money.
  3. We can’t think of a better way to have a family day than to have the whole family be part of enjoying the many shops around town.

Here are a few shopping local ideas:
Hair Salon Gift Certificate
Nail Salon Gift Certificate
Spa, Massage, Pamper Gift Certificate
Restaurant/ Coffee Shop Gift Certificate
Art Classes, Sports Camps, Dance Classes
Certificate for Oil Changes/Tune-up
Local Gym Membership
Yoga Classes/Zumba Classes
Local Artist Gifts
Businesses in Inside919 – RTP NC area:
http://inside919.ning.com/page/directory
And there are many more. Think outside-the-box!

SPREAD THE WORD

Social Media has become a powerhouse for spreading the word about a good cause, and it is so easy to do.

When you’re out shopping, make it your priority to shout-out about any local companies you’re around. You can do this by posting a “check-in” when you are at the business. If you are using Facebook, FourSquare, Yelp or Google+ to name a few, you can simply add a comment that you are buying or shopping at a local-owned business.

If you are using Twitter, make sure to add the hashtag #buylocal as a way to make your check-in stand out.

For example: “Stopping in to buy a gift certificate at Sola Café #BuyLocal“

Beyond checking-in, make sure to take a picture of the local business or your friends in the local business and share on-line by posting on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

If you are a business owner, you may want to let the store know what you are doing. For example: “Just want to let you know I am sharing on social media that I am buying this gift certificate and up to a few hundred people may see it.”

START YOUR OWN MOVEMENT

The availability of Facebook has made it as easy as 1-2-3 to start your own “Shop Local” community! You do not need permission to do it, just do it. Start your group and connect with other business owners and invite them to participate in the movement. You’ll be shocked at how excited they get and how you will suddenly build close relationships with other business owners.

If you want to see an example of a Facebook page encouraging local business, see:https://www.facebook.com/HollySpringsShopLocal

Isn’t it exciting to know that you can truly make a difference in your own community? You have the power to Transform Your Community One Purchase at a Time!

Remember that Inside919 is a great place to find local businesses in the RTP NC area to buy gift from. If you are one of those businesses post a comment below. Also just let us know in the comments how you will be buying local.

 

Happy Holidays,
Martin Brossman and Christine Alexander

 

 

 

 

Everyone’s Articles – The 919 Local Business Network

Filed Under: Inside919 Tagged With: , , ,

Is Getting Clients the Only Goal when you connect on social networks?

September 14, 2012 By

In my last article I shared the social media platforms from which I gained my most recent 20 clients. That was an interesting exercise. I’ve had several people talk with me about that article. And one person was surprised because she had not had clients on the same platforms. Actually I think this is fascinating.

People

Of course I wanted clients, but I really wanted to network and meet interesting people. I get excited about what people do. It’s fascinating. When you work alone at your office in your home and can spend all day there alone focused and working, you really have to reach out to connect with other humans. So my goal included that. I wanted to find good folks and have friends.

Experience

I found many good folks on this network. Inside919.com turned out to be a mine of good-hearted people. What I saw here was smart people, skilled people, who enjoyed sharing what they knew. In return I shared too. Life is more than just making money . . . the more valuable resource here is the people. If you just want to sell and you don’t care about getting to know the people then why be here. Put up ads.

Knowledge

The most valuable result of the networking experience has been the massive amount of learning. I want to list this. Let’s go one by one through the networks:

WomensPowerNetworking.com
I gained:

  • great friends
  • a good sense of women’s strength having their own businesses
  • an understanding of how small businesses can collaborate
  • experience with building shared referrals without pressure
  • a way to explain how you feed and care for web spiders to women
  • exposure to Martin Brossman and his immense kindness

Team Nimbus and “100 Days to Abundance”
I gained:

  • how to drop a client that was eating up your time with no profit balance
  • how to schedule 50% production and 50% networking
  • how to set realistic expectations and goals and meet them month after month
  • exposure to Bill Davis and his business wisdom
  • how to build woodpiles!

Inside919.com
I gained:

  • exposure to Pat Howlett and his Be the Gorilla SEO brilliance
  • devoured SEO Gorilla lesson content, made $ $ $
  • mentors and friends excited and creating new experiments
  • excitement and recognition from my blogging experiments
  • the joy of being a partner

Breakthrough Advantage
I gained:

  • exposure to the great Olalah in full purple wow
  • a hedgehog and ability to explain it
  • a bigger vision, unleashing potential giant possibilities

and from them all . . . clients. But you see, if you value the rest, clients are more like icing on the cake, a result of excitement, learning, camaraderie, and good-hearted giving of yourself.

I’ll take that every day along with the work and the income.

Anyone else want to explore their social media? Is your just clients? really?

Everyone’s Articles – The 919 Local Business Network

Filed Under: Inside919 Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Are your clients really everyone? Are they really on every social media?

September 10, 2012 By

A suggestion was made to me by a dear friend, to look at your last 20 clients and see where they came from and go spend time on those social media platforms.

Okay, without revealing every detail here:
Raleigh Durham Web Design Meetup
Women’s Power Networking
Women’s Power Networking
Women’s Power Networking
Raleigh Durham Web Design Meetup
Women’s Power Networking
Women’s Power Networking
Old friend
Repeat client
Women’s Power Networking
100 Days to Abundance
Women’s Power Networking
Breakthrough Advantage
Raleigh Durham Web Design Meetup
Inside919 Referral
100 Days to Abundance
Women’s Power Networking
Breakthrough Advantage
Inside919 Referral
Current client

Do you see a pattern here? duh, see why I love my “network”friends. Its a strategic placement of my time that works for me in so many ways. When I go learn, others learn beside me, then they learn about me and we are off and running. You know why? Because the people in these courses with me like to learn and expand what they do. They are interested and growing. They are action people. My best clients are people who have a good thing going, but realize they need my help to do it well online. That’s great. I love it. We have f un.

So to diagnose what platform I need to be on . . . it would be the social media platforms that are managed by the programs I attended. The places where I learned a boatload and found fabulous colleagues for clients. Here, right here on Inside919 and the others listed above.

However, as I regroup after my big year of family needs, I also must be on the platforms that my clients are concerned about, the platforms they need to be on. I may not meet the clients there but they need to be there for their clients. Get the picture? That is because I am in the web presence strategy business.

I have learned so much about how to do things on all the platforms, but, for my own needs, have not done all of everything for myself because I didn’t need to. The clients came out of the woodwork, so fast I could hardly serve all of them. However, speaking from experience is the best way to give that help to someone else. So, I gotta be there. I feel that level of honestly is important.

So I need to use the skills and knowledge I have on Google Plus for the sheer SEO success of it, on my new passion Pinterest, on Facebook where I am building my new timeline business page again, on Twitter where I sure love hearing the news from my favorite web geeks, in addition to my favorite places to hang out . . . right here on Inside919.com.

I think it is twofold then, go where your clients are  . . . and where you need to guide them to go.

It will take a bit of time to catch up all my pages to the point I want them. Maintaining them is the issue. How many can you maintain at once? I just need to make it fun and schedule the time in my life for it. That is the real secret, scheduling.

The web is also like a revolving door. If you weren’t here yesterday, you can come back tomorrow and it will be fine. It is so forgiving.

Everyone’s Articles – The 919 Local Business Network

Filed Under: Inside919 Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Baby Boomer Women Know How to Build Social Media Relationships

July 22, 2012 By

Baby boomer women in business know that building relationships is what helps us pay your bills. We also understand that our social media networks will generate a consistent stream of prospects, referrals and customers.

Like face-to-face networking, social media is about inviting people to have a conversation with you. That’s how we create relationships that win trust and a loyal following. It is NOT about immediately going out and asking people to purchase your products or sign up for your services.

In her article, 7 Traits of Entrepreneurial Baby Boomer Women, the author stresses the importance of building relationships and networks.

During the 4th Annual All BOOMER Women’s Social Media Summit, a panel of experts will share their own success stories of how they go about building social media relationships. Find out if the relationships you’re in are truly giving you the value you deserve.

Everyone’s Articles – The 919 Business Network – Local Business Networking

Filed Under: Inside919 Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Baby Boomer Women are Taking Social Media By Storm

July 9, 2012 By

In case you haven’t heard the news, baby boomer women are the fastest group to rise among the ranks in social media. According to one report,women make up over half of all social media users at fifty-six percent. That’s quite a statistic in light of the fact that baby boomers, in general, did not grow up with technology.

Another interesting statistic is the fact that women are developing online businesses at nearly a 3-1 ratio in comparison to men.

How are baby boomer women doing it? You’ll learn from some of the experts during this year’s Fourth Annual All Women’s Social Media Summit November 3—where the spotlight will shine brightly on boomer women. A diverse group of women will come together to share their experiences and knowledge on how they make things happen on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Inside919.

To learn more, follow this link: http://www.boomerdivanation.org/boomerwomensocialmedia/

Everyone’s Articles – The 919 Business Network – Local Business Networking

Filed Under: Inside919 Tagged With: , , , , , ,

The Golden (Platinum) Rule = The Social Networking Rule

July 6, 2012 By

We speak of it and we try to live by it – “treat others as you would like to be treated.”

To me it’s the main rule one needs to follow within Social Networking.

The Golden Rule was a common principle in ancient Greek philosophy.

A few examples:

“Do not to your neighbor what you would take ill from him.” (Pittacus)

“Avoid doing what you would blame others for doing.” (Thales)

“What you wish your neighbors to be to you, such be also to them.” (Sextus the Pythagorean)

“Do not do to others what would anger you if done to you by others.” (Isocrates)

“What thou avoidest suffering thyself seek not to impose on others.” (Epictetus)

A couple snippets from different world views…

Christianity:

Matthew 7:12
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”

Luke 6:31
“Just as you want others to do for you, do the same for them.”

Judaism:

“That which is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow. That is the whole Torah; the rest is the explanation; go and learn.”

Buddhism:

“One who, while himself seeking happiness, oppresses with violence other
beings who also desire happiness, will not attain happiness hereafter.”

Confucius:

“Never impose on others what you would not choose for yourself.”

Hinduism:

“That man who regards all creatures as his own self, and behaves towards them as towards his own self, laying aside the rod of chastisement and completely subjugating his wrath, succeeds in attaining to happiness.”

Islam:

“Woe to those . . . who, when they have to receive by measure from men, exact full measure, but when they have to give by measure or weight to men, give less than due”

Taoism:

“Regard your neighbor’s gain as your own gain, and your neighbor’s loss as your own loss.”

The “The Platinum Rule” adds a nice addition to the “Golden Rule”…

“The golden rule is a good standard which is further improved by doing unto others, wherever possible, as they want to be done by.”

You’ll see lot’s of “Top 10 Rules of Social Networking” – pick any of the above and I think you’ll have it covered.
Everyone’s Blog Posts – Inside704 Local Business Networking

Filed Under: Inside704 Tagged With: , , , ,

The Impact of Social Media on News Coverage

March 23, 2012 By

Three weeks ago no one knew the name “Trayvon Martin.” He was just some black teen who was shot and killed in Florida. Because of Facebook and Twitter, we now know the circumstances surrounding his death.

What social media did was take a local story and turn it into a national one. It has forced national journalists to take a look at the case and start reporting on it. Social media has raised the level of consciousness of the general public. Those who may have turned a blind eye to the argument that black males are always the victims of racial profiling are now seeing first-hand that there may, in fact, some truth to that theory.

Pictures are posted everywhere showing people wearing “hoodies” like the one Trayvon was wearing the night he died. People are blogging about it and some are even engaging in honest dialogue online.

The impact of social media is huge and not to be dismissed or taken lightly. Your credibility—your reputation—your behavior becomes magnified.

Everyone’s Articles – The 919 Business Network – Local Business Networking

Filed Under: Inside919 Tagged With: , , , ,

Social Media Steering Committee Extraordinaire

March 12, 2012 By

It can be inspiring to be part of a dynamic group of women anytime, anywhere. It is especially exciting to participate in a group of women so committed to their organization’s mission that they are willing to convene on a Saturday morning!

Karen Kanakanui (strategy), Anne Stultz (tactics), Eileen Batson (publicity), Leslie Flowers (chair), Malea Frederickson (Twitter), Diana Needham (Linked In), and Cynthia Wade, members of the Womens Power Network Steering Committee, met Saturday, March 11, 2012 for the purpose of reviewing the newly developed WPN social media strategy and tactics, creating dynamic ways to use social media in support of WPN’s mission, as well as creating opportunities for WPN members to learn how to use social media to powerfully impact their individual businesses.

Do you want to know how you can use social media to increase your business opportunities? WPN members enjoy a host of mentors that gladly take you under their wing and show you how! This is a great way for you to gain the social media skills you need for your business, while also making a big difference for WPN. It’ a win-win for everyone!

Everyone’s Articles – The 919 Business Network – Local Business Networking

Filed Under: Inside919 Tagged With: , , , ,

Social Sharing and SEO

February 13, 2012 By


Have Social Shares become the collective beating drum of search engine optimization? Are they resulting in higher rankings in search engine results pages?

Social sharing is like beating a drum – it is the ‘modern day way’ we send signals about what we like and value to others. Between Facebook, Twitter, and Google+, and LinkedIn many of us are actively sharing all kinds of content. Whether its a viral video on YouTube, an awesome blog post, or even products from any one of a gazillion online retailers – social sharing is where it is at right now.

The question remains – do all those social shares impact SEO? Will links on social media sites improve your own website’s position in search engine results pages?

Signs are pointing to “yes” for now at least. In the ever changing world of search engine optimization – one is not entirely sure what tomorrow will bring.

The basic job of a search engine is to deliver relevant content when you enter your search query. In a blink of an eye, the search engine must deliver what is both relevant and – lately – what is popular. With Facebook now exceeding 800 million users, Twitter on track to exceed 500 million users in 2012, and Google+ ranks expected to reach 400 million by the end of the year that’s a lot of signals search engine simply cannot afford to overlook.

Read the rest of the post on my blog and discover top tips for ranking with social media and the relative value of sharing your links on the different social networks.

Everyone’s Articles – The 919 Business Network – Local Business Networking

Filed Under: Inside919 Tagged With: ,

Seven Tips to Help You Determine if Your Social Security Benefits are Taxable

February 8, 2012 By

Many people may not realize the Social Security benefits they received in 2011 may be taxable. All Social Security recipients should receive a Form SSA-1099 from the Social Security Administration which shows the total amount of their benefits. You can use this information to help you determine if your benefits are taxable. Here are seven tips from the IRS to help you:

1. How much – if any – of your Social Security benefits are taxable depends on your total income and marital status.

2. Generally, if Social Security benefits were your only income for 2011, your benefits are not taxable and you probably do not need to file a federal income tax return.

3. If you received income from other sources, your benefits will not be taxed unless your modified adjusted gross income is more than the base amount for your filing status (see below).

4. Your taxable benefits and modified adjusted gross income are figured on a worksheet in the Form 1040A or Form 1040 Instruction booklet. Your tax software program will also figure this for you.

5. You can do the following quick computation to determine whether some of your benefits may be taxable:

  • First, add one-half of the total Social Security benefits you received to all your other income, including any tax-exempt interest and other exclusions from income.
  • Then, compare this total to the base amount for your filing status. If the total is more than your base amount, some of your benefits may be taxable.

6. The 2011 base amounts are:

  • $ 32,000 for married couples filing jointly.
  • $ 25,000 for single, head of household, qualifying widow/widower with a dependent child, or married individuals filing separately who did not live with their spouse at any time during the year.
  • $ 0 for married persons filing separately who lived together during the year.

7. For additional information on the taxability of Social Security benefits, see IRS Publication 915, Social Security and Equivalent Railroad Retirement Benefits. You can get a copy of Publication 915 at www.irs.gov or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).3. (IRS Tax Tip 2012-26) 

To see more tax tips visit my blog at http://www.dcampbellcpa.com/blog.php

Douglas

Everyone’s Articles – The 919 Business Network – Local Business Networking

Filed Under: Inside919 Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
« Older Posts