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Fashion and Fun after Fifty

Posts Tagged ‘social media marketing’

Twitter for Small Business

On a recent Podcast, Social Media Sunday with the Delaware Blogger” we discussed Twitter for Small Business because many small business owners still don’t understand why they should be on this social media platform. 

I actually had a client say that Twitter was dying and that it was old fashioned…not sure why he thought this, but I invited him to listen in to the Podcast in hopes of changing his mind. 

social-media-and-small-business-building-a-community-on-facebook

Not only do I, but several other social media strategists feel that Twitter is the #1 social network because it is truly social. On Facebook, your are limited to an established circle of friends and family. But everyone is fair game on Twitter.  I can jump in and out of all sorts of conversations with people I’ve never met—I’ve made connections with my best blogging sponsors this way.

What is Twitter?

Twitter is a microblogging network of real time posts that are limited to 140 characters or less, however, at one time they wanted to change it to make it unlimited characters and Twitterverse lost it’s mind.  What they did do was change the algorithm so that images do not count as part of the 140 characters.

Twitter’s demographic is geared more towards the younger generations, however, that doesn’t mean that the older generation are not using it as a matter of fact, Twitter is my favorite social media platform. 

Unfortunately, many boomers and seniors are using it in the wrong way and I won’t mention any names. (DT)

reading-news-on-iphone-5s-gold-picjumbo-com

You may remember that I once said that, “Twitter are the friends that you wished you had in high school” versus Facebook which are like the friends you did have in high school.

I made that statement because, you can establish relationships and followings with the really cool kids, not to say that the people you connect with on Facebook aren’t cool, they just aren’t the really cool tweeps.  For example, I remember my first celebrity follower was Kimora Lee Simmons, she started following me because I had made a comment about a beautiful family photo that she had posted online. 

I was so over the top excited that little ole me from Middletown, DE was recognized and followed by a real celebrity.  Unfortunately, it was short lived because after I posted one of her purses that I bought from a local discount store she inquired as to where I got it.  I responded but the next thing I knew, the store was no longer carrying them! 

The power of Twitter and network marketing was solidified for me on the day, I guess she didn’t appreciate having knock offs of her bags being sold at discount.

Rugged Wearhouse discount store

You don’t have to be uber famous like Kimora Lee Simmons, Justin Bieber or even Ellen Degeneres to get a decent following and if you’re a small business or brand, Twitter will actually help bring in new customers. It has been proven that 64% of Twitter users are more likely to buy from brands that they follow on Twitter.

Steps to set up a Twitter account:
  • Sign up with your real name, your email address and a password.
  • Choose Your Twitter Name:  Your Twitter name is limited to a maximum of 15 characters.  Although Twitter names are not case-sensitive, Twitter will save the name exactly as you enter it when you create your Twitter profile. So even though you can create your profile with “DelawareBlogger” and be listed as @DelwareBlogger, your Twitter fans will be able to find you by using @delawareblogger.  Avoid names with numbers, uncommon abbreviations and names that are difficult to remember. Keep mobile users in mind and avoid underscores, which require extra steps to type in on mobile phones.
  • You can skip interests and importing address books because you may want to wait and get comfortable before you start advertising your profile.
  • Check your email to confirm your email address that will be sent to the email address that you provided.
  • Upload Your Picture: It’s important to change the default picture to show others that you are a real person and not a spambot and definitely not that ‘egg’ which is the generic profile pic.
  • Fill in your Location – If you are a local business put the town/city, county/state and then country.   Enter your website/blog address, and your bio.  Fill in details about yourself or your company, use keywords wisely as part of your description especially for SEO.
  • Create a background and design your page, usa Canva.com or Picmonkey.com which both have templates to make it easier.
  • When you send your first tweet make sure to introduce your brand or business explaining briefly what you aim to give followers through your tweets. Create a mission statement and remember no selling just yet, wait to build an audience/following.

Pavlograd UKRAINE - December 18 2014: Person holding a brand new Apple iPhone 5S with Twitter logo on the screen and twitter page on laptop. Twitter is a social media online service for microblogging and networking communication.

How to get Twitter Followers – What is your mission statement ~ Who is your ideal customer ~ Tell them why they should follow you

When using Twitter for business it’s important to ensure that you are getting followers that are relevant to your topic, so you need to balance out your activities to get those numbers versus activities aimed at just getting mass quantities of followers.  Remember the SNL skit with the Coneheads, they were an alien family that just wanted to get mass quantities of everything.

  • A hashtag, or the pound symbol (#) is a way to connect or search others with the same interests.  Type a hashtag keyword in the search bar to discover content and accounts based on your interests.  For example, on twitter if you type #Podcast,  you will be presented with tweets about Podcasts or anything anyone has ever tweeted about using the hashtag Podcast (#Podcast). And this ladies and gents is what makes it so very easy for you to find and connect with your targeted audience. 

Whether you are looking for stay at home moms, which is hashtag #SAHM, millennials #millennial or a blogger in Delaware #DelawareBlogger, putting the hashtag in front of the word or phrase when searching on Twitter will provide you with an avalanche of people to follow which can increase your audience exponentially once you start following them.

  • Participate in #FollowFriday or any other trending hashtag topics that may be relevant to you, your product or service.  Same with popular events, movies or television shows as most networks are now placing their hashtag at the bottom corners of the screen which is how I find and follow #HAHN and #TWD viewers.
  • Check the trending topics on the left side of the screen, if they are relevant to your niche, join in share, comment and retweet which may get you a number of followers that are interested in the same trending topics.
  • Twitter chats is where a group of Twitter users meet at a pre-determined time to discuss a certain topic, using a designated hashtag ) for each tweet contributed. A host or moderator will pose questions (designated with Q1, Q2…) to prompt responses from participants (using A1, A2…) and encourage interaction among the group. Chats typically last an hour.  You can find twitter chats on websites like TwitterChat.com or TWUBS.com where you can also host Twitter Chats and they are great if you are promoting a new product, project or event. 

There are awesome places to connect with others including celebs especially if they are promoting a new project like Oprah and Tyler Perry.  When the OWN network went live followers were chatting up a storm and yes, I have been retweeted by both Oprah and Tyler.  I think my most famous follower now is Dick Gregory

 

“ Twitter Chats are business networking events – minus the dress code”

Twitter is less focused on “What you are doing” like on Facebook and more about “What’s going on around you in the world”.

What Should I Publish on Twitter?

  • Always share good content that is worth sharing and retweeting, use humor too, remember to tweet more than just your product or service
  • When you share something that someone else wrote, don’t just tell people why it’s great and share the link, also include the Twitter handle of the author. This will get you right on their radar as someone who supports and appreciates their work. That’s the first step to building a relationship.
  • If someone writes about you, @mention them when you share the link. This is especially important if you have a good following that will also retweet and engage with the article.
  • Use Twitter to follow up and respond to others.
  • Join Twitter Chats to get more followers and offer insights.
  • Add photos and images to your tweets.

The key to being successful on Twitter is sharing the right information, whether it’s your own links or other content. 

“Do what you do best then link to the rest!” 

getting your news from twitter

Twitter tips:

  • Use a timesaving tool to schedule your tweets. Free and low-cost tools like Hootsuite allow you to schedule your tweets in advance so that you maintain a consistent flow of content, while saving time. 
  • Make sure you are following your customers.
  • Reward people who retweet you or offer Twitter-only specials.
  • Retweet and thank those who follow and retweet you.
  • Multitask and tweet while commuting to and from work on the bus or train. Tweet while on the bike at the gym, during commercials of your favorite shows; tweet while in the waiting room for the doctor.
  • Tweet inspirational quotes. Quotes tend to see higher engagement on Twitter because people enjoy reading them and sharing with others.
  • Communicate with your followers, answer their questions, respond to their positive/negative feedback and make sure that they can trust the information that you’re providing them.
  • Follow users who follow your followers as they are likely to share similar interests so you may consider following them as well.
  • Follow the accounts recommended by Twitter. In the #Discover section of your dashboard, Twitter recommends “Who to follow” for your account. 
  • Direct Message send a direct message to @abccompany and request for a follow back so that you can connect under the radar or take it offline to help or assist or work with influencers and potential vendors and customers
  • You don’t have to read every tweet on your timeline.
  • Put your twitter handle everywhere including, your website, Your email signature, Your email newsletter, Your business cards, Signs posted in your business, Paperwork you give customers (receipts, invoices, statements, etc.), Menus and product information sheets

  • Respond to everyone who mentions, retweets you, or favorites one of your tweets, they are seeking a connection with you. From a certain perspective, this is a truly humbling event. Someone has valued you and your profile enough that they want to connect.

  • It’s OK to tweet the same thing multiple times

Chime in: Do you have any other Twitter tips for small businesses?


Social Media and Subscription Boxes

As a blogger I have had an opportunity to review several Subscription Boxes throughout the years, some were FREE and other’s were those that I had to pay a monthly fee.  

On the Podcast a few weeks ago, I interviewed Yolanda Kennedy, owner of Blissful Crate a subscription box for moms and babies, you can check out the interview here.

  variety of subscription boxes

Today more than ever consumers are dollar-conscious, and budget savvy thanks to social media.  We want to know if we’ll like something before committing to a purchase which is why samples are so popular in those big box stores like Costco and BJ’s.  While the idea of sampling is hardly new, the concept of putting your brand inside a box is.

This business concept is a two-pronged approach – 1) provide customers with products they’ll enjoy while using a fresh, direct-to-consumer platform 2) market products nationally without ever having to leave your home or office. 

There are literally subscription boxes for everything from cosmetics from Birchbox to dog related products from Barkbox.

sampling food at Costco

For the entrepreneurs who’ve started these sample subscription services the business model provides a steady and predictable revenue stream.  Inventory management is not a huge problem, and the cost of goods is minimal as the samples are usually subsidized by the manufacturers.  Many of these manufacturers may even pay you for including their products in your subscription boxes.

Manufacturers and big brands understand that sample products in a subscription box can lead to conversion to full size purchases.  They can measure this with specially coded coupons or offers placed inside the box that recipients can later use in stores for purchasing regular sizes, or to order online on the brand’s website, this is a win-win for everyone.

Blissful Crate Subscription boxes

10 Social Media Tips to Market  Your Subscription Box

Most subscription boxes are business-to-consumer, so Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are usually good starting points. Think about your target audience’s age and demographics and what social media are they already using then head over there.

  • Tell Family & Friends

Ask your family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, sorority, fraternity, church members everyone about your new subscription box and if they aren’t interested, perhaps they will tell others who are.  Make sure to have a sample box with you to show and tell – of course non-perishable items

  • Follow your niche

This is one of the easiest ways to find customers, use your social media accounts that your target customer is already following.  Make sure to follow your followers and their followers as well.

  • Encourage your fans to share photos

Remind your subscribers to share with a custom hashtag printed directly on your subscription box.   Selfie contests and subscriber discount programs are fun, especially during the holidays.

  • Get influencers to share your subscription box.

Send complimentary boxes to bloggers popular with your target audience. Even if they don’t give you a glowing review, you’re increasing awareness of your brand among people likely to buy.  Bloggers are always sharing on social media platforms so you are increasing your own social shares.

  • Free Giveaways

A ‘Try Before You Buy’ promotion to targeted followers and especially influencers in the industry or niche.  Google them to get on the radar of product review bloggers especially those who host link parties.

  • Create anticipation

The beauty of a subscription box is that you always have new surprises to share each month. While your subscribers are waiting for their next box, use this opportunity to tease what’s coming up. By offering these sneak peeks, you’re providing extra value to your followers.

 

  • Pay attention to what’s working and try new things

Get creative and create media like videos, Infographics, Livestreams and Flipgrams. Experimenting with different posts is what will keep you ahead of your competitors.

  • Blog

We have all heard the phrase ‘Content is King’ then let your customers wear the crown!  Creating a blog that will appeal and resonate with your target audience, and then sharing across your social media networks is exactly how you will organically build a loyal community around your business.

Once you have those followers on board you can aim to convert them into paying customers. Additionally, Blogging also works wonders for your SEO if you do it right. If you can rank high in Google’s search results for those targeted keywords you could be getting a bunch of organic traffic and customers too.

  • Build Your Email List

Email marketing is one of the most valuable channels in the game. Having an email list of thousands of targeted customers who have all shown an interest in your product means that you can instantly contact them to promote your products. Imagine sending out an email to 10,000 potential customers telling them about your new product line. The results can be sensational and it is all free.

Everyone has an email address and the sooner you start collecting them the better you will be placed in the future. Offer visitors an incentive for signing up. Perhaps a free trial, a coupon code offer, or a newsletter update to receive your awesome blog content. Mailchimp  and MadMimi are useful tools to use to store your email list and to then create an email campaign or monthly newsletters with updates that you want to send to your followers.

These are just a few marketing tips to get your subscription box business off the ground and if you have others, please leave a comment below. 

These are the Subscription Boxes that I have tried:

Rocksbox is a monthly subscription box for jewelry rental. You will receive 3 pieces of hand-selected jewelry in every box. Wear them for as long as you like and then return them in a pre-paid shipping envelope to swap them out for a new set.  I tried a Trial subscription to Rocksbox for 3 months and you can check out my blog and YouTube Channel to see the pieces.  The jewelry was nice for special occasions, but if you could see my collection you would definitely agree along with hubby that the last thing I need is another pair of earrings!

PinchMe.com after you answer a series of questions about your household and shopping habits in the Member Profile. they will offer samples just for you.  Every Tuesday they announce new products and you can pick the samples you want to try, they are actual samples not large products but they go quickly.  Once you’ve had a chance to try your samples, you will complete a short feedback survey to tell them what you think of the samples. You don’t have to be a blogger to sign up.

Influenster.com is free to join, they ship out thousands of exclusive VoxBoxes every month from brands you know for FREE and you share your thoughts, pics, videos, on social media platforms as well as complete a questionnaire.  The more you participate the more VoxBoxes you are chosen for and they have some great items.  The more social you are the better chance you are chosen for some big VoxBox containing a wide variety of products from beauty products, to candy and food.

Graze is a mini-snack subscription box that sends a customized selection of treats weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. They offer over 100 different snacks that you can rate online, which, over time, helps tailor your subscription to your particular snacking preferences. (Regularly $11.99 for 8 snacks per box).  The snacks were good and they were perfect for the 3:00 snack attack at work, but was a bit costly for the small snacks so I cancelled my subscription.

Target Beauty Box first started out FREE with a few samples but now it’s a paid subscription which varies and averages about $7. Target releases new beauty boxes about every other month, and they sell out within hours because they are good! The value is always great and they come with Target coupons, with a good mix of samples and full-size items.  I need to check them out again.

Remember to check out my YouTube Channel to see the actual unboxing of these subscription boxes and subscribe so you will be notified when I have new ones to share.

Do you subscribe to any of these boxes?


Blogging for Small Business Presentation at eCommerce Sales and Marketing Workshop

Last month I had an opportunity to present Blogging for Small Business at the 2016 eCommerce Sales and Marketing Workshop, which was sponsored by the Delaware Economic Development Office (DEDO) and Downtown Delaware held at DelTech in Dover, DE.

eCommerce Workshop at DelTech

As an attendee at the 2015 eCommerce Sales and Marketing Workshop I knew that I wanted to come back as a presenter. Especially since Blogging has become an integral social media platform for small business owners it was a natural fit for me to present. #DelawareBlogger

small business owner in Delaware The eCommerce Sales and Marketing Workshop is a FREE 2 Day training program, however, small business owners must submit an application and commit to attending both days in order to be accepted. The eCommerce training covers an array of topics including Instagram, Facebook 101, Legal and Taxes, Reputation Marketing, Loans and Grants and Branding Your Business.

  small business owners in Delaware eCommerce Workshop attendee

The courses were designed to assist participants in establishing their eCommerce business or supplementing their current sales practices. Designed for entrepreneurs, innovators and small business owners including non-profits looking to start or expand a business online.

DEDO eCommerce Workshop

The eCommerce training is for beginning and advanced entrepreneurs that desire to start or expand a business selling products and/or services via the internet. Most of the eCommerce participants have an existing Delaware-based business and were looking to enhance their business through the use of social media tools.

  Delaware Blogger Antionette Blake

Continental Breakfast was available prior to the 9:00 am start of the workshop and my presentation was on Day 2. I had the honor and privilege to follow one of the Social Media Icons, Darnyelle Jervey, CEO, of Incredible One Enterprises. Every time I attend one of her conferences or listen to any of her many YouTube videos I walk away with more knowledge as was the case at this year’s eCommerce Workshop.  entrepreneurs in Delaware I wish to thank Ken Anderson and Diane Laird for giving me the opportunity to present at this years eCommerce Workshop and do hope that the attendees walked away with more knowledge on why they should start a blog for their business.

Check out this YouTube Video which covers the first half of my presentation and if you would like a full copy of the slides, please sign up for my Newsletter and it will sent it to you.


  social-media-sunday-with-the-delaware-blogger


5 Tips to Blogging While On Vacation

 5 tips to blogging while on vacation

 

This is a repost from last year when we were on vacation in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.  

Although I haven’t even thought about taking a trip this early in the season, I did want to resurrect this post in case you were headed out for a family vacation.

We all need a break from blogging and most of us wouldn’t dare do so on vacation…or would we?

Anywho…if you are a dedicated blogger who wants to continue blogging when you should be relaxing, here are a few tips to help you do so…grab a drink first and then we’ll begin…

1. Make sure your accommodations have a free, reliable WiFi connection

This is absolutely essential if you want to blog during your vacation. Make sure that you ask about the Internet service before you book your hotel or resort otherwise, you might be thoroughly disappointed or well relaxed without a good WiFi connection.

Processed with VSCOcam with a5 preset2Do your work when everyone else is sleeping

Ssssh…balancing a family vacation or ones with friends can make it hard to keep your online schedule, posting, tweeting and such. So in order to stay connected with your readers, work during times when everyone is sleeping or taking a nap. You can wake up a few hours earlier, watch the sunrise, get some breakfast, and start blogging!

blogging with blake avi

3. Take a mobile or lightweight computing device with you

I love working on my laptop at home but it’s heavy. When you are traveling you’ll be moving around a lot, so it’s important that you take something that is light and can easily fit into a large tote/purse, a small backpack or something similar. I have my iPad and HP Tablet, which is easy to take out of my bag when going through airport security, and carrying around while relaxing on the beach.

travel to new destination

4. Capture those great moments and use the change of scenery to your advantage

The best thing about blogging while traveling is that you are in a completely new environment. This can enhance your blog writing because you have new sights, sensations and inspirations.

Even if you don’t blog about the personal stuff you can write blog posts featuring your niche from a different perspective. For example, if you are traveling to Mexico and you write about fashion, why not feature some of the local styles and fashions there?  

5. Last but certainly not least – DON’T  

Just like the other plans you made for vacation, lay out your written posts, scheduled them using a WP plugin, Hootsuite or Bufferapp, then pack up and go!

packed bags

 

Do you have any tips to add?

This post also appeared @ www.bloggingwithblake.com

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Tools for Business Workshop

As members of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Milford, Inc, Mike Fox of Splash Designworks and I (ABlake Enterprises) had an opportunity to present a Tools for Business Workshop

Milford Chamber of Commerce

This collaborative workshop was our first and I think it was definitely a success.  We each had a chance to not only share our knowledge of digital and social media marketing but to also meet and network with some awesome small business owners.

Tools for Business Workshop

Each of these business owners were eager to learn more about how to expand and brand their business both on and offline. 

Attending the Tools for Business Workshop was a good place for them to share their knowledge of how branding and social media has worked for them; as well as gaining additional knowledge to connect and engage with their current clients and customers.

small business owners in Delaware

The Tools for Business Workshop was open and free to the public, and a Continental Breakfast was provided which was great way to start the day. 

Mike and I covered a lot of useful information using PowerPoint Slides, videos and visuals during the 2-hour interactive workshop. 

continental breakfast at social media workshop

Individually, we presented our topics and based upon the questions asked as well as those answered, I am positive that the business owners walked away with a lot of valuable information. 

The workshop was a great venue for them to learn how to make their businesses even more successful using online marketing and branding tools.

Social Media Marketing

Small Businesses are the backbone of the community as well as the driving force behind today’s economic recovery. 

Therefore, it was my pleasure to assist them in their endeavor of using Social Media Marketing to broaden their brand and expand their businesses online.

Tools for Business Workshop

Having fun at Tools for Business Workshop

If you are interested in learning more about the Tools for Business Workshops please leave a comment below.  Mike and I would be more than willing to present again at another local venue within the state of Delaware.

Milford April Workshop


2016 Kia Optima LX Turbo Review

Disclosure Statement: I was provided with a Kia Optima LX Turbo for a week to review, however, all opinions expressed in this post are 100% my own. #Kia #DriveKia #DriveShopUSA

Two weeks ago a 2016 Kia Optima LX Turbo was driven into my driveway and needless to say, I was over-the-top excited to have her a as loaner for the entire week. 

Thank you @Kia #DriveShopUSA and you can plainly see, we definitely belonged together as she complimented my outfit quite nicely! #kuteinaKia Kia in the driveway Kia is Kute

Later in the day hubby and I sat inside listening to jazz on the Sirius Satellite Radio while checking out the bells and whistles, some of which included:

Kia Bells and Whistles 2

Kia Optima LX

Kia back seat view

Then together, we took a slow, leisurely drive around the neighborhood before the sun set for the evening.

Wednesday, I left her in the driveway as I also did on Thursday because of the drenching rains.  Having driven a small compact car (Bloggy Buggy) for the past 2 years, I was a bit apprehensive about driving this larger, more luxurious vehicle to work.  I work in West Chester, PA, which is a 100 mile, 3 hour daily round trip commute. 

Bloggy Buggy

The 32 MPG highway gas mileage for the Kia Optima LX Turbo is awesome, therefore, I doubt that I would have needed to stop and get gas to fuel up had I driven it to work those two days.

Kia is great on gas

32 MPG

Friday was a vacation day from work but not a day off without a purpose as I attended a Friday Fuel Up, sponsored by Troy Farmer, www.tfarmerforeva.com  This wonderful Women in Business event was enlightening and definitely rewarding as a new business owner.

Oh, I forget to tell you that I had officially launched my own business, A.Blake Enterprises, Social Media Management on the 13th of November.  I will bring you up to speed with all the details but in the meantime, check out the website www.ABlakeEnterprises.com for more information.

Friday Fuel Up - Women in Business

After the empowerment session, driving home on a bright and sunny mid-afternoon, I took my time, leaned to the side and cruised along listening to Jazz playing on the Watercolors station from the Sirius Station.  All the while thinking “I could get used to driving a car like this!”  I pulled into the driveway, picked up hubby then we headed to the Dutch Country Farmers Market to get a late lunch.

Kia at Farmers Market

Not wanting to buy too much because it was the week before Thanksgiving, we just bought some wings and pasta salad for the weekend and a few pounds of Oxtails for next week’s Slow Cooked Oxtail Stew – stay tuned for that recipe.

Spacious trunk in the Kia Optima LX

The Smart and spacious trunk of the Kia Optima LX makes it easy to load packages when your hands are full.

 

The MSRP on this fully loaded Kia Optima LX is $27,415 and these are just a few of the many standard features:

USB/Auxiliary  Input Jack and 12 Volt Outlet

Bluetooth Wireless Technology

60/40 split-folding rear seats which are perfect for travel back and forth to college or a quick trip to your local Home Improvement Store

Push Button Start / Smart Key / Smart Trunk

The additional LX Technology Package Features on this vehicle included:

Dual Zone Auto Climate Controls with Rear Vents

Navigation System with 8” Display

Memory Driver’s Seat and Mirror Position

Blind Spot Detection System

Rear Cross Traffic Alert

Rear Parking Assist System

Auto-dimming Rear view mirror

There are many safety features in the LX Technology Package which are definitely of benefit to me because I spend a lot of time on the road.  With so many distracted drivers and others who need a remedial Driver’s Ed course, having these options are a definite plus especially the “Blind Spot Detection System”.

 

Saturday, hubby was feeling well enough to take another “Road Trip to Retirement” which was a regular feature on my YouTube channel before he began his chemo treatments.  Check out the latest video of this visit to the Village of Eastridge, a 55+ Community in Smyrna.

Roadtrip to Retirement in Smyrna

I had an evening appointment with a Venetia Thompson, a small business owner in New Castle, who is featured this year on my blog in honor of  #ShopSmall Saturday.  When I got home there was another surprise…our youngest son was home from college.  

He had come home early for the Thanksgiving break with a big bag of laundry, fortunately he has been washing his own clothes since the age of 10 so it was not my responsibility to handle!

college student and his laundry

The Kia adventure continued into Sunday when my oldest son and I went shopping and then created this mini video, once again touting a few of the cool features of the Optima LX.

On Monday hubby had a chemo treatment, so the Kia spent the day parked at the Helen Graham Cancer Center, then Tuesday morning, I had to say, “See Ya” to the Kia.

Great week with a Kia Optima Turbo

It was definitely a fun filled, wonderful way to spend the week with a Kia.  Now it’s your turn to tell me what you would do if you had a week with a Kia Optima LX Turbo…where would you go, leave a comment below. 


eCommerce Sales and Marketing Workshop

Last week I attended a 2 Day eCommerce Sales and Marketing Workshop jointly sponsored by Downtown Delaware, the Delaware Emerging Technology Center, all programs within DEDO and USDA Rural Development held on the campus of Delaware Technical Community College in Dover. 

This no cost education and training program provided small business owners a comprehensive array of eCommerce and Social Media information.  There was more than enough information provided to aid in either establishing an eCommerce business or to supplement current internet sales practices.

DEDO eCommerce sign

The eCommerce Marketing Workshop was jam packed with presentations from experts in all things social media and eCommerce.  Their primary goal was not only to inform and educate but to also provide strategic uses of social media tools in order to sell products and market our businesses.

Bernice Whaley

Welcome from Honorable Bernice Whaley, Cabinet Secretary, DEDO

There were presentations by Ken Grant, Marketing Director, Epic Marketing; Whitney Hoffman, Owner, Hoffman Digital Media LLC; Darnyelle Jervey, MBA, Incredible One Enterprises, LLC; Diane Laird, State Coordinator, Downtown Delaware; Brook Miles, President, Delaware shoutout; Demetrius Pinder, Owner/Project Manager of Nuts and Bolts Web Design, LLC; Alec Shekhar, President, GainWebsite.com; Bradford Wason, Visual Design Manager, Zappos.com; Mark Weidel, General Manager, DBC Interactive and Steinman Marketing Solutions; Mark Wise, Founder and Owner, Netforce Performance Marketing and Joe Zilcosky, Business Development Leader for Kent County.

Ken Anderson, Director, Entrepreneurial & Small Business Support for the Delaware Economic Development Office, (DEDO) kicked off each morning with a warm welcome and gave us all an opportunity to introduce ourselves then later allocated time for a “5 minute shameless plug” for those who wanted to promote their business.

Ken Anderson

Throughout the day there were several Raffle drawings, giveaways, product samples and a networking table full of displays and business cards.  The Continental breakfast, lunch buffets, mid-morning and afternoon snacks really kept our energy levels high as we listened to various topics ranging from “How to Get Started Selling Online” to “Loans, Grants,  Free Money and How the Government Can Help Your Business”. 

Networking table

Apparel Designers

Governor Jack Markell stopped in for a few minutes to offer words of encouragement and acknowledge the hard work and dedication of small business owners who make a significant impact in today’s economy.  The Governor is a huge supporter of entrepreneurs and small business owners in the State of Delaware, we all appreciate his support and always look forward to seeing him at these workshops and other business events. 

eCommerce Workshop

eCommerce Workshop

At the end of Day 2 we were each presented with a Certificate of Achievement then we all got together and took this great group photo.  The eCommerce Sales and Marketing Training was a wonderful event that will greatly assist in the success of online marketing for many of the small business owners in attendance.

Certificate

Group Photo

 

 

Delaware Shoutout eCommerce workshop

eCommerce Workshop eCommerce Workshop

eCommerce workshop New Client Very Venetia, Inc.

Have you ever attended an eCommerce Marketing Workshop?


Independent Resources, Inc. #LaunchSpace Small Business Program Award Presentation

Independent Resources, Inc. #LaunchSpace Small Business Program Award Presentation

Hello friends, I hope all is well in your world.  Last week I had an opportunity to attend the IRI Small Business Program Award Presentation, as well as the honor of being one of the five judges.  

This Dolphin Tank Award’s program was IRI’s first and it was an excellent way in which to feature the hard work and dedication of the participants involved in the LaunchSpace Small Business Program.

Independent Resources, Inc., is a federally funded, private non-profit, non-residential organization providing services to persons with disabilities. IRI is a statewide organization with offices located in Wilmington, Dover and Dagsboro. Each office provides services that consumers consider critical in gaining control over their lives; services they feel will enable them to function in the community of their choosing.

#LaunchSpace Award Presentation Winners

Front Row: Larry Henderson (IRI Executive Director), Latoshia Caldwell (Finalist), Barbara Monaghan (DDC Chair), Emmanuel Jenkins (Runner-up)

Back Row: Cathy Woodhouse (First State CPAs Relationship Manager), Khalil Abdul-Majid (Finalist), Tina Riley (Entrepreneur of the Year), Ken Anderson (DEDO Director), Senator Brian Bushweller (state senator for 17th district), Antionette Blake (Social media and blogger consultant) and Jackie Reyes (Small Business Program Coordinator)

Khalil Abdul-Majid

Khalil Abdul-Majid: “Inspired by Touch Massage”

Latoshia Caldwell

 Latoshia Caldwell – Caldwell’s Helping Hands

Emmanuel Jenkins

Emmanuel Jenkins – We Stand 4 Something

Tina Riley

Tina Riley – Tina Riley’s Imaginarium

The program began with welcoming remarks from Dr. Tes del Tufo, then each participant presented their individual Business Plans.  As a judge, I along with Senator Brian Bushweller, Ken Anderson, Barbara Monaghan, and Cathy Woodhouse were given the arduous task of scoring them in 7 areas.  

I must admit that each participant did such an amazing job that it was hard not to rate them all “excellent” in each category.   I was truly impressed and definitely inspired by their plans, goals and overall presentations, I walked away thinking that I really needed to step up my game!

#LaunchSpace Awards program

Ken Anderson and I presented each with a Certificate of Completion and then the presentation of Accomplishments & Awards was made by Senator Bushwell, Cathy Woodhouse and Barbara Monaghan.  

In addition to a cash prize, the winner also received in-kind contributions, including my donation of 3 hours for Social Media and e-marketing training valued at $500.

Larry Henderson

The program ended with concluding remarks by Mr. Larry HendersonExecutive Director of Independent Resources, Inc.  It was yet another opportunity on a Thankful Thursday to be blessed with the ability to volunteer time to such a worthy organization.

#LaunchSpace presentation table Dr. del Tufo Cathy Woodhouse   #LaunchSpace #LaunchSpace Winners Mr. & Mrs. Jenkins New Year ~ New You

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Small Business and Social Media Marketing Workshop

Hello friends, last week I had the distinct honor and privilege to present a Small Business and Social Media Marketing Workshop at Independent Resources, Inc., in Dover. The invitation was extended by Jacqueline Reyes, MPH, Program Coordinator Small Business Program at Independent Resources, Inc.

The snowy weather was cause for low attendance, however, the small group setting made for great interaction and lots of fun sharing. I was invited to return in the Spring and I am definitely looking forward to doing so.

Social Media Workshop attendees

Independent Resources, Inc., is a non-profit Center for Independent Living that provides quality services to people with disabilities by assisting them in achieving and maintaining independent lives. The agency’s signature programs are:

Launch Space: a small business program for persons with disabilities. The goal of the program is to increase the number of persons with disabilities engaged in self-employment by offering a ten-week training on entrepreneurship and one-on-one coaching;

Transition Life skills Program: the program offers workshops designed to educate, build self-confidence and empower individuals who have expressed interest in making personal transtion from nursing homes, residential homes, shelters and transitional programs to an independent life style;

Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing: offers document translation services, community education and outreach; advocacy; employment assistance and telephone assistance. They also provide adaptive equipment such as a Tty and a Sorenson video phone for consumer use.

Peer Support Group: provides social and recreational activities; support groups; and life skills training to low income individuals with disabilities. The major goal of the program is to enhance the quality of life and to promote the independence of people with disabilities by affording them the opportunity to participate in recreational and social activities of their choosing.

Emergency Preparedness Workshop: September is the National Preparedness Month, so Independent Resources, Inc., (IRI) partners with the Modern Maturity Center; the Delaware Citizen Corps, Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA); the University of Delaware Center for Disabilities Studies; Bayhealth; and the Division of Public Health to hold an Emergency Preparedness community workshop annually.

I am always humbled and grateful when I can assist others and that is why today is truly a Thankful Thursday.

Certificate of Appreciation at Social Media workshop

I was given a Certificate of Appreciation for my service but having an adult son with intellectual disabilities, I want to thank them for their service to the community.  

What are you thankful for this week?

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