You can’t afford to NOT use social media

Someone posted something about you today.  And you don’t know what they said.  They could be singing your praises to the high heavens.  They could be blasting you down into the dirt.  They could have just said that they were there.  But they said it, for all the world to see.

And you don’t know about it.  But you should.

It’s been almost 7 years since my first child was born.  And I remember opening up a brand new package of wipes, and there being black fuzz on the first dozen wipes.  Now, pre baby I would have just taken those dozen wipes, throw them out and used the rest.  But this was my brand new baby – there was no way I was putting those anywhere near her.  So I called customer service.  I got a $5 voucher and an apology.  It appeased me, but it was pretty annoying.  I mentioned it to a friend of mine at dinner that weekend, and we talked about weird product incidents.  That was it.

Now my kids are all potty trained, but I still use night-time pull-ups for my son.  Recently, a friend asked what brand I used (whatever’s cheapest).  She told me to NOT use a particular brand because it was causing sever rashes on a friend of hers’ daughter.  She saw this post on Facebook, to which over 40 of my friend’s friends had commented that they were dealing with the same problem.

Now, if Diaper Company was paying attention, they’d be doing regular searches for their brand’s name, and might have come across this.  Damage is done.  I know of at least 40 people who will not be buying that brand; and I’ve passed it on to several of my friends as well, and those other 40 people probably passed it on to theirs… BIG PROBLEM!

So, as a small business, what can you do?

Well, you’d better be monitoring your name. Set up alerts to notify you anytime your name is mentioned.  Be there to respond quickly.  Have an idea of how you’re going to handle it.  You can’t give away something every time someone complains, can you?  It’s just not good business sense.  But you can offer them that you’ll fix whatever is wrong, and guarantee that it won’t happen again.

Or what if someone is having trouble with one of your competitors?  You’d love to gain their business, right?  Set up a search, and be up on it.

Ok, you’re probably thinking “but that takes time away from what I need to get done”.  Yes, it does.  And there are a few options.

1)  Do nothing.  Continue doing things they way you already are.  If you don’t know about it you’re not missing it.

2)  Do it yourself.  Create time in your daily schedule to devote to social media and brand awareness

3)  Bring in outside help.  That’s what we do best – so you can focus on what you do best.

So, if you’re thinking options 2 or 3, I can help.  If you’d just like a run down of what to do and how to implement it into your daily schedule, I can help.  If you’d like to put it all in my hands, well, I’ll gladly take it off your plate.

Whether you do it yourself, or bring me in to help, use the tools available to you.  They really can help.

Featured Business: 151 On The Water

151 Water Street
(at Summit and Jefferson)
If you’re looking for a great meal, and night out with friends 151 On The Water is the place for you!
The former Murphy’s has been revived to show the best in Jazz, Blues and local musicians.
Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday, 151 On The Water  offers a casual lunch and fine dining menu that owner Mike Scott says “I’d put our signature dish up against any other restaurant in town.”
I’ve been in several times, and each meal has been amazing.  The menu has something for everyone.  There is a $5.99 lunch special, as well as dinner specials.  And very reasonably priced!  While out to dinner with friends, we ordered 2 appetizers, 4 drinks, 1 soda and 4 meals, and spent less than $125 (not including tip).
I’ve tried something new every time that I’ve been in, but my lunch time favorite is the Chicken Philly, and dinner would have to be the Chicken Piccata.
Reuben w/ Chips
Chicken Philly w/ Chips
Not only is there great food, but there is great music 5 nights a week.  You can come in for Jazz, Blues, Open Mic Night and the musical talents of great local artists.  You will also be able to hear live music on Fridays during the lunch hours.One of the benefits to the local musical community is that now there is another venue to perform at.  But there is an in-house sound system.  There is no need for them to bring in all their own speakers or sound board – it’s all provided for you.  And for the audience, there’s not a bad seat in the house!  The music is played at a level that is easily heard, no matter where you are sitting.  But it’s also not so loud that you can’t have a conversation with the person sitting next to you.
If you are looking for a place to host a party or dinner, 151 On The Water can accommodate you.  Even bringing in live music for your event.
The staff at 151 On The Water is great – all very kind and there to help you with anything.  And the owner is there, greeting everyone and making conversation.  Mike wants to make sure you’re having a good time, that the food is good, and you’re enjoying the music.
Make plans to stop into 151 On The Water soon!

Featured Business: My Mary Kay Consultant Nicole!

Nicole Beat

Independent Mary Kay Sales Director

567.455.6828

 

 

 

I am not a girlie girl.  I am not into what is hot and now in fashion.  I’m not up on the latest hair and make up trends.  It’s just not me.  I’m very conscious about my skin.  And that’s where Nicole comes in.

 

As a teen, I’d have the occasional break out (usually on my chin around that time of the month), but I generally had very nice skin.  Then when I was 21 and pregnant with my first child, it caught up to me.

 

I’ve tried just about every product under the sun – and nothing has seemed to work.  I’d begun using the Mary Kay Timewise products, and I really liked them.  My little frown/laugh lines diminished, my completion looked brighter, but I still had the adult acne.

 

My problem was that these products were too harsh on my skin.  I tried one product (I won’t name it, but you’ve heard of it) that literally burned my face after 3 uses.   I did see a dermatologist after that – and not even their prescription strength products worked… I thought I was doomed.

 

But wait!  Nicole comes back from a Mary Kay conference with a brand new sensitive skin collection: Botanical Effects.  I set up an appointment with her and she introduced me to the new line.  We started with the dry skin set – in the winter I’m alway super dry.  She let me try it there, and she even let me take it home for a few days to really see the effects on my skin. (Does the department store do that?)

 

 

 

I loved the cleanser – very gentle.  But the moisturizer was a bit thick for my liking.  I told Nicole and she said “Not a problem, let’s switch your lotion to ‘normal’.”  And it’s working great for me.

 

After she switched my lotion, she also gave me the mask and refresher spray.  The mask can actually be used as a scrub or mask – which I loved.  The refresher is really nice as well, not a burning toner like I was use to.  If you have sensitive skin – this product is definitely for you!

 

 

 

Now – cosmetics!

 

Deluxe Compact

 

 

I’d never really worn make-up.  I’d buy it for a special occasion, never wear it again.  But now that I’m in a professional setting, I can’t look like a 14 year old.

 

Nicole has helped me find the right colors for me, taught me how to apply them (I had no idea how many looks you could get from just 3 eye shadow colors).  It’s also extremely important to have the right tools, and know how to take care of them (yes, your dirty brushes can actually make your skin have bad reactions, and could even make you sick).

 

There are products for everyone – even guys!  I got the High Intensity Cologne for my husband – I love it!

 

What I really like about Nicole is her desire to really help other women feel as beautiful as they are.  It’s not about covering your face up with 4 inches of make up and portraying something you’re not.  It’s about accenting the natural beauty that you are.  She’ll keep you up to date on new products.  And if you give her your husband/boyfriend’s contact info and your special dates (birthday, anniversary, etc.), she can even send them reminders and gift hints based on your wish lists or previous purchased.  She can even help with the gift wrapping.  Seriously guys – win/win!

 

So if you’ve never tried Mary Kay before, I encourage you to contact Nicole and try it now.  Not only are the products amazing and very reasonably priced; but you will gain a new friend.

Sylvania Area Photography

Sylvania Area Photography
419-318-9301
In 2009, Steve invested in a Cannon 40d, and it’s his pride and joy. He uses Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom for post edit work. Steve has spent countless hours studying and editing, learning and perfecting his skills. From this hobby, Sylvania Area Photography was created.

I started Sylvania Area Photography out of my passion for photography. When I first started doing photography as a hobby I would take portraits of my children.

I just wanted more options – I don’t like the pictures that are cookie cutter images with different faces. 

Then I started taking family portraits of my friends and family. This led me to expand my photographic knowledge and skill. I have spent countless hours shooting and editing photos and in doing this I have lit a fire inside me that burns hotter everyday. 

I want my pictures to show the people in their element, having fun and being themselves.

 I am passionate about my work and I am satisfied only when you are satisfied.

The services include Weddings, Family, Event and Team photography. Also offering copies and restoration of prints, video slide shows, and photo greeting cards.
One of his ‘trademark techniques’ is multiplicity shots. Using this technique, he is able to put the same person into 1 picture multiple times, create scenes, and (in the case of our family Christmas card) put each person in individually when the kids are not cooperating…

Another great technique is panoramic. These are multiple shots put into one. These are great for weddings, events and businesses because you can get a 180 degree picture of the room.
It’s the desire of Sylvania Area Photography to be there for all your photographic needs, be it family portraits for your holiday cards, weddings, or family reunions and birthday parties.(And we HIGHLY recommend hiring a photographer for these events! At a surprise 30th birthday party, the guest of honor was the photographer, and there are no pictures of the party)

Please consider Sylvania Area Photography for your photographic needs: Creativity is our Ambition!

Highlighting Local Businesses

If you are a small business owner and would like to grow your reach by being featured in local blogs – here’s your opportunity.

Business reviews can assist in your search engine optimization, can reach out to new individuals who can become fans/followers/customers, and can educate your current customers about things that they maybe forgot that you do.

I’d be honored to write something for your business!  My goal for the next year is to feature at least one business per week.

Your review will be featured on:

sociablycindy.com

sociablycindy.blogspot.com

sociablysurviving.wordpress.com/

tumblr.com/blog/sociablycindy

@Sociably Cindy

Facebook.com/sociablycindy

Fees to be featured are reasonable – all I ask is that I’m able to experience your service or products for myself.

Email Cindy@SociablyCindy.com for details.