PIN DOWN YOUR BRAND ON PINTEREST

by Danielle Hemhauser on May 9, 2012

We’ve all heard the recent hype about Pinterest, one of the fastest growing social media services in the world and the third most visited social site in the United States. Pinterest has taken the internet by storm because of its exciting features that allow users to “pin” visually appealing and interesting images and videos that are found on the internet, or uploaded onto virtual “boards.”

But what does all of this mean for small businesses? Since most of us have Facebook and Twitter pages, shouldn’t we have a Pinterest page as well? Many businesses, both small and large, have set up Pinterest pages and maintain them regularly. This flowchart posted on the Intuit Small Business Blog is helpful for deciding if your business should be on Pinterest.

Should Your Business Be on Pinterest? Find Out [INFOGRAPHIC]

When you create your Pinterest page, the first thing you need to do is set up your pinboards. Of course you’ll want to pin your own company’s products and services, but to avoid pure self-promotion you should also pin other things. To determine the categories and pins right for your boards, narrow down your interests and the interests relevant to your brand.

For example, inBLOOM Communications has the following boards: social media, pets and animals, things to do with and without the kids, food, going green, books, and inspiration. We focus on our community, our interests, the industries we represent and our clients. The number of boards that you have is up to you; we have 13 boards, but other businesses have 20+. Just make sure that your strategy for pinning is meaningful and reflects the values of your business. Be authentic.

5 Pointers for Pinning

1. Personal vs. Business Pinterest

Pinterest has yet to make a distinction between personal and business pages like Facebook, but there are ways to distinguish your Pinterest page as a business. A neat feature with Pinterest is that you can create your account by syncing with your Twitter or Facebook; however, you can only sync your Pinterest with your personal Facebook profile, not your business page. So what you should do is choose the email associated with your brand’s Twitter account to set up your profile. When you sync your business’ Twitter account with your Pinterest, you can keep the photo that has been pulled from Twitter, or you can change it. For your Pinterest profile description, add information about your business or your brand. You can also choose to link Twitter to your account publicly. Follow pinners that have an interest in your business as well as pinners related to your industry. Make sure to also follow your personal friends, they will help to spread the word about your brand.

2. Maintain Your Pinterest Pins and Boards

Pin regularly to maintain your presence and keep your boards looking fresh and current. Make it a part of your daily or weekly schedule as you manage your other social media pages. Try to see what the popular pins are in the “popular” category on your Pinterest homepage so you can get an idea of what the community is favoring at the moment. Also, look at the pinners who follow your business and see what they are pinning and who they’re following. Following a few months of socializing on Pinterest, you’ll get a good sense of your community and will be able to offer them promotions that speak to their intetests.

3. Stay Targeted and Use Keywords

Create targeted boards using industry-related keywords. As you pin, post relevant content to each board and write brief descriptions using keywords.  Make it easy for searchers to locate and share what you’re pinning by using broad keywords that will connect you to large audiences (ex. recipes, drinks, cooking, cats, flowers, fashion).

4. Don’t Upload Your Pins, Pin them!

If you are trying to get people from Pinterest to go to your website, they can’t do that without a link on the pin. If you upload a photo from your computer that has to do with your business, the pinners will not be able to see the source of where that pin came from. So always pin images from your website instead of uploading them. If you want to pin photos that are not on your site, you may want to start a blog to hold your photo content and then pin from there. To make pinning from websites easy, install the “Pin It” button to your social bookmarks.

5. Run a Contest or Promotion on Pinterest

Many businesses are creating promotions on their Pinterest pages, encouraging users to follow the profiles of brands and pin items from their websites. Recently, British Midland International (BMI) launched a “Pinterest Lottery.” The airline posted a series of boards on its page with photos from five destinations. Each photo featured the company logo and a related number, strengthening its brand presence on Pinterest. Pinners were asked to repin up to six images from the company boards. At the end of each week, the company randomly choose pinners who repined the photos to enter a drawing to win airfare to any BMI destination. Back in December, Lands’ End Canvas launched a promotion called “Lands’ End Canvas Pin It to Win It.” Fans were asked to pin items from the company website to Lands’ End Canvas pinboards for a chance to win one of the items pinned. Promotions are great ways to engage your audience and potentially turn followers into customers.

Feeling Pinned Down?

Okay there is a lot of info to digest in this post, but the most important takeaway is make sure you add a “Pin It” button to your website or blog because Pinterest’s popularity is undeniable. Earlier this year, TechCrunch reported that Pinterest had hit 11.7 million unique monthly U.S. visitors in January.

Because Pinterest is so new, the only way to tell if it will remain the third most visited social site in the United States is to wait and see. And, the best way to tell if it’s worth your time, or right for your small business is to give it a try. Who knows, it could end up being one of your most successful marketing platforms!

What Are Others Saying About Pinterest?

 

 

5 Pinterest User Insights Marketers Can Use to Drive Sales, May 8th by Miranda Miller via SearchEngineWatch.com

Pinterest’s Facebook App Is On the Rise with 2.5 Million  Daily Users by Devon Glen, May 8th via social times.com

4 Pinterest Promotion and Contest Ideas to Gain More Followers by Andrea Cole, February 15th via blog.beacontechnologies.com

 

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    The Arts & Flowers To Bloom in Middletown

    by Jennifer Smiga on April 17, 2012



     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    On Friday, May 4th, 2012, the Middletown Arts Center (MAC), located on 36 Church Street in Middletown, NJ, will kickoff a three-day series of flower themed events to raise funds for the Middletown Township Cultural and Arts Council’s community arts programming at the MAC. Inspired by the garden, the weekend will feature a juried exhibition, lectures, live music, arts and crafts for children, as well as a sale of annuals, perennials, vegetables and herbs from Guaranteed Plants and Florist of Locust, NJ and décor and bird products for the garden and home from Wild Birds Unlimited of Middletown, NJ.  There is no cost to attend the exciting lineup of activities, but a portion of plant and merchandise sales will be donated to the MTCAC.

    The weekend will commence on Friday, May 4th, 7:00-8:00 p.m. with a lecture on how to create a garden environment to attract birds and butterflies presented by botanist and ecologist Linda Rohleder, Ph.D. Following the lecture, 8:00-10:00 p.m., guests will enjoy the opening reception for “Arts and Flowers,” an exhibition inspired by the beauty of the garden and nature.

    On Saturday, May 5th, 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. there will be artwork on display in the gallery and a garden sale outside the Middletown Arts Center. In the morning, 10:00-11:00 a.m. Master Gardener Bob Mellert will explain the advantages of vegetable gardening in his lecture, “The ABCs of Vegetable Gardening”. Master Gardener Carolyn Heuser will follow at 11:00 a.m. with her “Organic Gardening” lecture, during which she will explain why organic gardening is not only about shunning chemicals.

    “We’re excited to support our local arts community during the Middletown Arts Center’s weekend of flower inspired events,” said Todd Thompson, Guaranteed Plants and Florist of Locust, NJ. “Spring has sprung and families are eager to get digging. The Flower and Plant Sale is an excellent opportunity to enjoy a day out with the family and support the arts. We’ll be showcasing our new blooming annuals from the potted plant collections of Proven Winners, Flower Fields, Ball, Syngenta and others; vegetables and herbs; perennials, shrubs and hydrangeas; organic potting soil, flower, vegetable and herbs seeds; and our unique planters and containers.”

    On Sunday, May 6th, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. there will once again be artwork on display in the gallery and a garden sale outside the Middletown Arts Center. Master Gardener Irene Wanat will begin the morning from 10:00-11:00 a.m. discussing color and interest through Spring, Fall and Winter in her lecture, “A Long Season of Color in the Garden.” She will also teach the audience about shrubs, perennials and annuals for sunny and shady areas and how to combine them for continuous enjoyment. For the remainder of the day, Master Gardener Bernard Dickman will inform guests about can’t-miss perennials, must-miss perennials, perennial cousins of annuals, and the rules of thumb on planting and care in his lecture “Perennials for Monmouth County.”

    Children will also be able to enjoy the weekend activities as their parents shop and attend the lectures with spring-themed arts and crafts, supervised by the MAC’s arts instructors. A $5 donation per child is requested to participate. Supplies included.

    Visit www.middletownarts.org or call 732-706-4100 for more information on “Arts and Flowers” at the Middletown Arts Center.

    Enter the “Arts and Flowers” Exhibition

    The “Arts and Flowers” juried exhibition is open to artists working in all media. There will be ribbons awarded for youth (ages 8 and older) and adults. To be eligible for judging, artwork must be framed and ready to hang when dropped off at the Middletown Arts Center. To enter the show, an application can be picked up at the MAC or downloaded on middletownarts.org. Drop off: April 23rd from 10:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m. and April 24th from 10:00 a.m.–7 p.m. Call Maggie O’Brien at 732-706-4100 with questions.

    About the Middletown Arts Center

    The Middletown Arts Center (MAC) is an award winning, state-of-the-art facility run by the nonprofit Middletown Township Cultural and Arts Council and dedicated to bringing quality arts programming and events to Middletown and surrounding communities. The MAC offers enrichment programs and entertainment for all ages and abilities. Visit middletownarts.org for more information. The MAC can also be found on Facebook at Middletown Arts Center and Twitter @MiddletownArts.

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      Small Factory Wins 2012 Emmy® Award for Children’s Programming

      by Jennifer Smiga on April 3, 2012

      On April 1st, 2012, Chris Dudick, Executive Producer of Small Factory Productions in Fair Haven, NJ, was presented with the Emmy® Award for children’s programming at the 55th Annual New York Emmy® Awards Gala at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square. The Awards honor the talents and abilities of those who strive to improve the quality of television.

      The winning “Kids Kare” socially conscious cartoons were created during Small Factory Production’s Create-a-Cartoon program. This interactive, educational arts activity is open to children ages four to twelve at the Small Factory studio and off-site at schools, hospitals and community organizations.

      “It’s a huge honor to win an Emmy® Award for Excellence in Children’s Programming,” said Chris Dudick, Executive Producer, Small Factory Productions. “Small Factory Productions turns a hopeful eye to the next generation. Our socially conscious animated shorts, created by kids for kids, boast authentic voices that are relatable to children of all ages and offer a plan to parents for raising more engaged, community-minded kids. Our Award will hopefully expand the program to help more children tap into the arts for healing and learning.”

      The “Kids Kare” young storytellers and animators have inspired the spirit of volunteerism and responsibility through their exciting cartoons and songs, boasting authentic, imaginative stories. The message of the young producers is simple – let’s join forces as the youngest generation to change the world by inspiring others to save lives, care for animals and lend a helping hand. They invite others to change the world with them, one cartoon at a time. To view the Emmy Winning “Kids Kare” cartoons, visit www.mysmallfactory.com.

      One of the cartoons featured on the Emmy-Nominated Cartoon “Kids Kare” series was created by children from Riverview Medical Center’s Children’s Art Therapy Program. The teen artists created the animated film short “Tyler’s Reef” to help other children deal with the loss of a loved one. All the children involved were able to pull from their own experiences to create a heartfelt story of loss and love. The project was funded by a grant from the Provident Bank through collaboration with Riverview Medical Center’s Children’s Art Therapy Program and Small Factory Productions.

      Other films featured are: “Ready, Set, Prepare Yourself” and “Emergency Experts” created in collaboration with New York City’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and the Department of Education, and “Tails of Love” and “Habitat Heroes” created in partnership with the Purr’n Pooch Foundation for Animals and Robertsville Elementary School, Robertsville, NJ.

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        EarthShare New Jersey Recognizes Environmental Leaders

        by Jennifer Smiga on March 29, 2012

        EarthShare New Jersey announces its annual environmental award recipients.  The awards will be presented during EarthShare Celebrates New Jersey, a fun evening celebrating the bounty and beauty of New Jersey through art, wine and food.  This celebration takes place at the Laurita Winery in New Egypt at 7 pm on Friday, March 30th.  Guests are invited to enjoy the sounds of Stringzville and participate in the eco friendly chance and silent auctions featuring exclusive environmental experiences, event tickets, and items from businesses across the state.

        The environmental award recipients honored for their activities in support of New Jersey’s natural world are Tom Gilmore, the outgoing President of New Jersey Audubon, and Prudential Financial. They will be recognized at the EarthShare Celebrates New Jersey event.

        The EarthShare Environmental Stewardship Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated effective environmental leadership in New Jersey.  Tom Gilmore’s years at the helm of New Jersey Audubon made him the unanimous choice of the selection committee.  Tom’s career-long commitment to land preservation, biodiversity protection, environmental education and quality nature experiences for all has had a measurable impact on the quality of life for all New Jersyans.

        “Tom Gilmore’s legacy as leader of New Jersey Audubon is one that will benefit generations of New Jersey residents,” said Paula Aldarelli, Executive Director of EarthShare New Jersey. “We are thrilled to recognize his incredible contribution.”

        Prudential Financial, Inc is the recipient of the EarthShare Environmental Leadership Award.  This annual award is presented to a New Jersey business that epitomizes environmental leadership in its policies and practices, programs for employees and customers and their philanthropic endeavors.  Prudential is a leader in environmental stewardship and has implemented environmental practices to reduce their carbon footprint.  Their employees are actively involved with many environmental organizations throughout the state as board members, donors and volunteers.  Additionally, Prudential has publicly supported environmental organizations with gifts through their foundation for many years.  Prudential Financial was the first company in New Jersey to establish a relationship with EarthShare New Jersey in 1995.

        “Prudential Financial is a good corporate citizen in our state,” said Becky Free, EarthShare New Jersey Board member. “They understand that a clean environment and strong non-profit organizations are good for everyone and enhance lives in so many ways.”

        Tickets may be purchased on line at www.earthsharenj.org for $45.00 in advance or $50.00 at the door.  For more information call 609.989.1160 or order tickets online.


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          Facebook’s New Timeline for Businesses

          by Jennifer Smiga on March 12, 2012

          In the world of Facebook, there have been some major changes with business page designs and features. As a result, brand marketers will have to make some adjustments to their current social media strategies and graphics by the time the new Facebook Timeline is made mandatory for all business pages on March 30th.

          Your Look

          A very noticeable part of the entirely  new design of the page is a cover photo, which is a large photo banner at the top of the page. There needs to be a lot of thought put into which photo should be designated as the cover because it’s the first thing that consumers are going to focus on when they visit the page. It should really be a representation of your entire brand, so this choice should be made wisely.

           

          Basic Image Sizes

          Facebook cover photo size: 850 x 315 pixels – that’s 850 wide by 315 high

          Facebook profile image size: 180 x 180 pixels square

          There are very strict new rules you need to make your graphic designer aware of as well. According to Facebook, your cover photo is not an advertisement and must not include:

          • Price, offers or purchase information such as “10% off” or “Visit our website for more info.”
          • Contact information such as a website, email and mailing address.
          • References to Facebook features or actions, such as “Like” or “Share” or an arrow pointing from the cover photo to any of these features.
          • Calls-to-action such as “Buy it now” or “Tell your friends.”
          • Covers must not be false, deceptive or misleading, and must not infringe on third party intellectual property.

          Your Message

          You will notice below the cover photo there is a new message feature, which allows for more personal interaction between a business and its audience. If a consumer has a question or comment, her or she will be able to reach out through a private message instead of posting it publicly on the timeline. The new message feature makes it simple to build one-on-one valuable relationships with your audience.  Even though personally responding to each message may be time consuming, you will be showing your audience that you genuinely care.

          Your Past

          Along with the revamping of the design, Facebook Timeline also allows you to go back through your history to the very moment when you set up your page. All of the company’s older material will be there, and its past will be laid out for you and everyone else on the social web. It is important to go back and take a look at what will be exposed, so you can edit and add to the Timeline, effectively creating the perfect scrapbook for your business.

          Your Present

          Similar to blog posts, a major new feature is the ability to “pin” certain posts to the top of the Timeline, allowing the post to appear before any other content. You are able to pin one item at a time and it will exist at the top item on the Timeline, as well as in its place where it was originally posted. If you decide to unpin the post, it will stay in its original place chronologically on the timeline. This great ability to pin allows brands to highlight new and interesting content.

          5 Quick RULES to Remember When Managing Your Facebook Business Page

          Though there are some new and exciting changes to the Facebook business page, the rules of engagement still hold true. inBLOOM put together this quick checklist to help you remember the RULES when socializing and promoting your business on Facebook.

          R-  Run exciting promotions and contests. You will need to use applications to run these within Facebook Promotional Guidelines. Northsocial and Wildfire offer a variety of application plans to fit your budget.

          U-  Understand your fans and post about current trends and topics related to their interests, as well as your business products and services.

          L-   Leverage your networks. Link to other business and organizational pages. Thank them when they do the same. This will build your fan base and show that your business is an active part of a greater community of business and organizational leaders.

          E-   Expect people to stir the social media pot. Be responsive to negative postings. Don’t always be quick to delete a negative comment. Take the time to respond and take your fans’ comments and gripes seriously. You may not agree with them, but unless the comment is offensive or deceitful you should engage in open dialogue with the person. Thank them for their posting and ask how you could rectify the situation. Always remember others are watching and listening to your respons.

          S-   Spend time tracking your results. There are many programs that can assist you when tracking the rate on your investment. Hootsuite, Hubspot and Google Analytics are great tools for tracking your social media efforts. Like any traditional marketing campaign, you should maintain your own tracking system as well. Your support staff at your physical business location should code or track the sales or services you receive thanks to your daily social media work.  Facebook may be free, but how you spend your time using it makes all the difference in your results.

          There is a lot more to mention and learn about, for instance Facebook’s policies and promotion guidelines. This all seems like a lot to absorb and keep up with, and the busy business bees may not have the time to give themselves a crash course in Facebook. With the Facebook Timeline, there are new strategic approaches to market your brand to your audience. Feel free to contact us at inBLOOM Communications with any questions.

          Here are a few additional resources to help you on your path to running a successful Facebook Business Page:

          Social Media Today’s Facebook Promotion Guidelines, DECODED

          Facebook outlines new Timeline for brand pages, including an FAQ

          “Timeline for brands: How to prepare for your company’s new Facebook page” (Mashable)

          “Get ready: Facebook is rolling out the Timeline for fan pages” (Business Insider)

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            Purr’n Pooch Foundation for Animals’ “Tails of Love” Drawing and Story Contest for Kids

            by Jennifer Smiga on February 26, 2012

            2011 Winners with Chris Dudick of Small Factory Productions and the Purr'n Pooch Foundation for Animals Board Members Koren Spadavecchia Palazzo, Betsy Palazzo and Shannon Gance (left to right)

            Children in grades one through three from across Monmouth County, New Jersey are invited to submit their animal stories to the Second Annual “Tails of Love” Contest presented by the Purr’n Pooch Foundation for Animals and Small Factory Productions.Has your child ever helped an animal in need of love, food, shelter or medical care? Would your child like to share a story or drawing about his or her best friend? Well, if the answer is yes, the Purr’n Pooch Foundation for Animals would love to hear all about it! Contest organizers are looking for creative, original stories and/or drawings from children who love animals.

            The deadline for contest submissions is Thursday, April 19th, 2012. Winners will be notified on Thursday, April 26th, 2012.

            “Tails of Love” is a joint project of the Purr’n Pooch Foundation for Animals and Small Factory Productions in support of the Foundation’s educational initiatives that promote the humane treatment and adoption of animals in need and distress. Entries should be no longer than 1,000 words or the size of an 8 1/2” x 11” sheet of paper. Submissions will be accepted in all forms of media: pencil, crayon, paint, marker or computer-generated art. The sky’s the limit!

            Entries can be emailed to Small Factory Productions at smallfactory@mysmallfactory.com or mailed to Small Factory Productions, 560 River Road STE-C, Fair Haven, NJ 07704.

            A panel of judges representing the Purr’n Pooch Foundation for Animals and Small Factory Productions will select eight “Tails of Love” Contest winners and notify the winners by April 26th, 2012. Winners will then be invited to create an original animated short film with the Emmy Nominated creative team at Small Factory Productions in Fair Haven on May 5th and May 12th from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Winners must be able to attend both workshops or forfeit their position.

            Each winner will receive a DVD copy of the film and appear as special guests at the Purr’n Pooch Foundation for Animals’ “Tails of Love” movie premiere at “Paws for a Cause Day” at Pier Village in Long Branch on Saturday, June 2nd. The premiere is part of a full day of  kid and pet-friendly fun activities at Pier Village.

            “Give Animals a Chance” 2011 “Tails of Love” Cartoon

            “The collaboration between Small Factory Productions and the Purr’n Pooch Foundation for Animals has been an amazing fit,” Elizabeth Palazzo, President, Purr’n Pooch Foundation for Animals. ”Thanks to our shared vision, the contest winners will work together to create a fun and unique cartoon that will educate their peers about the humane treatment of animals. By experiencing the love of an animal, children learn about responsibility, compassion and selflessness.” Read about the “Tails of Love” 2011 Winners.

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              For the Social Bride & Groom: Tips for Planning a Wedding on the Social Web

              by Danielle Hemhauser on February 17, 2012

              Weddings Bloom When You Use Social Media, Photo provided by Posies Flower Shop, Middletown, NJ

              The time of the year is approaching when family and friends come together to celebrate two people beginning a new and very important chapter in their lives. Wedding season! I myself am actually in process of planning my own wedding, which will be taking place in May. I did the majority of my planning over a course of 9 months, and most of it was done with the help of social media.  The first thing I did after calling my friends and family to share the exciting news was post about it on Facebook. I changed my relationship status and waited for the comments to pour in. Not only was Facebook a great way to share the news with all of my friends and family quickly, it was also beneficial with planning the big day.

              Choosing the right team of vendors for your special event is so important, and social media makes it easy to see the vendors work and the recommendations of people who have hired them previously for their own weddings. I have noticed that most vendors update their social media pages very frequently, so it is easy to see their most current work. While looking for photographers, I noticed that many use blogs, Twitter and Facebook to showcase the work they have done in the past, which is great to see before you even contact them to set up an appointment.

              Other than using Facebook as a resource of planning, I found WeddingWire and The Knot to be excellent sources of planning and organizing details.  Many brides like to create a page on Facebook or use one of the wedding planning websites to create their very own website about their wedding. It is a great way for the people who are invited to see where the couple is registered, the location of the ceremony and reception, the details of the event and post any comments they would like to share about the couple. And it allows the bride and groom to interact with everyone before the wedding invitations even go out.

              Another useful new social media resource when planning is Pinterest. It is sort of like going through wedding magazines to cut out pictures of ideas that you like, instead you do it digitally. You can find images that appeal to you and wedding design tips and keep them in one place to get a feel of what your wedding is going to look like. Friends and family can also comment on your ideas.

              In my opinion, the key to planning a successful wedding is to be organized and use social media as a key source with planning. By using social media to gather information on vendors, get some ideas for designing and using it as a tool for organizing and interacting, wedding planning will be a breeze.

              Below are my 5 tips when planning a wedding on the social web.

              1. Create a budget. You will first need to sit down and decide how much you plan to spend on the entire wedding, including your venue, each vendor, invitations, a wedding consultant, the cake, favors, centerpieces, ect. Then you prioritize your list and divide your budget accordingly. I used an Excel spreadsheet to create my budget, but you could also use wedding planning websites that have budget planners to help you organize and calculate.

              2. Search for venues and vendors. Decide the location for your big day and the time of the year you would like to have it. I found it useful to look for venues through wedding planning websites and then searching for them on Facebook and Twitter to see their pages. Finding vendors may take much more time then searching for venues. I found many of my vendors through my Twitter and Facebook newsfeeds. By following pages catered to wedding planning, I was able to get some great information about many local vendors through Facebook and Twitter posts.

              3. Attend bridal shows. Search the internet to get a listing of local bridal shows around the area that you wish to have your wedding. You can sign up to receive email alerts or view calendars about upcoming shows. Bridal shows are an excellent way to meet vendors and gather information about their services, taste catered food, win prizes and enjoy a show hosted by a DJ and the venue. They are also a great way to enjoy a night out with your soon to be husband or wife.

              4. Create and manage your guest list. What’s a wedding without your guests? An important part of any event is the people who are attending. Find out the minimum and maximum amount of guests that your venue can hold and decide on an approximate amount of people that you would like to invite. Then make your list of family, friends, coworkers, ect. I also used an Excel spreadsheet to manage my guest list. It was great to use for making labels with mail merging and keeping track of who will be attending and who has declined.

              5. Take one step at a time. At times, wedding planning can feel overwhelming, especially when you have other important things to manage in your life. Divide the planning up over a few months; you don’t have to do everything at once. Divide some of the planning between you, your significant other and close family members involved with the wedding. Even if you feel like you can do it all on your own, it is always good to get second opinions or guidance from important people in your life. You can always hire a wedding consultant to help take some of that weight off your shoulders.

              Are you a business owner working in the wedding industry?

              As the bride and groom are searching for all of those businesses that offer wedding services, those same businesses are looking for brides and grooms out there and want to connect with them to be a part of their special day. If you are one of those businesses, how do you get the bride and groom to notice you and the wonderful services you have to offer that separate you from the rest?

              Here are my 5 tips for businesses offering any kind of wedding service.

              1. Maintain your website and social media pages.  The internet is a main source for brides and grooms when they are planning their wedding. When they find your business, they will want to take a look at your website and your social media pages to see all that you have to offer. They will want to see the latest work you have done so make sure that everything is up to date. Establish connections with other wedding businesses, as well as newly engaged couples through your social media pages.

              2. Sign up for shows and expos. Find out when bridal shows and expos are in each town that you wish to do business in and sign up. Make sure you put a lot of effort in making your booth look spectacular and show all that you have to offer. Having a booth at a bridal show is an excellent way to meet potential customers face to face and also have them spread the word about your company.

              3. Advertise. Advertise your business on wedding planning websites and through social media. You can also advertise through wedding magazines and local publications.

              4. Get a mailing list. Request a mailing list of newly engaged couples and send them emails about your wedding services. Find a list that caters to the primary locations of the brides and grooms you wish to get in touch which.

              5. Become a preferred vendor. Learn how to become a preferred vendor with local wedding venues. Many venues have preferred vendor catalogs or lists and they essentially sell space in those catalogs or lists to vendors.

              If you have any questions regarding inBLOOM’s social media services for small businesses, contact Danielle Hemhauser, inBLOOM’s Communications Officer and Bride-to-Be, at danielle@inbloomcomm.com. Connect with Danielle on Twitter @inBLOOMDanielle.

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                Tips for Staying Out of the Doghouse on Valentine’s Day… or Any Other Day!

                by Jennifer Smiga on February 11, 2012

                Photo: Stephan Lowy

                TASTOSTERONE: THE BEST COOKBOOK FOR MEN is slated for release Spring 2012. Author and Cook Debra Levy Picard blogs often about her cooking tips for men.

                Debra wrote TASTOSTERONE to speak to men of all ages – the son, husband, father, single guy, college kid, retiree, divorcé and widower. Whether age five or ninety-five, every man has a story and every man needs to eat. For the TASTOSTERONE man, cooking can bring joy to his life; reinvent him; and carry him through life’s ups and downs.

                Celebrity chefs like Bobby Flay, Michael Symon, Curtis Stone, and Mario Batali all exude beaucoup du TASTOSTERONE.  They move across the kitchen with a confidence that is both sexually and intellectually attractive. Cooking awakens a man’s dormant senses, transforming the shy, less assured guy into a worldly, self-confident cook.

                A TRUE “T” MAN, THE GUY WHO POSSESSES AN AIR OF CONFIDENCE AND PASSION TO COOK ALL YEAR LONG, MAY VIEW VALENTINE’S DAY AS A COMMERCIALIZED OCCASION, BUT TRUST ME IF YOU SKIP DOING SOMETHING EXTRA SPECIAL ON THIS DAY YOU’LL FIND YOURSELF IN THE DOG HOUSE. SO, SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY, GET COOKING, AND YOU’LL BE REAPING THE REWARDS OF YOUR KINDNESS FOR DAYS.

                MANY OF THESE SIMPLE TIPS AND RECIPES FOR VALENTINE’S DAY SUCCESS CAN BE FOUND IN CHAPTER 4, “DINNER DARLING” OF  TASTOSTERONE: THE BEST COOKBOOK FOR MEN.

                1. Rise and shine. Set the alarm to wake before your wife and make her a cup of her favorite coffee. Pick up some fresh baked bread and prepare a plate of her favorite cheeses and a bowl of mixed berries and yogurt. Sometimes a simple morning surprise is all you need to put a smile on her face. Works for you, doesn’t it?

                2. Layer on the love. Surprise the wife and kids with dinner at home. Create a T-Man lasagna by purchasing a dozen raviolis (any flavor or filling) and layer them with sauce and mozzarella cheese in a baking dish to create a shortcut lasagna. Add sauce and cheese to your liking. There are no wrong or right directions. Bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes, covered at 350 degrees. I prefer using homemade raviolis that can be found in the refrigerated section of your market or Italian delicatessen.  Chop up a simple salad of arugula or mixed greens, sprinkle with shaved Parmesan cheese and add your wife’s favorite dressing. Serve on the side. You’ll have dinner for your darlings prepared in no time.

                3. Make those reservations. Couples who cook together often prefer to dine out for the night. Consider eating at a restaurant that you both love because Valentine’s Day is not the night to experiment for fear of ruining the evening with a disappointing meal. Before you leave home for the evening, set the romantic tone with a cheese plate and grapes. End the night, back at home, with berries and cream and a bottle of bubbly.

                4. Warm up the heart. Nothing says romance like Swiss Fondue. In Switzerland, there are no fancy fondues with mixings of salsa and cheddar cheese; instead, they use only the best Gruyère and bread available to make this simple meal. However, the Swiss do have terms and conditions for eating this amazing dish; don’t drop your bread into the fondue or you will end up in the nearby lake and don’t drink water or anything carbonated while eating fondue. One should drink a white wine such as Fendant or hot tea, otherwise you’ll end up with cheese balls wreaking havoc in your stomach, ending your romantic Valentine’s Day dinner on very sour note.

                5. Get popping! For the single dads, whip up some scrambled eggs or any light bite, then curl up with the kids and watch your favorite movies together. Sweeten the kids evening with a special treat of chocolate covered popcorn. Microwave ½ cup of chocolate chips (I prefer milk chocolate) for 30 seconds. Cook for additional 10-second intervals, as needed, until fully melted. Let chocolate cool, but not harden, about 5-7 minutes and mix with popcorn. Serve and enjoy.

                6.  Butter her up. For those of you planning the 50th Valentine’s surprise for your wife, how about trying something different this year? Melted, warm panini sandwiches make great early dinners. Spread some love (aka butter) on the inside and outside of your bread slices then press your sandwich together in your Panini maker or in a frying pan over medium heat. I prefer a sandwich of shredded Gruyère and sliced tomato, salt and heavy on the pepper. You could even use a giant heart shaped cookie cutter to cut your sandwiches into heart shapes.

                7. Give and get. Look for cooking classes that you both could take together this spring. You’ll both have something to look forward to and she’ll appreciate the thought and time. Couples cooking classes that won’t break you budget are popping up across the country. They’re a win, win because you’ll learn how to cook and also enjoy a delicious dinner.

                8. Get cracking. No cooking required on Valentine’s Day with Florida Stone Crab. You’ll just need some Florida Stone Crab, a mallet, mustard, mayo and a crisp chardonnay.
 Crack the shells with your mallet and use a small fork to remove and enjoy every bit of this scrumptious meat. Serve chilled with my mustard sauce. Stone crab claw season runs from October 15th till May 15th. Only stone crab claws do not require cooking. They are cooked when
 harvested.

                Mustard Sauce
                1/4 cup mayonnaise
                3 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard
                (For the mustard fan, add more if needed.)
                1. Mix together mayonnaise and mustard for dressing.
                2. Place the chilled crab claws on a large serving plate.
                3. Serve with mustard sauce, lobster crackers and small forks.
                Servings: 2
                Preparation Time: 5 minutes

                9. Knock her socks off. So, you’re desperate to impress or please the new wife. Prepare a dinner to knock her socks off. Make sure to find out her favorite foods, and do your best to try prepare them at home. Your efforts won’t go unnoticed. These are just a few of my ideas for a romantic meal at home: Start with some soup and shrimp cocktail then present her with a nice steak or filet of fish served with roasted potatoes and vegetables. End the evening with cheesecake or some chocolate mouse.

                10. Take the pressure off. You missed going out together on the weekend before Valentine’s Day and you’re working late on the big day. Well, why not keep it simple? Too tired to cook? Don’t put the pressure on either of you; prepare a pot of my Steakhouse Onion Soup on Sunday so you have it prepared for Valentine’s Day. Like garlic, the ancients ate onions regularly. In addition to their perceived therapeutic benefits, onions were believed to be an aphrodisiac, which may just be the kick you’ll need to enjoy a romantic late night together.

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                  Chinese New Year’s Water Dragon Ushers in Better Business Practices in 2012

                  by Jennifer Smiga on January 14, 2012

                  Chinese New Year 2012 begins on January 23rd and ushers in the year of the Water Dragon. Water exerts a calming influence on the dragon’s innate fire. Water Dragons are more open to other people’s opinions than other dragons, which gives them the ability to channel their personal charisma into real leadership qualities.

                  Dragon years are lucky for anyone thinking of starting a business or initiating a new project of any sort. Money is easier to come by for everyone, whether it’s earned, borrowed or received as a gift.  Dragons also do well in professions that give them the ability to function somewhat autonomously. They make excellent sales people, publicists, political campaigners, lawyers, real estate brokers, actors and politicians.

                  Taking our cue from the Chinese zodiac, inBLOOM Communications’ resolution for 2012 is to listen and collaborate more with our clients and their customers.  Naturally, as publicists, event planners and social media managers, we have a passion for people and networking. Thanks to stronger partnerships and consistent conversations, business will bloom in 2012. The Water Dragon will help keep our heads above rough economic waters.

                  Be inspired by the Spirit of the Water Dragon with inBLOOM’s Five Tips for Navigating Calmer Business Waters in 2012:

                  1. Maintain and Grow Strategic Partnerships. Sell your services and products openly and honestly by partnering with other businesses and organizations in your region. Co-host events and promotions that engage and excite your customers.

                  2. Pursue Your Passion. Keep the passion alive when speaking about your products and services by maintaining the spark that first invigorated you to start your business. Consider talking to new business owners about how you got started and you may relight that spark necessary to illuminate success.

                  3. Hire believers. Surround yourself with employees and consultants who believe in what you do. From greeting clients to answering phones, customer service should be a top priority.

                  4. Make Confidence Count. Be confident about business ideas and strategies. Try new things and if they don’t work, try again. Make sure you use systems for evaluating your efforts because your time is valuable.

                  5. Play More. Take the time to pursue your talents and interests. A more rested, balanced business owner will result in a less stressed work environment. Your family, employees and customers will sense your peace and renewed enthusiasm.

                  inBLOOM’s friends have a few exciting resolutions of their own to share.

                  “Garden State Menu’s resolution is to improve and expand on marketing our customers businesses beyond the print magazine,” Steve Mariani, Publisher, Garden State Menu Dining Guide

                  “We are renovating our Wall location to better accommodate the needs of our clients. It’s a thrilling time for us. For 42 years, I’ve seen astonishing changes in the world of pet care, and in 2012, Purr’n Pooch will continue to be at the forefront of innovation.” Dick Palazzo, President, Purr’n Pooch Pet Resorts

                  “Do MORE, with less.  Our individual Hulafrog websites are run by local publishers – moms who are running their Hulafrog websites like their own business. Our mission this year is to help them produce more great content, and even better websites, while spending less time working and more time doing fun things with their families. That’s sort of an ongoing goal for us, but a major focus right now.” Sherry Lombardi, Co-Founder, Hulafrog.com

                  “We are embracing the idea of ‘New Year’s revelations’ this year. Instead of focusing on breaking bad habits, we’re advocating fueling what works well. Not sure where your drive should be? Take some time to find that creative spark that moves you forward and helps you to focus on the next level. Try some brainstorming exercises to find new inspiration. For writers, it may help you uncover the idea for your next story. Entrepreneurs may discover a new service or promotional idea.  The key is to reinvigorate yourself.” Mary Ellen Landolfi  and Stacy Lane Reagan, Editors, The Write Room

                  “Whether age five or ninety-five, every man has a story and every man needs to eat. For the TASTOSTERONE man, cooking can bring joy to his life; reinvent him; and carry him through life’s ups and downs. Celebrity chefs like Bobby Flay, Michael Symon, Curtis Stone and Mario Batali all exude beaucoup du TASTOSTERONE.  They move across the kitchen with a confidence that is both sexually and intellectually attractive. Cooking awakens a man’s dormant senses, transforming the shy, less assured guy into a worldly, self-confident cook. 2012 will be the year of the T-Man. So let’s get cooking guys!” Debra Levy Picard, Cook and Author, TASOSTERONE: The Best Cookbook for Men

                  “Times may be tough for the building and renovation industries, but creatively we are bursting with ideas. Clients are up for trying new designs, colors and materials. It’s exciting to see people embrace creativity in a time of economic hardship.” Steven Schrenk, Operations Manager, ACD Custom Granite

                  Pass it on! New resources to learn and share.

                  65+ New Year’s Business Resolutions in 2012 by Carol Roth

                  Creative Trends 2012: A Year of Creative Change and Excellence by Alice Ross

                  Why Facebook Marketers Misunderstand Facebook by Paul Adams

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                    Winter Wedding Dance Showcase and Expo Supports the Arts

                    by Jennifer Smiga on December 30, 2011

                    On Thursday, January 26th, 2012 from 6:00– 8:30 p.m. the Middletown Arts Center (MAC), located on 36 Church Street in Middletown, NJ, will host a Winter Wedding Dance Showcase and Expo presented by the MAC’s Business Partner in the Arts Posies Flower Shop and ballroom dance instructors Tatiyana Belikov and Richard Givney.

                    On this special evening, the Middletown Arts Center will be transformed into a magical, romantic venue as businesses and artisans share tips for wedding bliss and introduce brides and grooms to their services and products. Refreshments will be served by Branches Catering and music will be presented by This is It Entertainment.

                    The grand finale of the evening will be a Wedding Dance Showcase, sponsored by Forum Tuxedos, in the theater from 8:00-8:30 p.m.  where guests will be seated and entertained by the talents of the MAC’s dance instructors and their students during show stopping performances staged to give guests the look and feel of a real wedding.

                    The Showcase experience uniquely features dances by staged brides and grooms and their bridal parties. Think “Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding” meets “Dancing with the Stars”! Thanks to the Middletown Arts Center’s instructors, guests will be able to picture their perfect wedding dances made possible by a few lessons. The Showcase will end with a surprise performance that will get guests on the dance floor! Here’s a hint: “I’ve had the time of my life!” Any ideas? Following the performance, instructors Tanya Belikov and Richard Givney will be available to speak with guests about their wedding dance lessons for brides, grooms and wedding parties.

                    Each guest will also receive a goodie bag of product samples and coupons from participating vendors. Proceeds raised through goodie bag and expo vendor sponsorships will support arts programming at the Middletown Arts Center.

                    There is no fee to attend this special event, but pre-registration is required by calling 732-706-4100 or emailing danielle@inbloomcomm.com. Vendors interested in participating are requested to contact Jennifer Smiga at 732-571-4394 or jen@inbloomcomm.com. Visit the event on Facebook.

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