Tuesday, April 30, 2013

10 Top Ways to Win Using Pinterest for Business - Review



Pinterest is a social bookmarking site that allows users to create a visual, online pinboard with images they love organized around topics of their choice by category.  it's the fastest growing social media site in history, the third-largest network after Facebook and Twitter and has over 25 million members and 10 million unique visitors a month.

The most recent studies incidate that nearly 20 percent of women using the internet are on Pinterest, 72 percent of Pinterest users are female, and 66 percent of those are age 35 or older, and the average amount of time visitors spend surfing the Pinterest site is an hour.  

Karent Leland, author of the new book "Entrepreneur Magazine's Ultimate Guide to Pinterest for Business," has created a comprehensive and easy-top-use guide to hitting the road running and quickly making Pinterest into a valuable source of prospects, promotions, and profits.  

"Great business brands are about telling compelling, congruent stories,and Pinterest s at its core about storytelling in pictures," says Leland.  "Pinterest has tapped into this visceral lover of visuals, and no small business, entrepreneur, or corporation can afford to miss the boat on bringing what they offer beyond words and into images."

Taken from her new book "The Ultimate Guide to Pinterest for Business," Leland offers these top tactics for achieving maximum performance in business on Pinterest.

1.  Strategize  First and Pin Second:  Consider your objective before you pin.  Are you trying to: drive traffic to your website  boost your brand awareness, promote new products or service, educate your customer base  enhance customer understanding and enthusiasm increase prospects and sales or improve customer service   Depending on your strategy  you will want to pick the images that best support your objectives.

2.  Manage and Balance Your Percentages:  Create inviting boards by making 40 percent of your pins motivational and inspiring, 40 percent instructional and educational and only 20 percent about your brand--including products, services, sales items, pofiles, specials, and contests.

3.  Make Your Website Pin Friendly:  Install the Pin It Button on your website and give every page and blog post a featured image that can be pinned automatically.  In addition put a social media "Follow me on Pinterest button on your home page.

4.  Share With, Engage and Promote Others:  Build your brand by engaging with others through re-pinning, commenting on and liking other pins.  You can also tag @ another pinner you are following in one of your pin descriptions.  Engaging with others in these ways generates flow back to your Pinterest.

5.  Establish Your Expertise:  Craft keyword-rich pin and board titles and descriptions to boost y9ur Google ranking and be found for your expertise.  Use hashtags # to highlight key words and phrases your customers search for.  In addition, emphasie pins with a focus on problems and solutions you specialize in.

6.  Integrate Pinterest With Your Other Social Media:  Connect with your other social media by creating a Pinterest tab on Facebook, tweeting your pins, and embedding pins in your blog posts

7.  Organize You Pinboard:  Research shows that pins place front and center receive the highest percent of viewers and capture the most attention.  So place your most important pins near the middle of the top or second row of the board.

8.  Give Away Value- Added Information:  According to Pinerly, pins that have a call to action see an 80 percent increase in engagement.  Post pins that focus on free reports, e-books, videos, and podcasts you offer.  Be sure to add a live link to each of those pins' descriptions.

9.  Leverage the Power of Multimedia:  Make your Pinboards more interactive by sharing videos, webinars, teleclasses, screencasts and podcasts.  Good multimedia pins include:  presentations, expert tutorials, product demos, behind-the scenes tours and experts from live recorded interviews, courses and trainings.

10.  Analyze You Metrics:  Sign up for access to Pinterest Web Analytics via you settings page and pay attention to which of your pins generate the greatest response and interest.  The info will help you see which of your pinning efforts are paying off and shape your future strategy.

About the author

Karen Leland is the best-selling author of nine business books and the President of Sterling Marketing Groups, where she works with entrepreneurs  small business an Fortune 500 companies around the globe on building stronger personal and business brands.  Her clients have included AT&T, American express, Marriott Hotels, apple Computer and Johnson and Johnson, among others.

She is a  regular speaker for business groups and has spoken for the Young Presidents' Organization, american Management Association, and Direct Marketing Association, among others.  Karen is a frequent guest of the media and has been interviewed on "The Today Show," CNN, CNBC, and "Oprah."

Se writes a regular branding and marketing column for Entrepreneur.com and has been published on Woman's Day, Self The Los Angeles Times, and others.

Disclaimer:  In keeping with the FTC 16 CFR Part 255 I would like to inform you that I received no financial compensation for this post.  I received a copy of the book Pinterest for Business for review purposes.  All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.

Monday, April 29, 2013

The Shake It Up: I Love Dance CD - REVIEW




The Shake It Up: I Love Dance
 CD is perfect for kids, teens and even Mom.  It's hard to find music that is appropriate for the whole family.  This CD packed with music designed to make you want to get up and dance without any worry of offensive song lyrics. 


Shake It Up: I Love Dance is the third soundtrack for the Disney Channel Original Series, Shake It Up. The album features musical artists associated or popularized by Disney Channel like Bella Thorne, Zendaya, Bridgit Mendler, McClain, McClain Sisters, Caroline Sunshine, Roshon Fegan, Selena Gomez and Coco Jones. 

Tracks include:

1. Contagious Love (Zendaya and Bella Thorne)
2. This Is My Dance Floor (Bella Thorne and Zendaya)
3. Beat of My Drum (Zendaya)
4. Blow the System (Bella Thorne)
5. Afterparty (Roshon Fegan and Caroline Sunshine)
6. Holla at the DJ (The DJ Mike D Remix) (Coco Jones)
7. These Boots Are Made for Walkin (Olivia Holt)
8. Sharp as a Razor (McClain Sisters)
9. Future Sounds Like Us (Dove Cameron)
10. I Can Do Better (Young LA)
11. Shake It Up Theme Song (Cole Plante Reboot Remix) (Selena Gomez) 
12. We're Dancing (Alex Ghenea 3.0 Remix) (Bridgit Mendler)

The Shake It UP: I Love Dance CD was a big hit with this younger set at the Thrifty house and we give this CD resounding hands up like the ceiling can't hold ya, four stars!  

Disclaimer:  In keeping with the FTC 16 CFR Part 255 I would like to inform you that I received no financial compensation for this post.  I received a copy of the CDThe Shake It Up: I Love Dance   for review purposes from the people at Child's Play Communications

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

#Kindwords Letter Writing Week




Kicking off today through April 28th, KIND is partnering with More Love Letters to cook up thoughtful words of kindness and deliver them anonymously into spaces within our communities that are in need of inspiration. Given recent events in Boston and West Texas, our #kindwords are needed more than ever.

Join the KIND Twitter Party on Tuesday April, 23rd from 8-10PM EST– Follow KIND on Twitter and join them as they tweet live from our #kindwords Letter Writing Party. KIND has all the materials you need to get started – click here to access the #kindwords Letter Writing Kit.

Deliver, Snap and Share: Throughout the week, snap a photo of your letters in their secret spots and share your images and instagrams on Twitter with the hashtag #kindwords.

Need more inspiration?  Check out this album created by the  KIND team to get your creative juices flowing. Let's spread #kindwords across the map! 

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Please Help Identify These Suspects In The Boston Marathon Bombings







The FBI has identified two suspects in the Boston Marathon bombing, releasing photos and video showing them and asking the public to help locate them.


The FBI has identified two suspects in the Boston Marathon bombing, releasing photos and video showing them and asking the public to help locate them.

The suspects, both of whom wore a backwards white ballcap and the other who wore a dark cap, were captured on footage near where one of two explosions killed three and injured 176.

"Through the last day or so, we developed a single person of interest," said FBI Special Agent Rick Deslauriers. "Indeed though that process we have identified a second suspect. We believe they are associated."

If you have visual images, video, and/or details regarding the explosions along the Boston Marathon route and elsewhere, submit them on https://bostonmarathontips.fbi.gov/. No piece of information or detail is too small. 

The FBI stresses that these men may be armed and dangerous.  DO NOT try to apprehend  

You can also call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), prompt #3, with information.
All media inquiries should be directed to the FBI’s National Press Office at (202) 324-3691.


Wednesday, April 17, 2013

No Arrest Made in Bombing Investigation


Contrary to widespread reporting, no arrest has been made in connection with the Boston Marathon attack. Over the past day and a half, there have been a number of press reports based on information from unofficial sources that has been inaccurate. Since these stories often have unintended consequences, we ask the media, particularly at this early stage of the investigation, to exercise caution and attempt to verify information through appropriate official channels before reporting.


1-800-CALL-FBI 

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

How To Talk to Children About The Boston Tragedy


Making sense of the tragedy at the Boston Marathon yesterday can be quite a challenge for adults, let alone children.

Children process these things differently. They may be asking difficult questions and parents may need suggestions to help discuss what happened and address their concerns.

Fred Rogers from the long-running TV show, Mr. Rogers was quoted as saying, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” That is good advice from the wise Mrs. Rogers, but what if your children have questions and need more?

Below are some helpful tips from Child Psychologist Dr. Phyllis Ohr, for Press4Kids’ News-O-Matic, the first educational, news app for children 7 to 10 years old. Dr. Ohr is also the Director of the Child and Parent Psychological Services Clinic at Hofstra and the Assistant Director of the Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program.

Here are some tips from Dr. Ohr for how parents can address news issues with children and what children can do to feel better:

1. When the event does not personally affect the child, reassure them that everything is okay with the people they love and that nothing has changed for them.

2. Be sure to stress to children that if they do have questions to ask parents, teachers as well as friends. Other children having the same feelings may be comforting.

3. Begin by giving the child a brief synopsis of what happened by using age appropriate language. Ask if there is something they want to know more about or if they need something explained further. If so, stick to pointedly answering their question or clarifying. Do not add on or digress.

4. Do not assume the news will make children feel a certain way. Ask if they know how they feel, but stress that kids feel all different ways when they hear important news and sometimes do not know how they feel or do not feel anything which is okay. However, if children are affected by it, it is their own feeling. Reassure children that no matter what they are feeling, their feelings are okay.

5. If they are upset but don't want to talk, suggest a fun activity for distraction or help them use calming skills like playing, drawing a picture or writing a story. These activities help release any upset feelings and make children feel better.

Dr. Ohr is available to discuss these tips in further detail, as well as address any additional questions on how to talk to your children about the tragedy at the Boston Marathon.

Sunday, April 14, 2013

Ways to Celebrate Earth Day with Fernbank Museum of Natural History


As one of Atlanta’s top resources for environmental programming and education, Fernbank Museum of Natural History is offering a variety of ways to celebrate Earth Day.

Programs will be held over several days to accommodate weekend schedules and include:

* The Joys of Nature Journaling Workshop and Book Signing
Led by Helen Correll, Author, Middlewood Journal: Drawing Inspiration from Nature 

Sunday, April 14, 1pm to 3pm – Advanced reservations required by April 12.

Nature journaling provides an opportunity to slow down and observe the world, reducing stress and lowering blood pressure at the same time. Join Helen Correll as she shows different approaches to this craft through her own journal entries, inspired by her walks in the South Carolina Piedmont landscape. Part lecture and part drawing, this workshop will be held inside Fernbank Forest. Bring a journal and a pen, and allow the springtime vistas of this old-growth forest to inspire your own artistic expressions.

COST: $30 for Fernbank members, $45 for nonmembers (includes admission to Museum and Fernbank Forest).

* Fernbank Forest Explorations
Saturday, April 20 at 10 am, 11am, 1pm and 2pm
Take in the sights, sounds and smells of springtime on a guided walk through Fernbank Forest with Fernbank educators, presented in celebration of Earth Day. Activity stations along the way will help your family explore topics such as water quality, native biodiversity, animals, and more.
Tours begin in the Museum Lobby and last approximately 1.5 hours. Recommended for ages 8 and up. There are no rest rooms or water fountains in the forest, so please plan accordingly. Participants must remain with the group for the duration of the program.
COST: Included with Museum admission. Space is limited to 25 participants. Advance reservations are required at 404.929.6400.

* Forest Restoration Day
Sunday, April 21, 10 am-noon
Get up close and personal with Fernbank Museum’s restoration efforts, as part of our Earth Day celebration. Learn more about Georgia’s Piedmont forests while gaining a hands-on understanding of what it takes to keep a forest healthy. This service opportunity is open to ages 18 and up (students aged 12 and older are welcome if accompanied by an adult).
COST: Free (participation does not include admission to Museum.) Advanced registration required at 404.929.6327.
·        Endangered Reptiles and Amphibians of South Georgia’s Fire Forests
Lecture by Dr. Christopher Jenkins, CEO, The Orianne Society
Sunday, April 28 at 2:30 pm
Three hundred years ago, South Georgia was an endless sea of longleaf pines, restored by frequent fires that passed through like waves. Gopher Tortoises, Eastern Indigo Snakes and Flatwoods Salamanders lived among the grasses beneath the canopy of towering pines. Although this unique ecosystem has been severely fragmented, these key species have managed to survive in remaining patches of this habitat. Join Dr. Christopher Jenkins to learn more about the biology, status and future of these amazing animals that define Georgia’s natural heritage. This lecture is presented in partnership with The Orianne Society, an organization that integrates research, conservation and education. Advance reservations are required at 404.929.6400.
COST: Included with Museum admission.

Weekend Wonders: Earth Day

Saturday and Sunday, April 20-21, 2013
Enjoy family-friendly activities that celebrate Earth Day.
COST: Included with Museum admission

You can also celebrate Earth Day on April 22 with several of Fernbank’s ongoing programs:

·        Witness the annual migration of monarch butterflies as they journey between Canada and Mexico in the IMAX® film Flight of the Butterflies.
·        Explore the natural beauty of Georgia in Fernbank’s permanent exhibition A Walk Through Time in Georgia, where you’ll encounter the diversity of our state, including mountains, forest, caves, islands, swamp, plateau and the variety of animals that inhabit each environment.
·        Let children explore the award-winning children’s exhibition, Fernbank NatureQuest, as they investigate the natural habitats of the Earth, including several live animal environments, an interactive river, an activity-filled clubhouse, a climbable tree and more.
·        Join Fernbank’s e-newsletter mailing list to learn about events offered at Fernbank that celebrate Earth Day all year long.
·        Join as a member and support Fernbank’s dedication to offering unique environmental experiences while enjoying an entire year of free museum admission and discounts on purchases, films and programs.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History is located at 767 Clifton Road NE in Atlanta. 

Museum admission is $17.50 for adults, $16.50 for students/seniors, $15.50 for children ages 3-12. Value Pass tickets, which include Museum and IMAX® admission, are $23 for adults, $21 for students/seniors and $19 for children. To reserve by phone, call 404.929.6400.

More information is available at www.fernbankmuseum.org or 404.929.6300.

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Melissa Dilan Back In Court



Melissa Dilan-Hernandez attended pre trial on April 9, 2013 and is scheduled to attend another pre trial on June 4, 2013.   

Melissa claims that she her ex fiance TJ are working their differences as parents despite they're no longer together.  I find this interesting since the aforementioned TJ has contacted this blog to indicate that there were further criminal acts that Melissa allegedly committed that have not as yet been revealed to the general public.  In deference to the victim I will keep these allegations confidential until such time as the victim chooses to reveal them himself.  

In the meantime, Melissa has been quite the busy girl.  First of all she has purchased quite a number of followers on her Twitter account.  over 25,000 to be more exact.  You can tell they were purchased because most of her followers were created in foreign countries and/or have a single tweet in their account.

Perhaps Ms. Dilan does not realize that her fake followers can incur phising, hacking, and even infecting her few real fans with spammy links.  Maybe she knows but doesn't care. I say this because I see her latest venture is a "magazine" called Hollywood Female Models magazine.

During her hectic fast paced life of pursuing Maklemore and buying fake Twitter followers, Melissa did have time to give me a shout out saying

All these ugly things 'bout me under blog posts...u only know part of my story, u don't know it all.  Mind yo 'biz & peace da eff out.

She also included this lovely visual presentation of her devotion to New Day New Page.  Thanks Missy!



For her children's sake I hope that Melissa will mature and that this case will end without too much more drama.  Maybe she can take a plea deal involving counseling and become the mother her children need.  Her young children have been been through enough without their mother going to prison.  Sadly Ms. Dilan did not have the foresight to see the potential outcome of her actions.   This points again to a woman who lacks maturity.  

I will keep you appraised of any future developments in this case and if TJ is willing to go forward with his criminal allegations I will report them here also.