In the Know Archives - Page 8 of 13

Times A Changing! Social Media has changed how business is done.

Hamptons Spotlight: Times A Changing! Social Media has changed how business is done.

It’s a new day…the average Social Media user has 100 friends….that means something could go viral 100x….Businesses please remember this before you are so quick to upset a customer…That one upset customer might influence over 30,000 people. That is 30,000 new potential customers you no longer have…

It is hard to believe that the internet was only introduced to the public 22 years ago, 1 year before my oldest daughter was born, soon after email was introduced in our lives. I am astounded at how my life revolves around social media, could we go back to how things were before the internet, for me I say HECK NO I love it.

Social Media has changed the face of the world and how we communicate with each other, people are even hiring companies like upleap to do the communication for them, madness right? There are many months that go by that I have not heard my friend’s voice on the phone or in person, yet I know more about what is happening in their life simply because we are now sharing our entire life on the internet for all to see. Are we divulging too much information? Is nothing sacred anymore, but can we go back to how we once communicated with friends, I say no. Social Media is here to stay and we will need to figure out how to keep some part of our private lives private. But not only has social media allowed us to stay up to date with millions of people, but it has also allowed many people to create businesses online and start a career from it. Influencers such as bloggers and YouTubers have used social media to their advantage in order to grow their brands. If you want to find out more about technology and businesses, an introduction to something like five examples of businesses that underwent digital transformations – Salesforce.com would give you an idea of these advantages.

The way we conduct our business, communicate with our clients and our customers has changed because of Social Media. About 10 years ago traditional advertising was King, (TV, radio, print) and were leading the industry with advertising revenue, today those traditional forms of advertising are suffering and grasping to hold on to their survival rope. Remember when email was king and www.aol.com was its leader? Everyone had an AIM account and we all communicated on AIM with our friends and now only 10 years later people are being told you are not being taken serious as a business professional if you are still using AOL. I immediately canceled my AOL account and started a www.Google.com account.

Less than 10 years ago internet advertising emerged and every business in the world was scurrying to start a website, because E-commerce was where you needed to be, consumers wanted to sit at their computer at 4am in the morning and shop online. Whola, the emergence of publications online, now they had to find a way to support their website so the banner advertising emerged. Banner advertising has gone through many transformations from the annoying pop-up banners to the flashing banners to the banners that are ineffective… Having said that though, they are effective for the people who know how to use them. Things like Yard signs, banner ads are still a form of advertisement that people like. You just have to know where to put them and who your target audience is for. This may take time, but it is time worth spent, particularly when you do it correctly.

Remember when everyone was completely head over heels with www.MySpace.com and it was the best thing since slice bread, teenagers are to be thanked for this, but like everything once adults starting hovering and trying to protect our kids from the sexual predators lurking behind the screens, what’s a teen to do; they abandon and move on to the next best thing to throw their parents off their track….

Open the Gates of www.FACEBOOK.com ….this website has revolutionized how Social Media has taken over our lives forever…. they have forced everyone to change their business model to incorporate Social Media into their marketing budget. In 2011 www.socialmediatoday.com predicted Facebook would have around 610 to 625 million users. Well my friends they have exceeded that number in 2013, according to www.statisticbrain.com that number as of 1-1-2014 is 1,310,000,000 and total number of mobile Facebook users is 680,000,000 and increase of 22% from 2012. Many business in the beginning created a personal page for their business, but have found that having a Facebook Business page allows them to do more things. For me I am always seeking ways to boost Facebook likes, it is hard to grow your Facebook business page organically, so I recommend doing a Facebook campaign to boost your likes organically. Buying likes might serve a purpose in the beginning but might end up doing more damage in the end.

Twitter however is beloved yet lacks the ability for businesses to formally advertise to its followers. In America only 12% of the adult population use or understand Twitter, however for the businesses and brands that use it, they have seen a definite response. It will take the super savvy marketer to figure out creative ways to get this done.

Not to be forgotten is www.linkedin.com, they are unique and one to watch out for… they will be competition for Facebook, it is just a matter of time. I say this because this is the Social Media site where the decision makers spend their time, this is your professional network.

As a visionary seeing where things are going it encouraged me to start a business where I manage Social Media for businesses…As with anything new many people will become overwhelmed with the emergence of new technology and the people who study it will become the experts and therefore have an opportunity to make a living from teaching this new technology to others, then it is off to the newest thing for the day.

Instagram, Pinterest and Tumblr are coming on strong with image sharing. Snapchat very popular with teens, since they are slowly leaving Facebook because they feel their parents have invaded it. The list is endless, but the one thing that has not changed, Facebook still leads this Social Media. The Social Media sites that are very popular with teenagers and college students are: Instagram, Ask.com, Twitter, Tumblr, Vine, Snapchat.com and although Facebook is not the Social Media of choice they all still look at their Facebook feed everyday. Don’t rule Facebook out for teens however, Mark Zuckerberg is a genius and he is constantly reinventing Facebook to keep teens and college students engaged with his product. Teenagers will NEVER give up Social Media, they have grown up with it, Facebook bought Instagram and tried to acquire Snapchat, but CEO, Evan Spiegel, the company’s 23 year-old CEO, turned down Facebook offer to purchase them for $4 Bilion. So what does Facebook’s do, they purchase another instant message service: WhatsAPP for $19 Billion.

I will be right there embracing the new technology because as you get older your taste change, your skin changes your MIND changes and you must adapt to these changes.

Need some help with your Social Media, want more clarification on how many of these Social Media platforms can be implemented into our marketing, attend one of my Workshops. Times A Changing! Social Media has changed how business is done, are you ready to embrace it?

Cold Weather Safety Tips

In the Know: Cold Weather Safety Tips…Greetings Hamptons Mouthpiece readers…here are some tips for staying warm this winter.

COLD WEATHER SAFETY TIPS

Tips for Staying Warm

Exposure to cold can cause life-threatening health conditions. Avoid serious conditions such as frostbite and hypothermia, by keeping warm.

• Wear a hat, hood, or scarf, as most heat is lost through the head.

• Wear layers, as they provide better insulation and warmth.

• Keep fingertips, earlobes, and noses covered if you go outside.

• Keep clothing dry; if a layer becomes wet, remove it.

Seniors, infants, the homeless, and those with chronic medical conditions are at increased risk. If you know of friends, neighbors, or family members who may be at risk check on them to make sure their heat is working and that they are okay.

Helping Others

Recognize the signs and symptoms of hypothermia and frostbite:

Hypothermia is a life-threatening condition where body temperature is abnormally low. Symptoms may include shivering, slurred speech, sluggishness, drowsiness, unusual behavior, confusion, dizziness, and shallow breathing.

Frostbite is a serious injury to a body part frozen from exposure to the cold. It most often affects extremities like fingers and toes or exposed areas such as ears or parts of the face. Redness and pain may be the first warning of frostbite. Other symptoms include numbness or skin that appears pale, firm, or waxy.

Provide first aid:

• If you suspect a person is suffering from frostbite or hypothermia, bring him or her someplace warm and call 911.

• If medical help is not immediately available, re-warm the person, by removing any damp clothing and covering them with warm blankets.

SAFE HOME HEATING TIPS

Improper use of portable heating equipment can lead to fire or dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. Take precautions to ensure you are heating your home safely. Green Horizon One Hour Heating And Air Conditioning is the perfect solution as they will help you to make sure your home is ready for all weathers, and will install the relevant equipment safely.

If your home experiences frequent heating issues you may want to upgrade your heating system to include a heat pump. To learn more about how installing a heat pump could improve your home heating and also reduce you energy bills this winter, check out this guide to heat pumps.

During terrible weather, you should always give regular checks to the structure of your house, if you find your roof has taken a huge hit with extreme weather, it is best to get it checked and fixed by storm damage roofers (in the instance of a storm happening) to ensure you’re kept safe during these months.

Fire safety tips:

•Use only portable heating equipment that is approved for indoor use.

•Keep combustible materials, including furniture, drapes, and carpeting at least three feet away from the heat source. NEVER drape clothes over a space heater to dry.

•Always keep an eye on heating equipment. Never leave children alone in the room where a space heater is running. Turn it off when you are unable to closely monitor it.

•Be careful not to overload electrical circuits.

•Make sure you have a working smoke detector in every room. Check and change batteries often.

Carbon monoxide safety tips:

• Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home and check it regularly to make sure the battery is working. NYC law requires owners to provide and install at least one approved carbon monoxide alarm within 15 feet of the primary entrance to each sleeping room.

•Make sure your heating system is kept clean and properly vented; have worn or defective parts replaced.

•Kerosene heaters are dangerous and illegal in New York City.

• Don’t heat your home with a gas stove or oven.

•Do not use any gas-powered appliance, charcoal grill, or hibachi indoors.

•Open your garage door before starting your car and do not leave the motor running in an enclosed area. Clear exhaust pipes before starting a car or truck after it snows.

•The most common symptom of carbon monoxide poisoning is headache. However, symptoms may also include dizziness, chest pain, nausea, and vomiting. In severe cases, people can become increasingly irritable, agitated and confused, eventually becoming lethargic and lapsing into unconsciousness.

•If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, call 911, and get the victim to fresh air immediately, and open windows.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about cold weather safety and how you can prepare for emergencies call 311 or visit

Suffolk County: www.suffolkcountyny.gov

NYC: www.nyc.gov/oem

Nassau County: www.nassaucountyny.gov

More than just a Game to me

Sag Harbor, NY: Pierson/Bridgehampton Varsity Field Hockey Team the NYS Class C 2013 Champions…More than Just a Game To Me

KHL_5281Medals1 — Lady Whalers, 2013 NYS Field Hockey Class C Champions

There are many significant moments we live in our lives that we remember. Our 16^th birthday party, our first kiss, the birth of a child, the death of a parent…. a championship game. Our children don’t know it yet because they don’t have the benefit of hindsight but this championship game will be with them for the rest of their lives. For some, it will help to define them as winners. For others it will show them what can be accomplished with hard work and teamwork. Both good lessons that will further their individual pursuits, as they get older.

My take is somewhat different. To me, there is NOTHING as good as team sports. Seeing your teammates in their team sports uniforms invokes such a feeling of unity. If your child is interested and you have the time (what a novel idea) please encourage them to join a sports team. The lessons learned are endless. The inside jokes, the special nod of a head, the telepathy, the bonding of lifelong friendships. These are the things that will move forward, the things that will last. Who knows where it will take them in the future, maybe onto a professional career themselves in hockey, football, rugby, etc. and you’ll be buying their merchandise online, whether that be the carlton merchandise or the Adelaide crows merchandise, who knows what will happen but getting them started is giving them something to think about.

Lady Whalers 2013 — Katherine Matthers, Allura Leggard, India Hemby, Samatha Duchemin, Kasey Gilbride

We often celebrate the captain of the team and the star players. We see them with the ball, in their hand, the bat, the ‘SPEAR’ in their hands and admire their ability to rise above the moment and seize the opportunity to make the big play and win the game. We are in awe of the great coaching and understand that we don’t always know as spectators what is best for the team. The Lady Whalers are blessed to have a few really good players and some great players and it showed on Saturday and Sunday night, November 16th and 17th 2013. We marvel at their resolve.

NHB_7185 — photo credit: Kurt H. Leggard

I want to talk about the team. What we don’t see are the countless hours of practice and rehearsal that goes into making the big play. The repetition, the struggle the ‘bench players’ that push the stars to greatness. I was so excited to watch the young ladies overcome the bad calls, the physical play of very worthy opponents to win but it doesn’t occur without the winning DNA that this TEAM has within their collective body. I am excited for our seniors, for their grit and determination and magnificent play. But they learned it somewhere. Three years ago as many of you know well, Pierson lost an opportunity for a championship to this very same team in a double overtime thriller. This current victory was forged through that loss. The team alumni that lost that game came out to watch and cheer the current team on. Some of today’s stars were on the bench when Pierson lost in 2010.

NHB_7382-1 — Photo credit: Kurt H. Leggard

So I say to everyone, look to the end of the bench and peer into the future. We cannot tell who will be the next star to rise to the occasion to carry the team to victory. What we do know is this. The character of this team was revealed through the struggle. It isn’t what you do when things are going well that says who you are, its how you respond when things go their worst that determines who you are and what you will be. The DNA of the Lady Whalers Field Hockey team is filled with pride, strength, skill, determination, grit and excellence. This DNA runs deep and I am very hopeful for the future. Get your kids to join a team and let their winning DNA improve the fortunes of that team! Go Whalers!

NHB_7392 — photo credit: Kurt H. Leggard

Congratulations: Coach: Shannon Judge, Asst. Coach: Melissa Edwards, Kaitlin Daniels &

Elizabeth Marchisella

Team: Kasey Gilbride, Katherine Matthers, Emmeline Luck, Kirra Mcgowin,

Emma Romeo, India Hemby, Rachael Miller, Phiona Vall, Samantha Duchemin, Erica Selyukova, Kerrie Vila, Cassandra Spencer, Sheila Mackey, Ana Sherwood, Calista Cafiero. Allura Leggard, Hollie Schleicher

for more images on their amazing journey to the State Finals..check out Photography By Kurt

https://www.photographybykurt.net/Sports/Field-Hockey

Check out the Winning Goal and Goalie’s cartwheel….So very funny!

Where does your state rank with cell phone tax?

Where does your state rank with cell phone tax? Did you know that NYS has the Highest cell phone tax of all the States in the US…it is ranked #1 out of 51…NY 16.23%, Total Cell Phone Tax: 21.71%, Rank: 1….check it out for yourself. Nevada is ranked the lowest in the County with the lowest tax rate. The question is why does New York have the highest taxes for cell phones?

List of Cell Phone Taxes Per State:

1. Alabama 7.45%, Total cell phone tax 12.93%, Rank: 32
2. Alaska 4.05%, Total Cell phone tax 9.53%, Rank: 47
3. Arizona: 11.06%, Total Cell Phone Tax: 16.54%, Rank: 14
4. Arkansas: 10.21%, Total Cell Phone Tax: 15.69%, Rank: 19
5. California: 13.18%, Total Cell Phone Tax: 18.66, Rank: 9
6. Colorado: 9.37%, Total Cell Phone Tax: 14.85%, Rank: 23
7. Connecticut: 6.41%, Total Cell Phone Tax: 11.89%, Rank 39
8. Delaware: 5.49%, Total Cell Phone Tax: 10.97%, Rank: 44
9. Florida: 16.12%, Total Cell Phone Tax: 21.60%, Rank: 2
10. Georgia: 7.64%, Total Cell Phone Tax: 13.12%, Rank: 29
11. Hawaii: 6.14%, Total Cell Phone Tax: 11.62%, Rank: 40
12. Idaho: 2.23%, Total Cell Phone Tax: 7.71%, Rank: 49
13. Illinois: 15.57%, Total Cell Phone Tax: 21.05%, Rank: 4
14. Indiana: 9.62%, Total Cell Phone Tax: 15.10%, Rank: 21
15. Iowa: 6.53%, Total Cell Phone Tax: 12.01%, Rank: 36
16. Kansas: 10.32%, Total Cell Phone Tax: 15.80%, Rank: 17
17. Kentucky: 9.98%, Total Cell Phone Tax: 15.46%, Rank: 20
18. Louisiana: 4.39% , Total Cell Phone Tax: 9.87%, Rank: 46
19. Maine:6.53%, Total Cell Phone Tax: 12.01%, Rank: 37
20. Maryland:7.07%, Total Cell Phone Tax: 12.55%, Rank: 34
21. Massachusetts:5.63%, Total Cell Phone Tax: 11.11%, Rank: 42
22. Michigan: 7.07%, Total Cell Phone Tax: 12.55%, Rank: 35
23. Minnesota: 8.10, Total Cell Phone Tax: 13.58%, Rank: 25
24. Mississippi: 9.07%, Total Cell Phone Tax: 14.55%, Rank: 24
25. Missouri: 11.12%, Total Cell Phone Tax: 16.60%, Rank:13
26. Montana: 4.99%, Total Cell Phone Tax: 10.47%, Rank:45
27. Nebraska: 15.13%, Total Cell Phone Tax: 20.61%, Rank:5
28. Nevada: 1.14%, Total Cell Phone Tax: 6.62%, Rank:51
29. New Hampshire: 7.87%, Total Cell Phone Tax: 13.35%, Rank: 26
30. New Jersey: 6.00%, Total Cell Phone Tax: 11.48%, Rank: 41
31. New Mexico: 7.63% , Total Cell Phone Tax:13.11 %, Rank: 30
32. New York: 16.23%, Total Cell Phone Tax: 21.71%, Rank: 1
33. North Carolina: 7.65%, Total Cell Phone Tax: 13.13%, Rank: 28
34. North Dakota: 10.94% , Total Cell Phone Tax: 16.42%, Rank: 15
35. Ohio: 7.63%, Total Cell Phone Tax: 13.11%, Rank: 31
36. Oklahoma: 9.58%, Total Cell Phone Tax: 15.06%, Rank: 22
37. Oregon: 2.27%, Total Cell Phone Tax: 7.75%, Rank: 48
38. Pennsylvania: 13.57%, Total Cell Phone Tax: 19.05%, Rank: 8
39. Rhode Island: 14.07% , Total Cell Phone Tax: 19.55%, Rank: 7
40. South Carolina: 6.50%, Total Cell Phone Tax: 11.98%, Rank: 38
41. South Dakota: 12.01, Total Cell Phone Tax: 17.49%, Rank: 11
42. Tennessee: 11.57%, Total Cell Phone Tax: 17.05%, Rank: 12
43. Texas: 14.19%, Total Cell Phone Tax: 19.67%, Rank: 6
44. Utah: 10.25%, Total Cell Phone Tax: 15.73%, Rank: 18
45. Vermont: 7.27%, Total Cell Phone Tax: 12.75%, Rank: 33
46. Virginia: 7.75%, Total Cell Phone Tax: 13.23%, Rank: 27
47. Washington: 16.04%, Total Cell Phone Tax: 21.52%, Rank: 3
47.5 Washington DC: 12.57%, Total Cell Phone Tax: 18.05%, Rank: 10
49. West Virginia: 1.94%, Total Cell Phone Tax: 7.42%, Rank: 50
50. Wisconsin: 5.55%, Total Cell Phone Tax: 11.03%, Rank: 43
51. Wyoming: 10.67, Total Cell Phone Tax: 16.15%, Rank: 16

Thank you to www.askstudent.com for the great list. They have some great articles if you get a chance, check out their website.

photo credit: simplelize.com

7Bus comes to the Hamptons

In the Know...7Bus comes to the Hamptons...There is a new bus service in the Hamptons called the 7bus makings trips from Long Island to NYC, making stops in Ronkonkoma, Melville, Riverhead and some limited Southampton, NY stops. Bolt bus has been replaced with the 7bus for the Eastern Long Island to NYC route. Classic Coach’s relationship with Bolt bus to the East End ended on June 30th and was replaced with 7BUS. 7BUS started on July 1st to the East End. This service indicates they will be better than the Bolt Bus offering more trips to and from for stops in Ronkonkoma, Melville, Riverhead and even some trips to Southampton.

Riverhead trips ranging from $12-$15 one way
Ronkonkoma trips $7-$15 one way (commuter pass available must be used within 30 days)
Southampton trips $17-$20 one way
commuter passes range from $280-$480 for 40 trips (Ronkonkoma $7 each trip)
customer service in-house

Note* To get lower rate, book and pay in advance. Call to have cancellation explained and I am told trips are non-transferable for a different day. You may want to also call about changing times for a trip already booked and walk-ons. 631-725-7777 (interesting they have a Sag Harbor number, but they are not based in Sag Harbor) www.7bus.com

7Bus says there are 7 reasons to ride…

Free WiFi
Personal Power Outlets
Plush Leather Seats
Individual Cup Holders
Free and Easy Parking
Hotel Lobby Waiting Areas
Low Fares From $7

I had the pleasure of taking the Bolt bus and I have to say my ride was incredibly comfortable and very enjoyable and 50% less than a Jitney ride into the city. Yes I did have to drive to Riverhead but I was ok with it because I saved money. 7Bus has added in a few times to leave from Southampton and that is just so smart. The LIRR has increased their rates to $27 one way peak-time and Hampton Jitney is $29 one way and $53R/T, Luxury Liner is slightly more. Now there are affordable options for Southfork residents if you are looking to save on transportation.

7Bus is under the umbrella of the Classic Coach Bus company, same company owns Hamptons Luxury Liner.

(Riverhead, NY) is really becoming a hotspot. Take the bus and spend the day at Tanger outlets, or take a LI Wine Tour. If you would like to spend the day in the Hamptons, there is an Enterprise car rental in Riverhead. The drive ranges from 15-45 minutes depending on where you are traveling to in the Hamptons. Riverhead also has many affordable places to stay.

see my article on Hamptons recreation for things to do in the Hamptons. As always Hamptons Mouthpiece keeping you in the know!!!