Social Media is all about Sharing:
All marketers know that if you can make something so shareable that it goes viral then you will produce results for brands that will sell products, make people famous and maybe even position your company as part of marketing folklore.
You only have to look at viral videos such as the Gangnam Style video to see the results of that. Social Media experts also know that sharing by peers and friends creates more traffic and trust than brand advertising so motivating sharing is the holy grail of social marketing

Google proudly announced recently after the Google+ launch that it was sharing one billion items per day. Facebook revealed at a recent announcement that Users are sharing 4 billion items on the Facebook social network everyday. Continue reading Is It Better to Share on Google+, Facebook or Twitter?

1. Hashtags (#) are your friend. Put this hash tag in front of a keyword or your company website and Twitter converts these hash tag word into searchable keywords. What this means anyone searching for that keyword will make it easier for them to find you.
2. Update your profile. It’s important to have an up to date profile
3. Do some research: Research is the key. Drive consistency in the messages you deliver on twitter.
4. Determine your goal for using titter. Is it for customer support? Sell or share company related products or to drive customer loyalty programs?
5. Engage with your followers: Simply sending out tweets and not responding will get you nowhere. When you interact make sure it’s personalized. If they feel your message is sincere, then there is a greater chance of being retweeted, exposing yourself to even more followers. Continue reading Twitter tips for Building your Business

Connie Silakoski and her daughter Courtney are proud to announce the launch of their new business venture as Independent Designers with Origami Owl Custom Jewelry. Origami Owl is a fun and fashionable direct sales company with a unique twist. As Independent Designers with Origami Owl, the Silakoski’s hold interactive events where they help guests create one-of-a-kind personalized jewelry that best reflects their individual style and personality.

Origami Owl was founded by a 14 year old in the fall of 2010. Fueled by a goal to raise enough money to buy a car for her 16th birthday, she started a business with $350 worth of babysitting money and a matched contribution from her parents. She sold her unique line of personalized jewelry at home parties and events and quickly realized that this brand had an energy all its own. People absolutely love creating and wearing personalized jewelry that has meaning and is special to them.

Origami Owl’s launched their direct sales business in January of 2012. Over 500 designers signed on in the first month and a half alone. The Silakoski’s are only the third in New Jersey and the first designers in Mercer County.

“We loved the idea of creating lockets to tell a story of our lives,” said Courtney. “I also liked that Origami Owl was started by a fourteen year old and being a teenager myself, that was encouraging.” Girls as young as fourteen can sign up to be designers with parental approval! “It made perfect sense for Courtney and I to do this together because we both love jewelry,” said Connie Silakoski.

The Silakoski’s invite you to visit their website at www.courtneysil.origamiowl.com to learn more about Origami Owl and to place an order. If you are interested in hosting a party or becoming a designer, you can contact them at (609) 439-2597.

“We are looking for others to join our team,” said Connie Silakoski. We believe if you can dream it, you can do it. Whether you aspire to raise money to further your education, buy your first home, go on a dream vacation, or buy a new car, it is possible with Origami Owl. Let us show you how!

Origami Owl will be at the Head to Toe Women’s Expo at Robbinsville High School on Saturday, May 12th from 9 am – 3 pm! Come on out and see them and create your very own living locket!

Biz 33 Group of small businesses announce winner of iPad 2.
Hamilton, NJ – The networking group Biz 33 today announced the winner of its Shop Local Contest.  Stephanie Lewandowski, of Hamilton won an iPad 2 after entering the contest offered by the group this fall.  Entrants were required to present receipts for purchases made along Rt. 33 between their Inaugural Sidewalk Sale on September 24th and November 30th.  Receipts from 10 different businesses along Rt. 33 were required in an effort to encourage residents to shop locally. “First Choice Bank was happy to sponsor the iPad contest for the Biz 33 Group, this was a great initiative and we were proud to be a part of it.” stated Randy Hanks, President and CEO of First Choice Bank.
“Most Hamilton residents shop along Rt. 33 for a few regular items…groceries, gas, coffee…our effort was to encourage them to seek out a few other locations that they might not have thought of for a chance to win.” said Jeannine Cimino, Chair of the Biz 33 Group. Continue reading Hamilton Businesses Announce Winner of Shop Local Contest

The year 2012 will provide a. Social Media is now helping businesses define as well as deliver key business objectives. In today’s age where social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter have managed to beat Google in popularity, social presence is a crucial component of any business’ online strategy.

Social Media not only helps a business reach out to newer audiences, it also helps develop a framework that allows it to be more adaptable to changing customer requirements or market trends. A report from Boston Consulting Group indicates that social media has overtaken eCommerce when it comes to having an online presence for businesses.

Facebook has gained massive traction amongst small businesses this year and it’s expected to further step up the ante with new business-friendly profile changes and email integration via Social Inbox. Continue reading Social Media Plan 2012

Social networking websites, especially Facebook, have significant implications for business owners, marketers, and entrepreneurs. To keep your business current, you should at least be familiar with the latest conversational marketing techniques and viral technologies, including Facebook and its array of powerful features. Continue reading Facebook: 10 Reasons to Use It for Business

New “Biz 33” Networking Group of small businesses host Sidewalk Sale to
encourage renewed consumer interest in Rt. 33

Hamilton, NJ – The networking group Biz 33 collectively cut the ceremonial ribbon to open its inaugural Sidewalk Sale today along Rt. 33 in Hamilton. The event was designed to encourage consumers to stop and visit new stores and businesses along the road. The Sidewalk Sale was hosted by the Biz 33 Group that has been meeting and networking with each other over the past year. They meet monthly to network and to talk about development ideas for each other in the community. Continue reading Hamilton Businesses Work Together for Economic Development

W.I.N. (Women Interested in Networking) is the single most effective networking opportunity for professional women in Central NJ. Over the past five years, more than 2,000 women & men have attended one or more W.I.N. events. W.I.N. originated as an informal networking lunch for business women to shamelessly network on the Third Thursday of every month at noon. Today W.I.N. is so much more. Continue reading The Benefits of W.I.N. Membership

Mercer County Woman has been busy these past 10 years. The body of work we’ve developed to enhance, enrich and empower our readers is something we are extremely proud of. Our community involvement is another aspect of our philosophy that truly makes what we do everyday worthwhile. Continue reading Mercer County Woman Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary

First Choice Bank has joined Mercer County Freeholder John Cimino and HomeFront President and CEO Connie Mercer in a partnership with businesses and organizations in Mercer County to collect food for needy families over the summer months. Continue reading First Choice Bank Partners With Freeholder Cimino And Homefront On “Stop Summer Hunger” Food Drive For Children