Thursday, July 5, 2012

Top 30 Social Media Bloggers: Get the list now

I'll be checking out this great resource. watch out, getting ready to hit the "following" button on Twitter, for sure!

Get the list here, read full article from Promotion World >>


Handy Guide Explains Facebook Promoted Posts

Great article by the Social Media Examiner. Lots of confusion over this issue, especially in the non-profit world, plenty of folks are outraged they have to pay to reach their fans.

Full article here >> http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/facebook-promoted-posts/


Wednesday, July 4, 2012

SCORE Workshop WordPress & Social Media

About SCORE: http://www.score.org/
Article link:  http://bit.ly/NAPW6u 
Registration link: http://conta.cc/MVRUTj

Where & When
Date: Saturday July 14, 2012
Time: Part 1 8:00 Am to 10:00 AM
Time: Part 2 10:00 Am to 1:45 PM  

Location:
National University
3390 Harbor Blvd.
Costa Mesa,, CA 92626

Cost:
Part 1 No-charge
Part 2 $139 Online only



If you have never taken advantage of SCORE services, now might be a great time to consider. They have jumped on the Social Media bandwagon and offer a wide variety of seminars, most of them free! I highly recommend. They have excellent speakers and do a great job covering the topic.

~~ blogger Linda Ivanov
______________________________________

SCORE Workshop
Supercharge Your WordPress Marketing
Plus Bonus
Social Media Marketing Made Simple

Join Us For A 2-Part Session Focusing on a WordPress Bootcamp 
plus Bonus
Social Media Marketing Made Simple
Plan on arriving early, 8;00 - 8:30 am for Registration & Networking.  
Part 1 starts promptly at 8:30 am and starts the day with Social Media Marketing Made Simple (No-charge) that will cover strategies and best practices to get the most out of your social media activities, including:
  • What social media marketing really is and why use it
  • Introduction to social media channels and how to evaluate what's right for your business or organization
  • How small businesses are using these low-cost tools to gain visibility, develop relationships and drive sales and response
  • How to create good content for your social media marketing campaigns and time management
  • How to balance social media marketing with email marketing and your other marketing efforts

Part 2 will begin at 10:00 am  Roll up your sleeves and dive into WordPress.During this bootcamp experts will demonstrate how to manage and maintain a blog or website with WordPress. Plus you'll walk away knowing the latest, greatest & coolest tools designed to save you time and money. 

What you will learn:
  • Why WordPress is so popular for business websites & blogs
  • How to leverage the power & flexibility of WordPress to increase sales
  • How to choose the right theme
  • How to update & manage your blog or website
  • Top 10 Must Have Plugins
  • Learn the difference between Plugins and Widgets
  • Helpful WordPress Resources & Tips
  • 12 Keys to Successful Blogs
  • How to measure & track results with Analytics
During the later half of the WordPress bootcamp you will have hands-on assistance from the experts. 

Who is this seminar designed for? Businesses that are...
  • Using WordPress for their blog
  • Using WordPress for their website
  • Considering making the switch to WordPress
We strongly recommend that you have the latest version of WordPress 3.4 installed and have access to it via your web hosting company. If you do not already have WordPress installed, you will be provided with access to a "practice" WordPress site where you will gain hands-on experience. Please note that access to the "practice" site will only be made available on July 14th.

We strongly advise you to have a current backup of your website or blog prior to attending the event. We are happy to assist you but not responsible for any issues if you do not have a back up.

The hands-on portion of the bootcamp will NOT be covering the following: styling, custom programming, plug-in conflicts and theme conflicts.

Refund policy:
Attendance to Session/Part 2 is by paid admission only and is specifically associated with this event, date and venue.   

Registration/payment for Part 2 cannot be transferred, traded, substituted or refunded.

Registrants for Part2 that cannot attend the paid event, for what ever reason, will simply forfeit the cost of admission.

Cost for Part 2 - $139.00

Space is limited, sign up today! 

Please Click Here to pre-register
SCORE services are provided on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to race, gender, national origin, or disability

Become a Social Media Manager


Sharing a great video (1 hr) that takes you through the process of becoming an effective social media manager. How to attract clients and what to charge for your services. 


Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Health Care Reform: Should It Stay or Should It Go?

With the Supreme Court’s long-anticipated decision now behind us, the news has sparked another frenzy of debate. Pundits and concerned citizens are busy reanalyzing and reinterpreting the pros and cons of the health care reform legislation as it now stands.

Keying off a popular song, “Should I Stay or Should I Go?” public debate will be dominated by the health care issue from now until the general election in November. Supporters and opposition are cranking up the rhetoric to drive the polls to their favor.

The “It Should Stay” side points to the landmark legislation as the most significant reform of our health care system since Medicare that finally will bring services and coverage to all Americans. They vow to press forward to implement the provisions of the legislation.

On the “It Should Go” side, the opposition derides the legislation as the largest government power grab, ever, accompanied by the largest tax increase in U.S. history. They agree that the country needs health care reform, but want to scrap the legislation and start over to craft a plan that does not involve a government take over of this significant sector of our economy.

 Now that we have a decision on the constitutionality of the legislation we are forced to face the reality of what health care reform will mean for our business and our personal life. For most people, absolutely nothing will change. A majority of U.S. citizens receive health care benefits connected with their employment. These private sector programs will remain essentially intact.

As the implementation milestones start to roll out, Americans without health coverage must make choices that will significantly impact their budget. States will be setting up and structuring health benefit exchanges. Businesses will be analyzing whether to keep their current benefits package or move into the exchange. Individuals working for small companies, self-employed workers, unemployed and those without insurance will turn to the new exchanges to purchase affordable policies.

How will these exchanges work? Perhaps a typical individual policy costs $500 per month at an HMO. That individual will now be able to purchase the policy through the exchange. Based upon level of income, he or she will receive a subsidy from the government exchange to pay a portion or all of the monthly cost.

How will health care reform affect your ability to pay your mortgage? For many who join the exchange there will be more room in their monthly budget. For others, the intent of the reform is to keep health care costs under control. A catastrophic illness, chronic condition or long term care will no longer bankrupt Americans or hijack all of the hard earned equity in their home.

With the debate still in progress, and the outcome uncertain, Americans still have the opportunity to add their voice and answer the question, “Should It Stay or Should It Go?”

Monday, July 2, 2012

Market Mixed for First-Time Buyers

(Source: Mortgage Capital Associates)

Market conditions are mixed for first time buyers who traditionally purchase nearly half of the homes for sale. They are not stymied by lost equity of an existing home that keeps others sitting on the sidelines. Yet they face stiff competition from cash flushed investors and bidders with bigger down payments who are scooping up available inventory.

There is plenty of incentive to press forward for the first-time buyer. The inventory of foreclosures and stressed properties is still significant. New construction is picking up in some regions of the country. Rents are on a steady incline. According to a recent study, it is cheaper to own in 98 of 100 top metro areas. For a buyer determined to make the transition from renter to owner their dream can become a reality in today’s market.

Best advise, get prequalified before you head out to make an offer. Rates are low right now and holding steady, but getting a loan can be difficult. It is well worth the time and effort to optimize your creditworthiness by paying down unsecured debt, delay purchasing a new car and forego impulse buys. Aggressively save toward your down payment. Do your research. Study your loan application to reveal any unforeseen issues.

Now you are ready to secure the best rates, lowest points, and most affordable closing costs. It may take longer and require more effort to find the best mortgage loan in today’s market. Considering a FHA loan option? You might face the toughest challenge. In today’s market FHA buyers with low down payments are being pushed aside. On the seller’s side, FHA loans often require more home repairs before closing, making these offers less attractive. Look at your options to secure a conventional loan to strengthen your offer.

Getting prequalified will significantly boost your ability to make a strong offer on that new home. Your goal is to make your offer as streamlined as possible for the seller. Capture the deal you want by being prepared.

The market is ripe for first time buyers despite tight credit and an uncertain economy. Ask yourself, “Is it the right time for me to buy a home?” If the answer is yes, visit our website to learn the requirements for completing your loan application. Mortgage Capital Associates can help you make informed decisions about your home loan options.

Social Media Humor: Post It Maze