What is Social Media?

The best way to define social media is to break it down.

Media is an instrument of communication, like a newspaper or a radio, so social media would be a social instrument of communication.


In simple terms, this would be a website that doesn't just give you information, but interacts with you while giving you information. This interaction can be as simple as asking for your comments or letting you vote on an article, or it can be as complex as Flixster recommending movies to you based on the ratings of other people with similar interests.


Think of regular media as a one-way street where you can read a newspaper or listen to a report on television, but you have very limited ability to give your thoughts on the matter. The flow of information travels from the source to the consumer.


Social media, on the other hand, is a two-way street that gives you the ability to communicate too.



Is Social Media and Social News The Same Thing?


It is easy to confuse social media with social news because we often refer to members of the news as "the media." Adding to the confusion is the fact that a social news site is also a social media site because it falls into that broader category.


But social news is not the same thing as social media anymore than a banana is the same thing as fruit. A banana is a type of fruit, but fruit can also be grapes, strawberries, or lemons. And while social news is social media, social networking and wikis are also social media.


What Are Some Social Media Websites?

Now that we have answered the question of what is social media, we can move on to social media websites. Because social media is such a broad term, it covers a large range of websites. But the one common link between these websites is that you are able to interact with the website and with other visitors.


Here are some examples of social media websites:
Social Bookmarking. (Del.icio.us, Blinklist, Simpy) Interact by tagging websites and searching through websites bookmarked by other people.


Social News. (Digg, Propeller, Reddit) Interact by voting for articles and commenting on them.


Social Networking. (Facebook, Hi5, Last.FM) Interact by adding friends, commenting on profiles, joining groups and having discussions.


Social Photo and Video Sharing. (YouTube, Flickr) Interact by sharing photos or videos and commenting on user submissions.


Wikis. (Wikipedia, Wikia) Interact by adding articles and editing existing articles.


And these websites are not the only social media websites. Any website that invites you to interact with the site and with other visitors falls into the definition of social medi




Is Social Media for Everyone?

Social media has broad implications for businesses -- online or otherwise. There is at least one social media site for everyone:


If you're a professional blogger / content publisher, you might pay attention to social news sites like Digg, Reddit, Delicious, and Stumble Upon.


If you're a freelance designer/writer/whatever, LinkedIn is a social networking site that can help you land gigs.


If you're a main street retailer or restaurant, you live and die by the reviews on Yelp!.


And once the work day is over, you may want to kick back and catch up with your friends on Facebook.

Whatever your opinion on social media - there is one thing that you need to understand. It's not a fad...it's not going away... and there is an abundance of opportunity here for business owners to connect on Social Media.

Social Media Strategies: Using Twitter to Grow Your Small Business

Unless you’ve been living under a rock you understand that Twitter is a phenomenal social media venue where people can glance into your life to see who you really are - in 140 characters or less!

Once you have signed up and your account is active, you’ll be able to post “Tweets” about things that are going on in your business or personal life daily, as well as what you’re doing and thinking about. Now, we're not saying you need to document your entire life’s story, but simply let people know when something worth posting surfaces. We recommend Tweeting articles, links and videos related to your profession or ones that are comical in nature. Think about what you would want to read about and apply it to what your followers might find interesting.

The tweets that you post daily are very revealing about yourself and basically tell others if you have things in common, are a trusted resource, or if you’re just plain crazy! We’ve met several people that are interested in social media marketing, outdoor sports, and others that have the same type of dog. It’s pretty incredible with whom you can connect with in this form of social media.


When navigating on Twitter, pay attention to what other people are saying. If there is a question someone has posted, go right ahead and answer it. When viewing a Tweet that you want to comment on, don’t think, just do it. Twitter requires action, usually repetitive to establish a rapport.


You can even use http://search.twitter.com/ to search for related topics about your business locally. When you answer questions, you’re instantly viewed as a problem solver and a resource. Positioning yourself as an expert in your field and in social media strategies helps people notice your business.


This is a short-list of reasons to use Twitter every day:


1) You can easily establish connections and meet new friends that eventually may do business with you


2) You get fresh, minute-by-minute insight as to what is happening in peoples lives


3) You get access to links to articles folks have read and particularly enjoyed - these can be great ideas and jumping off points for you to apply in your social media strategies.


4) It’s the perfect place to ask legit questions and obtain answers


5) You can connect with people in your local area


6) You can get massive amounts of new business


Twitter is actually pretty easy to understand, you just have to begin today and get familiar with it. We would rate it as simpler than many other social networks that are valuable to your social media strategies - just slightly more complicated. Keep in mind that you always want to add value to a Twitter conversation. If all you do is sell your business and services - you're not really listening to your followers. This is very basic. If you contribute something of value, individuals will thank you and be inclined to remember you. Some may decide to also follow you in return. In its basic form, though, you’ll have gotten someones attention.

The first thing to do once you get on Twitter is to get yourself a user name. Decide which of the examples below you want to mimic. If you want, you can alter the names later, but makes sure you think ahead. In a local niche, review these hypothetical listings below for ideas.


- Plumber & your Name = @PlumberJack


- Regular Name = @MatthewLoop


- Attorney Related = @AttorneyLady


- Name & Area / Location = @JaredMI

- website = @MySiteName

There are customizations that can be done to your Twitter profile page. You don't need to get complicated but do make sure that your photo represents your brand, logo or yourself. Your image in social media should match your business image and be consistent. Incorporate Twitter into your Social Media Strategies yourself of let us help!

How to Get A Business Licenses in Placer County

Here's a review of the information necessary for business owners to obtain a business license in Placer County. Add this to your small business plan:

Requirements:


Any resident or non-resident doing business, in the unincorporated areas of Placer County, is required to obtain a business license. It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in any business in the unincorporated areas of the County without first having a business license


* If you are only conducting business within the city limits of Auburn, Colfax, Lincoln, Loomis, Rocklin or Roseville, you do not need a Placer County business license. You will need to contact the city, where you are located, to check on the business license requirements. There are also unincorporated areas of Auburn, Colfax, Lincoln, Loomis, Rocklin and Roseville. If you are unsure if you are located in the city or unincorporated area, please contact the county office at 530-889-4120.


Exemptions:


Any person who receives a salary from an employer and has taxes taken from that salary is exempt as are agricultural operations for stock or poultry farms.


Types of Business Licenses:


Three Categories:


1. A business operating in a commercial location in Placer County requires a General Business license. ($127 application fee, $16 annual renewal)


2. Any home-based business requires a General Business license . ($107 application fee, $16 annual renewal)


3. A business that requires additional regulation and review by the County Sheriff's Department, certification of compliance by other county departments, and/or state and federal regulation not typically required of a General Business License requires a Special Business License. ($107 application fee, $16 annual renewal - Home based) or ($127 application fee, $16 annual renewal - Commercial)


Nonrefundable Fee:


The fee is not refundable and must be paid at the time of application submittal. Prior discussion regarding a new business with the appropriate departments is recommended. Depending on the type of business proposed, it may be advisable to contact the Planning Department, Building Department, Engineering and Surveying and/or Department of Environmental Health.


Veterans and Non-Profit:


There is no fee for veterans or non-profit organizations., however, they will require submission of a DD Form 214, showing your character of service as Honorable, for veterans and tax exempt forms from the Secretary of State for non-profit organizations. Please submit these forms with your license application and questionnaire.


Where Do I Apply?


Application forms are available at the Tax Collector's Office at 2976 Richardson Drive, 2nd Floor, in Auburn. The telephone number is (530) 889-4120. The Tax Collector will accept the application and process it. If necessary, the application will be sent to various County departments for review and approval. The Tax Collector will notify the business owner when the process is complete. Make checks payable to Placer County Tax Collector.


If you would like to get a copy of Business License Application Form, go on line to Business Licenses for Placer County and click their live link to print and complete the forms needed.


You will also need to fill out either the home-based business or commercial questionnaire. These are also available online by simply clicking on the appropriate image on the website.


What Is Required?


All license applications must obtain approval from the Planning, Building, Environmental Health and Facilities Departments of the County. Home business must comply with all restrictions, regulations and zoning ordinances required by the Tax Collector, Planning Department and other County departments. Certain special businesses will be reviewed by the Fire Department and Sheriff's Department.


Are There Any Restrictions?


Yes, home occupations are permitted only in the main residence and allow only the residents of the home and one employee, to work on the premises. In addition, other restrictions apply to home occupation types of businesses (Section 1774 of the Placer County Zoning Ordinance). Contact the Planning Department for additional information.


Commercial businesses must comply with zoning laws which include a variety of regulations which may:


• Limit the size and number of signs.

• Restrict outdoor storage or display of materials.

• Require a minimum number of parking spaces.
• Require special permit requirements, etc.


Design Review Committee approval must be obtained for any visible change to properties in many commercial and industrial areas. This includes the required review and approval of signs, landscaping, color changes etc.. Contact the Planning Department for additional information regarding the Design Review process.


The Building Department must approve any structural changes, and building codes must be met for various sizes and types of operations.


Roadside vending is not permitted in the unincorporated area.


ADDITIONAL CONTACTS:


State Board of Equalization, 1-800-400-7115

The Contractors Board, Roseville branch, (hours 8 to 11 am), (916) 782-1610

Fictitious Name Department, Recorder's Office, (530) 886-5600

Planning Department, (530) 745-3000

Building Department, (530) 745-3010

Engineering and Surveying, (530) 745-7500

Tax Collector, (530) 889-4120

Sheriff's Office, (530) 889-7800

Environmental Health Department, (530) 745-2300
Sierra College Small Business Development Center

How to Apply for a Small Business License in California

Basic Instructions to add when Developing Your Small Business Plan


Step 1


First off, make sure you know what kind of business you are starting (sole proprietorship, LLC, Limited partnership, etc.). Because most small business license applications are for sole proprietorships, Registering a business in California requires a few forms. There is the fictitious business name, or DBA, the seller's permit, and the local business license, which can be obtained by visiting your local city hall. Average yearly cost for a business license in California is roughly $75.


Step 2


Once you have a name ready, do a search to make sure that it is unique. Visit sos.ca.gov for California business searches.


Step 3


Visit business.gov for information on local business requirements. Most California business licenses are issued locally, by the city location where the business operates, in addition to the other forms you will need to fill out, which are outlined below.


Step 4


You will need to file a DBA or fictitious business name and have it published in a local newspaper.


Step 5


In California, all retailers and wholesalers will need to obtain a seller's permit, which is free to all california residents. This process is very easy and the forms are available online at the address above.


Step 6


Those hiring employees will need to fill out additional employer forms for tax purposes and business insurance purposes.


Step 7


Several online companies will do the entire process of obtaining a california business license for you, as well as the seller's permit and Fictitious business name. This is a decent option for some people who feel intimidated by the process or are too busy to worry about it themselves.


Tips & Warnings


When weighing whether or not to do the process yourself or have a website process it or you, realize that the cost of having a third party do it is about a $100 more.


If you apply for a business license by yourself, apply in person rather than mailing so you can ask questions and get any mistakes taken care of on the spot.

Website Ideas: Color and Font Roles in Design & Visitor Traffic

If you are choosing to design your own website or seeking to identify whether a graphic designer is right for your website ideas, it's a good idea to understand how color and font choices affect your website design and visitor experience.

First impressions happen in less than 3 seconds - your website is no different!

What role does color play in Website Design and Function?

Choosing the right look and feel in your website design is imperitive to how visitors will respond to your website.If you already have your business logo, you will most likely utilize colors in your website ideas that complement this look. The kind of colors and background you choose determine the intensity of traffic to your website. If the website is full of bright colors that are unpleasant to the viwer's sight, visitors might not like to stay longer. On the other hand, if light and soothing background colors are chosen, and a professional look and feel is imparted through the organization, it leaves a greater impact on the reader. When it comes to your website ideas, logo design, and other advertising and business marketing - be sure you know what your color choices are saying.

Some background on Colors:

Red is the most emotional color that will deliver any one of the following feelings to your visitors depending on the mannerism you use it and intents you have to use it: Energy, strength, passion, eroticism, fire, lust, desire, blood, risk, war, danger, attention and romance. 


Pink is an easy one and is more of a soft color that will deliver the following feelings: Romance, love, friendship, femininity, truth, passivity, good will, emotional healing, peace, calming, affection, emotional maturity, caring, nurturing, sweet tasting, sweet smelling, ethereal, delicacy. It can also give the emotion of devoting to breast cancer. For obvious reasons you can see why the National Breast Cancer Foundation chose this color for the breast cancer awareness month.


Orange is a stimulating color and is used to be associated with life and health. In restaurants it is used to encourage appetite. Orange is also associated with being tropical, fresh and invigorating. Orange usually is associated with the following feelings: warmth, energy, vibrancy, the sun, friendly, intense, joy, tropics, growing things, heat, creativity, autumn, earth, appetite stimulant, and youth.

Brown is an earthy tone and usually is associated with growth and life. When using brown it is usually to associate with health and nature. The typical emotions derived from brown are: earth, materialistic thoughts, home, outdoors, inexpensive, reliability, credibility, comfort, endurance, stability, simplicity, comfort, longevity, intimacy, tranquility, masculine, nurturing, contentment, fertility, generosity, dirt, substance, practicality, and hard work. Brown is best used with a texture to imply these things, otherwise it is simply just to plain of a color.


Gold is a color that exerts wealth and has a general sense of class associated with it. In order for it to be used properly to get these connotations though it must be shiny in some mannerism otherwise it looks cheap. Money and wealth are the two main and universal associations with the color gold.


Yellow is said to stimulate mental activity and be one of the primary colors of attention. When using yellow it is best to not use it too lightly or loses it’s stimulating effects. The typical emotions that are derived from yellow are: intelligence, light, cooperation, sunshine, joy, happiness, intellect, energy, cheerfulness, optimism, purity, warmth, honor, caution (only when used in small amounts), cowardice, imagination, hope, summer, philosophy, uncertainty, restlessness, glory, and enlightenment.


Green is an earthy and calming color that can also imply intelligence also. It also has the implications of money with it but typically only in the US. Typically green is associated with the following emotions: earth mother, physical healing, monetary success, abundance, fertility, growth, renewal, youth, stability, endurance, freshness, nature, environment, tranquil, refreshing, quiet, hope, immortality, health, healing, good luck, renewal, youth, jealousy, trees, grass, vigour, growth, harmony, envy, calm, contemplation, and friendliness.


Blue is the color of wisdom and trust, it is also the favorite color of over 2/3 of the world and is least disliked by most cultures. This may be because the sky is blue and the water reflects the sky making most things seen on the planet blue. It is generally associated with technology and progressive creativity. The most common feelings that people have with blue are: communication, wisdom, protection, spiritual inspiration, calmness, reassurance, fluidity, water, sea, creativity, peace, calming, higher thoughts, the sky, devotion, progress, freedom. trust, loyalty, intelligence, reassurance, artistry, compassion, sadness, tranquility, confidence, security, cleanliness, order, comfort, cold, technology, intellect, ideas, sharing, empathy, relaxation, affection, inspiration, friendship, patience, contemplation, infinity, harmony, non-threatening, and dependability.


Purple is a color typically associated with royalty and is also the most liked color of pre-adolescent children over any other color. When thinking about purple the most common feeling are: influence, spiritual power, self assurance, dignity, high aspirations, royalty, spirituality, nobility, ceremony, mystery, transformation, sophistication, arrogance, dreams, imagination, wealth, extravagance, magic, creativity, energy, ego, ambition, fame, luxury, and power.


White is a pure color and is typically associated with being good and is the most religious color. The typical emotions that are derived from white are: spirituality, peace, higher self, purity, virginity, reverence, simplicity, cleanliness, humility, precision, innocence, youth, birth, winter, snow, good, sterility, cold, clinical, sterility, clarity, perfection, innocence, goodness, light, fairness, safety, positivity, faith, coolness, charity, union, self-sacrifice, holiness, feminine divinity, pristine, chastity and positivity.


Black is a color that has mysterious and sometimes negative connotations that can create the wrong image if used improperly. The typical feelings that are derived from black are: protection, repelling negativity, power, sexuality, sophistication, elegance, mystery, fear, evil, anonymity, unhappiness, depth, style, evil, sadness, remorse, anger, underground, space, secretiveness, night, emptiness, dramatic, authority, prestige, grief, anger, and serious.
 

What role does font play in Website Design and Function?

Most people who come to your site will be looking for textual information. The important visitors being search engines. You will need ample text on your website pages to help with seo - but it will also play a strong role in your website visitors experience. The use of fonts will work alongside your color choices. A font can be understood as a collection of letters, symbols or numbers such as bold, roman, or italic characters. There are literally thousands of possible fonts but you will most likely deal with a few common ones when it comes to website ideas, design templates, graphic designers and social websites like Blogger.

This is because there are only a handful of fonts that look similar that are installed by default on both Windows and Macs. Consequently, these "browser safe fonts" find their way into almost every website out there. Here is an image from screen shots from a Windows machine and a Mac (blue) to show the browser safe fonts and how they compare on each platform.

Some background on Font Styles:

Block Fonts - Arial, Lucida, Trebuchet & Verdana
These fonts are simple and bold. They are easy to read for most people but usually lack in terms of style.

Serif Fonts - Book Antiqua, Palatino, Comic Sans, Georgia & Times New Roman
These can be used to add more style to your text but be aware that they can be difficult to read if too small in size.


All in all, choosing the right combination of colors and the size of the text plays a remarkable role in enhancing the website architecture and overall appearance. Be sure to consider this when coming up with website ideas and designs for yourself or when choosing to hire a graphic designer. Always ask to see their website portfolio. If you aren't sure about something - poll your family, friends and clients. Designing a website is not a perfect science so make sure your put the effort in to ensure it accurately represents your business. Remember - you only have one chance for your website to make that first impression.

5 Keys to Business Growth TODAY

Many may think these are five radical ideas but they are five changes you can make -  professionally and personally. The ideas fit whether you are in business or just promoting yourself in life. While you may not be comfortable trying them all - why not test one of them out. Start enjoying a more productive and profitable year.

1. Stop Branding Your Product: There are several world-class brands that everyone recognizes:  McDonald’s, Disney, Microsoft, Apple, etc. Unless you have access to a warehouse full of cash, you won’t be able to brand your product as effectively.
 There is something you can do to build a great reputation in your market without breaking your budget—brand yourself! People buy from people, and buyers want to know who you are before they buy. It’s your values, personality, and dedication that will help you sell your product. You can successfully brand yourself with blogs, social media, community involvement, events, and more to share your message.

2. Give Away Your Secrets: You have “secret” ways of running your business. You are an expert in your field. Most business owners horde these trade secrets but doing the opposite can have an incredible impact on your bottom line. Offer a free “How TO” report. Most people would gladly provide their email address for that kind of information, giving you an appreciative prospect who now respects you, trusts you, and will come to you when they need your product or service. You become the trusted expert.

3. Forget the Big Picture: Every motivational speech you’ve ever heard has probably emphasized the importance of having a vision of where you are headed. There’s nothing wrong with that – but if you don’t start thinking smaller, you’ll never live large.

While you shouldn’t lose sight of your ultimate goals, you should focus on what is directly in front of you. What do you need to do today to accomplish your goals? Give yourself manageable (and track-able) goals. Break it down so you know what you have to do in the next 10 minutes to be successful.

4. Don’t Lower your prices: When times get tough, business owners tend to lower prices in an attempt to attract and keep customers. But if a lack of money is keeping your customer from buying, it’s because they’ve decided they can do without your product or service. Lowering your price does not put more money in their pocket. It just gives your other customers – the ones that still want your service or product – a nice break. As John Jantsch, author of Duct Tape Marketing says, “There’s always someone that’s willing to go out of business before you.” So avoid the poor economy panic and stick to your guns.

 Focus your energy instead on creating products and/or services that have unquestionable value. If the value is there, your most loyal and even new customers will be willing to pay for it.

5. Realize the customer isn’t always right: We’ve all got them…customers who will never be happy no matter how much you do for them. They complain. They demand refunds. And they eat up all your time. If you’ve got customers like that, it’s time you fired them.

 If you’re spending a large chunk of time on a single customer, cut your losses. All of your customers deserve your attention. By firing your bad customers, you can concentrate your efforts on the ones who will make the biggest difference to your bottom line. Your best customers know your value, they pay you for it, and they send their friends your way. Spend more of your time finding those who love what you do and become your advocate.

Your Business Needs a Facebook Fan Page – Not A Profile

Why does a business need to be on a Facebook fan page? Facebook has two options: you can have a Profile which represents individuals or you can operate under organizations and businesses and have Pages. You have to have a Facebook Profile to have a Facebook Fan Page for Business.


1. FACEBOOK'S TERMS OF SERVICE


Profiles represent individuals and must be held under an individual name, while Pages allow an organization, business, celebrity, or band to maintain a professional presence on Facebook.


If Facebook discovers you are violating their terms by having an organisation’s page up on Facebook as a Profile they can delete your account and you would lose all your friends, postings etc.


2. PRIVACY FOR YOUR FANS


With a business profile, some people will choose not to add you as a friend since they would be giving you access to their profile page with areas that are private to them. Most people will not go this route with connection.


But if you have a Page for your business, allowing fans to ‘like’ you, then they are not giving you access to the activity on their profile page.

3. PAGES OFFER ANALYTICS


Unlike Profiles, Pages offer analytics, allowing you to see how many likes and comments you received each day, as well as demographic breakdowns.


This data will allow you to better understand your fan base and therefore post wall posts which will get the best reaction.


4. UNLIMITED FANS


Profiles have a limit of 5,000 friends. Pages have no upper limit.


5. SEO CREDIT


With Pages you can embed a Like button on any webpage you maintain. When you post an article on your company blog. The Facebook Like buitton can b e embedded.


Likes are now being taken into account by search engines in a way that links are, so by having fans like your Page and your content, you are allowing SEO credit to be passed onto your website from Facebook. This will improve your rankings in the search engines.


6. MULTIPLE ADMINISTRATORS


By setting up a Page you can have multiple administrators maintain the Page.


Pages are not separate Facebook accounts and do not have separate logins, but those with personal Facebook pages can administer them from their own account.


Those who choose to connect to your Page won’t be able to see that you are the Page administrator or have any access to your personal account.


7. FACEBOOK IS A HUGE SEARCH ENGINE!


• There are 600 million users on Facebook (nearly twice the population of the US);


• 50% of users login every day;


• The average user spends 55 minutes on Facebook every day;


• 70% of Facebook users are located outside the US; and


• Facebook is available in 70 different languages.


It is therefore highly unlikely that none of your target demographic or customers are using Facebook. So by clinging to the excuse that your “customers aren’t on Facebook” and not having a company page, you are missing out on an opportunity to reach both your


8. ENGAGE & POST


Facebook offers an way to engage with your fans on a platform of their choosing.


It allows you to communicate on a less formal level. You can discuss news items relevant to your industry or upcoming events. It will answering direct queries or highlight particular products or services.


Facebook is a completely different platform to Twitte.You do not want to set up your tweets to auto publish to Facebook. A high frequency of tweets is important to get yourself seen in the Twitter news feed. However on Facebook you should keep the posts to once or twice a day, enough to allow yourself show up in your fans’ news feed but without annoying them.


9. SEE WHAT KIND OF FANS YOU HAVE


Facebook allows you insight into your fans in a way a website just isn’t able to. Through Facebook pages you can see your fans broken down by gender, age, location and languages.


You can track your fans interactions with your page to see likes, comments and daily active users. This helps you analyze your posts to taylor future posts that are more effective and create interaction with your visitors.


10. TARGET MARKETING


You can target certain markets by running advertisements. These are more searchable than on other platforms. Facebook advertisements allow you to target specific people based on gender, age, location, education and interests.


Advertisements can be used for anything from simply announcing your page and inviting people to like you, to drawing attention to a special offer or inviting people to an upcoming event.


11. SEARCH RANKING


One of the most important reasons to be on a facebook fan page for your business is the impact on SEO (search engine optimization).


As Facebook pages are public they are indexed by the search engines. Search engines have now advised that they are treating ‘social signals’ such as comments, fan numbers, likes etc. as indicators of importance. The more active you are on these social platforms, the better your chance of ranking above your competitors in the search results, meaning more web traffic and more potential customers.


Conclusion: Get you business on Facebook!