by Monika Jansen on December 6, 2010
If you became tired of hearing about how you have to use social media and decided to start using Facebook and Twitter and maybe writing a blog without a strategy in place, stop, cease, desist, halt! As you know, a strategy is basically a roadmap. You can’t get to where you’d like to go with social media unless you know how to get there and why you even want to get there in the first place.
Don’t feel bad, though. I did the same thing as you. The pressure to use social media is absolutely overwhelming, but taking the time to put together a proper strategy will help you yield actual results. I pulled most of this information from my own social media strategy, which is certainly not exhaustive, but it will get the job done. My next post will be on executing your social media strategy, and I’ll address the whole blog aspect in a different post as well, so stay tuned!
Here are the 4 steps you’ll need to take to put together a social media strategy:
Step One: Decide what your goals are.
Are you going to use social media to increase sales of certain products or services, generate leads, build brand awareness, become a thought leader in your industry, or a combination of all four? Because it’s probably a combination of all four, prioritize your goals.
Step Two: Decide what keywords are most important to you.
Put together a list of your top SEO keywords. You’ll need this later on.
Step Three: Find your customers and potential customers online.
Make sure you’re using the social media platforms where your customers are spending time. Flowtown can help you learn what your customers are doing and saying on which social platforms, and it even connects you to them on the social networks they use the most.
This is kinda Step Three and a Half. Listen to what people are already saying about the topics you want to talk about (see Step Two above). Set up alerts on SocialMention, Klout and Google so you can join the discussions that are already happening.
After doing these two things, you’ll know which social media platforms you should pay the most attention to and spend time on.
Step Four: Set up a social media dashboard.
Save time and make your life easier by setting up an account with a social media dashboard like Hootsuite. You can monitor all of your social media streams in one place, use their analytics tool to track how well you’re doing, and schedule updates across for all social media platforms at once.
Next up in the “3 Steps to Social Success” series: how to execute your social media strategy without losing your mind!
Image by Flickr User: szczel (Creative Commons)
Monday, December 27, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
Smoke Alarms
Did you know that a working smoke alarm in your home cuts the risk of dying in a fire in half? In 2008, home fires killed 2,755 people and injured 13,160. Two of every five home fire deaths were in homes with no smoke alarms and another one in five was in a home where the smoke alarms were not working.
The High Point Fire Department and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) want to keep you and your family safe.
* Install smoke alarms on every level of your home (including the basement), in a hallway near sleeping areas, and preferable inside each bedroom.
* Hard-wired smoke alarms with battery backup are recommended. These should be installed by a licensed electrician.
* Interconnection of smoke alarms is highly recommended. That means that if one smoke alarm goes off, they all do. This is very important in larger or multi-story homes where the sound from distant smoke alarms may not be loud enough to be heard, especially by sleeping individuals.
* There are 2 types of smoke alarm technologies - ionization (more responsive to flaming fires) and photoelectric (more responsive to flaming fires) and photoelectric (more responsive to smoldering fires). Installing both types of these alarms or a combination unit of the two is recommended.
* Test you smoke alarms monthly by pushing the test button. If your alarm begins to make a "chirping" sound, you need to replace the battery right away.
* All smoke alarms, including alarms that have a 10-year battery and those that are hard-wired should be replaced when they're 10 years old (or sooner) if they do not respond properly when tested.
* Never remove or disable your smoke alarm. If your smoke alarm if going off every time you cook or for no apparent reason, it could be that it's not located in the proper area. Always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions when installing or replacing a smoke alarm.
* If you or someone in your home is deaf or hard of hearing, smoke alarms with visible strobes or the use of a pillow or bed shaker is recommended. Which type you use depends on the severity of the hearing loss.
Fire Facts:
1. Cooking is the #1 cause of home fires and injuries.
2. Smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths.
3. Heating is the second leading cause of home fires, fire deaths and fire injuries.
4. Electrical failures or malfunctions are factors in roughly 50,000 reported fires each year.
5. About 30,000 intentionally set home fires are reported each year.
Reproduced from NFPA's Fire Prevention Week Web site, www.firepreventionweek.org
The High Point Fire Department and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) want to keep you and your family safe.
* Install smoke alarms on every level of your home (including the basement), in a hallway near sleeping areas, and preferable inside each bedroom.
* Hard-wired smoke alarms with battery backup are recommended. These should be installed by a licensed electrician.
* Interconnection of smoke alarms is highly recommended. That means that if one smoke alarm goes off, they all do. This is very important in larger or multi-story homes where the sound from distant smoke alarms may not be loud enough to be heard, especially by sleeping individuals.
* There are 2 types of smoke alarm technologies - ionization (more responsive to flaming fires) and photoelectric (more responsive to flaming fires) and photoelectric (more responsive to smoldering fires). Installing both types of these alarms or a combination unit of the two is recommended.
* Test you smoke alarms monthly by pushing the test button. If your alarm begins to make a "chirping" sound, you need to replace the battery right away.
* All smoke alarms, including alarms that have a 10-year battery and those that are hard-wired should be replaced when they're 10 years old (or sooner) if they do not respond properly when tested.
* Never remove or disable your smoke alarm. If your smoke alarm if going off every time you cook or for no apparent reason, it could be that it's not located in the proper area. Always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions when installing or replacing a smoke alarm.
* If you or someone in your home is deaf or hard of hearing, smoke alarms with visible strobes or the use of a pillow or bed shaker is recommended. Which type you use depends on the severity of the hearing loss.
Fire Facts:
1. Cooking is the #1 cause of home fires and injuries.
2. Smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths.
3. Heating is the second leading cause of home fires, fire deaths and fire injuries.
4. Electrical failures or malfunctions are factors in roughly 50,000 reported fires each year.
5. About 30,000 intentionally set home fires are reported each year.
Reproduced from NFPA's Fire Prevention Week Web site, www.firepreventionweek.org
City of High Point offers Free Home Energy Audits
The city offers free home energy audits to its residential customers to help you use electric energy more wisely.
To schedule an audit, call 883-3111, or go online to www.high-point.net and click on "Schedule a free home energy audit." A city employee will call you to make an appointment.
Audits will be conducted on weekdays, between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. You must be present while the one-hour audit is performed.
In a few days, you will receive a written report with the results of the audit.
Energy Depot: If you want a quick, free way to control your energy use, try Energy Depot. It provides several online tools, such as an Energy Calculator and Energy Comparison Tool, to provide easy-to-understand information to help you save electricity and money.
Energy Depot is free to city electric customers. To use it, visit www.high-point.net. In the left-hand column, under Customer Service Online, click on "Energy Audit."
To schedule an audit, call 883-3111, or go online to www.high-point.net and click on "Schedule a free home energy audit." A city employee will call you to make an appointment.
Audits will be conducted on weekdays, between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. You must be present while the one-hour audit is performed.
In a few days, you will receive a written report with the results of the audit.
Energy Depot: If you want a quick, free way to control your energy use, try Energy Depot. It provides several online tools, such as an Energy Calculator and Energy Comparison Tool, to provide easy-to-understand information to help you save electricity and money.
Energy Depot is free to city electric customers. To use it, visit www.high-point.net. In the left-hand column, under Customer Service Online, click on "Energy Audit."
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Understanding the Why in Life by Dr. Bernie Siegel
Many years ago my great grandfather told me of the persecution he experienced in Russia, which led him to come to this country. He siad the Cossacks would pursue him at night, when he was out teaching, and slash him with their sabers. One night he was on the hill above his village with his rabbi, the Baal Shem Tov. As they looked down they could see the Cossacks riding down and killing their Jewish brethren. They might have felt the same had they seen their loved ones being taken away to become slaves in a foreign land.
My great grandfather heard the rabbi say, "I wish I were God."
He asked, "Do you want to be God so you can change the bad into the good?"
"No, I wouldn't change anything. I want to be God so I can understand."
Remember our present problems are not new to mankind. Ninety percent of the natives of South America died when the explorers brought infectious diseases to their continent, and forty percent of Europeans died during plagues of the past. Man made wars and holocausts have taken millions of lives and with today's destructive weapons we are more of a threat to each other than are infectious diseases, which we can learn to resist. The question is not whether there will be difficulties and threats to our existence, but how will we deal with them and what can we learn from them.
When I was a young boy, several of my friends became seriously ill and one was hit by a car while bicycling to my house. When they all died I asked my father, "Why did God make a world where terrible things happen? Why didn't God make a world free of diseases, accidents and problems?"
He said, "To learn lessons." I didn't like that answer and I asked my rabbi, teacher and others. They said things like, "God knows", "Why not?". "Who knows?", "That's life", "To bring you closer to God." Some were honest enough to just say, "I don't know." This didn't leave me feeling satisfied or enlightened. When I told my mother what they said she answered, "Nature contains the wisdom you seek. Perhaps a walk in the woods would help you to find out why. Go and ask the old lady on the hill that some call a witch. She is wise in the ways of the world."
As I walked up the hill I saw a holly tree had fallen onto the path. As I tried to pull it aside the sharp leaves cut my hands. So I put on gloves and was able to move it and clear the path. A little further along the path I heard a noise in the bushes and saw a duck caught in the plastic from a six pack. I went over and freed the duck and watched him fly off. None of this seemed enlightening.
Further up the hill I saw five boys lying in a tangled heap in the snow. I asked them if they were playing a game and warned them the cold weather could lead to frostbite if they didn't move. They said they were not playing but were so tangled they didn't know which part belonged to whom and were afraid they'd break something if they moved. I removed one of the boy's shoes, took a stick and jabbed it into his foot.
He yelled, "Ow."
I said, "That's your foot now move it." I continued to jab until all the boys were separated...but still no enlightenment.
As I reached the top of the hill, in front of the old woman's cabin I saw a deer sprawled on the ice of a frozen pond. She kept slipping and sliding and couldn't stand up. I went out, calmed her and then helped her off the ice by holding her up and guiding her to the shore. I expected her to run away, but instead of running away she and several other deer followed me to the house. I wasn't sure why they were following me so I ran toward the house. When I reached the porch and felt safe I turned and the deer and I looked into each others eyes before I went into the house.
I told the woman why I had come and she said, "I have been watching you walk up the hill and I think you have your answer."
"What answer?"
"Many things happened on your walk to teach you the lessons you need to learn. One is that emotional and physical pain are necessary or we cannot protect ourselves and our bodies. Think of why you put on gloves and how you helped those boys. Pain helps us to know and define ourselves and respond to our needs and the needs of our loved ones. You did what made sense. You helped those in front of you by doing what they needed when they needed it.
"The deer followed you to thank you for being compassionate in their time of trouble. Their eyes said it all. What you have learned is that we are here to continue God's work. If God had made a perfect world it would be a magic trick, not creation, with no meaning or place for us to learn and create. Mankind is not yet ready for a perfect world. We do not know how to appreciate perfection. Creation is work. We are the ones who will have to create the world you are hoping for. A world where evil is to not respond to the person with the disease or pain, whether is be emotional or physical. God has given us work to do. We will still grieve when we experience losses but we will also use our pain to help us know ourselves and respond to the needs of others. That is our work as our Creator intended it to be. Life is a series of beginnings, not endings, just as graduations are not terminations, but commencements. Creation is an ongoing process and when we create a perfect world where love and compassion are shared by all, suffering will cease."
Let me tell you about people who have been my teachers. The first, a teenager sexually abused by his parents who now has AIDS. When he was about to commit suicide by jumping in front of a subway train I asked him why he didn't kill his parents instead. He said, "I never wanted to be like them." Love has sustained him and he is alive today.
How do we turn our afflictions into blessings? How do we use them to help us complete ourselves and our work and understand the place for love, tolerance and kindness? How can we learn as Jacob did from his experience of wrestling with an angel? Justice and mercy must be a part of how we treat those who hurt us, because when you understand you can forgive, and when you can forgive you do not hate, and when you do not hate you are capable of loving, and love is the most powerful weapon known to man. It is not an accident that we say; kill with kindness, love thine enemies and torment with tenderness.
If we are going to eliminate war we must love our children more than we hate our enemies. When we raise a generation of children with compassion and when parents let their children know they are loved, we will have a planet made up of the family of man where our differences are used for recognition and not persecution. We are all here to learn what it is to hurt and be hurt and only then will we be perfect enough to love and be loved. Someday we will all come to understand that in love's service only the wounded soldier can serve.
In closing, let me say that we are all the same color inside and members of one family. To paraphrase Rabbi Carlebach, "let us hope that some day all the Cains will realize what they have done, and ask for forgiveness of the Abels they have killed. In that moment we will all rise and become one family accepting that we are here to love and be loved."
My great grandfather heard the rabbi say, "I wish I were God."
He asked, "Do you want to be God so you can change the bad into the good?"
"No, I wouldn't change anything. I want to be God so I can understand."
Remember our present problems are not new to mankind. Ninety percent of the natives of South America died when the explorers brought infectious diseases to their continent, and forty percent of Europeans died during plagues of the past. Man made wars and holocausts have taken millions of lives and with today's destructive weapons we are more of a threat to each other than are infectious diseases, which we can learn to resist. The question is not whether there will be difficulties and threats to our existence, but how will we deal with them and what can we learn from them.
When I was a young boy, several of my friends became seriously ill and one was hit by a car while bicycling to my house. When they all died I asked my father, "Why did God make a world where terrible things happen? Why didn't God make a world free of diseases, accidents and problems?"
He said, "To learn lessons." I didn't like that answer and I asked my rabbi, teacher and others. They said things like, "God knows", "Why not?". "Who knows?", "That's life", "To bring you closer to God." Some were honest enough to just say, "I don't know." This didn't leave me feeling satisfied or enlightened. When I told my mother what they said she answered, "Nature contains the wisdom you seek. Perhaps a walk in the woods would help you to find out why. Go and ask the old lady on the hill that some call a witch. She is wise in the ways of the world."
As I walked up the hill I saw a holly tree had fallen onto the path. As I tried to pull it aside the sharp leaves cut my hands. So I put on gloves and was able to move it and clear the path. A little further along the path I heard a noise in the bushes and saw a duck caught in the plastic from a six pack. I went over and freed the duck and watched him fly off. None of this seemed enlightening.
Further up the hill I saw five boys lying in a tangled heap in the snow. I asked them if they were playing a game and warned them the cold weather could lead to frostbite if they didn't move. They said they were not playing but were so tangled they didn't know which part belonged to whom and were afraid they'd break something if they moved. I removed one of the boy's shoes, took a stick and jabbed it into his foot.
He yelled, "Ow."
I said, "That's your foot now move it." I continued to jab until all the boys were separated...but still no enlightenment.
As I reached the top of the hill, in front of the old woman's cabin I saw a deer sprawled on the ice of a frozen pond. She kept slipping and sliding and couldn't stand up. I went out, calmed her and then helped her off the ice by holding her up and guiding her to the shore. I expected her to run away, but instead of running away she and several other deer followed me to the house. I wasn't sure why they were following me so I ran toward the house. When I reached the porch and felt safe I turned and the deer and I looked into each others eyes before I went into the house.
I told the woman why I had come and she said, "I have been watching you walk up the hill and I think you have your answer."
"What answer?"
"Many things happened on your walk to teach you the lessons you need to learn. One is that emotional and physical pain are necessary or we cannot protect ourselves and our bodies. Think of why you put on gloves and how you helped those boys. Pain helps us to know and define ourselves and respond to our needs and the needs of our loved ones. You did what made sense. You helped those in front of you by doing what they needed when they needed it.
"The deer followed you to thank you for being compassionate in their time of trouble. Their eyes said it all. What you have learned is that we are here to continue God's work. If God had made a perfect world it would be a magic trick, not creation, with no meaning or place for us to learn and create. Mankind is not yet ready for a perfect world. We do not know how to appreciate perfection. Creation is work. We are the ones who will have to create the world you are hoping for. A world where evil is to not respond to the person with the disease or pain, whether is be emotional or physical. God has given us work to do. We will still grieve when we experience losses but we will also use our pain to help us know ourselves and respond to the needs of others. That is our work as our Creator intended it to be. Life is a series of beginnings, not endings, just as graduations are not terminations, but commencements. Creation is an ongoing process and when we create a perfect world where love and compassion are shared by all, suffering will cease."
Let me tell you about people who have been my teachers. The first, a teenager sexually abused by his parents who now has AIDS. When he was about to commit suicide by jumping in front of a subway train I asked him why he didn't kill his parents instead. He said, "I never wanted to be like them." Love has sustained him and he is alive today.
How do we turn our afflictions into blessings? How do we use them to help us complete ourselves and our work and understand the place for love, tolerance and kindness? How can we learn as Jacob did from his experience of wrestling with an angel? Justice and mercy must be a part of how we treat those who hurt us, because when you understand you can forgive, and when you can forgive you do not hate, and when you do not hate you are capable of loving, and love is the most powerful weapon known to man. It is not an accident that we say; kill with kindness, love thine enemies and torment with tenderness.
If we are going to eliminate war we must love our children more than we hate our enemies. When we raise a generation of children with compassion and when parents let their children know they are loved, we will have a planet made up of the family of man where our differences are used for recognition and not persecution. We are all here to learn what it is to hurt and be hurt and only then will we be perfect enough to love and be loved. Someday we will all come to understand that in love's service only the wounded soldier can serve.
In closing, let me say that we are all the same color inside and members of one family. To paraphrase Rabbi Carlebach, "let us hope that some day all the Cains will realize what they have done, and ask for forgiveness of the Abels they have killed. In that moment we will all rise and become one family accepting that we are here to love and be loved."
Thursday, July 8, 2010
The GPS of Happiness...by Debbie Hoffman Adair
This is to be my updated mantra.....
To be happy. Who upon this earth doesn't want that simple statement to be true? To be happy. Who among us are truly happy? Can happiness be found through someone else or with a large bank account? What is it... to be happy?
It all started 24 years ago, on my 30th birthday as I arrived at a major crossroad in my life. I was so miserable, I wanted to die. Having two small children meant that checking out was not an option for me. But neither was staying where I was - miserable, filled with fear and self-loathing. I had no other choice - I had to find a way out of my crippling depression. I wanted to be happy. Truly happy.
And so the journey began, and what an adventure it has been. Not only did I learn how to be happy, it became my life's work. To help others see the possibilities in their own lives, to help them find the tools for self-empowerment that leads to happiness, this is what I try to practice in my day to day life. This is the foundation of my writing and speaking career.
Does empowerment and happiness go hand in hand? I think so. I eventually realized my life was miserable because I had no hope and felt powerless over everything.
I had to pick up the tools for my own empowerment... once I had them in place, there was no stopping me. Happy? You bet. But being happy doesn't mean you aren't presented with problems and difficult challenges; it doesn't mean your life is perfect and you have access to everything your heart desires. The very nature of life is seen in the metaphor of a pendulum... up and down, good and bad, right and wrong, cold and hot... and yes, happy and sad. Happiness has little to do with your bank account or having someone else, "make you happy." It has everything to do with learning how to deal with, and accept, this zany pendulum known as life. Eventually you begin to see and have faith that everything will work out... that the Universe actually knows what It is doing - even if it's beyond our intellect to comprehend this at any given moment.
So, what is my favorite tool on my happiness tool belt? A little thing I call my GPS.
We all have one, our own little guidance system. It comes factory direct and is built into every vintage and late-model human being. It's there even if you don't see it... and the closest thing we get for a manual is our own conscience.
My life's navigational tool is simple: G.P.S. = God / Positivity / Service.
God: Connect with your higher power, and you will be amazed at the clarity and joy you will feel. Note, I am not here to bring you to Jesus, I am not saying Buddha or Zen is the right or only way. Your concept of God only has to resonate with you. Trusting in God or a higher-power (however you acknowledge He, She or It), and asking for guidance is one of the best ways I know to bring about positive change and thus create happiness. We have a favorite quote around our home - God is a better Dreamer than we are. I am a big dreamer, lots of idea, but I have learned that my imagination is no match to Gods will. I have learned to put him in the driver seat and buckle my seat belt because when you let go and Let God, wondrous things begin to happen. I have learned that whatever the Universe wants me to do if far bigger than I can imagine, and if I trust the Universe, the journey will be awesome and fulfilling.
Positivity: As a former Negaholic, I can attest to the power of positive thinking. A positive person is not someone who resembles Mary Sunshine or Pollyanna, no. A positive person is someone who sees the world as it truly is (the good, the bad and the ugly), but makes a conscious choice to focus on what is good. A negative person (speaking from experience), doesn't see the world as it is, they only see the bad, or what is wrong.
Negative people see problems, positive people see solutions. Negative people can never see their own flaws, only the flaws of others. They feel it is their duty to point out your defects so you can work on yourself. But in reality, we all tend to have the flaws we point out in others. We can't change a character defect that we're not aware of... to say anything of actually comprehending that defect. This is precisely what keeps negative people in a negative spiral.
Look for the bad in everything and the bad will come to you - but look for the good, and that will come your way as well. Positivity is an essential key ingredient of happiness.
Service: Ask yourself how you can you be of service to the world. It doesn't have to be something grand, something simple will do. Hold the door for someone, pick up a piece of trash on the street, pay for the drivers toll behind you. Little things count. However, if you are in a position to do more - go for it.
I wake up each morning, asking for my assignment from the Universe - how can I be of service today? "Please Universe, let me be an instrument of hope for you today." And when I am given the opportunity to help others, and follow through, I receive the gift of happiness.
So, what about you? Are you still pursuing happiness? Do you feel empowered? I promise, if you use the GPS of life, you will not only feel empowered and happy, you will, in fact, be changing the world for the better...
To be happy. Who upon this earth doesn't want that simple statement to be true? To be happy. Who among us are truly happy? Can happiness be found through someone else or with a large bank account? What is it... to be happy?
It all started 24 years ago, on my 30th birthday as I arrived at a major crossroad in my life. I was so miserable, I wanted to die. Having two small children meant that checking out was not an option for me. But neither was staying where I was - miserable, filled with fear and self-loathing. I had no other choice - I had to find a way out of my crippling depression. I wanted to be happy. Truly happy.
And so the journey began, and what an adventure it has been. Not only did I learn how to be happy, it became my life's work. To help others see the possibilities in their own lives, to help them find the tools for self-empowerment that leads to happiness, this is what I try to practice in my day to day life. This is the foundation of my writing and speaking career.
Does empowerment and happiness go hand in hand? I think so. I eventually realized my life was miserable because I had no hope and felt powerless over everything.
I had to pick up the tools for my own empowerment... once I had them in place, there was no stopping me. Happy? You bet. But being happy doesn't mean you aren't presented with problems and difficult challenges; it doesn't mean your life is perfect and you have access to everything your heart desires. The very nature of life is seen in the metaphor of a pendulum... up and down, good and bad, right and wrong, cold and hot... and yes, happy and sad. Happiness has little to do with your bank account or having someone else, "make you happy." It has everything to do with learning how to deal with, and accept, this zany pendulum known as life. Eventually you begin to see and have faith that everything will work out... that the Universe actually knows what It is doing - even if it's beyond our intellect to comprehend this at any given moment.
So, what is my favorite tool on my happiness tool belt? A little thing I call my GPS.
We all have one, our own little guidance system. It comes factory direct and is built into every vintage and late-model human being. It's there even if you don't see it... and the closest thing we get for a manual is our own conscience.
My life's navigational tool is simple: G.P.S. = God / Positivity / Service.
God: Connect with your higher power, and you will be amazed at the clarity and joy you will feel. Note, I am not here to bring you to Jesus, I am not saying Buddha or Zen is the right or only way. Your concept of God only has to resonate with you. Trusting in God or a higher-power (however you acknowledge He, She or It), and asking for guidance is one of the best ways I know to bring about positive change and thus create happiness. We have a favorite quote around our home - God is a better Dreamer than we are. I am a big dreamer, lots of idea, but I have learned that my imagination is no match to Gods will. I have learned to put him in the driver seat and buckle my seat belt because when you let go and Let God, wondrous things begin to happen. I have learned that whatever the Universe wants me to do if far bigger than I can imagine, and if I trust the Universe, the journey will be awesome and fulfilling.
Positivity: As a former Negaholic, I can attest to the power of positive thinking. A positive person is not someone who resembles Mary Sunshine or Pollyanna, no. A positive person is someone who sees the world as it truly is (the good, the bad and the ugly), but makes a conscious choice to focus on what is good. A negative person (speaking from experience), doesn't see the world as it is, they only see the bad, or what is wrong.
Negative people see problems, positive people see solutions. Negative people can never see their own flaws, only the flaws of others. They feel it is their duty to point out your defects so you can work on yourself. But in reality, we all tend to have the flaws we point out in others. We can't change a character defect that we're not aware of... to say anything of actually comprehending that defect. This is precisely what keeps negative people in a negative spiral.
Look for the bad in everything and the bad will come to you - but look for the good, and that will come your way as well. Positivity is an essential key ingredient of happiness.
Service: Ask yourself how you can you be of service to the world. It doesn't have to be something grand, something simple will do. Hold the door for someone, pick up a piece of trash on the street, pay for the drivers toll behind you. Little things count. However, if you are in a position to do more - go for it.
I wake up each morning, asking for my assignment from the Universe - how can I be of service today? "Please Universe, let me be an instrument of hope for you today." And when I am given the opportunity to help others, and follow through, I receive the gift of happiness.
So, what about you? Are you still pursuing happiness? Do you feel empowered? I promise, if you use the GPS of life, you will not only feel empowered and happy, you will, in fact, be changing the world for the better...
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Community Recycling Day
A FREE day for consumers to responsibly recycle electronics & other materials.
Saturday, June 19, 10am - 2pm
Goodwill Industries, 2760 Peters Creek Pkwy
Computers & peripherals
Printers
Monitors
Televisions
Household electronics
Small appliances
Electronic toys
Aluminum cans
Glass bottles
Plastic bottles/jugs
Steel food cans
Office paper
Magazines/catalogs
Newspapers
Telephone books
Cardboard
reduce reuse recycle
Business Recycling Service of the Triad will be there!
Sponsored by Goodwill Industries of NW NC in partnership with Forsyth
County, the City of Winston-Salem, Primo Water and Waste Management.
For more info, call 714-3039 or email info@goodwillnwnc.org.
Saturday, June 19, 10am - 2pm
Goodwill Industries, 2760 Peters Creek Pkwy
Computers & peripherals
Printers
Monitors
Televisions
Household electronics
Small appliances
Electronic toys
Aluminum cans
Glass bottles
Plastic bottles/jugs
Steel food cans
Office paper
Magazines/catalogs
Newspapers
Telephone books
Cardboard
reduce reuse recycle
Business Recycling Service of the Triad will be there!
Sponsored by Goodwill Industries of NW NC in partnership with Forsyth
County, the City of Winston-Salem, Primo Water and Waste Management.
For more info, call 714-3039 or email info@goodwillnwnc.org.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Why recycle your ink and toner cartridges?
Ink and Toner Solutions of Greensboro, is providing consumers and businesses with an alternative to reduce the impact of millions of cartridges that are thrown away and that end up in landfills each year. By making this choice, your are helping to protect the future of our environment. This proactive solution to waste reduction benefits consumers, entrepreneurs and the environment. Every cartridge refilled means one less cartridge in our landfills.
You can feel good about supporting sustainable development for the planet's limited natural resources and not adding to our already overloaded landfills. With their continued commitment, we look forward to the day when recycling cartridges is as common as separating waste material for the recycle bins in our homes.
Facts:
• It takes about a gallon of oil to make a new laser cartridge, that's 3,801,600 gallons per year just in the United States!
• Almost 10,800 cartridges are thrown away per day in the United States alone!
• In North America alone, over 350 million cartridges per year are discarded in our landfills, and that number increases by 12 percent annually!
• A laser cartridge thrown into a landfill can take up to 450 years to decompose. Some components made of industrial grade plastics will take over a thousand years to decompose.
• Every re-manufactured cartridge saves nearly 3 1/2 pounds of solid waste from being deposited in landfills.
• 70 percent of used printer cartridges throughout the world are currently being thrown out.
• In one year, if the world's discarded cartridges were stacked end-to-end, they would circle the earth over three times.
Every single cartridge saved from a landfill makes a difference. But imagine the difference made when 100,000,000 or even 1,000 cartridges are saved? This will not only protect our environment, but also save consumers thousands of dollars.
Now imagine the difference when individuals, then organizations, then cities, then states and then nations start participating! That is Impact with Effect! At Ink and Toner Solutions they are not only making a difference, they are changing the world!
It is important that the following message gets out to the 80% of printer users who dispose of their printer cartridges.
• You don't have to throw out your expensive printer cartridges. Most printer cartridges can be re-manufactured, refilled or reloaded.
• By bringing your used cartridges to Ink and Toner Solutions, you can help protect our environment, and save 50% compared to the cost of a new cartridge!
• Ink and Toner Solutions is dedicated to helping consumers, businesses, and the planet!
If you can't make it to Ink and Toner Solutions - call Business Recycling Service of the Triad at 336-906-9307, we can pick it up for you!
You can feel good about supporting sustainable development for the planet's limited natural resources and not adding to our already overloaded landfills. With their continued commitment, we look forward to the day when recycling cartridges is as common as separating waste material for the recycle bins in our homes.
Facts:
• It takes about a gallon of oil to make a new laser cartridge, that's 3,801,600 gallons per year just in the United States!
• Almost 10,800 cartridges are thrown away per day in the United States alone!
• In North America alone, over 350 million cartridges per year are discarded in our landfills, and that number increases by 12 percent annually!
• A laser cartridge thrown into a landfill can take up to 450 years to decompose. Some components made of industrial grade plastics will take over a thousand years to decompose.
• Every re-manufactured cartridge saves nearly 3 1/2 pounds of solid waste from being deposited in landfills.
• 70 percent of used printer cartridges throughout the world are currently being thrown out.
• In one year, if the world's discarded cartridges were stacked end-to-end, they would circle the earth over three times.
Every single cartridge saved from a landfill makes a difference. But imagine the difference made when 100,000,000 or even 1,000 cartridges are saved? This will not only protect our environment, but also save consumers thousands of dollars.
Now imagine the difference when individuals, then organizations, then cities, then states and then nations start participating! That is Impact with Effect! At Ink and Toner Solutions they are not only making a difference, they are changing the world!
It is important that the following message gets out to the 80% of printer users who dispose of their printer cartridges.
• You don't have to throw out your expensive printer cartridges. Most printer cartridges can be re-manufactured, refilled or reloaded.
• By bringing your used cartridges to Ink and Toner Solutions, you can help protect our environment, and save 50% compared to the cost of a new cartridge!
• Ink and Toner Solutions is dedicated to helping consumers, businesses, and the planet!
If you can't make it to Ink and Toner Solutions - call Business Recycling Service of the Triad at 336-906-9307, we can pick it up for you!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Earth Hour this Saturday
Earth Day is a month away, but another opportunity to join the fight climate change is just around the corner.
On Saturday, March 27 at 8:30 PM, millions of people across the globe will take a stand against climate change by turning off their lights for one hour - Earth Hour.
Earth hour is a chance to drive the environmental movement forward with one simple action. More than that, your participation will have impact outside of the usual suspects - you will raise climate awareness amongst your friends, family, and neighbors.
Earth Day Network is proud to be an official supporter of Earth Hour. We know that when millions of dedicated people gather to demand change, it works. Be the difference between the status quo and the substantive change needed for a more sustainable future: join us by taking action during Earth Hour.
On Saturday, March 27 at 8:30 PM, millions of people across the globe will take a stand against climate change by turning off their lights for one hour - Earth Hour.
Earth hour is a chance to drive the environmental movement forward with one simple action. More than that, your participation will have impact outside of the usual suspects - you will raise climate awareness amongst your friends, family, and neighbors.
Earth Day Network is proud to be an official supporter of Earth Hour. We know that when millions of dedicated people gather to demand change, it works. Be the difference between the status quo and the substantive change needed for a more sustainable future: join us by taking action during Earth Hour.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Tax Credits and Rebates for Homeowners
Tax Credits and Rebates for Homeowners |
Whether it’s replacing windows, installing new heating or air conditioning systems, or finally getting that new dishwasher, April is the time to make your home more energy efficient. Check out the links below to find out what incentives North Carolina, Duke Energy and the Federal Government are offering to homeowners who purchase energy efficient products. Just think of all the money you can save with these incentives and with lower energy bills for years to come. Plus, saving energy reduces greenhouse gas emissions in our community from coal powered energy plants. North Carolina Appliance Rebate –April 22-25, homeowners can save 15% when you buy energy star rated washers, dishwashers, refrigerators, and freezers. Depending on the funds available, a second phase in June will offer rebates on Energy Star residential gas storage water heaters, tank less gas water heaters, central air conditioners, heat pumps and gas furnaces that replace older items. Duke Energy Smart $avers Rebates –Cash rebates up to $200 when you install high efficiency HVAC equipment in your home. Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency -Get up to $1500 in Federal tax credit when you purchase qualifying energy efficient or renewable energy systems for your home. This includes certain insulation, roofing, water heaters, windows, solar energy systems, and heating and cooling systems. Not a PEA Member Yet? Join Today!Please join PEA and become part of the solution for a sustainable future. To become a member, you may join on-line or download the membership form from our website and mail it to us. PEA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supported solely by membership dues and donations. |
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Water Saving Tips
• Do use your dishwasher! Of course, wait for it to be full, but using your "light" cycle will use less water than letting water run and run as you wash and rinse dishes. For those of you who fill up the sink 
once and wash all the dishes in the same dirty water - you're spreading germs. Take advantage of your dishwasher's water savings and sanitary features.
• I used to have a beautiful, large expanse of lawn and bushes. After the drought claimed it all, I installed bricks and crushed rock with cactus plants. I no longer have a lawn to water out back. Seriously consider replacing some grass with brick or stones that can actually add beauty while decreasing maintenance and expenses.
• Keep in mind how little water your lawn actually needs. A beautiful lawn can be maintained with two short waterings each week, preferably at night when the sun isn't evaporating the water almost immediately.
• Yes, leaky faucets can be a nuisance, but in reality, a few drops of water isn't going to increase your water bill by anything you'll ever notice. It could cause other kinds of damage, however, which is where your real expenses will come in. To stop a few drops around the base of a faucet, if you don't want to fix or replace the entire mechanism, use a few drops of plumbers putty. Just make sure there are no overflow drips under the sink; this won't fix each and every problem.
• Laundry: the worst thing you can do here is over-stuffing your washer. If clothes don't have enough room to rotate in the water, they won't get clean. Trying to fit that last towel into an already stuffed load won't help at all. When you do this, you are actually wasting an entire load of water because your clothes won't even come out clean! You just wasted water, time and soap, and with this kind of continued laundering, you're damaging your clothes, too.
• I used to have a beautiful, large expanse of lawn and bushes. After the drought claimed it all, I installed bricks and crushed rock with cactus plants. I no longer have a lawn to water out back. Seriously consider replacing some grass with brick or stones that can actually add beauty while decreasing maintenance and expenses.
• Keep in mind how little water your lawn actually needs. A beautiful lawn can be maintained with two short waterings each week, preferably at night when the sun isn't evaporating the water almost immediately.
• Yes, leaky faucets can be a nuisance, but in reality, a few drops of water isn't going to increase your water bill by anything you'll ever notice. It could cause other kinds of damage, however, which is where your real expenses will come in. To stop a few drops around the base of a faucet, if you don't want to fix or replace the entire mechanism, use a few drops of plumbers putty. Just make sure there are no overflow drips under the sink; this won't fix each and every problem.
• Laundry: the worst thing you can do here is over-stuffing your washer. If clothes don't have enough room to rotate in the water, they won't get clean. Trying to fit that last towel into an already stuffed load won't help at all. When you do this, you are actually wasting an entire load of water because your clothes won't even come out clean! You just wasted water, time and soap, and with this kind of continued laundering, you're damaging your clothes, too.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Links Page
I am working on a new page for the website that will allow Links from other local businesses that are Recycling - sort of a promotion and a win-win.
FYI - The recycling laws that are in affect now are really going to dictate who's in business and who's not before too long. The "legal" paperwork requirements may prove a challenge in the coming months. There are talks of "Proof of Compliance" regarding recycling to be in place before any business can renew their license each year. This is already in place with ABC permit holders and only a matter of time with Plastics, since plastics are one of the biggest headaches regarding landfills.
Business Recycling Service of the Triad offers the Letters of Compliance! Call us and let us know how we can help your business meet the legal requirements and feel good about doing your part to save our resources - only pennies a day! 336-906-9307.
FYI - The recycling laws that are in affect now are really going to dictate who's in business and who's not before too long. The "legal" paperwork requirements may prove a challenge in the coming months. There are talks of "Proof of Compliance" regarding recycling to be in place before any business can renew their license each year. This is already in place with ABC permit holders and only a matter of time with Plastics, since plastics are one of the biggest headaches regarding landfills.
Business Recycling Service of the Triad offers the Letters of Compliance! Call us and let us know how we can help your business meet the legal requirements and feel good about doing your part to save our resources - only pennies a day! 336-906-9307.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
I would like to introduce a new service that takes Green to a new level
Sam Franklin, owner of Greenvelope writes:
The recession has made it difficult for newlywed couples to send expensive paper wedding invitations. In July, Greenvelope LLC will officially launch a “formal” online invitation service, that provides couples an alternative to expensive paper. This service allows couples to send customized wedding invitations to their guests via email with the click of a button. Take advantage of Internet technology by creating guest lists, designing your invitation, and tracking response’s all electronically. Paperless invitations are an easy start to a green wedding.
While one does not open his or her physical mailbox to receive an e-invitation, Greenvelope preserves the hands-on feel by taking advantage of cutting-edge animation technology. Guests receive a virtual envelope – addressed with calligraphy – in their email inbox. After prompted to click, the envelope gracefully opens revealing the invitation components. Franklin states, “We want to imitate the real experience of opening a physical envelope.”
Greenvelope’s CEO, Sam Franklin states, “Greenvelope prides itself on a revolutionary experience. There is no other invitation company that combines technology, design, and environmental concern in such an efficient manner. Many couples are ready for the switch to digital!”
Until Greenvelope, couples had very few options for sending formal online invitations. Most online invitation services are free, but the advertisements overwhelm these invitations. Greenvelope charges a relatively small fee, but in exchange offers an advertisement free product. By providing customers an environmentally friendly service to customize and send formal electronic wedding invitations, Greenvelope strives to fill a current void in invitation technology.
Greenvelope “places a strong importance on recognizing and responding to each customer’s effort to help the environment.” For each invitation package ordered, Greenvelope donates ten dollars to Mountains To Sound Greenway, a local non-profit organization geared towards cleaning local trails. In the near future, customers will be able to read about and choose where they would like to donate, from several environmentally conscious non-profit organizations that share Greenvelope’s goals and values.
There are other advantages to sending electronic invitations instead of paper, aside from cost and the environment. For example, electronic invitations are far less time consuming. Compiling a guest list electronically is simple, as one can upload bulk contacts from an email server to get started. As guests RSVP, the guest list will automatically update with the lasted response information. To finish the wedding strong, the hosts even have the option of personalizing an electronic thank you note for each guest. The Greenvelope staff will be available to ensure their service is enjoyable from beginning to end.
Please contact sam@greenvelope with any questions and thoughts. The website is in BETA at the moment, so any suggestions or comments would be greatly appreciated.
For more information, click on this link: Greenvelope, LLC Greenvelope’s mission is to offer “A Personalized Approach to Paperless Invitations.”
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Website Updated
I am very excited to let everyone know that we have updated our website with many more features and now products that will help you begin or continue your recycling efforts - along with many fun items as well.
We have also made it much easier to become a "follower" or leave a comment - so please feel free!
Recycling works - but we have to work it!!
We have also made it much easier to become a "follower" or leave a comment - so please feel free!
Recycling works - but we have to work it!!
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Recycle Blog in the Triad
What a beautiful day to stay inside or outside if you like the cold!! I have recently taken the opportunity to email many of my friends and business associates about this new blog. I am hoping to help spread the word about the importance of recycling and, of course our service! Did you know that close to 95% of your typical "trash" can be Recycled?? It's true and we all need to make a real effort to get on the Recycling band wagon.
The problem is many cities and municipalities don't offer Recycling or have limits as to who can be picked up. If you or someone you know is in a "No Pick Up" zone, please go to our website for full information and regulations that have been imposed in our state.
Business Recycling Service of the Triad has been asked to expand to different areas around the state due to the No Pick Up zones and with area Businesses that are trying to do their part towards the recycling efforts. I am trying to update the website as often as possible on new important ways to recycle and new ideas to help, so don't forget to check it out as well!
The problem is many cities and municipalities don't offer Recycling or have limits as to who can be picked up. If you or someone you know is in a "No Pick Up" zone, please go to our website for full information and regulations that have been imposed in our state.
Business Recycling Service of the Triad has been asked to expand to different areas around the state due to the No Pick Up zones and with area Businesses that are trying to do their part towards the recycling efforts. I am trying to update the website as often as possible on new important ways to recycle and new ideas to help, so don't forget to check it out as well!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
PEA Workshop
Thanks to all who attended tonight's Business Recycling Workshop! It really turned out great and was very informative. PEA did a great job presenting the facts in North Carolina. Attendance was excellent and it was very nice to meet everyone!
I really feel that the recycling laws of North Carolina are going to inevitably require all businesses to have a recycle program. BRS is here to help and be affordable! We made some great strides tonight and will continue moving forward to help businesses of all sizes meet their "Go Green" sustainable goals!
Thanks again everyone!!
I really feel that the recycling laws of North Carolina are going to inevitably require all businesses to have a recycle program. BRS is here to help and be affordable! We made some great strides tonight and will continue moving forward to help businesses of all sizes meet their "Go Green" sustainable goals!
Thanks again everyone!!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Art of Recycling Competition for Earth Day
Business Recycling Service of the Triad
Business Recycling Service of the Triad is planning on an "Art of Recycling" competition for Earth Day 2010 that will be celebrated on April 17 at Wake Forest University. Let me know if you would like to enter the competition for some great prizes???
Friday, January 15, 2010
Government Manadated Sustainability
Mandated Sustainability - here comes another hit from our government - BRS is here to help!
A chain of events has begun that will change the face of corporate sustainability forever - and you will NOT DO IT BY CHOICE, but it will be mandated by our government. Ted Radzinski, an expert in engineering and sustainable design, writes this must read paper with a checklist of processes and actions to get you in "compliance." Go to the blog of the leading designation for sustainable development professionals, the Institute of Green Professionals at http://www.consilienceblog.org .
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Eat sustainably
Buy local and/or organic food whenever possible. Plant backyard or porch garden. Eat less meat, and buy humanely raised meat. Frequent restaurants that support sustainable methods and local farms.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
The Business Journal of the Greater Triad Networking Event at Leapfrog
I would personally like to thank Leapfrog, The Business Journal and Velocity for a GREAT networking event tonight!! I hate that anyone had to miss it! Douglas Copeland, Jr was a fabulous speaker, telling us all how to read trade publications for connecting in business. I don't think I have learned quite as much in a short period of time.
I am now a subscriber and looking forward to getting my issues every week! Thank you also to everyone who came and connected with me. I hope to meet you again and hope to help each other in business!
I am now a subscriber and looking forward to getting my issues every week! Thank you also to everyone who came and connected with me. I hope to meet you again and hope to help each other in business!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Business Recycling Event in Winston Salem
A workshop on Business Recycling will be held at the Community Arts Café Gallery, 411 West Fourth St., in downtown Winston-Salem from 5:30-7:00 p.m. Businesses of all sizes in the Triad area are invited to attend to learn how to establish a successful recycling program, from collection through disposal.
The focus of the workshop will be on recycling consumables such as plastic, aluminum, glass, and office paper.
Business Recycling Service if the Triad is very excited about this event! We will have a table with more information regarding our service. We are happy to invite everyone in the Triad to come by and meet us and share your concerns.
The focus of the workshop will be on recycling consumables such as plastic, aluminum, glass, and office paper.Business Recycling Service if the Triad is very excited about this event! We will have a table with more information regarding our service. We are happy to invite everyone in the Triad to come by and meet us and share your concerns.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Let's Go Green
Recycling is one of the best ways to create jobs, reduce landfill wastes and expenses and eventually reduce taxes. Many of our tax dollars go to waste disposal. The more we can recycle the better off our communities are.
I hope with this blog I will be able to create awareness about the need to recycle and what and where to recycle. Did you know that 95% of household waste can be recycled? Did you know that North Carolina has laws against throwing away Plastic, Aluminum and "ABC" Glass?
At Business Recycling Service of the Triad we are here to help! Check out our website at www.Lets-Get-Trashed.com!
I hope with this blog I will be able to create awareness about the need to recycle and what and where to recycle. Did you know that 95% of household waste can be recycled? Did you know that North Carolina has laws against throwing away Plastic, Aluminum and "ABC" Glass?
At Business Recycling Service of the Triad we are here to help! Check out our website at www.Lets-Get-Trashed.com!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
