Quarter Auctions From the Heart

By Karyn Brooks

I believe in locally owned businesses! Having been an independent business owner most of my life, I know the hard work that goes into building a business. I also know that businesses are always looking for new audiences. That's where I come in! I coordinate events with charities, communities and other local businesses. I bring the shopping enhancement to those events - with you, the vendor. Many of these events are quarter auctions (something unique and fun to do!), but also fashion shows, ladies nights, luncheons, happy hours, open houses, holiday events and marketplace type events. I work to match vendors with events - and events with vendors - that will be compatible. View my calendar at http://www.SWFLAuctionFun.com for events upcoming. More are always being added, so check back frequently! 

QUARTER AUCTIONS are all the rage right now as a fun way to raise money for local charities. They are a game that is played with a bid paddle ($3 rental goes to the charity) and a roll or two of quarters. You and the guests bid on the items you love (2-4 quarters) for a chance to win that item - you are not trying to outbid anyone else. The wonderful items up for auction are provided by the vendors with anything from jewelry, soaps & lotions, sandals, handbags, kitchenware and other items for the home. These vendors will also have cash & carry or, can take orders from you at their tables. When you shop with them, you are helping our local economy! There is usually food available for purchase (again benefits the charity) so you don't have to worry about running home first - we've got you covered! Be ready for a night (or afternoon) of fun, community and meet some new friends! Private events are vendor opportunities only - you would not be inviting guests. Please email me with questions if you are interested in participating as a vendor at KarynsEvents@gmail.com.

 JANUARY/FEBRUARY DATES FOR VENDOR OPPORTUNITIES!

Jan 4th-Quarter Auction-Lehigh Acres
Jan 8th-Quarter Auction-Fort Myers
Jan 12th-Quarter Auction Luncheon-Bayshore Village, North Fort Myers
Jan 12th-Quarter Auction-LehighAcres
Jan 12th-Ladies Night-Estero Country Club
Jan 22nd-Quarter Auction-Fort Myers
Feb 1st-Quarter Auction-Lehigh Acres
Feb 3rd-Quarter Auction-Fort Myers Relay for Life
Feb 4th-Quarter Auction-Club @ Rapallo, Coconut Point
Feb 9th-Quarter Auction-Lehigh Acres
Feb 12th-Quarter Auction-Fort Myers
Feb 19th-Quarter Auction-Somerset @ Plantation, Fort Myers
Feb 26th-Fashion Show-Estero Country Club
Feb 26th-Quarter Auction-Fort Myers

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Tips for Successful Social Media Marketing for the Beginner

By Mary Anne Cipressy

David Trippany

What’s Up SWFL

Social Media Marketing does present itself with a few challenges for those who are managing their own marketing. I see people trying to take short cuts all the time. They will use automated postings, link multiple sites together, post only when they have time and the list goes on. There are no short cuts if you wish to be successful.

Before you start you will have to accept that this is part of running a business and is as important as other aspects such as bookkeeping, sales or customer relations. We all make time for such tasks and your social media marketing tasks are no different.

So let’s take a look at something’s you can do to be successful with your social media marketing.

1.       Finding the best outlets – There are many options here and not every business is a good fit for each outlet. So how do you choose? A good place to start is to ask yourself where are your customers? Where are your competitors? Do not try to do too many all at once. As your business grows you can add others into your marketing mix. Just because you heard blogging is a great way to generate leads does not mean it is a good fit for you and your business. Start simple and small and grow into it.

2.       Building your Audience – once you have chosen your outlet of choice you want to take time to build a solid foundation. Having likes, followers etc. for the sheer numbers is never a good idea. Paying a 3^rd party for thousands of likes or followers will only give you numbers. They will never interact or engage with you and chances are they are not the ease bit interested in your product or service. So start with friends, business associates, family and most importantly your current customers.

Shopping Online Safely

From Linda Loraine - Independent Associate Legal Shield

The number of online shoppers in the United States is projected to surpass 200 million in 2015. The ease and convenience of shopping from just about anywhere, avoiding crowds and not having to find a place to park are just a few things that make shopping on a retailer’s website an attractive option.

However, with convenience comes caution. Concerns about payment data security and other personal information makes some consumers shy about conducting their shopping via the internet. The following tips, if practiced, can bring about a sense of security while conducting online transactions:

Take steps to shop safely

1. Be Choosey.

Don’t click indiscriminately on a link that you find in an unsolicited email or pop-up advertisement. Choose only well-known websites that have an address that starts with “https” when you get to the point of providing your payment information during the purchase process.

2. Be Precise.

When navigating to a particular retailer’s website, make sure you have the exact web address. Some thieves have purchased website names that are very similar to a reputable website with the hopes that shoppers will find the fraudulent website instead. Trying to shop on the fraudulent site could lead to theft of personal information or not getting what you think you are purchasing.

3. Be Skeptical.

Did you find some fantastic deal that you haven’t seen anywhere else? Beware! Ads for the season’s “hot” item, especially at a ridiculously good price, could actually be a scheme to get you to click on a link or approve a download that brings with it a virus or other trouble.

4. Be Unique.

It is dangerous to use the same password for all of your online accounts. Why? If one of the accounts you access online is breached, the unauthorized intruder might acquire your password. They can then try to use the same password on other sites you use which might include other shopping sites or your checking account or credit card accounts. Use different passwords for each of your online accounts.

5. Be Thorough.

Keep a record of all your purchases and the websites where each purchase was made. Save receipts, confirmation email messages, etc. Make note of how you paid for each item and then check the account to make sure only the authorized charge went through.

Learn more about Linda Loraine and ask her how she can help you protect your identity here Linda Loraine - Independent Associate Legal Shield    

Troubleshooting Your Smoke Detector- Jermar Electric Service

There you are sitting in your favorite chair, watching your favorite TV show when out of nowhere you hear it. The chirp… chirp… chirp of your smoke detector. This could mean one of several things; your battery needs replacing or it could mean the sensor within it needs cleaning.

Whether you have a battery powered or electric with a battery backup, the chirping most commonly means your battery(s) needs to be replaced. To avoid this it is best to change the batteries in all your smoke detectors when you change your clocks. If you have an electric powered detector then change your batteries at the beginning of each New Year. Be sure to have new, fresh batteries on hand as well. 

Smoke Detectors have sensors which can get blocked by dust. So if the chirping continues even after replacing the batteries, they try vacuuming your detector. If you have battery powered, then open the cover and vacuum gently with a soft brush. However if you have an electric powered then you will need to turn the power off to all the smoke detectors. You can do this at your breaker box. Then vacuum the outside vents only. It is best to do this once a year. You can combine this with changing the batteries at the first of each New Year.

 

If your detector continues to chirp and you have replaced the batteries, and vacuumed it, then it may be that you need to replace the detector. Smoke detectors last between 7-10 years.  You can test your detector by pushing the test button. If it does not chirp and you have replaced the batteries and you have vacuumed it, they you may need a new detector. If you have battery powered detectors, then when you replace them consider having them electrically installed by a licensed electrician. You can have them interconnected so that when one goes off, they all do which provides added safety. In addition you do not need to replace the batteries as often.

So let’s test your knowledge of smoke detectors. Do you know where smoke detectors must be installed within your home? 

Jermar Electric Service is family owned & operated state certified electrical contractor since 1986 and provides residential and commercial electrical services in the Lee County areas of Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, Estero, Sanibel, Fort Myers Beach, Pine Island and Bonita Springs.