Christmas came early for this chocoholic as I attended two chocolate store launches in the span of a week! What was interesting about the two openings was that they couldn’t be more different in that the first event was a small independent artisanal shop and the second was the latest opening by a 92 year old candy manufacturing company with more than 200 retails stores across the country. And yet, they were the same because they both focused on the importance of quality and customer service. Now, what could be sweeter than that.
“Life is like a box of chocolates, you’ll never know what you’ll get.” – Forrest Gump
First – there was the opening of Michelle Haut Chocolat at The OC Mix in Costa Mesa. Their chocolates are handmade daily using all natural ingredients in Laguna Beach. I’m a fan of dark chocolate so I really enjoyed Michelle’s custom concoctions especially the truffles (yes all of them) and the petit domes with sea salt, and another one with rose petals. According to Michelle, “Our chocolate is a custom blended 73% bittersweet chocolate from Belgium. We use only the freshest and purest ingredients from around the world. There are no artificial ingredients, additives, or preservatives.”
Michelle Pontius, Master Chocolatier
A few days later I was invited to the opening of the largest See’s Candies retail shop! Located at the Tustin Marketplace in Orange County, it is also See’s first concept store. From the retro uniforms of the people behind the counter to the black and white tiled floor, stepping into the See’s Candy store is like stepping back in time – a time when quality and tradition meant something. And of course, there was the delicious candy – and so much of it!
See’s Candies CEO Brad Kinstler and his wifeSee’s Candies was founded by Charles See, his wife Florence, and his mother Mary in Los Angeles, California, in 1921.
Enjoy this little Ptch video I created from that night.
Small Business Saturday is on November 30th and so it’s been on my mind lately. I love supporting my own neighborhood coffee shop, bookstore, restaurant, nail salon etc. And often, when I think about how I can help a small independent store survive and thrive in this economy, naturally, my thoughts turn to social media, which is my passion as well as it is my profession.
And so I meet the owner, shop keeper and we get to talking. There are those who embrace social media, there are those who are open to experimenting with it, and then there are those who are simply unconvinced about its value. What I’d really like to tell them is this:
Dear Small Business:
As a small biz owner, you have your hands full running your business. I know. I understand. You probably do not have time to understand social media, let alone, maintain a presence on the ever-growing social media channels.
Different businesses work differently on these channels. Perhaps Facebook rather than Twitter is a more effective marketing tool for your business. Perhaps Pinterest will lead more fans to your website than Facebook. The list goes on.
Let’s say you do have these pages set up, you’re probably frustrated that you don’t have enough fans or followers. But do numbers really matter? Yes, but not in the way you think. More fans do not necessarily translate to more engagement, or more importantly to more sales. More often than not, a smaller more devoted fan following is better. A smaller targeted audience can impact your business more than a large following with an unengaged audience.
In the end, you’ll have to admit that a social media presence is essential to any business striving for success in our increasingly digital world. And while the channels may be free of charge, it takes time, strategic planning and effort to make them work for you.
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Below is an infographic by Get Satisfaction that shows How Small Businesses Can Use Social Media. (Maybe this will help convince you of Social Media’s importance?)
According to this Get Satisfaction infographic, it’s not enough for small businesses to solely use social media for their immediate marketing needs. It shows how small businesses need to integrate social media into their business strategies and discover the benefit of social media beyond marketing. Click on the image to enlarge.
Just a few years ago when social media was this thing people were still trying out, a group of people who met through social media though “Why don’t we help others get connected as well?” And thus was born Connect OC and many friendships. I wasn’t part of the organizing group myself but I consider myself lucky to call them and many others I met through social media, my good friends.
The author with 3 of the original Connect OC Founders, left to right, Neal Schaffer, Debbie Miller and Ted Nguyen.
So when the invitation for a Connect OC event in Costa Mesa came my way, I made sure I’d be there. Partnering with the Marquee Costa Mesa (located at Harbor and Adams Aves.), the event turned out to be both a gathering of old friends and new as well as a sampling of the new and not-so-new restaurants in that little shopping center – including Tandoori Fresh, Haus of Pizza, That Boba Place, Jerry’s Dogs, Burrisimo and Fluff Ice.
I have a collection of Yogurtland spoons. True story. Yogurtland is our go-to frozen yogurt place, especially since there’s one right by our house. There are always new flavors and toppings to try and cool marketing tie-ups like that one with Sanrio, during which times I collected the spoons. And then there was the Flavor Quest last year, when POG Sorbet from Hawaii and Mexican Hot Chocolate were introduced. Also, the place is always very clean and the workers seem happy.
In a crowded market of frozen yogurt treats, it is things like these that make Yogurtland stand out. But what truly sets them apart is the leadership and vision of Founder and CEO Phillip Chang.
Phillip Chang was the guest last week at the Irvine Chamber of Commerce’s Legends & Leaders program, an intimate and informal way to hear ideas, business concepts and encouragement from leading Orange County entrepreneurs. (Thank you very much to Paradise Perks for inviting me to their table.)
Chang has a strong Korean accent and speaks softly but the inspiring entrepreneurial stories he shared came across loud and clear. Kudos to moderator/interviewer Albert Napoli too.
Immigrant stories about coming to America for a better life are not uncommon. But each story of failure and success is interesting. Chang came to the country in his twenties and he didn’t speak a word of English. He shared about how he tried to learn the language by listening to the radio but the pop stations used a lot of slang, which he couldn’t grasp. He was surprised, for example, to find out that a couple of bucks meant a few dollars! He said, he then listened to Christian sermons where pastor’s sermons were broadcast and they would speak slowly and with correct grammar, making it a better English-language learning experience.
After working through physical jobs (box boy at a liquor store, pizza delivery job), he eventually found himself working at a fabric manufacturer as an accountant, and later found success as a freelance computer programmer.
But it wasn’t until he decided to start a Boba (bubble tea) business that he became a full-fledged entrepreneur. He unknowingly started franchising Boba Loca stores, 33 stores in 4 years, but that’s another story.
As for Yogurtland, Chang says he researched the frozen yogurt and ice cream market and found that frozen yogurt was poised to take off. Throughout the Irvine Chamber’s Legends and Leaders session, Chang often talked about how he researched the business and checked the numbers. (He was, after all, a math major in Korea). His diligence is evident in all his endeavors.
It is his Christian values, however, that guide his business and his life.
During the early years of Yogurtland’s rapid growth, Chang reveals that while things were getting done and stores were opening and experiencing success, there was still something missing. He then realized the importance of creating a corporate culture based on his Christian beliefs. It wasn’t enough to just be nice and treat the employees well. He realized Yogurtland had to be a team, bound by similar beliefs and a culture of helping one another.
At the back of his business card are these beliefs.
The author with Yogurtland CEO Phillip Chang at Irvine Chamber of Commerce luncheon event.
Chang reveals that Yogurtland has “no time cards because of honesty, we always trust each other.” He reveals that their company is like “Navy SEALS, you know. They move quickly and trust each other, without words they know what to do and get job the done.”
At the end of the luncheon, he shared this advice for those in the franchise business:
“Find the right franchisee and find the right location.” Finally, he said the secret to his success is simple: “ (Everything you do) You must have a strong philosophy. Mine is based on my Christian faith. I read proverbs everyday. I live by it.”
I did it! Traded cube life and a regular paycheck for the uncertain (call it, exciting) life of an entrepreneur. It’s not that new to me, since I’ve been a freelance writer, photographer, even one-time television producer in my past working life. I thought I’d be doing gigs all my life never to confine myself in a regular 9-5. But when the opportunity to get a more corporate-type job came along, I took it. Who doesn’t want the security of a regular paycheck?
Looking back at the last 3 years of corporate life, these are some of the things I’ve learned: do what is expected, keep your head down, cc everyone in your emails but be brief, and wear comfortable but stylish shoes. Truth is, the most valuable lesson I learned working in a corporate environment is: BE NICE — TO EVERYONE – whether it’s the Vice President or the Mail Clerk, your manager or the cleaning crew. Be nice. Say hello, smile. It’s a long day to be away from one’s family or from one’s home. That’s why it’s a job, they say. So why not make it as pleasant an experience as possible?
You never know what other people are going through.
There were times when I’d find someone in the hallway just after they’d gotten off the phone and you could tell things were not going well. And I’d smile, sometimes I’d say, it looks like you need a hug! And yes, they accepted it – a hug from me, a co-worker. Just at that moment, it was what they needed.
I wish people were nicer to each other in general. Things would be different. Companies would run differently. Wars would end!
So after almost three years, it was time for me to move on. I’ve taken the Good Life Project’s motto to heart: “Don’t just build a living, build a life!”
I told the company I worked for that I needed more flexibility with my schedule because I wanted to spend more time with my kids. While this is true, I realize that I also need to build something for them. And when you are working for someone else, that is less likely to happen.
People have asked what I’ve been doing with myself since leaving my job a week ago. “Working,” I reply. Ironically, when you are working for yourself, minutes can stretch into hours easily, and there is more pressure because there is more at stake. But you don’t feel exhausted or annoyed, because you know you are working to fulfill your vision, your mission.
I am thankful for the flexible schedule I have now. Giving me a better work-life balance. I take my kids to school, I pick them up. This Friday, I’m chaperoning the 2nd grade field trip. My kids and husband seem happier. I am happier. Even our dog is happier since I can now walk him for a longer time in the mornings. This is not to say that working from home or even working for oneself is for everyone. Everyone’s got their own style, their own needs, etc. I am amazed at how people make it work!
Last Sunday, my entrepreneur cousin was missing from a family gathering. He texted me a sentimental and long message – “Welcome to the life (of entrepreneurship)” He apologized for not being at the party – he was working – putting in the hours for his start-up. But of course I’d understand… and if I didn’t then, he said I would. Because I was one of them now – entrepreneurs.
I joke that instead of working for the man, I decided, I’d be the man. So I’m manning up – putting in the hours. Working…. Working it. I want to build something for my family. I want to make a positive impact in my community, on society as a whole.
I attended the Irvine Chamber of Commerce’s Business Luncheon with the Mayor at the Hyatt Regency Irvine on Tuesday, May 21st, 2013, as a guest of my friend Beth Fujishige, networker extraordinaire and owner of Paradise Perks Café in Irvine. The Annual luncheon is co-presented by the City of Irvine. According to Irvine Chamber President and CEO Tallia Hart, the event “ is an opportunity to inform and educate businesses on the power of the Irvine Community.”
For the past two and a half years, I’ve worked in Irvine and I have to agree that the city is perfect for businesses to grow and thrive. The infrastructure is there for one, and there is also the support of the community and the city itself.
Here’s a short Storify featuring tweets and photos from the event tagged #mayorsluncheon.
People are often surprised that my position exists in a dental company. I am the Social Media Strategist for a company with over 300 supported dental offices. That’s right dentists! Why on earth do dentists need social media? How does a large company use social media? The obvious answer would be for marketing. But the truth is, we use it for much more than that. Research shows that 94% of corporations use social media. Companies use it for customer service, public relations, and even recruiting. Unlike traditional media, social media is a living breathing evolving set of tools that allow people to communicate with each other and with the world.
You know the stats – Facebook has over 1 billion active users, Twitter has 500 million users and Google+ 343 million active users. LinkedIn has 200 million users. There are more channels than that and the numbers are staggering.
So even if you aren’t active on social media, someone close to you is…
Are your employees Hacktivists? Or merely ranting on social? photo credit: david_shankbone via photopincc
When another person rants on Facebook about a horrible experience with your company, social media can amplify that message. When one person tweets about a great experience with your company, social media can amplify that message too! That is the power of Social Media.
Social media touches nearly every part of our lives these days. People use it daily whether using their desktops or laptops, or their mobile devices. People use it anytime and everywhere. That is why, some employers worried about productivity, simply block access to social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, on computers on the company network. This, however, does not stop workers from accessing social media through their smartphones.
What’s a company to do?
THE ANSWER: CREATE A SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY
There is very little you can do to stop people from using social on their phones or in their personal time, so rather than coming up with a 50 page handbook, it would be best to come up with a one to two page summary that gives your organization a view of what they should and could be doing online.
Your social media policy should:
Be tailored for your organization. No one size fits all because each organization has different needs, uses and risks.
Apply Common Sense. Don’t restrict your employees’ social media activity. Stress that the use of social media at work is a PRIVILEGE, and with that privilege comes responsibility.
Be specific about what is or is not permitted. List consequences if policy is violated. Note: Policy should not be TOO BROAD (you cannot, for example, prohibit employees from posting pictures of the company, store brand or product. You cannot say, you are prohibited from depicting the brand in any way etc)
The policy should comply with and be implemented in accordance with local requirements, including privacy laws (Understand the law – like copyright, privacy, slander, libel, provisions of NLRA (national labor relations act)
Remember, having a dedicated and well communicated social media policy will help guide employees in their use of social media in the workplace. Set expectations from the get go; communicate that social media should not affect their overall productivity.
You’ve probably heard that Mark Zuckerberg’s father is a dentist. It’s true. Dr. Edward Zuckerberg is a dentist in Westchester, New York. In a 2011 article on Salon.com, he shared that he uses he uses Facebook to promote his dental practice and spends about an hour a day on the site. As a medical practitioner, whether you are a dentist or chiropractor, shouldn’t be using social media channels too?
Yes. Doctors and dentists should and can use social media because that’s where patients and potential patients are. Of course, there are both potential positive outcomes and pitfalls to doctor-patient relationships when using social media and that’s why your involvement must be cautious and considered.
How can doctors and dentists use social media, you ask? Well… first, it can be used as part of the marketing mix and second, it can be used as a tool to enhance customer service. You can use social media to:
Connect with Patients
Reach out to potential patients
Create brand awareness
Remember any online marketing efforts must compliment offline marketing efforts. Just because you are active on your Facebook page doesn’t mean you should give up getting involved in your local community events.
Here are some useful Social Media Tips for dentists and doctors:
Develop a social media policy. Here are two articles about Best Practices for developing Social Media Policies from Social Media Today and Social Media.Biz
Stay professional. Remember, just like in real life, watch what you say in public. If it isn’t something you’d say in person, don’t post it.
Determine what level of personal information you want to share. It’s good for patients to see the human side of their healthcare providers, but do you really want them to know that you went partying last night?
Be mindful of HIPAA regulations. Do not post any medical information about patients, do not dispense specific medical advice or make any diagnoses online.
Feel free to answer general patient questions. Social media can be a powerful tool to help patients get the care they need.
I woke up today to the good news that the LinkedIn Company Page I manage has been named one of the 12 Best LinkedIn Company Pages of 2012. As a social media strategist and community manager, I am over the moon! Our company page is a result of collaboration between our marketing, graphic design and talent acquisition teams. The branding element is strong on the page but it is also a robust and active page with a mix of posts about job openings, company news and announcements, as well as relevant industry news.
I really like how LinkedIn has evolved over time. What’s more, they really do have their community members in mind when making changes or improvements. I like how they communicate via email with members before a change takes places, giving community managers and social media people like me enough time to get ready and make the necessary adjustments.
The 1st Orange County Social Media Summit is taking place today, Friday, May 18th, 2012 at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest. Nearly 600 people are expected to attend the day-long event focused on Social Media. Topics covered feature everything from blogging, to making videos to posting tweets and Facebook updates.
I caught up with one of the organizers of the event, Rochelle Veturis Coles @rochelleveturis and asked her a few questions:
MT: What made you decide to organize the Social Media Summit?
RVC: “We wanted to give some of our wonderful social media friends the opportunity to share their skills and talents with the community – because they do it so well, and so effortlessly. I learn a lot from the people on stage, and thought it was time to share them with the world.”
MT: Who are the people behind the OCSMS?
RVC: “My sister @HaleyVeturis and I are the volunteer co-producers of the event. Headliner @TedNguyen is not only speaking, but co-hosting and leading the social good and media relations efforts, as well. The Saddleback Church Communications team has been a huge help and support with the graphics, signage, multi-media components and production of the event. Irvine-based ProGroup donated printing of the programs and the Step and Repeat. Our wonderful keynotes have served as an advisory board – and all speakers, spotlights, and panelists, have been gracious enough to help promote. It’s been a team effort, and we appreciate and thank each and every individual who has contributed to making this occasion an all out success.”
MT: What ONE thing do you want attendees to leave knowing?
RVC: “They can do this. They are special, loved, and unique. There is no one like them and tapping into that uniqueness is going to set them free in the socialmediasphere. If they need help, they can contact anyone on stage – we love new media and are passionate about seeing others “get it,” and succeed.”
Follow along on Twitter hashtag #ocsms. Or catch the LIVE WEBCAST here.
