Newspapers, Phone Books, Radio a thing of the past???

I can't help but think that our lives and habits are changing forever. I can't tell you the last time I bought a newspaper. I never look at a phone book. I don't even listen to traditional radio anymore. I'm about to disconnect my land line because I'm pissed about the taxes the government has tacked on to double my $11.00 phone line.

I think newspapers are becoming a thing of the past. Look at all of the papers that are struggling. We can get all of our information on the Internet. People are taking control of their advertising dollars through websites and network marketing. People are target marketing their business specifically to those who would buy their product. When I first saw newspapers starting to have problems, I thought it was the economy or the political views of the paper. This may have something to do with some business loss, but think about it... If you have a business- where would you spend your advertising dollars?? A one time ad- for a day?? Or, would you target your customer base directly through the Internet?

The phone book is great- if you don't have a computer or cell phone. The only person that I know that doesn't have a computer or cell phone is my father-in-law. It's funny- he always calls and tells me which website to visit for product! He claims he wouldn't leave the house if he had a computer... I am so tired of looking up a business in the yellow pages, calling the number, pressing more numbers to get to a live person and sometimes not even getting someone I can understand or communicate in English with. This is why I go to my computer- easier and faster.

Before I found satellite radio, I was a channel switcher. I can't stand endless babbling from DJ's and excessive advertising. Gimme the music. If I want to listen to people talk- there is a channel for that. If I want the news, there is a channel for that. If I want music- there is a channel for that too. It's the same with cable TV. We don't have to watch or listen to advertising, we can change the channel. It makes it difficult to sell advertising or widely market your product. Target marketing is where it's at, social networking is where it's going. Something to ponder...

The Power and Reward of Social Networking

A few months ago, a friend of mine sent me an invitation via email for Facebook. At that time, I said to myself- "yeah right, like I have the time for that..." My computer savvy is minimal, but getting better thanks to my son- who also helps me with my phone.. After speaking with my friend, she convinced me to try it. WOW!!!

In about 3 months, I have connected with old friends, schoolmates and family that I haven't had contact with for years. These people live all over the country, and one in Sweden. We have all had those thoughts- "what ever happened to so and so?" Now we have the potential to find out. I have connected with a high school friend that is a networking genius (thanks, Rex). He has opened my eyes to the endless possibilities of social networking.

Social Networking has helped my business grow by giving me invaluable contacts and the ability to personally reach out to customers without spending a fortune on advertising. If I need to purchase something, or find a service- I will go to my growing network of "friends" to find a solution and make my purchase. I have even found a bass guitar teacher for my son.

All in all, the most important "connection" I have made is finding my Dad. We had been out of touch for many years. Clicking the "add friend" button was the best (and hardest) thing I have ever done. Thanks Joann, for getting me started on this great journey.

Swine Flu??

With so many thoughts for my first post (I'll have lots to write in the future, so stay tuned), I have decided to blog about what is affecting my family the most. This week it is most definitely the "Swine Flu". Last Thursday, our schools were closed because of a potential case of the virus. My son attends a private school here, so his school followed the PCSD protocol. I can't say I blame them.

I'll admit, as a parent, I was concerned at first- maybe even a little paranoid. The hysteria the media created was unbelievable. I did not go into Park City until later that afternoon to work. As I drove into work that day, the schools were empty, and very few cars on the road. I almost thought I was in some type of movie- you know- the movies that have some disease and the whole town is shut down. As I approached my place of employment, I drove by our city park. It was packed! The skate park was filled to capacity, the volleyball and tennis courts all occupied with students and parents.

The media continues to create hysteria. The kids are going back to school tomorrow. I now have a month off. All of this makes me wonder... is it really that bad, or is it some type of agenda to make us believe it is that bad? Something to ponder...