Mapping Software for Tourism
I love new things! Yesterday I learned about mapping software. You can use Google or you can use ArcGIS to create maps you share links to, or embed in your website. I went to ArcGIS, created a free account and map a map that shows places where activities are taking place in Hampton, Iowa on…
Social Media Conferences in Iowa
There’s a couple of social media conferences coming to Iowa in 2012. I’m lucky in that I’ll be speaking at both! Jody Halsted and the Amana Colonies are hosting the Social Technology Conference at the Amana Colonies – and you won’t want to miss this one. Geared towards small businesses, there will be a lot…
What do you look like?
When was the last time you upgraded your head shots? You do use head shots, right? If you have a business, you market online, you need head shots. Good ones. If you can, find a local photographer and hire him/her. If that doesn’t fit in your budget, be creative. Approach the photography class at a…
The Little Drummer Boy
Today’s guest blogger is Melanie Mayberry. Mel writes about stewardship, and I believe Thanksgiving is the perfect time to talk about how we are (or are not) stewards. I would guess nearly everyone sings along to the familiar tune of “pa rum pa pum pum” this time of year. In the lyrics, the singer relates…
140 Character Conference – Iowa
We’ve set a date. April 23, 2012. Soon we’ll need speakers, volunteers and sponsors. Will we see you there?
Month Zero Starts in 10 Days
I think it’s a good idea to start on goals early. You know, warm up. Get ready for the next year. Be prepared, hit the ground running. Step One: Look at what I said I wanted to do this year 1. Utilize my skills as a blog writer and teach other people how to use Headway Theme…
The Power of One Product
I live in a county of 10,000 people. Our Chamber has renamed themselves to the Greater Franklin County Chamber of Commerce – so we can reach out to all the parents and students in our community. That bumps up our count to almost 15,000 people. Our county seat, Hampton, grew by 4% in the last…
Facebook Ideas for Christmas
I believe the statistics are staggering for this time of year. 80-90% of the entire year for a small retail business is earned in the months of November and January. That’s a big deal. It’s a huge weight to carry around as well. So how can social media make a difference? Please note I do…
How are you using your talent?
Today in church the preacher talked about the Parable of the Talents. Matthew 25:14-30 My interpretation is: The master went away, but before he went he gave one slave 5 talents (in those days, a talent was a monetary unit), 1 slave two talents and 1 slave 1 talent. The guy with 5 and 2…
How’s that rural broadband thing coming along?
Let’s clear up a few things first. What is broadband? According to www.broadband.gov: What is Broadband? The term broadband commonly refers to high-speed Internet access that is always on and faster than the traditional dial-up access. How is broadband different from dial-up service? Broadband service provides higher-speed of data transmission. It allows more content to…