Nearly every small to medium sized business owner in America has heard someone tout the importance of social media marketing. And while that fact is not so surprising, that so many business owners have failed to effectively begin to utilize social media to gain additional exposure for their businesses is a bit of a surprise. Perhaps there are a litany of reasons to explain the slow rate at which American business owners have adopted social media. As many of today's business owners didn't grow up with a computer on their desk, just booting up their PC and resolving to a desktop feels like a major accomplishment! Despite this, time and technology continue to march on leaving many good businesses out of step!

The coming of spring reminds us all that life is cyclical in nature. It can be something as simple as the blooming of a magnolia tree, or the flowering of the honeysuckle telling us all that nature is awakening from her winter sleep. Southwest Florida certainly has some very unique signs letting us know what is, most likely, approaching. And while each season is, of course, unique in so many ways, there are some very predictable aspects to the arrival of spring and, ultimately, summer in our corner of the world.

 In the age of social media, businesses that build and maintain a Facebook® presence, can closely monitor their online growth. They can actually measure with nearly pinpoint accuracy the effectiveness of every post made! The simple fact the so many business owners don't understand the value of having such a page for their own business, doesn't mean that their competitors haven't discovered the edge that having one has given them! Maybe one of the funniest excuses ever given for not having a Facebook® page is that many small business owners say their customers wouldn't use it!

Should you be one of those unfortunates, who is party to this misguided logic, here's an update; Your customers are on Facebook® and, yes, they have already noticed that your business is not!

If you're suprised, you shouldn't be! ~ But, if you're having a hard time getting started with building your business Facebook® page, we can help to put your business on the right track!

 

Sometimes it nice to be thought of as an underdog! Especially if you really believe in what you bring to the contest! The FGCU ( Florida Gulf Coast University) Men's Basketball squad are experiencing that sensation now. The War Eagles have achieved a history making 'Cinderella story' status by reaching 2013's NCAA March Madness 'Sweet 16' Tournament as a Number 15 seed! Southwest Florida's FGCU's website is buzzing! Sources say the Athletic website has crashed twice! Phones are ringing and form email inquiries are flooding the Admissions office's inbox. In a period of less than a week, some local school administrators have seen a large part of the free world discover their school, while the world focuses upon the talented team of young men that comprise the FGCU War Eagles. Not only does the glass slipper fit, they wear it well! 

Image Courtesy: FGCU - Ft. Myers

One of the five principals of yoga is called Pranayama, or breathing exercise. The word "prana" translates to mean “life force”. Proper breathing deals with the need of our brain and vital organs to receive the oxygen they require. As breathing is the only way to supply our bodies this oxygen, the importance of proper breathing techniques becomes obvious. What may not be so obvious, however, is the fact that Hindu or Vedic philosophy regarding the science of breathing dates back thousands of years. It was first referenced in Upanishads around 400 BC.

Persons who have lived in Florida for a few years have, most likely, seen a manatee. They are plentiful year round. Given the fact that manatees live and dwell in waters that are continuing to diminish in size and cleanliness, some recent rises in manatee mortality can be attributed to that fact. However, with more than 170 deaths so far this year, Florida's manatee population is facing a loss of record numbers! Experts with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute have seen a dramatic rise in the number of manatee deaths related to red tide. This fact has raised concern among other experts around the state. Given the manatee's sensitivity to cold, pollution and other factors, as well as the lengthy gestation period associated with their reproduction, the outlook seems bleak for one of Florida's most beloved and endangered creatures.

Whether it was a feature story on the nightly news, or an article that got read awaiting the dentist, nearly every American has heard something about Green Living. While many Americans practice daily green living, too many do not! For many, green living is just another fancy expression denoting practices of those "tree-hugger" types. Still others will admit to having no idea about the meaning of the expression. The truth is that everyone's knowledge and awareness of the concept fits somewhere within those parameters. What about yours? If you are one of the people who has always wanted to better understand green living (and possibly implement some of those principles into your own life), we can help! Here are eight simple ways that you can begin living green!

During the winter months in southwest Florida, many residents are fortunate to entertain visitors from out-of-state. Whether family, friends or significant others, these occasions call for special meals, special events and, of course, special desserts! In keeping with that SWFL hospitality tradition, here is a special dessert that is perfect for entertaining! According to Cindy Ann from Hagerstown, Maryland;

This makes an excellent cheesecake, similar to one you would get in a restaurant. Great for special occasions! Garnish with white chocolate curls if desired.

The 5th Annual March in the Park is an plant and garden art sale put on by The Garden Club of Cape Coral. The event takes place at Jaycee Park in Cape Coral, on Saturday, March 9th from 9:00am until 3:00pm.