Social media – or social mediocre?

Social media is about connecting us to other people, and allowing us to access topics, information, and entertainment. It can also be just another distraction that decreases what little productivity there is to begin with. Never before in the history of man (or woman) have so many people had so much access to so much technology – but no idea how to utilize even the smallest fraction of it.

Word of advice: Like my grandfather always said “Don’t ever get a tattoo where the judge can see it” If you do end up diving into social media – just remember that everything you say and do will be on the internet forever!

Never before in the history of man has so much technology been available to so many people who have absolutely no idea what to do with it.

“Outside a dog – a book is man’s best friend. Inside a dog – it’s too dark to read” – Groucho Marx

Antisocial Media: In our anything goes reality TV world are too many people sharing too much information? The old saying was that “any exposure is good exposure” – but I don’t think that is true anymore. People lose jobs because employers see their drunken party photos on MySpace. Houses get robbed when people post that they are not home on face book. And you never know for sure who you are really talking to. Maybe it’s time for AntiSocial Media? Maybe we all should start being more mysterious?

GSCC Premier Volunteer

SARASOTA, Fla. (June 17, 2009) –The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce recognized Syd Krawczyk with the Premier Volunteer Award at Sarasota Prime Time – exhibit • meet • greet Wednesday, June 17 in recognition of his outstanding volunteer service.

Syd Krawczyk was presented the Premier Volunteer Award for his significant volunteer contribution, leadership positions held, commitment to The Chamber and special achievements.

Syd Krawczyk is president of Concept Digital Media, Inc., which offers Web site design, photography and graphic art to Sarasota, Bradenton and the surrounding areas. A Chamber member since 2005, Krawczyk is active in various Chamber activities and committees. His committee involvement includes Chamber Partners serving on the PNL Steering Committee, chairing the new First Monday events and serving on the B.A.N.G (Business and Networking Groups) steering committee.

In addition to Syd's committee involvement, he also volunteers his professional photography services at various Chamber events.

The award honors a Chamber member for exemplary volunteer service within The Chamber and is based upon the level of volunteer contributions that the member has made and the degree to which the general membership has benefited. Many factors are examined in the review process such as number of hours volunteered, leadership positions held, special achievements and overall impact of the volunteer’s involvement and service.

Prime Time was hosted by the Sahib Shrine Center and featured 50 exhibitors as well as complimentary hors d'oeuvres provided by five Chamber member restaurants. The next Prime Time will be held at the Polo Grill & Bar September 16.

Need a website?

Would you try to run a business without having a phone number where potential clients could reach you?

What about trying to offer a service and not having transportation to get to your jobs?

If you do not have a company website, you may be severely limiting your exposure to potential clients. You may work 60 hours a week – but your website will be up 24/7/365 as your company’s representative. You need a website that is informative, interactive, easy to navigate, and reflects your professional image.

Many people do not take a business seriously if they do not have a website – it’s just that simple. Unfortunately, if you have a bad website – it reflects poorly on you as well. It seems like everyone is claiming they do website design lately, so if you do need a website, please do a little homework before you hire someone to insure you get the best site possible for your budget.

Concept Digital Media, Inc. offers CAI members professional web design that grows with you and your company. We tailor our services to your specific needs because we understand all businesses are not alike. We can get you started with a basic website package and first year of hosting for as low as $500.00. Our flexible, and easily expandable web design platform, will change with your growing needs. We offer SEO, Social Media Optimization, Photography, and Graphic Art.

Please give me a call if you have any questions. As a small business owner myself – I like to see other businesses succeed, and it would be my pleasure to help you in any way I can,

- Syd

Prepare for Hurricane Season

Hurricane Season is just around the corner - make sure you and your family is prepared.

Locate a safe room or the safest areas in your home. In certain circumstances the safest areas may not be your home but within your community.

Pick an alternate meeting place in case your home cannot be reached

Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact, so all your family members have a single point of contact.

Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and make sure your children know how and when to call 911.

Know how to disconnect/switch off all utilities

Install smoke detectors and test them on a regular basis to ensure that they are working properly

Take a first aid course

Make plans for anyone in your family who may have special needs: (e.g. the elderly or small children) and also for your pets.

Have a family disaster kit - Always store your kit in a convenient place and in an easy-to-carry bag:

· Water: store water in plastic containers, 1 gallon of water per person for each day, allowing for up to 3 days.

· Food: store non-perishable food and ready-to-eat canned meats and vegetables, juices, soups, and high energy foods (e.g., peanut butter, nuts and dry cereals, candy, coffee and tea, sugar, salt, vitamins, biscuits).

· First-aid kit: bandages, adhesive tape, scissors, needles, antiseptic, pins, latex gloves and cleaning agents. Also include all prescribed medicine and non prescription medicine for pain, anti diarrhea antacid, laxative and something which may be used for poison control (e.g., syrup of ipecac or activated charcoal).

· Tools and supplies: battery operated radio and batteries, flashlight, tape, needles and thread, plastic sheeting, paper and pencil, matches (keep in water proof container), whistle, can opener, fire extinguisher, garbage bags.

· Personal hygiene products: toilet paper, feminine supplies, disinfectant, chlorine bleach, toothbrushes and toothpaste.

· Clothing, shoes and bedding.

· Important family documents should be kept in a safety deposit box along with a complete home asset inventory. If a safety deposit box is unavailable - documents should be kept in a water proof, portable container: including wills, insurance policies, deeds and stocks, passports, bank account details and credit card information, as well as other family records, such as birth/marriage certificates.

Remember: practice the family plan and maintain the supply kit, by rotating your food and water supplies and by regularly checking your batteries.