OK AR Member's, do you ever feel a little awkward whipping out your........CAMERA because you saw the potential of a great ActiveRain Localism BLOG about a local shop, restaurant, or event but didn't have the courage to snap away?
Well don't anymore! As ActiveRain member's we are given a great SEO tool thanks to AR to help spread the word about everything and anything in our local communities. I for one will never take Localism for granted again.
Recently I visited a local shop and had an AH-HA Blogging Moment and I wanted to share it with the community....but I was afraid to whip out my camera for fear of the employees or in this case the owner's would wonder what I was up to.....what did I want.....or start dialing 911! Don't ask me why but I always have these guilty feelings.
So after touring the store and meeting the owner's I ASKED (how simple is that!) if they would mind me taking some pictures and blogging about their great local shop. At first they looked puzzled and were unaware of blogging but said "Sure!" I told them I would send them a copy of the blog when it was done. I still think they might have thought "what does she want" but I am glad they obliged.
Boy am I glad I had the courage to ASK and whip it out! :)
The owner's were so happy with my Localism blog they sent me a lovely email thank you.
From one owner............
Thank you so much!!!! Your blog was fantastic! I'm not real computer savvy when it comes to putting together anything like what you did for the shop and really appreciate your blogging our store.
Thanks again, as a mom and pop store off the beaten track we need all the exposure we can get.
Then another owner..........
You wrote a very lovely article about "Jack's Nuts"....I thank you kindly...We appreciate it and are very thankful for all the props that we can get............
I thank you much for paying tribute...You are very kind.
To top it off they sent me another email letting me know that a local realtor stopped in after reading my blog!! How cool is that!
So long blog short, if you haven't had the courage to whip it out and spread the word about wonderful local events, restaurants or shops in your community I dare you to do it now! You will be helping your community and your business! And who doesn't need that? :)
Thanks AR!
1st Stage Property Transformations
I have been doing this in my area and the local shop owners are extatic. I even took a picture the other day at a stop light to write a blog about gas prices!
Janice,
It's a great way to network w/in your local community as well. Hopefully, you got some free nuts and stuff, too??
I have caught myself thinking of taking pictures and I should because of localism.
Hi Janice,
Blogging has certainly changed the way I think about my daily activities, including photo taking!
Don't forget me if you learn of anyone moving to "The OC!"
Michael
(949) 753-7900
Excellent way to build relationships to. You just got a potential client and even more leads and referrals from that shop owner.
LOL! LOVED the hook into reading this (your subject line) and yes, I do feel awkward doing it but am getting much better about it :-))
This made me chuckle because I've felt that way too. Great blog and I'm so glad the owners loved it!
Heidi :)
Janice, great post! I hadn't really thought of doing this, now I will have to put this info to good use!
Actually that is why I love my camera phone, I always forget to bring my camera....but I always have my phone :)
thanks for the encouragement to be a little more "out there". You're right, most people are really gracious once you come out of your shell a little.
Michelle - Keep up the good work! It can get addicting.
Lanette- It's funny I never really looked at it as networking....I thought I was just helping other's. I guess what goes around really comes around!
Mike- Yes you should! Localism is a priceless marketing tool. I look forward to your Pleasanton Localism post!
Michael- Good for you! What did we do before blogging? :)
Larry - Isn't that the cool part. I truly never expect anything in return. But referrals are always welcomed!!
Kris - Ha! Originally the title was going to be Locals are Loco about Localism! But that was just too boring and you probably wouldn't have stopped on by! Glad you are getting better and stepping out of your comfort zone. Thanks for visiting!
Heidi - It pays to ASK! After I asked I was running around from corner to corner like I owned the place trying to get the best pic! :)
Tony & Darcy - Thank you. I am glad I could help you get moving on another AR priceless tool!
Sue - Yeah....my cell phone has come in handy too! What would we do without them.
Janna - You're right! The more I think about it who wouldn't LOVE FREE PRESS!
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Janice That was so nice of you to Whip It Out...I guess I can be rude that way I usually don't ask I just whip it out. You know Im not shy !
Janice it really does pay off when you help out someone else with their business. I am sure they will send you referrals for helping them out.
That is great that they told you I stopped by!!! And I agree with you we should not be afraid to "Whip It Out".
Janice, I love this, I ask as well! If they know what blogging is they're usually fine with it--AND it helps their business. I'm not shy, I ask away :)
this is very funny, it drives my significant other crazy, I am always saying, "wow, this would be a great blog article' , if you are not a blogger you would never understand I guess
Janice, Like you I'm sometimes hesitant but I'm getting over it; for just the reason you wrote about. My women's group just had a fundraiser and there was supposed to be a photographer who didn't show up so it was good that I was on hand.
Janice - I stop frequently around town and whip it out, but I haven't done that in a business yet. That's agreat idea. I've read quite a few posts on AR about local events and businesses, I just need to remember to do that. Thanks for sharing.
What a great idea Janice I would have never thought of it like that.
Fernando - Yes my friend...you are NOT SHY! That's why we love you! :)
Bill - It feels really great to help others. Pay it forward!
Jane - I was so happy to hear you stopped in. Don't you love that place?
Carole- Thanks! It's great to help other's. I guess that is my problem I am a little shy.
Slowly stepping out of my box.
James - Ha ha.....it use to drive my husband crazy....now he's like "Where's your camera?"
Marchel- That is great that you were on hand to help out the women's group. Did you blog about it? I will have to go check out your site.
Lynn - You're welcome! Business need all the help they can get. Whipping it forward!! :)
Joyce- Glad you like the idea. Localism is a great marketing too. Take advantage of it!
Janice - You had me at "whipping out"... I agree, the folks that I've asked have been grateful to have "free" publicity about their business... Love your post.
Debbie - Ha ha! Thanks for loving my post and for stopping by...even if I did trick ya a little!
In this economy anything free is a blessing!
Hi Janice!
Great Blog and great idea!!! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Howard
Howard - Thank you! Have a wonderful & successful New Year!!
Janice,
Thank you for this, I am still a little apprehensive after all this time about asking shop owners and worry about their reaction.
ASK!?! Why didn't I think of that?
Cynthia - You are very welcome! I was concerned to...but after the positive feedback NO MORE! :)Start asking and whipping it out!!
Tony & Libby - That's what I was thinking....duh! Now I am so glad I ask. You will be pleasantly surprised when you do!
I admit it... sometimes I feel like citizen journalist... and it feels a bit silly... but oh well. :-)
It may take some guts, which will be difficult for me, but I can see the value in doing it. You can create some great localism posts, advertise a business, get your name out there, and build a clientele all at the same time. It's just a matter of taking that first step, and not being afraid.
Chuck - Ha ha...I hear ya! Maybe we should wear Reporter/Blogger hats. :)
Troy - Exactly! Don't be afraid......this economy needs you now more then ever!! Start whipping it out!