Business and Personal Social Media Accounts are Different - Understand How!

In today’s society social media is used by the general public and by businesses worldwide. They both use social media to share events, photos, and stories of current or past events. The average person checks his or her social media accounts up to fifty times a day for updates. Additionally, when he or she post on social media for their personal account, they may think it is done in the same manner as posting for a business. While it is true, posting on social media for a business is similar to posting on a personal account, but there are some differences.

photo credit : Kyra Preston

For example, social media is filled everyday with thousands of family photos, vacation videos, and current events happening in the world from both types of accounts, personal and business. Additionally, both types of social media accounts are free to set up and to use. On the other hand, when a business or person posts on social media; a photo, video, or content, the post is seen by the online audience of both types of accounts. Furthermore, a business and a personal account are allowed to give their thoughts, in the form of content, about how they are feeling, or an option on some current topic happening in the world.  On the whole, both types of accounts are very similar.

On the contrary, the motive for why a business posts on social media is different then why a person post online. For the most part, when a business posts photos or videos on social media it is with the purpose of building a bond with the public.  Unlike a personal account, who’s motive for posting it to share information, events, and photos with family and friends.  While it is true, the online public can see posts for both types of accounts, a business will have to pay to have their posts seen by all the online audience. To this end, a business account is not free in the same way as a personal account on social media.

More specifically, the biggest difference between a personal social media account and a business social media account is in the content being posted. To illustrate, a business has the business’s brand to consider when posting content, photos, or videos. Similarly, a business is selling when posting emotional stories, photos, and videos on social media. As a result, the main reason a business posts on social media is to market, sell, and promote the business to the public. In contrast, the average person posts on social media to share his or her life with others. As a result, social media for business and personal use are similar, but they have different motives.     

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Sharp Realty

400 Union Hill Drive, Suite 300 Birmingham, Al 35209

205-879-1995

www.SharpRealty.com

Franchise Verses Traditional Business Owner - Which is best?

Many people dream of opening their own business but they are unsure what avenue will be best for their personality, time and money. Is franchising or being a traditional business owner best?

You must weigh the benefits and costs of both and determine which best fits your needs, life style and personality.

Here are six areas you should consider.

Control

When you start your own business, you're in control of every detail, large and small. This can be a blessing and a curse.  With a franchise business, you control your franchise unit in terms of the culture and values you set, and who you hire and fire, but you must follow the franchisor's operating system.

Business Operating system
If you're the creative, innovative type, starting your own business is the way to go. Most franchised businesses provide a complete, out-of-the-box ready to use operating business system.

Brand Awareness
Building brand awareness takes time and money. The advantage for franchise owners is the brand has been established over years or decades. Customers seek out the reliability and familiarity of their favorite brands.

Most Franchises have a set amount of money to spend on marketing or it is pooled together into a national marketing campaign. 

A single business owner must set aside money and/or time to do the marketing for the business. 

Equipment and supplies
Pros and Cons; Outfitting your new business with everything you need means researching what equipment to buy, finding suppliers, and negotiating deals. The pro is you can be creative and think outside the box.  The con is it can cost a lot of time and money with a small margin for error.

Franchisors can provide invaluable help in knowing both what and how much to buy - often at reduced prices and they have the styles picked out for you.

Training
You may be the best at what you do, but do you know how to manage a business, hire and train employees, market your product or service, keep the books, etc.? When you start your own business, you must learn all these things or hire someone who does.

Franchisors provide new franchisees with extensive training in every aspect of their new business.

Location

We have all heard, location, location, location!

As a small business owner you need the best location to attract the buying customers to your store front. Doing research and contacting an experienced Commercial Realtor who knows your area is all part of starting on your own. 

Most franchises have done all the research for you and they know where you should open your store front.

No matter what you decide, run your business with passion and determination to succeed!

Sharp Realty, LLC.

400 Union Hill Suite 300

Birmingham, Al. 35209

Phone: 205-879-1995

www.sharprealty.com

Other topics:
How being organized in a multi-tasking world ensures business success? 

Make a Good Impression: 5 Ways ToSpruce Up the Office

3 Basics of Business Branding for Small Business Today

Business is thriving in Washington Indiana, what is the secret?

The Cherry Tree Plaza is hot with activity of customers and retail stores thriving in this Washington, Indiana shopping complex.

The current businesses located in the plaza include Peebles Department Store, Jay C Foods, Orscheln Farm & Home, Trader Baker’s Flea Market, GNC, Radio Shack, Southern Wireless, Fiesta Salon, Hibbett Sports, Jimbo's Pizza & Wings and Great Wall Restaurant.

New stores added in 2013:
Smooth You Med Spa & Boutique
108 Cherry Tree Plaza
Washington, Indiana 47501
(812) 254-6810

About: Smooth You is a place where all your skincare needs can be met with our numerous products and specialized services. We are located in Cherry Tree Plaza in Washington, IN. Sharon Cullen, R.N. is the owner of Smooth You.

Visit them on Facebook.  

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Four Stars Books & Games
107 Cherry Tree Plaza
Washington, IN 47501
(812) 259-2035

About: We love entertainment! Video games (New & Retro), DVDs, Books, Electronics, Vinyl, Comics, and RPG Books and Dice! PC repair with FREE estimates! We Buy, Sell, and Trade!

Here at Four Star: Books And Games we pride ourselves in 4 STAR QUALITY REPAIRS at the lowest possible prices! Don’t throw your money away on a new system. Make your electronics last longer, and operate more efficiently! Let us keep your electronics like new, and keep more cash in your pocket!  

Four Star: Books And Games - because if it’s not the best, it just isn’t worth it!

Visit them on Facebook.

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EyeWorks
109 Cherry Tree Plaza
Washington, Indiana 47501
(512) 254-1600

About: Glasses and Contacts in about one hour!

We are a full service optometric practice. We have 5 full time optometrists on staff along with 3 visiting Opthalmologists, one being a retinal specialist. We perform full eye health examinations, along with fitting glasses and all types of contact lenses. We have the largest inventory of the latest eyeglasses and contact lenses in the area. We also have a state of the art computerized optical lab to produce the finest eyeglasses for you in about one hour.

Visit them on Facebook. 

Expanded in 2013:
Anytime Fitness
101 Cherry Tree Plaza
Washington, Indiana 47501
(812) 254-2200

About: 24 Hour Fitness Club with Personal Training and Tanning available.
Visit them on Facebook.

How to be successful in small business in 2014?
One of most important things is having the right location for your business. Sharp Realty has been helping businesses find the best locations for over 20 years, let us help you!

Get your business in the right location!
Commercial Space available for lease in Washington, Indiana and other locations throughout the United States.
Management Team: Rhonda Lusco, 205-879-1995

Realtor to view the Plaza: Shelley Brinson, 512-254-5204

At Cherry Tree:
Suite 100 @ 2,000 sf

Suite 112 @ 910 sf

Suite 114 @ 5,425 sf

Suite 116 @ 1,200 sf

Sharp Realty, LLC.

400 Union Hill Suite 300

Birmingham, Al. 35209

Phone: 205-879-1995

www.sharprealty.com

Other topics:
How being organized in a multi-tasking world ensures business success? 

Make a Good Impression: 5 Ways ToSpruce Up the Office
3 Basics of Business Branding for Small Business Today

The #1 Video Game And Electronic Store In Daviess County!
Your One Stop Entertainment Shop!

4 Easy Ways to Go Green in Business and Save Money in 2015

Business owners seek ways to cut cost constantly but can they help the environment at the same time?  Yes, below are 4 easy ways to Go Green in business and save money in 2015.

    1. Stop printing and using paper.

Start 2015 by implementing a policy of storing information on the company server or a secure cloud server. Use paper file only as needed. By stopping printing you save ink, paper, storage space and most of the environment. 

    2. Use LED lights.
LEDs, or light-emitting diodes, are a form of solid-state lighting that is extremely efficient and long-lasting. LEDs that are EnergyStar-qualified should provide stable light output over their projected lifetime.

    3. Power off computer and laptops.

    When not in use power off any electronics in the office. Computers and monitors account for half the electricity used in an office and energy is being wasted every day, even by "energy saving" hardware. With every workstation on standby mode, the electricity meter continues to tick over at an alarming rate. 

    

    4. Use other transportation or hybrid vehicles.

   Convert your company vehicles to a hybrid vehicle or alternative transportation such as biking.

Keep your goal of ways to go green in your business, it will pay off for you and the environment.

Blog Content and photos: Sharp Realty

Sharp Realty
400 Union Hill Drive, Suite 300  Birmingham, Al. 35209
205-879-1995www.sharprealty.com


Leasing Commercial Retail Locations Nationwide.
Other topic:

Why Business Retailers should Embrace Social Media?

6 Smart Tips for Leasing Commercial Real Estate.

5 Ways to Reduce Cost the First Few Years of Operating a Retail Business 

How being organized in a multi-tasking world ensures business success?

We are all multi-tasking, running businesses and our lives.  Although at times, it may feel like they are running us. One sure way to stay on top of it all is to have a system for organization.  Below are a few tips to stay organized for success.

1.   Touch things only once:  So much time is wasted by touching things over and over again. How many times have you opened a file or mail and moved it from one pile to another in your office? Doing this is a big time waster and leads to clutter in the business.  When you start something, complete it and put it where it belongs immediately.

2.   Schedule your day:  At the start each day make a schedule for your day’s activities.  This will help you stay on track and have a more productive and successful day.  Add fun time in your schedule.  A walk outside for ten minutes each day can help clear and open your mind.

3.   Give yourself a time line: Putting a time stamp on our daily activities helps you focus and stay on point.  When you have a start time, and more importantly an end time, you are more likely to complete tasks rather than putting them off until later. Later never comes!

4.   Organize your messages: Plan a time to respond to emails, phone messages, text and social media.  If it is not an emergency, have a set time to handle all of the above. Do not feel you have to respond immediately to everything. This disturbs your train of thought and waste time in the day.

   
  
5.   Designate a place for things in your business:  Do you at times feel overwhelmed when you see piles of things that need to be done?  Have a designated place for everything. This helps by keeping things clean, organized and you can find things when you need them.

 

Following all or a few of these tips will make our days more productive and successful.  Please share your tips of organization with us below. Blog by Sharp Realty, Commercial Retail Locations Nationwide.

 

 

Sharp Realty

400 Union Hill Drive, Suite 300 Birmingham, Al. 35209

205-879-1995

www.sharprealty.com
Leasing Commercial Retail Locations Nationwide.

Other topic:
4 Time Management Tips for Small Business Owners
6 Smart Tips for Leasing Commercial Real Estate. 5 Ways to Reduce Cost the First Few Years of Operating a Retail Business

 http://www.sharprealty.com

Retail Therapy: What does it mean today?

First coined in the 80’s, retail therapy has changed its meaning and face. Once used to describe people who needed to fill a void, today retail therapy has become more a family event that is enjoyed by all.

 

People love to shop! And they love it more when they find a bargain!

One such place to spend time shopping for great deals on a variety of items for the whole family is at the Northport Corners in Northport Alabama.

  

The stores in the Northport Corners Plaza include:
Nancy & Co Fine Jewelers
Catos
Hibbett Sporting Goods
HoneyBake Ham
K-Mart
Bedzz Express
Check Advance
GNC
Celebration Bakery
Subway
Arby’s
Taco Bell

Northport is a city in Tuscaloosa County in the west central part of the State of Alabama. Located on the Black Warrior River across from downtown Tuscaloosa.

Come visit the stores soon and let us know how you found us!

Blog Content and photos:
Sharp Realty



Sharp Realty
400 Union Hill Drive, Suite 300  Birmingham, Al. 35209
205-879-1995
www.sharprealty.com


Leasing Commercial Retail Locations Nationwide.

Other topic:
4 Time Management Tips for Small Business Owners
6 Smart Tips for Leasing Commercial Real Estate.
5 Ways to Reduce Cost the First Few Years of Operating a Retail Business

5 Important questions to ask your property management company before leasing a retail space.

You may have heard the three most important factors when starting a business is location, location, location. Yes, location is vital to your business success but equally important is the relationship you maintain with your property management landlord.  

Just as every property is distinctly different, so are the companies that manage them. You are going to be in an ongoing relationship with the property management company and it is essential that the lines of communication be and remain open.   

Rhonda Lusco, property manager of Sharp Realty, suggests meeting with your management team while still in the searching phase for available commercial space to lease.

Have your written questions ready ahead of time and be clear on what your expectations are, not only for the answer but how they are answered. For example, does the management team seem to be flexible and easy to deal with or are they fixed on “these are our rules no exceptions”.  Know what is important to you before the meeting. 

Below are a few questions you may what to consider.

1. What the expectations of the leasing agency is regards to rent payment, utilities, garage or snow removal each month?

2. Can you put displays in the front of your store? Is so, are there any restrictions?

3. Who is for responsible signage, and how is it handled?

4. Is the management company promoting foot traffic the business complex and how?

5. What are the procedures when renewing the lease or if expansion is needed?

Being prepared and having your answers before you lease will save a lot of time, money and discontent.  Most of all establish a good relationship with the property manager that is built on open communication.

Sharp Realty has served the served the commercial Real Estate community for over 20 years. Contact Sharp Realty to discuss our commercial space needs.

Sharp Realty
400 Union Hill Drive, Suite 300 Birmingham, Al 35209
Phone:205-879-1995
www.sharprealty.com



 

4 Smarter Time Management Tips for Small Business Owners

In this world of instant gratification time management is something that all small businesses seem to struggle with.  But maximizing your time is vital for businesses to stay successful. Below are a few tips to manage your time better.

1.  Make Time for Training: The biggest time-waster for most retail managers is answering employee's questions about mundane tasks.

If you find yourself getting a lot of routine queries, you probably haven't trained your employees adequately.

When you compile your to-do list, make teaching something new to your people one of your daily priorities. 

2. Take control: Practice not answering the phone just because it's ringing and e-mails just because they show up.

Disconnect instant messaging. Instead, schedule a time to answer email and return phone calls.

3.  Take the first 30 minutes of every day to plan your day. Don't start your day until you complete your time plan. The most important time of your day is the time you schedule to schedule time. 

4. Take five minutes before every task to decide what result you want to attain. This will help you know what success looks like before you start. Take five minutes after each task to determine whether your desired result was achieved.

Let us know how you feel about these tips.
Blog by Sharp Realty and Management.


Commercial Real Estate Office and retail location space for lease throughout the United States. Contact us for details.

Sharp Realty

400 Union Hill Drive, Suite 300 Birmingham, Al 35209

205-879-1995

www.SharpRealty.com