To Blog or NOT to Blog

That is the question.  I thought maybe I should start blogging and then I remembered "I already have a blog."  So hi, Im here, and we will see how this goes... I'll either think about it again tomorrow, or I will forget about it for two more years.  lol.


I am pondering the question, "Does one even need a blog?"  With twitter, Facebook, websites, blah blah blah blah blah... what do we need blogs for?  Maybe for rambling on... like a online journal that anyone can read whenever they want?  Hmmm.... useful or not?  We shall see....

Downtown Redding… finally a Northern California Destination...

1. Shop, Relax, Dine & Enjoy Downtown Redding

Downtown Redding is quickly becoming a trendy, happening place, and residents would say, “its about time!” Over the last few years, many streets and buildings in the downtown area of Redding have been renovated, remodeled, and added to. Not only is the old downtown mall, now an outdoor promenade, but it also hosts most of the downtown events such as Kool April Nites Show & Shine, and the Redding Beer and Wine Festival. The Market Street Promenade is home to Need 2 Speed, many shops, café`s, and is less than a block from the Cascade Theater and Marketfest – a summer favorite event for locals. Downtown Redding has also become a new hub for nightlife with several trendy clubs, winebars, and excellent restaurants such as Carnege’s and Market Street Steakhouse. For a full list of downtown businesses visit vivadowntownredding.com or call 530.243.7773.

Rafting in Redding…

1. Take a Leisurely Raft Down the Sacramento River

Rafting down the Sacramento River is one of the best activities Redding has to offer, one of the most relaxing on a warm summer day as well! Rent the finest rafts and equipment for a scenic float with gentle rapids down the Sacramento River from Redding to Anderson. They will meet you in Anderson to shuttle you and your gear back to your car at the conclusion of the trip. Parking, shuttle and all necessary equipment are included with the raft rental. Join the crew for a guided trip on the scenic Sacramento River thru Redding. See wildlife and waterfowl and discover the “Urban Wilderness” at the heart of Redding. Rafting is an ideal activity for family, friends, and business groups. All rafting trips begin with a safety and navigation clinic. The clinic describes the water hazards on the river, how to avoid then, and general rafting technique. They will highlight the important landmarks you need to know. If you are first-timers and need more information before heading out, it is not a problem. The crew at North Country Raft Rental will help you as long as it takes to get your raft crew ready and up to speed for the day on the river. North Country Raft Rental is located next to Turtle Bay Exploration Park. Rafting season starts Memorial Day Weekend and runs until Labor Day Weekend (weather permitting). Launch times are 9:00, 10:30, and Noon on weekends and pickups in Anderson are at 1:00, 3:00, and 5:00pm. Monday through Friday launch time is at Noon and pickup is at 5:00pm. Schedule and times are subject to change and availability, please call for updated information at 530.244.4281.

So you started a facebook page… now what?

You know it’s a important ingredient in modern marketing. You’ve set up your Facebook page, started a Twitter account, and maybe posted a few photo albums on Flick’r. You may have even started Plaxo, Linked In, or others, just to make sure you didn’t miss anything. But now what? Beyond updating posts and requesting/accepting friend requests, what do you need to do?

Things not to forget:

1. DISCUSS & SHARE

a. Focus on what people come here for. The share and discuss their interests. Social Media is different then any of your other marketing or advertising mediums. You can’t apply the tactics you use elsewhere here. People are here for conversation.

2. BE “GIVING”

a. Think “Give.” Give information, give discounts, give links to additional products, host events to give more.

3. SYNC IT

a. Sync FB with Twitter, Plaxo, Linked In, and Flick’r. Among other social sites, you can sync them all so you can manage ONE. This way you are not only getting to your FB “friends,” but to everyone following you at the same time.

4. Update, Update, Update

a. Keep updating. The more active you are, the more visitors and customers you will attract. Keep engaging the visitor & customer by coming up with enticing conversation.

b. Make sure its not always about “your company.” Remember that people come here to discuss you personally. Even though everyone is aware that Social Media is a great marketing tool for businesses, they do not want to be constantly marketed to, or constantly given discounts or advertisements like a T.V. ad or a telemarketer. They want something REAL. The “real” part has to come from you.

5. LISTEN TO YOUR VISITORS

a. Respond to comments & questions in a timely manner. If you walk in to someone’s business and the person behind the counter ignores you, you would leave right? Same goes for your social sites. Don’t ignore your potential customers.

b. Ask them what they want. Give them what they want. Need I add to that?

c. Participate in your visitors activities and comment on their comments and complaints. Give suggestions and links that may be helpful to them. Build trust.

d. Use Applications wisely. Find Applications that compliment your business and link your customers to them.

6. SHARE A LOT

a. Like mentioned before, sharing and discussing are most important. Write a blog. Sync your blog site with your social sites.

b. SHARE YOUR WEBSITE. A LOT.

Things NOT to do:

1. DON’T JUST TALK ABOUT YOURSELF

a. Customers will loose interest in your page if all you do is advertise yourself. They are here mostly for conversation. Engage it.

2. DON’T INGNORE CRITISISM

a. Embrace it. Listen to what people say about your brand or services. Take it as an opportunity and try to solve related issues.

3. DON’T FORGET TO BE CONSISTENT

a. Don’t contradict yourself. Make sure the message is always the same.

4. DON’T WRITE A BOOK

a. Don’t give all the information about your business on your page. Leave something up for questions. You want people to ask you things. If all the information is there, then there is no need for them to engage conversation with you. Keep to short summaries.

5. DON’T BE A FOLLOWER

a. Don’t include new ideas to your pages because your competitor is doing it. Individuality counts for A LOT with social media. The competitor may have found an edge. Find a different one or veer off of that good idea and create your own.

REMEMBER:

Listen, Talk, Energize, Embrace, Support.

#6 of 101 Things To Do, Shasta (written by Julie)

1. Step into Blacklight Minigolf Warpzone

In 2010 Need 2 Speed public indoor kart racing expanded it’s Family Entertainment Center to include Black light 3D Miniature Golf to the South end of it’s current location in the Downtown Plaza. Starting in 2010 Need 2 Speed brought a state of the art Black light minute golf in to enhance it’s current family entertainment. With 3 Dimensional props, glowing effects and sound system, along with interactive putting holes, Need 2 Speed’s Miniature golf will make you feel you are right in the middle of racing action. The indoor Black light glow in the dark 18-hole course is built around a motor sports theme. With such holes that feature; NASCAR, NHRA, Monster Truck, World of Outlaw, Motocross, Quads/Sand Rail, IHBA, Formula 1, and Classic Car. Call (530) 246-RACE.

www.n2skarts.com

Do you have a Need 2 Speed? (as written by my friend Julie DePrada)

1. Do you have a Need 2 Speed?

Race your friends and family in an emission-free, climate-controlled, indoor racing facility. If you’re looking for something really entertaining to do in the Redding area and ‚ feel the need for speed, head over to Need 2 Speed Electric Kart Racing. This is terrific fun for both adults and kids (if you’re over 8 years old and over 48” tall). This unique facility offers over half a mile of European-style road courses featuring three different track configurations. There’s the Mini-Grand Prix (for junior kart racing), the Grand Prix (for adult kart racing), and the Super Grand Prix (which is the Mini-Grand and Grand Prix tracks combined). Need 2 Speed’s karts are battery-powered, 20-horsepower, authentic European racing karts. They are made in Italy and have the ability to race at speeds of over 45 mph. They have a high torque output for rapid acceleration, giving the word “zoom” a whole new meaning. There is an electronically adjustable power output to ensure evenly matched karts. It’s clean, quiet and produces no gas or fumes.

Whether you’re a race enthusiast, a backseat driver, or a mom who just wants to show the kids how a racecar should really be driven, you’re bound to have a great time. Bring the family for a one-of-a-kind play day. Need 2 Speed has authentic racing memorabilia and plenty of arcade games, along with billiards and air hockey. There’s something for everyone. Need 2 Speed is located at 1501 Market Street in the Redding mall. For more information, call (530) 246-RACE.

www.n2skarts.com

#3 of 101 Things To Do under the Shadows of Shasta...

1. Enjoy the Ride at Segway Tours & Bike Rentals

Located at Turtle Bay Exploration Park in Redding, California, Shasta Glide n’ Ride offers bike rentals and guided Segway tours of the Sacramento River Trail, one of California’s premiere trails. Offering four exciting year round Segway tours, one hour Arboretum Glide, two hour Garden Glide and three hour River Glide or the new shorter Sundial Glide. All tours start and end at the Forest Camp trailhead near the Monolith at Turtle Bay, cross the famous Sundial Bridge and include great photo ‘ops along with expert instruction. Cooling vests are provided at no charge for those warm summer days. Helmets included or bring your own. Special Night Glide! Friday and Saturday nights from June through September. This unique Segway tour is a relaxing one hour glide under the stars lit almost entirely by your Segway’s headlight, the glow of the Sundial bridge and the night sky. Take advantage of our Free ‘fer Friday special. Every Friday our one, two and three hour tours are buy one, get one ‘fer free!

Segway gliders must be at least 14 years old, weigh between 100 and 260 lbs and be between 5’ and 6’5” tall. Those under 18 must be accompanied by a parent. Bike Rentals Too! Rent a Del Sol cruiser bike and go on a biking adventure or join a Segway tour. Bikes for the kids too. Helmets included or bring your own. Must be at least 6 years old to ride, children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent. Open year round by reservation. Same day reservations are available but space is limited so advance reservations are recommended. Call (530) 242-1150 or toll free (866) 466-4111, email us at shglidenride@yahoo.com, visit our website at www.shastaglidenride.com.

Enjoy the Glide!