How Rockland BizBuzz Came To Be, and Why Twitter/Social Media?

How Rockland BizBuzz Came To Be, and Why Twitter/Social Media?

How Rockland BizBuzz Came To Be, and Why Twitter/Social Media?
Stephanie answers your Qs!

Rockland County- You're asking, I'm answering! Since launching Rockland BizBuzz on Twitter, and more recently also on Facebook, I have received not only many warm, kind, and very gracious messages of welcome from my Rockland County neighbors, but also several inquiries expressing a curiosity about Rockland BizBuzz. Such as: 'Stephanie- How did Rockland Biz Buzz come to be?', "Why the focus on Rockland County businesses?" and 'Why did you choose a social media platform for Rockland Biz Buzz via Twitter (and now also Facebook) instead of a traditional website format?'. Also 'Are the Rockland Biz Buzz posts on Twitter and Facebook (and blog) just your opinion or are they sponsored advertisements?' These are all very good questions that all deserve answers. Ready? Here goes!

Q: How did Rockland BizBuzz come to be?
A: Well, Rockland County, you had me at hello! Seriously, hopefully without sounding too saccharine, I can honestly say that Rockland BizBuzz came to be out of my enthusiasm and admiration for Rockland County. Although I probably started having 'a crush' on the County many years ago, admiring the beauty and diversity when visiting my cousins who resided (and still reside here) for various holidays and occasions over the years, the 'crush' progressed to 'love' when I personally moved from Manhattan to Rockland County with my husband. And you know how you feel when you're in love- you want to shout it from the mountaintops! (Or alternatively, you can also shout "I love Rockland!" out the window of your car on Route 304). However, since shouting out the car window on Route 304 has its obvious limitations, I thought it might be a better idea to start Rockland BizBuzz to share my enthusiasm and to help connect with other members of the Rockland County community who are as charmed by it as I am.

Q:Why the focus on Rockland County businesses?
A: The short answer is, you take yourself wherever you go. As a Corporate Communications consultant who has been in that biz for many years, businesses interest me and always will. Many of the magazines I read/subscribe to, both online and in print, have to do with entrepreneurs, business, etc. I'm a sucker for any good story about how a business grew from one man's or woman's idea to a successful venture. For me, it's as good or better than a great movie or TV show or play. Don't get me wrong, I love the arts (!) but do find that often times real life is more interesting and compelling than fiction, particularly when it comes to business.

Q: Why did you choose a social media (Twitter/Facebook) platform for Rockland BizBuzz?
A: Again, the short answer here is "you take yourself wherever you go". I have been an active member of the Twitter community in New York and beyond since Summer of 2008, and even longer re: Facebook. When I'm asked, I describe myself a "social media enthusiast". I have also been increasingly active on social media since then, after attending a pivotal Twitter conference in NYC this past Summer that only increased my belief that social media such as Twitter and Facebook is NOT just a fad, but rather a fundamental shift in the way people connect and communicate today and how they will continue to connect and communicate tomorrow. The demographics of who is using Twitter and Facebook (and how often!) is rapidly changing, and already now includes a very wide range of ages, professions, and lifestyles. The number of social media users is growing exponentially! Businesses need to understand this and leverage social media if they want to thrive because their customers and colleagues, friends and family are increasingly using social media every day.

Q: What about transparency? Are the Rockland BizBuzz posts your opinions or sponsored/ads?
A: Transparency is VERY important in today's social media world and also important to me personally. One of the great things about social media such as Twitter and Facebook is the increased ability for one voice to share and connect with many others in the community, and in an unfiltered way, but that means that there is a responsibility for us to be honorable and transparent. Sponsored posts/ads on Rockland BizBuzz will always be accompanied by some type of disclosure phrase such as "Today's Rockland BizBuzz sponsored promotion/giveaway is" or "This special offer for Rockland BizBuzz is brought to you by XYZ company", and/or similar phrases indicating a sponsor/ad/promo etc. If none of these phrases/keywords appears with the posts, then those posts are simply opinion in sharing with Rockland BizBuzz readers local Rockland County stories/links/news/community event listings that I think are interesting and that I think may interest them as well.

Well, Rockland County, hope I answered all or most of your questions, and I welcome additional ones! I feel it's a privilege to be able to connect, communicate, and interact this way with my Rockland County neighbors, and am honored that you take the time out of your busy schedules to read Rockland BizBuzz postings. I will treat that with the respect it deserves, and post things I hope provide value to the community, along with a healthy dose of fun! Looking forward to seeing you @RocklandBizBuzz on Twitter and "Rockland BizBuzz" on Facebook soon!

Feedback/Comments/Questions?
Stephanie may be reached by email at RocklandBizBuzz@Gmail.com

WELCOME TO THE ROCKLAND BIZBUZZ BLOG!

Rockland BizBuzz is blogging about businesses that serve the Rockland County community, and much more! Rockland BizBuzz is also on Twitter @RocklandBizBuzz and on Facebook at "Rockland BizBuzz". Looking forward to connecting with you! Rockland BizBuzz is also reachable by email at RocklandBizBuzz@Gmail.com