Have You Jumped On The Social Networking Bandwagon?
Most businesses have used networking to help grow their business, at one time or another. While networking groups, trade shows and word of mouth, have been part of traditional business networking, with the explosion of the Internet, social networking has also become popular and its growing at an incredible rate.
So what exactly is social networking? According to the search engine Technorati, “Today’s social networks are the Internet-powered relationship engines of the twenty first century. Popular sites like Facebook, My Space, and Linked In are all examples. These services specialize in facilitating connections between people who share similar interests or professional pursuits.” While My Space and Facebook originally attracted college and high school students, they now have become mainstream and are attracting large audiences of people and literally millions of users. Linked In is a business oriented social networking site that basically works as a public resume of yourself, or business and allows users to list details and provide trusted contact connections.
So why should I jump on the social networking bandwagon some might ask? I may date myself a bit here, but do you remember that annoying, shampoo commercial of the 1970′s (Faberge Organic Shampoo)? It always ended with, “…and she’ll tell two friends, and so on, and so on and so on.” Well-that is basically how social networking works. The more contacts you make, the better, and the good news is that you can look at other peoples friends, or contacts, and discover that you may know someone they know.
I have to admit, I was a little leary about all of this “social networking stuff” at first. I know from experience with my college kids, that you can spend an incredible amount of time connecting with friends, etc. I also wasn’t sure I wanted to put my personal information “out there” for people to see, but realized quickly I’ve already been posting both personal and business information on the PGC blog site for two years now. I figured it was time to take the next step. I’d received several invitations to join Linked In, and Facebook, and thought…”Why not join this social networking phenomenon and grow our business at the same time?”
For now, you can find me on Linked In, and Facebook, where I’ve already connected to family, some high school and college friends, as well as made some business connections. How about you? Are you building your on-line networking community?
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Business, Marketing on April 14th, 2009 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Mix & Match Countertop Surfaces!
Consumers today are smarter than ever, and many are doing their research before they call on a kitchen and bath designer, or remodeler for help with a potential project. When it comes to countertop surfaces, many consumers are looking for something unique, as well as functional. According to “From the Top,” an article found in the April 2009 issue of Kitchen and Bath Design, architect, Tim Derrington, of Austin Texas, feels it important to “know your client before selecting material that looks nice, but does not work with their daily routine.” Chief Designer, Roger Shollmier of Tulsa, OK, mentioned, “they often use more than one countertop surface in a kitchen to add interest.”
At PGC, we’ve had customers purchase a granite island, to go along with their laminant perimeter tops. Other customers have used Dupont Zodiaq®, or another color granite for their countertops. Todays consumers are also interested in adding other stone surfaces such as soapstone, Jerusalem stone, travertine, or marble.
No matter what surface interests you, we’d be happy to help with your selections. Please feel free to stop by our showroom, or give us a call.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite, Industry News on April 9th, 2009 by Barb | | 0 Comments
2009 Remodelers Showcase—A Showcase For Ideas!
The 2009 Remodelers Showcase took place this last weekend, April 3rd-5th, and for some consumers, was a great way to get out and get some ideas. Remodeling a home can sometimes feel a little overwhelming. Often times, there are many decisions to be made, including material selection for that kitchen countertop, or bathroom vanity.
For those consumers that were out looking last weekend, I’m sure there were plenty of granite countertops to see. If you are looking for material choices for your countertops, we’d happy to help. Please feel free to stop by our showroom, so we can help you pick just the right colors for your home.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Following are a few photos from the Tomco Company Inc. project featured in 2009 Remodelers Showcase, which PGC helped staff:
Posted in Company, Granite, Industry News on April 7th, 2009 by Barb | | 2 Comments
Recipe: S’more Cheesecake
Here’s a tasty recipe I got a few years ago, from my sister. It is easy to make, and is delicious. It is however, a little rich, so you might want to exercise portion control. I am making it tomorrow for my husbands birthday, instead of birthday cake. It is one of his favorite desserts, although he really like the Macadamia Fudge Torte that I made him last year.
Why not give them both a try?
S’more Cheesecake
Crust
16 graham crackers crushed (about 1-1/3 cup crumbs)
3 Tbsp. sugar
3 Tbsp. butter, melted
Filling
3 packages (8 oz. each) cream cheese softened
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
3 eggs
1-1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chunks
2 cups mini marshmellos, divided
Preheat oven to 325 degrees if using a silver spring foam pan; 300 degrees if using a dark, non-stick pan. Mix graham crumbs, sugar and butter. Press onto the bottom of 9″ spring form pan. Bake 10 minutes.
For the filling, mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla with mixer, until well blended. Add the eggs, and mix on low just until blended. Stir in 1 cup chocolate chunks and 1 cup marshmellows. Pour over the crust. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup chocolate chunks and 1 cup marshmellows. Bake for 55 minutes, or until the center is almost set. Cool before removing rim of the pan. Refrigerate 4 hours, or over night.
Enjoy!
Barb
Here are a few photos I added:
Posted in Cooking in your kitchen on April 3rd, 2009 by Barb | | 5 Comments
It could be worse…a lot worse!
Zoe and Hope with their 6' 4" tall dad!
Zoe and Hope conquering the HUGE pile of snow...
6' tall fence in their backyard...WOW!
While the kids may have enjoyed it, being without a snow blower makes it a bit miserable for the adults! Well, Zoe and Hope, I hope this was your last dose of winter…I know your mom does too!!
Feel free to share…
Angie
Posted in Uncategorized on April 2nd, 2009 by Angie | | 0 Comments
