21 comments • Kathy Streib-Home Stager-Palm Bch County South Florida - 561-914-6224 • May 13 2012 06:13AMI've Always Said I Learn Something New at ActiveRain Every Day and It's Time I Showed You. May 6 -- May 12, 2012
May 6: Peter Buchsbaum- The Week Ahead... What PPI, Consumer Sentiment, and Wholesale Trade Mean to You!
For those of you who missed that Economics class or can’t remember any of it, check out Peter’s post.
May 7: Mike Cooper- Another Great Source of Blog Illustrations.
Thanks to Lenn Harley we all know by now (or at least should know) that copyright should be a consideration when using clip art and photos, etc. Mike offers some additional resources for us. 
May 8: Rebekah Radice Powerful Ways to Boost Facebook Fanpage Engagement.
We’ve all been told that social media means social. It’s so important if we are going to spend time on Facebook, Twitter, or whatever that we do it right! Read Rebekah’s great advice.
May 9: Borino- Get the Hell Out of My Race”
1967 seems like such a long time ago, and yet it wasn’t. I’d just graduated from High School (there... go grab your calculators and figure out my age) and getting ready for college. Thanks to those who pioneered our way. 
May 10: Gayle Rich-Boxman A Tale of Love and Loss at a Lake.
I learned that using some beautiful photos coupled with heartfelt words can make for a perfectly written post and tribute to a family member.
May 11: Bill Fields Are You Going to Make a Difference Today
How many times have shrugged your shoulders and didn’t do something because you thought “what good would it do.” Read Bill’s posts.
May 12: Joni Staples Love a Mother Today.. It Doesn’t Have to be Yours.
There are many out there who are without their mothers and mothers without their children. Please thank any mothers that you know and even those who have a mothering nature.
35 comments • Kathy Streib-Home Stager-Palm Bch County South Florida - 561-914-6224 • May 13 2012 05:02AMAn Impromptu ActiveRain MeetUp..If Roy Can Do It, So Can We!
The Impromptu ActiveRain MeetUp!
I’ve been attending a monthly Women’s Networking Group in Delray Beach for several years. It’s not a hardcore leads group.... no restrictions like only 1 Realtor or 1 CPA ... and all women are invited, whether they’re working or not.
So imagine my surprise when I walked in and was introduced to Eileen Burns! Her back was to the window and with the glare all I saw was someone by the name of Eileen with a lot of glare behind her.
But wait.... Eileen Burns.... I know an Eileen Burns from ActiveRain down in Broward County!
What a treat! Eileen came as a guest of our speaker, Gina Bender, of The Reinvention Studio.
We’d met at the first ActiveRain MeetUp in September 2011. I’m glad she was at the Networking lunch and hope she’ll join us for more.
You just never know when you’re going to have an
Impromptu ActiveRain MeetUp!
12 comments • Kathy Streib-Home Stager-Palm Bch County South Florida - 561-914-6224 • May 10 2012 03:28AMYou know the old saying - if a tree falls in the forest and no one is there, does it still make a sound- or something like that. Well that might be said of our blogs and websites...if we write a post and no one reads it, does it still exist?
Convoluted I know but with all of the work we do with our blogs and sites Joe Smith, a welcomed new Active Rain member, shows us how spending 10 minutes a day can help you with your SEO and Google.
If you haven't "met" Joe yet, I suggest you do and subscribe to his blog.
Hi Everyone,
Yes, it has been awhile since I put out a post. To be honest, my phones have been ringing around the clock since Google's last algo updates, or should I say "last muscle flexing" I thought about the millions of people who have been affected by what I would call mindless updates. Well, one thing for certain, they are keeping me in business! I told a long time customer some hard truth yesterday. I told him to stop playing games! I keep telling people that "what you got away with in the past won't fly anyjmore".
PLEASE DON'T READ THIS POST AND COMMENT JUST TO GET YOUR 10 POINTS. TAKE 10 MINUTES A DAY TO ENSURE THAT YOU SURVIVE THE NEXT GOOGLE UPDATE.
The fact is, the info I am putting out in this post would take the average person 10 minutes a day (consistently) to avoid being penalized or more likely TANKED by Google. This post will show you how to find out if you get to pass go and collect a paycheck, or if you go to jail while your competitors go on buying and selling.
My tips are completely FREE! All I ask is that when my tips work for you that you refer people you know who might benefit from using my services, or those who don't have a desire to become their own SEO expert to me. My tips work only if you invest the time to do them. Please subscribe to my blog for regular SEO Tips.
I guess the deal is I get tired of watching friends crash and burn because they refuse to take their websites visibility serously. In the popular board game "Monopoly" you are playing for paper money, and at the end of the day, regardless of how much money you won or lost, you laugh and go home. In the REAL game of "Business" we depend on the traffic from our websites to keep our businesses alive.
I have some good news, and some bad news for everyone. I will give you the bad news first so I can finish up with the good news and end on an encouraging note.
The bad news is that in the past few months, Google has released some very NASTY algorythms which have sent many people reeling, and many many websites tanked. Panda hit huge numbers of websites that were doing great into the depths of nowheresville (like page 20 or worse), Penguin followed up with what many felt was a death blow. What they DON'T know is that there is more coming.
This post will give you practical steps to take to tankproof your website. You can spend the time now to tidy things up, or you better be prepared to look to mailings and other forms of marketing while your websites are "recovering".The best way to survive these algorythms is to understand what they do.
Here are some hints right from the horse's mouth. Here is what Matt Cutts of Google had to say about the Panda update.
"This update is designed to reduce rankings for low quality sites—sites which are low-value add for users, copy content from other websites or sites that are just not very useful. At the same time, it will provide better rankings for high quality sites—sites with original content and information such as research, in-depth reports, thoughtful analysis and so on."
Given the above statement, you can make the following assessment of the direction you need to go with your site in order to avoid being penalized. Just look at the things they targeted and avoid them!They are:
- Copy Content (duplicate content)... I know, I sound like a broken record!
- Spammy keyword usage...
- Sloppy linking practices
- Mis-use of "anchor text" in links. (OVERUSE of the same anchor text)
There are more factors, but the above 4 are being the hardest hit on the internet right now. Save yourself
alot of time and money by checking to see if you violate these rules.
Here are the steps you can take GUARANTEED to find out if you are targeted.. Yes, I said GUARANTEED!
Go to Semrush.Com and enter your site name in the search box in the form of www.yourdomain.com
Look at the keywords semrush says your site is ranked for, and note the position they say you are in. Now go to google and search for those keywords. Where is your site? If it is not in the position semrush said it was in, you have been hit. Now it may not be that bad, but once you get hit, you can count on more scrutiny from them. A further check of your google analytics or your web stats will show you the same thing. Look for an UP-DOWN-UP-DOWN pattern in your traffic. Sometimes it can be as bad as daily. Don't just check once and assume you are fine. Check these regularly, especially if you see declining rankings.
I promised to end on a good note.. Here it is. If you detected a drop in your rankings, you can generally recover by simply fixing the issues. The number 1 problem I am finding in people's SEO is Duplicate content followed by bad link practices.The GREAT news is that you can survive the google updates if you work smart and take the time to be proactive. Look at your SEO the same as you would returning a call from a lead.
My #1 rule for Great SEO is that you be PROACTIVE, not REACTIVE!
Have a great day, and here's to seeing you ALL at the TOP!
0 comments • Kathy Streib-Home Stager-Palm Bch County South Florida - 561-914-6224 • May 09 2012 08:08AMThe Big Top “On the Ave” - Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach!
“On the Ave” is back and this time we’re celebrating the Big Top!! Mark 
your calendars for Thursday, May 17 on Atlantic Avenue in Downtown Delray Beach. Art & Jazz on the Ave morphed into “On the Ave” last year and each event keeps getting more exciting.
Thursday’s “On the Ave” will take us back to the Big Top... The Circus! You can stroll along Atlantic Avenue and enjoy our tropical South Florida weather, our unique shops along the Ave; music, and of course, circus acrobats; puppeteers, stilt walkers and so much more.
There will be performers from Ringling Brothers, Cirque du Soleil, and other international circus acts.
At Old School Square there will be a flying trapeze set up and you can sign up to fulfill your childhood dream. There is a 2 hour trapeze flying class from 3:30-5:30 which is $90** or from 6-10 there will be single for $20 (mini-lesson and 1 ride.)
And More.....
An Open Air Gallery-at the center of each block will be juried contemporary art for you to view.
“Live the Arts”-you can learn about about summer arts programs from booths along the avenue.
Old School Square- Shakespeare at the Pavilion-you can catch a preview of this summer’s Shakespeare in the Park from the Take Heed Theatre Company.
The Big Top “On the Ave”
Thursday, May 17th
6-10PM
Atlantic Avenue
from Swinton to NE/SE 6th Avenue
Admission: FREE!!!!
www.ontheavedelraybeach.com
**to register for the 2 hour Trapeze Class call 561-279-1380 x 17
21 comments • Kathy Streib-Home Stager-Palm Bch County South Florida - 561-914-6224 • May 09 2012 04:01AMWorld Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is May 8! Celebrate the Day!
Today is World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day and the 2012 theme is “Together for Humanity”. It is to place focus on the need for all organizations -local and global- to work together to face the growing needs of the communities. 
You and I have grown up seeing the Red Cross and its symbol in times of war and disaster relief. Clara Barton is the name we associate with its founding. But the American Red Cross is just a part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement with over 100 million volunteers throughout the world.
These organizations are all legally independent but are joined by their common goals and principles. There are 3 entities through which the Red 
Cross functions:
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)- a private humanitarian organization with unique authority under international humanitarian law to protect individuals caught in international and internal conflict.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies-this organization coordinates activities between all of the National Red Cross and Red Crescent organization.
National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies- there are currently 186 National societies throughout the world.
Facts:
The Red Cross and Red Crescent societies currently are present in more than 170 countries.
It is the world’s largest force of unpaid assistants
It has helped over 233 million people each year.
You can help by donating your time, money or blood. The South County Branch office of the American Red Cross in Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast is located at:
825 Fern Street
West Palm Beach FL
561-833-7711
(the photo above is from the US National Archives and was taken May 21, 1918)
20 comments • Kathy Streib-Home Stager-Palm Bch County South Florida - 561-914-6224 • May 08 2012 03:33AMLike so many I'm on Facebook and have a Business page as well as my personal page. I need to spend more time on both to make sure I'm being "social" with my time there. I've never been sure how to go about doing it, but Rebekah has given us some good tips.
Follow Rebekah Radice's advice in her post to make your Facebook page more engaging.
Drive growth, build momentum and increase Facebook fan page engagement with a few simple strategies.
Keeping your fans alert, involved and eager to contribute is imperative to your page showing up in their newsfeed.
These tips will help you stay in front of your fans and take them from fan to paying clients!
Use Images
Images are a powerful way to quickly earn reaction from your fans. They have the ability to excite, inspire, and delight. Images can generate an instantaneous and strong emotional response.
With the rollout of Timeline, images are more influential then ever. In a recent survey by Wildfire, it was found that posts with graphics garner a much greater response than those without. In fact, Wildfire stated that “Photos are the best at generating comments, outperforming the next best post type by 8.3%.”
This does not mean you need to include a graphic with every one of your posts, but it does offer important insight into capturing the attention of your fans. Your images can stand alone with nothing more then one or two words needed.
The Ellen DeGeneres Show employs this tactic with exceptional results on a consistent basis:
Another strategy is one that I use quite often when posting a blog or web article. Include your eye-popping image along with the link or URL at the end of your Facebook post.
Your image will immediately draw them in and hopefully entice them to click through to your article.
Use a Clear Call to Action
A strong call to action includes a simple request leaving no doubt in your fans mind what you would like them to do. Never leave fan reaction to chance. Give them a compelling reason to take action via consistent, relevant and beneficial content.
A few ways you can encourage a specific reaction is through open-ended questions. For example:
- Fill in the blank: Have you ever _____?
- We __________. What do you think?
- What is your favorite __________?
- What if you could _________?
- Finish this sentence: ________
- We love _________. What’s your favorite?
Another simple way to direct your fans is by spelling out the specific action you would like them to take. Do not assume that your fans know what you would like them to do. Tell them!
- LIKE this post if…
- Click LIKE if you agree, if you love, if you could…
- SHARE if you love this as much as we do or if you’ve found this valuable
- Tag yourself in this photo if you agree…
Use a Status Update
There is no denying that a simple status update still packs a punch whether you are a big brand or mom and pop shop. The status update is an easy way to relate to your fans in a fun and entertaining way without the complication of images, links or video.
One big brand that uses this strategy almost exclusively is Skittles. Their fans have come to know and appreciate the short, witty and entertaining way the brand endears themselves to their fans on a daily basis.
Use Video
While images are powerful, video can be just as effective. However, people are moving quickly when they are on Facebook so keep your videos short, informative and entertaining.
You want your fans to walk away feeling uplifted, encouraged or as if they have gained wisdom and knowledge from your video.
Set yourself apart by offering an enormous amount of value and watch your message spread like wildfire! What tips can you add to this list?
Powerful Ways to Boost Facebook Fan Page Engagement was written by Rebekah Radice.
Subscribe to Rebekah's Blog for Social Media Marketing, Blogging and Business Success Strategies that Help You STOP Those Time Sucking Activities and Maximize, Prioritize and Monetize Your Online Efforts! Just Click SUBSCRIBE!
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0 comments • Kathy Streib-Home Stager-Palm Bch County South Florida - 561-914-6224 • May 07 2012 06:05AMThe Voice! No it’s Not a Reality Show...But You’ll Want to Find It!
One of the many pieces of advice I’ve learned while reading “How To” posts here by seasoned bloggers was to write in your own voice.
Now.. what the heck does that mean? For many here, it seems to come 
naturally. You can read their post and come away with a feel for who they are.
My BARFF Roger Mucci is one who does just that. Read what he writes, and he’ll readily admit it’s often about nothing, and you feel as if you’ve just had a conversation with him. And, having met Roger in person and spoken to him on the phone, I can tell you this...what you read is what he is.
We write these posts for people to read. And, if we’re lucky, those who read what we write will like it well enough to follow us or subscribe to our blogs. Otherwise... why go through all of this??
Writing in your own voice means be yourself. “Speak” to us as if we were talking over a cup of coffee (or adult beverage). If you tend to be more formal in your everyday speak then write that way.
If you tend to speak in a more casual or off the cuff manner, then write in that tone. Obviously there will be times when a more formal tone is necessary or when you need to lighten it up a bit.
Two things to remember regardless of your type of voice:
1. Casual, formal and all points in between..... grammar and spelling do count. Your blog is a reflection of you, so be sure to proofread and check your spelling.
2. Content matters. What makes you continue to come back to someone’s blog? Exactly.... you’re interested in what they have to say.
It’s Not Always What You Say,
But How You Say It.
So, come on...let’s hear from you!
48 comments • Kathy Streib-Home Stager-Palm Bch County South Florida - 561-914-6224 • May 07 2012 03:43AMI've Always Said I Learn Something New at ActiveRain Every Day and It's Time I Showed You. April 29-- May 5, 2012
I learn something new every day at ActiveRain! With this series I try to highlight one post per day that gave me that “lightbulb” moment. It could be something techie, about Real Estate, about a place or person!
April 29: Mike Cooper- Is Another Wave of REO’s Coming? Maybe
I keep hearing about more foreclosures coming and I also hear of how things are picking up. Read what Mike has to say.
April 30: Richard Weisser- Before You Go On That Listing Presentation Make Certain That You Know Your Google Organic Search Results.
I’ve seen the Toggle switch and had a feeling this is what is meant.
May 1: Nancy Hankin - Planning a Summer Vacation...Beware!
In the past all we had to do was take alcohol wipes to wipe down the remote control in a hotel room. Nancy reminds us of another hidden problem.
May 2: Tammie White How to Prove Gas Fireplace Logs Are In Good Working Condition?
I never would have thought to test this. Believe it or not we do have fireplaces in some homes here in Florida. 
May 3: Tammy Emineth Are Your Competitors Using Negative SEO Against You?
With everything we put into our websites we need to be vigilant about Negative SEO. Once again Tammy provides us with some clues on what to do.
May 4: Ashley Connolly Mobility Awareness Month..Please Take a Moment to Read
Every once in a while you have to stop and do something for someone you don’t know. This will cost you a minute of your time.
May 5: Sally & David Hanson Have Fun to This..A Whole New Meaning to High Tech.
I love sites likes this. I’m always amazed at how they come up with these things!
Thank you for letting me do what I love to do each day... learn something new!
36 comments • Kathy Streib-Home Stager-Palm Bch County South Florida - 561-914-6224 • May 06 2012 04:22AMInternational Firefighters Day is May 4- Why Not Stop and Honor Your Local Firefighters!
Since 9/11 so many of us have been more aware of our First Responders, and that includes our Firefighters. May 4 is your chance to take a moment to honor all Firefighters and your local Firefighters as well. While we shouldn’t have to have a special day to remind us to honor these brave men and women, in 1999 J.J. Edmondson, a volunteer Firefighter in Australia sought support via the Internet for a special day to honor fallen and all Firefighters. He was inspired after 5 Firefighters responding to a call for help to fight a large wildfire perished when their truck was engulfed in flames.
The red and blue ribbon a symbol of IFFD is of a special cut.... 5 cm. long and 1cm wide with the 2 colors joined at the top. It is said the red represents fire and the blue represents water. And, we all know those colors to represent emergency services.
Did you know that as of this writing there have been 26 Firefighters killed in the Line of Duty in the United States in 2012. Seventy-eight died in the line of duty in 2011.
The Patron Saint of Firefighters is St. Florian who is thought to be first known commander of 
a firefighting squad in the Roman Empire.
What can you do?
Educate your family on fire safety.
If you have access to your local Fire-Rescue Station, let them know how much you appreciate their service.
Thank your first responder when you see them.
Sound-Off is the first Sunday in May. At noon local time, stop and observe a moment of silence for those who have given their lives in the line of duty. Some community Fire Departments will sound their sirens for 30 seconds to be followed by 1 minute of silence.
Thank you FireFighters for all you do
and for the sacrifices you make.
Here’s some photos from my Delray Beach Firefighters #4. I dropped off toys for Delray Beach Holiday Toy Drive.
And there’s a beautiful video and song and YouTube called Come To My Rescue.
31 comments • Kathy Streib-Home Stager-Palm Bch County South Florida - 561-914-6224 • May 04 2012 03:23AM
