Do Something: Help My Friend

 

 

I recently found out that one of my really good friends got engaged. She is one of the sweetest and smartest women I know, and her fiancé is a lucky man. But, she is a lucky woman too. The girls and I got together over the weekend to hear about the proposal and it was beautiful. He did an amazing job putting it all together and making it so special. I am so happy they found each other and they are about to start a wonderful journey together.

And so, after talking about the proposal, we talked wedding! There are so many things to consider and decide on: the invitations, the colors, the venue, the music, the food, the dress, the centerpieces, and the list goes on. So many details! I can see how easy it is to get overwhelmed. However, the Internet has revolutionized the wedding industry: it has become an idea factory. There are dozens of websites that cater to helping those engaged have the wedding of their dreams. In fact, The Knot has a list of 10 Things You Need To Do First for newly engaged couples.

In my opinion, e-marketing has changed the buying decision process for the wedding industry. My friend has recognized her different needs for her wedding. One such need is a DJ for the reception. I helped her with her information search by providing referrals of several DJs that I know. This of course is word of mouth. I think that combining word of mouth and e-marketing is important. I was able to recall one of the DJs because he has been promoting himself online via social media. Now she has various options that she can evaluate to ultimately make a purchase decision.

The use of the online world will not end with the DJ. The industry is made up of multiple smaller enterprises like caterers, wedding consultants, dresses, etc. All of these businesses have their own way of reaching the customer and the Internet is a great avenue to do that. Not only that, but ideas are also important to have before going to different companies in search of the product. Pinterest is the site for ideas. It also allows brides-to-be to visually map out the big day. I will continue to help by searching online for ideas and companies that can help her dreams come true for this special day. I wish N & B a beautiful life together. Congratulations lovebirds!

 

Do Something: Get Fit Today

 

When I was in third grade, I used to be one of the fastest runners in my class. As time went on, I grew sluggish. I didn’t enjoy running anymore. I started to avoid any physical activity. In the last year, I have made an unconscious commitment to go to the gym at least two times a week. How could I not? I have the most amazing gym partner with the best discipline in the world about working out. 

Getting to the gym is not the problem. It’s what I do at the gym that concerns me. I go through the motions and I complete each work out. Yet, I don’t think I’m doing enough. Each week I do the same weights, and I don’t really increase them because I know what I can handle. I’m not pushing my limits. And that is a problem to me. So how do I fix it? With this blog.

Today, I have found new ways to get motivated. I looked into the different fitness classes that my gym has to offer. As I was perusing through the website, I clicked on “Contact Us” and recognized all the social media logos on that page. Facebook. Twitter. Instagram. Pinterest. The gym uses each of these channels to interact with its customers. I found information about upcoming gym events as well as inspirational quotes and fitness information.  This is great online marketing for the gym. It’s a marvelous way of promoting events and building a good reputation as an organization that cares for its members by providing useful information. However, I didn’t notice much feedback from the gym members other than “liking” posts and pictures, and an occasional comment here and there. I think that something is missing that would allow my gym to better interact with its members.

After doing some research online, I concluded that the missing puzzle piece is a human element. I discovered online communities for fitness devotees. There are so many fitness bloggers that share their experiences candidly and they get a lot of feedback from people. I think my gym can look into incorporating blogs for their instructors and trainers on the gym’s website so that they may interact with customers on a more personal level. It could potentially motivate members like me to get serious or make the gym a more comfortable place for those who are turned off by going to a gym. How else can a gym use social media to get people to the gym and motivating them while they are there? Any ideas?

 

Related links:

This is a great article about fitness communities online:

http://greatist.com/fitness/fitchickinthecity-online-communities

This article highlights some of the best fitness blogs out there (I am definitely following some of these!):

http://thechalkboardmag.com/14-best-fitness-blogs