by Mike Hallaron
Hallaron Public Relations

Small business got a taste of social media in 2010. Following the lead of Fortune 500 companies and big brands, small business owners were probably introduced to social media on a personal level first: joining family on Facebook, taking note of Twitter on ESPN or Tosh.0, or someone emailing a funny video from YouTube. Of course there were also the email invitations to connect to former colleagues on LinkedIn, checking out personal photo albums on Flickr, and for a few, even adventures on Foursquare. The average “Joe” or “Jane” with a locally-based small business was indoctrinated into the “social” world in 2010.

So there it is. Social media has pervaded our lifestyles and the lexicon. After recognizing the networking and communications potential of social media on a personal level, “Joe” and “Jane” decided there must be a business application for all of these free, web-based tools. Some have already added social marketing to their business arsenal and a small percentage are doing it well. Many more have floundered awkwardly into untested waters. One thing is certain, more small businesses will try to use social marketing to create new prospects and new sales in 2011. Here is what we have learned, so far.

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by Mike Hallaron
Hallaron Public Relations

We define public relations as “the accurate, consistent and timely communication of the right message to the right audience.” Today there is no reason why small business types cannot develop a simple but effective public relations plan to reach that audience. Traditionally, most small companies have neglected public relations as part of their marketing plan. PR was left to larger corporate marketers with juicy budgets and plenty of staff. The arrival of hands-on social tools, search, and web marketing has changed all of that. Now is the time for your small company to reap the rewards of an effective public relations plan.

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by Mike Hallaron
Hallaron Public Relations

Most will agree that 2010 was a landmark year in the marketing industry as social media went mainstream. While ad agencies, digital media, public relations, and big corporate America represented the first wave of early adopters beginning in 2009, the trend toward social media marketing picked up speed in 2010 when small business owners climbed aboard the social juggernaut en masse.

The challenge for small business owners, who tend to manage their own marketing, is finding the time and know-how to create social accounts, populate them with well-written original content, and comprehend all of the subtle nuances of effective social media strategy. For most, it presents a significant mountain to climb.

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Houston TX (October 18, 2010) Suzanne Bruce & Associates’ 13th Anniversary Open House Celebration was held last Saturday, October 16th, at The Centers for Medical and Cosmetic Dermatology and The Spa at SBA. This year’s program was titled Celebrating 13 Years of Healthy and Beautiful Skin. Marcela Conatser, PR Specialist at Hallaron Public Relations, attended the health and beauty show meeting more than twenty different experts representing over twelve national and international companies to discuss the latest advances and procedures in dermatology (medical and cosmetic).

The open house takes place every October and clients and guests are able to interact with a variety of different national brands through lectures, demonstrations, and presentations. The objective is to advocate awareness on the latest procedures and advancements. “It was a terrific opportunity to interact with local health and beauty businesses and industry professionals,” said Conatser. So many of the latest advancements in skincare treatment were on display. Estheticians and other medical and beauty experts mingled and shared their product knowledge with the hundreds of guests in attendance.

Hallaron Public Relations (HPR) provides professional PR and marketing services for local, national, and international clients. In addition to press releases, media distribution, and social media strategy and management, HPR also provides video and photography production, web video, and web development expertise. CEO Mike Hallaron is also the owner of MH1 Web Design since 2003.

Contact:
Marcela Conatser
Hallaron Public Relations
www.hallaronpr.com
(512) 217-2876

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