Sky’s The Limit. Or Is It?!

20120505-212232.jpg There is a saying “The sky is the limit”. While inspirational, it also shows some closed-mindedness. We know that beyond the sky is limitless outer space. Man investigated, researched and ventured beyond the sky. These individuals decided “the sky WASN’T the limit.” Something to think about when you are setting goals and dreams for yourself.

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    Local NJ Models Wanted

    NJ Models WantedI’m looking for NJ models to help me build my portfolio. Compensation is edited pics on a disc. (TFCD) Beginner/Aspiring models, this is a great opportunity! Together we can help each other build our portfolio while networking as well. Any models that I have worked with in the beginning stages, will always be thought of and contacted first when paid jobs come along. I do not currently have a studio, but I do have a portable backdrop and also can shoot outside. I’m always open to location suggestions as well. My work can be seen at www.jayschroeck.com. If interested, please contact me via e-mail at: jschroeck@jarosdesigns.com Please reply with name, phone, town and (if possible) a couple of photos like a headshot and full length (need not be professional). You can also call or text me at 908.644.6801

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      My Reason to Relay

      I am participating in the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life because I want to make a meaningful difference in the fight against cancer.

      Almost everyone has been touched by cancer, either through their own personal battle or through someone they love.

      Every day, the American Cancer Society is helping us stay well by preventing cancer or finding it at its earliest, most treatable stages. They assist families in finding the best resources to help their friend or loved one deal with a diagnosis and their journey to get well. The American Cancer Society is also rallying communities (like ours!) through events like Relay For Life, to fight back and find cures for this disease.

      Please make a donation to help the American Cancer Society create a world with less cancer and more birthdays. Together, we can help make sure that cancer never steals another year of anyone’s life!



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        Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish.

        Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish.Stay hungry: Never feel that you are satisfied. Stay eager and always wanting something more.

        Stay foolish: Never think that you have learnt all there is to know. Always try to learn more and keep learning new things.

        When taken as a whole is where the true meaning lies, in my opinion. “You only live once, so make it count and go after what you want, no matter what.

        The quote “Stay hungry. Stay foolish.” was originally a farewell message placed on the back of the 1974 edition of The Whole Earth Catalog. Steve Jobs was a big fan of the publication.  He referenced the publication and the quote in his June 2005 Stanford University commencement speech.

        This phrase became a favorite of Steve Jobs and around Apple computers a “motto” of sorts. It’s often wrongfully attributed to Steve Jobs. He did, however, make it popular among the masses, which is a large part of why it’s contributed to him. Either way, the words are very inspirational to live by.

        I received the above pictured bracelet as a gift from a friend for Christmas and I wear it everyday to remind myself of this inspirational message.

        Steve Jobs Apple

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          Valentine’s Sweetheart Special This Saturday Only! – Portrait Photography

          Looking for that great Valentine’s Day gift for that special someone in your life? Flowers eventually wither, balloons deflate and chocolates get eaten, why not give a photograph that will last forever?! Here are two ideas that I am offering at a low-cost that will fit any budget!

          Valentine's Day PhotoshootFor Both: Struggling for ideas this Valentine’s day for you and your partner? Why not treat the both of you to a romantic photoshoot at a location of your choice. Shoots last up to an hour at a location in or local to Union County,NJ which can include: Parks, Local gardens, White backdrop portable mini-studio or any suggestions you may have.

          For Him or Her: Looking for that special gift for your Valentine? Give that special someone a photo of you! Sweet? Sexy? Seductive? your choice. Shoots last up to an hour at a location in or local to Union County,NJ or which can include: Parks, Local gardens, White backdrop portable mini-studio or any suggestions you may have.

          Schedule your appointment today! :) Contact me for more details. (908) 349-0795 or jschroeck@jarosdesigns.com

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            What’s Your Cell Phone’s Name?

            Your Cell Phone Has A Name: Facebook GameMine is: “Arjun Kumar” … well not really, but that’s what the latest Facebook rage has been leading people to believe. Using a special code including the last 3 digits of your cell phone number will post a name. The digits and the short code is related to Facebook profile ID numbers. Every profile has an identification number, and following the instructions as they appear in the update will post the name of the person that has the corresponding Facebook profile ID number. Some of you receive a “0″ when trying it. This simply just means that the corresponding Facebook profile associated with that ID number no longer exists. As far as it seems, it is harmless, so have some fun with it! What’s your cell phone’s name? Post yours in the comments.

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              Join the Conversation: Get Started with Social Media for Business

              Ok. So your new to Social Media for business? Better late than never, right? Lets get you started.

              As we know, social media is about being social. People don’t follow brands and businesses to see them self promote. They follow businesses to get exclusive discounts and information. You also want to keep them engaged. Make your page interactive by holding contests, humor, call to action posts. The problem with business pages (fan pages) is that you have to make them WANT to like your page. (and keep them there).

              I am going to use a veterinarian as an example since that is a business that I was just recently working with. Note that while the clientele is different, the principles and execution will be the same for any business.

              Lets start with Facebook since thats where the majority of the people are. You have your page setup. Now its time to let people know about it. Send out a mailer, email blast and place signs in your waiting room. Offer exclusive discounts or a contest to entice new fans. Make sure your employees are fans of the page and interact to help encourage others. (you should implement a social media policy as well).

              Post an album of pictures of your staff, so that can they can be identified with. A short bio as the caption will also help. I would also suggest a candid album where the staff are pictured in-action working or making silly faces or doing fun stuff. Take pictures of the animals for another album and even better, the owners and their animals to post on Facebook. Make it like a “wall of fame”. (have a photo release handy and signed before posting pictures though). If youre clients are on Facebook ask them if you can tag them in the photos. Also thank your clients on Facebook for coming in and visiting and send your well wishes out to sick pets in the healing process.

              Ask your clients for testimonials. They can write them on your Facebook wall, or when they like your page they have a chance to recommend your business. People follow, trust and value other’s opinions and experiences. If they could post it publicly, it would be even better.

              I would strongly suggest setting up a company blog where the staff are writers on it. You can self-host a blog directly on your website (harder but better for SEO purposes) or use services such as WordPress, Blogger, etc … Here you will write informative articles, tips on taking care of your pets, what do in case of an emergency, maybe profile a different breed of pet each week talking about characteristics and facts about the breed. Press releases, contests, industry news; are other ideas. In a small business where you are familiar with your customers/clients, you can also do a customer of the week profile. Post these articles on your Facebook page and encourage your staff and fans to share them too.

              In conjunction with those great articles you and your staff are going to write, you should make short videos with the same kind of content. YouTube and Vimeo are both great video uploading sites that are searchable and will provide analytics and statistics on your videos. Capture video testimonials from clients, tips and information, office walk-around, staff intros and bios, pet safety, the list is endless. There are many affordable and easy to use video capturing devices. Invest in a Flip video camera or one made in that style. Use an iPad, camera phone. Smartphones are the easiest to shoot and upload right away from your device. Post these videos on your Facebook page and encourage your staff and fans to share them too.

              Twitter. Many people dont understand Twitter. Its a micro-blogging website where your posts are 140 characters or less. Sometimes its tricky to fit what you want to say in so few words, but there are tricks you learn with usage. #Hashtags are very important and useful here. Think of them as keywords where users can search different topics using them. There are plenty out there already and dont be afraid to create your own. Post your links to blogs, videos, etc … here as well. Also join the conversation … Dont just spam the timeline with links. Post short tips here using a standard #hashtag for all just such as #pettips or something like that. Conversate and interact with others. Retweet other users’ funny, helpful or informative tweets.

              Well that about sums it up to get started. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I love helping others, especially with something I am passionate about. I also love feedback, so please comment! :)

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                Even More Networks Coming to Klout

                Klout.comWant to get your Klout score higher and even more connected? Good news, according to Klout’s website, there will be 7 additional networks that you will be able to add soon so that Klout can accurately gauge your influence across the social web even better. Admittedly, I haven’t heard of half of these, let alone use some of them, but here’s your chance to take a look at them if you aren’t using them, or haven’t heard of them. If they are interesting to you, sign-up now and start using them to add to your Klout score when they are able to be connected to your additional networks.

                Coming Soon!

                We’re actively working with many other networks to be able to gauge your influence everywhere on the web. Stay tuned!

                More networks coming soon

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                  What’s Your “True Hourly Rate”?

                  true salaryThis is a little formula I created to figure out what your “true hourly rate” is in comparing jobs, looking for new jobs or just to see what it is you truly make. Do you travel far for work? Let’s face it, our time is money.  Does it cost you a lot to get to work? That’s money out of your pocket and what your job is costing you.

                  First. Figure out the amount of money per work it costs you to get to work, whether it be gas in your car, public transportation, what have you. Now figure out your daily commute time per week. For example, I work in NYC and take NJ Transit to work every day. It costs me almost $100 per week between my train pass, train station parking and Metro card for the subways. It takes me and hour and a half each way to get into NYC with a three train ride plus the walk from the subway. That’s 3 hours a day or 15 hours a work week. My 40 hour work week is now 55 hours.

                  Next, figure out your average salary. You can use gross salary, or net pay. Net pay will give you a more accurate outlook because the deductions are already taken out (taxes, medical, 401K, etc … ).

                  Ok, now that’s all figured out, here’s what you do.

                  1. Take your weekly net pay and subtract your weekly travel costs. (I will refer to this as “True Net Pay”.)
                  2. Take your number of hours in travel time for the week and add that to your weekly hours. (I will refer to this as “True Hours”.)

                  Now take your “True Net Pay” and divide that by your “True Hours” and this is your “True Hourly Rate”.  Something to think about isn’t it?

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