Just hashtag it…What’s the hashtag...What is a hashtag? Ever wondered what is so special about this { # } little symbol?  

Well, on Twitter is has a special meaning. It is a digital book mark of sorts. It allows a global conversation to occur by tagging content so folks can look up what is happening around those remarks.

A good example of this is the recent events in Japan. Very quickly the global conversation grew around the hashtag #prayforjapan. Go out to Twitter and do a quick search on #prayforJapan. You will see millions of Tweets referencing just this one hashtag.

Businesses can utilize trending hashtags to join in a global conversation or to promote your services to a specific audience. If you don’t know what hashtag to use, check out: http://www.hashdictionary.com/Hashtag

Every business should have a company page set up on LinkedIn. Small businesses with big plans especially should invest in a company page.

For those of you out there who have a small business, did you know that unless your email address contains your business name and that business is noted as your employer on your personal profile that LinkedIn will not allow you to create your company page? If you have a website domain you own, you generally have e-mail addresses you can configure.

It is taboo to use an AOL, GMail, Hotmail or MSN account for business purposes. If you take your business seriously, you should seriously consider moving over to an e-mail address that is a proper reflection of your company. Besides, then you can access the wonderful benefits of having a company page on LinkedIn.

Not sure how to switch over, give us a call at 855-OC-ELITE. We’ll be happy to assist.

If your Facebook Business Page (formerly known as a fan page) is getting a little dusty, consider these tips:

1. Share your Page. If it’s been a while since you told anyone about your business, go ahead and toot your own horn (or as we say around Elite, “Tweet Your Own Horn!”) Speaking of which, you should share your page on Twitter as well as Facebook.

2. Get new fans through SMS. Encourage your new clients and customers to “Like” your page on Facebook via text message. Here’s an example: Text “Fan Elite Social Management” to 32665 (which spells out ‘FBOOK’ on your phone.)

3. Contests are great! Setup a contest where people have to like your page to enter and leave comments, etc. Be creative but remember that contests on Facebook must comply with their ever-changing rules, so be sure to look up the latest and greatest content rules. (Here’s the current link:http://www.facebook.com/promotions_guidelines.php )

The OC Mart Mix is a special and totally unique shopping experience. It's a large retail space within South Coast Collection (SOCO) retail center where you will find more than 20 perfectly wonderful boutiques and dining experiences. In next few months, 25 more shops will join this friendly community of shops. Elite Social Management was on hand to provide Social Media coverage for the fashion show event at The OC Mart Mix last night. It was also the perfect opportunity to make some wonderful new friends in our local community!

The OC Mart Mix is the brilliant idea of Andrea Young, the multi-talented owner of the Paper House shops http://www.newportpaperhouse.com/

That's Andrea on the right, finalizing the Fashion Show prep.

In addition to the gorgeous paper you will find at Paper House, Andrea also has unique gift items and great vintage finds, like those charming pencil sharpeners. The attached tags read, "don't be dull". Love it!

Here's the fashion show cat walk, I love the mix of rustic and sleek! The runway was styled by our own Karli Jessen www.styledbykarli.com 

Jennifer chatted with Lisa at Ornate Home. OrnateHome has the most impressive and colorful home accessories.

Melissa and Jennifer doing an interview with Lisa in her colorful shop.

We saw our client Wanda, of Beverly Hills Basics and introduced her to Summer, the proprietress at b.bride.

We did some shopping for hot trends and we found a real winner at Mixed Greens Home + Design.

These signs are from a 1930s vintage London subway sign that shop owner Cate Baird carefully cut and framed.

We think these wonderful art pieces and Cate are fabulous! Everything in her shop is Green- handmade, vintage or upcycled.

Here's a few more links you will want to check out:

Mixed Greens Home + Design: http://mixedgreenshome.webstarts.com/

Ornate Home: http://ornatehome.com/

Beverly Hills Basics: http://beverlyhillsbasics.com/