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Tips to Avoid #Startup Mistakes

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 10:23:33 +0100

Launching a new business is never easy, “With a startup, you’re eager to bring your product to the attention of potential buyers, but the way you do that is critical,” said Arefin, the Founder & CEO of LocalBlox. Here is the list of top five startup mistakes and how to avoid them.

Confusing customers – Too much information is not always desirable, but startup founders often attempt to list every detail of their product. Instead of convincing the customer to make a purchase, all that information only serves to confuse them. Just as too many cooks spoil the soup, extensive verbiage fails to make the intended impact and can have the reverse effect.

Beat the buzzwords – It’s a common practice among marketing firms to create buzzwords and specialized jargon to promote everything from mobile apps to pizza. Those artificial words may look good on paper, but they mean little to the average consumer. Clarity is a virtue. If it’s necessary to explain what those buzzwords mean, it’s best not to use them at all.

Creative comparisons – Entrepreneurs trying to make their mark on the business world should shy away from associating their business with another, no matter how famous or recognizable it is. Billing a company as the “eBay of organic produce” ensures prospective buyers remember the eBay name, but not the startup’s. Give consumers something new, innovative and truly different.

Going viral – Everyone has heard about instant success stories using local social media. While Twitter, Facebook and YouTube have their place in a comprehensive marketing strategy, business owners shouldn’t rely on becoming an overnight sensation. Create a sound, creative and detailed business plan for success.

Maintain focus – It’s easy for a startup founder to become distracted in the excitement of launching a new business, but it’s a mistake that drains energy and resources. Business owners need to ascertain their strengths and focus on being the best in their chosen field of endeavor.

LocalBlox is the premier website for businesses and individuals who desire a strong local connection with their community. LocalBlox serves over 70,000 communities throughout the U.S., with new neighborhoods being added at an amazing rate. The new economy has resulted in a shift in consumer shopping habits, with more individuals choosing to shop locally using social media & mobile. LocalBlox assists businesses in acquiring new local clients and retaining established customers, from the smallest of communities to major cities across the nation.

The firm offers a multi-faceted approach, with a business-oriented side and one developed for the individual. LocalBlox provides tools, software and services to promote its business customers and increase their visibility. For the individual, the platform offers neighbors the means to communicate, explore amenities, resources and local business listing and services, plan community events, stay informed about local news, potentially dangerous situations through neighborhood watch and stay abreast of local concerns that affect their community.

LocalBlox can be reached by phone at 888-411-8480. For more information, visit LocalBlox at http://www.localblox.com.

LocalBlox Launches LoveScore for 23 Million Local Businesses

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 09:58:41 +0100

LocalBlox founder and CEO, Sabira Arefin, has announced the launch of the firm’s latest innovation, the LoveScore™ for 23 million businesses across the U.S. The LoveScore™ has been calculated through real time aggregation, updates and proprietary scoring based on user reviews and activities on the LocalBlox platform, along with a variety of sources such as social media activities, reviews and ratings from online directories and review sites, loyalty points, checkins and profile features. An array of social media sites are utilized including Facebook,Twitter, Pinterest likes and tweets, dimension of profile features, photos available on Patch, Manta, Foursquare Checkins, Yelp ratings along with reviews on CitySearch and disparate sources that are rendered into a single weighted score. The feature offers users a quick and convenient way to find all about a local businesses without going to multiple sites and find the best and most trusted local business.

“LocalBlox is a “Kayak” for neighborhood and neighborhood businesses,” said Arefin. “People don’t have to go to several different sources to find information about their neighborhoods and local businesses. LoveScore™ provides consumers with information they need from a variety of sources, allowing them to make informed decisions about where they shop and conduct commerce.” LocalBlox provides authentic and reliable reviews from local sources, eliminating false and misleading information while pointing out outdated and stale listings through its scoring technology.

“LocalBlox aggregates and updates its extensive network of resources to provide users with information in real-time for the most current information available,” said Founding CTO, Ashfaq Rahman. In addition to the LoveScore™, users receive local news, neighborhood alerts, messages from neighbors and information on local events. Members don’t have to spend hours scouring the Internet for the neighborhood information they want. “We believe in bringing the neighborhood to the fingertips of our users so they don’t have to go to fragmented media sources and platforms” said Arefin.

The firm offers a multi-faceted approach, with a business-oriented side and one developed for the individual. LocalBlox provides tools, software and services to promote its business customers and increase their visibility. For the individual, the platform offers neighbors the means to communicate, explore amenities, resources and local businesses and services, plan community events, stay informed about local news, potentially dangerous situations through neighborhood watch and stay abreast of local concerns that affect their community.

The launch of LoveScore™ on the LocalBlox platform is yet another way in which the firm is assisting consumers make informed choices about where they spend their shopping dollars. LoveScore™ is a boon for business owners, offering them a means of showcasing their companies, displaying the many ways in which they’re working to become the best in their neighborhoods, and helping them build strong communities. For more information, visit the website at http://www.localblox.com.

Check out also for Social Networking Solution and Neighborhood Social Networking

LocalBlox Announces Release of Mobile and Social Media Tools

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 11:15:14 +0100

Sabira Arefin, founder and CEO of LocalBlox, announced that the firm is offering a variety of mobile and social media tools to help keep neighborhoods safe. “LocalBlox is dedicated to building safe neighborhoods nationwide,” said Arefin. “We have numerous online social media and mobile tools that provide information to help keep neighbors safe and warn them of impending danger.”

One of the primary tools in the firm’s efforts to build safe neighborhoods is Blockwatch, that provides safety scores on a myriad of areas throughout the nation. Scores are awarded based on user reviews of those actually living in a given area. LocalBlox utilizes GPS technology and functions much like an online Neighborhood Watch program. Neighborhood Score/BlockWatch information can be accessed immediately in real time, allowing users to take appropriate precautions or avoid an area completely.

Mobile and social media integration is included, providing multiple ways for the app’s users to stay informed and work toward neighborhood safety. It’s especially helpful for residents traversing unfamiliar areas, and for travelers, visitors and tourists. LocalBlox serves over 60,000 neighborhoods nationwide, allowing individuals to monitor the areas in which they’re journeying.

LocalBlox also provides online communities Neighborhood Alerts that act as early warning systems to inform neighborhood residents about a variety of situations, from suspicious activities and dangerous dogs to gas leaks and downed power lines. Neighbors and local law enforcement can meet online to discuss potential problems and develop action plans.

The LocalBlox Open Neighborhood Wall allows neighbors to communicate quickly with others in real time. Alerts and information are delivered electronically, with no paperwork to complete. The system is especially helpful for the elderly, disabled and shut-ins. Neighborhood Alert can encompass local neighborhoods, multiple city blocks and entire communities.

Situations arise each day over which individuals have no control, but LocalBlox is providing neighbors in over 60,000 communities nationwide with the tools to connect, warn and inform their fellow residents of circumstances that can impact their health, safety and well-being. The platform can be accessed from home and on the go from mobile devices.

The release of the new neighborhood score from LocalBlox offers neighbors across the nation with a free online resource to promote personal and home safety. Offered in all 50 states, services encompass 30 million members. LocalBlox is dedicated to helping neighbors increase their personal level of safety and creating neighborhoods that are safe havens to work and play.

For more information or to join LocalBlox, visit the website at http://www.localblox.com.

Check out also for Neighborhood Events and Local Events

LocalBlox Honors the Men and Women Celebrated on Labor Day

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 06:42:28 +0100

Seattle, WA – Aug. 28, 2012 – Labor Day is a time to pause, reflect and honor the contributions and achievements of the American workers. LocalBlox is dedicated to assisting its users build strong neighborhoods, and the firm’s founder, Sabira Arefin, has reaffirmed her company’s commitment to its thousands of neighborhoods throughout the U.S.

“Labor Day is especially meaningful this year, with so many people out of work,” said Arefin. “We at LocalBlox salute American workers and their many contributions to our way of life.”

Since its inception as a national holiday in 1894, celebrations, parades and special events have paid homage to the work ethic and sacrifices of American workers. LocalBlox is assisting neighborhoods across the nation plan community events for Labor Day, maintain the safety of its members and working to provide high-tech business tools for entrepreneurs.

LocalBlox encompasses two different and distinct aspects. The firm provides a community-based social network platform for neighbors to communicate, share information and promote neighborhood safety and awareness. The firm’s other aspect delivers services such as SoLoMo for SmallBiz, mobile marketing, SMS marketing and free ads online for business owners and entrepreneurs. Apps, a comprehensive business directory, built-in SEO and mobile messaging are just some of the ways that LocalBlox is working to celebrate, elevate and promote business through local business listings in the U.S.

The holiday was instituted by President Grover Cleveland after the military and U.S. Marshals killed workers during the Pullman Strike that pitted labor unions against railroads. Held on the first Monday of September, the holiday is dedicated to the working class. In modern times, it’s come to mark the unofficial end of summer, a return to school and an opportunity to experience one last fling of the season.

Labor Day activities were clearly outlined when the holiday was signed into law. Parades were the order of the day, followed by a community wide festival and day of rest for workers and their families. That pattern holds true today, as LocalBlox community members use the platform to plan picnics, parades and public local events and local community services that honor the country’s laborers.

LocalBlox serves over 60,000 neighborhoods across the U.S., providing high-tech tools for Local community events and businesses and celebrating workers in all fields of endeavor that have helped to create financially stable communities and neighborhoods that are desirable places to live, play and work. Labor Day is a time for celebrating the contributions of American workers and LocalBlox supports the achievements of workers throughout the nation.

For more information about neighborhood social networking and Free ads posting, visit the website at http://localblox.com.

LocalBlox Assembles Multiple Social Media & Mobile Tools to Help Build Neighborhood Communities

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 09:35:52 +0100

Communities throughout the U.S. are struggling to maintain their identity and viability. LocalBlox CEO and founder, Sabira Arefin, announced that the firm has released new social media & mobile tools to help local neighborhoods build strong communities online and offline.

“Strong neighborhoods are essential, especially is smaller communities,” Arefin. “LocalBlox offers a variety of social media & mobile tools to help neighbors connect with one another communicate and advocate for their communities. LocalBlox ambassadors work tirelessly to make their neighborhoods better places to live.”

LocalBlox utilizes social media and local neighborhood community pages to aid members in keeping informed of issues and concerns that directly affect area residents. To help neighbors stay safe in a world that’s becoming increasingly dangerous, LocalBlox launched the Neighborhood app for the iPhone that identifies unsafe areas for users.

Neighborhood wall and community bulletins are provided, enabling users to report any suspicious activity that’s observed. In many communities, roaming packs of dogs and encroaching wildlife are presenting communities with new health and safety issues. LocalBlox users can keep their neighbors informed of any situation that might pose a potential threat.

In a busy society, it’s often difficult for individuals to know their neighbors, even the family that lives next to them. LocalBlox users have the tools to plan and arrange everything from play dates and festivals to lavish cultural and black tie events. Volunteers can be recruited and organizers can keep their neighbors informed of times, dates and gatherings.

Neighborhoods that thrive and grow are those where businesses have strong ties to the community and a commitment to local consumers. LocalBlox provides an extensive array of high-tech social media and mobile tools and local business services to assist companies generate leads for new customers and retain the patronage of established clients.

SoLoMo for LocalBlox, free ads, banner ads and an extensive business directory all work to promote neighborhood businesses, their products and services. Neighbors can easily find local businesses and read reviews from others in the neighborhood who have shopped with a specific neighborhood business

LocalBlox is working to build strong, independent communities of neighbors that work toward the common good. Providing apps, community forums and integrated social and mobile networking are just some of the many ways local neighborhood ambassadors are working to build strong communities and insure the public good. The firm provides high-tech tools to help businesses prosper and neighbors connect. Financially stable communities and interconnected neighbors are essential for neighborhoods to remain safe. LocalBlox is dedicated to the accomplishment of that goal.

For more information, visit the website at http://www.localblox.com.

LocalBlox Assembles Multiple Social Media & Mobile Tools to Help Build Neighborhood Communities

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 10:50:03 +0100

“Strong neighborhoods are essential, especially is smaller communities,” Arefin. “LocalBlox offers a variety of social media & mobile tools to help neighbors connect with one another communicate and advocate for their communities. LocalBlox ambassadors work tirelessly to make their neighborhoods better places to live.”

LocalBlox utilizes social media and local neighborhood community pages to aid members in keeping informed of issues and concerns that directly affect area residents. To help neighbors stay safe in a world that’s becoming increasingly dangerous, LocalBlox launched the Neighborhood app for the iPhone that identifies unsafe areas for users.

Neighborhood wall and community bulletins are provided, enabling users to report any suspicious activity that’s observed. In many communities, roaming packs of dogs and encroaching wildlife are presenting communities with new health and safety issues. LocalBlox users can keep their neighbors informed of any situation that might pose a potential threat.

In a busy society, it’s often difficult for individuals to know their neighbors, even the family that lives next to them. LocalBlox users have the tools to plan and arrange everything from play dates and festivals to lavish cultural and black tie events. Volunteers can be recruited and organizers can keep their neighbors informed of times, dates and gatherings.

Neighborhoods that thrive and grow are those where businesses have strong ties to the local communities and a commitment to local consumers. LocalBlox provides an extensive array of high-tech social media and mobile tools and local business services to assist companies generate leads for new customers and retain the patronage of established clients. SoLoMo for LocalBlox, free ads, banner ads and an extensive free local directory listing all work to promote neighborhood businesses, their products and services. Neighbors can easily find local businesses listings and read reviews from others in the neighborhood who have shopped with a specific neighborhood business.

LocalBlox is working to build strong, independent communities of neighbors that work toward the common good. Providing apps, community forums and integrated social and mobile networking are just some of the many ways local neighborhood ambassadors are working to build strong communities and insure the public good. The firm provides high-tech tools to help businesses prosper and neighbors connect. Financially stable communities and interconnected neighbors are essential for neighborhoods to remain safe. LocalBlox is dedicated to the accomplishment of that goal.
For more information, visit the website at http://www.localblox.com.

Check out also for Free local directory listing and Free business listing

LocalBlox CEO Welcomes YellowPages.com Founder, Dane Madsen, to LocalBlox Advisory Board

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 11:18:48 +0100

Sabira Arefin, founder and CEO of LocalBlox, has announced that Dane Madsen has joined the firm as an advisor. The visionary founder of YellowPages.com brings a wealth of experience with start-ups and small business marketing, an arena in which LocalBlox excels.

“I am truly honored and delighted to welcome Dane Madsen as our advisor to LocalBlox,” said Arefin. “As an Internet pioneer, he is truly passionate about helping local businesses online.”

A well-known and respected stockbroker, Madsen’s parents owned a small business and he managed a family-owned small business in his early life. Those experiences built a foundation of knowledge upon which he drew when he launched YellowPages.com. A self-made business icon, Madsen is cognizant of the challenges faced by small business owners and entrepreneurs.

Madsen and two partners purchased the YellowPages.com domain in 1996 and began with a small hosting package. Those humble beginnings fostered the growth of YellowPages.com to one of the highest valued Internet domain names of all time. His unique perspective will serve LocalBlox well as the firm continues to grow, expand and provide affordable high-tech solutions to companies across the U.S.

LocalBlox features two distinct facets. One is a community-based platform that provides the means for community members to share information, plan special events and keep each other advised of news to promote neighborhood safety. The other aspect of LocalBlox supports businesses and entrepreneurs in their endeavors through business tools, apps, software and a comprehensive array of business services.

Conducting commerce in the new economy can be very costly and limit access to state-of-the-art technology for firms with smaller budgets. LocalBlox provides SoLoMo for SmallBiz, allowing companies to reach new and established consumers with geo-targeted location. Mobile messaging provides businesses with the means to deliver coupons, special deals and promotions to anyone with a mobile device.

An integrated social media platform offers additional ways for companies to increase visibility and manage their reputation. Member businesses can distribute offers to top level social media networks, search engines, yellow pages and directories for additional exposure. Mobile marketing options are available, offering an environmentally friendly and cost effective alternative to paper mailings.

Businesses receive a free add, inclusion in the firm’s comprehensive business directory and a SEO-enhanced member page to achieve higher search engine rankings. Business owners have the ability to network with others to share ideas and information or collaborate on mutually beneficial projects.

LocalBlox serves over 60,000 neighborhoods across the U.S and is dedicated to providing businesses with sound solutions and cost effective ways of conducting commerce to build financially strong neighborhoods. The addition of Dane Madsen as an advisor provides the firm with the experience, expertise and knowledge of a world-class entrepreneur who understands the unique business environment of today’s market and the special challenges facing small business owners in the new economy.

Check out also for Local business services and Small business ads

For more information, visit the website at http://www.localblox.com