Be connected. Be discovered. Be on Facebook.

Since my last post on, “How to Create a Facebook Page…” back in January, many of our clients, both for profit and non-profit, have come to us with many questions about how they can have more of a presence on Facebook. So I’m back with more helpful hints, suggestions and an updated way of how to create your “Page.” Remember, Facebook Pages are a distinct presence that represent an organization and are separate from your personal profile.

How to Create a Page:
Step 1: Go to Facebook.com. Right on the homepage there is a link to create a page.



Step 2: Choose which category you fall under. For example if you are a non-profit, select “Brand, Product, or Organization.”



There are numerous ways for brands to leverage Facebook. Pages are enhanced with applications to help any organization communicate with and engage with their fans. Some applications you can use are:
:: RSS Feed
:: Discussion Boards
:: Events
:: Photos
:: Video
:: And many more!

Keep the conversation going! Every time someone comments on your new status, photo, video, or discussion thread, you need to comment on it. You should be talking with your clients. It may take extra effort to engage with your fans but it will keep them coming back. This is one way to promote an exceptional brand.

Keep it current! Spark conversation, post questions, or new topics for a discussion forum. Update your status with calls to action, recent news or upcoming events.

The connection! Support strong relationships with people who care about your organization. Did you know that more than 3 million users become fans of Facebook Pages every day?

For all you non-profits, don’t forget about Causes Pages! Any U.S. registered 501(c)(3) non-profit or Canadian registered charity can sign-up. Facebook processes the donations automatically via credit card, they tally the results, and report the donation activity via a public "scorecard" on the Cause Page. This allows you the ability to reward the people who donated. Our client, La Casa de Don Pedro, recently created a Cause Page. [click here to check it out]

Check out The Byne Group’s Facebook Page to see how we have utilized the photo, video, and RSS feed applications. Or give us a call and we can discuss how The Byne Group can help you create your own Facebook Page. See how we have helped some of our clients create Facebook Pages:
:: Rockland Parent-Child Center
:: General Patent Corporation

–Melissa Behrens, Senior Graphic Designer

A Guest Post : Summer Safety

This guest post is provided by our friend (and our client) Amy Massimo, Director of Public Affairs at Nyack Hospital — Exceptional Skill, Extraordinary Care.

So, summer has finally arrived, and with it comes a deluge of information about staying safe in the sun, while picnicking, at the beach and a host of other outdoor family activities. I'm sure all of us can relate an unfortunate story about when we skipped the sunscreen, ate something at a picnic that should have been on ice, or were bitten by a bee. Not to rain on anybody's parade, but everyone should know a few safety tips before heading outside.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics:
• Young children should apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside, and use sunscreen even on cloudy days. The SPF should be at least 15 and protect against UVA and UVB rays.
• For older children, the first, and best, line of defense against the sun is covering up. Wear a hat with a three-inch brim or a bill facing forward, sunglasses (look for sunglasses that block 99-100% of ultraviolet rays), and cotton clothing with a tight weave.
• Stay in the shade whenever possible, and limit sun exposure during the peak intensity hours - between 10 am and 4 pm
• Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater. Be sure to apply enough sunscreen
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.
• Use extra caution near water, snow, and sand as they reflect UV rays and may result in sunburn more quickly.
• Make sure pool gates open out from the pool, and self-close and self-latch at a height children can't reach.
• Never leave children alone in or near the pool, even for a moment.
• Don't use scented soaps, perfumes or hair sprays on your child.
• Avoid areas where insects nest or congregate, such as stagnant pools of water, uncovered foods and gardens where flowers are in bloom.

If you have any questions about summer safety, check with your healthcare provider! And remember the old chestnut "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

Me? I'm fair-skinned with a face full of freckles. You'll find me in the shade, slapping on the sunscreen, and drinking something cold. Have a great summer everyone! For more information about these and other tips, visit the American Academy of Pediatrics aap.org.

For more information about Nyack Hospital go to nyackhospital.org.