Why Your Business Needs Social Media

Think social media is just for fun? Think again. For businesses, it’s one of the most powerful tools to build your brand, connect with customers, and boost sales.

Here’s Why It Works:
Visibility: Stay top-of-mind with current and potential customers.

Trust: Build relationships by showing the people behind your brand.

Results: Drive traffic, sales, and engagement—often on a small budget.

Easy to Start: You don’t need to be a pro. A few thoughtful posts can go a long way.

Whether you’re sharing tips, behind-the-scenes moments, or customer shoutouts, social media helps you stand out—and grow.

Bottom line: If your business isn’t on social, you’re missing out. Now’s the time to jump in!

Ryan Stone 

p: 707-480-0959

e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion

p: 707-434-9967

e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Website

Does stress affect your memory? - Elizabeth Cox

Explore the stages of how your memory stores information and how short-term stress impacts this process.

--

You spend weeks studying for an important test. On the big day, you wait nervously as your teacher hands it out. You’re working your way through, when you’re asked to define "ataraxia." You know you’ve seen the word before, but your mind goes blank. What just happened? Elizabeth Cox details the complex relationship between stress and memory.

Lesson by Elizabeth Cox, directed by Artrake Studio.

Ryan Stone 

p: 707-480-0959

e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion

p: 707-434-9967

e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Website

Build Trust with Testimonials and Social Proof

People trust people. One of the most powerful things you can have on your website? Testimonials and reviews.

Here’s why:

• They show real experiences with your service or product.
• They build credibility.
• They can boost conversion rates significantly.

Bonus tip: Add logos of trusted partners or certifications if you have them. A little social proof goes a long way.

Ryan Stone 

p: 707-480-0959

e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion

p: 707-434-9967

e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Website

Don’t Forget the Basics – Contact Info and About Page

It sounds simple, but you’d be surprised how many websites hide the basics.

Always include:

• A contact page with your email, phone number, and social links.
• An about page that tells your story, builds trust, and shows the human side of your brand.

Customers want to know who they’re doing business with—and how to reach you if they have questions. Make it easy.

Ryan Stone 

p: 707-480-0959

e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion

p: 707-434-9967

e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Website

How to Fail Intelligently | Amy Edmondson

You may have once feared a big red “F” (for “Failure”) at the top of a graded assignment. Even as an adult, failing can make you feel discouraged or ashamed. But Harvard researcher Amy Edmondson’s research tells us that some failures are smart and productive — and “intelligent failure” offers a potential learning experience that could pave the way to greater success. She argues this desirable “F” should be a goal.

Ryan Stone 

p: 707-480-0959

e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion

p: 707-434-9967

e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Website

First Impressions Matter – Make Your Homepage Count

Your homepage is the digital front door to your business. Within seconds, visitors decide if they’ll stay or click away.

Here’s what your homepage needs:

• Clear messaging – Who you are and what you do.
• Strong visuals – Clean design and engaging images.
• A clear call to action – Tell visitors exactly what to do next (e.g., "Book Now," "Learn More").

If people can’t figure out what you offer in 5 seconds, it’s time for a homepage refresh.

Ryan Stone 

p: 707-480-0959

e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion

p: 707-434-9967

e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Website

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day

Ryan Stone 

p: 707-480-0959

e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion

p: 707-434-9967

e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Website

The world is poorly designed. But copying nature helps.

Biomimicry design, explained with 99% Invisible.

Ryan Stone 

p: 707-480-0959

e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion

p: 707-434-9967

e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Website

Why Every Business Needs a Website

In today’s digital world, having a website isn’t just a bonus—it’s a necessity. Whether you're a small business, freelancer, or nonprofit, your website acts as your online storefront, open 24/7.

A well-designed site builds credibility, helps customers find you, and showcases what you offer. It’s also a central hub for sharing updates, answering questions, and even making sales. Without one, potential customers may not take your business seriously—or may not find you at all.

Think of your website as your business card, sales pitch, and customer service desk rolled into one. If you're not online, you're missing out.

Ryan Stone 

p: 707-480-0959

e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion

p: 707-434-9967

e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Website

"Branding Your Business: Start with What You Stand For"

Branding isn’t just about logos and colors—it’s about creating a clear identity that connects with your audience. The first step? Know what your business stands for. What are your values? What problem do you solve? What feeling do you want customers to walk away with?

From there, build a visual style (like your logo, fonts, and colors) that reflects that message. Keep it consistent across your website, social media, packaging—everywhere your brand shows up. And don’t forget your voice! The way you communicate is just as important as how things look.

Great branding builds trust, tells your story, and helps your business stand out in a crowded market. Start with clarity, stay consistent, and always lead with purpose.

Ryan Stone 

p: 707-480-0959

e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion

p: 707-434-9967

e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Website

How to Brand Yourself Without Feeling Fake

In this video,  I’m going to break down why "authenticity" became one of the most powerful currencies in branding, where most people get it wrong, and then I’ll give you my 5-step framework to brand yourself in a way that actually feels like you.

Ryan Stone 

p: 707-480-0959

e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion

p: 707-434-9967

e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Website

What Does the Trend Setter Package Inculde?

OUR TREND SETTER PACKAGE INCLUDES ALL THE FOLLOWING SERVICES:

>  Professional Website

>  Blog & Regular Blog Posting

>  Limited Social Media Posting & Management

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Linkedin

>  Personalized Email Newsletter

>  Video & YouTube Channel

>  Marketing & Business Consulting

Ryan Stone 

p: 707-480-0959

e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion

p: 707-434-9967

e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Website

Easter Monday

Ryan Stone 

p: 707-480-0959

e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion

p: 707-434-9967

e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Website

Less is More: The Magic of a Simple Life

In this video, we explore the concept of "less is more" and uncover the hidden magic that a simple life can bring. From decluttering your space to lightening your mental load, discover how embracing minimalism can lead to a richer, more fulfilling existence. 

Join us as we delve into the philosophy of minimalism and show you how to create more space for what truly matters. Whether you're a seasoned minimalist or just curious about simplifying your life, this video is for you!

Ryan Stone 

p: 707-480-0959

e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion

p: 707-434-9967

e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Website

Trend Setter Package

Our Trend Setter Package is unique in that it offers even the smallest businesses the marketing power of a much larger business. We do this by combining all of our services into one low cost monthly package, which ensures your Internet properties are updated regularly every month.

Think of it this way; You open a business and want some customers. So, you put out a sign. Then, you want some more business. So, you put out a sign down the street, then two streets over, then out on the freeway, and pretty soon you have them all over town. People now know about you even if they have never been in your store or used your services.

This is exactly what we do for you via the Internet. Beginning with a website, we add a blog, a monthly (or more often for some businesses) email newsletter, social networking in Facebook, Twitter, Linked-in. Next we add a YouTube channel and video is included. We help you get found. Last is our own consulting to help you get the best of our services and more.

We do this in a systematic way, which allows us to keep the cost low. Now, virtually every business can afford to look like a much larger business.

Each business is different. Give us a call to talk about your specific business. We will let you know how little it takes to get started right away.

Ryan Stone 

p: 707-480-0959

e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion

p: 707-434-9967

e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Website

CONFUSED ABOUT HOW YOUR BUSINESS CAN…

Use Internet? Website? Blog?

E-Commerce? Social Networking?

YouTube/Videos?

HTML Newsletters?

“What Is This Stuff?"

“Who Has The Time To Deal With It?"

“What’s In It For Me?"

Too Expensive?

RELAX. . .

We Make It So Easy! And So Affordable!

 CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Ryan Stone 

p: 707-480-0959

e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion

p: 707-434-9967

e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Website

why do some things just look so good?

Ryan Stone 

p: 707-480-0959

e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion

p: 707-434-9967

e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Website

Client Highlight : Julz Ice Cream & Candies

Wholesale Ice Cream

West Sacramento CA

Website

Client since Mar 2012

Client Highlight : Dixon Landscape Materials

Landscaping Materials & Supplies

Dixon CA

Website

Client since Jan 2009

Harvard negotiator explains how to argue | Dan Shapiro

Dan Shapiro, the head of Harvard’s International Negotiation program, shares 3 keys to a better argument.

Ryan Stone 

p: 707-480-0959

e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion

p: 707-434-9967

e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Website