Semester Reflection

At the beginning of this semester, I was completely overwhelmed and nervous. I was so unfamiliar with so much of social media. I really thought I was not going to be able to get through the class after the first day. I was so nervous that I was never going to catch on, but Laurie reassured me that the nervousness would pass. I wasn't so sure.


I expected to learn about all things social media and how to run a successful campaign for businesses. I expected to gain an understanding of social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and creating a blog. I also expected to gain confidence and feel comfortable with myself on those social media sites. I knew there were several social media platforms that I didn't even know existed and was expecting to learn a little about all of them and then some!


What did I actually learn? Well, I actually learned that it is not as easy as just putting whatever I want on social media. I learned that there is a method to the social media madness in order to be successful. I learned that I really need to gain a true understanding of my target audience and post appropriately. I also learned that social media is not as scary as I thought, but that it also can be a pretty scary place (when we went into all of our settings on Facebook and found out who and what could be seen, Yikes). The last thing that I learned is that I really like social media marketing and would definitely consider it for a career. I had fun posting on Facebook and Twitter and even enjoyed the blog posting.


My favorite experience this semester has got to be just the fun posting on Facebook and Twitter for my business. I really enjoyed finding funny and worthwhile stuff to post. I like that I can really just have a good time with funny posts and also find really informative things to post. I really liked searching for funny memes or images. Making people smile and laugh, even when I can't see or hear it, is always fun for me. I will take the knowledge that I've gained from this class and apply it in the future for sure.

Most Epic Beards

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Believe it or not, Thanksgiving is next week. That means that at this time next week, we'll all be overly full and possibly going crazy on Black Friday.  We hope to see you out at B Side Records buying gifts for your loved ones and yourself.

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There is another important event that happens every November, No Shave November. It's a great way for men to show their support in the fight against cancer. The concept of No Shave November is to not shave for the month and take the money you saved on those items needed for shaving and donate it to a cancer foundation. We are offering those who have epic beards in support of No Shave November pretty sweet deals. So show us your epic beards in support! Whether you are sporting a beard that rivals ZZ Top, Nathaniel Rateliff, or Jerry Garcia stop in and get 10% off of your total purchase.

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We are also hosting our Most Epic Beard Contest. We will take your picture, put it on our wall of fame and anyone who stops in can vote for the prize of Most Epic Beard. The winner will receive a basket full of prizes that include beard oil, some albums from artists with epic beards, a gift card for Liftbridge Brewing in Stillwater, along with a bunch of other great stuff for you and your epic beard.

If are you one of the unlucky ones that can't grow an epic beard but you would still like to show your support, you can make a donation at B Side Records. When you make a donation you will also receive 10% off of your total purchase. So, whether you are an epically bearded one or would just like to donate to the cause, be sure to stop at B Side Records, get yourself and your loved ones some great vinyl gifts, and help us show support for No Shave November. Happy Thanksgiving and Happy No Shave November to all!

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Top Ten Reasons to Buy Vinyl

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I have had many people throughout my life ask me why I love vinyl, what is it about vinyl that draws me to it, and why did I start to collect it. I'm not exactly sure why I started collecting vinyl or why I have always been drawn to it. I can say that I have been listening to vinyl since I was very little.

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My parents had a state of the art stereo system with a turntable when I was a kid and I loved it when my dad would put on Deep Purple or Ronnie Milsap. Maybe it's the nostalgia of it all or maybe it's because I just really love the sound that comes out when that needle hits the vinyl. I don't know.

My passion for vinyl really grew as a teenager. When I was 15, I made the jump from cool, popular group to the weirdo kids group. All but two or three of my friends were boys and they had a love for classic rock. I always listened to it, but not religiously like them. Then, the Beatles Anthology aired. It was life changing. I couldn't get enough. From then on out, I had to get my hands on every Beatles album, along with as many other classic rock records that I could. I was the kid in high school wearing clothes from thrift stores (bell bottoms, polyester, and shirts from the seventies) who was unapologetic for her love of all things classic rock and vintage.

 I have never lost my love or passion even though in today's musical society most music is digital. With instant streaming programs there isn't the need to go out and buy physical copies of your favorite albums. But even amongst the digital age, vinyl is making a huge comeback.

In the last couple of years, vinyl records have been showing up everywhere. It takes a lot of time and money to go and pick out what records you want to add to your collection. I personally believe you can tell so much about a person just by looking at their vinyl collection. In case I haven't convinced you yet, here are 10 reasons why you should be listening to vinyl (drum roll please):


1. The emotions
When listening to vinyl, you can hear all of the emotions an artist puts into a song.

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2. The warmth
There is something about the sound of vinyl that just warms your soul. It sounds so much purer than listening to a song on your laptop or phone.

3. Nostalgia
Listening to certain records can bring you back. For me, I have certain records that remind me of my childhood dancing around the living room, my high school days and all of the emotions that go along with teenage agnst, and even more recent life events with newer releases. It's like hopping into a time machine.

4. Buying a record
There is no better feeling than flipping through the stacks of records and finally coming across one that you have been searching for.

5. Colored vinyl
I am very proud to say that I own a few vinyls that are different colors. I have a pink one, a white one, and an orange one. Just seeing them spin is so fascinating. My kids think they're really fun too!

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6. The album covers
This is more for the aesthetics, but just seeing the album covers for each LP is amazing. Also, they can be used for really cool artwork! In college, my roommates and I had an entire wall of our living covered in LP covers.

7. Sides (changing a record)
I normally listen to my records when I'm doing homework. Once that side has ended, it gives me the perfect little break to get up and stretch out my legs in order to flip the record or change it out. So, it's exercise! Another great health benefit of owning vinyl.

8. The money
Although records may be more expensive than buying the album digitally, one day, if you ever decide to part with the record, it could possibly make you more money.

9. Great conversation starters
If someone sees your vinyl collection, it is the perfect way to start a conversation. So many conversations could start just from viewing one's collection.

10. Appreciation for music
Because you can't skip songs on vinyl without much effort, you really begin to appreciate songs that you never thought you would like because you tend to listen to the entire album.

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So, those are my top ten reasons to buy vinyl. If they have peeked your interest, come to B Side Records. We will help you expand your existing collection or we can guide you if you are new to the vinyl world. If you want to know more about B Side Records, check out all of our social media platforms and our new commercial at: https://spark.adobe.com/video/Bjy3HSDX0j2TR

Fall Harvest Sale

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It's that time of year again! Time for our Fall Harvest Sale. We have more vinyl than we know what to do with right now and that means it's the perfect time for you to stock up on those albums you've been waiting to add to your collection, along with a new record player and some great merch. We have so many records and our favorite music t-shirts on sale right now. Everything you need to add to your collections.

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We have both new and used vinyl on sale. Receive up to 60% off of the original price. You can also get a great deal when you bring in your unwanted music for cash or store credit during the sale. We are doubling your credit for every record you sell to us. We know many of you have been hesitating and waiting for just the right time to buy or sell that wanted and unwanted vinyl. Now is the time! Give the gift of music to yourself or someone else. Maybe even introduce us someone and get them hooked on the sounds of great vinyl.

We also have some really great music t-shirts and sweatshirts up to half off. We have every style and size available, along with a variety of bands to choose from. 

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There really is something for every music lover in your life, even if you are the said music lover because you deserve something new as well.

Have you been putting off replacing your old, worn out record player? Do you know someone who could use a new one? How about giving one as a gift? We have several Crosley record players discounted for the Fall Harvest Sale, which is just in time to start Christmas shopping. What a beautiful coincidence!

So come down to B Side Records this weekend for the Fall Harvest Sale to get the best deals of the season on vinyl, record players, and merch. We have every genre of music, every style of shirt, and every type of record player for everyone's needs. You can even get great deals on limited edition and hard to find vinyl. We've got it all!  And remember, if you can't find the album or band you are looking for in store, we will be more than happy to search it down for you.  Just let us know what you are looking for and we will do all that we can to get it in your hands. Hope to see everyone come out to the sale!

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Halloween fun

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We have had so much going on down at B Side Records and we are not stopping now! With Halloween coming up, we have several spooky days of events planned. On Saturday we are participating in the family friendly Spooktacular for all of the kids to come out and get all sorts of candy and prizes from local businesses including us, of course! We will also host a pumpkin carving contest for the kids and adults. We have some great prizes for the winners!

Along with all of the fun, games, and candy we encourage everyone, not just the kids, to wear their best Halloween costumes. We will have prizes for great costumes as well.  We have some really great Halloween jams that will be playing now through Halloween to put everyone in the spooky spirit.

 On Halloween we will be hosting our annual Monster Mash Bash with live spooky music, costumes, and haunted house for a haunting good time. So, put together some amazing, creepy, fun costumes with your friends and family and head down to B Side Records all weekend long. Allow us to put a spell on you and make you ours.......our loyal customer. So get out your Halloween best, bust out your pumpkin carving tools, brush up on your carving skills and be ready to have a great time this weekend with us!



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Also, be sure to check out our new podcast! We talk about all things music and keep you up to date on the latest shows, releases, and happenings about town.  Check it out here:  https://soundcloud.com/bsiderecords1/hateful-resources-full-version . This week's topic is Why love music?

Pink Rocks Event

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Did you know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month? In honor of this , we are hosting a great event to contribute to the cause. Come join us Saturday, October 22, 2016 for our first annual Pink Rocks event. The event will go all day, from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. We are hosting this event because cancer sucks and we need to find a cure and  raise awareness. This will be a day filled with music, fun, friends, food, and prizes. 

To kick off the day we will open up the silent auction. We have partnered with local musicians and businesses to offer you some amazing items to bid on. The items range from limited edition, out of print vinyl, signed band merchandise, and several giftcards for local businesses. The auction will be open for bids from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm so be sure to get to the event in time to place all of your bids! We will also have our usual sales along with our Pink Rocks t-shirts and bandanas for sale.

We are also excited to be partnering with Sweet Treats food truck, The Brew Guys, The Mac Shack, and Sweet Treats Bake Shop to offer you many food options while you are hanging out with us. If you wear your pink in support, you may find that you are eligible for some free treats from these guys too!

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Of Course, we will be playing host to live music all day throughout the event. Pink Floyd tribute band, Pink Lloyd will be playing along with local artists Matt Sislo, Communist Daughter, and a special appearance by Dave Pirner. It is going to be a rocking good time for a great cause!

 

Come out and show your support for this great cause and have a great time while doing it. It's going to be a day filled with lots of good music, food, and good times. There will be lots of great merch for you to buy and bid on, and remember, half of all proceeds will be donated to help the fight against breast cancer. So, come out and show your support for those who are fighting this fight and don't forget to wear your pink in support of all of those who have been effected by this terrible disease. Let's all show up Saturday, October 22, 2016 and jam!

 

 

A Little Horsing Around

We took a little break from buying and selling vinyl to do a little horsing around. A few of us from B Side Records and Concerts had a fun day at Han-Ney Equestrian Center. Now, I want you to understand something, I am not a horse person. I have always been afraid of horses. This is something I'm pretty sure stems from me being bucked off of a horse when I was in fourth grade.

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I haven't been able to get close to horses since then. Some of my friends and co-workers wanted to see me conquer this fear, so they took me to Han-Ney Equestrian Center. Let's just say I was less than enthusiastic about the whole situation. I'd rather be sorting the new vinyl we just purchased.

My outlook on the day quickly changed when we arrived and started with a tour of the facility. They do amazing things for sick and injured horses. The rehab and advanced technology they have for the horses in their care is truly amazing! I felt like the Grinch, my heart grew that day. By the time we got around to meeting the horses and saddling up, I was ready to do it! I had no fears. The horses and trainers there are all so wonderful, understanding, and calm. My anxiety completely disappeared. I think that it is safe to say that my new spirit animal just may be a horse!

In return for their hospitality and patience with me, we invited their staff to some check out B Side Records. Thankfully, they graciously accepted! We had so much fun showing everyone from Han-Ney around our store and guiding them on their newest vinyl choices.

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I think we may have even converted some younger ones to vinyl! So, we can say with absolute certainty, mission accomplished! I got over my fear of horses and we educated others on the love of vinyl.

If you or someone you know loves, fears, or is interested in starting to ride horses check out Han-Ney Equestrian Center! Follow them on Twitter: @HanNeyEC and check out their blog at http://han-neyec.blogspot.com/.  Tell them B Side Records sent you!