Social media has proven it’s not a fad or a passing trend.  When people began “twittering” it was easy to assume there was no need to figure it out because it would be gone in a flash.  Well, that flash has endured for 10 years.  The other social media giant, Facebook, celebrated its twelfth anniversary in February.

Social media has become so prevalent that using it to promote a business is practically a given.  Even if you are not personally using a Facebook page, someone who works for you should be.  Updating a Facebook page is very simple and should be done as frequently as daily.  Creating a business page is quick, and the best part is that it’s free.  You may choose to spend advertising dollars on sites like Facebook, but it’s not required.

Facebook is the place where people find you, especially the 40 and under crowd.  More people search Facebook first before other available sites because through Facebook, you may search the web also. 

The evolution of social media has become so advanced that you may send and receive email and text messages, upload photos, photo albums, videos and you may now live stream to your followers.  Can you imagine sending out a live stream of a project you’re working on?

One aspect of social media that is very enticing for advertising is the immediacy in which clients and potential clients receive information.  Within moments of updating a social media page, your clients and potential clients will know your message.  Another great aspect is that you have one hundred percent control over your marketing strategy, which makes finding that social media talented person at your office even more valuable.

Social media allows you to reach far beyond your geographical area, communicating with potential clients across town, in a neighboring city, another state or even across the world. And did I say, “It’s free!?” Click here to see what we think is a good example of a Facebook page!

DISCIPLINARY ACTION
A few minutes on the Florida Department of Professional and Business Regulation will provide licensees with valuable information about disciplinary proceedings, how to file a complaint and what actions are under the purview of the Office of the General Counsel.

If a licensee is found to have likely committed a violation of a licensing statute or rule, the Office of the General Counsel becomes prosecutor in an administrative action.  The OGC’s purpose in the action is to ensure compliance with applicable laws and rules or to impose discipline. 

Like in a criminal case, the prosecutor represents the interest of the people of the State of Florida, and not an individual. The Florida legislature has set limits on the range of administrative discipline the Department may impose, and because the action is administrative, rather than civil or criminal, different standards of proof are required as well as a more limited range of remedies.  For instance, the OGC may not seek monetary damages on behalf of a victim, as may be awarded in a civil lawsuit, or impose a prison sentence, as may be imposed under the criminal law.  The OGC has the discretion to weigh the strength of the evidence or consider motives or biases of a complainant.  Click to read more on the DPBR’s web site.

CONGRATS CONTRACTOR STUDENTS!
You've done your required CE, your credits have been reported to the DBPR, you got your certificate and your license is renewed once again!  Congratulations, and thanks for making us your contractor's continuing
education provider of choice!

Your friends at Gray Systems thank you for your business and wish you continued success.  If you ever need us, give us a call!

PS:  Of course, if you're one of those last minute types who has yet to take the needed course(s), click here for our online course offerings!

DBPR EXTENDS DEADLINE 
We just wanted to let you know that the DBPR has extended the August 31, 2016 renewal deadline to September 7, 2016. That means that if you have not yet completed the continuing education needed to renew your license for this license period, you now have several additional days... and a chance to avoid the $100 late fee.  

If  you've done your coursework and your credits have been reported, don't panic. Sometimes, there's a delay in results getting posted.  We do suggest that you double check with the DBPR and make sure your license(s) are in good order.