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kellymullady2 · 7 years

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Changing the Face of Swimming with Chris George

The air is warm and sticky, filled with waves of humidity. The tropical, humid environment isn’t ideal. Throw in coaches yelling directions at the top of their lungs, splashing water, and children laughing, and this place becomes a bevy for chaos. Even though many cannot handle the slippery, tiled path to the starting blocks, Chris George has come to call the pool deck home.

“I started swimming when I was six-years-old. My parents enrolled me in several other sports at the time, as well. I think they wanted to treat me as the ‘traditional boy’ of the family. I’m the second oldest of four children, but I’m the only boy, so my dad wanted me to be the ‘all-American’ athlete. Swimming was the only sport that stuck, though, so by 13, I was swimming competitively, full-time. I can’t recall a moment from my early swimming days where I didn’t absolutely love what I was doing. Plus, I’m way too short for basketball.”

George is now 26 years old, but he is still as dedicated to his sport. Besides George’s outstanding personal career, which includes making it through Olympic Trials twice as well as being captain of the Pitt swimming and diving team, he is slowly, but surely making another name for himself in the swimming world: coach.

“When I graduated from the University of Pittsburgh, I had no idea what I wanted to do. I was in a very weird place at the time. I got a job selling insurance policies at Aflac, and started selling insurance, which turned out to be one of the worst experiences of my life.” George admits he couldn’t handle the rejection he faced everyday on the job. “You are basically a door-to-door salesman. You walk into these places of business, and you’re forced to convince them that they want your insurance. It was the most defeating thing I’ve ever been through. Being told ‘no, no, no,’ all day long is horrible. I would equate it to working at the lost luggage department at the airport, although I have no experience with that.” George laughs at the end here, revealing his soft, gentle nature.

After George decided insurance wasn’t his game, life threw him a curveball. “My girlfriend, whom I intended to propose to, cheated on me. We had been on a downward spiral for quite some time now, but this devastated me more than anything. I packed my things that night and left Pittsburgh behind.”

George was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. “Returning home was the best decision I ever made. My family was there for me, which I never realized I needed until I had it. Even though I left a number of amazing friends in Pittsburgh, I was at a juncture in my life where I needed to focus on me, and figure out what to do with my life.” What George did, eventually, led him to Arkansas.

George grew up in the pool, literally. Swimming at the age of 6, it soon became apparent that George had incredible potential. Standing at about 5’9,” George is almost the perfect height and build for a swimmer. His dark hair disguises the damage left by chlorine that every swimmer can relate to and his face is kind and warm. That’s really the only way to describe George: he is a warm person, who makes everyone around him feel comfortable and happy.

“He loved swimming, and he was good at it. I wasn’t sure how to feel about it at the time, because I didn’t want to turn the sport into a job for him, something he hated. I wanted him to be happy, and if swimming made him happy, I would support it,” said Mrs. George, a kind faced woman, and proudly displays her son’s achievements all over their Jacksonville house. She has even been able to turn George’s new Arkansas apartment into a record of George’s outstanding achievements.

“She insisted on coming out here to ‘help me move in.’ I’m 26, I think I can handle it. As you can see, she got her way in the end.” The room is full to bursting with plaques, certificates, and medals, all boasting the achievements of George’s athletic ability. George was even good enough to make it to the Olympics, or, at least almost make it. George was invited to compete at the Olympic Trial Meet, which is a meet where you compete against every swimmer in the country, and the top two swimmers are chosen to compete on the United States Olympic Team.

“In 2004, I qualified for Olympic Trials a month before the meet started. I trained for the entire year focusing on the Charlotte Ultra Swim Grand Prix Meet because that was the meet I was going to taper for. The Charlotte pool is a very fast pool and many world records have been set there. I qualified for trials in the 1500-meter freestyle and I went 15:46:20 and the time standard to beat was 15:48:29. I was so excited because all of my hard work paid off.” George wasn’t in swimming for the glory of it; it simply became something he loved, that he happened to be good at. “Going into the Olympic trials, in Long Beach, California, I had no expectations about my times or place; I went there to have fun. It was the best experience of my life. I have never been at a venue with all the fastest swimmers in the world. According to USA Swimming, out of the 2 million swimmers in the USA, only the top 1% qualifies for Olympic Trials. To make the Olympic Team you have to finish top 2 in your event. It ended up being faster than the Olympics itself. When we got paraded out on deck, there were about 20,000 people in the stadium watching. I was seeded 28th out of 29 swimmers in the event.” George’s ranking and seat barely mattered to him. “I was so excited and my adrenaline was pumping, so I don’t remember feeling nervous at all, although I was probably about to faint from nerves. I just told myself, ‘this is it! Go out there, have fun, and just race!’ The person in the lane next to me was the American Record Holder in the event, which did little to help the nerves, but when I’m on that block, I’m in a completely different world, my world. I swam the perfect race, and I just out-touched the American Record Holder by 1 second. I bested my time from the previous meet by 9 seconds, which is a lot in swimming, especially since I went my best time a month earlier. It was the best experience ever and I will never forget it. I finished 8th, 20 places ahead of where I was seeded, and it was the best meet I have ever had. Although only the top two swimmers make the actual Olympic Team, finishing in eighth place is certainly something to be proud of. Just competing in Trials is an honor.”

George brings this same enthusiasm to his teaching job. When coaching his swimmers, George never focuses on the negative. “I’ve found one of the most helpful things a coach can do is motivate you. My college swim coach didn’t do anything to motivate my teammates, or me and we all resent him for that. When I coach, I start out with what my swimmers are doing well, and then I like to introduce some helpful hints.” Whenever one of his swimmers is struggling on a technique, George likes to practically get in the pool with them to show them. He always goes over basic techniques, no matter how insignificant they may seem, and he always has a minute to help out anyone who asks for it. He is as on-hands as possible, and you can see he really works hard to be a positive force in the lives of these kids.

When George left Pittsburgh, he landed a job as a swimming coach for a small club team in Jacksonville. George was in charge of the 9-18 age group, coaching about 26 kids total. Although George had never formally coached, his first year of coaching was as impressive as his whole swimming career. When I asked George what he was most proud of during his year in Jacksonville, he is torn between two achievements. “I think the most rewarding moment of my coaching career, and that’s including my career in Arkansas, was when my swimmer, Jason Ellis, who had only been swimming for 3 years, was offered a scholarship to 3 different universities. I was given the opportunity to watch Jason grow up over that year, and I feel so blessed to have been able to help shape who he is, not just as a swimmer, but as a person. I make sure my swimmers are confident. That’s the most important thing I can do, and probably the most important part of my job.” It was from George’s experience with Jason that really opened his eyes to coaching. “When I was on the Pitt swimming team, I stopped enjoying swimming. The coach did nothing to inspire or motivate me, and he made me resent swimming, and myself. I’m honestly glad I went through that, because now I know exactly how NOT to coach.” Clearly, this lesson has paid off. In George’s first year as a coach, all 26 of his swimmers went their best times at their Championship Meet. There wasn’t a single event where a record wasn’t set by one of George’s swimmers.

“Honestly, swimming was just a sport, until Coach George (as he’s affectionately called by his team) showed up,” said Jason Ellis. “George inspired me, and made me realize that I could be anything I wanted, as cheesy as that sounds. He took extra time with me to help me perfect my stroke, and he never got annoyed or upset with me if it took a little longer for me to grasp something he was teaching. George made me a better swimmer, better than I thought I could ever be.”

After George’s impressive first year, the University of Arkansas came calling. “After that meet I got a call from the head coach of the University of Arkansas asking me if I would coach with them and their club team. It was like riding a high I couldn’t get off of, but I didn’t want to. The University of Arkansas wants me? Seriously?” This self-deprecating manner has been George’s strongest quality, and has enabled him to go far in a short amount of time. “It was a tough decision, almost the most difficult one I’ve ever made. Of course I had been to Arkansas, but packing up my entire life to move somewhere I’ve never lived? It was like going to college all over again. But in the end, it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.” George is now the head age group coach of the Razorback Aquatic Club and he is in charge of managing about 95 swimmers from ages 6-14. He is also an assistant with the University of Arkansas women’s swimming and diving team. “I am very grateful to be in this position because I am doing something I love and it keeps me involved in the sport as much as possible. It also keeps me motivated and competitive, which I feel are some of my best qualities as a coach.”

Chris George has gone through a lot to get where he is, but he’s not even close to being done, yet. “I have no idea where I’ll be in 10, 20 years; I don’t even know where I’ll be a year from now, but coaching is what I love to do, and I want to make a difference. I have had some amazing and some truly terrible swim coaches, and I want to make sure I can help improve the amazing side of the spectrum as much as possible. My ultimate goal as a coach is to educate the swimmers and pass on my love and passion for the sport to new swimmers. I want to be a mentor and a figure the kids can look up to and trust, and ultimately make them faster swimmers and help them achieve the goals they set for themselves.”

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kellymullady2 · 7 years

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Must See, Must Do: Winter in Chicago 2014

With so much to do and see in Chicago during the chilly winter months, it’s hard to prioritize your “must” list. Don’t worry, because the experts at BidClerk are here to help. One of the most fun things to do in Chicago starts December 5, 2014, and runs all the way through January 11, 2015, is Navy Pier’s Winter WonderFest! This winter celebration offers over 170,000 square feet of family fun, including an indoor ice rink, ferris wheel, and more! There’s no better way to beat the cold than a steaming cup of hot cocoa while skating around with your friends! For all those thrill-seekers out there, the Tilt attraction at the Sears Tower wants you! See the city at its best and most festive 1,000 feet atop the Magnificent Mile. Walk out over the chilly Christmas shoppers, and watch in awe as the magnificent city unfolds beneath you. Christmas and holiday shopping can be tiring, not to mention cold if you’re a Chicago-shopper! The Christkindlmarket offers something for everyone to enjoy! This traditional German market is entering its 19th year, and you can’t afford to miss it! From traditional German Schnitzel at Schnitzelhouse, to the various vendors and events planned to attend, you can do all of your holiday shopping right here while enjoying some delicious, warm German cuisine (don’t forget to try the French pastries)! If the cold isn’t your thing, why not take a trip to the Shedd Aquarium to see what the marine animals are up to during winter? Or you could pop into Hershey’s Candy Store for a warm, chocolatey treat! There are literally millions of things to do in Chicago this winter, you’ll never run out of fun in this city! Why not enjoy the brisk weather on one of Chicago’s famous Chicago Detour tours! This cold-weather boat cruise takes you all over the city while still keeping the chill at bay. Check out the Historic Bar Tour to sample some of Chicago’s favorite seasonal beers! Or you could try the Loop Interior Architecture tour, and learn while you cruise! Top your seasonal festivities off at Millennium Park! Bring all of your friends and loved ones, and treat them to a day of skating, sightseeing, and fun in this famous park! The skating rink is a great place to practice your skating skills, or gain some new ones; and there’s no bigger thrill than seeing your face light up the park on its famous Crown Fountain display! Come celebrate Millennium Park’s tenth year in style this winter! The perfect end to any winter night is, obviously, a trip to Giordano's Pizza. Nothing is more comforting and filling than a delicious piece of stuffed crust pizza from Chicago’s favorite pizzeria. Your chilly taste buds are sure to thank you after the first delicious bite. Chicago has so much to offer, don’t let the cold deter you! Grab your friends, your family, even your pets, and bring them down to the windy city for all of your holiday festivities. From the historical Christmas tree lighting ceremony to the fabulous Christkindlmarket, there is something for everyone to do and enjoy in our favorite city!

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kellymullady2 · 7 years

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Welcome to THE CAPTAIN’S BLOG! This is the place to go for The Captain’s tips on where to drop anchor and find the best things to do and places to go in Chicago.

ROLLING ON THE RIVER… ALREADY!

Thanks to an unusually mild spring, Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture Cruises on the Chicago Riverare being offered on select days in March, weather permitting. These cruises depart from Gateway Park atNavy Pier (southwest corner). Our professional, entertaining guides will highlight more than 40 landmark buildings. Tickets are $29.50-$33 for adults, $26.50-$30 for senior citizens and $15.50 to $16 for children. Kids 2 and under ride free. For a daily schedule, group rates or to purchase advance tickets online, click here to visit our website or call 312-222-9328.

BREWING UP MORE FUN THAN EVER BEFORE

Shoreline Sightseeing taps into summer fun with a delicious combination of craft beer, tasty food and a 90-minute Skyline Tour on Lake Michigan. And this summer, we’re offering more Shoreline Brew Cruisesthan ever before! A $39 ticket includes generous beer samples and snacks. Must be 21 or older. Featured brewers include Rock Bottom, Leinenkugel and Blue Moon. Cruises set for June 15, July 13, July 27, August 10, August 31, September 14 and October 5. These special events will depart from Shoreline’s dock at Gateway Park at Navy Pier (southwest corner). For more information and to purchase tickets online, just click here to get to our website.

SHORELINE IS UP FOR BREAKFAST… AND LUNCH

Shoreline Sightseeing has created two exciting new options for your next group event: Breakfast at Bayand Lakefront Lunch cruises on our most exclusive boat, the Celebration. Enjoy breakfast or lunch while cruising on Lake Michigan and taking in the world-famous Chicago skyline. A professional Shoreline Docent will educate and entertain you with the fascinating stories behind Chicago’s rise to become a world-class city. The 90-minute Breakfast at Bay cruise features a basket of freshly baked favorites, including coffee cake, cinnamon rolls, muffins, bagels, and other pastries. The 2-hour Lakefront Lunch features an assortment of mini-sandwiches, including smoked turkey, roast beef, smoked ham, tomato and mozzarella, tuna salad, and chicken salad on freshly-baked rolls. These new cruises are great for groups of 30 to 70. For more information, email [email protected].

THEY CALL IT “HORT COUTURE”

Flowers and fashion collide at this year’s Chicago Flower and Garden Show at Navy Pier with beautiful results. More than 25 gardens drawing inspiration from the textures and colors found in plants and fabrics. In addition to beautiful ideas for your garden, you’ll find great ideas for patios and decks, plus cooking demonstrations, kid’s activities and more. The show starts tomorrow (March 10) and goes through March 18. Click here to purchase tickets online and save $2 off the box office price.

GET TO KNOW CHICAGO WITH SHORELINE AND SPOTDASH

Shoreline Sightseeing will soon be part of SpotDash, an addictive mix of city guide, quiz game and scavenger hunt that gives you an insider’s view of the Windy City. Where are the best steaks in River North? Or where do Chicago’s best movie moments take place? SpotDash allows you to answer location-based challenges as you take unique “adventures,” exploring your city while earning badges and competing to win great prizes. It’s a really fun way to explore a city as a tourist or local. Look out for theShoreline Sightseeing mobile adventure on SpotDash later this spring! Get ready by downloading the app athttp://www.SpotDash.com or your app store: Android Market or Apple App Store.

GO BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE HISTORIC CHICAGO THEATRE

The Chicago Theatre is a breath-taking National Landmark in downtown Chicago, hosting hundreds of concerts, comedians, theatrical productions and special events every year. But you can have a front row seat for an amazing history lesson. The Chicago Theatre Marquee Tour is offered every week and takes guests on a history-filled journey, from the inception of this majestic venue in 1921, all the way to its present day incarnation as a premiere entertainment venue. Tour guests learn about the Theatre’s architecture, have the chance to stand on the famous Chicago Theatre stage, plus view artist signatures on the dressing room walls, including Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Dolly Parton, Alicia Keys and many more! Please visitthechicagotheatre.com/tour for tour schedules and pricing. Tickets are available online orwww.ticketmaster.com. Use discount code SHORE to get $2 off the price of an adult ticket or discount code SHORELINE to get $2 off the price of a ticket for kids 12 and under.

READ THE BLOG FOR A CHANCE AT GREAT PRIZES!

This week The Captain has lined up a little grab bag of goodies for one lucky reader: two free tickets for a Shoreline Skyline Tour on Lake Michigan and four 1-ride passes from Navy Pier. Just email [email protected] by midnight March 12, for a chance to win (enter “Blog Contest” in subject line). Winner will be picked in a random drawing on Tuesday, March 13.

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook or Twitter (@ShorelineTours) to be the first to hear about special offers and giveaways! We give away tickets every week!

Have fun out there!

Captain C.

[email protected]

Shoreline Sightseeing: More Boats, More Tours, More Chicago!

Shoreline Sightseeing at Navy Pier: Architecture Cruises on the Chicago River, Skyline Tours on Lake Michigan, Fireworks Cruises, Water Taxis, Private Charters.

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kellymullady2 · 7 years

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Training Packet

Section 1: Updating a Conceptual Project

1. When calling on a conceptual project, who should I call first?

a. A conceptual project will, usually, have 1-4 contacts in the roles that you want to call on

b. The best contact to start with, most of the time, will be the developer

i. The developer is usually involved with all aspects of a project, and they will be able to give you a good amount of information

ii. If a developer is not listed, the civil engineer and the owner are other good sources that you’ll want to utilize

2. What information do I want to obtain when calling on a conceptual project?

a. First, when you call a contact, you don’t have to always ask for the person listed in the roles, because if that particular developer, engineer, etc. is out of the office, someone else might be able to help you out

b. The first question you want to ask any contact you call is an updated timeline (when will construction start?)

c. Second, find out if an architect or a general contractor has been awarded (don’t say “hired”)

d. Third, make sure to ask for an email address for the contact you’re calling on if one is not listed (even if the contact is out of the office, ask the secretary if they have an email address where you can also reach them)

e. Lastly, ask them when the best time would be to call back and get an update on the project, and ask them if they are the best person to call for an update (they may end up giving you a new contact through asking this question)

3. What information do I need to obtain if an architect or a general contractor has been awarded?

a. Don’t start out by flat out asking for the architect’s/general contractor’s contact information

i. Instead, try saying, “that’s great! Who will you be working with?” or try this, “I’m interested in getting in touch with the architect/general contractor for future sub contractor bid opportunities”

b. You always want to get the architect’s or general contractor’s company name, address, and phone number

c. Try and get that architect’s/general contractor’s name so when an architect or general contractor reporter calls on this project, they will know who to speak with

d. If a civil engineer is the only contact listed, still call them and ask the same questions

i. Since the civil engineer sometimes doesn’t know about the involvement of an architect or general contractor, ask them if they “happen to know if either one has been awarded, or will be in the future”

ii. The civil engineer could know if either role has been awarded, but don’t assume that they know

4. What if I call on a conceptual project that’s bidding out?

a. You can ask any contact, especially if a general contractor has not been awarded, if this project will go out for “competitive bidding,” and also try to find out who will handle the bidding and a possible bid date

i. “Will the general contractor be negotiated or will you competitively bid out for one?”

1. If a general contractor will be negotiated, ask if the general contractor will be in charge of any other bid opportunities

b. There are 3 important questions to ask when you find out that a project is bidding out, or will bid out

i. How are you accepting bids (email, fax, snail mail, etc.)? GET THE ADDRESS FOR WHERE BIDS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED!

ii. When is the deadline for accepting bids?

iii. Are there electronically available plans/docs/specs that we could add to the project (we can only use PDF copies)?

5. IF YOU CALL ON A PROJECT AND THE CONTACT SAYS THAT IT’S CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION, ASK IF THEY WILL NEED ANY OTHER COMPETITIVE PRICING FOR ANY TRADES OR IF “ALL TRADES HAVE BEEN LET”

Section 2: What’s the Status?

1. External Status = Conceptual

a. Contacts

i. Owner/Developer

ii. Engineer – Civil (ce)

iii. Consultant

iv. Master Planner

b. Plans, Specs, Docs

i. Site plans for zoning approval

2. External Status = Design

a. Contacts

i. Owner/Developer

ii. Architect

iii. Engineers – Structural, Civil, MEP

b. Plans, Specs, Docs

i. Completed construction schematics

3. External Status = Final Plan

a. Contacts

i. Owner/Developer

ii. Architect

iii. Engineers – Structural, Civil, MEP

b. Plans, Specs, Docs

i. Completed construction documents (working plans)

ii. Specifications

4. External Status = Pre-Construction – Negotiated

a. Contacts

i. Owner/Developer

ii. Architect

iii. Engineers – Structural, Civil, MEP

iv. Negotiated GC (general contractor), CM (construction manager), or D/B (design/builder)

b. Plans, Specs, Docs

i. Schematics

ii. Construction documents

iii. Specifications

Section Three: How Do I Explain what BidClerk is?

1. “BidClerk is an online plan room, similar to McGraw-Hill or REED Construction.”

2. “BidClerk works with local contractors and suppliers in the area for possible bid opportunities”

3. If they still don’t get BidClerk, you can always try this: “We post projects on our at site at no charge, and then our subscribers, many of them sub contractors, pay to view that project and the project details in order to find bid opportunities in their area.” Try to make them understand that we aren’t trying to solicit for bids

Section Four: What if they Really Don’t Want to Talk to Me?

1. For starters, don’t get discouraged or upset if someone is short, or even rude to you, it happens to everyone!

2. Be as polite as possible, no matter what, and gently try to nudge the person into giving you some information

3. If the person really, really doesn’t want to talk to BidClerk, try going back to the lead source and getting the information that you need from someone at the city, who may have other contacts for the project you could call

4. If all of the above fails, try giving the project a few weeks, or even a month, (unless construction is supposed to start within the next 3 and ½ months) and then try calling back

a. However, sometimes going to the city will prove more helpfully after a certain point

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kellymullady2 · 7 years

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Neighborhoods of the World, Philippine Fest Chicago

Starting Sunday February 17, 2013, Navy Pier, in conjunction with the Consulate General of the Philippines and thePhilippine American Cultural Foundation,is proud to present Neighborhoods of the World, featuring diverse cuisine, performances, and art from the many different ethnic neighborhoods around the Chicago area! This is the third year that Navy Pier is hosting this event, and every Sunday brings a new cultural offering to you for free!

On March 24, 2013, Neighborhoods of the World highlights the Philippine community! Starting at 12 pm at Navy Pier’s Crystal Gardens, treat yourself and your family to performances by SamaSama Project,PACF Performing Arts, the Apuli Brothers, GMA Pinoy TV, HatawPinoy Chicago, UIC-FIA Battle of the Bamboo contestants, Chicago AngklungRondalla Ensemble, De Paul Asian Cultural Exchange, Hinsdale Fil-Am SDA Rondalla, Transfiguration Dance Troupe, St. IsidoreSimbang Gabi Dance Crew and many more! You will also feast on authentic Filipino food from Sunda New Asian.

The SamaSama Project started after a very successful concert in 2008, and is now one of Chicago’s premier Filipino Folk Infusion bands! The SamaSama Project, led by Baron Lloyd Cabalona, Lou ManingasCabalona, Ran Sevilla, and Lee Maningas, consistently perform to sold-out audiences, and often collaborate with local artists, living up to their name, which translates into “united, together.” With the launch of their first album in 2012, the SamaSama Project is excited to perform at the Filipino Neighborhoods of the World in order to further promote their Filipino culture through music and art!

Another Filipino group, PACF (Philippine American Cultural Foundation) Performing Arts, will also be performing at the festival! The PACF Performing Arts group is a youth group that aims to promote Filipino culture through dance, music, and art with amazing, breathtaking performances that will leave you wanting more!

Along with many other amazing performers, you will be dining on the finest Filipino cuisine from Sunda New Asian restaurant. Just named one of the top 100 restaurants in Chicago, this award-winning restaurant features Eastern Asian and Southeast Asian cuisine with a mix of simple, yet flavorful dishes that are sure to delight yourtaste buds!

The Neighborhoods of the World, Philippine Fest Chicago, has something for everyone to enjoy! From lively, unique performances to Filipino cuisine bursting with warmth and flavor, you simply can’t go wrong! Join us at Navy Pier’s Crystal Gardens March 24, 2013 to celebrate the unique and dazzling Filipino culture that Chicago has to offer!

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kellymullady2 · 7 years

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How much is a “like” actually worth?

Facebook has revolutionized the way consumers interact with a brand, and now there’s a new study about how much a “like” is worth on Facebook. Traditionally, brand value has been based off of how many consumers are actively engaged with a product or brand. Now a company can track their brand value through the amount of “likes” their Facebook page receives. However, this doesn’t give an accurate look at the brand’s consumers. According to a study done by Lab42, 87% of people “like” a brand on Facebook, but what are the reasons behind “liking” a brand? According to the study, 69% of the consumers “liking” a brand has nothing to do with the actual brand! 69% of consumers have “liked” brands simply because a friend of theirs had done so. Are those people actually actively engaged with the brand? Does their “like” increase a brand’s value? This is why a “like” isn’t an exact way to measure your brand’s health. According to the study, only 14% of people who “like” a brand on Facebook “like” it because they are a loyal customer of the brand. Only 14%!

According to Lab42’s study, there are three big reasons for a consumer “liking” a brand on Facebook, and the biggest reason isn’t brand loyalty. The biggest reason for a consumer to “like” a brand on Facebook has to do with deals and promotions. 34% of the people who participated in this study said that they “liked” a brand simply because they believe they will get a deal or a promotion by being a fan on Facebook. It’s the number one reason why consumers actually “like” a brand in the first place. In fact, 46% of the people polled said that they “liked” a brand on Facebook, but had no intention of actually purchasing anything from that brand! So why even “like” the brand? 52% said that they only “liked” the brand in order to get something for free. 46% said that they “liked” a brand because they legitimately like and respect the brand, but they can’t afford anything from that brand. They simply “liked” the brand in order to support it, but they aren’t active consumers of the brand. 24% said that they only “liked” a brand in order to help out a friend.

In order for a brand to track their health, a Facebook “like” isn’t enough. Many consumers actually value quality content from a brand, which is the real way for a brand to turn a “like” into an active consumer. Regardless of how many “likes” a brand receives, it is clear that companies must do more to gain the loyalty of a consumer. What other ways could a brand actively engage those that simply take a second to click that powerful “like” button?

http://blog.lab42.com/like-us

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