Dive In And Enjoy!

On Jun 6th I posted to the blog about Bluewater Pools & Frank Vazquez's dive into the world of social media.  It has been exciting to watch their Facebook page activity over the past 2 months.  What I have seen are dozens of pictures of families & friends enjoying their pools.   There has been no lack of posts of beautifully constructed designs by Bluewater Pools but, the customer photo posts frame the company posts in a way that leads the Facebook Page visitor to begin to think "Bluewater Pools is important to these families"  &/or  This is a "community."  There are also the occasional posts about holiday's or events that are important to Bluewater Pools.  Not just a "sale", looking back there has not been one "sale" or "today's special" post on their page, but posts like a holiday "I'm proud to be an American" or to the soliders a "Thank you for what you do."  Posts of Fireworks on the 4th of July or even posts of what's cooking for dinner that night at Frank's.  Not a single post with a negative tone exists there.  Bluewater Pools Facebook page is a happy, inviting celebration of life in and around the pool.  Who could possibly pass up the opportunity to join in this fun?  No one!  Certainly not me.  To those of you who are planning social media/Facebook strategies for next season, take a look at Bluewater Pools Facebook page.  Jump in & enjoy with the rest of us!

I can't end this blog entry without sharing with you, the post from Bluewater Pool's Making Memories Grand Prize Winner:

Blue Water Pools:

“Party at our house this weekend, bring a swimsuit and towel!” As of August 2010, this has been our mantra. We have now become the home that hosts all the gatherings that knits our friends into family. Our once deserted backyard, has blossomed into an oasis for hearted connections, an exhale from the constant go, and simple child-like fun.
Our desire to build our pool was with hopes to have early morning swims, moonlight swims, to simply be able to stay home and open our house to the joy. Yet, as a homeschooling mother, I had no idea the true beauty our pool would bring to our lives, and studies. Our “mental math” has taken on a new life. We have now evolved to “water math”. We dive out the multiplication tables, we estimate the height of cannonballs, we swim three-fourths the length, the possibilities and motivation, is now endless.
In so many aspects of our lives, our pool brings such beauty. We are blessed with the gaiety of romping, diving, swimming children, poolside BBQs, as well as the serenity of a relaxing swim in the evening. Our home, and our memories couldn’t be more full.

"Thank you blue water pools"

Sincerely,
Dana, Dana, Chase, Sage, Shai and Cruz Gordon

Being Who and What You Are In Today's Transparent World of Social Media

I have been talking about the value of social media for a while now.  Many in the pool & spa industry agree with my message and realize that this new form of communication is way past the fad stage...social media is here to stay.  It is the new norm.  Let me share with you another example of social media at work...I recently received this email:

"Hey Vance, Frank the pool guy in Miami. Taking your advice on the social media exposure. When you have a moment check out the company Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/bluewaterpools.sfland please give us a "like this". Also, created a new webpage, check us out at http//:www.custombluewaterpools.com."

So, I went to check out Frank's Facebook page & his website & one thing quickly became apparent to me..."Frank gets it."  I encourage you to take a minute & visit Frank's website.  Clicking on "About Us" takes you to a page that discusses his "core values" - integrity, dependability, and excellence.  Throughout his website he uses phrases like "environmentally friendly, highly efficient, easily maintained, lowest cost of operation".  Those are "values" important to Frank and values shared by today's consumer.  His message moves seamlessly over to his Facebook page where you find a client post that reads: "I hired Frank/Bluewater Pools to resurface a pool and build an infinity edge on a $5 million home for my most important client. I worked with several other contractors  in Miami and none kept their promises and none were accountable.  Frank was the opposite.  Frank delivered on time, kept his word, and created a gorgeous glass tile pool surface with Infinity Edge.  He made me look good.  In addition, I was a bit of a pain and Frank dealt with me with the patience of an old pro (no offense Frank!)  Call me for a reference - John Gee - Realtor - Miami Beach Sotheby's."

WOW!  It doesn't get any better than that.  A few minutes on his website and a couple of minutes on his Facebook page, you start to feel like you know who Frank is and what his company, Bluewater Pools, is all about.  The dots are connected!  Then, Frank takes it a step further and adds a contest he calls "Creating Unforgettable Memories" with prizes like an IPad, digital camera & underwater camcorder.  Frank's website asks the question "Who Is Building Your Backyard Paradise?"  By the end of this season it is a safe bet to think many people will be answering "Frank Vazquez."

Passing The Passion This Season

Memorial Day weekend is upon us and in the past several weeks I have had the opportunity to meet with several individuals I consider both friends and industry icons.  Every conversation centered on a discussion of where our industry is headed this season.  In many ways, we find ourselves where we were a decade ago; competing with a variety of leisure-time activities that tend to siphon discretionary dollars that could be invested in the total backyard environment.   On the other hand, we are standing on the threshold of a new and exciting opportunity this season!  The opportunity to use new channels of communication in social media to reconnect with our existing customers who will help us connect with new customers.  Those same channels allow us to educate the public on new technologies available for our pools.  Most consumers are totally unaware of the last decade of changes in our industry and how these technologies have impacted the swimming pool experience.

The industry icons I  met with, over the past several weeks, share a passion for their work.  They live it daily, passing their passion to all those who cross their paths.  I challenge you to go into this season doing the same.  Show your customers your love for your product.   Explain to them the benefits of converting their backyard into the resort their families will "live in."  Our industry has the power to positively impact so many families this year.  Let's all keep our focus on passing the passion this season!