Top water-front dining places in Winter Haven, Florida

Summer in Florida is officially here! Get ready for the hot days, beaches, salty air, and occasional rain showers. A summer spent in Florida is considered “paradise”, as the outside weather is always above par, and you can walk in the mornings, tan in the afternoon, and view the beautiful sunsets in the evenings. In Winter Haven, summer also means the busiest time for boats on the Chain of Lakes. From tubing, longboarding, water-skiing, and more fun water-filled activities, everyone seems to be having a blast soaking up the rays and enjoying the sun. All that fun requires a big appetite to fulfill, which is exactly what water-front dining places in Winter Haven offer! Below are the best boat-friendly water-front dining places in Polk County to stop by with your family after a fun filled day on the lake!:

• Harborside: It is hard to beat the views, food, and service Harborside offers to their customers. Known for their fresh seafood dishes, both offered during lunch and dinner, Harborside serves up a classy and yet family-friendly experience to all. Dining is offered on the main level, outside, and low level (which is part outside as well). Whether you want to take your family for a nice experience, or pull up on the boat and get some food, Harborside offers it all. The Sunset Room (infamous for its name) is the fully private room that directly faces the water with flat-screen TV capabilities, as well as special service and dining options. Harborside also has a lower bar, which you can walk to right off the boat, and the main bar, which includes several TV’s. Did we mention the pier? Right where you park your boat, you can get out and take family pictures against the beautiful Winter Haven sunset!

• Tanner’s Lakeside Restaurant and Bar: With beautiful food and amazing shrimp, it’s hard to beat Tanner’s at pretty much anything. Located directly on Lake Howard, Tanner’s faces the business of the Chain and the well-known sunsets on a day-to-day basis. Tanner’s is known ot having the most amazing shrimp-and-grits in Polk County, and also brags about having the most entertaining live bands in Central Florida. If you definitely want to have fun, sit at their bar! You’ll meet cool Haveners and make some friends. You can follow them on facebook @TannersLakeside where they post weekly about upcoming speakers and live bands. They are very friendly to dogs (as long as you keep them on a leash) and have both indoor and outdoor seating. Expect to see some gators while you’re there! Because of their popularity, they are going to start a good truck! Keep you eyes pealed open for “The Tiki”. 

• The Twisted Prop is on par for being as family friendly as Harborside. The Twisted Prop offers both inside and outside dining, so if you and your family want a more “classy” environment, go for the inside, where there is spacious room and nice TV’s. Coming right off the boat, hang outside under the nice, cool umbrellas and family seating. Right off of Lake May, they are known for their delicious wings, jalapeno mac and cheese, and other well-cooked American foods! Their service is some of the best in Winter Haven, and it is not unusual to see the owner come around and ask how your meal is going. At their bar they also have live music going on, so stop on in, grab a beer, and let loose a little!

Newton Peach is proud to have partnered with several of these restaurants to expand their business and making them more noticed on the Chain. Newton Peach Marketing works closely with the target audience of these restaurants and businesses in order to grow their reach they have on local customers. Newton Peach Marketing is focused on growing personal relationships with these owners to help them reach their goals and maximize their profit. With custom options available, we are focused on your own personalized plan to help you expand your business. Hope to see you out on the water soon!

Fun in Florida: Tips for Enjoying Your Memorial Day in The Sunshine State

Memorial Day weekend is coming up fast, and that means it's time for some fun in the sun! Whether you're new to the area, a longtime resident planning a staycation, or simply visiting the Sunshine State to soak up some rays, Florida is a hot destination (literally!) for people to enjoy their holiday weekend. It's no surprise of course, thanks to our beaches, theme parks, delicious food, gorgeous lakeside sunsets, and, of course, the variety of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. We have a few tips to make sure your Memorial Day weekend is a success, no matter where you're from or how long you'll be here:

• Bring your sunscreen! This is a no-brainer for time outside in Florida. Even if you're just relaxing in your own backyard by the pool, sunscreen is a must-have for time outdoors. Nothing is more miserable than trying to enjoy your Memorial Day vacation with a sunburn! Be sure to get a product that is waterproof, and remember to reapply every couple of hours for the most effective protection.

• Go off the beaten path. There are so many places in Florida that are often overlooked thanks to our close vicinity to Disney World, Daytona Beach, Clearwater Beach, and other popular hotspots. If you're wanting to see true, native Florida and plenty of wildlife, nearby Circle B Bar Reserve is the perfect place for an afternoon hike. Don't forget your camera...you're SURE to see a variety of birds, lizards, snakes, armadillos, and more than a few gators. If that's not your thing, cool off in the natural springs at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. Not only is the spring beautiful and cool to swim in, but there are water slides, "real" mermaids, a fun kiddie pool area, and more. Don't forget local cities like Winter Haven have plenty of well-known restaurants and shops that are great for an afternoon relaxing after spending time on the lake, and you won't have to battle the crowds that congregate in Orlando or Tampa.

• Get the best experience by choosing local. Anyone can go to a chain steakhouse or a fast-food joint, but if you truly want to experience Florida, you need to look closely for the beauty right here in our own backyard. Instead of a hotel, choose a rental home, apartment, or condo for your time in Florida. This will let you relax with a lake view, or experience some of the smaller towns outside of the main attractions. Local restaurants often serve seafood and produce from providers right here in our immediate area, giving you the true flavor of the state. Our local shops often sell handmade items, or items sourced from nearby crafters or artists, which lets you take a piece of Florida home with you at the end of your holiday.

We hope you enjoy your Memorial Day weekend and that you spend the time reflecting on the reason for the holiday, and enjoying time with the ones you care about most. If your time in Florida brings you near the Winter Haven area, welcome! We hope you enjoy your time here. If you're new to the area and plan to stay, we'd love to be a resource for you as you adjust to life in Polk County. We're here to answer your questions, even if it’s just to find out our opinion of the best local eateries and dives! If you're relocating your business to Winter Haven, or starting up a brand new one, we’re here to help you make it a success from day one. Call us about building your brand here in our community. Welcome to the Sunshine State!

Lucky to Live Here! How #28daysoflocal Impacted Newton Peach Marketing

With St. Patrick's Day coming up fast, everyone has luck on the brain. We can’t help but feel pretty lucky already though, after February's #28daysoflocal campaign. What started out simply as a goal to bring exposure to other local businesses after a hard year, ended up opening our own eyes to our community, and all of the hidden gems that surround us each day. We visited 28 different Winter Haven businesses and organizations, and were thankful to meet their owners, managers, and staff during our time taking photos and learning about what they offer. What are the three main things we took away from this experience?

It's vital that we learn to put down the keyboard, and PICK UP THE KEYS!

With online shopping growing exponentially during the COVID crisis, small businesses and local stores took a huge hit. Unfortunately, some of them didn't survive. It's our job to make sure that the ones who made it are able to keep their doors open, and not just survive, but thrIve. When it's time to shop for a birthday present, baby shower, or teacher gift, don't pick up your phone or jump on the computer. Take a little extra time to head downtown to a local shop where unique gifts, friendly staff, and your very own neighbors are waiting. Remember, Amazon won't be there to support your child's t-ball team or sponsor a local school event, but the shops and businesses of our own community care about you and the area we live in.

Local business owners are resilient.

This year could have turned into chaos for many local businesses, but the owners we met during our February visits took the opportunity to pivot and make the best of a new way of doing things. Restaurants who depended on in-person dining started offering takeout or delivery options. Shops and stores learned how to manage online shopping and delivery so they could still reach customers from home. Organizations brainstormed ways to continue to give back to the community and support those who depend on them in new (safe) ways. We were surprised by, and admire, all the ways our local businesses have adapted and overcome in the last year.

Winter Haven is full of hidden treasures!

From delicious lunches and crafted coffee, to fun stores full of unique and creative gifts, we discovered SO many businesses that we missed in the hustle and bustle of daily life. Taking time to really slow down and look at our city, and then make an effort to shop, eat, and live locally, opened our eyes to just how lucky we are to live here. This is a special area, and not only do the business owners care about the city, but they care about their customers and clients. We are thankful to have discovered these gems and look forward to visiting all of them many times over in the future.

Newton Peach Marketing is proud to serve Winter Haven businesses with social media and digital marketing services across all platforms. Our goal is to help owners reach their goals, and we work closely with them to reach their target audience, gain exposure in and around their local area, and grow both their reach and their profit. With packages of all size, and custom options available, there's a plan for every business that needs help. What can we do for you?

Celebrating Safely: 4 Tips to Show You Care This Valentine's Day

With just a little over a week left until Valentine's Day, many of us are busy making preparations for showing the ones we love just how much we care. It's no secret though that this year's holiday looks different than years past. No crowded restaurants, no big parties, no surprise cruises or last-minute vacations and no large-scale community events will be making their way onto the calendar. However, the reason for the day still rings true, and it's a good reminder that love isn't something you buy, but rather, something you show...and you can show it in SO many ways.

Here are some fun ways you can celebrate (safely) with the ones you care about most this holiday, whether it's your sweetheart, your kids, or someone else that's special in your life:

• Do a "ding-dong and dash" surprise! This could be dropping off dinner, a homemade valentine card, a special dessert, or a bouquet of roses, but the idea is to ring the doorbell, and run away quickly after leaving the surprise at the recipient's front door. This is a fun way to show your love to an aging parent or loved one stuck at home, or to surprise someone who is currently in quarantine and can't celebrate the way they usually would.

• Classic candy and cards...with a twist! While we all remember exchanging homemade valentine's and treats with our classmates, teachers, or coworkers in years past, this year the tradition might need a little tweaking. Instead of homemade goodies that could seem risky to some people, opt for store-bought candies or treats that are safely and individually wrapped. Put plenty of extra effort into your homemade card to give it the unique and special element that the treat will be missing this holiday!

• Make early reservations, or enjoy a candlelight dinner at home. Restaurant reservations will fill more quickly than usual this year since most dining spaces are operating at limited capacity. Reserve your table as soon as possible, or make plans for a romantic dinner with candles for your sweetie at home. A simple setup on your own patio makes it feel more special than eating at the kitchen table, and if you add in takeout from their favorite place and a decadent dessert, they're sure to be just as happy as they would be in a 5-star local eatery!

• Give back! Showing love to others is one of the best ways you can celebrate the holiday of love. Many community charities are in need right now, and donating to a local food pantry or shelter, or volunteering your time and energy (if you feel safe to do so) is a wonderful way to love those around you and bring yourself tons of joy in the process.

Newton Peach Marketing believes that every holiday has the potential to be just as special as the last, even if the traditions look a little different this year. Over the last 12 months, we’ve all learned a lot about resilience, creativity, and certainly about love. Time away from friends and family members have reminded us that love should be celebrated always, not just one one holiday each year. How will you show the ones in your life how much you care? We hope the tips and tricks above make the 14th just a little bit more special this year, and will bring some joy to you and to those around you. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Make 2021 The Year of Kindness

2020 was certainly one for the books wasn't it? Over the last year, we have experienced unprecedented circumstances in our communities, states, our country, and around the world. The way we work, communicate with one another, go to the store, and even celebrate holidays changed in a matter of days, and we're still adjusting to this new "normal" we find ourselves in. We're reminded though that one thing hasn't changed in our own community, and that's something we believe could change the world, no matter what circumstances come our way.

It's kindness.

Kindness keeps us connected whether by screen or in person, even when a mask hides our smile. Kindness keeps local businesses running because their friends and neighbors are committed to helping them through this time. Kindness helps teachers and students alike as they push forward on this journey they weren't prepared for.

It's ALWAYS best to choose kindness. With the changes we've experienced over the last year though, it's easy to wonder how we can show kindness in 2021 when so many things are still different than they were before. The ways we might have connected with others in the past are no longer viable options, and it can be hard to adjust your focus and see other ways of doing things in the midst of your own chaotic life. That's why we've put together these 3 easy ways to extend kindness throughout the coming year, no matter what it holds.

Choose Your Words Wisely

A kind word holds power, yet how often do we purposefully share them with those around us? Throughout the coming year, look for moments to interject a word of kindness or encouragement. Your waitress, your checkout attendant, your child's teacher, your lonely neighbor, the mom in your playgroup, or your own family members could all use uplifting reminders of how much they are appreciated. Remember, our words aren't just spoken. What we write (or share) online holds just as much power, and we can make (or break) someone's day with what we put out there for others to see. Choose wisely.

Support Your Local Businesses

This last year has been especially hard for local businesses, and many of them are headed into 2021 wondering how they'll keep going. Keep in mind, these shops, restaurants, and service-providers go far beyond just the owner. Their families, their employees (who also have families) and their many customers who depend on them also need them to stay afloat, and YOU can play a part in making that happen. Make it a resolution this year to shop local as much as possible. Instead of grabbing food from a drive-through window on the way home after a busy day, opt for takeout from a local dive instead. When it's time to buy teacher gifts, birthday presents, valentine surprises, or even household needs, keep our own downtown shops in mind first. When we pay them, we’re not only putting more money in the pocket of some wealthy international CEO...we’re paying for a child's soccer gear, daycare, college savings, or putting food on someone's table.

Take Action

Perhaps this is one of the most impactful ways we can show kindness in the months ahead. Take action and be a part of making our community a better place. Volunteer with our local nonprofits who need help more than ever right now. Check on friends and neighbors, and be the one who shows up to deliver a load of groceries, get their mail, walk their dog, help with virtual learning, or simply bring a cup of coffee and a listening ear. Reach out to those who are hurting and offer, in addition to kindness, some hope and encouragement that they are seen and heard, and that you care. While words are important and matter in a big way, actions definitely speak the loudest, and our choice to show kindness with our own two hands could be the pivotal point for someone who needs a little extra help right now.

Community and supporting our friends and neighbors is a huge part of Newton Peach Marketing, and we are committed to kindness in 2021. Will you take the opportunity to look for opportunities to lift others up along with us? A small ripple can turn into a big wave, and we want to see a wave of joy take over our community in the year ahead, no matter what 2021 sends our way. Happy New Year from Newton Peach Marketing!

Holiday Cheer After A Hard Year: Make Spirits Bright with Your Holiday Decor This Season

When it comes to Christmas decorations, people usually fall somewhere in between two points on this spectrum: outdoor extravaganza or no Christmas lights outside at all. No matter where you fall on the scale, it's no secret that Christmas lights are a favorite pastime, from small communities to the big city, and Polk County is no exception. Lakeland, Winter Haven, and even nearby Tampa and Orlando are known for having impressive commercial light displays, in addition to homeowners who have developed a reputation for their cheery and bright decor. Even if you don't choose to go all out, adding a little bit of seasonal fun to your home's exterior is a great way to spread Christmas spirit, and this year more than ever before, that could be a big deal to you AND to passerby.

Here are our three favorite ideas for fun and affordable outdoor decor as you deck the halls for Christmas:

1. Every tree can be a Christmas tree. Even if you can't adorn each shrub and tree in tightly wound lights, you can easily (and cheaply) decorate the trees in front of or around your home with a strand or two of inexpensive lights, and some large-scale ornaments found at your discount or dollar store. These ornaments are easily hung in branches with simple fishing line and they add a fun pop of interest to the branches (or palm fronts!). Turn your front yard into a holiday wonderland by making EVERY tree a Christmas tree, and placing some fun treats or goodies for neighbors underneath for a socially distanced, drive-by holiday party. Your friendly smile and a "Merry Christmas" from your front porch is sure to brighten their season.

2. Make it a musical. So, you've put out lights, a few fun lawn ornaments, and still aren't feeling as festive as you were hoping? Add some Christmas tunes to your setup this year! A simple speaker or two can easily be placed on a front porch, or, even in the edge of an open garage, and used to spread Christmas magic through song. Choose upbeat, classic carrolls that will add a little bit of happiness and normalcy to this Christmas as your friends and neighbors drive or walk by. Are you REALLY feeling adventurous? Look for online tutorials for setting up your lights and timers to go along with the music for your own private holiday show.

3. Go big! Sometimes less is more...and sometimes you want BIG impact from your holiday decor. If this is the year you're ready to supersize your curb appeal, there are a lot of great options! Large-scale inflatable Christmas decor is popular now and can be found at any big box or hardware store. From giant, working snowglobes to fun and familiar movie characters, you're sure to find something that makes you smile and gives your neighbors a chuckle. When it comes to Christmas inflatables, the bigger the better!

We hope you'll take time to reflect this year on what really matters, and enjoy the holiday season for all it's meant to be: a time to celebrate peace, hope, joy, love, and be thankful for our blessings and the ones we care about most. While 2020 has certainly been less than ideal, we believe that spreading kindness this Christmas is a great way to bring joy to yourself at the same time, and will make this holiday one to be remembered for the right reasons. Newton Peach Marketing is proud to live in such a supportive, resilient community, and we are honored to work alongside our Winter Haven friends, neighbors, and fellow businesses as we find new ways to make this holiday memorable and merry. To you and your household, we wish you a VERY Merry Christmas.

Be a Responsible Reviewer: Kindness and Honesty Can Coexist

In a world where much of our goods and services come to us via the internet, it's no surprise that a good deal of our communication comes through a screen as well. While the convenience and accessibility of the internet has made life easier in many ways, there are aspects of it that aren't so rosy, and it's impacting small business owners in ways you might not expect. This tool is being used as a weapon in the hands of clients and customers, and can do damage beyond repair if not closely monitored.

So, what is it?

Reviews.

Yep. While reviews have many positives, including giving clients and customers the opportunity to make informed decisions, it has a darker side. Unfortunately, many review platforms do not allow for the editing or removal of reviews by anyone other than the individual who wrote or posted it in the first place, leaving business owners at the mercy of what's being said about them by the general public, even if some of the claims are false. Think about it: every moment of every day was being watched and you were being rated and judged on how you handle each scenario. You'd slip up sometimes right? Absolutely. We all have bad days, and momentary lapses in our decision making or behavior. Fortunately we aren't judged like this in real life...but business owners are. Every time they provide a service or product to a customer, they're at the mercy of another's opinion. Whilte this is mostly beneficial, weeding out quality providers and giving customers a "heads up" about the best places to receive certain goods or services, there are times it's not so great, including:

• When an employee makes a mistake, and the customer slams the entire company or brand online instead of contacting the owner first

• When a "troll" unnecessarily reviews businesses badly, with no actual evidence or experience to back up their bad review (aka, someone who lies to bring down businesses on purpose)

• When a disgruntled former employee or someone connected to the business uses the review platform as a weapon toward those whom they hold a grudge against

These scenarios happen on a regular basis for small business owners across the country each day, and while larger corporations can brush off negative reviews, it's a lot harder for small, localized brands. In the numbers game, one bad review can bring down their overall score significantly, impacting how they show up in search engines and on social platforms, and affecting how many people choose to use their business. So, what can you do?

Be a responsible reviewer. If you have a bad experience or are dissatisfied with a product, contact the owner first. Many times they are willing to work with you to make the situation right with a reimbursement, credit, replacement service, etc. If the owner isn't willing to work with you or acts unreasonably, then by all means, let people know about the situation, but do so in a diplomatic and factual way. Throwing around hateful comments or personal feelings does nothing to help the situation and ends up making you look less professional. Sticking to the facts is always the way to go! Also, remember to leave POSITIVE reviews! If you have a good experience or love a new brand you've found, let them know! These positive reviews help build their brand online and boost their numbers, offsetting the effects of irresponsible reviews or internet trolls and helping the owner protect their good name.

Newton Peach Marketing is proud to support local businesses throughout the Central Florida area, and as a fellow small business, we understand the importance of building your brand and reputation online! We don't just post content and oversee advertisement campaigns. We manage your online presence in its entirety, including reviews and messages from customers and clients. You can breathe easy knowing that incoming opinions about your business are being handled promptly, and you'll be notified if something needs your attention ASAP. Give us a call and see what we can do to help you grow and manage YOUR business.

Pandemics, Parenting, and Survival: Creating A Schedule in The Chaos

Are you a parent or caregiver doing your best to keep business running as usual, even though nothing in life looks the way you expected it to this year? From school being revolutionized thanks to the pandemic, to employees everywhere suddenly becoming "remote,” circumstances in many homes are certainly new to say the least. Because of this, many parents/caregivers are struggling to feel "caught up" and might feel like they are always a step behind in every area, from backed up laundry piled on the bed, to unanswered work emails or missed business calls. This is especially true of business owners, who also feel the pressure to keep their employees working and safe, while continuing to grow their customer base during difficult times. We see you, and understand, and we wanted to offer a few helpful tips that might help you "add" time back into your day so you can go to bed feeling accomplished and at peace, ready to face the next day ahead. 

When you're feeling overwhelmed: 

• Write it out. Sometimes your to-do list goes from chaotic to can-do with a simple pen and piece of paper. Having swirling thoughts placed into writing on a list you can physically check off as you go along each day is a wonderful way to bring some feelings of control back into your routine. If you feel like you'll work best with a master list, that's great, but if it just seems to overwhelm you more, divide your list into several parts or categories. Have a seperate list for work, for home, and for school (if this applies to your student). This lets you easily see a visual representation of your day ahead and can help you manage time more efficiently. Does your student have a 2 hour lunch break? This is a great time to schedule business calls for yourself, catch up on a few chores, or do a quick workout since your student won't actively need you to assist with technology and/or lessons. 

• Learn the art of multitasking. Do you have a one-hour conference call you're required to sit in on for work? Pop in your earbuds and fold those two baskets of laundry while you listen in. Does your child have a class you need to be present for, but don't have to actively help with? Have them do the class sitting in an area nearby while you work on breakfast cleanup, dinner preparation, or writing the week's grocery list. Learning to do more than one task at a time without sacrificing the quality of your presence is a wonderful way to add time back to your day and get caught up. 

• Consider asking for help. It's amazing what just a couple of hours with helping hands can do. If you're seriously struggling to catch up, it might be time to reach out for help. If you can schedule a friend or family member, or even an outside sitter (if you're comfortable) to help with household chores, school lessons, or even some meal preparation once or twice a week, do it! Taking even a few small chores off your place can make life seem much more manageable and can relieve some pressure from you, thus relieving your entire household of stress. 

Newton Peach Marketing is here to support small businesses during this unprecedented time. We work closely with you to take away the stress of managing your brand and image within the community, and allow you to focus on yourself, your employees, and day-to-day operations in the workplace. We are here to brainstorm helpful content, manage your presence online, provide digital resources, and more. What's more, we are a listening ear, a helping hand, and a supportive word while you're adjusting to this new normal and figuring out what's next. Give us a call and find out how we can help YOU. 

When Working from Home Isn't Working for You: Tips for Making the Most of Your Space

Are you still working from home due to COVID concerns in the workplace? One major change we've seen in society since the beginning of this pandemic is the shift in employer mentality regarding remote workers and what they can do for business. More and more business owners are realizing that many, if not all, of their employees and staff can efficiently perform their job responsibilities from home, without the overhead of renting office space, paying for utilities and office supplies, etc. If you're one of these employees, working from home probably seemed grand for the first few weeks. 

Until, it wasn't. 

If you weren't prepared for, or accustomed to, working from home, it's a big change, and it isn't always easy. Many people don't have a home office set up as a regular part of their layout. If you have children, your work days might be more than a little chaotic as you balance conference calls, reports, and dealing with clients while shielding your computer from PB&J sandwiches and a game of football toss. Even if you don't have kids at home during the work day, simply not having a space to designate for work can be draining. You feel like work never actually ends, as your kitchen table is now your desk and workspace as well. 

The best solution would be to add on an office or two, right? As much as we support that decision, it's just not a likely option for many families. While not everyone can add on or designate an entire room to be an office, there are ways you can make an in-home workspace possible without spending a fortune on materials or furniture. Where should you start? 

• Spare rooms. Do you have a guest room that is currently empty? What about a walk-in closet that doesn't get much use? Look for any spare areas in your home that could be "loaned out" as an office for you. Small, modular desk systems are easy to customize for small spaces, so you could fit a corner workspace into that guest room, or turn that closet into your own office hideout. Thinking creatively is the best way to start.

• Getting creative with furniture. If you don't have a spare room, putting a new spin on pieces of furniture is another great option. Look for a hutch or writing desk system that closes up. Placing something like this in a dining room, kitchen area, or even bedroom allows you a place to store work computers, materials, and more, but doesn't leave it strewn about at the end of the day. You can closet the doors or lid, and visually "end" your work day. 

• Collaborate and share the load. Do you have local friends or nearby neighbors also working from home? Perhaps you could coordinate to take shifts, letting your home be the "hangout" for everyone's kids for a few hours each morning, and then trading off in the afternoon. That allows each household to have a window of quiet, uninterrupted time each day to take care of conference calls, client consultations, and other tasks that are nearly impossible in a busy, noisy home. 

• Check on your timing. If balancing kids and work is a struggle with your limited space. consider your schedule. Is there a way you could pack in more work hours early in the morning before your kids are awake and rolling? Could you create a designated "quiet" time that serves as a power hour for your job? Coming together as a family and working as a team where everyone is heard is the best way to make working from home go more smoothly. 

Newton Peach Marketing works with some of the best business owners in the greater Polk County area, and we've seen them admirably rise to the occasion during the COVID crisis of this past year. They have altered schedules, worked around their employees' needs, and shown, once again, what a WONDERFUL place Winter Haven can be. We are excited to see them continuing to grow and thrive in spite of all the unexpected events of this year, and are thankful to be part of that growth. Is your business blossoming in the midst of 2020? If not, Newton Peach Marketing would love to come alongside you and help you formulate a plan to get your name in front of the customers and clients who need to see it most. Our goal is to help you meet YOUR goals. Call for a consultation! 

Mask Wearing Simplified: Tips As Florida Reopens

Businesses are reopening, people are heading back to work and their various activities, and kids are even going back to school (in some form), but that doesn't mean life looks the same as it did before COVID came along. Distancing and excessive hand washing aren't the only new policies that are part of our "new normal,” as masks have become the hottest (literally!) fashion trend and are required in many places across the US. For some of us this new accessory has been a difficult and uncomfortable adjustment. Getting used to breathing through fabric, sore spots on the backs of our ears and head from straps or cords, remembering to bring it EVERYWHERE...these reasons and more are why masks have added a bit of complication to daily life. 

While we can't say it will make it fun to wear a mask, we have some tips to help as you transition into this new way of life: 

Don't like breathing through the fabric? We get it. It doesn't feel normal to have a piece of cloth covering your nose and mouth. If possible, look for masks made with breathable fabrics that still offer the protection you need. Many companies are making masks that allow better airflow to your face without sacrificing viral-blocking capabilities. Another tip? Make sure you wash the mask in something with a pleasant scent. Don't use harsh chemicals or overpowering fragrances, as this will make it even more difficult to breathe in the mask each day. 

Ears are sore? Look for masks that have a tie for the back of the head instead of the ears, OR look for an "ear-band" that binds the ear loops on a regular mask together behind your head, leaving your ears free. These bands are being sold by many small, local crafters right now, as well as several bigger box online stores. They come in a variety of styles, but all function in similar ways: to attach the ear loops of a mask to something OTHER than your ears. 

Hard to keep track of which mask is clean? With everyone in the family wearing masks now, it can get frustrating making sure there are plenty of clean ones to go around. We suggest having a designated spot for each person to keep their stash of clean masks, and then have a basket either in your laundry space, by the front door, or even near the regular laundry hamper for used masks only. That makes it easy to sanitize them all at once and they don't get lost in the regular load of laundry. Aim to have at least 3 masks each in your family. One to wear, one in the wash, and one as a backup is a good rule of thumb; although, having more is always a plus in case laundry day gets delayed. 

Keep forgetting your mask? Nothing is as frustrating as getting to work, the grocery store, a restaurant, school, etc. and realizing you left your mask at home. Keeping a backup mask on hand in your car, or investing in a small box of disposable medical masks to keep under the front seat, is a great way to make sure you're never left in a bind. 

We hope these tips help make the mask wearing more manageable as you head back into the world in the coming weeks. We are thankful to be back out in the community with our clients, catching up and seeing their faces (or at least, part of their faces) after so many months apart and communicating via technology! Has your business suffered because of the limited face-to-face communication in recent months? We can help you develop a strategy that personally targets your audience online, making sure they feel connected to you even through social media. Call for a consultation. 

Watch Out! Warning Signs Before You Sign on the Dotted Line

As a marketing agency here in Winter Haven, Newton Peach Marketing is used to seeing other agencies of all sizes and types come into the area. We often have clients, and potential clients, ask us about some of their offerings, and how we are different. While each marketing consultant will bring their own unique specialties and style to the table, and those aren't necessarily right or wrong (more of a taste preference), there are some red flags you should watch for as a business owner before you choose a company and sign a contract.

• Companies that create your accounts for you...in THEIR name! This is a huge issue we face when we take on clients who previously used another agency. If you do not have control and full access to your own business accounts within Facebook, Google, Twitter, Instagram, etc. then something is wrong. You, as the business owner, should never be second in command when it comes to platforms advertising your business. Before you give your login information to the company doing your work, ask to be made the primary owner/administrator on all accounts, and require that they turn over all login information to you for accounts they create. 

• Companies that claim to offer custom content, but are actually content sharing with everyone. This is a common practice, and while not wrong by most accounts, it's not effective for marketing your business and isn't going to get the results you want. You're being charged premium prices for content that isn't tailored to you or your business, but rather, is shared across multiple clients in that same field. So, if you're an AC company and your marketing agency just posted a blog link about summer maintenance, chances are every other AC service company they work with got the exact same link. 

• Agencies that have their main office in an entirely different state (or country) than your business. How can you expect premium customer care if the person representing your business online isn't even familiar with your area? Much of digital marketing revolves around connecting you with potential customers by using local wording, trending topics, etc. in your own unique region. A one size fits all marketing agency can't offer that, no matter what they say. 

Newton Peach Marketing serves local businesses in the Winter Haven area because we ARE a business in Winter Haven. We consider clients our own friends and neighbors, and often frequent their businesses as customers ourselves. We offer in-person meetings, constant availability to handle questions and concerns, and we truly seek to manage your social media platforms and online presence in the same way you would. Content is tailored to you, and you are always the one holding the reins when it comes to how your brand is represented. Call for a free quote and let us help you grow your business the RIGHT way! 

Networking Matters Now More Than Ever: Tips for Employers and Applicants

With Florida preparing to slowly open businesses back up to the public, many employers are looking around at their now sparse staff and wondering how they're going to start up again. A quick hire without forethought can be bad news for your business, but we also know you're in a pinch to fill spaces quickly! The same is true for those who are now unemployed due to the recent shutdown  and face the uphill climb of finding a new job. Blindly going through the motions of trying to find the right fit can be time consuming, stressful, and disappointing.  Much like “cold calling” for salesmen, attempting to find employees (or find a job) without some prior connections will typically more time and more effort. Working within circles you’ve already created can make the process much more efficient. The problem, however, lies within creating those circles in the first place.  It can be hard to know how to make connection with other business owners, professionals in your area, and/or potential employees at this time, even as the re-opening process begins. Networking is the answer to making needed connections, and while it might look different for a while, there are still plenty of opportunities for you to make the connections you’re searching for!

Chamber Meetings

Your local Chamber of Commerce is a great place to start when seeking out networking opportunities.  Oftentimes in the past Chambers would host periodic meetings or gatherings where business owners (and sometimes employees) could socialize with one another and get to know others within the community.  This was when you would strike up conversations (and hopefully relationships) with other members of the Chamber in your town and use those connections for your benefit later on. While in-person meetings aren't happening yet with the current restrictions, many local Chambers are still participating in online meetings and chats via virtual platforms, and if you can get in touch by email or phone, you can probably request an "invite" to one of these virtual events. This will not only be the first step in getting to know those in your local chamber, but will also let you see how things are run within the organization and can give you perspective that will be valuable if and when in-person gatherings begin again. 

Community Involvement

Unlike the Chamber meetings, community events were often open to the public, making them a great place to find both other business owners, and potential employees. Local events were usually where vendors, business owners, and local professionals could mingle and lots of networking connections were made in this way. While those events won't happen for a while, there ARE ways to get involved in your community and make some of those same higher-level connections with professionals in your town. Look for opportunities to participate in something for the greater good of other residents in your city or neighborhood. Volunteer opportunities to help with those who are homebound, sponsoring students or organizations who are doing great things for our area during the COVID crisis, and even participating in community virtual events and chat forums can be easy ways to get your foot in the door with people who could help you fill openings in your staff, or help you find a job if you're seeking employment.

Conferences and Training 

In person conferences and work retreats are on hold for a while longer, but there are lots of training opportunities (paid and for free) online right now. By attempting to better yourself, you just might end up networking with some important connections at the same time! Both business owners and potential employees attend these types of trainings, and you never know who could be exactly the link you needed! 

Seeing local businesses thrive and grow is what Newton Peach Marketing is all about, and right now we want to make sure you feel supported as a small business owner. If you have questions about making sure your business is seen by the audience who needs your services most, or boosting your numbers online, call us for a free consultation and quote.

Happiness at Home: Surviving Quarantine While Having Fun

We are now a few weeks into the COVID-19 crisis here in Polk County, and now that a full shelter-in-place order has been put out by our government officials, we're likely looking at a few more weeks of being homebound with our families. Sure, for the first few days it might have felt pretty nice...plenty of time to catch up on movies, enjoy long days in your loungewear, and not having to leave the house. However, it gets old pretty quickly, especially if you have kids at home.

So, Newton Peach Marketing is here to help! Below are some fun ways to spice up the days at home, and make quarantine a time for making good memories with your family (and not just memories of Netflix). 

Theme Your Day Around the Theme Parks! 

Plenty of families saw their Spring Break plans of hanging out at Disney World or experiencing the fun of Legoland go down the drain quickly as Coronavirus loomed over us all like a dark cloud. While you can't experience the parks right now, you can bring some of the fun home! Thanks to technology like YouTube you can experience the "rides" from your living room couch. Make a full day of it! Start out by working together to recreate your favorite theme park meal at home, enjoy a treat that you associate with the park (you can order Mickey Ear ice cream through your local big box store now!) and spend some time on the rides as a family. Was Legoland your destination? Those rides are online too! Wrap up the day with a Lego building challenge and some fresh from your kitchen apple fries! 

Make Your Backyard a Destination 

If you have a pool, this is pretty simple. Set it up like a getaway! Put out your best pool furniture and accessories, keep a stock of fun drinks and snacks on hand in coolers by the pool, and make it a point to actually schedule a time to "go" to your pool. Organize pool games for your kids, order some fun new pool floats and toys/activities online, and make it your own personal water getaway. Don't have a pool? Your backyard can be just as fun. Sprinklers, obstacle courses, grill outs, etc. can be made "special" just by putting in a bit of effort. A great idea we're seeing from families with kids? A backyard campout, complete with s'mores, hot dogs, and late night stories. The temps are perfect for enjoying it without being miserable before sunrise. 

Go Out and Enjoy Yourself...from Your Car. 

While you can't go out to stores, restaurants, etc. right now, you can go out and drive. Plenty of neighborhoods are doing "bear hunts" by placing teddy bears in windows, and others are putting together egg hunts for Easter in the same way. Whatever your scavenger hunt includes, make it fun by putting together al list of places you want to stop and get meals and treats throughout your day. Many of our favorite local hot spots are offering drive through or curbside pickup. You'll be enjoying time out of the house, and supporting our local business owners at the same time! 

We know this isn't an ideal time for our friends and neighbors right now, but know that we are here alongside you, doing our best to keep things as encouraging as possible and making the most of these days. We have no doubts that Polk County will bounce back stronger than ever when this is over, and we'll all have a better appreciation for our jobs, our family, and our community. Stay safe and stay well! 

Coronavirus 2020: Preparation and Tips

In case you haven't heard (or seen) in the news, on social media, or simply from people chatting around you, there's a new sickness in town and it has everyone more than a little worried. Coronavirus, or more specifically, COVID-19, is sweeping the globe and taking widespread fear with it. We understand...hearing that an illness is impossible to contain, having it spread this quickly, and then being told it is "deadly" will cause panic, but we believe it's important to have to facts before you allow fear to creep in. In reality, you're more likely to catch the flu than Coronavirus, and honestly, the flu is more lethal from the standpoint of statistics. So far, Coronavirus seems to affect people over 50 the most, with people over 70 being at the highest risk for complications and death due to the sickness. Since it targets the respiratory system, those with compromised immune systems, heart conditions, or preexisting lung issues are definitely at higher risk as well. However, children and young healthy adults really have no reason to panic about being impacted heavily by the illness. What we DO need to be concerned about though is practicing safe habits that will protect vulnerable ones around us, and start to slow the spread of this virus. 

How can you do that? 

• Wash hands frequently and thoroughly using warm water and soap. Washing should last at least 20 seconds. 

• Keep your hands away from your face as much as possible. 

• Try not to touch public surfaces without first sanitizing them. Use elbows to push open doors, use a paper towel to touch faucets in public bathrooms, etc. 

• Clean your own surfaces regularly with disinfectant. This is especially true for commonly touched areas like doorknobs, light switches, remotes...even the buttons on your coffee maker or microwave are fair game for a wipe down. 

• Stay home if you feel sick. It's never worth putting others at risk. 

Newton Peach Marketing is proud to be part of a strong community that is ready to face this new threat together and fight for health throughout our area. We hope these tips help you feel more confident as we keep an eye out for Coronavirus 2020!

Have Your Mousse and Eat It Too: A Heart Healthy Recipe for Valentine’s Day

We all see it. Red hearts, Hallmark cards, and boxes of candy are everywhere you turn and it’s easy to see that love is in the air. Valentine’s Day is a popular holiday for couples (and in today’s world, for friends too) and the festivities often include delicious dinners and sweet treats. However, while Valentine’s Day is a well-known part of February, another important aspect of this month is overlooked.

February is National Heart Health Month. Heart disease is an epidemic here in the United States, and unfortunately, is a major cause of death in women. While heart disease can have many factors (including genetics), it’s no secret that a routine exercise regimen and heart-healthy diet are key components of avoiding the dangerous outcomes associated with heart disease. Unfortunately, that means many of your favorite foods might be off the table, or at the very least, altered in some way. Lowering your salt and sodium intake, watching out for unhealthy fats, and avoiding excess sugars and “fun” foods are all pieces of the puzzle when you’re building a healthier diet, but does that mean all treats are taboo? Not necessarily! With a few modifications, you can actually make some of your favorite dishes a bit more heart healthy, and when enjoyed on occasion (like Valentine’s Day!) they’re perfectly acceptable.

A popular dessert choice for many on Valentine’s Day is a rich chocolate mousse. Not only is it chocolate, which follows tradition, but it’s also luxurious and a bit more romantic than a chocolate chip cookie from the local bakery. The downfall is, this dessert, when made in its classic form, is full of unhealthy fats and is most definitely not part of a heart-conscious diet. Thankfully, there’s a solution that lets you have your mousse and eat it to! Dorothy Kern, the creator of Crazy for Crust, has a recipe for Heart Healthy Chocolate Mousse (see the full blog post and recipe here) and with a few substitutions she creates a perfectly acceptable and delicious alternative for traditional chocolate mouse that will make your significant other smile, and won’t make your doctor cringe. Want in on a fun secret? The main ingredient is avocado!

While the recipe above is a great way to boost your morale, it won’t do much to boost your business. That’s where another secret ingredient comes in. Digital marketing is the key to building your brand in your local community and across the internet, and for business owners in and around the Winter Haven area, Newton Peach Marketing is the solution. When you’re ready to grow your business give us a call.

Happy Valentine’s Day (and Happy Heart Health Month) from NPM!

How to Do Cardio Workouts at Home With No Equipment

Many people set the goal of getting in shape. Many people also abandon that goal. There are numerous reasons this is the case. Often, however, people simply assume they need the right equipment to work out effectively.

This is an understandable assumption. That said, it’s not rooted in fact. It’s entirely possible to burn calories without special equipment, a gym membership, or even a lot of space. The following points illustrate just a few ways you can get in your daily cardio from the comfort of your own home.

Jog in Place

You may feel a little awkward jogging in place, but you shouldn’t. This simple exercise can actually burn a lot more calories than you might realize, especially if you’re wearing comfortable shoes. Although many factors contribute to how many calories someone burns while performing a given exercise, in general, a 125-pound person consistently jogging in place for 10 minutes could burn as many as 60 calories. That’s a pretty decent workout that requires virtually no space.

Perform High Knees

As your fitness improves, your goal is to identify reasonably intense exercises you can perform in a small area. High knees is a good example to consider. As the name implies, this exercise involves standing with your feet hip-width apart and raising one knee as close to your chest as possible while pumping the opposite arm and maintaining your balance. Alternate between each leg, and try to stay as light on your feet as possible. This is key to ensuring the workout is intense enough to help you burn calories.

Use Your Stairs

It’s important to keep in mind that certain items and features in your home can actually serve as fitness equipment if you’re creative. Consider your staircase. If it’s relatively long and wide, sprinting up it as fast as you can (while staying safe) is a simple way to get in a fairly intense workout. Every time you reach the top of the stairs, return to the bottom and sprint up them again, until you are too tired to do so. A 150-pound man consistently running up the stairs for an hour could potentially burn up to 950 calories!

Try Squats

Squats are another simple but effective exercise you can perform without access to much space. All you have to do is stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms extended in front of you. Squat down and hinge your hips back until your legs form a perfect 90-degree angle behind the knee. Return to the standing position and repeat until you are tired. For added intensity, jump up from your squats.

These few examples clearly indicate how easy it is to practice cardio without special equipment. Even if you have a small apartment, working out everyday is still an option. There goes your last excuse for not getting in shape!

Thank you to DJ Crino for contributing this month’s blog content on Newton Peach Marketing.

365 Days of Christmas: Keep The Holiday Spirit Alive All Year Long

Christmas is a magical time of year, and no one can deny that there seems to be a certain bit of "cheer" in the air during this season. Whether it's the twinkling lights and upbeat carols, or anticipation of what's to come on Christmas Day, something makes us happier, more positive, and kinder at this time of year. This holiday season, Newton Peach Marketing is taking time to focus on just what makes this time of year so special, and how we can extend out the spirit of Christmas all year long. 

So, what does make the holidays so wonderful? 

First, we take time to focus on what actually matters. This time of year is when we step back from the hustle and bustle of work and monotony and look for opportunities to spend time with the ones we love. Making memories becomes the theme of the season and we carve out moments to bake the cookies that would ordinarily stay in the cabinet to avoid the mess, to stop for that warm cup of hot chocolate with our significant other and actually spend time cozied up in the coffee shop instead of running through the drive-thru, or to chat with our neighbor by the mailbox instead of rushing back into the house. By being willing to make time for people and memories, and not just rushing through our day-to-day, the spirit of Christmas tends to feel warmer and we feel more connected to each other. That's something we can certainly take to heart and spread out throughout the year. 

Christmas is when we focus on contentment as well. Yes, it's easy for us (especially our kids and young people) to focus on that Christmas list, whether it's going to "Santa" or to mom and dad, but overall this is the season when we focus on what we have instead of what we want. We recognize that others are less fortunate, we make charity and giving a goal, and we express thankfulness for our many blessings. Why though, do we quickly forget this when the Christmas trimmings are put away and life returns to “normal.” Practicing a spirit of contentment and gratefulness all year long is a wonderful way to extend the cheer of the holidays and to help charitable organizations function at their best all year, instead of hitting a high during the month of December and struggling during months afterward. 

Finally, Christmas is when we tend to go the extra mile. Graciously smiling at the person who cut in line at the grocery store instead of scowling and throwing out a negative comment, lending a hand to the young mom struggling with a stroller and her bags while opening a door, or "paying it forward" by picking up the tab of the person behind us in line are all ways we show "Christmas spirit" during the holidays, but sadly, by using the excuse of a holiday as our motivation, we lose out on the joy that would come from putting out this type of kindness 365 days a year. 

Wouldn't the world be a better place if we all sought to make Christmas last all year long? Let's remember what makes this season special long after the cookies are eaten and the presents have been forgotten, and do our best to make our homes and our communities reflect the spirit of the holidays every day. Our goal this year as we work with the business owners of Polk County is to offer kindness and joy in every presentation, every meeting, and each interaction with clients and customers. We can't wait to see how this impacts the city of Winter Haven and beyond. Join Newton Peach Marketing in the challenge to make this the best year yet!

Turkey Day Tip: Cooking That Bird Can Be Risky!

When it comes to Thanksgiving dinner, we all know that the bird is the star of the show. While the iconic picture is of mom (or grandma) pulling the perfectly roasted turkey from the oven and carrying it lovingly to the table to be carved, not everyone enjoys roasting their turkeys. Between the messy pan cleanup, the difficulty in gauging temperature, and the constant battle between serving a raw bird and having dry meat that no one wants to eat, alternative cooking methods have become a mission for many. In recent years, the most popular choice has been deep-frying turkey. It's no wonder, with it's close cousin the fried chicken being such a staple (and delicious) menu item...but it carries its own set of risks.

Deep frying turkeys is responsible for a huge number of injuries and accidents each year. Thanks to the high temperature, the large amount of oil, and inappropriate frying conditions, the process is dangerous to say the least, especially when handled irresponsibly. Does that mean you shouldn't fry your turkey? Not necessarily, but if you choose to cook the Thanksgiving bird in this way, there are some safety tips you need to keep in mind.

First, choose your cooking surface carefully. Outdoor environments ONLY should be used when frying a turkey, but that's not the only requirement. Surfaces should be flat and level, free of any flammable materials (including dry grass), and a safe distance away from any houses or other structures (like garden sheds, play houses, etc.). You should never use a fryer in a garage, on a deck or patio, or under any type of sheltered space. Be sure only the person frying the turkey is nearby. Children, bystanders, and pets should be kept at a safe distance or, preferably, indoors away from the action.

Additionally, you need to prepare your turkey carefully. Turkeys should be completely thawed before you prepare to fry it. Check even the inside of the turkey, as frozen spots can make the oil bubble up and over the sides of the fryer thanks to the temperature reaction. Pat the surface of the turkey dry of any condensation before placing it in the oil as well as water hitting the oil will have the same type of reaction as ice.

Finally, have the appropriate safety equipment on hand just in case. Use well-insulated cooking mitts when handling anything related to the fryer. Wear safety goggles and long sleeves to protect yourself from any hot oil splatter. In case of accidents, keep a cell phone nearby to call 911 right away, and keep a fire extinguisher on hand to quickly put out fires if possible. Last but not least, keep the instructions for the fryer with you, as each individual unit will have its own specific oil measurements and operation steps that should be followed exactly to ensure safety and proper cooking of your turkey.

Newton Peach Marketing wishes all of you a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday with the ones you care about most. We are proud to call the Winter Haven community our home, and consider each of you a neighbor. It's our pleasure to serve local businesses with the best service possible, and we are thankful for YOU. Happy Thanksgiving!

Halloween at The Office: Making Your Workplace Holiday-Friendly

Halloween is coming up quickly and while employers don't necessarily have to think about their staff trick-or-treating, it is important to be aware of various holidays and how they might be used to boost employee morale. It doesn't take much money or effort to make your office environment festive, or at the very least, make the work day more conducive to your workers' need for family time on these special days. Newton Peach Marketing works with businesses of all kinds, and we've seen some pretty great ideas put into place by employers for various holidays, specifically for Halloween.

Take these tips and tricks to heart, and see what you could incorporate in your own place of business to get the spooky fun started this year:

Office Party. Let's face it, even adults enjoy a good party. While the festive cupcakes and fun treat bags of classroom parties gone by might not be the best way to celebrate anymore, an office party to celebrate fun holidays is definitely not out of the question! Whether you want to go all out with cubicle decorating or costume contests, or have a simple potluck for that day's lunch break, diverting from the usual hum-drum routine of work life with a fun, festive party is a great way to build team spirit among your staff, and have a great time as a group.

Participate in Local Events. From sponsoring a local trunk-or-treat or Fall Festival event, to handing out candy during a citywide trick-or-treating night, your business can make an impact on your community by playing a part in holiday events. This is not only a good way to give back, but it also offers free exposure for your brand, and that means more potential customers or clients for YOU. We call that a win-win.

Alter the Day's Schedule. On some holidays, especially Halloween, parents can experience work/life balance difficulties. Most of the time trick-or-treating kicks off a little before sundown, and for those who don't get off work until 6 or 7, it's nearly impossible to take care of picking up kids from daycare or sitters, getting dinner taken care of, and getting into costumes in time to get candy before night falls and it becomes more dangerous to be out on the streets (not to mention neighborhoods and HOAs with time limits for trick-or-treating). As an employer, you can win some serious points with your staff if you offer an early release from the office that day, or trade off hours with someone who doesn't have children and won't need to participate in the evening's festivities. Flexibility is key. Trust us, if you are understanding and willing to work with them, they'll be more likely to have your back when an unexpected deadline or office issue pops up.

We hope everyone here in Polk County has a safe and enjoyable Halloween this year. We look forward to seeing our local friends and neighbors out and about enjoying the fun, and are already enjoying the fun design work, festive giveaways, and other digital jobs we get to do for our clients at this time of year. Want to know how your business can make holidays work for YOU, and build your brand online by tapping into seasonal content? Call us! Happy Halloween!

Is Florida Ready for Dorian? Some Tips from One Local Business to Another

Tropical storm Dorian is in the process of being upgraded to a hurricane, and experts expect it to strengthen over the weekend and hit Florida sometime on Monday as a potential Category 3 or 4 storm. While it might not be classified as another Irma, none of us have forgotten the blow received by Polk County just shy of two short years ago, with some of us still recovering from physical and financial damage. Now that another storm is headed our direction, we thought it was a great time to throw out a few pointers as you prepare for the storm to make sure you (and your business) are ready! As fellow business owners here in Winter Haven, we make it our goal to ensure that our friends and neighbors are protected in every way possible, including their livelihood and their company.

Remember when preparing your business for a hurricane you should...

Take a "pre-storm" video for your insurance! Do a comprehensive video of your business (inside and out) and your property before the storm hits. Show any major outdoor features (fences, play structures, parking areas, etc.) and if possible, show the preparations taken to protect those items in the storm. For example, if you put up shutters on the windows make sure to show those, take time to film any tie-downs you added to your play structure, and so forth. This video not only serves as proof for making claims, but also means you're more likely to get your claim taken care of easily since it shows you made an effort to protect your business and there will be no question of whether or not the damages (if there are any) could have been prevented.

Stock up on some essentials for your office, no matter the strength of the storm. It doesn't take huge wind gusts to take out power in some parts of Florida, nor does it take a massive storm surge to affect water supply. Even a "minor" hurricane can cause big problems depending on where it hits along the coastline. Having items like clean drinking water, batteries, flashlights, and even a generator (ONLY to be used outside) is key in making sure you can still take care of yourself and your family in the event of losing power and/or water for a period of time. If you keep some of these items on hand in your place of business, you can not only use it as a backup place of respite if your home is damaged, but you can also offer shelter to those in your circle of friends or family who might need assistance after the storm.

Have all of your important papers on hand in case of emergency. If possible, keep important papers related to your business on your person (or close at hand) when a storm is approaching. The deed to your commercial property and/or office, insurance paperwork related to your business, employee records, etc. are all key pieces to have with you following a major storm, especially if your business sustains damages.

Newton Peach Marketing is gearing up for the storm with you, and we as always, we are here for local businesses in and around Polk County. We treat each client like a neighbor because we ARE your neighbor, working and operating here in Central Florida just like you. Good luck to everyone during Dorian!