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Leading the pack: Meet these members of the ‘Me First’ Club

ZCorp PRDigital • August 11, 2021

From speeding tickets to exoplanets, here are some groundbreakers

Being the first to do something noteworthy can be an honor. It can also be a distinction of infamy, depending on the nature of that “famous first.” Here are some firsts you may not know about:

The first person to get a speeding ticket for driving a horseless carriage (automobile) was Walter Arnold of the UK back in 1896. His imported Benz was burning up the road at a clip of 8 miles per hour through the town of Paddock Wood, Kent. The speed limit at the time was a pokey 2 miles per hour. Arnold paid a fine for his bravado.

Many musicologists consider “Rocket 88” by Jackie Brenston the first rock ‘n’ roll song recorded. The 1951 record featured a somewhat distorted and fuzzy guitar sound, the result of a damaged amp. Obviously, that sound caught on.

Junko Tabei of Japan was the first woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest, a feat she accomplished in 1975. She also wrote seven books (another difficult endeavor). Astronomers named an asteroid and a mountain range of Pluto in her honor.

The Clay County Savings Association in Liberty, Mo., was the site of America’s first daytime bank robbery during peacetime. On Feb. 13, 1866, robbers pistol-whipped a cashier, killed another man and absconded with $60,000 worth of gold, silver, currency and bonds. There's speculation among historians that the James brothers may have been involved.

The first African American to play professional baseball was catcher Moses Fleetwood Walker, who made his debut in 1884 for the American Association’s Toledo Blue Stockings (six decades before Jackie Robinson’s 1947 debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers in the National League).

The first planets discovered outside our solar system (exoplanets) were two bodies orbiting a distant pulsar. Radio astronomers Aleksander Wolszczan and Dale Frail made their groundbreaking discovery on Jan. 9, 1992. Since then, astronomers have located many thousands of exoplanets.

KDKA of Pittsburgh was the first radio station in America. It signed on in 1920, broadcasting returns from the election of President Warren G. Harding. A year later, the station did a play-by-play broadcast of a baseball game: the Pittsburgh Pirates vs. the Philadelphia Phillies. That same year, KDKA broke ground by broadcasting a college football game between West Virginia University and the University of Pittsburgh.

The first video uploaded to YouTube was entitled “Me at the zoo.” Only 18 seconds long, the video is still on YouTube and features a young man talking about elephants. Live since April 23, 2005, it currently has more than 175 million views and 11 million comments.

On Oct. 24, 1901, Annie Edson Taylor became the first person to survive a trip in a barrel over Niagara Falls. She took the momentous plunge on her 63rd birthday.

The first president known to have had cats in the White House was Abraham Lincoln. He received cats Tabby and Dixie as gifts from Secretary of State William Seward. Lincoln also rescued three orphaned kittens while visiting Gen. Ulysses S. Grant during the Civil War.

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Community-oriented businesses should have a profile on Nextdoor

By ZCorp PRDigital • February 21, 2025

In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is essential for any business that depends on the surrounding area for its customers. While major platforms like Facebook and Instagram offer broad reach, community-oriented businesses can benefit immensely from a presence on Nextdoor —a hyperlocal social media platform designed specifically for neighborhoods. Here’s why your business should be on Nextdoor: 1. Direct access to local customers Nextdoor connects neighbors and local businesses, allowing you to reach a highly targeted audience in your immediate area. Unlike other platforms that serve a global audience, Nextdoor ensures that your business is seen by potential customers in your community who are most likely to engage with and support you. 2. Builds trust and credibility Trust is essential in a community setting, and Nextdoor fosters a sense of authenticity by verifying users’ addresses. When locals recommend your business through word-of-mouth posts and reviews, it establishes credibility and strengthens your reputation. 3. Encourages community engagement Community-oriented businesses thrive on relationships. By engaging with neighbors on Nextdoor, responding to inquiries, and participating in discussions, you can foster stronger connections and develop long-term customer loyalty . 4. Offers free and paid promotion options Nextdoor provides organic ways to connect with your audience through community posts, as well as paid advertising options to further extend your reach. This flexibility allows businesses of all sizes to find an approach that suits their budget and goals. 5. Enhances Word-of-Mouth Marketing One of Nextdoor’s most powerful features is its recommendation system. When satisfied customers endorse your business, their recommendations are seen by neighbors, providing a trusted form of organic marketing that can drive more foot traffic and sales. 6. Ideal for Local Service Providers If you run a neighborhood-based business—such as a restaurant, home repair service, pet care or real estate agency—Nextdoor is an invaluable tool for connecting with nearby residents who need your services. By establishing a presence on Nextdoor, community-oriented businesses can enhance their local visibility , build trust, and foster deeper relationships with customers right in their own neighborhoods. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with the people who matter most—your local community!

Want a loyal community around your brand? Build one!

By ZCorp PRDigital • January 27, 2025

In today’s competitive landscape, building a loyal community around your brand is essential for long-term success. A strong community fosters brand advocacy, enhances customer retention, and creates a foundation for organic growth. But how do you turn casual customers into devoted followers who champion your brand? Let’s explore key strategies to cultivate a loyal and engaged brand community. 1. Understand your audience The first step to building a loyal community is understanding who your audience is. Conduct surveys, analyze customer data, and engage in social listening to learn their preferences, pain points and aspirations. By gaining a deeper understanding of your audience, you can create tailored experiences that resonate on a personal level. Pro tip: Use tools like Google Analytics , social media insights, and customer feedback forms to gather actionable data. 2. Develop a clear brand identity Your brand identity is the cornerstone of your community. A clear and consistent voice, mission, and set of values help customers understand who you are and what you stand for. Authenticity is key; people are more likely to align with a brand that feels genuine and relatable. Example: If sustainability is a core value for your brand, showcase eco-friendly practices in your operations and marketing materials. 3. Create valuable content Content is a powerful tool for building and nurturing a community. By sharing insightful, entertaining, or educational content, you can provide value beyond your products or services. Blogs, social media posts, videos, and podcasts are excellent mediums to connect with your audience. Actionable tip: Focus on solving problems for your audience. For instance, a skincare brand might share tips on maintaining healthy skin during seasonal changes. 4. Engage consistently on social media Social media platforms are ideal for fostering two-way communication. Be sure you respond to comments. Get involved in online conversations. Interact with your audience members and they’ll feel more in sync with your brand. Hashtag power: Encourage customers to use branded hashtags to share their experiences, making them feel like an integral part of your brand’s story. 5. Reward loyalty Show your appreciation for loyal customers by rewarding their support. Loyalty programs, exclusive discounts and personalized offers can make customers feel valued. Additionally, recognizing community members publicly can strengthen their emotional connection to your brand. 6. Host events and experiences Bringing your community together through events—whether virtual or in-person—can deepen relationships. Webinars, Q&A sessions, product launches, or even casual meetups create opportunities for authentic interactions and foster a sense of belonging. Hybrid idea: Offer a mix of in-person and virtual options to make your events accessible to a wider audience. 7. Empower brand advocates Encourage satisfied customers to promote your brand. Word-of-mouth referrals and testimonials are powerful ways to grow your community organically. Provide tools and incentives for advocates to share their positive experiences with others. Implementation: Launch an ambassador program where loyal customers receive perks for promoting your brand. 8. Listen and adapt Building a loyal community is an ongoing process. Pay attention to feedback, monitor trends, and be willing to evolve. Customers value brands that listen to their needs and adapt to meet their expectations. Feedback loop: Regularly ask your community for input through polls, surveys, or direct messages. Conclusion Building a loyal community around your brand takes time, effort, and a genuine commitment to serving your audience. By understanding your customers, staying true to your brand identity, and fostering meaningful connections, you can create a community that not only supports your brand but also propels it to new heights. Start implementing these strategies today, and watch your community grow into a powerful force for your business. For businesses seeking to strengthen their marketing, Z Corp offers expertise in creating tailored strategies and driving results. Call us today at (321) 213-1818 or email info@zcorppr.com .