The first thing I do every day is write a to-do list--and I know I'm not alone in this!

Most days the list helps keep me on track and helps me accomplish more.

But, some days I get overwhelmed. Before I freak out though, I take a dive into my box of digital tools.

I'm always on the lookout for new web applications to make me more productive, which helps me cross items off my to-do list faster! Plus, the more productive you are, the more you'll see the impact on your garden business's bottom line.

Below I'm sharing my favorite websites and apps to boost your productivity while streamlining your to-do list!

As promised, GROW! will continue to focus on one case study a month. Plus, at the end of the month, we'll host a Google Hangout for our ebook club. 

Every Wednesday in June, we will be posting about the elements of a successful public relations campaign.

To begin, we're going to detail what a PR campaign is and how it's different than an advertising campaign 

Social media is, of course, at its core about connecting with green, gardening customers. Here, your company is able to transcend the stigma of being a money-hungry business. 

On social media, your garden company is able to meaningfully connect by showcasing your sense of humor, ability to listen, and individualized responses.

Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram provide a medium for your garden brand to show the face and personality behind your product.

Yet, in order to truly succeed in the realm of social media, you not only have to have a presence, but your digital persona should produce. The fruits of social media are different for each business: increases in likes, profit, website visits, or loyal customers.

Whatever your garden business hopes to achieve on social media, you need to create effective, meaningful calls to action with our tips below!

Google+ is the black sheep of social media. The rest of the gang, think Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest garner much more attention. 

While Google+ may not be the most popular, the one major advantage of Google+ is the Google Hangouts. 

Google Hangouts are the perfect fit for your small business--and will offer you a competitive edge over other garden businesses. 

See what a Google Hangout looks like in action by joining Garden Media for our first ebook club discussion on branding! 

Below, we'll detail how to use a Google Hangout and the many ways you can start using Google Hangouts to better connect with your green consumers.  

Once your brand has been defined and broadcast across regional and national media outlets, you need to ensure that your garden business stays the center of attention.

To gurantee that your product is not a one hit wonder, you have to strategically market your brand to be the new must-have item, year after year.

Consumers are constantly vying for the cutting edge, so make sure you and your gardening influencers are afoot of this year's trends.

By connecting your gardening brand and product to annual trends, you'll remain the apple of the media (and your consumers') eye!

We talk a LOT about choosing the right PR firm for your business on. this. blog. But recently I read an article about the difference between publicity and PR from Spin Sucks by Gini Dietrich.

She says, "publicity or earned media or media relations is all about getting your organization covered in the news. It’s great for the ego, it’s great for building awareness, and it’s great for credibility. It’s not great, however, for making the phone ring or for increasing sales."

Gini goes on to explain that publicity, when combined with PR, can be a powerful tool in building your reputation and growing sales.

So, you've got everyone on board with your new gardening brand. You know how to describe your brand in three simple words; and, you've answered the 4 W's.

Now, you've have to work on making the world love your gardening brand.

To do this, you've got to get your brand in front of local and national media. 

The best way to ensure you get placements on t.v., magazines, and newspapers is to humanize your garden brand. 

At Garden Media we know that without a good reputation, you’re sunk. As experts in creating brand leaders within the garden industry, we know a lot about the power of a good reputation, and we’re excited to share some of our insider secrets with you!

Each month we have decided to release a new e-book featuring a case study that illustrates a specific public relations strategy, along with tips on building your reputation and strengthening your brand.

“Branding The Knock Out® Rose”, the first case study in the series, outlines the public relations strategies used to help launch The Knock Out® Rose, now one of the best-selling shrubs in America.

But the most exciting part of the case study series is our new monthly eBook club.  At the end of each month, I’ll host a On Air Hangout on Garden Media’s Google + page.  Just sign up for our virtual book club to receive the eBook of the month, discussion topics and an invitation to the On Air Hangout.  During the Hangout we will dig deeper into the case study and answer all your questions.

With the amount of time we spend thinking about all things gardening and marketing, it's easy to forget one of the most integral aspects of success in a business: you.

As the leader of a successful business, I know you take work home with you -especially during the busiest season of the year.

For gardeners, early spring is the time when flowers, seeds, soils, and chic containers are flying off the shelf.

Well, we think it's time to take a brief mental break from sales increases.

In order for your garden business to be successful, you need to learn the importance of self-care.

Congratulations! Since you have outlined your three branding words, you're on the way to creating a stellar brand.  You know who you want to be, and now, you've just got to figure out how to get there.

It's time to describe who your brand is in more detail.

The easiest way to define your brand is by answering the 4 W's of your garden brand.