The Social Strategist helps nurture business growth

Crystal Girgenti's goal is to "empower business owners" and help them make money.

She realized the power of the Internet early on, she said, and when social media came on the scene, she knew it offered a marketing strategy par none.

Ms. Girgenti took her degree and experience in marketing statistics and started The Social Strategist, a consulting business from which she coaches business owners on how social media could promote business growth.

"Business owners are often savvy in knowing that they should be using social media but are a little hesitant to engage customers through the web," said Mrs. Girgenti, from her office on the Village Green.

"The Internet only really began taking off some 10 years ago," she added, "and it's constantly changing, which can be intimidating."

These days, potential customers are "on the web" and, by engaging in a dialogue through social media contact, businesses can increase their customer base, she explained.

Nancy Saggese, at Candlelight Farms Inn in New Milford, instructed Mrs. Girgenti to create a new website for the business.

"Not only did she create the site, she supports me, telling me how to best do things through social media to get more business," Ms. Saggese said. "She's really helped my business grow over the last few months."

Stephen Griffing, owner of Dynaxa LLC in Bethel, is also a Social Strategist client.

"I had a website but wasn't getting traffic," said Mr. Griffing, whose business sells technical products to the semiconductor industry. "Being a small business, we were trying to keep costs down. Crystal understood."

Mrs. Girgenti suggested Mr. Griffing write a blog, actively putting fresh information on the website, and helped him with search engine optimization.

Mr. Griffing estimates his sales have increased by $100,000 since initiating her suggestions. The website is now attracting customers worldwide, he said.

Ms. Girgenti noted her system also works for non-profits, which need to "keep their ideas and marketing fresh, appealing and exciting to engage a younger generation of volunteers and donors."

For more information on The Social Strategist call 203-744-9221 or visit the website www.social-strategist.com.