Meet the Owner: Lanae Paaverud

Over the past few years, the use of social media has exploded. When Facebook was launched in 2004, some people wrote it off as a “fad,” but Shakopee businesswoman Lanae Paaverud knew otherwise. 

At the time, she was selling merchandise through her own website, Old World Limited, and saw the potential of attracting more customers to her site using Facebook.

“I started using it for my business and then a light bulb went off,” she said. “I thought, ‘I should help other people learn how to use this to better their business.’” So, this Shakopee mother of three helped a few friends launch Facebook sites and within a few months she started her own business called Social Networking Nanny.

“I help small businesses get social,” she said describing her business. “I am willing to help any business at any level. I’ll teach people how to use the sites or I’ll maintain Facebook and Twitter accounts for a business.”

After two years in business this media maven has landed 25 accounts. Some of her clients are small businesses, others are bands and actors.

One of her clients is Progressions salon spa store in Rockville, Md. As a successful, fast-paced business, Laura C. Verdi, who deals with sales and customer service, said they found themselves needing a partner who was equally as customer service-oriented to help move them forward in the realm of social media.

"Although we weren't sure what to expect, we were pleasantly surprised when she had us up and running on Facebook and Twitter within a day or two," Verdi said in an email. "(Paaverud) knew what questions we had, knew the answers, and directed us into the future. We  have been on top of our social networking game ever since."

“I think social media offers a little something for everyone,” Paaverud said. At this point, Paaverud spends about 30 hours a week helping clients, and she’s added a part-time employee to help keep up with demand.

Paaverud uses her self-taught social media skills to boost her own business. By exchanging tweets with a Kare 11 reporter, she wound up on the news. By friending a contributor from Good Morning America, her business was mentioned on air, after which, she was flooded with hundreds of emails from prospective clients.

“If any of my clients wonder what the power of social media is, I give them those two examples,” Paaverud said. “By simply using social media, I’ve gotten some great publicity for Social Networking Nanny.”

Paaverud still runs her online retail shop, but says most of her time is devoted to social media. “I really enjoy getting to know about other businesses and helping people create a social media plan.”

According to their websites, Facebook now has about 800 million users and Twitter boasts 100 million users.  Paaverud believes those numbers will only climb. 

“I know that some businesses think they don’t need social media, but it can really help a business,” she said. “With the amount of people social media can reach, for free, it’s an amazing asset.”

For more information about Social Networking Nanny, check out the website.