Saturday, February 27, 2010

Horsin Around with Social Media

Social Media is the craze these days as it should be because it works! It has leveled the playing field for "guru's" who have learned how to use it effectively-I love it! But, there are definitely some "Do's and Dont's" and for myself....well, I've learned the "Dont's" the hard way! But, that's okay; the best lessons are learned through mistakes, right?

Because I'm almost as fascinated by social media as I am by horses......key word here being "almost"..... I decided to share some "tips" that I recently shared on a LinkedIn group forum about what is working for me when it comes to using Social Media to spread my love of horses around. So here you go:

....What is working for me is utilizing social media platforms to promote my blog. As well as keeping in mind that there is a fine line between marketing and annoying people! I first created my blog years ago in order to write about horses for "fun"....but it's evolving into more than that now. I'm developing a voice about not only "celebrating horses" but also a way to promote responsible horse ownership, and horse welfare issues my area- Memphis, TN- and beyond!

My strategy is incorporating every medium I can around my blog...my facebook page, my twitter account, websites, other sites I contribute articles for.... this all creates credibility for me (I hope) and generates interest. Good, fresh, relevant, content in a variety of forms-videos, links, questions, photos, statements, etc. is important! As well as keeping it positive, responsive, and inviting...You have to find a way to "connect" to your audience. If you can do this effectively, your audience becomes "interactive." This is a feat that takes time and patience and can't be rushed or pushed!

I'm having fun using social media to "connect" with "like-minded" people about horses. It's really cool, and I'm having fun watching it evolve.... into what next, who knows? But the key is that by taking time to develop good content, and by using a strategy of cross posting using a variety of social media tools, in addition to using common sense, I actually have a following! And, what's better, I think my efforts are starting to raise awareness and hopefully help some horses and people in the process! Pretty cool

Social Media is good stuff when used wisely. Learning to use it wisely, is somewhat of an art-form and tricky. For me, the hardest platform to "grasp" has been twitter.... Word to the wise, don't be tempted to take the easy way out with twitter! If you use it like a spammer, the only followers you will have are fellow spammers ;) Whatever you use, be genuine!

Maybe I should start offering my own social media seminars? Who knew I "knew" all this?

If you would like to learn more about using Social Media for your horse business, here's a free webinar being offered by Equestrian Professional, March 15th. Check it out:

Smart Social Media Strategies for Horse Professionals & Horse Business Owners

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Horse Hero, Alex Brown: Read this "Interview with a Racehorse Rescuer.”















I've decided to periodically spotlight"Horse Hero's" on my blog- or those horse professionals that are helping to improve the horse industry! Those who are compelled to give back to the commodity that has given them a livelihood! Those who recognize that they can use their status and reputation to effect positive change for horses. Those who aren't afraid to speak up, and use their voice to help join the many voices together that want to make a difference to improve this industry.

Here is an excellent example of one such impressive horse professional that is truly, “paying it forward” for horses and my new horse hero! Ever heard of Alex Brown? He’s a well-known racing professional and “academic guru” who has taught Internet Marketing courses for 10 years at University of Delaware, and worked at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He’s making a difference in welfare issues for racehorses, and he knows how to effectively use social media to help this cause!


Click here to read an interview with Alex, and for those of you social media manics, like me…..

Be sure to watch this video

to learn more about how social media is helping to connect like-minded people, and spread awareness about horse welfare issues!

Source: The Equinest

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Dark Horse Rescue Now In Memphis Area

For anyone whose ever taken a glimpse into this blog, you've already discovered that I'm a bit "OCD" when it comes to posting about anything to do with "helping horses." I feel compelled to do what I can to "Pay it Forward" and use my "Voice" to speak up for horses who can't speak.... even though us Memphis horse-folk already know horses definitely DO SPEAK.... just not verbally ;)

There's a new horse rescue in town.... Dark Horse Rescue. And, I personally think this group will be able to give Memphis area horses a louder voice! Click on Memphis Horses Examiner to read all about them and how you can help if you have likewise been bitten by the "Pay it Forward for Horses bug."

Hint, Hint..... this is a highly contagious "bug" that I'm hoping you'll catch too!

Wednesday, February 03, 2010

Gullet Channel Width and Saddle Fit Part 3

Watch the third video in the series to learn more about determining the proper channel and gullet width for your horse. Wow, I've learned so much from these easy to understand videos. I'm scared to now apply to my own saddles though~ yikes!

Watch Gullet and Channel Width Video Here

Tuesday, February 02, 2010

Wither Clearance and Saddle Fit

Here's video number 2 on Proper Saddle fit from expert saddle maker, Jochen Schleese re: Wither Clearance. Whew, I learned something new from this- very informative!

Watch YouTube Video here







Visit this site for more: http://www.schleese.com/