ph logo
The Profitable Horseman's Newsletter Helping Horsemen with Solutions, Growth and Change in Business
February 22, 2006

Tired of trying to make money in the horse business the old way? I help professional horsemen find new and better methods to add to the profitability of their businesses.

in this issue
  • Looking for a Speaker about the Business of Being in the Horse Business?
  • 21 st Century Marketing
  • Others have said
  • Back at the Barn
  • More Profit in Less Time
  • Getting to the Point

  • 21 st Century Marketing

    I often encourage business owners to “marketing methodically” so that prospects and customers will develop a relationship in which they know, like and trust the business owner. Marketing plans for the professional horseman can use many approaches to getting the company message across. Traditional examples are:
    1. Printed advertising
    2. Word of mouth
    3. Public speaking
    4. Yellow page advertising
    5. Direct mail
    6. Website

    These forms of marketing have been proven to be reliable in getting results when used correctly.

    I’ve written in the past about using a new tool for marketing which is the Weblog or ”Blog”. A blog is an electronic online journal posted on the web available to the public and the raving fans of your horse business to get a feel for how you think and act, what you do and your philosophy.

    Blog entries are brief chronicles of business and personal life experiences, sometimes accented with photographs. In an entertaining or educational format, they allow the reader to make a judgment about how much they like and trust you as they get to know you.

    When recently reading Darren Wetherill’s blog, Horse Bliss I ran across a link to another horseman’s blog, Gallop On written by Beverly Hamerdinger of New Mexico. Beverly’s engaging writing style quickly hooked me on following her daily chronicles about her horses and family ranch life.

    Beverly writes about her experiences with the ordinary and extraordinary things that happen every day in a humorously punctuated descriptive way that keeps her readers returning frequently. From vaulting practice at age forty-something, to new tractor fever or catching a runaway horse, she tells the story from a horsewoman’s point of view.

    I had a chance to speak with her about her blog and the new business she launched with it. Beverly uses affiliate marketing to fill the margins of her blog with advertising for horse related products. By using an affiliate marketing agreement with the “advertisers” in the margins, she will get a small commission for sending a reader to the advertiser’s website.

    Based on what Beverly told me, I don’t think she will be retiring next year on the income earned in the first six months of operation of the blog site. She does, however, provide a shining example of a creative way to combine interests of horses, writing, and computer knowledge to create a pioneering business in affiliate marketing. Her creativity and talent jump out at the reader so have a look at the site and go buy something from one of her affiliates.

    If you like to write and have a story to tell, creating a blog for your business and for the development of your personal brand might be the low cost marketing engine you have been searching to find.

    Subject material for blogs by professional horsemen might include: starting a colt, training a reiner, conditioning a rider or horse, training for an event, self built barns, building a business, promoting a clinic or horse show, teaching riders how to overcome fears, competing in a horse show series, selling a horse, teaching a horse to drive (not your truck, silly) designing a jump course, hauling horses, trail riding and overnight camping.

    The list is endless. If you can write a sentence, then you can be a blogger. When you are not riding, start writing.


    Others have said

    "Truth persuades by teaching, but does not teach by persuading." -- Quintus Septimus Tertillaninus

    "Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there." -- Will Rogers

    "Small opportunities are often the beginning of great enterprises." -- Demosthenes


    Back at the Barn
    back at barn

    I've been busy lately giving talks for horsemen at educational meetings put together by Blue Seal Feed and Triple Crown feed. While not everyone in the audience has been a professional horseman, almost everyone is interested in learning how to live a more balanced life to enjoy their horses more often. Having a three year vision and goals along with being in contol of your finances are two strategies that apply to everyone, regardless of what business they have chosen.

    I've noticed that the best horsemen I know readily admit they don't know everything and are always ready to learn more about horses by asking questions and applying the information to their own programs.

    That observation always makes me highly suspicious when I meet know-it-alls who never ask questions.

    Life is short.

    Ride hard.

    Doug


    More Profit in Less Time
    Deewochagall

    I show Professional Horsemen how to use 8 key strategies to build a business that creates more profit in less time. Call me and we can talk about how your business can benefit.

    If you know other horsemen who would enjoy this newsletter, please forward it to them! I am on a quest to tell 1000 people what I do and I need your help.

    The purpose of this publication is to help professional horsemen also be Profitable Horsemen.


    Getting to the Point
    banner

    I write another weekly newsletter about the business of life. Curious? Click here


    Looking for a Speaker about the Business of Being in the Horse Business?
    megaphone man

    Have Voice, Will Travel. I am available to speak to your horsemen's group about making money in the horse business. With a 39 billion dollar industry, there are plenty of opportunities to make a profit.

    I speak to horsemen's groups about ways to improve profitability in the horse business. I'm also available to present a half or full day workshop for groups interested in making money in the horse business.

    Call or email me today about your meeting needs.

    Click on these links for more information

    Past issues of Profitable Horseman newsletter

    My blog. Bet I can make you look! Click here.



    Join our mailing list!