I'm pleased to introduce you to Marcia Hancock, The Job Search Advisor. It's much easier not to prepare a resume, but you can miss out on many opportunities if you don't have one put together, and one that's recent. Marcia gives great tips why it's important to take careful time in preparing a resume and shares useful techniques for creating it. Welcome Marcia!

A Story! Is This You?

Writing a resume is one of the least favorite yet necessary tasks for horse industry professionals. A friend and equestrian recently shared with me ‘I know I need to write my resume, bring it current, but I just dread doing this! I notice many projects that interest me, but because a current resume is required to be considered, I just do not apply!’

So many missed opportunities!

This is an exciting topic that Nanette Levin shares with us! When you're looking for ways to generate more revenue from your area of expertise, sharing what you know can be a great way to accomplish that. You'll also enjoy listening to our upcoming audio library addition that discusses other aspects of this topic.

Today there are so many ways you can get paid to write about your passion – even if you don’t have a portfolio – it’s foolish for any owner of an equine-related business to disregard the possibilities and avenues to access these opportunities.

Few would argue the point that being a published author lends credibility. I won’t comment on the quality of some of what’s being published today, but suspect my critical eye as a longtime paid freelance writer is not typical of most readers. Regardless, if you’re in the equine industry and aren’t capitalizing on the power of the printed (or electronically delivered) word to help share your vision, reach more prospects and attain a broader reach, you’re missing out on the chance for vast reach and additional revenue.

There are so many ways you can get paid to write, but, for the purposes of this article, I’m going to focus on what you can do with Amazon via their Kindle program.

I'd like to introduce you all to Jeanne Maguire Thieme. She has a horse-related business - she is an artist that does beautiful work! Artists deal with same general marketing questions that any horse business does: How do I reach my market? Who are they? and more....You'll see that Jeanne is looking for creative approaches to answer these questions. Welcome Jeanne, thanks for the use of your beautiful artwork on my website and for sharing your story!

In 2nd grade I drew a horse galloping in an open field. The leg wasn’t right. I crumpled it and put it in the wastebasket in front of the classroom. I watched 2 students rush to the basket, pull out my wrinkled drawing, bring it back to their desks,spread it out to gently smooth out the creases, and then carefully flatten it in a book to take it home with them. I watched in astonishment and at that moment realized that I wanted to be an artist and I wanted to draw horses. My classmates treasured my work and that felt good. I drew some more, and some more, I painted some more and some more and......

Connection

I'd like you to meet Patti Bartsch, Ph.D, a colleague and friend of mine. She has developed unique resources that help you to be the best you possible, for yourself, your horse and your horse business. Patti is the owner of Naturally Unbridled Holistic Life & Wellness Coaching for Equestrians. She is the author of two books including “7 Steps to a Naturally Unbridled Life” and “100 Days, 100 Ways to a Happier Healthier Life”. Dr. Bartsch also created a home-study program called “6 Weeks to Show Ring Success” where equestrians, regardless of whether or not they compete, can learn to become balanced and as healthy as a horse! She works with clients via telephone, Skype, and email. Visit her website at www.NaturallyUnbridled.com to take her free quiz and to download the “Heal Naturally” chapter from her latest book.

“Ridden hard and put away wet!” This timeless expression brings to mind an image of a horse that worked rigorously and was not properly cared for. You can envision the animal galloping along, doing her job, breathing heavily and working into a lather; then not getting the care that she needs and deserves: hair ruffled, breathing hard, exhausted. You know, kind of like many Equestrians who work hard to take care of their horses, their families, their homes, and their work and when it comes to caring for themselves… well, they’re “put away wet”.

Jaime Green sent me this piece that she had written, and it really hit home in terms of potential customers and being really aware of how we project ourselves as professionals. Thanks Jaime for this reminder that our conversations ARE two-way, not monologues! Jaime has been a horseperson for many years, and is making plans to open a horse facility of her own. That heightens her awareness of both sides of the coin in this situation. Thanks for sharing your perspective Jaime!

 My job in the Air Force was highly specialized, and quite dangerous at times dealing with explosives. I rarely thought of other professions until I went to Kuwait and began explosives training with the Kuwaiti National Guard, most of which didn't speak a lick of English. There were two interpreters for forty Kuwaiti men and ten Americans, I became close with one interpreter in particular named Mahdi. I began to think about things that I may have otherwise overlooked the rest of my life. Three lessons that Mahdi taught me that I think apply to word of mouth marketing as well as customer relations are as follows: Start talking at the top and then work your way to their level, feel what your client is feeling, and listen to the person as a whole not just their words. All the what not to do's were illustrated in one interaction two days ago when I went to buy grain at the local store.

I'd like to introduce you to Marie Taulbee, Founder and CEO of Laraedo Software. She's developed horse farm managment software that is web-based and allows you to keep in touch with your clients easily. Your clients are also able to log in online and see what their horse has been up to and what their account balance is. Marie is dedicated to improving horse business operation so that you can maximize your time where it's most needed. She's sharing tips here related to everyday issues that can help to improve your efficiency. Welcome Marie!

An efficient, well-planned horse facility can work within the budget and staffing constraints while remaining on target with basic operational goals. Here are eight areas that yield the highest benefits to keep a farm running effectively and efficiently.

1) Lighting, Electrical and Water

Horses require plenty of natural light especially when kept in stalls for long periods of time. Natural lighting is the best way to accomplish this. There should be plenty of windows and doors to let sun and air in but keep out other weather elements.

To prevent possible damage or injury, recess all faucets, electrical switches, and outlets. It’s ideal to use electrical outlet faceplates with hinged covers to help prevent early destruction due to moisture or weather.

Regularly check the barn water pipes to be sure they are functioning well and don’t have leaks.