Category: Business Topics

Why Is Video Vital To Your Success Right Now?

Every day it seems like an increasing number of “in-person” events are being cancelled or transitioned to virtual. Conferences and field days are now virtual, local sporting events (if your kids or grandkids even get to play) are limiting attendance to two spectators per player, and even regular meetings like the PTO and County Commissioners are meeting online.

It’s a challenge to have the same personal interaction you once had with customers and potential customers, but you can still get your face and voice out there and make a personal connection with video.

“In a time when everything is cancelled, postponed and interaction is limited, video outlets give you the best opportunity to communicate with your customers in a way that still feels engaging and face-to-face,” said Jessie Judge, BioZyme® Inc. Marketing Brand Coordinator. “Additionally, in 2020 there is an influx in the total number of people who are passing time on their computers and phones, and thus in the case of video, this may be setting you up to reach even more customers with your digital efforts!”

Not only are more people on their phones and tablets, but video is effective because like personal relationships, seeing a face, helps build trust. According to an inc.com article, the area in the human brain called the fusiform face area solely recognizes faces, and facial recognition leads to trust.

“Nielsen’s Trust in Advertising reports rank recommendations from someone we know, or feel like we know, as the most trusted. Producing in-house video content lets your audience get to know you in a dynamic way. Ongoing content not only allows for experimentation, it enables you to build trust, even when you can’t be there in person,” according to the inc.com article 1.

Ashley Fitzsimmons, BioZyme’s Regional Marketing Coordinator, works with the ASMs and the dealers to make sure their messages are timely and synergistic with the national advertising program. She agrees that video is important and here to stay.

“It’s a digital world, and video is king, again, especially during all that 2020 has thrown at us. Video gives the ability to reach our customers where they are on their phones and convey a message that takes minimal input effort on their side. Watching is easier than reading,” she said.

This summer, BioZyme offered more digital messages than ever before – hosting a three-night mini-series Facebook Live, “How to #Preptowin in a Pandemic,” conducting a youth leadership and development conference, Sure Champ® Advanced Leadership Event (SCALE), hosting two virtual producer meetings in the spring and making numerous new product announcements using Facebook Live. All of these events had tremendous success and allowed for face-to-face interaction through the use of video.

“Any successful tactic is successful because of the planning that takes place ahead of time. With all the virtual, video and digital events we created or hosted this summer, it was key that our team identified the right timing to launch these efforts and develop the content that our customers wanted or needed to hear from speakers that could convey the message best. The team planning and effort on everyone’s part helped us to deliver successful video and virtual campaigns that gave us a lot of digital traction and face time with our customers,” Judge said.

Judge and Fitzsimmons agree that it isn’t always easy to measure if your digital video presence was effective, but if you start with a goal in mind, that will help you measure your video’s effectiveness.

“Social media has trained us that quantity is what’s important. But in all actuality the quality of views is way more important. Now, you can’t sell a product or service if people aren’t viewing your content; but, I think we need to keep in mind with all digital media that the true effectiveness should be measured on cost of transaction versus number who took action,” Fitzsimmons said.

Judge agrees and said that organic involvement with your followers is vital. “The more key customers you can get to share your content, the more reach you will have and the better you can get your message out there. When customers share your video, you can see who is sharing it and if they are commenting, which goes hand in hand with Ashley’s comment about quality of views and engagement.”

Nothing will ever replace the warmth of a smile or the grasp of a firm handshake. However, with today’s technology, video allows us to be in multiple places with multiple people and still have “face-to-face” interaction. Video is here to stay. Incorporate it into your marketing strategy and watch your business grow.

Source: 1 – https://www.inc.com/entrepreneurs-organization/why-in-house-videocontent-is-critical-in-new-normal.html?cid=search

Break Into the Market with a Conservative Price Point

The cattle market isn’t painting a pretty picture right now. Markets, environmental challenges and a pandemic are making producers reevaluate their spending. Producers are pinching pennies, but the one area we don’t want them to sacrifice is the health of their herd. That’s why BioZyme® created the VitaFerm® Conserve™ line of mineral products.

VitaFerm Conserve was created as an economical vitamin and mineral supplement for beef cattle that supports the health and condition of the whole herd. This supplement is the ideal way for your customers’ cattle to receive the nutrients they need along with the Amaferm® advantage.

“I encourage my dealers to position the VitaFerm Conserve as a price-point mineral or a way to get their foot in the door with a new customer,” said Brett Tostenson, Area Sales Manager for South Dakota and Eastern North Dakota. “In my area, producers want to know their per head per day cost, and with roughly 11 cents per cow per day to feed Conserve with Amaferm in it, it is easy to market that.”

Tostenson said he’s been marketing and seeing his dealers sell quite a bit of the VitaFerm Conserve Garlic. He encourages that formula, especially for new customers because they see results fast.

“People want a quick reaction. Within a week to 10 days, the producers can see the garlic is helping control flies in their herd all while getting some baseline nutrients,” he said.

With a price point comparable to other nutrition programs, he is encouraged by the reaction he and his dealers have seen since the product’s launch. He sees the potential for selling even more once temperatures cool and end-users stop using the VitaFerm HEAT® mineral and before they move into their premium mineral option ofVitaFerm Concept•Aid®.

“For about 120 days or so, between HEAT season and late spring calving, ranchers will be able to feed the Conserve mineral. They can cut their supplement costs while still having their cows on a good plane of nutrition,” Tostenson said.

He also said he’s seen some new, younger customers order multiple pallets of Conserve because they realize the value of a good nutrition program but have to watch their expenses. He hopes these customers will see the value of Amaferm in the mineral, and when calving time comes, ask their dealer about a premium product.

Finally, Tostenson suggests that dealers use their own knowledge of their existing customer base to determine the right customers to position VitaFerm Conserve to. He said most seedstock producers are hooked on the Concept•Aid and HEAT program, so marketing the Conserve line to commercial producers and new customers is often a good step. Building on current relationships and knowing your customers’ needs is key because at the end of the day, “people want to buy from people,” he said.

Saving money during uncertain times is often the key to survival. Position the VitaFerm Conserve as a way for your customers to conserve spending without sacrificing health and performance in their herd. Help your customers save some money and watch your business grow.

3 Steps to Effectively Market Conserve

BioZyme® rolled out several new products this spring in an effort to help you help your customers. VitaFerm® Conserve™ was developed as a way to keep your customers’ cattle healthy and performing at a competitive price point. We’ve launched the product. You’ve got the customers who are looking to save money, so it’s time to spread the word on this great new product.

Ashley Fitzsimmons, BioZyme Regional Marketing Coordinator, offers some timely advice to dealers.

1. Get the word out to all your customers.

If your customers aren’t aware of a new product, they are not going to buy it. And with the cost savings that VitaFerm Conserve offers during these economic times, they need to know specifically about this product. Do you advertise on your local radio station or with the local newspaper? Do you have a social media platform you use to connect to your customers?

“Let our marketing team help you with the resources we currently have available: sell sheets and literature, both digital and printed; or let us help you come up with a custom mailer, print ad, radio spot or social post. However, your audience likes to be communicated with, get in that space about the benefits of this product,” Fitzsimmons said.

2. Put together a target list and go after those individuals.

Everyone has customers that understand and know they want the Amaferm® advantage. But maybe they just haven’t made that buying decision yet, or price is currently keeping them out of that space. This is the mineral option for them; they just need you to tell them about it. Make that target list and give them a call or go visit them with your ASM. Make those sales calls and use Conserve to get in the door to their business!

3. Just stock it.

That might sound pretty basic, but you can’t sell what you don’t have. Fitzsimmons suggests that with this product packing the added punch of that recognizable and reputable VitaFerm logo on the side and then also being an economical option, it’s going to sell if it’s on your floor.

“Set it right next to your other VitaFerm products and this mineral will do half the marketing and selling for you.”

Communicate. Use your BioZyme Marketing Team and ASM. Keep the VitaFerm Conserve in stock. Follow these three simple steps to help you help your customers and their herds stay healthy.

Keep Nutrition Program in the Herd

Care that comes full circle is the BioZyme® company motto, and those are the words that our staff and employees live by every day. One of the best ways we can offer care to the livestock that our customers raise is to make sure those animals are receiving the daily nutrition they need to survive and thrive now and in years to come.

Nutrition is vital to a herd’s success. VitaFerm® Conserve™ was formulated as an economical vitamin and mineral supplement for beef cattle that supports the health and condition of the whole herd. Though many producers might think cutting their mineral program is one way to save money during uncertain times, cutting a mineral program can negatively impact the herd now and in the future.

Eliminating a mineral program can have detrimental effects, including decreased reproduction efficiency, decreased utilization of forages and an increase in potential health challenges. Cutting out mineral can potentially lead to poor conception rates, more open cows and an extended calving window. It can also lead to poor pasture management and performance. Additionally, vaccines often lose their effectiveness without the assistance of a mineral program.

“We are excited to offer VitaFerm Conserve to our customers who want to conserve costs without giving up the benefits of a balanced and fortified mineral package along with the Amaferm® advantage, 365 days out of the year,” said Jack Oattes, BioZyme Regional Business Manager.

VitaFerm Conserve is a way to provide an adequate nutrition program to the herd when reproductive success is not the key focus. Although it doesn’t contain the organic trace minerals and the additional nutrients, it is a balanced vitamin and mineral program that contains adequate nutrients to maintain the herd. In addition to the vitamin and mineral package, Conserve contains Amaferm. Amaferm is a precision prebiotic that impacts intake, digestion and absorption of available feedstuffs, ensuring the most energy from your feed and forage. The balanced nutrients combined with the Amaferm helps keep your cattle healthy, performing and gaining.

Getting Amaferm into your cattle’s diets is one of the best ways you can care for them. Although many producers have researched and heard about Amaferm, some of them considered the extra-fortification of premium mineral programs with Amaferm out of their price range.

“VitaFerm Conserve was purposefully crafted with the producer in mind as an economical line of vitamin and mineral supplements for the beef cattle herd that complements our existing products during the times of year when reproduction isn’t the primary focus,” Oattes said.

All animals deserve a mineral program. An adequate nutrition source like the VitaFerm Conserve will help support overall herd health and immune function while improving reproductive efficiency. In addition, vitamin and mineral programs help bolster growth and performance and mitigate side effects of mineral deficiencies.

If producers go without mineral, they are losing out on health improvements, performance improvements & reproductive improvements. Keep your customers’ herds healthy and thriving with a program that supplies sufficient nutrients and Amaferm.

Vita Charge for Stress Relief

Vita Charge® is the ideal product for stress relief. And when do livestock feel the most stress? When they undergo abrupt changes to their routines. Think weaning. Think shipping/receiving. Think all aspects of showing them.

West Texas Area Sales Manager Sam Silvers said promoting the Vita Charge line to his dealers and customers comes to him with ease due to the type of people he typically is around, even when not on the sales road.

“With a background in show livestock, I am around those people quite a bit and they see the importance of keeping their animals on feed and water in all situations. The Vita Charge products do that, and they work quickly. I’m also around several people who run stockers and their challenges come up in general conversation. It’s easy to suggest a product from the Vita Charge line,” Silvers said.

One of the best customers and dealers Silvers has found in his area are veterinarians. He said they understand the need to get those animals that have been stressed and treated back on the road to recovery as quick as possible and that boost from the Vita Charge helps.

Click here to see what our customers have to say about these products and more.

Conserve Spending, Increase Performance

BioZyme® Inc. is always looking for ways to help our end-users raise livestock in the most economic efficiently way possible, while keeping the animals safe and healthy. In keeping with the company motto, “care that comes full circle,” we know the best way to help producers help their animals is to develop new and cutting-edge products. Since our last VISION, we’ve launched three new products to help the producer save money and help keep animals performing their best.

Cattle producers are always looking for ways to reduce their input costs without surrendering their herds’ performance. Now, they can do both successfully. BioZyme® Inc., has introduced VitaFerm Conserve ™ to its product family.

VitaFerm Conserve is an economical vitamin and mineral supplement line that like all BioZyme products, comes with the Amaferm® advantage to maximize nutrient digestion and absorption. Although it contains a balanced vitamin and mineral package and Amaferm, Conserve does not contain organic trace minerals. Rather than formulating to optimum nutrient levels like the VitaFerm Concept•Aid® line, VitaFerm Conserve is formulated at sufficient nutrient levels to maintain performance. Therefore, the savings can be passed on to the producer without sacrificing the health or performance of the cow herd.

Available in five formulations tailored to different operational challenges:

Vita Charge Is Vital To A Program

Nutrition is important during all phases of production and throughout an animal’s life. Yes, there are times like breeding, lactation and weaning when nutrition plays a bigger role in the animal’s life than others, but it is still important to have them receiving quality nutrition year-round, which is why it is important to get Amaferm® in their diets 365 days a year.

Programs like the Vita Charge® Weaning Program and the Gain Smart® Stocker Program are available to help animals get the boost they need during more stressful times of life. And, when stress is involved, Vita Charge is the answer.

Weaning is stressful for both the mother and the offspring, but especially the young animal, regardless of species that is accustomed to receiving its mother’s milk as a source of nutrition and now is being forced to adapt to grain, grass, or hay and water. Vita Charge is the ideal supplement to mitigate stress with products like Vita Charge Gel and Liquid Boost® for all species. Specifically, for cattle, you can add in the Cattle Drench and Stress Tubs to help give those digestive systems a boost, keep calves eating and drinking and keep them healthy. For pigs, Vita Charge HydraBoost™ is a great way to convert those weaned pigs from nursing to the feeder.

The Gain Smart Stocker Program is structured to get weaned calves and stockers off to a good, healthy start in three simple steps, using two of the Vita Charge products.

  1. Wean or receive with Vita Charge Cattle Drench
    Weaning and receiving calves brings about several abrupt changes: nutritional intake, environment, herd groups and separation from mama. Producers shouldn’t stress because their calves are stressing when they have a product like Vita Charge Cattle Drench to keep cattle healthy, eating and gaining.

    Keeping cattle healthy is key to their wellbeing, and it helps increase rate of gain. Additionally, it can also reduce medical expenses and cost of labor to treat sick calves. Use the Vita Charge Cattle Drench within the first 48 hours of weaning or receiving calves to stimulate the calves’ immune system, spur feed and water intake and maximize the effectiveness of vaccines.
  2. Jumpstart with the Vita Charge Stress Tub or Stress Tub HEAT®
    These cooked tubs support digestive health and promote feed and water intake during the stress of transition. Use the Stress Tub or Stress Tub with HEAT, depending on the temperature, during the first two to three weeks after weaning or receiving to encourage feed and water intake, increase digestibility to maximize gains by maximizing the energy value of feed and to help trap any bad bacteria with the MOS included in the Tubs.
  1. Step three is your customer’s choice of the Gain Smart mineral that best fits his or her feeding scenario.

Encourage your producers to find a program that best works for them, to keep their livestock healthy and performing year-round. Good nutrition starts with reduced stress and increased feed and water intake. The way to achieve those goals is with the Vita Charge products.

Selling products give you a feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction of helping your customer reach his or her goals. The only thing better than making a sale is making a sale of multiple products and that is why you’re encouraged as dealers to sell the programs that BioZyme® offers. Sell the program. See that care come full circle. And watch your sales grow.

Quick Response Products Become A Sales Aid

Seeing is believing. That’s why the quick response that the Vita Charge® products offer help sell this line of products, and subsequently help promote the Amaferm® advantage in other product lines.

2020 has been nothing short of bizarre. With so many uncertainties, last-minute cancellations and changed plans, Nebraska’s Area Sales Manager Meghan Bochanski has taken these challenges and turned them into opportunities to share and promote the Vita Charge line.

“With a lack of shows in our area or shows not scheduled in advance, I have been able to offer the Vita Charge products to that customer base. I had one customer who had his steer on a good feeding program, but after hauling it to a show from Western Nebraska to Oklahoma and back home, the steer went off feed and water. With the help of some Vita Charge Liquid Boost and Vita Charge Climate Control Gel, the steer went back on feed and water, and the customer was sold on the Vita Charge line,” Bochanski said.

She said the Vita Charge products have been extremely popular in other similar situations where shows have popped up last minute in the summer heat or where people have had to travel long distances to even participate in a show. Once the show livestock customers try it on an animal in need, they can see the benefits of using it to be proactive prior to those stressful situations.

John Jeffrey, ASM in Oklahoma and Southern Missouri, agrees that the customer that have an animal that really needs the stress relief are willing to try the Vita Charge line, either a sick calf in the weaning pen or a show animal that’s gone off feed. But, once they see how fast and effective the Vita Charge products work, they like it and will continue to use it.

“Especially at a cattle operation, I tell them if they don’t want to use the Cattle Drench at receiving or at weaning, just wait and use it in the sick pen and they will see a difference in how fast that sick calf recovers. They just need to see it work on a sick animal that is not eating, drinking or is stressed before they will take a proactive approach,” Jeffrey said.

And once they see those quick results, they will respond. Bochanski said she has been working with some producers who have tried the Cattle Drench and call it a “miracle.” Once they see how it works, they want to get the Stress Tubs out to their calves to get the Vita Charge into them every day.

Seeing is believing. Make sure that your customers have a way to showcase the rapid responsiveness of the Vita Charge line. One quick response product could lead to pallets of VitaFerm® mineral for the cowherd, and that is how you use something small to make a big difference in your business.

Vita Charge Products Offer Something For All Livestock

One size doesn’t always fit all situations. However, with a product line like Vita Charge®, your customers can get the benefits of a supplement that help with protection and recovery from stressful situations in a variety of forms and applications.

The Vita Charge line comes in various forms from liquids to gels to tubs, and its versatility makes it easy to administer to all species and in a variety of situations. From weaning lambs and pigs to starting stockers and transporting show livestock, the Vita Charge line offers must-have products for any producer or livestock show enthusiast.

Gels: Three gel products are available for use on beef cattle, swine sheep and goats. The gels are easy to administer and can even be topdressed on feed for challenging animals.

Vita Charge Gel is the most versatile, and can be used for mother animals after parturition, at weaning time, any time stress is involved like treating for sickness, transporting, starting calves, showing livestock, sale preparation, general stomach upset or any other reason your animals might go off feed.

Vita Charge Climate Control Gel offers the same relief from stress and extreme temperatures by helping maintain the animal’s normal body temperature. Climate Control Gel contains capsaicin to help maintain circulation to support animal performance in heat stress situations. Capsaicin is research-proven to support animals’ ability to maintain normal body temperature.

Vita Charge Clench Gel is ideal for use during diarrhea and scours treatments to support recovery, hydration and nutrient absorption. Added electrolytes help replenish the losses animals experience through constant defecation. It is all natural and can be safely used during shows with no withdrawal period.

Liquids: Several liquid products in the Vita Charge line offer convenience to the producer, feeder or showman. Liquids can be administered via an applicator like a drench gun or syringe, through the water, mixed in with feed or top dressed on feed. Always make sure to encourage your customers to read and follow label instructions.

Vita Charge Cattle Drench is specifically formulated for beef and dairy cattle. Designed for processing large groups of cattle, its ideal for weaning or receiving calves, it can also be used on show cattle to jump start to the digestive system to protect cattle during stress. It is formulated to help cattle recover quickly and does not interfere with antibiotics. Cattle Drench is part of the 3-step Gain Smart ® Stocker Program.

Vita Charge Hydraboost ™ is a unique, nutrient rich liquid supplement for commercial swine that increases water and feed intake and maintains gut immunity, thereby increasing overall health and rapidly restoring digestive balance. Hydraboost contains two ingredients to support the animal’s ability to fight off stress; Amaferm® to ensure that feed intake stays consistent and MOS to trap bad bacteria limiting their ability to do harm. It also contains electrolytes, organic Zinc, the antioxidant Vitamin E and b vitamins.

Vita Charge Liquid Boost® is the most versatile liquid supplement in the line and is designed for animals of all species that supports digestive health and promotes feed and water intake during times of stress and recovery. Administer Liquid Boot via a medicator, mixed with water, use as a drench or top-dress on feed. It is also a valuable tool in the VitaFerm Weaning Program.

Tubs: Tubs are a convenient way for beef cattle to get their daily dose of Vita Charge without extra handling. Although the tubs contain all the benefits of the Vita Charge line when it comes to protecting and recovering your cattle during times of stress, they are not intended to be the sole source of vitamins and minerals for your cattle.

Vita Charge Stress Tub MOS comes in both 50-pound and 200-pound tubs for added versatility and convenience. This cooked tub for beef cattle supports digestive health and promotes feed and water intake during times of stress and recovery. It is ideal to put with weaned calves, stockers, growers, and to keep in your show pens. Stress Tubs are the second step of the Gain Smart Stocker Program.

Vita Charge Stress Tub HEAT® is a cooked tub for beef cattle that supports digestive health and promotes feed and water intake during times of stress and recovery that conveniently allows beef cattle to get their daily dose of Vita Charge without additional handling. It also contains HEAT® to help prevent heat stress during temperatures of 70 degrees and above. Capsaicin, the key ingredient in HEAT is research-proven to support animals’ ability to maintain normal body temperature. HEAT also includes garlic to deter insects, also helping reduce stress.

One size doesn’t fit all, but with one line of great products like Vita Charge, you’ll be able to reach a broader customer base. The Vita Charge line has something for every livestock producer and all products above offer Amaferm®. Amaferm, a precision-based prebiotic, is designed to enhance digestibility by amplifying nutrient supply for maximum performance. It is research-proven to combat stress by supporting the animal’s own immune system, significantly increasing intake and nutrient utilization, and it is research-proven to combat stress and maintain performance during heat stress by supporting the animal’s own immune system.

New Products Help You Grow Market Shares

Product launches are an exciting time. New products mean new ways to help current customers and grow your customer base. But use caution, don’t simply move your current customers from an existing product to a new product. Position the new products so current customers will find value in using it as part of their year-round program. Additionally, leverage the new products to grow your market share and gain new customers that you’ve never had before.

“I always tell dealers, we’re not looking to swap business, we are looking to grow business,” said Justin O’Flaherty, ASM who represents Tennessee, Virginia and the Carolinas. “When it’s time to grow market share with new products, it is time to think outside of the box.”

O’Flaherty likes to have a list of scenarios ready to go before she sees her dealers-in person so they can collaborate the best way to market the new products. She said being prepared saves time and assists the dealers when it comes to ways to growing market share.

Britney Creamer, ASM who serves Colorado, Utah and Wyoming, said that VitaFerm® ConserveTM will open doors for a lot of growth for producers who have seen the benefits of including Amaferm® in their herds’ diets, but didn’t always think they could afford a high-quality mineral program. She is excited about the potential growth of customers who will now be able to get Amaferm and a complete mineral program at a price point they feel comfortable with.

“Often, producers think, ‘can we feed our family, or can we feed our cows mineral?’ We are now making Amaferm available to a larger crowd of people. I think people will be surprised. There are a lot of producers who have watched the VitaFerm line and what it has done over the years and wanted to be a part of it but didn’t think they could make it work, so I think now we are going to gain a lot of new business,” she said.

Creamer said the great thing about introducing Conserve, while already having a premium product, is that progressive end-users that are proponents of A.I. and E.T. are not very likely to switch products and will continue to use VitaFerm Concept•Aid®.

Get Out of Your Zone

Another way to grow market share is to look for ways to introduce products to customers you might not have originally thought of. For instance, O’Flaherty recently visited a cow-calf operation to discuss the VitaFerm and Vita Charge® lines with the producer. While she was there, she also saw a barn full of opportunities.

“I’m not a horse person. I went and met with an Angus breeder earlier in the week, but he had a barn full of horses. I’d much rather talk about cows, but I saw an opportunity. The more you talk about things you’re uncomfortable with, the more you become familiar. The same thing with HydraBoost. We have so many pigs and chickens in our area. If you become more comfortable with the uncomfortable, you’ll be more comfortable and be able to grow market share by expanding your product offering and getting out of your comfort zone,” O’Flaherty said.

New products are a great way to grow market share.