It\u2019s the anniversary dance at a friend\u2019s wedding. The emcee announces for all married couples to gather on the dance floor. Immediately, the newlyweds are seated, being the most recently married. Then in five-or 10-year increments, couples are dismissed by the number of years they have been married. One couple remains, dancing hand-in-hand like they have for 57 wonderfully wedded years. Don\u2019t you wonder what their story is? What is the secret to their success?<\/p>\n
And now you\u2019re wondering what that story has to do with being in business or more specifically the animal nutrition business. The point is, everyone has a story. Everyone, including you. And it is time to tell your story.<\/p>\n
According to the Small Business Administration, there are more than 28 million small businesses, making up 99.7% of all U.S. businesses. That makes your story one in 28 million! Do you know your story? Do you have a 3-minute \u201celevator\u201d speech to share with someone if you were mingling at a party or at a networking function where you didn\u2019t know others in the room? Think about it. What is your story? What makes you unique? And I know there is something unique about each and every one of our dealers.<\/p>\n
First, determine what your story is. Perhaps, you are an equine enthusiast who became passionate about the products and want to share the products with all of your friends at the barn, show, rodeo, etc… Or, you might be a second-generation dealer who is taking over the reins of the family business \u2013 the farm and the feed dealership. Maybe, you are young person who felt there was a void in your \u201cneighborhood\u201d for a high-quality mineral program.<\/p>\n
Once you determine what your story is and why you\u2019re passionate about helping animals and their owners, determine who your audience is. Obviously, it is your customers. But, there are potential customers in your everyday lives too. Chances are your doctor or dentist has a dog or maybe even a horse. Do they know that you sell a product that can improve the health and well-being of their four-legged friends? And what about the local service organizations? Rotary, Kiwanis, Sertoma. Those groups are always looking for local businesspeople to come share their stories and how they are involved in the local community. Reach out to them to get on their calendar.<\/p>\n
How will you tell your story? Of course, speaking engagements and one-on-one conversations are great. But you probably won\u2019t be able to talk to everyone at one time so use other methods to share your story. Share it on social media. What do you do at the feed store on a daily basis? Did you go out to a customer\u2019s ranch and take forage samples to send in? Document that with pictures to share on Facebook, Instagram or your business web site. People are interested. They have a desire to know what you are doing and how you do it. Explain the process. If you have customer newsletter, devote part of that to your story. Or work with your local paper to have a regular column in it to talk about agriculture and animal health \u2013 another great way to share what you are doing.<\/p>\n
No, it isn\u2019t always easy to talk about ourselves. And we might not think what we do on a daily basis matters. But remember, as a business you are one in 28 million. You have a story. Share it with those around you. You might be amazed at the positive feedback you receive.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"