What is equine business marketing?

Very simple answer: equine business marketing is whatever you do that makes people want to buy your goods or services

or far more complicated answer:

 The mangement process by which goods and sevices move from concept to the customer comprising of identification and selection of product, determination of price, selection of distribution channel and development of a promotional strategy.

No wonder some people think marketing is hard!

If you talk to people about your business, the goods or services that you have to offer you are marketing.
If you have a website or blog you are marketing.
If you hand out a business card you are marketing.
If you anwer a phone or email enquiry you are marketing.

Marketing doesn't have to be complicated, it doesn't have to cost a fortune and it doesn't have to be scary. Over the coming months I'll be posting lots of marketing tips so do follow this blog to be sure to find them.

Horse quote - When you work with horses

 

"When you work with horses for a living, somethimes you THINK about taking a day off but usually, that's as close as you get."

The importance of Business Cards for the Equestrian Business

Never, ever under estimate the importance of business cards for your horse business (or indeed any other business) your business card is a physical reminder of your presense, the ONLY physical reminder of your presense, after an event, be it a riding lesson or a trade show.

Choose the best quality you can afford.

Take your business cards everywhere, yes even to the supermarket, you never know when the opportunity to pass on your business contact details is going to arise.

Image: businesscards123

Motivational Monday - Here 's to the crazy ones

 

Here's to the crazy ones.
The Misfits. The Rebels. The Troublemakers.
The Round Pegs in the square holes.
The Ones who see things differently.
They're not fond of rules.
And they have no respect for the status quo.
You can quote them, disagree with them,
disbeieve them, glorify or vilify them.
About the only thing you can't do, is ignore them
because they change things.
They Invent. They Imagine. They Heal.
They Explore. They Create. They Inspire.
They push the human race forward.
Maybe they have to be Crazy.
Because the ones who are crazy enough
to think that they can change the world.
are the ones who do.

Brilliant Equine Marketing Smartpak 's Hey Girl posters

Here's a great example of brilliant marketing by Smartpak, they have taken good photographs and added quirky text all with the by line "Hey Girl", the horse is talking to you.

 And what's so good about this?

People are posting them to blogs, facebook pages, tumblr, pinterest etc and all the time Smartpak are getting their name out there.

See I've gone and given them free publicity too!

Business Link for the start up equestrian business

If you're thinking of starting a new equestrian / equine business you can find loads of free help at Business Link. Business Link is the government's online resource for businesses. It contains essential information, support and services for you and your business. Amongst many other things it can take you through what it call s the "key start up tasks"

Key start-up tasks

Develop your business idea

Find out about researching your market and how to develop a new business idea

Create your business plan

What you need to include in your business plan and how to create one

Choose the right business model and legal structure

Help to decide how to become self-employed - from sole trader to limited company - franchisee to social enterprise and more

Get to grips with VAT and your business

Understand VAT, whether it applies to you and how to manage it

Explore your finance options when starting up

Learn about the various sources of finance available to start-ups

Find out about Self Assessment and your tax return

Tools and videos to help you fill in your Self Assessment tax return

 

There's loads more information on the Business Link website including finance and grants, health and safety, sales and marketing, IT and e-commerce, and much more so go and take a look it won't cost you a penny.

 

The Chamber of Commerce for the equestrian or equine business

                                               ... and that includes your equestrian business!
 There are many organisatons out there to help businesses The Chambers of Commerce is one of many that might be beneficial for your equestrian / equine business:

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is a dynamic, high-profile and independent business network, with chambers across the UK. Local chambers sit at the heart of the community, working with businesses of all sizes, and representing all sectors, so that definetly includes your equestrain / equine business. Their mission is to make the chamber network an essential part of growing business; they do this by sharing opportunities, knowledge and expertise. You can access a range of services, networking and support from The Chambers of Commerce  to help day to day business.

As a member of an accredited chamber of commerce* you can gain access to a number of additional services. The British Chambers of Commerce has negotiated exclusive services with leading organisations to bring you support services and help save you money.

Chamber Health and Safety
Not sure about your Health & Safety policy? Can you afford not to know? Get advice and support here.
Chamber Legal Expenses
Safeguard your business against the unexpected costs of professional legal services and get legal cover of up to £670,000 as well as access to a 24/7 helpline. Find out more here.

Chamber Merchant Services
Process debit and credit card payments with discounted transaction fees, reduced terminal hire costs and no service fees.  For more information about Chamber Merchant Services download the attached flyer.

Chamber Roadside Assistance
Receive up to 61% on the cost of breakdown cover (for members of participating accredited Chambers only). Find out more in the attached flyer.

Chamber Finance
In partnership with RBS / NatWest we are able to offer 3 years free business banking for start ups, one year free business banking for those that switch accounts, discounted rates with RBS Invoice Finance, access to a dedicated Chamber Finance support helpline and international trade services. For more information contact the Chamber Finance Hotline on 0800 656 9634.

Chamber Healthcare
Help to reduce sickness absence and improve staff motivation with a choice of two great schemes.

• The Chamber Business Choice Healthcare scheme offers private medical insurance for your employees. Get 10% cashback annually or 50% off your chamber membership fees for 3 years. Click here to find out more. 
• Pay as little as £1.10 per employee per week with the cash plan scheme Chamber Primary Health Plan. Find out more here.

Chamber HR
The Chamber HR service provides businesses with access to professional HR advice and documentation.Find out more here.

Find out if being a member of The Chambers of Commerce will help you by visiting the website http://www.britishchambers.org.uk/

*for participating Chambers only