Are All Blog Sites the Same?

I just set up a survey on my blog spot asking what blog site you use / like, because I belatedly realized that I just used the first blog site I ran across. It seemed good, it's Google -- that makes it well recognized right? Maybe-yes, maybe-maybe?

But, now I am paying more attention to some other blogs, and there are some lovely ones out there. Many are great to read, but a few are also great to look at. It's like chatting with a friend when you are an art show.

So, I would like to be that blog for you. Heck, even for me (I'm not above admiring my own work sometimes)! ;)

So, now I search and look. Give me your ideas, folks, if you think you know a tidbit that I need. Thanks in advance.

I can't wait to watch this blog unfold. It's like art, freespun yarn, nature... It moves in different directions and each time I find myself saying "oh!" or "wow!" or somtimes "duh!" -- but I like that it grows each time.

Keep hanging on with me, we'll get there!

Mary :)

Arrghh! -- Facebook -- a Modernly Insane Habit?

My experiences sometimes are a contrast in 'old-fashioned' and modern.

I grew up around chickens, but I've used my share of technology.

I could care less about an IPOD but cannot imagine life without internet and my laptop.

So, when I joined Facebook finally and used it for a while, I was of two minds:

1) This was fun and comfortable, chatting back and forth, and...

2) Are the creators of this programming and the apps the most SADISTIC, truculent, and insane people on the web?!??!?

It seems that nothing on FB is obvious, compendious or well-documented. You blunder into things and then ask people (your Friends) for help or google it.

Today, I again felt this frustration as I attempted to join an app that would allow me to put this blog on my FB page. What a surprise, it didn't work right (yet)! I started to ask a question, but app wanted me to use another app just to ask! Nope, I bailed out and just asked my Friends, as usual.

...Yes, now I'm just venting. :)

I wouldn't even say that I am giving you advice or caution, because I know that I will go back to Facebook again. ...It's like I'm hooked. ... a FB junkie? Naw, I don't do apps. Oh wait, I just crossed that line... Naw, I show restraint, well at least to being on it to 2, 3, max 5 times a day.

Okay, well maybe I'm hooked on it, but maybe that's the way of the 'modern' life... ;)

Take Heart, You Are Not Alone!

Okay -- this may not be the most helpful posting, except to let you know that others have the same time constraints and woes you do! Read on and take heart that you are not alone!

My resolution was to have newsletters published monthly this year, each with a special sale. Well, we are in the last week of January, and I did not make it this month.

My ad for the monthly special just got done last night, though I belatedly tried to promote it a few times on Facebook.

My email list still needs some work, and oh yeah, I still need to add it to my email marketing site! ;)

I am plugging away at our farm web page, yet to be released but it will be soon, I promise. However, while working on that website, I have been neglecting to jazz-up my Openherd site.

But, I have been pretty good about talking on my blog... though sometimes a little late.

So, I still think I'm making good progress. I feel a growing sense of achievement that is beginning to overpower the overwhelming feeling of 'what do I do now to make a dent?' that sometimes happens to the best of us.

So to quote a famous blue Disney fish (friend to Marlin, Nemo's Dad): "Keep on swimming, keep on swimming."

What a wise little fish!

Focused Marketing - How Your Benefits Help Your Customers!

You've heard it before...

Don't talk about what you got,
Tell me how it benefits ME.

That is one of the fundamentals of focused marketing. Figure out why your 'assets' are benefits to your customer!

Okay, a lot of you know this, and that's good.

But, have you considered just how much you can extend your customer service to your customers?

How about giving them access to your knowledge and skills? Your good name and reputation? Your webpage? Your 'leg up' in the marketing realm?

I have been looking at some email marketing sites that talk about how they can help you help your customer (whew, say that fast three times). They will offer you incentives to help your customers use their marketing service. Plus, as part of your marketing with them, you can collect customer surveys and review/testimonials to enhance and promote your business.

You in turn can help send out your customer's emails and increase their visiblity in social networks. Ah, a symbiotic relationship!

What do you think? Could it work for you and your customers? Take a look at RatePoint's webpage for one such marketing service. And, don't forget to Google for more to shop 'n compare!

Good luck,

Mary and Michael

Extreme Discount Sale on Gabe For A Limited Time!

Oops, I forgot to post my blog for yesterday, but did get it on the Facebook site. Here it is:

For the rest of January -- Gabe is on Sale at 20% off her normal price! Paying cash? Then, we will either take an additional $250.00 off or arrange and pay for her transportation, whichever you prefer!

Take a look at Mocha's Gabe now, she may be the girl you are looking for! Sweet personality, easy keeper and easy breeder, all in a lovely deep brown color with excellent conformation and good coverage/fiber -- AND, at a steal of a price!

This is only till the end of the week!! If you are interested Contact Us Now!

Just in case you missed the other links, see Gabe at http://autumnsunalpacas.openherd.com/AlpacaPage.aspx?alpaca=15782

Thanks for looking. Talk to you soon!

Mary and Mike