May / June 2009

Publishers’ Perspective

A Look at the Industry Today

As we begin the month of May the picture of how the economy is going to impact our business for the rest of the season is becoming clearer. Whatever segment of the industry you are in, the impact has most likely been significant to you or businesses you are in close contact with. So, what now? What are you going to do to get the most out of this summer's opportunities? What are you doing different now, to get more traffic through your doors, or to make the phone ring?

To help you think through your choices, and wade through the myriad of marketing opportunities you may be considering, we have added a new member to our valiant team of writers. This issue Pam Greiner joins us and her first topic is just that. What can you do, right now, to generate new business. Is anything more important at this time? For many of us I would guess this is issue # 1.

Pam's background includes providing online, and off, marketing solutions. Her active client list includes a number of contractors, retailers, and distributors across the country. She helps clients develop cost-effective marketing and e-marketing plans.

In the last issue, I mentioned how important getting away from the office is - by attending seminars and trade shows. (In fact I have been beating it to death haven't I). I also mentioned the fact that koi health labs were held periodically around the country, and in this issue we have a story by one of the leading “Wet Lab” teachers in the U.S. - Vicki Vaughan.

Vicki’s article is a bit graphic, so hang in there. If you have never attended a wet lab, and you deal with koi, you really should consider it. This article will give you a preview of what you have to look forward to and what you can learn through hands on experience.

Coming up this summer are numerous events, many sponsored by your local distributors. If you get an invitation to attend, give it a shot–even if you already know it all. I had the opportunity to visit the folks at Pondliner.com in Oklahoma, during their annual Spring Kickoff event, and enjoyed many things, including the opportunity to talk with others in this industry without being overheard by potential customers.

Upcoming National events to remember are the IWGS (International Waterlily & Water Gardening Society) annual symposium held this year in St. Charles, Illinois, July 16th – 20th; Pondapalooza – Portland, Oregon, August 23rd – 26th; and Info Tanza, Atlanta, Georgia, October 22nd – 24th. Make it a point to get out and do at least one of these, all three if you can. It is YOUR Industry, after all. Your support is needed to help it grow. You will learn from attending these events and you will come home rejuvenated to boot.

Download the May / June 2009 PDF

Article List

Pond and Water Gardening Animals - Pond Focus
David Curtright
Most customers end up keeping to many animals in their ponds. Learn about problems animals can cause when the pond is not built for them. Balance is the key.

Pond Business Productivity Tips for Summer
Pam Greiner
Work opportunities have dwindled – a few tips on how to keep you busy. Also think about how you market and brand your business. Failure to plan is a plan to fail.

Get to Know your Pond and Garden Distributors
Tom Graham
Some distributors offer great learning opportunities. Learning never ends – get to know your distributors and the products available to this industry.

Seasonal Pond and Water Garden Health Tips
Curt Nuenighoff
Advise customers of factors that can affect the health of their pond. Filtration, water treatments, UV and food pond fish are fed, affect the overall health of the ecosystem.

Language of Koi – Showa
Mat McCann
The Showa has three colors: red, black and white. Koi professional Mat advise on the three colors, how customers buy for today and the problems/suggestions of dealing with that.

Pond Liner - Seaming a Bigger Pond
Mark Bodycott
Insights on how a pond became much bigger by seaming two existing liners together. Follow the step-by-step process and see how this fabulously larger pond turned out.

Successful Pond Business Dress Etiquite
Jayne Southard
Quick reminders and of things you can do to make that great first business impression time after time. Also a tip on where you can buy those work shirts.

Water Garden Pond Plants and Their Personalities
Kelly Billings
Some water garden plants need a little behavior modification or boundaries. Read the case studies of nine plants – learn about the best and worst. Then finish with some preventative medicine.

The Masked Bandits of Ponds
Jamie Beyer
Learn the signs to tell if you have raccoons and how to prevent the damage they can cause. If you can’t prevent them there are also several tips on how to control them.

Koi Health Seminar
Vicki Vaughan
Offered to anyone interested in Koi Health. The course consists of three days of lectures and hands-on time in the wet labs. This is a great jam pack weekend of learning.

12 Ways to Decompress after High Stress
Leo Babauta
Tips on great ways to deal with stress. The author’s favorite – take a nap. A nap is like a restart button for your life. There are many other ideas, read this one.