Smart business owners know that social media is the most powerful way to reach and retain customers. Are you using it to your advantage? Follow Karen Leland’s 10 steps to leverage the fastest-growing social media site in history and grow your customer base overnight.
After 25 or so years in and around the koi and pond trade, Cindy and I have decided it is time for us to take our leave.
We are happy that Lora Lee Gelles joined our team last fall as Managing Editor, and found the business to her liking. She has now stepped up and purchased POND Trade Magazine and will keep it coming to you in fine fashion as she has the past few months.
You may ask why now. For some time now, Cindy has been carrying the load because of a number of health issues I have suffered. She has done a superb job, but with Lora Lee in position to take over, we felt the timing was right.
As you know, we have always run our business out of love of the hobby and the great people in it, and we owe you all a huge debt of thanks for the support you have provided us.
I know you will enjoy the high energy and creativity Lora Lee now brings to the magazine and will support her as she continues to grow the depth of her knowledge and understanding of this industry. You can count on our strong stable of authors to continue to bring you the relevant, fun and interesting stories that have become the hallmark of POND Trade Magazine and I trust you will give her your assistance and feedback to help her best serve your needs.
*We are still around of course, and look forward to following your progress. You can always reach us at tomg@tcpubinc.com and cindy@tcpubinc.com, or 760-451-2255. Let’s keep in touch.*
A large crowd of pond folks descended upon the Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center in Shawnee, Okla. in February. Attendees were able to choose from three various seminar tracks to boost their water gardening knowledge. There were many booths to browse and great show specials too. Start planning your trip for next year. This event is not to be missed!
With bank lending to small businesses on the decline, how can a developing pond company raise the capital to grow? In this must- read for any entrepreneur, Robert Gloer of IOU Central explains the various loans that can take your business to the next level.
Clear, clean water can be the difference between an eye-catching pond and an eyesore. But achieving crystal clarity — or at least good water quality — can be a tricky balancing act. Follow these three keys from Damon Roberts and Allen Clawson of Cloward H20 to maintain a water feature that’s pleasing to both owner and visitors.
Make your backyard a wildlife oasis. From bird watchers to butterfly lovers, people across the country are transforming their gardens into havens for wildlife in celebration of National Wildlife Federation’s Garden for Wildlife Month and its Certified Wildlife Habitat™ program.
Dirt Don’t Hurt – and pink was the theme of the day. With 57 ladies in attendance everyone had a chance to see that Ladies can build a water feature! Each attendee received a gift sack with a tee shirt, pink gloves, note pads…and pond-building instructions. Seeing is often believing; now these women can feel confident that they can build a water feature.
You know this spring you are going to have customers, old and new, call you about the dreaded “pond leak.” Be prepared to answer their questions in a way that gets them involved in the solution and helps you charge for your time when you go help! This will save the customer money, save you time and hopefully get the problem resolved happily.
After years of devastating koi losses from the virus known as KHV, we now have a vaccine available – CAVOY, designed to protect our koi. Learn about how the vaccine works and what you need to know about its implementation and application. As with all disease, prevention is often the best solution. Roughly 15% of koi dealers have suffered a KHV outbreak. While CAVOY is not a cure it may help you avoid an infection in your tanks and customers’ ponds in the future, so it is something to be up to date on.
Pond building includes many challenges; see how this contractor called on 18 years of experience to over come a long list of obstacles with beautiful results.