Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Linda Finstad on January 21, 2011 at 8:33am

Hi Carol

I have looked at this organisation in the past - then got busy ( show season etc) and forgot all about it. I would be interested to hear how it can work for you - what do you personally hope to get out of this membership? I know that might be a cheeky question. My reason for joining would be to find possible hosts (in warmer places) for my equine photography workshops - also I would like to connect with other horse women that offer clinics or workshops so we could maybe partner up or help each other improve our sevices. I hope you are not offended by my question

chat soon

Permalink Reply by Nancy A. Kaiser on January 21, 2011 at 2:05pm

Never heard of it. After I get this new computer set up with all my stuff, I'll check it out! Stay warm... :))

Permalink Reply by Barbara F. on January 21, 2011 at 6:14pm

Hi All,

Here's a different opinion.

I joined last year, got nothing out of it at all and I didn't renew. What I quickly learned was that compared to what you can do on the Internet, the approach felt very dated, and limited in scope and reach.

Perhaps it is because I am so immersed in social media, but sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter (and of course, Barnmice!) are much better at helping you connect and really do business - and they're FREE!

 

 

Permalink Reply by Carol Upton on January 22, 2011 at 12:10am

Not offended at all! Everyone has different ideas and it may depend on what kind of product or service you are offering. For me, as I am promoting equine-related authors, workshop facilitators and healing artists, (offering a specific service vs. a product that might appeal to the horse industry at large) I am often, particularly with workshop facilitators, looking to link up a client with another person or facility in a particular area, possibly to host a workshop for example. That can take forever on a forum, looking up member profiles (which often give incomplete information), finding out where people are from, friending them and seeing if they can or even want to help. With the WHIA, members in the directory are there to do business specifically, not to chat about their horse, and they are organized in the directory according to their business. I can find the contact I want in 2 minutes with their directory, something that could take hours on a forum. I also know that the woman I contact is open to doing business - that's why we are all there, so I am not guessing about that.

 

I love forums like Barnmice, and sites like FB, LinkedIn and Twitter and they all serve a purpose. Belonging to an organization that is specifically for women in the horse industry offers me, at least, something very different. I think they could benefit from having a forum on their site, but they just aren't there yet.

Permalink Reply by Nancy A. Kaiser on January 22, 2011 at 8:58am

And Carol is VERY good at what she does. She's been my publicist since my book, Letting Go, was published in 08!

Permalink Reply by Lindsay Day on January 22, 2011 at 8:15pm

I just joined myself this year and am looking forward to attending the conference in March, both as a participant and as an exhibitor for my equine massage therapy business (eqmassage.ca). 

 

While the internet is invaluable its nice to put faces to names and be able to meet and talk in person.

 

If you make it out the conference (March 4-5), come by and say hi.

 

Cheers,

 

Lindsay

 

 

 

Permalink Reply by Linda Finstad on January 22, 2011 at 8:40pm

Hi Lindsay

where is the conference held?

thanks

linda

Permalink Reply by Lindsay Day on January 22, 2011 at 8:56pm

It's in Toronto... though to be honest I'm not sure exactly where...

Permalink Reply by Linda Finstad on January 23, 2011 at 8:36am

Thats too bad - I live in Edmonton  - I would have liked to go and check it out

Permalink Reply by Carol Upton on January 23, 2011 at 3:13pm

I spoke to Catherine who has people organizing the Canadian Conference. She said they could hold it in the West next year. I suggested Vancouver, but we might reel in more if it was held in Alberta. She is very open to trying different things, so no reason it has to be the same place every year. I ws explaining that Toronto is a leap for those of us who live in the West.