Page 30 - CFANnov13

SEVEN REASONS WHY

AGRIBUSINESSES SHOULD

USE SOCIAL MEDIA

MORE THAN JUST AN ADAGE, it’s a marketing truism that “a

business without a sign is a sign of no business.” That sage professional
advice —“Be sure to hang your sign.” —goes back decades, if not centuries.

Today, in the Digital Age, marketing tools include not only signage
but also the various forms of social media, including but not limited to

Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Google+, and weblogs (or blogs).

A business without social media isn’t necessarily a sign of no business,
but it might be a sign of less-than-possible exposure —and, consequently, 18th

less business. This is no less the case for agriculture businesses than it is
for those in retailing or the service sector. Why should agriculture pay

attention to and use social media? Here are seven good reasons:
Annual Fall
1. Anyone with a computer, tablet or smartphone is paying attention to

it —and that would be millions upon millions of people, at home and Fuel Up
abroad. Furthermore, a lot of young folks under 30 years old use some

form of social media for a means of communication, and that trend will
At this highly-anticipated Florida
only increase with future generations.
Flywheelers Antique Engine Club
2. It is indeed another form of marketing and advertising, and a versatile
event, thousands of tractor and car
one with its platforms for text, photos, graphics, audio, and video.
3. The cost to engage is not expensive.
enthusiasts from all around came
to participate in various events and
4. The timing, frequency and tone of your message(s) really are up to you.
Gone are the days when you have to rely solely on print or broadcast
shows. Photos by JUSTIN RHEINER

announcements in traditional media.
For more photos from this
5. Business is advanced not just by sales but also by long-term
event, visit us online at www.

relationships, and social media helps to develop those with a FloridaAgNews.com
sense of “community,” one built around your

special brand.

6. Everyone needs and uses agricultural
products.

7. The foes of agriculture (you know
who they are) use social media to

spin their negative message.
Agriculture can —and must

—use social media to fight
by BAXTER TROUTMAN
back.

BIO: Baxter Troutman is founder and chief executive officer of Labor Solutions, a staffing com-
pany with offices in Bartow, Winter Haven, Lake Wales and Arcadia. A citrus grower who served
in the Florida House of Representatives, Troutman understands the challenges and concerns of
today’s farmer.

30 | CFAN FloridaAgNews.com