Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Promote Your Breed - Promote Our Hobby
I asked the good people on the rabbit survey Yahoo! group to help me develop a list of the top ten things we can do to promote our breeds and promote showing rabbits. As usual, they came through in style.
Before we get to the list, I want to encourage all ARBA members to consider joining the rabbit survey Yahoo! group. I constantly learn things from those who post there. We have great conversations. Although we're not going to change everything overnight, we are taking steps to let those in authority know how we feel about issues. It's a very positive place to be!
Before we get to the list, I want to encourage all ARBA members to consider joining the rabbit survey Yahoo! group. I constantly learn things from those who post there. We have great conversations. Although we're not going to change everything overnight, we are taking steps to let those in authority know how we feel about issues. It's a very positive place to be!
Here are some of my favorite suggestions:
- My daughter Harley and I spend a Saturday at our local farm supply store and assist with Easter bunny sales in the spring. Harley helps sex bunnies for people and she shows them what is needed to care for them and how to trim nails. She tells parents about 4-H and ARBA, and explains the difference between her Hollands and Champagnes.
Sydney at Butler Bootcamp Rabbitry
* * * * * * * * * * - Help new breeders get a great start in rabbits as they're more likely to stay in rabbits, and possiblly get friends involved, if they're not starting with junk.
- Be willing to answer the questions of new or prospective breeders.
- Be willing to cheer on your fellow exhibitors when they get that big win.
Fallon Duncan at 4-D's Rabbitry
* * * * * * * * * * - Create a website for your rabbitry and schowcase your breed(s) Provide information about your breed(s), their housing requirements, personalities, care tips, etc. on your website. Photos of your breed(s) and your setup can inspire and encourage others to get involved. Encourage anyone to e-mail you about the breed(s). It's amazing how having a website can promote your hobby!
- For rarer breeds, bring them to your local shows even if they aren't sanctioned. Place them on a grooming table and work on posing them; people tend to come over and watch. I was really surprised how many people came up to ask about my Belgian hare at the last show!
Whitney at Suburban Bunnies
* * * * * * * * * * - Start a Specialty Club.
- Join local all-breed clubs and be an active member. Accept a position with the club.
- Recommend good judges for your breed for all-breed shows.
- Encourage your specialty club to work with all-breed clubs to share the expenses of bringing in judges skilled in your breed.
- Sell good stock to youth breeders. Discount it or give it to them, if you can.
- When you sell a bunny include ARBA, HLRSC member applications and discuss upcoming shows with the buyer, whether it's a youth or adult.
- Put a bunny sticker or decal or tag on your vehicle; it's amazing how many people approach you at the supermarket, mall, gas station, etc.
- Wear your ARBA Convention sweatshirt or your National Club t-shirt when running errands. Lots of people just ask out of the blue about raising and showing rabbits. Many people had a rabbit as a child, retired folks love to come back to the hobby, etc. Seeing your shirt will "prod" them to talk rabbits with you.
- Try to present yourself as happy and enthusiastic about your rabbits and showing. People will want to try it if it looks like fun.
JoAnn RedGate Rabbit Ranch, OK
Wow! I couldn't have put together a better list. Thank you so much Sydney, Fallon, Whitney, and JoAnn for your great ideas.
Laurie
¶ 9:56 AM
