Ranchers and Twitter

Here is a great article from the founder of CattleGrower.com, a dynamic social media portal modeled after the success of facebook.  It's really facebook for ranchers.  Check out this article about Twitter;

Five Ways Ranchers Can Use Twitter

 

Posted: Wednesday, November 25, 2009 -

No doubt technology is moving fast... So fast most of us have a difficult time keeping up with it, especially those of us who make a living ranching. 

There are two main reasons ranchers aren't as quick to adapt and use technology:

1. Most ranchers spend their days (and often nights) in the corrals and pastures rather than at a desk.

2. Many benefits and uses of technology aren't immediately transparent to those who don't spend their days behind a computer.

I'd guess several reading this article haven't even heard of one of the latest rages, Twitter. I'd also venture to say those who have don't have much of an idea of what it is and how its technology can makes their lives better.
So, what is Twitter? In a nutshell, it's a tremendously simple process of sharing short ideas and messages (140 characters or less) through the Internet or your cell phone, at no cost, to those your connected with.
How's that for a simple explanation!
Better yet, how can Ranchers use this technology for their benefit directly?

Here are Five Ways:

1. We all want to keep in touch with our family and friends more, but often we're just too busy to make that call.

Twitter provides a quick and easy way to keep in touch with friends and family with your daily experiences that don't generally call for more formal communication - Even if they are half way around the world.

Here are a few examples: "Betsy finally had her calf - Nice looking heifer" or "Twelve more inches of snow today - Can't wait for Spring"

2. Those who use Twitter know many of the "tweets" they receive (your messages) are just your way of keeping in touch. Therefore, it's completely acceptable to have business contacts as followers to keep up with what is going on in your informal life.

Here are a few examples: "Last calf down - eight heifers and two bulls - going to be a great sale this fall" or "Finally decided to sell that old tractor - First $9,500 takes it"

3. Ever had a quick question while out in the field? The more followers you have on Twitter the quicker you'll get get help. Just grab your cell phone and 'tweet' away!

Here are a few examples: "What's the best way to get out from under a tractor wheel?" or "How can I keep deer out of my hay stacks?"

4. We've all had one of those days... stuck in traffic, gored by a bull, etc. The sage advice is to let it out! Rage to your Twitter followers rather than running your truck in to that guy that just cut you off and you'll feel better.

5. Ever stood in front of the movie theatre wondering if your about to waste 15 bucks? Send a quick tweet to find out if your better off waiting for it to come out on cable.

The uses of Twitter are endless, but all of them have an overriding factor... to keep in touch.

From CattleGrower.com