Equestrian & Country Business

Running your own business can be hard, can’t it? It can be lonely, you feel overwhelmed, confused… and a lot more besides. Here, in this area, I hope to share stories, tips and information from equestrian and rural businesses just like you to inspire and motivate.

There are lots of different kinds of equestrian and rural business, and there are lots of ideas that can help all of these thrive. Here you’ll find business podcasts, interviews from business owners of equestrian and country brands you know and love, and more besides. You might find tips and tricks connected to how to run your social media platforms better, or even an explanation as to the new developments in these areas. You might stumble upon information connected to PR and marketing that will really help you promote your business more effectively.

I’m sure you’ll find something that you can try now that will help your equestrian or country business. You’ll definitely find some inspiring stories from some great people in our industry.

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#ad #spon #aff … let’s talk labels and influencer marketing

Oh, this is one of the most requested podcasts, so I am delighted to be able to bring you a podcast all about labelling your sponsored/gifted/affiliate linked content. This is a MUST listen for anyone who is or would like to be an influencer. It’s really important…

#ad #spon #aff … let’s talk labels and influencer marketing

This is a subject that is a constant point of annoyance for me, which makes being able to share more about it so important. Be clear- I know that everyone makes mistakes and everyone needs to learn- but when I see repeat ‘offenders’ who really should know better at the same time as seeing others really scared to do the wrong thing, well, it just doesn’t sit well me me at all. So hopefully, this podcast- the information within it and the addition resources available mentioned- should really help those who want to do the right thing.

I do understand that it can be really confusing, but I always refer people to the guide available on the ASA’s (Advertising Standards Authority) website that helps talk people through it all. So I reached out to the people over at the ASA and I’m really thrilled to say that they have listened to this podcast and have said they’re happy with the content. Why did I do this? Because it’s so important to me that everything is as accurate as it can be. I want you to listen, learn, check out all the free resources and no longer be confused about what to label your content (when you need to, of course).

This is a podcast for influencers- yes- but it’s a podcast for anyone who has ambitions to be an influencer, who receives free products or payments (but maybe doesn’t see themselves as an influencer), and also brands. Yes, brands, I’m talking to you. It’s really important you know how this works too.

We need to be doing a better job of labelling content correctly. I see so, so many examples of incorrect and misleading ads. We need to do better. And this podcast should help.

Some key points to remember about labels and influencer marketing

  • If you want your audience to trust you, label things correctly. People need to know when they’re being sold to.
  • There is a code that relates to influencer marketing. Get familiar with it but don’t fear it.
  • It’s against the law if an ad isn’t clearly identifiable.
  • Don’t promote something as unbiased and generic when you’ve been incentivised to do it. This could be because you’ve been paid to say it or even if the product has been gifted.
  • ‘Payment’ isn’t just money. Payment is also the loan of a product, a free trip, or a gifted item.
  • Any payment needs to be disclosed. Affiliate links also fall into this category.
  • Ads must be really easy to understand and clear. This means putting your ad label upfront- on social, the front of your caption. The first word.
  • You don’t have to use the word ‘ad’, but there’s more information in this guide about what words can be used, and some that you might want to avoid.
  • If the label isn’t easy to understand for a normal person, that’s not a good one to use.
  • If the label is hidden at the end of the caption, that’s not advised as it’s not clear.
  • You can get help if you’re stuck- check the guidelines PDF here, but you can also find info relating to the copy advice line and more.
  • Make it clear. Always. If you take nothing away from this podcast or blog, please let that be to make it clear. Read the guidelines here.

 

And remember, when we, as consumers, see people labelling ads as ads, can we support them? If it’s something that creator is passionate about, shouldn’t we be supporting them anyway? Don’t not react or engage because something is an ad!

 

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Copy editing, proof reading and publishing with Ruth Chappell

As promised on the previous episode, Ruth Chappell is here and she’s on the podcast chatting all about copy editing, proof reading and publishing. Because without Ruth, I’m not entirely sure my book would have made it into the world!

Copy editing, proof reading and publishing with Ruth Chappell


You might know Ruth Chappell as the lady behind Dressage Anywhere, but she is a lady of many talents, and her previous life in publishing has helped me a HUGE amount over the last few months. As promised on last week’s episode, she’s on the podcast talking all about it!

Ruth used to work in publishing full time and has brought all her skills to the project of getting my book into the world! I’m pretty sure when she offered to help me (she’s a very good friend, isn’t she?!), she didn’t sign up to the full joy of what the journey dealt. But bless her, she stuck with it – explained things to me like I was five when it was VERY evident I had no idea what she was talking about, received a million (slight exaggeration) emails confirming all the quotes, and was generally a superstar when I doubted everything and whether I should even press publish, had a tantrum about the cover and more! In this episode, we take a deeper dive into the book process- really useful if you’re thinking of writing your own book, because as I said last week, the writing might be the easy bit for you too!

In addition to Ruth and the part she played in the book’s ‘birth’, we also talk about Emily Cole’s designer wizardry- from wonky spines to text changes to PHOTOGRAPHING ripped bits of paper because the resolution of the professionally designed cover was out. In addition, we chat about Jane Badger’s amazing knowledge and very kind hand-holding with the end bit of the process! Because self publishing isn’t quite the same as traditional publishing. But we got there. What a dream team (I mean Ruth, Emily and Jane… I was and remain the weakest link!)

 

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All about Bolesworth with Nina Barbour

nina barbour bolesworth

The Dodson & Horrell Bolesworth International Horse Show is just two weeks away, so what better time to catch up with Nina Barbour to talk about all things Bolesworth.

All about Bolesworth with Nina Barbour

Nina shares how Bolesworth came to be, from her grandfather’s passion for dairy farming through to the International showjumping spectacular that is fast approaching. Nina also talks about her passion for showjumping and how being a competitor herself helps her keep her finger on the pulse, the riders competing, the attractions available to ensure that Bolesworth provides something for all the family, and so much more.

We also chat about safety- something that is very close to Nina’s heart and a cause she’s passionate to champion to help keep grooms and riders a whole lot safer. We speak about how BETA’s Safety Hub is also part of this.

To find out more about Bolesworth and the Dodson & Horrell Bolesworth International Horse Show, see the website here. You can also keep up with what’s going on from the equestrian side of things at Bolesworth by following the dedicated equestrian Instagram and Facebook page.

 

Small & Supercharged Mastermind

 

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#SheMeansBusiness – Getting Creative: Build Your Brand

shemeansbusiness

As you may or may not know, I’m a #SheMeansBusiness Accredited Trainer. This is a programme run by Meta and powered by Enterprise Nation in the UK and Ireland, and I’m delighted to be able to share this training as a podcast to help you get more creative and build your brand through Facebook, Instagram… and beyond!

#SheMeansBusiness – Getting Creative: Build Your Brand

On this podcast, I’m going to share tips and tricks around building your brand through social media with lots of branding points to help your brand identity stay as cohesive online as it is offline. We’ll also look at your brand’s values, its purpose, and the connection between customer, creative and copy.

To round off, we’ll look at advertising vs. organic content alongside the mix of engaging, exciting and educational posts it’s good for a brand to share across its social media platforms.

For more information on #SheMeansBusiness campaign, see https://www.enterprisenation.com/campaigns/she-means-business/

If you want to find out more about Enterprise Nation and the free training available from #SheMeansBusiness and beyond, head over to the Enterprise Nation website here, and/or follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

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Confidence, community and lots of laughs with EquiTeam

Equiteam

Lou Gillings, Liz Daniels and Liz Somerville, aka EquiTeam, join me on today’s podcast to chat all about confidence, growing an online membership group for riders, in person events to extend the positive work the camps do, and how it all started (Lou got blamed!).

Confidence, community and lots of laughs with EquiTeam

The ladies chat through the idea behind the incredible brand that’s been created and how the in person camps started, but also how the positivity, fun and community built in person up in Scotland is now available online through the new EquiTeam online membership.

We share the highs and lows of the journey so far, and the amazing things that can be achieved when you have the right people around you. Which is something members of online community, and the ladies themselves, definitely have.

To find out more about Equiteam, you can see the website here.

Make sure you follow the ladies on social media too- the accounts are fun, inspiring and just a delight to consume!

Follow on Instagram

Like the page on Facebook

You can also listen with Equiteam by subscribing to and listening to the podcast here.

Small & Supercharged Mastermind

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From fur pom poms to full on Foxy with Foxy Equestrian founder Sophie Sacco

sophie sacco foxy equestrian

Foxy Equestrian started life thanks to a fur pom pom that the founder, Sophie Sacco, created at her dining room table! And how the brand has grown since then! With many tradestands under her belt and an ever growing collection of beautiful products available, Sophie shares all about how her brand came to be.

From fur pom poms to full on Foxy with Foxy Equestrian founder Sophie Sacco


Having a passion for horses her whole life, working with horses was an obvious step, but creating a whole brand… maybe not! From a humble pom pom created from an old fur coat to a full collection of bespoke base layers, hat silks, riding leggings and more, Sophie talks us through the whole business, her love of challenges and desire to create really exceptional unique products for her customers. She also talks about how you do Badminton and Windsor with a broken leg and ailing lorry… it’s definitely a good listen!

To find out more about Foxy Equestrian and the extensive collection of apparel, see the website here.

In addition, make sure you follow Sophie and Foxy Equestrian on Instagram and Facebook. Through these channels, you can get a lot of inspiration around just what’s possible with bespoke base layers and hat silks. And spoiler alert, the possibilities really are endless!

Small & Supercharged Mastermind

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Behind the Golden Ticket giveaway with Laura Szuca from Equilibrium Products

Golden Ticket giveaway with Laura Szuca from Equilibrium Products

Golden tickets, innovation, safety and Mikey? Yes- today’s podcast guest is Laura Szuca, Sales Director of Equilibrium Products and the lady behind the Instagram account, Wannabe In The Ribbon (@wannabeintheribbons)

Behind the Golden Ticket giveaway with Laura Szuca from Equilibrium Products

As Equilibrium Products launches its amazing Golden Ticket competition (with loads of amazing prizes from Masterminders too!), I caught up with Laura and found out all about it. In addition, we talk about the heritage of Equilibrium and the company’s dedication to happy horses, the research that goes into each product including the Stellar head collar, and we chat about the gorgeous Mikey too- who moonlights as a model for Equilibrium!

The podcast shares all the background behind the huge giveaway that is set to span the summer, some of the incredible prizes and great brands involved, how you can win, and lots more. We also chat about Equilibrium Products’ work around horse happiness and safety- the research, the testing, and how the brand really is incredibly passionate about all things equine.

To find out more about Equilibrium Products’ Golden Ticket giveaway and some of the incredible prizes up for grabs, see the website here.

For more information on Equilibrium Products, see the website, follow in Instagram, or like the page over on Facebook.

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7 content tweaks you need to do!

7 content tweaks you need to do

What’s that you say? You cross post? Can I offer you an alternative idea that could help your reach and engagement?!

7 content tweaks you need to do!


We all know that repurposing content is a great idea. Not only does it make all the content that you create work harder and give it more chance of being seen by your audience, but it also reduces the workload from your point of view as you don’t need to keep creating new content, all the time, for every new platform.

But how do you do this effectively? This podcast will help you repurpose your content a lot better, thanks to seven simple content tweaks.

Simply cross-posting might not get the best results, as when you post the same content, to different platforms without any adjustment for the platform, it doesn’t appear to be native. By this, I mean that if you say ‘link in bio’ on Facebook, it’ll make very little sense as there’s not a bio on Facebook! Equally, if you include a hyperlink in your copy over on Instagram, it just won’t work… and who’s copying and pasting it to put into Safari? And if you want people to engage in what you’re saying AND you want the functionality such as tags, etc to work, you need to do a bit of work too!

On this episode of the podcast, I share seven easy content tweaks to make it work better on all the platforms you want to post to. I hope you find it helpful!

Small & Supercharged Mastermind

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Recycling, repairing, and creating really sustainable products with Danielle Reynolds from DVR Equestrian

DVR Equestrian

Which business…

🌟started as a Kickstarter campaign

🌟originally had a collection made by the owner

🌟 has now grown and expanded to include an extensive range of riding apparel with impressive eco credentials?

You guessed it- it’s DVR Equestrian- and founder Danielle is on this episode of the Small & Supercharged Podcast!

Recycling, repairing, and creating really sustainable products with Danielle Reynolds from DVR Equestrian

I’ve admired Danielle’s work for a while now and it was great to chat about all things DVR, how it started, recycled fabrics, shopping by value, and other ways to be more sustainable beyond horses too (I’ve bought the washing machine ball!)

Danielle designs all the clothing herself- she started making them too- and is a real authority on sustainability, recycled materials, and how we can make better choices at the same time as expecting high performance in our equestrian products.

In addition to this, Danielle shares some of the things that makes DVR different, including a repair service (I know!), allowing people shop by value, and so much more. She also shares some non-equestrian switches that are pretty marvellous too!

To find out more about DVR, make sure you visit the website here.

You can also find DVR Equestrian on Instagram and Facebook.

 

Small & Supercharged Mastermind

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5 ways to collaborate with brands (whoever you are!)

5 ways to collaborate with brands

Hands up if you love a collaboration 🙋‍♀️ but do you sometimes struggle to think of how to collaborate with brands you love?
Want five fab ways to collaborate with brands? Your wish is my command…

5 ways to collaborate with brands (whoever you are!)


Collaborations are a great way to promote your brand and grow your audience, and there are LOADS of ways that you can collaborate with brands, whether you are one or if you’re an influencer.

In this episode of the podcast, I chat through five ways to collaborate with brands, to ensure everyone benefits and you achieve your goal for the collaboration- whatever that is.

Collaborations don’t have to be highly complex, in fact, the simplest ones can often be the most effective. It’s really important that you put the time and effort in to make sure you find the right people to collaborate with- those who share your core values, have audiences likely to be interested in what you do, and want to collaborate with you (and put the work in!). Collaborating with people who don’t share your beliefs, have wildly different audiences and have no real interest in working with you as a partnership won’t ever deliver the value you want…

Enjoy the podcast- whether you’re an influencer or a brand looking to collaborate with others brands, I think it’s packed with value to help you on your way to a great collaboration.

Small & Supercharged Mastermind

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