VNN Logo
VNN Media Insider
May 20th, 2010
In This Issue
New Resources at MyVNN.com
Real Life Examples of Social Media Success
Facebook Privacy Concerns
Quick Links
Recall banner
 
Find us on Facebook
 
Follow us on Twitter
 
 
PetDocsOnCall.com Logo
 
Find us on Facebook
 
Follow us on Twitter
 
ASVJ seal
 
Find us on Facebook
 
Follow us on Twitter
Dear VNN Member: 

Things change pretty rapidly on the Internet and at VNN, we are trying to stay on top of all of the changes that might affect you.  Our newsletter this week focuses on privacy issues at Facebook, but also shows you examples of business growth due to social media.
 
ADT Window ClingDon't forget that you can get a supply of free "Fireman Save My Pet" window clings (pictured here) from ADT Securities.  Instructions can be found in the VNN packet you received via US Mail early in April.  If you have not claimed your clings and would like to, email us at VNN and we will put you in touch with ADT.
New at MyVNN.com 
 
Depressed adult dog at shelterThere is no doubt that animal abuse is frowned upon.  We don't tolerate individuals who kick puppies any more than people who abuse their children.  But, in the continuing battle against this horror, new controversies are rising.  Many concerned animal lovers donate money to prevent these tragedies only to find out their money might be used for other purposes. Read this article to find out if your donations are helping dogs and cats or helping lobbyists craft questionable new laws.
 
Also new at MyVNN.com...Spring Gardening Safety Tips for Pet Owners.   We want to give a big thank you to Dr. Justine Lee and her team at Pet Poison Helpline for their help in crafting these Message Points.
 
Finally, with all the severe weather continuing across the country, now might be a good time to contact your local media about Thunderstorm Anxiety in pets and what owners can do.  This is also a great blog topic!
Real Life Illustrations of the Power of Social Media
 
Thomas Dock, VNN ManagerIf you have had any reservations about the power of social media, I am certain that the following two examples will help change your mind: 
 
Dr. Roger Redman is a VNN member in Wooster, OH and owner of the Ark Veterinary Hospital.   Like many practitioners, the economic climate worried Dr. Redman and his team.  In the fall of 2009, Dr. Redman developed an idea to implement 50% off of vaccines on one day per week.  He advertised in his local paper, but felt that the response was slow and only regular clients were inclined to take advantage.  Then, his staff added the information to a client newsletter and placed it on their Facebook page.   He is now reporting that vaccine visits on Thursdays are up over 50% compared to last year and there is no adverse affect on the other weekdays.  In addition, new client visits are also increasing.  Visit his Facebook page to see his successful efforts.
 
Many of you remember Cheree Miller, the practice manager of Azzore Veterinary Specialists from a column she provided for the VNN Media Insider.  In our phone conversation this week, Cheree reports that her practice (in Russellville, Arkansas) is expecting a client from Houston!  That's 500 miles away!  This client saw one of her videos on YouTube and connected with her to discuss a possible bio-scaffolding procedure or total hip replacement for his dog. 
 
So...as you can see...there is benefit and power to utilizing social media in your practice.   The key is to mix a lot of socialization and personalization with a small sprinkling of promotional ideas designed to drive people in your front door.   AND...it's ok if you are casting a wide geographic net.   Cheree's example proves that!

 
Facebook Privacy Concerns
 
Facebook iconIn recent weeks, a great deal of controversy has been generated over Facebook's privacy policy.  Facebook has allowed some third party sites to access information from your Facebook page.  This move has ended up being a PR nightmare for Facebook.
 
In a nutshell, most of the web experts we have read don't think that this is truly a big issue.  Still, it's always better to play it safe, so we found a great guide that will help you personalize your privacy settings on Facebook.  This should stop any unwanted intrusions into your personal information.  Learn how to disable Facebook's Instant Personalization here.
 
The good news is that this should not affect your hospital page.
 
In a final note, we should remind you that even if you have reset all of your privacy settings, once you put something up on the Internet, it will live there forever!  Think twice before posting those college pictures of the all night kegger!
 
 
 
Welcome to all of our new practice managers and doctors who have recently joined us from the Veterinary Specialty Practice Alliance.  We hope that you enjoyed Dr. Jim's discussion and presentation last week!
 
 
Sincerely,
 

Thomas Dock, CVJ
Veterinary News Network

 

[email protected]

www.twitter.com/vetnewsnetwork

http://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasdock

317-281-8658 

 

Dr. Jim Humphries

President

Veterinary News Network

 

719-495-2100 Direct Line

888-254-9946 Fax

719-963-6852 Cell

www.MyVNN.com

 

Executive Director

American Society of Veterinary Journalists

www.ASVJ.org

 

www.linkedin.com/in/drjimhumphries