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VNN Media Insider
May 19th, 2011

Dear VNN Member: 

 

Entrata at Mariah RidgeIt certainly has been a hectic couple of weeks in animal health and veterinary news.  Right now, we are trying to stay abreast of the Equine Herpesvirus outbreak as well as following some pet product recalls.   Please be sure to review Dr. Jim's article below as he explains why all veterinarians, even those who don't routinely see horses or large animals, need to keep up to date with these stories.

 

Countdown to Colorado...14 days!! 

In This Issue
Animals in the News!
What Drives VNN Decisions for Resource Production?
Upcoming Events and Reminders
Does Your Website Scream "Narcissist"?
Animals in the News This Week
 

Escandalo at CSUBy far, the biggest animal news story has been the outbreak of Equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) across the West and into Canada.  As of the publication of this newsletter, 6 states have confirmed cases and many horse shows are being cancelled throughout the region.  We do have message points for you available at MyVNN.com.  And, breaking today, EHV-1 has been diagnosed in Florida, but it does appear that this is a separate incident from the Western outbreak. 

 

Another rumble started this week that may concern many veterinarians.  As the patent for fipronil expired, many "generic" fipronil products have started hitting the market.  We have heard of veterinarians receiving letters from the makers of Pet Armor Plus (a typical OTC fipronil product) telling veterinarians that "Frontline is now 1/2 price at the local Wal-Mart" and then encouraging the veterinarians to send business to them.  We sent Message Points to everyone last Friday evening and they are posted at the VNN site as well.   

 

Over in the "recalls and alerts" section...two companies needed to recall specific lots of pig ear treats due to Salmonella and a dog food company has received a warning letter from the FDA for Doxie with Food bowl"adulterated" food when their grain free duck diet and lamb and rice foods failed to show the presence of duck or lamb!  And, in a bizarre twist, a pet shampoo was implicated in the death of an asthmatic pet owner.  

 

For routine updates on newsworthy stories and potential social media items, make sure you and your hospital follow our Veterinary News Network Facebook page.  Many of these stories can be found on our "Wall". 

 

 

The Decisions Behind the Resources We Produce 

Dr Jim Humphries on VNN set

Why large animal and horse stories are important for small animal veterinarians. 

 

As you know we have recently done a story that was a bit out of the ordinary.  The cattle abuse case in Texas is now current and we are planning a story for later in the summer on the Modern Advances in Equine Medicine. 

 

We choose topics based primarily on what will be good content for you in your media work both traditional and social.  However, on occasion a story is so hot that we believe you (even as a small animal practitioner) could be asked about it in your media, in social media settings, and by concerned clients.  Being prepped - even a little - will help you stand above all the rest by being up to date on subjects that may not make your 'radar screen' in day to day practice, but where you do not want to be caught not knowing.

 

That is the case with the cattle abuse case, the fipronil points and even the Equine Herpesvirus outbreak occurring this week.  That story exploded in three states on Sunday even as my wife returned home from a horse show.   Tom and I interviewed many experts and had message points ready for you Monday evening.  Today that story is on Drudge Report, Fox News and all the major newspapers.  And again, you may not be an equine practitioner, but isn't' is nice to have the "Cliff Notes" on something that is in national news, just in case you are asked on the air, or in social media? 

 

So while we primarily do stories that are intended to be primary care content for your media work, there is great consideration given to what will help you be on top of the news and of value to all your clients and in your media settings. 

 

That is only one of the benefits we are proud to offer you as a member of VNN.  There are other exciting things on the horizon, so stay tuned. 

 

 

Upcoming Events and Reminders

Female fleaOn May 1th, we shook up our editorial calendar slightly and released our Production Animal Welfare story.  This powerful video has received many positive reviews from organizations across the US.   

 

Next up...Top Websites for Pet Lovers!  We looked at what pet owners are searching for on the Internet and created a fun list of websites that we believe are trustworthy and safe for most pet owners.  This will be a good story to release on your own website or in your social network and see if your clients agree with our list.   This story should go live on June 1st.

 

On June 15th, we are going to follow up the top websites story with a look at online pharmacies.  In wake of the influx of generic fipronil products to the OTC marketplace and the proposed HR 1406, we are creating s story to help you show your clients that all web pharmacies aren't created equal and, often, the best choice is to stay with medications from the veterinarian. 

 

We now have a new resource at MyVNN.com.  Check out our Perpetual Animal Events Calendar!
Sincerely,



ContactsThomas Dock, CVJ
Managing Editor

[email protected]

317-281-8658

 

 

Dr. Jim Humphries

President/News Director

[email protected]

719-495-2100

 

SELF LOVING WEBSITES DON'T ATTRACT CUSTOMERS! 

Today's article is taken from Dr. Mark Feltz's blog at VetNetwork.com.  VNN is happy to partner with VetNetwork.

VetNetwork Logo

There are people in the world who are so self-centered and self-absorbed that they can't see past their own noses. They talk constantly about themselves and show no interest in others. If this person were your salesperson, you would be losing clients.

Websites have personalities, too. The way they are written and designed makes an impression on the visitor. Does your website show off a pleasant, friendly personality? Or is it a self-centered narcissist? If the content of your site goes on endlessly about your state of the art equipment, your technological superiority, your ability to perform cruciate ligament repair, you may have a narcissist.

Visitors to your website are looking for something, whether they want information, discounts, or to compare your practice with another. They want to know, "What's in it for me?" Yes, clients want to bring their pets to a technologically-advanced animal hospital, but believe it or not, they are more concerned about the friendliness of the staff and the comfort of the waiting room. They want you to spend time explaining their pet's health problems rather than talking about the high-tech instruments that led to your diagnosis

It's as simple as this: Put your client and prospective client ahead of your practice. Before going live, have friends, relatives and clients read and comment about your website. Read your website yourself, as if you were a prospective client, and ask these questions:

1.Does it portray your place of business as welcoming, comfortable, clean and friendly?

2. Is it attractive to look at, with simple, uncluttered pages and easy navigation?

3. Does it offer you a reason to act-to cut a coupon, pick up the phone, or visit a Facebook page?

4. Does the content answer your clients' most important questions?

5. Does the website support its claims with testimonials or links to local reviews?

If you are concerned that you have a narcissist, it's time to get new content. Hire a good website design company that specializes in veterinary websites, and have it redesigned around the needs of your clients and prospects. Content that only strokes your practice's ego is just propaganda, and will drive people away. An attractive, customer-focused website that answers visitors' concerns will attract clients and increase profits.


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