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Lots of Interest in Pinterest...
February 20, 2012
Watching the social media landscape, it's impossible to ignore the lightning-fast growth of Pinterest, an image-based social media tool.  Its growth rate has been amazing and seems to be getting heavy use related to food, fashion and design, and crafts.  I've been watching it for a couple months so that I could learn more.  (Find my Pinterest page here.)  This post describes what I know and
More About Crowd Funding
February 17, 2012
A few weeks ago, I wrote the post "What Is Crowd Funding and Does It Really Work?". I wanted to follow up and give some more info on crowd funding. A quick google search will reveal many, many websites offering crowd funding. Below are a few examples of some of the better-known sites. Kickstarter.comFrom their website: Kickstarter is the world's largest funding platform for creative projects.
USDA Announces Winners of Local Foods Grants
February 13, 2012
Earlier this month, $40 million dollars in USDA grants was awarded to 298 farmers, ranchers, and farmer-controlled rural business ventures. USDA Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan said, "These projects will provide financial returns and help create jobs for agricultural producers, businesses and families across the country...This funding will promote small business expansion and entrepreneurship
How do I get my products into grocery stores and restaurants?
February 3, 2012
As a farmer or value-added food producer, you might be thinking about expanding your food business by selling to grocery stores, wholesalers, foodservice institutions, or restaurants, but you probably aren't sure how exactly to go about doing that. As I've stressed before, do your research! Below are some things to consider:1. packaging2. pricing3. delivery4. invoicing5. quality assuranceTo help
What is Crowd Funding and Does It Really Work?
January 27, 2012
One of the major challenges of starting a small business is finding financing. Banks are giving out fewer and fewer loans in this economy, so where is an entrepreneur supposed to get startup money? You may need to get creative and try alternative financing options like crowd funding.According to Wikipedia, crowd funding is "the collective cooperation, attention and trust by people who network
More…

jeffhyde: @Trfguy I have a droid now but it's become very slow. Seriously thinking of iPhone. Everyone who has one loves it.


Published on February 22, 2012.

jeffhyde: @Trfguy I have a droid now but it's become very slow. Seriously thinking of iPhone. Everyone who has one loves it.

jeffhyde: Anyone out there who has an #iPhone who would NOT recommend that I get one?


Published on February 22, 2012.

jeffhyde: Anyone out there who has an #iPhone who would NOT recommend that I get one?

jeffhyde: @DAVIDCROMER No worries. Do you now @yumpittsburgh?


Published on February 22, 2012.

jeffhyde: @DAVIDCROMER No worries. Do you now @yumpittsburgh?

jeffhyde: @DAVIDCROMER The blog's author describes what he means by that. In a nutshell, more localized production/distribution.


Published on February 22, 2012.

jeffhyde: @DAVIDCROMER The blog's author describes what he means by that. In a nutshell, more localized production/distribution.

scornelisse: Just read this article - http://t.co/9y3RrtIB. Author theorizes that US food system will become more like Europe's. What do you think?


Published on February 22, 2012.

scornelisse: Just read this article - http://t.co/9y3RrtIB. Author theorizes that US food system will become more like Europe's. What do you think?

jeffhyde: Will US Food Distribution Become More Like Europe's? http://t.co/OFcBsFas. I don't think US consumers will allow it to happen.


Published on February 22, 2012.

jeffhyde: Will US Food Distribution Become More Like Europe's? http://t.co/OFcBsFas. I don't think US consumers will allow it to happen.

jeffhyde: Sounds like I missed a great webinar on Maps & Apps as part of the #pswebinar series. Good thing I can watch the recording!


Published on February 22, 2012.

jeffhyde: Sounds like I missed a great webinar on Maps & Apps as part of the #pswebinar series. Good thing I can watch the recording!

jeffhyde: My wife has started using #Pinterest: A sign of the Apocalypse? She's normally not a #SM kind of chick.


Published on February 22, 2012.

jeffhyde: My wife has started using #Pinterest: A sign of the Apocalypse? She's normally not a #SM kind of chick.

jeffhyde: Will do ASAP!! RT @4SeasonsCreate: @jeffhyde @nancysews @sdwren @jeanne16254 Today's seminar was great! Be sure to watch it. :-)


Published on February 22, 2012.

jeffhyde: Will do ASAP!! RT @4SeasonsCreate: @jeffhyde @nancysews @sdwren @jeanne16254 Today's seminar was great! Be sure to watch it. :-)

jeffhyde: Good meeting with search committee for new #coopext position soon to be advertised. We're hiring!! Woo hoooo!!!


Published on February 22, 2012.

jeffhyde: Good meeting with search committee for new #coopext position soon to be advertised. We're hiring!! Woo hoooo!!!

jeffhyde: @jxs138 #twittercohort sounds like a good time! Very good to see people's skills raised!! Kudos!!


Published on February 22, 2012.

jeffhyde: @jxs138 #twittercohort sounds like a good time! Very good to see people's skills raised!! Kudos!!

jeffhyde: @jcwcelb Couldn't MGs train people who want to make edible landscapes, tho? They could probably support several positions that way.


Published on February 22, 2012.

jeffhyde: @jcwcelb Couldn't MGs train people who want to make edible landscapes, tho? They could probably support several positions that way.

jeffhyde: @MEW_Lion Africa was worth it! I could stand to learn more about dashboards, tho. I like TweetDeck, but...


Published on February 22, 2012.

jeffhyde: @MEW_Lion Africa was worth it! I could stand to learn more about dashboards, tho. I like TweetDeck, but...

jeffhyde: @JulieP_pa Learning #Twitter, huh? I expect to see big things, then!!


Published on February 22, 2012.

jeffhyde: @JulieP_pa Learning #Twitter, huh? I expect to see big things, then!!

jeffhyde: @nancysews @sdwren @jeanne16254 @4SeasonsCreate I had a conflict today. Can't wait to see recording! How was it?


Published on February 22, 2012.

jeffhyde: @nancysews @sdwren @jeanne16254 @4SeasonsCreate I had a conflict today. Can't wait to see recording! How was it?

jeffhyde: RT @cowgirljesse: Scientists: universe made of protons, neutrons & electrons. Forgot to mention MORONS. <<< The building blocks of society!


Published on February 22, 2012.

jeffhyde: RT @cowgirljesse: Scientists: universe made of protons, neutrons & electrons. Forgot to mention MORONS. <<< The building blocks of society!

jeffhyde: RT @kmk17psu: @jxs138 Is that all that @jeffhyde is missing out on?...#makealist <<< Nice hashtag!


Published on February 22, 2012.

jeffhyde: RT @kmk17psu: @jxs138 Is that all that @jeffhyde is missing out on?...#makealist <<< Nice hashtag!

kmk17psu: @jxs138 Is that all that @jeffhyde is missing out on?...#makealist


Published on February 22, 2012.

kmk17psu: @jxs138 Is that all that @jeffhyde is missing out on?...#makealist

jeffhyde: RT @briansrice: The 4 P’s Redefined: Social Media Now Rules Promotion http://t.co/c2GPaSAm.


Published on February 22, 2012.

jeffhyde: RT @briansrice: The 4 P’s Redefined: Social Media Now Rules Promotion http://t.co/c2GPaSAm.

jeffhyde: @jkr7977 I think #twittercohort is a group going thru some training here at Penn State, but trying to get to the bottom of it...


Published on February 22, 2012.

jeffhyde: @jkr7977 I think #twittercohort is a group going thru some training here at Penn State, but trying to get to the bottom of it...

kmk17psu: Looking forward to speaking next Thurs & Fri at New Mexico Wine Industry Seminar #socialmedia, #trends, #retail http://t.co/29WKZ4wO


Published on February 22, 2012.

kmk17psu: Looking forward to speaking next Thurs & Fri at New Mexico Wine Industry Seminar #socialmedia, #trends, #retail http://t.co/29WKZ4wO

jeffhyde: I started following the term "Pinterest" on TweetDeck. That lasted all of 3 seconds. It was a blur!!


Published on February 22, 2012.

jeffhyde: I started following the term "Pinterest" on TweetDeck. That lasted all of 3 seconds. It was a blur!!

jeffhyde: Could Master Gardener programs offer this kind of service for a fee? http://t.co/68OVE0AV #coopext


Published on February 22, 2012.

jeffhyde: Could Master Gardener programs offer this kind of service for a fee? http://t.co/68OVE0AV #coopext

kmk17psu: @JacqueGonzales Absolutely! I'll be talking about Twitter, Facebook, branding, and a few others during one all day session!


Published on February 22, 2012.

kmk17psu: @JacqueGonzales Absolutely! I'll be talking about Twitter, Facebook, branding, and a few others during one all day session!

kmk17psu: RT @alawine: Become a French wine expert in 180 seconds or less… vous êtes les bienvenus http://t.co/xg3ZnDkM #wine


Published on February 22, 2012.

kmk17psu: RT @alawine: Become a French wine expert in 180 seconds or less… vous êtes les bienvenus http://t.co/xg3ZnDkM #wine

kmk17psu: RT @JohnNCoupland: Great page of info for would be entrepreneurs in the food industry http://t.co/KTiybJcR #agchat #foodchat


Published on February 22, 2012.

kmk17psu: RT @JohnNCoupland: Great page of info for would be entrepreneurs in the food industry http://t.co/KTiybJcR #agchat #foodchat

kmk17psu: @WineNews4You Welcome to Twitter!


Published on February 21, 2012.

kmk17psu: @WineNews4You Welcome to Twitter!

kmk17psu: RT @Clark_King: Since when is sharing links a bad thing? | "Pinterest publishes code to stop users 'pinning' copyrighted content" | http ...


Published on February 21, 2012.

kmk17psu: RT @Clark_King: Since when is sharing links a bad thing? | "Pinterest publishes code to stop users 'pinning' copyrighted content" | http ...

djm428: New video released today about internet tools for food retailers. Check it out! http://t.co/4fKwWcaj #ag


Published on February 21, 2012.

djm428: New video released today about internet tools for food retailers. Check it out! http://t.co/4fKwWcaj #ag

kmk17psu: RT @jeffhyde: Internet Tools for Food Retailers: Learn about which tools consumers told us would be useful. (VIDEO) http://t.co/9ngObXw7


Published on February 21, 2012.

kmk17psu: RT @jeffhyde: Internet Tools for Food Retailers: Learn about which tools consumers told us would be useful. (VIDEO) http://t.co/9ngObXw7

kmk17psu: RT @TasteofOregon: Wine Daily is out! http://t.co/lanLpF86 ▸ Top stories today via @namhao @kmk17psu @bordeauxindex @winejulia


Published on February 21, 2012.

kmk17psu: RT @TasteofOregon: Wine Daily is out! http://t.co/lanLpF86 ▸ Top stories today via @namhao @kmk17psu @bordeauxindex @winejulia

kmk17psu: Thinking abd last year when we lived in Christchurch, NZ & experienced the deadly #earthquake. Thoughts are with those who lost loved ones.


Published on February 21, 2012.

kmk17psu: Thinking abd last year when we lived in Christchurch, NZ & experienced the deadly #earthquake. Thoughts are with those who lost loved ones.

kmk17psu: RT @immigranz: - New Zealand poised to mark earthquake anniversary http://t.co/4DVZeo3V


Published on February 21, 2012.

kmk17psu: RT @immigranz: - New Zealand poised to mark earthquake anniversary http://t.co/4DVZeo3V

kmk17psu: RT @alawine: Is Pinterest "the perfect place to post wine reviews?" http://t.co/ZeByyUXd via @winecast #pinterest #wine


Published on February 21, 2012.

kmk17psu: RT @alawine: Is Pinterest "the perfect place to post wine reviews?" http://t.co/ZeByyUXd via @winecast #pinterest #wine

kmk17psu: Downloaded #BrancottEstate #wineapp and just happen to have a bottle of their #sauvignonblanc. Way to engage consumers! http://t.co/jM2bWCOG


Published on February 20, 2012.

kmk17psu: Downloaded #BrancottEstate #wineapp and just happen to have a bottle of their #sauvignonblanc. Way to engage consumers! http://t.co/jM2bWCOG

kmk17psu: RT @jeffhyde: New Blog Post: "Lots of Interest in Pinterest." http://t.co/J7cKuXvT.


Published on February 20, 2012.

kmk17psu: RT @jeffhyde: New Blog Post: "Lots of Interest in Pinterest." http://t.co/J7cKuXvT.

kmk17psu: Working on presentations for next week.Will share survey data @jeffhyde and I conducted abt #wineconsumption and #socialmedia use


Published on February 20, 2012.

kmk17psu: Working on presentations for next week.Will share survey data @jeffhyde and I conducted abt #wineconsumption and #socialmedia use

kmk17psu: Speaking at New Mexico Wine Conference http://t.co/IRntTMBg . Pic of tasting room layout and design to share http://t.co/TyUHJBNh


Published on February 19, 2012.

kmk17psu: Speaking at New Mexico Wine Conference http://t.co/IRntTMBg . Pic of tasting room layout and design to share http://t.co/TyUHJBNh

kmk17psu: @thewinehub I am a researcher at PSU & have a focus on wine marketing. Just trying to follow more "wine" people. Thanks!


Published on February 19, 2012.

kmk17psu: @thewinehub I am a researcher at PSU & have a focus on wine marketing. Just trying to follow more "wine" people. Thanks!

djm428: New blog post about crowd funding-- a different way for entrepreneurs to raise capital. http://t.co/ZcmnB7vj #ag


Published on February 17, 2012.

djm428: New blog post about crowd funding-- a different way for entrepreneurs to raise capital. http://t.co/ZcmnB7vj #ag

djm428: Youtube series on consumer research-- how consumers use social media to connect w/ food retailers #ag http://t.co/RLGBfOF2


Published on February 17, 2012.

djm428: Youtube series on consumer research-- how consumers use social media to connect w/ food retailers #ag http://t.co/RLGBfOF2

kmk17psu: RT @djm428: New video released today about Facebook. Is it a good fit for retailers? http://t.co/pVGhLB88 #ag


Published on February 16, 2012.

kmk17psu: RT @djm428: New video released today about Facebook. Is it a good fit for retailers? http://t.co/pVGhLB88 #ag

kmk17psu: RT @PhilLempert: YIKES I don't want2C food prices any higher! USDA released predictions - find out what this could mean4U http://t.co/Mw ...


Published on February 16, 2012.

kmk17psu: RT @PhilLempert: YIKES I don't want2C food prices any higher! USDA released predictions - find out what this could mean4U http://t.co/Mw ...

djm428: New video released today about Facebook. Is it a good fit for retailers? http://t.co/pVGhLB88 #ag


Published on February 16, 2012.

djm428: New video released today about Facebook. Is it a good fit for retailers? http://t.co/pVGhLB88 #ag

kmk17psu: Visited #Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in #CapeTown. Beautiful scenery. One more full day in #S.Africa. Lots of horticulture!


Published on February 15, 2012.

kmk17psu: Visited #Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in #CapeTown. Beautiful scenery. One more full day in #S.Africa. Lots of horticulture!

djm428: Youtube series on consumer research-- how consumers use social media to connect w/ food retailers #ag http://t.co/RLGBfOF2


Published on February 15, 2012.

djm428: Youtube series on consumer research-- how consumers use social media to connect w/ food retailers #ag http://t.co/RLGBfOF2

djm428: New video released today about consumers connecting w/ fruit and veg businesses via social media, email, & websites http://t.co/vgMRjkBG #ag


Published on February 14, 2012.

djm428: New video released today about consumers connecting w/ fruit and veg businesses via social media, email, & websites http://t.co/vgMRjkBG #ag

djm428: Youtube series on consumer research-- how consumers use social media to connect w/ food retailers #ag http://t.co/RLGBfOF2


Published on February 13, 2012.

djm428: Youtube series on consumer research-- how consumers use social media to connect w/ food retailers #ag http://t.co/RLGBfOF2

djm428: New blog post about USDA local foods grants-- how will this impact local food industries? http://t.co/kbiKOvmG #ag #pamarketmaker


Published on February 13, 2012.

djm428: New blog post about USDA local foods grants-- how will this impact local food industries? http://t.co/kbiKOvmG #ag #pamarketmaker

scornelisse: RT @jxs138: RT @aafromaa: Social Media 101: Where Do I Start? http://t.co/W6sUkUqI <- a great start #twittercohort


Published on February 10, 2012.

scornelisse: RT @jxs138: RT @aafromaa: Social Media 101: Where Do I Start? http://t.co/W6sUkUqI <- a great start #twittercohort

scornelisse: @yumpittsburgh I see you're making liberal use of hashtags! To win the contest I presume?


Published on February 10, 2012.

scornelisse: @yumpittsburgh I see you're making liberal use of hashtags! To win the contest I presume?

scornelisse: RT @djm428: Youtube series on consumer research-- how consumers use social media to connect w/ food retailers #ag http://t.co/RLGBfOF2


Published on February 10, 2012.

scornelisse: RT @djm428: Youtube series on consumer research-- how consumers use social media to connect w/ food retailers #ag http://t.co/RLGBfOF2

djm428: Youtube series on consumer research-- how consumers use social media to connect w/ food retailers #ag http://t.co/RLGBfOF2


Published on February 10, 2012.

djm428: Youtube series on consumer research-- how consumers use social media to connect w/ food retailers #ag http://t.co/RLGBfOF2

scornelisse: Thinking about #social media #ecommerce? Check out this article with some interesting findings - http://t.co/o5H4FR1A #pswebinar


Published on February 10, 2012.

scornelisse: Thinking about #social media #ecommerce? Check out this article with some interesting findings - http://t.co/o5H4FR1A #pswebinar

djm428: New video released today about web presence. What do your customers expect of your business online? http://t.co/CvOcLLCk #ag


Published on February 9, 2012.

djm428: New video released today about web presence. What do your customers expect of your business online? http://t.co/CvOcLLCk #ag

djm428: Youtube series on consumer research-- how consumers use social media to connect w/ food retailers #ag http://t.co/RLGBfOF2


Published on February 8, 2012.

djm428: Youtube series on consumer research-- how consumers use social media to connect w/ food retailers #ag http://t.co/RLGBfOF2

scornelisse: The Weinermobile is on campus! http://t.co/VHbUI5tw


Published on February 8, 2012.

scornelisse: The Weinermobile is on campus! http://t.co/VHbUI5tw

scornelisse: @jxs138 You remembered the hashtag! I forgot about it.


Published on February 8, 2012.

scornelisse: @jxs138 You remembered the hashtag! I forgot about it.

scornelisse: Jam packed #sm webinar this morning with Adeel Ahmed from MN Extension and @kmk17psu. Lots of great info!


Published on February 8, 2012.

scornelisse: Jam packed #sm webinar this morning with Adeel Ahmed from MN Extension and @kmk17psu. Lots of great info!

scornelisse: @valsesler I will try to get a pic. It's snowing here now!


Published on February 8, 2012.

scornelisse: @valsesler I will try to get a pic. It's snowing here now!

djm428: Youtube series on consumer research-- how consumers use social media to connect w/ food retailers #ag http://t.co/RLGBfOF2


Published on February 8, 2012.

djm428: Youtube series on consumer research-- how consumers use social media to connect w/ food retailers #ag http://t.co/RLGBfOF2

scornelisse: @jxs138 definately. i was beginning to get stressed


Published on February 8, 2012.

scornelisse: @jxs138 definately. i was beginning to get stressed

scornelisse: The Weinermobile is parked across the road from my building! Gotta get a picture after my webinar.


Published on February 8, 2012.

scornelisse: The Weinermobile is parked across the road from my building! Gotta get a picture after my webinar.

scornelisse: Getting ready for today's #sm webinar on how to reach mobile customers w/ @kmk17psu


Published on February 8, 2012.

scornelisse: Getting ready for today's #sm webinar on how to reach mobile customers w/ @kmk17psu

scornelisse: @milkqualitypays Oh! haha. No, not that piece.


Published on February 8, 2012.

scornelisse: @milkqualitypays Oh! haha. No, not that piece.

scornelisse: @milkqualitypays There is a TON of interest from farmers in learning how to use #socialmedia. Many are well beyond the novice phase.


Published on February 8, 2012.

scornelisse: @milkqualitypays There is a TON of interest from farmers in learning how to use #socialmedia. Many are well beyond the novice phase.

djm428: New video released today about how consumers find a business's social network http://t.co/0TpFgBHp #ag


Published on February 7, 2012.

djm428: New video released today about how consumers find a business's social network http://t.co/0TpFgBHp #ag

scornelisse: RT @ArkeSystems: Social Media, as explained by Three Ships Media http://t.co/bSynfhnD


Published on February 6, 2012.

scornelisse: RT @ArkeSystems: Social Media, as explained by Three Ships Media http://t.co/bSynfhnD

scornelisse: MT Interesting article. Don't let the title throw you. @ArkeSystems: "I am not buying on an iPhone" - http://t.co/JcAdmlNj


Published on February 6, 2012.

scornelisse: MT Interesting article. Don't let the title throw you. @ArkeSystems: "I am not buying on an iPhone" - http://t.co/JcAdmlNj

djm428: Youtube series on consumer research-- how consumers use social media to connect w/ food retailers #ag http://t.co/RLGBfOF2


Published on February 6, 2012.

djm428: Youtube series on consumer research-- how consumers use social media to connect w/ food retailers #ag http://t.co/RLGBfOF2

scornelisse: Just had a call from someone in GA looking for assistance in developing a biz plan for a farm he wants to start. Glad I was able to help!


Published on February 3, 2012.

scornelisse: Just had a call from someone in GA looking for assistance in developing a biz plan for a farm he wants to start. Glad I was able to help!

scornelisse: Nice article on the value of smartphone apps in agriculture. http://t.co/wt44R4g6


Published on February 3, 2012.

scornelisse: Nice article on the value of smartphone apps in agriculture. http://t.co/wt44R4g6

djm428: New blog post about selling to grocery stores, restaurants, & foodservice http://t.co/G4yPKxA8 #ag


Published on February 3, 2012.

djm428: New blog post about selling to grocery stores, restaurants, & foodservice http://t.co/G4yPKxA8 #ag

scornelisse: I've got to make some lists. Starting to miss/lose Twitter conversations...


Published on February 3, 2012.

scornelisse: I've got to make some lists. Starting to miss/lose Twitter conversations...

djm428: Youtube series on consumer research-- how consumers use social media to connect w/ food retailers #ag http://t.co/RLGBfOF2


Published on February 3, 2012.

djm428: Youtube series on consumer research-- how consumers use social media to connect w/ food retailers #ag http://t.co/RLGBfOF2

scornelisse: Had a great time at #mafvc!


Published on February 3, 2012.

scornelisse: Had a great time at #mafvc!

djm428: New video released today about consumers' expectations of a food business http://t.co/XhVsgELU #ag #socialmedia


Published on February 2, 2012.

djm428: New video released today about consumers' expectations of a food business http://t.co/XhVsgELU #ag #socialmedia

djm428: Youtube series on consumer research-- how consumers use social media to connect w/ food retailers #ag http://t.co/RLGBfOF2


Published on February 1, 2012.

djm428: Youtube series on consumer research-- how consumers use social media to connect w/ food retailers #ag http://t.co/RLGBfOF2

djm428: New video released today on why consumers connect with food businesses via social media. Check it out! http://t.co/msgEi4Qe #ag #socialmedia


Published on January 31, 2012.

djm428: New video released today on why consumers connect with food businesses via social media. Check it out! http://t.co/msgEi4Qe #ag #socialmedia

djm428: Youtube series on consumer research-- how consumers use social media to connect w/ food retailers #ag http://t.co/RLGBfOF2


Published on January 30, 2012.

djm428: Youtube series on consumer research-- how consumers use social media to connect w/ food retailers #ag http://t.co/RLGBfOF2

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