ASR Blog

Social Media meets FFR website relaunch

Well you are all probably about sick of hearing about social media this and that, but I'm here to tell you about our new website launch and, HONEST, it's going to make your life easier.  Whether you are planning for the FFR show visit in September, or just keeping tabs on a fast-changing marketplace, there are new tools at your disposal that we think will prove invaluable in the near and far future.

NEW DESIGN - the wireframes that now make up the 'front page' of flyfishingretailer.com are more flexible and friendly for customization... we have actually invested in a third party platform for development of all the Nielsen Business Media Sports Group websites, going off the Nielsen grid, so to speak.  It's called GoExpo, and is the core engine around which all the improvements, from functionality to facelift, are occurring.  Get familiar at http://www.flyfishingretailer.com and let us know what you think.

NEW FLOORPLAN - GoExpo powered, the new floorplan is more intuitive, updates very quickly, and most importantly interfaces with the exhibitor list seamlessly.  Click on booth #'s and the floorplan opens; click on a booth and the company details come up.  Oh, and you can print.  Hallelujah!

NEW EXHIBITOR LIST FUNCTIONS - Try this out; go to the exhibitor list on the new website and let it load.  New features, easy navigation and any click on a booth # opens the floorplan and goes right to that booth, with descriptor of the exhibitor.  Enhanced listings, product feature shots and descriptions, can all be viewed pre-show on the new exhibitor list at FFR.

NEW SOCIAL BUSINESS NETWORK - My email inbox is borderline ridiculous.  With all the advanced spam blocking and weekly security updates I still manage to get solicited by vibrator.com and offers of cash deposits in my name from Nairobi.  The new b2b networking tool on the FFR site, called MyPlanner, sidesteps the junk pile and sequesters communications in a pre-qualified, buyers-meet- sellers communication system that keeps messages secure and targeted within the show framework.  Arrange appointments, talk product, ask key questions, discover new resources...

More features will be added each week as we ramp up toward Showtime in September.  Keep an eye on the site, offer up suggestions, and make your new industry hub website work for you. 

KH

Road Rage in the US

Use this with your staff at the next sales meeting for fun and prizes.... or they get to choose their hours in the shop for the next week.  This is from a research survey by AutoVantage, just released and in it's 4th year.

QUESTION- WHAT CITIES IN THE US ARE THE TOP ROAD RAGE CITIES? 

See the whole report from Ken Rutkowski here

Seems like the local fly shops in these places could leverage this info to spark interest in the sport... or maybe AFFTA could use the fact that fly shops are conspicuously absent in some of these cities to make a market research survey and statement on fly shop density vs. angry cities demographic.  To me, it's kind of like the music products industry making a bold statement like 'Making Music Makes You Smarter' and backing it up with scientific research.  Imagine... 'Fly Fishing Makes You Calmer' or 'Fly Fishing Reduces Stress'.  Posted to the right audience (the stressed out drivers), that could be a powerful statement.

There is also opportunity in the research findings on the other side of the road rage road; calmest cities to drive in.  Nearly all these cities have excellent fly shops and a high density of them, relative to population numbers. 

This is by no means a well-thought out assessment or demographic analysis... just something that might spark conversation about the sport and it's application to quality of life issues across America.  So go ahead, converse. 

KH

Jim Range National Casting Call, Fletcher's Boathouse, D.C.

A very successful event was staged on the banks of the Potomac River in Washington D.C..  AFFTA joined a coalition of government agencies (NPS, NOAA), industry associations (FFF, AFFTA, ASA) and relevant non-profit groups (Living Classroom, Trout Unlimited, various local MD and VA groups, research and academic groups, artists, and more) together to both teach fishing (around 500 kids, most for their first time) and bring the lawmakers to the river for some hands-on advocacy.  This was the newly named Jim Range National Casting Call, after the late fishing and outdoor recreation advocate and his pioneering conservation legacy.

Fletcher's Boat House, Washington D.C.

Bill Dawson, a key organizer of the event and legend in the fly fishing industry himself, gave a brief and touching commentary on Jim Range's legacy, and a moment of silence was observed by the crowd in honor of Jim.  Former senator John Warner and other congressional friends of the industry showed up, and learned about 'top ten fisheries to watch', the NIFHAP awards , and the great Shad fishing in that section of the Potomac.  This event was a testament to all the organizations involved, dovetailing participation advocacy (with youth even) with lobbying for the resource and the trade.  Jim was a seminal player in putting this event together, and his energy was felt as much as ever, it seemed, despite his physical absence.  I was very impressed with the event planning, the volunteer turnout, and the stunning beauty of spring on the Potomac.

Here is Alan Gnann, Chairman of the AFFTA Board, with a proud Hickory Shad, caught blowing a kiss to Diane Bristol, of Simms Fishing Equipment, who is in the background (and showing the boys how it's done).  All at the 2009 Jim Range National Casting Call.

Tom Bie in the NYT!

http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2009/04/22/fashion/20090423-physical-slideshow_index.html

I underestimated Tom's notoriety... although his cast seems to be in an odd direction... but having done a few photo shoots (including one in Joshua Tree National Park in fly fishing gear, no lie), I can testify that the shoot director has more interest in the light meter reading and the 'dramatic' nature of the set than whether the cast is anywhere near water.

I hope he made union scale... but I doubt it.  His modeling career is just starting out, after all...

Oh and by the way, this weekend into next is AFFTA's Casting Call here in Washington, D.C. (where I'm writing from).  We'll be honoring the late, legendary Jim Range and showing some lawmakers what it's about on the riverfront nearby.  Hope you will join in spirit if not in the flesh.  We'll try to cast to the water, but since it's my first time at Casting Call, I won't make any promises.

Cheers Tom!  And to Pale Morning Media for the hot tip.
KH

Essential Insight retailer news

This newsletter gives some decent exposure to retail trends nationwide.... some tidbits for the specialty fly retailer too. 

Last time I posted from this, it was showing retailers who were 'bucking the trend' (the downward trend that is).  This piece covers those who have utterly failed, and sheds a little light on why.

http://www.risnews.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=MultiPublishing&mod=PublishingTitles&mid=2E3DABA5396D4649BABC55BEADF2F8FD&tier=4&id=357EB0429F3A40DC9D4584227C803D41

One of FF industry own gets CNN coverage for doing good

What should be familiar territory for anyone in the business is the place where advocacy and commerce meet; where doing good does a business (and an industry) good.  Capt. Ed Nicholson brought his program to Fly Fishing Retailer last year, and it looks like he is continuing his quest to bring service to our wounded servicemen while pumping the sport of fly fishing.  Another win/win.  http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/04/09/cnnheroes.ed.nicholson/index.html

This is excellent promotion for the industry as well as for Project Healing Waters.

KH

Social Media works for (sm)all businesses; worthy tips from the blogosphere

This article promotes the basic idea that social media can be used effectively (and cheaply) to promote your retail business and strengthen the community of fly fishers that know about and visit your store.  Keep 'em informed, and keep your store top of mind by engaging....

http://www.americasbestcompanies.com/blog/social-media-for-small-business-top-sites.aspx

KH

Publicity the right way and the wrong way for Retailers

Enough with the doom and gloom.... the media loves it but is it good for your store?  Read this short quip from Bob Phibbs, the "Retail Doctor" about PR in challenging times. 

http://bobphibbs.wordpress.com/2009/03/20/publicity-for-retailers/

Strong retailers will adjust to the needs of customers despite the ravished economy around them, and steer their retail boat into calmer waters where staff and product and merchandising dovetail with the new customer needs. 

Your opportunity to be the core, cooler and more responsive brick and click is now.  Do you have a plan to move in that direction?

This year's Denver show will definitely be featuring many of the tools of the evolving new model of retail... where nimble, communicative and dynamically merchandised shops win.  We'll also be using this blog to highlight the best and most progressive ideas from the greater marketplace.

KH

Private vs. Public access for FF in UT

The classic access battle for public access to parts of the Weber River is rising up in UT.... make sure all concerned parties are in the know and taking action!  As well sound off here on what you think needs to happen to balance landowner rights with public access for fly fishers.

http://utahwaterguardians.wordpress.com/facts/

Gary Berlin at AFFTA has endorsed this message and encourages you to contact him and/or AFFTA at

www.affta.com with any concerns or questions.

KH

mp3 player, the 11th essential

Those of us getting our start in the Scouts remember the 10 essentials.  It seems that it's time for an update to the list.

Check this story out from Yahoo ; rescuers identify missing skiers by light from their Pod.  Sweet.

Who out there sells accessories for electronics in your store?  How many young fly fishers use iPods and such while fishing?  

KH