I'm very passionate about sharing information, ideas and advice which can help producers run their businesses in a better way. I was told once by a farmer that there are not many ways in which you can save $100, but if you can find 100 ways to save $1 you will come out in front!
I reckon that's not a bad piece of advice. Finding ways to save a dollar or to be more efficient with the money you invest in your business is a rewarding part of my job. I also get a big lift when I can share an experience or an idea I've seen somewhere which can be used to make an impact on someones operation or to solve a new problem.
In the last few years I've been using social media to share some of those ideas, experiences and images. I reckon one of the great things with Twitter or Facebook is the chance to share events as they are happening. Good decisions come about from accurate and timely information. I reckon if I can highlight cattle in a paddock, or an event as it happens, then I've helped producers access that information more quickly and efficiently which might help them make a better decision for their business.
The other great thing with social media has been a chance to connect with new people who have ideas and experiences with similar challenges to the producers I work with. Being able to share ideas and experiences isn't just good for decision making, but its also important to keep us connected.
In the last few months I've delivered several workshops with producers to work through the opportunities to connect and share their experiences and ideas through social media. While I've really enjoyed the workshops, I've got so much more pleasure seeing and reading their stories long after the workshops. It helps me feel connected and involved and every now and then it gives me an idea which I know I can use to help someone else.