Pet Events to Promote Your Business, by Event Barkers

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© All Things Dog Blog & Dogtipper

Is it time to let this dog out of the bag? Actually there are cats in this bag too. Between us, Paris and I own 4 dogs and 5 cats. I have a history of pets beyond Tanner, Oliver and Patches--more cats than I can count, dogs like Xena and Sable, a Parakeet named Peekaboo, one Hamster, 5 Goldfish, and a couple of foster dogs that found forever homes. Sounds like that ♫ Twelve Days of Christmas song ♫, right?!! 


Needless to say our households give the pet stores and veterinarians more than their share of business. That's why Event Barkers was formed, to assist pet businesses in getting their information out through the social media.

Since our first party back in October, #SafeHowlOween, Paris and I have come a long way. We have worked for months to learn our new craft and hone our approach. Currently, we have planned and executed 4 events, and more are already scheduled. With #BarkFriday's success, we decided it was time to turn Super Dog Sunday into a charity event for the masses. After all, what's not cute about a pet with a football in a photo?


Last year's Super Dog Sunday™ was fun, but this year's event will blow your socks off. Thanks to our charitable sponsors Wag, PetHub, Tom Bihn, and Gringa Loka, Super Dog Sunday will be infusing Petfinder Foundation with a tidy sum to help with their work finding homes for adoptable pets. We're proud of that and want to thank you all for helping us get here. Without participants at our Twitter Parties, Blog Hops and other events to come, the Event Barkers partnership would not have come out of the doghouse.


We hope you will join us at #SuperDogPics for a taste of Event Barkers fun. Our guest expert, Brett Chisholm of Life + Dog magazine, will be offering photo tips for your Super Dog Sunday™ photo entries, while we are also having some fun chatter and bunches of prize handouts. With thousands of dollars in prizes up for interception, what have you got to lose? RSVP here and join us on Sunday, January 22, 3PM-4:30 PM EST.

Curious about the prizes? Stay tuned for more details this week. I'll be spilling the kibble soon. And believe me, you'll want to catch those touchdown passes. It's that good!


Event Barkers happenings will be fun, themed affairs that will share a variety of pet product companies, services and goals. What can we help you promote?

Dog Lovers Speak Up: #SafeHowlOween Twitter Party Popular Feature

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

Reading back through the #SafeHowloween Twitter Party tweets is much like reading War and Peace. I had not idea. The stats reports are coming in today with staggering numbers of you that apparently loved the idea and the fun, not to mention the prizes.


Now all we have to figure out is what's next? Tell us what you'd like to join in on for another such event--what products, subjects, themes or topics? What would it take to bring you back for another hour or two of fun tweeting? The comment link is open and I'm hoping to see you pour your hearts out. Meanwhile, enjoy these comments from some of our party attendees:



"peggyfrezon: @AllThingsDog @Dogtipper Best Twitter party ever!#SafeHowloween #Twitterparty"


"FiveSibesMom: Oh I had fun!"


" @AllThingsDog Will do! Thanks to u and @dogtipper for doing all the work for the #SafeHowloween party! It was lots of fun!"


"@AllThingsDog Thanks for co-hosting #SafeHowloween #Twitterparty.. I had a great time and was able to follow along thanks to your tips."


"@cdmtx65 thanks!@DogTipper @AllThingsDog @TerraPaws@BalancedCanine for a great #safehowloween party!"

"@DogsforthePAWS @DogTipper we had so much fun thx for hosting this great Pawty! #SafeHowloween @TerraPaws @BalancedCanine@FidoseofReality @AllThingsDog"

"@ShellChis Can't thank U enough 4 putting this all together! @DogTipper@AllThingsDog @FidoseofReality@BalancedCanine @TerraPaws #SafeHowloween So Fun"

"@YorkieTails thx to @allthingsdog @dogtipper @terrapaws @balancedcanine@fidoseofReality fun party! #SafeHowlOween"

"@croe321 Thanks @AllThingsDog @DogTipper @TerraPaws and@BalancedCanine loved #SafeHowloween ! Very informative, enjoyed reading everyone's comments."

"@SharonGilbert6 Great Fun! @AllThingsDog @DogTipper @FidoseofReality very interesting Good Night all. Schooner sleeping & snoring. Bed Time #SafeHowloween"

"@cynth201 Thanks @DogTipper @FidoseofReality @AllThingsDog@TerraPaws @BalancedCanine for the awesome #SafeHowloween #twitterparty."

"@DogPackSnacks Thanks to @dogtipper and @allthingsdog along with the great sponsors for a great party. We had a pawsome time #SafeHowloween"

More Dog Days of Halloween: #SafeHowlOween Sign-In

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

Kaylie

Tonight's question seems to be one on many a #SafeHowloween party goer's mind: How do I sign into a Twitter Party? We're so good at over-thinking things, aren't we?


A Twitter Party is not much different from a cocktail party. You say hello to your host when you arrive. You mingle. You maybe win a door prize. You say thank you when you leave.


The biggest difference is that you can wear your pajamas or your piggie suit to our Twitter Party, just like Kaylie here.


At 8:30 sharp the #SafeHowlOween Twitter Party will begin with introductions from @AllThingsDog, @Dogtipper and @Fidose of Reality. Plan to be online before 8:30. As you arrive on Twitter, you should check in with us. HINT: We need to know you are here in order for you to win prizes. This only requires a simple tweet with our hashtag included:

"Hi @Dogtipper. I'm here and ready to man my refresh button. What should I do now at #SafeHowloween?"

The answer? Join in some conversations or read and follow along. Here are two tips to help you keep up and have fun:

• Hit the refresh button very frequently.
• Always use the #SafeHowloween hashtag in ALL tweets, so everyone at the party will be able to follow the conversation.

That's it! Really. 

You'll notice that there will be multiple pockets of conversation going on just like any other cocktail party. You can join in any that you wish, or just watch the discussions. 

Dr. Mark (aka @BalancedCanine) will also be answering safety questions that were sent in before the party. Fidose of Reality will be moderating these questions. You can listen to these and ask follow up questions when you would like to know more. Be sure to bring your manners along and thank Dr. Mark for taking his time to help us all out tonight, and for offering a great bargain on things from his vet pharmacy.

Our friend Anthony from @TerraPaws will be on hand to answer questions about his product and simply enjoy the party he has provided treats for. Be sure to say hello and thank him for his donations. Watch for the details on his discount code for participants also.

When a question is asked by @Dogtipper or @AllThingsDog, feel free to offer an answer. There may be a prize for the winner, so why not? Just jump right in and participate. You won't have to worry about embarrassing moments at other cocktail parties, like getting tipsy from the punch or a costume malfunction. 

Two final tips and I'll sign off.  My previous post gives a little more detail on the how-tos of a Twitter Party. If you need more detail, please stop in and read "SafeHowlOween Party Tool Kit." 

Although we've mentioned it before, you should double check that you are following all of your hosts. In order to win a prize, you'll need to DM us with your address. If you are not following us, this won't work. So play it safe and show up ready to win. Good luck!

Dog Days of Halloween: #SafeHowlOween Party Tool Kit

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

Super Nemo is Here to Help

This #SafeHowlOween Twitter Party seems to be baffling everyone. But never fear, help is here. You simply need the 411 on all the necessary tools of a Twitter Party attendee:

1. Make sure you RSVP'd properly by testing your @MYTwitterHandle on the RSVP guest list here. If you're having trouble, read RSVP to Join the Fun. Finally, if you still can't seem to get it working, send us an email at TwitterBarkers@gmail.com.
2. Make sure you've boned up on the Twitter language. Here's some tips at Twitter 101: Tweeting for Rookie Rovers and Help with DMs and RTs.
3. Be ready to man your REFRESH button. This will be your best friend in keeping up with the conversations.
4. Check in with your hosts when you arrive: @AllThingsDog, @Dogtipper and @FidoseofReality will want to know you have arrived. That will put you on the list for door prizes!
5. Keep the guest list open in another tab during the party so you can find handles you'd like to tweet to.
6. Always use the #SafeHowloween HASHTAG during the party. You probably already noticed that it fits neatly into your conversations.
7. If you have conversations going on outside the party, please do not use the #SafeHowloween hashtag in those. It will just confuse  us all!
8. Be on time so you don't miss any of the deets (that's details in Twitterese).
9. Mingle: Just like at any party, you need to work it. Get around and say hello to as many new people as you can.
10. Watch for prize announcements throughout the party. It could be you and you'll need to reply with your address by DM to the host that announced your prize.
11. If you win a prize, check your DMs for a request for your address. Reply promptly so you'll be sure to get your prize timely.
12. Watch the safety information that @BalancedCanine and @FidoseofReality will be discussing for helpful tips. Feel free to ask followup questions by addressing either of these hosts.
13. Answer (A's) questions (Q's) with @Dogtipper and @AllThingsDog to win prizes.
14. Use the discount codes offered by our sponsors after the party: Terra Paws: -30% with code "OCT30" and Dr. Mark Nunez's Vet Pharmacy: -15% with code "fans". If you have questions about the codes, address @TerrPaws or @BalancedCanine with your questions.
15. Don't miss the grand finale. At the end, the Halloween Fido Photo contest winners will be announced and a Grande Prize will be given to one party participant. While photo contest winners need not be present to win, #SafeHowlOween party winners MUST be present to win. Be sure to answer your DM with your address promptly.
16. If you're struggling with a DM, you can send an email with your address to EventBarkers@gmail.com.
17. Take a deep breath and enjoy the party!

#SafeHowlOween Sponsor, Terra Paws, Brings Good Treats!

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© Carrie Boyko
Oliver Shows Off His Terra Paws Treats

© Carrie Boyko
Please?

This pose took some major self control. Despite their dry texture, Terra Paws' treats have an aroma that stretches across a room and beckons a dog to partake. When I opened the first bag a few months ago, Tanner and Oliver came running. Mind you, I had not called them or said the magic word: T-R-E-A-T. I'll spell it so you understand how sensitive that word is. Major!


Now that All Things Dog Blog is venturing into the world of Twitter Parties, our friend Anthony at Terra Paws was my contact. I knew he would be up for a new adventure. Sure enough, he was ready to ship treats as soon as I needed them.

I had been quietly planning our first trial party with Paris, over at Dogtipper. We wanted to run a test drive of this engine for Halloween and then we'll go from there. Thanks to Dr. Mark, All Things Dog Blog's Ask the Vet columnist, for also joining us as a sponsor. His Veterinary Pharmacy is a terrific business for this sort of promotion, so we're hoping that both companies find plenty of value in our party and the Twitter reach we are seeking to bring them.


I wanted to share a few Terra Paws facts with you today, while thanking them for supporting our efforts to grab a piece of this new promotional technology. Did you know:

• Terra Paws are made in the United States, making sure your dollars go to local jobs.
• that Oliver is swooning over Hailey, Anthony's Papillon mix. ;)
• that Terra Paws is a guilt-free treat: No Corn, Soy, Wheat or Gluten!
• All Things Dog Blog's Treat Review Team of 8 highly-experienced treat reviewers gave Terra Paws a terrific rating for flavor, quality and ease of use.
• Terra Paws is extremely active in local pet charity events. Upcoming events include 4 Paws for the Cause, Tampa Bay SPCA 3K Pet Walk, the Wiggle Waggle Walk,  and many more.

Each and every prize in our  #SafeHowlOween gift assortment includes two bags of Terra Paws to make sure your pup's tummy is happy and healthy. We hope to see you all at the Twitter Party. If you need a little help getting started, here's some resources:

1. Here are the facts and the sign up list.
2. Be sure to RSVP so you can win prizes and send in questions for Dr. Mark.
3. Get the Lingo here.
4. Learn about DMs and RTs here.
5. Check out our other sponsor, Dr. Mark Nunez.
6. Visit my co-hosts Dogtipper and Fidose of Reality.
7. Send your #SafeHowlOween questions for us or Dr. Mark to TwitterBarkers@gmail.com.

See you soon!