When I first founded BullsandBeavers.com I never imagined that I would rebrand my website in less than 5 years.

I was convinced that the marketplace would embrace the play-on-words name, Bulls & Beavers, and its great logo. Initially, by reaching beyond my niche and covering heated topics like predator management from both sides of the issue, Bulls & Beavers grew both in followers and traffic.

The Bulls & Beavers brand perfectly defined my passion for the outdoors, blended with my pride in my family heritage.

• Bulls represented my father’s side of my family because Dad took me on my first elk hunt and introduced me to my love of hunting.
• Beavers represented my mother’s side. Her grandfather helped build the Hoover Dam.
  

The concept of a brand was adopted to differentiate one person’s cattle from their neighbors. Much like a brand on cattle, a business brand differentiates one seller’s goods or services from another. Your brand tells who you are or what the world thinks you are.

For over four years, I felt confident about the Bulls & Beavers brand.

To this day, Bulls & Beavers remains at the top of Twitter according to www.WeFollow.com under the hunting and fishing brands.

“Who doesn’t love Bulls & Beavers?” I said.

Although my Twitter friends and blog readers loved Bulls & Beavers and its clever brand name, the brand did not develop the level of mass online appeal for which I had hoped.

Once I was able to check my ego at the door, I was able to consider rebranding. I could finally see that Bulls & Beavers reached a plateau as far as growth and reach of our message. It was time to rebrand.

The Top 5 Reasons Why It’s Time To Rebrand:

1. Plateau
2. Brand Strategy
3. Corporate Identity
4. Differentiation from Competitors Product reviews
5. Not able to Monetize
   

Wikipedia (link to this) defines Rebranding as a marketing strategy in which a new name, term, symbol, design, or combination thereof is created for an established brand with the intention of developing a new, differentiated identity in the minds of consumers, investors, and competitors.[1][2] Often times, this involves radical changes to a brand’s logo, name, image, marketing strategy, and advertising themes. Such changes typically aim to reposition the brand/company, occasionally to distance itself from negative connotations of the previous branding, or to move the brand upmarket; they may also communicate a new message a new board of directors wishes to communicate.

Rebranding Tips From Wikpedia:

Step One: Be ready for change. Companies must be able to let go of their once-perfect company and should be willing to think of new ways to expand and grow.
Step Two: Determine the mission. Companies must remember to be clear of the problem that is trying to be solved before stocking and new products.
Step Three: Talk to people. Acquire the public’s opinions and suggestions to the company. A simple proposition from a customer can change an entire company altogether.
Step Four: Measure the total market. Companies much become relevant in their own industry and outside. For example, Coca-Cola measures its share of colas, meanwhile Pepsi is overseeing other brands such as Aquafina and buying SoBe, Gatorade, and Tropicana. Companies must ask themselves, “How has the market changed our industry and are our products or services still relevant?”
Step Five: Research competition and to seek allies.
Step Six: Rethink the customer base. Brands must appeal to a wider customer base as well as customers outside the initial demographic. Step seven: Improve product availability. Companies must not limit themselves to one distribution channel. This also means that brands must make their product or service more compatible to online availability.
Step Eight: Determine suitable solutions. Once companies have gotten all of the prior steps and have answered all the questions, they must then think of possible and realistic solutions. Companies must ask themselves if they need to repackage and reposition their brand, and if they need to identify new distribution channels. This is the stage where companies must respond to change.
Step Nine: Create an action plan. After all ideas have been fully attended to, companies must now start to create their ideas into action. Brands must remember to notice things that work and don’t work.
Step Ten: Communicate clearly and effectively because whether it’s evolution or revolution, if you are going to change, you have to tell why you changed [21] <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebranding#cite_note-21> .
Instead of just releasing a simple press release of a new logo or name change, companies must tell the public the reason behind the new change. This not only may attract new customers, but can also remind current customers as to why the company appeals to them. Only a handful of companies have been able to follow these steps carefully and successful and many companies have tried and failed. A successful rebranding takes more than just a revamped logo, as it demands a vision that inspires customers, investors, and others to see the company in a new light [22] <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebranding#cite_note-22> .

I am pleased to announce that Bulls & Beavers is rebranding under the new name of Modern Outfitter. This new brand will have a broader appeal within the online marketplace. Our logo is simple and our mission is clear.

Modern Outfitter is brand that represents the sportsmen and sportswomen industry experts and vendors from across the world. Modern Outfitter relates to the sportsmen lifestyle who seek the latest information.

Happily, because of the connections I have made through Bulls & Beavers on Twitter, Modern Outfitter is already connected to the leading worldwide outdoor brands. This allows Modern Outfitter to share with you the latest information, as well as special purchasing and outdoor experience opportunities.

Is it time for you to rebrand? We’d love to hear your story.

The post Top 5 Reasons It’s Time to Rebrand appeared first on Bulls & Beavers Media.

I think the most important gift the holiday season brings is the gift of time with our family.  It is in these most rare of moments that we get to reaffirm and grow stronger the bonds which span generations. This Thanksgiving, I was lucky to be able to spend time with my family on the Oregon Coast.

While sitting in front of a glowing winter fire, my father brought out from his safe a Colt 1903 Pocket Hammerless .32 ACP.  He shared with us that this firearm belonged to our grandpa who served as Deputy Sheriff in Dewey, Oklahoma in the early 1930′s.

Neither my brother nor I were aware prior that grandpa was in law enforcement.  My brother was most surprised as he had spent the majority of his adult life also in law enforcement as a Deputy Sheriff. As with most of us in life, there are interests, passions and career choices that we feel drawn to at a deeper level.

We may possess a basic understanding of why choices in life are made such as career stability, pay, location and some basic level of aptitude or interest.  But more fascinating is discovering that there are threads that run through generations; threads that one could describe as “being in a family’s D.N.A”.

For my family, I discovered this holiday that not only do we have a heritage tied deeply to nature and the sportsman way of life, but also one tied to serving and protecting the public.

If you don’t know a lot about the history and interests of your family tree, then I encourage you to take a moment and speak at length with some of your relatives. You will most likely discover not only amazing stories, but an understanding of what drives you as an individual.

Wishing you a happy holiday season.  Chris Burget

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As Election Day draws near, Americans all across our great land are faced with the challenge of selecting the right leader for the next four years. All of us, regardless of political affiliation, want to see our economy regain both strength and momentum.

Given this collective focus on the economy, one has to ask how it is that we somehow slid and lost our way as a global leader in many areas. Whether one labels the last few years a financial crisis or the outcome of financial corruption is not the point. The point now is that we need to select a leader that can reflect back to our heritage and look at the core competencies and characteristics that for decades  positioned the United States as the shining example of what industrious, capitalistically inspired individuals could achieve.

As an avid hunter, one of the basic tenants I believe in is the ability to remain self-reliant. Self-reliance as a hunter includes everything from being prepared for all weather conditions to dressing my kill and putting food on the table. Self-reliance, while held in esteem among the sportsman community, is a less important term to corporate leaders who are pressured by quarterly returns rather than long-term stability.

The leadership we need has to be focused on American Business rekindling as many facets of self-reliance as possible. Our forefathers came to this country from many lands across many miles and self-created almost every single piece of ingenuity that was needed regardless of the challenge. One only has to look at major achievements such as the transcontinental railroad and massive icons such as the Hoover Dam and Golden Gate Bridge for proof.

Some may ask why sportsmen are such a vocal and passionate group. The answer is due to our respect for heritage and the irrefutable knowledge that any lessening of one’s ability to remain self-reliant only weakens us as a nation.

We should never outsource anything that can be made in America and we should never let slip away any of the traditions and survival skills that allowed American ingenuity to take root across this continent for over two centuries.

The post What can America Learn from Hunters? Self Reliance appeared first on Bulls & Beavers Media.

My 2012 archery elk season ended with wolves howling in the valley and a full moon on the horizon. It was another magical year with close encounters, opportunities and memories that will last forever.  However, this year was a lot different.  Idaho suffered the worst wildfire season to date and smoke filled skies lasted the entire hunting season.

As long as I am physically capable of chasing elk in the rugged mountains of Idaho I will continue to put on the camo, set the alarm and push myself to the limit.

A few years ago I shot my first bull elk with my bow. The feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction of matching wits with the majestic bull elk will keep me eagerly anticipating next year’s hunt.

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This past August, I had the the opportunity to join Sun Valley Outfitters for a hunt of a lifetime in the remote back country of central Idaho. The name of the video, “Firestorm Buck”, is due to Idaho’s worst forest fire season on record.

It’s hard to describe the amount of hard work and planning that goes into a successful back country hunt. Extreme weather conditions, rugged terrain and pack animals can make things go from bad to worse if you’re not paying attention.

The hunt was a memorable one for many reasons. Not only did I harvest a beautiful mule deer opening day, but I also completed something on my bucket list which was overcoming my last knee replacement surgery and hunting high alpine mule deer.

The Trinity Ridge fire is still burning and is expected to until the first snow arrives. 

Check out: Opening Day, Idaho Velvet Mule Deer for the whole story……

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Over the past few years, I have found myself repeatedly debating the subject of hunting with someone I care deeply about.  Like many close relationships, this person just happens to be the exact opposite of me when discussing topics such as philosophy and rights of hunters.

If you asked her to describe me, she would say that I am not a typical hunter given that hunting is all consuming to me.

Last night this divergence in our beliefs reached a new pinnacle.  On my way back to my cabin, along a remote road crossing thru the Pioneer Mountains of Idaho, I had the unfortunate experience of hitting a deer.

Unknown to me, somehow during the commotion of this tragic event, the phone in my pocket dialed her number providing her with a most realistic, audio version of me pursuing the deer so that I could compassionately end the animal’s suffering. The law states that you need to contact a Fish and Game officer or local law enforcement to have any animal dispatched but I had to react quickly and make a decision as I knew the animal was in duress.

After hiking about five minutes into the thick, I located the animal and with one targeted shot, I was able to do the right thing

Upon returning to my truck, I grabbed  my phone and  began to explain what had just happened, how bad I felt, how I had to pursue the deer from this high impact incident in remote central Idaho.

My sincere sadness seemed lost upon her.  She could not make the connection as to why I would feel sad when she knows that I am an avid hunter and just the month before I harvested my first Idaho velvet mule deer on a guided hunt

. 

What many good people don’t understand, and I count her among “the good”, is that there is a big difference between killing an animal and the complete “experience” of a hunt.  Yes a successful hunt culminates in the same degree in the end.

But hunting, is about the experience of being in the outdoors, the pursuit of wild game, and the ability to provide myself with food required for survival.  To deny my passion for this activity, or for my belief in the value of the hunting lessons which have been handed down from generation to generation go against everything I uphold.

I am a predator.  It’s in my DNA and I make no apologies for maximizing my place in the food chain.  I love animals.  I respect, admire and have compassion for all wildlife. I have gone out of my way to help any animal from owls to cats and dogs.  Most importantly, I consider myself an ethical hunter in that I follow all rules and regulations and always utilize the kill as a food source.

Now I ask that the next time you encounter a hunter, understand that instead of buying meat at the store, they have chosen not only to pursue their own food source, but they have also chosen to spend their time and money on tags, supplies and licenses which support many local economies throughout our nation.  These tag and license dollars provide the funding for wildlife management so that all can enjoy wildlife in whatever manner they desire whether it is through the scope of a rifle, a pair of binoculars or the lens of a camera.

The post The “love of hunting” does not always mean the “love of killing.” appeared first on Bulls & Beavers Media.

Nine months ago I sat at Warm Springs Lodge in Sun Valley talking with Bryant Dunn, owner of Sun Valley Outfitters about our upcoming Steelhead fishing trip and his outlook on the 2012 hunting season.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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“On Your Own Adventures” hosted by big game hunter and conservation historian Randy Newberg, recently produced the first documentary of a wolf  hunt in the Lower 48. Soon to be featured on the Sportsman Channel, Randy and his hunting partner Matt Clyde over an 11 day period, discuss at length the history and current impact of the wolf population while tracking this illusive predator.

Being an avid outdoor sportsman whose backyard is the Idaho wilderness of the Big Lost River Valley, I see first-hand the impact that wolves can have upon both natural prey and commercial livestock.

As part of the Sun Valley community, wolf management has become a polarizing topic between conservationists and the sportsmen community. Both celebrities and average citizens have urged that wolves be left alone to enjoy their habitat without fear of being harmed by man. Pro wolf advertising has used a technique called anthropomorphism or what others may call personification of the species touting the wolf’s majestic relevance, keen intelligence and familial mentality.

Setting aside this personification strategy, Randy presents a logical defense of wolf delisting and the necessity of managing this predatory population.
As both an avid and educated hunter, I want to support actions and ethics which maximize the quality of life for society at large. Like Randy, I hold no ill will towards a creature whose predatory capabilities are highly tuned. Additionally like Randy, I believe that one species has no greater right or value to survive than another.

My purpose here is not to promote Randy’s personal message of wolf hunting anytime, anywhere with no apologies. While I concur, I think it’s important to put forth in my own voice the rationale behind my agreement and why I believe that legislated management is critical to maximizing our natural resources, which includes both the forest and the creatures contained within.

Reason 1: Let’s first remove the term “natural balance” from the discussion. There can be no “natural balance” of any species when a land mass contains 350,000,000 humans living and interacting closely with other species. Once man is part of the equation, the notion of a self-equalizing system becomes impossible.

Reason 2: If we take the idea of natural balance out of the equation, the only solution becomes a “managed balance” approach. To manage for optimum results requires that I define clearly for whose behalf the management is being performed. My core belief is that the American Sportsmen who live in these majestic areas have the right to have their interests maximized. If the will of the locals is to support management that promotes elk and deer population while minimizing wolf growth, then there is a clear guiding principle from which all decisions can be filtered thru.

Reason 3: Hunting is part of our legacy. Local decision making is part of our legacy. We are part of a country that was founded on a desire for freedom, not legislation from distant politicians who have no generational legacy or appreciation for both the sport as well as the life lessons of hunting.

Reason 4: I am a fan of rationale conservation efforts. I support initiatives to protect species that are endangered. I am also a fan of protecting economic security. Hunting, through all its many facets and fees contributes millions of dollars each year that feed families and fund research.

Ethical hunters maximize their conquest, whether it is for fur, meat or simply protecting their home. Hunting should always have a purpose that is deeper than the act of downing a target.

For those with an emotional attachment to the wolf, I won’t dissuade you from your feelings. I ask only that you consider that management requires difficult decisions and a clear identification of for whom the management is being performed.

The series airs August 16 at 9pm ET/PT and concludes on August 23 at 9pm ET/PT.

Chris Burget- Editor Bulls and Beavers
Chris Koches – B&B Contributing Editor

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A few years ago I had a lengthy conversation with a very progressive, high level executive about the topic of social media, brand growth and ROI.  Given that his career had spanned decades, continents and cultures, he provided me with some valuable guiding thoughts which I have summarized below.

“Human nature dictates we believe more in things we can touch, taste, hear, see or smell.  Our brains are comfortable with the idea of investing “X” to receive back “2X”.  We like lines, cords, connectors that we can trace to know that things are linked and if certain levers or ropes are pulled or pushed, then we will receive our due reward.

Measuring social media ROI however is not analogous with counting extra cash generated from customers bringing in coupons.  Social media ROI comes in many forms, not always tied directly to increased sales and profitability.

Brands who want to gain and or maintain leadership should consider the term compensation in place of the more quantitative ROI acronym.  Social media builds awareness, trial and if done well, brand loyalty.  Social media also builds both tangent and non-tangent connections that open undiscovered opportunities for synergy among companies, customers and members of the community.

The closing statement before he departed on his flight back to New York …

“Chris, always remember that compensation comes in many forms, it’s not all about dollars.”

As someone who has grown from a start-up blogger to founding a media company, I’ve walked long miles with this conversation in my head.  By not always seeking ROI at every intersection, I’ve built friendships and relationships that have consistently led to unimagined opportunities.

During these past few years as social media has continued to evolve and strengthen, I have had the privilege of interviewing some of the most influential CEOs within the Outdoor Industry.  With like minded consistency, these CEOs see beyond quarterly profit calculations.

Jeff Paro, CEO – InterMedia Outdoors:  www.imoutdoorsmedia.com

“Social media is all about making connections and for the 50-million plus sportsmen we engage at InterMedia Outdoors.

Social media is the virtual campfire around which we can gather every day to share our favorite stories, photos, tips and experiences.”

Rick Elder, CEO – Smith Elite:  www.elite.smithoptics.com

“I have found social networking to be a startlingly effective brand magnifier.  If done correctly, the return on investment is found in both depth and breadth.

The depth of the experience is limited only to the imagination and is enriched by the communities that it touches.

The breadth is limitless as this medium becomes the community nexus of current and upcoming generations.”

Lou Reilly, CEO – Gamo Outdoor USA:  www.gamooutdoorusa.com

”We use social media primarily as a tool to continue an ongoing dialogue with our consumers and brand awareness of our new exciting products of all our portfolio brands of products.

We are very flattered when we receive posts on our social media sites about of how our consumers use our products and spend hours of enjoyable time using our products.

Social media allows us to bring our Gamo Outdoor teams closer to our consumers.”

Gavin Harvey, CEO – Sportsman Channel:  www.thesportsmanchannel.com

“Sportsman Channel is more than a TV network, it is a movement.  Social media fuels the spread of our message among enthusiasts and is essential to our growth.”

Brad Gebhard, CEO – Magnum USA:  www.magnumboots.com/us

“Taking care of our customers is at the forefront of everything we do. We recognize that more and more consumers are using different channels to connect with each other, and voice their unfiltered opinions about product experiences.

Inside of relying solely on traditional means of advertising and outreach, which primarily is a one-way street, we’re using social media to not only connect with our end users, but to generate two-way conversations.

We want to learn more about who they are, what they’re using our products for and how we can continue to build better products based on their feedback.

In this day and age, more and more consumers are turning to each other to find opinions on products and service, and we’re committed to providing the online forums for our consumers to connect with each other.”

In addition to meeting industry leaders, having a social media mindset to think beyond ROI, has led me to become more involved with community activities.  Through social media, I have become involved with promoting Higher Ground – a wonderful Sun Valley based organization which focuses on helping our military veterans heal through outdoor recreational therapy.

These are simple but powerful examples of how social media has brought to me increased connections, deeper meaning and ultimately a richer life.

I acknowledge with full head and heart on a daily basis that social media is truly part art and part science.  It is part fact and part faith.  It’s a windy, miraculous journey to say the least.

Social media’s growth, at its purest level, is the best concrete proof that we are all connected on many levels as both humans and as consumers.  To find the real wealth in life – all we have to do is continue to reach out to others in as many forms and fashions as possible.

Bulls & Beavers LLC. ,Copyright 2012

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When disaster does strike, and technology is perhaps not available or has failed, it is always good to have been prepared with some fundamental gear and knowledge.  A trusted knife, firearm, proper clothing, water, sturdy cord, trapping, fishing and food identification skills, fire starting, navigation by stars or compass and creating an emergency shelter are all simple examples that traditional sportsmen should possess so as to not lean purely on modern technology and amenities.

Worst case scenario aside, it’s great to know that all these technologies and improvements have added to our ability to pursue the traditions of the outdoor lifestyle in a safer way.  I look forward to sharing many stories in the next year about great products, adventures and truly life saving knowledge.

Stay Tuned and All the Best …. Chris Burget

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