Farriers have a tendency to live and work in a cave. The “going-it-alone” mentality may cause you to forget the clients, other farriers, veterinarians and trainers that make up your business or help it run smoothly. Not only should you make it a point to strengthen these critical relationships, you should make it a top priority.

Here’s the bottom line: no matter how determined, hardworking and talented you may be, you simply can’t be a successful farrier all by yourself. Never forget that teamwork is critical for your success.

Defining Good Clients

If you are selling a service to clients, then you are selling a relationship.

Doug Butler delivers the best advice on maintaining professionalism with your clients. I will add a few thoughts on this subject:

• You are a representative of this industry for the client. Never bad mouth or gossip about farriers, vets or other owners. Doing so puts you in a bad light and can place you in uncomfortable situations. Do the best work you can, even when no one is watching.
• Address what the client wants. Your clients are interested in themselves and what they perceive as the needs of their horses, not you and your accomplishments within the industry.
• Turn your negatives into positives. Since you don’t have many clients you will have time. Translate that time into superior service.

At this point in your career, you may be more concerned about finding new clients than evaluating the ones you have, but it is a…