American Farriers Journal
American Farriers Journal is the “hands-on” magazine for professional farriers, equine veterinarians and horse care product and service buyers.
MARKETING TOOLS. Farriers need to get their name out in front of the public. Holding a shoeing demonstration is one way to do so. Clark Beckstead of Santa Barbara, Calif., demonstrates pulling a shoe.
BEGINNING AND BUILDING a successful farrier business takes some planning. While this is particularly important for the beginning farrier, many of the same principles apply to a seasoned farrier moving to a new area or to any who wish to build their business.
One proven method for helping a new business to succeed is putting a business plan down on paper. While there are a variety of business plan formats available, you can develop one of your own quite easily. Simply decide what goals you have for your business, both short and long term. Write them down, then write a paragraph under each goal describing how you plan to achieve it.
For instance, suppose one of your goals is to become an American Farrier’s Association (AFA) Certified Farrier. Determine the number of hours you’ll need to practice, what clinics you want to attend and which clinicians you want to hear and set out a study schedule.
Follow the plan and you will reach your goal. You can do this for all aspects of the new shoeing business. Goals should be set in areas such as finances, skill level, the type of clientele you want, personal growth, etc.
When a person hires someone to work for them on a…