The annual Farrier Supplies And Services Directory has become a trusted resource for the industry in its years of existence. Another benefit to this issue is the collection of business articles that appear in its pages. Since 1982, this special issue has helped farriers find valuable strategies for growing and protecting their businesses, earning more income and keeping that money in their pockets.

Many farriers found the notion of owning their business a clear benefit to entering the trade. Of course, owning a business comes with the responsibility of running it like a business. Those duties to keep your business moving often can sound less than appealing for many farriers. For example, sitting down after a long day or week and working on your billing and collections is a necessary, but seldom desired, task.

Lessons Found Within

If you are one who detests the less desirable duties of running your own business, take a lesson from Australian farrier Rachael Kane. In her article, she discusses how changing her approach to marketing benefited her footcare practice. Within the article, Kane discusses the need for farriers to delegate some business needs. 

“It is important as farriers that we recognize we are trades people and focus on our strengths and delegate to other professionals. … If you don’t possess a skill set, go find it. You don’t have to be all things to yourself or anyone else.”

Kane goes further by discussing the opportunity cost associated with holding onto or ignoring tasks…