Red Renchin, AFJ

Rocksie · Aug 26, 2014

Mikel Dawson said: ↑

Ray,
I know it's a tough world and getting started is even tougher - been there done that. Here are a few things I did when I started over here to get going:

1. BE ON TIME. I've had so many people comment to me about how their old farrier was late or never showed up. Even today with mobile phones, I still hear it. I've made it a standard policy for myself, if I think I am going to be 1 minute late, I call ahead and let the customer know. If I have an appointment at 1300, that doesn't mean I'm showing up at that time, that means I am set up ready to go to work.

2. BE HONEST. Don't try to tap dance your way around if you make a mistake. I had a customer call me a day later and say their horse was lame. As soon as possible I got to the horse, pulled the shoe. I could see I had a nail too close causing pressure on the sole. I showed them the problem, admitted it was my mistake, told them to keep in contact with me. That was 19yrs ago and I am still doing their horses. If you get into a situation over your ability, let the customer know. A couple weeks ago I was asked to put on some glue-ons because their own farrier didn't feel good enough to do them. I did the job and told the person if their own farrier wanted to be there the next time, she could assist and talk to me about it. She will join me later. The customer is very happy I am willing to work with her farrier. Honestly goes a long way.

3. DEVELOP GOOD BUSINESS PRACTICES. When you show up, have time for the customer and horses. The most important horse in the country is the one you are currently doing. People don't care about the next place you got to go to.
Take time to ask questions about their horses and the owners themselves. I try to take time for a cup of coffee with them. You will be amazed how much you can learn about a horse over a cup of coffee.
Show up clean and presentable. If you got to take extra shirts to stay that way, then do it. Some days I'll go through 5 or 6 shirts a day. Clean up after your done at a place so you're presentable to the next place. Good reason to hot shoe, warm water to clean up with. Along with this, try to keep your rig clean and presentable.
Schedule your next appointment, make sure they write it down, or write it on their bill.
Remember the only dumb question is the one never asked. If your customers got questions, take time to answer them or explain something to them.
Be polite to customers. Don't talk about another farrier's work. Unless you were there when the work was done, you know all the circumstances behind the shoeing method then you can't really make a judgment. Also it's something customers remember and just remember - what comes around, goes around.
If you have a telephone time, keep it. Make sure you're contactable. I tell my customers I don't keep my phone on me during my time off, but they also know it will switch over to an answering machine I have on my phone at home. If it's an emergency I'll get back to them if I'm home.
Inform your customers when you're taking a vacation or time off. This helps them plan as well.

4. SELF IMPROVEMENT. Take the time for clinics or ride along with other farriers. Schedule these ahead of time if possible and let your customers know you are doing these things.
Work to a certification. Many times that piece of paper and a dollar will get you a cup of coffee, but it is the journey to getting that piece of paper which makes you better.

When I started my business it took about 4 years until I could have a business supporting my house hold. Even after I had a well established business, I was called to Active Duty for a year. It took 2 years after I returned to get things back going again. A newbie is going to have to be flexible. If you are starting out and got a family to support, better plan ahead before stopping that other job. Be prepared to take every rank nasty horse in the world, because sometimes that's all that's left. Have other skills to to fill in the down time when starting, I know I had to.
I don't know everything, but I do know there is more to a successful business than just being the best iron banger, best trimmer, best shoer - but it sure goes a long way if you can do a good job as well and both the horse and owner are happy.

Such excellent advice, Mikel. Excellent for any business and just life itself. Thanks!

ray steele · Sep 5, 2014

Good follow up retort, in my estimation, to this article on the AFJ web stuff from a farrier in Texas,Nikki Smith. no offense to anyone, but to me, the best , most direct, yet succint.

Regards

Ray

Jeff Cota · Sep 5, 2014

Here's the link if anyone would like to read Nikki's rebuttal:

http://www.americanfarriers.com/pag...-On-The-Individual,-Not-The-School-9-5-14.php

ray steele · Sep 5, 2014

Jeff Cota said: ↑

Here's the link if anyone would like to read Nikki's rebuttal:

http://www.americanfarriers.com/pag...-On-The-Individual,-Not-The-School-9-5-14.php

Jeff,

thanks for that......but I think your "dumbing it down for these folk" .

it s not that hard to find the article....he said , who subscribed to the updates. but who can t...or is too lazy to learn how to cut and paste or however that is done !

thanks

Ray

david a hall · Sep 6, 2014

Jeff Cota said: ↑

Here's the link if anyone would like to read Nikki's rebuttal:

http://www.americanfarriers.com/pag...-On-The-Individual,-Not-The-School-9-5-14.php

Yep that says it well.

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