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I
have been fortunate to have known several
successful and influential people in the horse
business. For
the most part these people have shared their ideas
and philosophies.
A lot of what successful people do is based
upon common sense.
I have tried to adapt a common sense
approach to my own part of the horse business and
for the most part, good judgment and a logical
approach work well.
There
is one idea that was expressed to me several years
ago that really applies to about every aspect of
the horse business and to most of life for that
matter. I
would like to share that with you.
I
have a good friend who has been a successful
horseman, both as a breeder and in the marketing
aspect of the horse business.
My friend had been called by a horse owner
who wanted to
sell some of his horses and was hoping to employ
my friends services in doing so.
My friend asked if I would like to go with
him to the caller's place and look at the
horses. We met and went to the horse owner's place.
After keeping us waiting, he showed us the
horses. As
I remember, they were mediocre and over priced.
He then proceeded to show us his barn which
was nothing bad but nothing special.
Then we had to look at his pickup and
trailer. They
were about like everyone else's.
The horse owner had the attitude that he
had invented horses. The tour went on and on with
the horse owner showing us everything imaginable
and not being too humble about it.
I'm sure that most of the people reading
this have been to similar situations.
My friend politely shared some rather
general thoughts as to how the man might sell his
horses and we left.
Now, keep in mind, this had not been a real
interesting or pleasant experience.
We felt more annoyed than interested and
certainly did not want the job of selling his
horses. It was the kind of deal that regardless of our efforts, the
man would not be satisfied.
As
we were driving away, I remember making the
comment "That
man is certainly trying to be a big deal."
My
friend without thinking replied "He doesn't understand, a big
deal is nothing more than a little deal that works
well."..........
Think
about it. That
applies to so much of what we do and have.
A few mares producing quality foals that
are in demand is a better deal than dozens of
mares producing foals that no one cares about.
Selling a few horses at a profit beats
selling a bunch at a loss.
One horse that wins at a horse show is
better than a whole load that gets beat.
A well kept and well maintained place (even
though it may be small) will attract far more
attention than some huge deal that is falling
apart. And
as far as vehicles, no one really cares.
And most importantly, a pleasant, polite
attitude always attracts more attention and
business than someone who is noisy and arrogant. I
think about the big deal/little deal comment
several times a day and it has never failed to
make sense and, on many occasions, make a profit.
On
that note, I am going to wish everyone a happy
holiday season and a prosperous, healthy new year.
John
Hayes
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