Why Was I Fired?

You're bewildered by the Dear John letter you received from one of your favorite clients last Tuesday saying your services are no longer necessary. You thought your job was flawless and your client should be happy and now you scratch your head, confused by the baffling fact:  You've just been fired and don't know why.  To add insult to injury your customer refuses to talk to you or even return your phone calls.

You're not alone and it happens to the best of us.  There are many reasons why we get fired - maybe you just screwed up - it happens, or maybe it's as simple as a personality conflict, miscommunication or more likely your idea of the job may vary significantly with that of the customer.  Most often it has to do with economics.  They found someone cheaper.

Don't beat yourself up over it, stay positive, focused, learn a lesson, don't badmouth the customer but most of all, move on.  If a customer doesn't trust you or want you or is looking for the cheapest farrier in town, they've done you a favor by letting you go.  They have opened up a space in your schedule for boundless new possibilities.

Time is running out!

Membership Incentives

Take advantage of our Member get a member campaign and Chapter get a member campaign.  These membership incentives will end soon.

Membership Matters

Today as we struggle through these tough economic times and uncertain future, we need you more than ever to help us maintain our powerful voice and grow our membership.  For nearly the last half century the American Farriers Association has been a strong advocate and voice for farriers the world over

Strength in Numbers

Word-of-mouth is still the best way to grow AFA membership. By referring just one new member, you will make a difference. Please join us in this very important drive. Encourage someone new to join the AFA today.  Educate others about the benefits of AFA membership.

Special New Member Rate

For a limited time, any farrier who has never been an AFA member can get a one year trial membership for just $100.00!  But hurry because this offer ends December 31, 2012.

AFA Cultural Exchange Update

Follow Georgia Barry, CF on her grand adventure as this years recipient of the AFA Cultural Exchange Trip!

Select the blog link below to find out where she is and what's she's doing!

http://georgiasuktrip2012.blogspot.co.uk/

Member Benefits Bulletin

AFA Membership Directory:  The AFA has come up with what we think is a reasonable solution for the Membership Directory.  Like the Certification Study Guide, it will be distributed by e-mail; however, the AFA will provide print copies of the Membership Directory to members who request them.  You must make your request for the printed version no later than the close of business on Friday, September 14, 2012.  The Directories will be produced shortly after the Mid-Year Board of Directors Meeting and distributed no later than November 1, 2012.

Please contact the AFA office no later than September 14, 2012 if you want changes to your information that will appear in the directory.

Farnam Coupon Book:  Promote your services with a free business card horse owners are sure to hang onto!  The AFA Coupon Book has approximately $70 in Farnam horse care savings, exclusive to the AFA.  Every time horse owners save on horse care, they'll think of you for hoof care.  The coupon books include your name, address, phone numbers and e-mail  addresses, along with your professional experience, expertise, and specialties.

  To order your coupon books, go to www.horseshoerssecret.com and use your AFA ID # to log in.  The coupon books are only good until December, so act fast! 

AFA Certification Study Guide:  With the new online, downloadable, AFA Certification Guide, you can have your cake and eat it too.  Each of our Certification Guides contain all you need to know to be prepared for your AFA Certifications.  Better than ever, that's what many farriers are saying about it.  Some have printed the Certification Guide out in full page, color format and placed it in a loose-leaf binder for future reference.  This will preserve the booklet and make it easy to keep track of.  This will also make it easier to update later by only requiring the new updated pages to be printed and installed.

In keeping pace with an ever-changing world, the updated AFA Certification Guide is now available in PDF format for download to all members.  The new guide, with the most current information, rules and requirements, is now available to members at no cost, as a member benefit.  It can be viewed, downloaded or printed.

Of course, if you prefer, the guide is still available in hard copy.  The hard copy version of AFA Certification Guide may be purchased on line from the AFA store or ordered directly from the office.  The cost is $15.95.

Reminder to our Chapters:  Please provide the AFA office with chapter member e-mail addresses so all chapter members can begin receiving their digital edition of Professional Farrier magazine starting in April 2012.

2013 Contest Rules and Shoe Drawings now available!

 Events Calendar

Please send your events and functions to the AFA office for inclusion in the Website Events Calendar and our Facebook page.

The American Farriers Association, its officers, Board of Directors and employees will not be held liable for injury, loss or damage to personal property associated with non AFA events.