Recently I was asked in a podcast interview what a young
person should do if he or she wanted to make a career in the horse industry. My
answer surprised the host, I think. It had more to do with what the person
already had going than how to become something else.
I used myself as an example. In 1997, when I started my
first syndicated radio show about horses, I had no expertise in the subject. I
mean, zero. What I did have was 20+ years of experience in audio production, an
understanding of how syndicated radio works, a studio, a staff, and an
entrepreneurial spirit. By starting a radio show about horses, I applied my
expertise to a subject I found interesting and created a product for which
there was a demand. I had incentive to make it work because I needed the money.
In time, I developed a fair amount of expertise about horses, but that did not
contribute to my radio success; it was a byproduct of my success.
So back to you or any person wanting to work in the horse
industry. Instead of starting with where you’d like to be and working backwards
to figure out how to get there, start with where you’re at today, and look for
ways to use your current skills and predispositions to create something really
great that people really want. Don’t pattern yourself after a person you
idolize. Be honest about who you really are and what you might be able to
offer.
What if nothing comes to mind? Then do something to
stimulate your imagination! Read articles, watch videos, talk to people, network.
One great thing about the times we live in is that there are truly endless ways
to kick start yourself.
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