This is the first part in a three part series for determining the Definite Major Purpose for your horse business. A Definite Major Purpose (DMP) is exactly what it says it is. Determining the DMP for your horse business will allow you to focus on those things that bring you fulfillment and make your horse business more profitable.

Part 2 will discuss how to say No in the horse business. Knowing what you are not is a vital part of your Definite Major Purpose.

Part 3 will discuss the right way to take action in the horse business. Having this information is useless if you don't start taking action now.

So let's get started. Part 1 discusses what successful ( a.k.a. profitable ) equine professionals already know - You have to specialize in order to excel. However, you don't have to be the best NCHA cutting horse trainer to operate a more profitable horse business. You don't have to have the most famous stallion station in order to operate a profitable horse business. But, you do have to find a niche. You need to be known for something. Anything. So how do you decide on what that one thing is?

Passion
How do you know what to specialize in? The part that makes you want to get up in the morning. That passion within that only you know about right now. That's it. And pretty soon, everybody is going to know about it.

First, forget about the horse business! Of course you have a passion for horses. Why else would you be here? However, the first step to defining your major purpose is to determine your primary passion that brings you fulfillment.

This primary passion is not your family. It is not your horses. It is not your home. Your primary passion is what makes you, YOU.

Now, imagine meeting someone new. What do you wish they would ask you about? What would they have to bring up in order for you to actually enjoy a conversation with a complete stranger? Read through the following starter questions:

• Would you teach me how to do activity X?
• Can you help me promote product X?
• How can I improve the environment?
• How can I structure a deal with business X?
• How can I sale product X?
• Would you like to learn X?
• Could you look over these numbers for me?

One of these may be dead on for you. Or, they may all miss you by one hundred miles. Either way, you can now start to wrap your brain around determining your primary passion in life. Try coming up with some of these questions on your own. You may be an educator, a student, a number cruncher, a promoter, a deal-maker, an entrepreneur, etc.

Remember that experience levels Do Not matter. If you are not yet in the horse business, that's OK. In fact, it's perfect. You're starting with a blank slate and don't have to worry yourself with the paralysis of routine. Reflect upon the things you enjoy and determine what it is about your personality that makes you enjoy those things.

Many of us have been so entrenched in the horse business for so long, we don't really know what we're passionate about... Aside from trying to scratch a living out of the horse industry. That's OK. Think back until you can remember not having horses, or not having to make a living with them. What were you passionate about then?

Now, let's slowly start thinking about the horses in your life again. Look deep within and determine what brings you the most fulfillment when carrying out the responsibilities involved in your horse business.

Two Examples to Help You Get Started
Two reining horse trainers ride 15 head a day. Every day. Maybe not Sunday, but the point is they work hard for their dollar and are consumed by their horse training business. Let's also say they are both starting two-year-olds and then riding them into their three-year-old year.

Trainer 1 finds a great deal of satisfaction on days 1-120. After thoughtful preparation and a consistent routine, Trainer 1 guides the colt to execute a new maneuver. The colt picks it up on the first try and Trainer 1's heart sings.

Trainer 1 is a teacher.

Many trainers are introverts who work magic in private and struggle with the spotlight. That means nothing in regards to success. It means everything in regards to Trainer 1's fulfillment.

Trainer 2 finds a great deal of satisfaction on days 300-420. Now that the proper foundation finally exists on Trainer 2's colt, Trainer two starts adding some polish. Trainer 2 hauls the colt to a paid work and guides it through a make shift pattern. During that second turn-around Trainer 2 bumps the colt past the speed it's comfortable with and the colt just sails around that last spin beautifully.

Trainer 2's heart sings.

Trainer 2 is a closer. (this is a baseball reference so click here if you're not familiar with this term)

Many trainers excel in high pressure situations. Maybe Trainer 2 is actually a showman. Enjoying the spotlight isn't a sign of success either, but it is definitely a sign of what's required for Trainer 2's fulfillment.

Conclusion
Your role in the equine industry is not even close to as important as your personal role within your horse business. Determine your primary passion. The diversity of the equine industry can find room for any burning desire you may have. Ultimately, it will lead to two things:

• A more enjoyable horse business
• A more profitable horse business

What personal passion in your life brings you the most fulfillment? Write some down and Be Specific.

OK, now you have this dreamland idea of what your horse business could be and you're probably pretty skeptical about actually getting there. Well, the difference between you and everyone else is that you are taking steps to get there. And the next step is Part 2: How to Say No in the Horse Business. Focusing on horse business tasks that are relevant to your passion generates energy within your horse business and revenue streams for your bank account.

Continue: Saying No in the Horse Business: Definite Major Purpose Part 2

• Saying No in the Horse Business
• How to Take Action in the Horse Business