What will make you a successful sheep farmer? What business skills do you have and what ones do you need to develop further? In this episode we explore the five key business skills you need for sheep farming success! Five business skills for farming success1.      Lifelong learning - tips•        Attend expos and seminars/webinars•        Get a mentor – business and farming•        Join an association for your farming passion •        Build a relationship with your local VET before you need them!•        Ask questions•        Read 2.     Strategic planning – tips•        WHAT - Have a clear objective – what are your aiming to achieve in your farming enterprise?•        WHY- Be clear on your vision and mission – why are you in this business? •        WHO- low cost - standard products and services to broad markets at the lowest competitive prices or differentiated – tailored solutions for specific customers, high levels of service and strong relationships.•        HOW- Think about what the farming of tomorrow will be  3.     Finance – tips•        Project a professional approach •        Use a tax compliant invoice template •        Save time by using technology •        Record your stock numbers at the end of the tax year – sold, deceased, owned •        Get a trusted accountant •        Think about registering for GST 4.     Marketing & Selling- tips•        Know your audience and help to educate them •        Communicate the benefits, use the heart to sell•        Value add your product or farming service •        Build your brand or presence •        Use a variety of marketing approaches •        Use cute for clicks•        Play to your strengths – if you can write, speak, take photos, volunteer … 5.     Technology- tips•        Make it easy to do your accounting – how much is your time worth?•        Get a professional email address – jill@hallstonvalleyfarm.com.au•        YouTube is the second most used search engine – video it!•        Use a database or excel for your stock records•        Use apps, Facebook groups/online forums Useful websites and apps•        https://wiltshirehornaustralia.com.au/•        https://www.mla.com.au/•        https://www.nlis.com.au/•        https://www.zoetis.com.au/livestock-solutions/sheep/index.aspx•