*Getting Your Pet Business Off The Ground*

If you've ever started any kind of business in the past you understand the need for people to know and be able to find your business. Whether they're looking for you online, or by other means you can have the best ideas and services in the world but if no one can find you, your business will plummet and fail. In the past this caveat has stopped me dead in my tracks. I've been plagued with perpetual ideas and creative thoughts but I didn't have a tried and true way to get the word out.

And it seems I'm not alone. So in this post I'll give you the tips that I've found have finally worked for me, and ones that I'm in the process of trying myself. Fortunately, because of being in a niche pet business this tedious task can become a little more interesting and fun. Let's get started!

1.~Shelters & Rescue Centers~ Because most shelters and rescue missions are in dyer need of volunteers and help, you as a pet business start-up can use this to your best advantage. While assisting the organization you can also assist your business too. For instance if you offer dog walking as your pet business, why not go to your local shelter and offer your services to the shelter dogs, in exchange for leaving your advertising materials, or business postcards.

These dogs especially need human interaction and in most cases love the attention that you walking them will bring. Or if you're a pet photographer why not donate a few photo sessions with some of the dogs or cats. Some lively pictures taken by a pet photographer could boost their chances of being adopted, and bring you in some clients to boot. Instead of their usually drab and depressing photos you'll bring some life to their photos.

2.~Dog Parks and Events~ If you haven't already you should map out and frequent dog parks and events that cater to pets and animals. These events are a great place to meet and familiarize yourself with your local pet and animal community. You'll in most cases find that the pet parent community is one that is easy going, and very approachable. This aspect is one of my favorites when it comes to working with pets and their parents. Take some business cards with you stapled to some gourmet pet treats and hand them out to parents at the park. Everyone loves free stuff and with you business card attached or some other type of promotional item, you'll be remembered easily and fondly.

Try to offer some part of your services free at first. I know just starting out it may seem counter-productive but it actually can work in your favor in the long run. When you're just starting out working for free can allow you to grab a good chunk of customers/clients and that later on will benefit you in ways that trying to be paid first can't. And personally I find it easier to offer things for free and people seem accept what you have to offer if you offer it for free (at least in the beginning :)

Pet friendly events can also be a great way to connect with your community and pet parents. In addition to participate as a vendor for these events are usually less expensive than traditional events. This is sometimes the case if the event is primarily for animals and pets. For instance here in the Hampton Roads, VA area we have an event called The Pet Palooza and to be a vendor is FREE! So you'll want to research this type of advertising as being in the center of an event like this can truly catapult your pet business, and your client base as well.

3.~Big Box Pet Stores~ Unless you're a direct competitor to those big box pet chains you could look into setting up a table and a chair outside the store and hand-out your pet business cards or postcards showcasing your pet service or products. The traffic at these locations especially after 4pm and on the weekends can be tremendous. Depending on what you're offering this avenue could prove to be very lucrative for you. Such pet businesses like waste removal, pet sitting, walking, grooming, photography, therapy, training can all be a great business to advertise outside of these stores. That is of course if they don't offer them there, obviously you'll need to check the details on this one.

4.~Small Pet Boutiques and Bakeries~ Most of these type of stores typically have specific product lines and services they offer. If you offer something that maybe they've thought of adding or looking into, you can step in and offer your services per appointment or on a couple of days of the week basis. For instance, if you provide artisan work like pet artist you can ask to set up your drawing table in the store or bakery and provide services to the customers in the store. They'll love the added convenience and the owner will love it to because it adds value to their establishment. In some cases the owner may ask for a percentage of your profits or if you're a creative negotiator you can find a way to work this angle without money. If you approach this type of co-op'ing a good idea is to have materials to leave in advance that states that you and your services or products will be available on these days from these times. Just showing up can sometimes backfire when it comes to the stores customers, but in other cases it could be just what you need. You'll need to asses your situation for this.

Ok, so there you have it 4 good ways to get your pet business launched or going. Do you have some great ways to launch a pet business? We'd love to hear you!!! Leave a comment for other budding petrepreneurs and 'pay it forward'.