stages in starting - the dog gurus · 2018. 7. 5. · one of the best aspects to starting a pet...

By The Dog Gurus

YOUR PET CARE CENTER5STAGES IN

STARTING

Copyright © 2018 • TheDogGurus.com 2

You have a dream of owning a pet care center ….so what’s next? There are five stages to turning your vision into reality. Everyone’s dream and personal situation is unique so the time spent working on each stage will vary by individual. These “Five Stages” will assist you in setting your new business up for success.

Stage 1: Feasibility, Research & Planning

You have a dream, but it’s critical you confirm your business can be successful. For most people, success means a profitable business that contributes to your household income.

The key questions to answer during the feasibility, research and planning stage include:

• Will your market support your business dream?

• Is owning and/or operating a pet care service business a good fit with your personality and family lifestyle?

• Do you currently have (or have access to) the money required to open a business?

Once you confirm the answer is YES to all three of these questions, it’s time to move to the next stage.

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Stage 2: New Business Development

One of the best aspects to starting a pet services business is the range of services you can offer. You can create a niche service business that reflects your vision as long as it aligns with your market.

The key questions to answer during the new business development stage include:

• What mix of services will you offer (i.e. daycare, training, boarding, grooming, etc)?

• Where will your business be located (comply with local zoning or licensing requirements)?

• Who is your competition (detail services offered and pricing)?

• Who is your ideal customer (be specific with demographics and income)?

• What is your brand (theme, name)?

• Why will the market choose you over the competition? What is your niche?

• What do you need to learn about pet care and owning a business?

• How much revenue do you need the business to generate?

• Will you buy, lease, or build your building or will you work out of your home?

• Is purchasing an existing business or a franchise the best fit for you?




As you answer these questions you will start working on getting your new business organized.This part of the new business development stage is where your new business begins to take shape and you start spending money! You will also start letting key people in your market know about your plans. Be open to constructive feedback -- it will set you up for success. Also, prepare yourself for naysayers who will discourage you. A key attribute shared by successful entrepreneurs is perseverance. If this process was easy, there would probably already be sufficient pet care businesses in your market!

• Create your legal business entity (corporation, S Corp, LLC, etc)

• Register your business name and purchase your website domain name

• Build your professional team (CPA, Attorney, Insurance Agent, Banker, Consultants)

• Network in the pet care industry by joining associations, online chat groups and subscribing to industry publications

• Network in your local business market by joining your local Chamber of Commerce or other business networking groups

• Start creating your marketing plan

• Start creating your business plan

As you are getting organized you will also begin working on the next stage.




Stage 3: Zoning & Building Development

The most challenging aspect to getting started with a pet care service business is finding a location. This is the biggest barrier to entry and can take months or even years in some markets. The work you have done in Stage 2 will help you in this stage. This stage will also be one of the biggest tests of your patience and perseverance.

During the zoning and building development phase you will:

• Determine zoning laws and regulations in your county and state

• Perform a site search

• Design the layout or your building

• Finalize your business plan

• Secure financing

• Start construction or build-out of your facility

Once you have secured a location, the reality of your business is well underway. At this point, your new business starts to become a full-time job as you move to the next stage.




Stage 4: Preparation & Education

Time is money at this stage so your focus is getting the doors open for business as soon as possible.

Key tasks to complete include during the preparation and education stage include:

• Finalize your business mission and values statements

• Finalize operating plans for your services

• Set policies (hours, health and behavior requirements, payment, etc.)

• Draft job descriptions

• Educate yourself (pet care health and behavior; financial and staff management)

• Assign roles for key business systems and select outsource vendors as required

• Implement marketing plan pre-open tasks (website, social media, meet veterinarians, attend pet events)

• Purchase supplies and equipment

• Hire key positions (groomer, trainer, manager)

• Test run services

As the business owner, it’s tempting to plan to “do it all” so that you can retain control and/or save money. This is not realistic as there are not enough hours in the day. Successful businesses are a team effort. As an owner your key responsibilities should be marketing, customer service, financial manager and general manager of operations. Delegate other roles to family, staff or outsource vendors.




Stage 5: Business Opening

This is the day your dream becomes reality so do take time to enjoy it and congratulate yourself on a BIG accomplishment.

First impressions are critical so your focus during this stage includes:

• Top notch customer service

• High quality pet care

• Marketing – grow your client base (share testimonials)

• Document your procedures – key to consistency of care and customer service

• Staff hiring, management, and training

This is when you definitely feel like there are not enough hours in the day. Be careful to avoid burn out! Business ownership is a marathon, not a sprint! It’s very important to retain balance and spend quality time with family, friends, and your personal pets. Time will fly by and soon you will feel like an experienced pet business owner.




Success Tip: Reality Check

Don’t skip this tip! Six months after you open you need to stop and dedicate time to assess the reality of your business against your dream and plans. You’ve made changes and tweaked items based on the realities of your market place and your actual operating experiences.

The focus here is to confirm the reality of your business. Does your business make you happy and is it on target to meet your financial goals?

• Review your client growth rate

• Which services are most popular?

• How does revenue compare to your business plan forecast?

• How do expenses compare to your business plan forecast?

• Are your policies working for you and your clients?

• Are procedures documented and followed consistently by all staff members?

• What changes are needed in your marketing plan?

It is still early and now is the time to make changes. Ensure your business will be one you love and that provides for you financially. If you feel off-track then, get help from an experienced small business or pet industry consultant.



stages in starting - the dog gurus · 2018. 7. 5. · one of the best aspects to starting a pet...

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