Making a Positive First Impression

If you are as busy as I am, the first impression that potential clients get of your business is most likely to be your answering machine message. Of course it is preferable to answer every call personally but even if you carry your phone everywhere you go - you still can’t answer two calls at once!

You answering machine message on your cell and/or business phone should be professional and give clients information about the services or products you supply. Here is a sample script:

1) Introduce yourself - for example - “Hi this is Danielle with Claws Paws and Jaws Pet Sitters”

2) Give them information about the services you provide - “Claws Paws & Jaws provide professional in-home pet sitting services including overnight and midday walking visits in the cities of Euless and Grapevine”.

3) Encourage them to leave a message and let them know when they should expect a return call from you - “Please leave us a message with your name, city, and dates that you would like service. Our office hours are from 8am-5pm and we do return all calls on the same business day”

4) Give them a place to find more information on your service/product - “For more information about our services and rates please visit us online at www.Clawspawsjaws.com”

Make sure that you are smiling as you leave the message as this will give your voice a pleasant tone, and make the delivery smooth. Listen to your message and re-record if you are not happy with your first attempt.

Check your messages regularly and get back to clients as soon as you are able. Unfortunately quick response is not very common in business today so you will often be thanked by clients you do call back promptly and will avoid them calling around to find other service providers while they wait for you to call.

Owning a pet business does not guarantee you success, but it is generally not difficult to set up your own pet business adn many who own pet businesses love the hard working lifestyle and the closeness to pets. You will have to compete with those who may be better trained, may have lower cost structures and those who “pretend” to have your skills and experience when they do not. (eg not all those who advertise themselves as groomers are actually Groomers).

There are also key skills that all dog industry professionals should possess. Here are some of the most critical skills and abilities for those hoping to work with dogs professionally: Basic Dog Handling and Training Skills, ability to recognize behavioral signals.

Animals can be somewhat unpredictable when they are under stress or in an unfamiliar environment, like when they visit the veterinary office or the grooming salon, so it is important to be attentive and stay aware of the animal you are handling at all times.