Network with Local Pet Business Owners on Facebook

Last week I was invited to a new Facebook group – DFW Pet Business Owners. This group was created by a pet business directory here in Dallas and has already been of immense value to me.

Creating a Facebook group is a super easy way to meet other business owners in your area and work together to create cross marketing campaigns, let each other know about advertising opportunities and pet events, and to allow each member to learn more about the other members services or products.

The Facebook groups also allow current members to invite other members to join the group – so once the group is up and started it can rapidly expand as all members add other businesses that they already have relationships with.

Once you have an active group going you can also use the Facebook groups application to set up live events so that the members of the group can meet face to face.

Before you create your own group make sure that one doesn’t already exist for your area. Just do a search in the Facebook search box at the top of your Facebook screen.

To create a group – go to your Home page (where you see the friend feed). On the left sidebar you should see the groups that you are a currently a member. At the bottom of that box you should see a link “More”. Click this link and then you should see at the bottom of the group list – “Create a Group”. Facebook will then lead you through the steps to setup your new group.

If you are already a member of a Facebook local pet business networking group – tell us what type of posts get everyone talking, or tell us what benefit you have gained from being a member.

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.