The following story is true. The names have not been changed to protect the innocent, because it was me and this guy that came to give me a quote on doing some work at my house, and I don’t remember his name anyway. We’ll just call him “the guy.”
Apparently my career in the dog grooming world is coming to an end. I don’t know the exact date, however, as no one has informed me yet. I rely on the “Doggie Grapevine” to let me know the scoop on the poop.
Don’t Let Your Profit Go Down the Drain
You work hard for your money and you need every tool that you use to work just as hard for you. And that includes your ‘liquid’ tools as well. Shampoos, conditioners, and styling products are all essential elements needed to produce a great groom.
Technology can open up a whole new world in three distinct ways:
1. Customer Perception
How your customer feels before, during, and after the groom.
Check in. Can you quickly check in a client and have all notes and histories ready and up to date? Sorting through paper index cards can be slow and hard to keep track.
“It’s All About the Money.”
Just as the styles for grooming pets has changed over the years, the way we get paid to groom has changed as well. Card readers that allow you to charge customers with a swipe through your cell phone or tablet, chip card technology to reduce theft, Paypal… it can all be a little confusing.
What is success? What does it really mean….to you? To some, it may mean financial independence; you can buy whatever you want and not bother with the price tag. It may mean being able to pay the bills as they come in. Everything has a price, and success is no different.
My neighbor has had a housekeeper for many years. She lives alone – no kids, no pets. She keeps her house very tidy, but needs a hand with dusting and doing the floors. She’s a great client. She has never once complained about a price increase, and the cleaning company has them regularly.
Picture this…You are the owner of a thriving grooming salon that also has huge retail sales. You and your staff are busy all of the time – with grooming slots that are filled days, or even weeks ahead. There is a steady stream of customers in and out of your retail area. But, something is wrong. You are busier than ever, yet – your cash flow does not reflect that increase in business. And, to top it off, you are experiencing inventory losses. Now what?
Build Your Business, Boost Your Bottom Line
Pet stylists all over the world work hard to build their careers – one pet at a time. There is plenty of money to be made in pet grooming, but it is your repeat customers that consistently pay your bills, put food on your table, and help you have a reliable, predictable income.
When I first went mobile, I immediately got involved in several social media groups to help me understand the new beast that I was involved in. It helped me learn some of the do’s and don’ts in the business, but ultimately, I was the one who had to make the decision of what I wanted to do. After all, it was MY Business.
Many of us have strengths in certain areas, but no one is an expert at everything. When one finds they are in need of expert advice, they turn to a professional in that field. As a Financial Advisor, I seek to help clients build a financially secure future. My passion is to construct customized financial plans to help families and business owners achieve their financial goals.