Network, Network, Network

We had six new dogs come in today.  As usual, I asked each of them how they heard about The Village Groomer & Pet Supply.  Not one of them came through an advertisement or the phone book.  Not even one of them came through our website.  Every single one of them came from a referral, either by an existing customer or another pet care professional in the community.  And so it goes.  My deepest belief in the importance of networking rings true.  I spend a lot of time talking to the vet techs, dropping in on the veterinarians, doing little favors for the trainers, etc.  Some of the animal control officers in my community call on me for a favor with a matted or neglected animal they’ve rescued, and I am there for them, baby!  All of the advertising money in the world cannot take the place of exceptional goodwill.  Networking is like karma.  What goes around comes around. 

A few thoughts on networking...  If you live in an area where there are several vets, pet sitters, etc…, spread the networking wealth.  Refer as many fellow pros as possible, not just one.  I realize you may have your favorites, but unless you genuinely dislike a fellow business person or their practice, keep those referrals bouncing from one biz to the next.  Speak their praises and make sure you say, “Tell ‘em The Village Groomer  sent ya’! ( Fill in your business name, of course.)  And one more thing to remember,  like many of our mamas have said, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”  It all comes back one way or another.  It can be positive or negative.  That’s up to you.  People will talk, but it’s up to you what they will say in your actions and energies regarding your business!  By the way, do you know a good animal communicator?