We've Switched to WordPress!

Hey there Bark Business readers and visitors! Thank you for stopping by to read about pet business launching resources, tips and tricks!

We've decided to make the Big switch to Wordpress! Let me tell you why? We've decided to give you more information, more resources, more tips and just more goodies, and on Wordpress we can do that much more easily. So come see our new digs!

But hey there may be some posts down there you wanna still read, so go right ahead, cause we're gonna keep our spot here too! :)

Thanks again,

Rickina

Your Dog is....Amazing!

As loyal pet parents we all know how truly amazing our pets are in our lives. From making you feel loved when you had a rotten day, to keeping your feet warm on a cold winter morning.

And maybe just maybe you've been able to solve some of life's most complex problems, issues or dilemmas with the keen insight of your furry companion by your side. I know for me I realized what my dear sweet Orla taught me after it was too late. I learned that love is simple, and that being a good friend doesn't take rocket science it just takes you being there.

So it's no wonder that a pet parent has written a book on what our pets can teach us humans about life, love and a happiness. Sheryl Matthys founder of Leashes and Lovers shares tips and stories with dog lovers like YOU, and how our furry companions can show us the way.

As a pet parent and one that is always looking for ways to learn more about our family dog, it's refreshing to see that there is some truths to what we've all known all along. Our pets are...Amazing!

So if you can attend I recommend being a part of the Leashes & Lovers launch, and/or buying the book and find out what else you can learn from your pets...because we know there's more that we all can learn from them. :)

Among some of the things Matthys shares in her book Leashes & Lovers is how to:

-->Launch a new relationship

-->Strengthen relationships with a lover, friends, and family

----> Create deeper and more real relationships

-->Explore what’s missing from your life and make it whole

-->Make the best of a break-up and decide who gets the dog

-->Handle jealousy and your emotions when others aren’t into your dog

Wanna Go? Details below:

PARTY:
Tues. March 30^th 7 – 9:30 PM
Blvd, 199 Bowery at Spring St, NYC
Tickets ~ $35/person • Dogs get in FREE!
http://LeashesandLovers.com/thebookparty
Friends of American Humane Association $30 entry with coupon code: BOOK

Party Includes:

· Live Music by Toby Lightman

· Signed Leashes and Lovers book

· Raffle prizes worth $$$

· Dog Stunts by Atka, the Amazing Eskie, with Thy Cavagnaro

· Canine Catwalk Parade* $5/dog
Your dog’s 15 Seconds of Fame! Dress your dog to the K-Nine’s

· A welcome of The American Humane Association

· Goodie bags for first 300 guests

· PRIVATE mingling with dogs/dog lovers in 6 rooms

Raffle prizes include dog treats, jewelry, training books, party baskets, and more!

Party proceeds to help benefit The American Humane Association advocates for both animals and children who believe in the power of the human-animal bond.

VIRTUAL BOOK LAUNCH
Wed. March 31 – Order the book that day and be eligible for bonus gifts and prizes!
http://LeashesandLovers.com/thebook

Prizes include: website creation, jewelry, dog bed, collars, a shopping spree, coaching, and more!

Traffic Generator... A Series*

Welcome to the first installment of The Bark Business Tips Series. In a world of information overload, I've received lots of emails asking for just quick tips. So I thought it might be a bit refreshing too, to just give quick little action-based tips that you can try right away or test out.

Each little tip and trick will be real quick, and really helpful. While you may already be trying or using some of them my hope is that you'll also find some that you haven't heard of or thought to try.

Remember in the world of your pet niche business the idea is to captivate your pet parents any way you can and gain their trust, and entice them to get to know you and your products and/or services, but they need to find you in the sea of the 'WWW'!

Here's what I'll ask from you my readers and visitors. That if you find a tip or trick you think is pretty darn cool, stupid, or neat-o Tweet It, or leave a nice little comment below. Yes I said stupid, because you know what they say, even bad banter can garner attention* :)

Soo let the Series begin!

------>Traffic Generator #1<---------

Become a Featured Expert Columnist

** Article marketing. An effective way of generating traffic to your website over time. However, a much more direct way of getting your website in front of your target market is by doing something a bit more targeted than traditional article marketing. Because you're in the animal and pet industry you need to specifically target this audience.

Two of the Big ones to put articles at are:

www.Ezinearticles.com

www.Isnare.com

But a more targeted approach is seeking out other pet bloggers, industry websites and blogs. Ask to be a guest blogger, or if you can submit articles and attach your website information at the end. A good place to start is by doing a search for pet bloggers, or animal bloggers, take a look at their content and see if what you've got to share is a good match.

Don't forget tip #2 will be available next week!

Paws & Wags,

Rickina

Let's Co-Op and Grooow!

I had wrote a post earlier that made a quick point about swapping marketing materials with other pet business owners to share with each others customers, and the idea keeps weighing on my mind. I've seen this particular version of sharing work wonders in another market I was a part of several years ago.

Not only did it prove to be very successful for those involved, but it was fun to boot. If you missed the concept let's review real quick:

**Petpreneur #1*** Verde Tree Organics -You're an organic pet bakery shop. You just opened up shop 6 months ago and while you're pluggin along and gaining a loyal pet parent following you'd like to expand and gain some online exposure as well.

**Petpreneur #2*** Shelby's Sweet Sweaters - You're a handcrafted pet sweater business owner. You've been in business for over 3 years and have never ventured to gain customers outside of your home town. Now you'd like to gain a following in neighboring cities.

Both business owners have business cards, or cute hand out cards that they give to all of their customers and parents. They meet at a local dog park one day and discover their common business ownership.

They decide to swap their creative cards with one another and hand them out to each others customers upon sales or generated interest.

**BINGO** new connections have been made and the potential to new business is organically fostered!

It makes perfect marvelous sense and it's a win/win situation for everyone. You share a product or service you believe in, have used or endorse and your customers grow even more fond of you and the trust factor is raised that much more.

Want to know how to get started? It's a snap and I'd love to show you just in case you need some assistance! A quick email or two should do it!