You've Had The Ah-Ha Moment Now...

You may be thinking that the next step is to dive right in feet or head whichever you prefer first. Well hold on there now, just a minute.

A lot of people that are new to the petpreneur/entrepreneur lifestyle will want to go full throtle and get their product made, out there and make the big bucks, but there is a critical step that you should take to ensure your success. Wanna know what it is?

Of course you do because you want to succeed at this thing called business. Well here it is, it's pretty easy just so you know upfront.

----> Secure Your Customers First<----

That's right, you have to, you need to, Secure Your Customers First! Even before you have a fully functioning and complete product or service structure you should really take the time to learn all you can about your customers. They're the ones that will make or break your business so it would be in yours and your future businesses best interest to know who they are and where you can connect with them easily (read for free).

So many 'just getting started' entrepreneurs totally get this critical step backwards, and I'm no exception here my friends. I too fell victim to this on many-o-launches and I gotta tell you it showed about 6 months or less into the venture. Without connecting with and really understanding what it was that my customers wanted from me or needed, I was sunk before I could shove off. Not sure what I mean here's how you feel when it's happening:

**You're excited your product is complete and you know you're gonna get some customers because you're so excited and your confidence is through the roof, this will be great you think. Then two months later, you're wondering why am I sinking in product with little to no customers, you feel defeated, and burnt out. ** Have you been there yet, or are you going?

Snap out of it! Launching your pet-inspired business doesn't have to be this way, you can take another path. No it won't be all easy peasy, but you can eliminate some of this emotional and physical heartbreak by simply finding and connecting with your customers First*

---->Don't Chase Your Tail Action Point: here's what you can do right now. If you're not on Facebook, or Twitter go sign-up now, it's free and takes just a few minutes. Get a blog, and update it at least weekly, this will help you to get a 'following' of potential customers reading what you have to say.

Remember the lifestyle you want won't fall into your lap, you gotta work for it!

*And if you have a question or want feedback give me a *woof* and I'd be happy to give my .02! I like to do that :)

~Ms.Bark - Rickina

The Niche that is Recession-Proof

It seems that even though Americans are skimming on other luxuries, Fiffy and Fido are still getting the royal treatment.  In 2008 alone American's spent 43.2 billion according to the American Pet Products Association, those little endulgences for the furry family member are still holding strong.

What does this mean? Well for you the startup or the one waiting to leap it means that the endulgence pet business is still growing and doing pretty well.  A New York deluxe boutique called the Le Chien recently was quoted saying, "People are not exactly buying the mink throws or alligator collars, but they are still coming for the grooming every week and the toys," said Edward Alava, who has been a manager at the shop for more than a decade". Grooming at Le Chien starts at $125 and most patrons add on services like hot oil skin treatments and teeth-cleaning. According to an article in the Daily News | Money.

----> Don't Chase Your Tail Action Point: So to take action on this market you need to do a few things right now!  Research--> Is there a market in your city or neighborhood for luxury spa pet services? Look through your yellow pages and see.  If so go and check them out, see what services they offer and at what price? Can you do it, or do it better, cheaper, or faster, or with better pet-customer service?  What about their product offerings, can you find some unique items they don't carry?  Or maybe you could capitilize on something their missing.  These are things you can do TODAY to get started.  

Remember your new life and the freedom it brings will not be handed over to you, ya gotta work for it!