| You have a great idea for a business, you're going | | | | kids, and of course your own pets. You can also |
| to babysit dogs for people who work all day and | | | | write off a portion of your mortgage on your |
| don't want to leave their best friend at home | | | | income taxes as a business expense. |
| alone. GREAT! Now what? | | | | 4. You really need to enjoy people and dogs! |
| Here are a few tips that will work with any | | | | Many business owners don't really like to deal with |
| business, but you will find equally helpful in how to | | | | people. If you are one of these people I would |
| start a Doggy Day Care Business. | | | | suggest you find a job where you are alone, |
| As with any new business idea there are a few | | | | because working with the public requires you to |
| decisions you have to make first. | | | | be happy and up all the time. You'll need to be |
| 1. Evaluate the competition. Is there anyone else | | | | selling your business at the grocery store, at the |
| in your area doing this business? If there is, what | | | | PTA meeting and of course while you're at work. |
| can you do better than them? Investigate; learn | | | | More importantly, you really need to ask yourself |
| everything you can about your competition then | | | | if you like dogs. You may laugh, but you really |
| beat them. Remember, it's you against them, if | | | | have to ask yourself this question. If you think a |
| they get all the customers you get none of the | | | | doggy day care seems like it's a good money |
| money, so compete and win. | | | | maker, but you don't really like dogs then this is |
| 2. Start your own business or buy a franchise? | | | | not the business for you. |
| There are a lot of benefits to buying a ready | | | | 5. This is the most important part of starting any |
| made franchise. A franchise will give you a | | | | business. Ignore the doubters! There will be those |
| business plan, a name, a marketing plan and an | | | | folks you tell your idea to who will tell you it is the |
| idea of how to make your new business work. | | | | dumbest thing they have ever heard. Ignore |
| There are a number of different franchises that | | | | them! In fact, don't tell anyone except your most |
| you can purchase and each is slightly different n | | | | trusted friends, until you have the doors open and |
| their approach. Do some research and determine | | | | you're making money. |
| which one suits your personality. | | | | You now know how to start a doggy day care, |
| 3. Store front or home based business. Both have | | | | but remember these few other hints. Network |
| benefits. If you chose a store front you will have | | | | with other business owners and build alliances. |
| the benefit of walk-in and lots of exposure to | | | | Other business owners will recommend you to |
| new customers. A home based business afford | | | | their customers. Get involved in your community; |
| you the luxury of staying at home if you have | | | | people buy services from people they trust. |