Ritch will discuss the following topics for consideration if you are opening a new facility:

Profile of a successful kennel owner and kennel operation
Anticipated/budgeted investment; Kennel design (Pro versus DIY);
Kennel equipment required

Most stylists dream of owning their own salon. Why work for someone else when you can collect 100%? The benefits of salon ownership are definitely beneficial to some. But, obviously there is a down side! As owner of Twickenton, a very large, prestigious salon in Dedham, MA, Christine will share some of her experiences that have made ownership rewarding, and some that make her question why she is still “In Charge.” In this interactive lecture, attendees are invited to share their experiences as owner and/or employee.

Do you want to create a better atmosphere in the workplace? A place where creativity can flourish and new ideas are welcomed? If there is one constant in any business it is this: There are always problems to solve! Join Melissa as she shares with you an energized system she has put in place at her own companies. By creating your own Wild Idea Club, you can cultivate a more harmonious relationship within your team. Large or small, this system works. It promotes a positive work environment – and improves your bottom line! It’s fun and it’s fresh. You don’t need to be an owner or manager to get the most out of this session. The beauty of a Wild Idea Club – anyone can start one!

Christine loves the challenge of dealing with a client complaint. She knows how to listen attentively and resolve issues in a manner that makes clients feel as if they have been heard and that their issue was dealt with fairly. Christine will discuss resolution of pet injury/vet bill, client/stylist miscommunication, and other sensitive issues. Attendees are encouraged to participate by asking Christine to address complaints they have received, and see how she would have handled them.

How do you set pricing for your work or your salon? Melissa shares a single page system she developed based on years of experience. The system allows for consistency across the board for both small and large pets and is fair to both the groomer and client. From the simplest jobs to the most complex, for new groomers just starting out or seasoned pros, the system works. Melissa helps you understand how and why the process works and how you can create your own pricing system. As a bonus, you’ll learn how to provide pricing estimates to new clients for any breed of dog or cat.

Adding a boarding facility to your grooming salon? Ritch will cover:
Anticipated/budgeted investment
Kennel design (Pro versus DIY); Kennel equipment required

If you are just starting out or revamping your salon, this class is for you. Ideas to help you establish and maintain the profit in your salon.. Donna will discuss a business plan and ways of creating your employer skills. With a PowerPoint presentation and hand-outs to illustrate ideas, you will enjoy learning to create your wave of success.

1. Importance of hiring the right employees for your business.
2. Process of placing an ad, setting up interviews, and the interview process.
3. Finding the right manager or managing the employees yourself.
4. Retaining the right employees and keeping them happy in their jobs.
5. Handling discipline and possible firing of an employee.
6. Forms for applications, reviews, “write ups,” and more.
7. Benefits, vacation days, sick days, and other “perks” of employment.
8. Handling security for your business (screenshots of software security).
9. Employee handbooks/rules.
10. Training new employees.

The secret is maximizing your Referrals, Rebooking & Retention Rate. By focusing on these concepts, you can have an enormous impact on your bottom line. For success, you must have the ability to retain clients. Building a system that highlights the 4 R’s is not an overnight process. You need to look at your business model as a whole. You need to leverage yourself within your team and your community. In this session, Melissa shares with you ways she has used multiple times within the pet services field.

1. Technology and the “woes” people have with technology in the pet industry.
2. Computer need, choosing the right one, and computer maintenance.
3. Is a network necessary and if so, how to go about setting one up.
4. Software needed for the industry, features specific to the industry
5. Website need and how to start one and market it, including a quick overview of search engine seeding and placement.
6. Facebook presence, set up, and maintaining it.
7. Other social media, such as Twitter.
8. E-mail marketing and the best way to handle it.

Having a well thought out emergency plan can save lives and your business. Learn how to prepare a plan to save your business information and your client’s most loved possession, their “fur” child. Natural or man made disasters happen every day. Many areas will actually put your plan at the local fire and police stations. Some local papers will give you free press by letting people know you plan to care for their pets with a “911 Plan.” Sam is known for her energetic and fun presentation of relevant topics to save you time/money and build a sound business, as well as raise your passion for it. Come spend an hour that can change your life.