If you are like 95% of pet care professionals, your #1 source of new customers is referrals. For garnering professional referrals, time spent networking with local businesses will pay dividends. Below are 5 creative ways to increase your referral network.

1. Network with Your Non-Competition

Being familiar with the dog-related businesses in your area also boosts your credibility amongst customers. If you only specialize in doggie daycare, you are bound to have customers ask if you offer other services like grooming or training. Having people to refer your clients to will help your business. Customers see you as a one-stop resource for dog services and will be grateful they don’t have to spend more time looking.

Don’t stop at knowing of them, but get to know them. Other businesses are a hot spot for potential customers. Look up other pet businesses and go tour their facility. You want to know that your customers will be taken care of when you refer them to other businesses.

Make a good first impression with other pet business owners by stopping by with cookies (or dog treats). Have a chat with them, ask about their business, and discuss yours as well. Start with commonalities such as the type of customers you appeal to, the marketing techniques you use, the dog daycare software you use, or the other industry affiliates you both have. Get a feel for how compatible you two would be as partners. You want to make sure this business is worth investing time in a relationship!

Leave them with your business card and invite them to stop by your business. Don’t forget to politely ask them to refer your business to customers. You’ll be able to share your canine clients without the worry of competition which makes this a win-win for all, especially the dogs!

Here are a few dog businesses to help you brainstorm who to network with:
Boarding Facilities
Daycare Facilities

Groomers
Pet Photographers
Pet Boutiques
Pet Sitters & Walkers
Trainers
Pet Toy Manufacturers
Pet Food Distributors

2. Network with Pet Retail Distributor

Take a look at local businesses that offer complimentary services to yours, but don’t limit it to pet businesses; working with a heavy foot traffic retail distributor could prove to be a beneficial referral partner. They can advise you on items that are most popular and update you when the latest products have come out so that you are always well-stocked with items that will sell. For more tips on pet retail, take a look at our article on 10 Tips for Choosing the Right Pet Products for Your Retail Section.

Because they also talk to other pet business owners on a daily basis, distributors are great resources for meeting new business partners. Ask if they have other clients in your area and if you can use their name as a reference when you contact their recommendations.

3. Got a Bulletin Board?

Allow other businesses to promote their services on your wall through posters and business cards. Be on the lookout for opportunities to have your name in someone else’ shop as well. While pet owners are waiting to pick up their dogs, they are very likely to eye the bulletin board. If you have special offers going on, be sure to advertise them and make your poster stand out!

4. Network with Your Local Vet

Establishing a partnership with a local vet provides your business credibility. Whether you own a large pet resort facility or a smaller dog walking business, you should network with the local vets in your area. Pet owners see them as the most trustworthy source for any of their pet needs. Invite them to stop by a tour of your facility or offer to host their dog for a complimentary night so they can try your business out for themselves. Be sure to let them know of any special offers you are currently having. Come prepared with postcards or small papers to leave behind that tell about the special offers. See if you can leave them on the checkout counter at the vet’s office or in the waiting room.

Veronica Boutelle (Author of Minding Your Dog Business) suggests vet folders. These are folders packed with resources that represent your business beyond the mere business card or brochure. Trainers can include tips, diagrams, and action plans for training your dog in your folder. Mention that your kennel software keeps you organized. Think of things you can put in your own vet folder that exemplify how you successfully run your dog business and will be resourceful to vets and their customers. If you’re a kennel, include a fact sheet with your business address and certifications.

5. Network at Pet Events

Go to trade shows, training classes, and fundraisers for rescues. There are plenty of free events that happen simply for the good of the dogs. Check the local SPCA website for an event calendar full of pet affairs around town! Get involved and network with people that have just as much passion for pets as you do. These will also give you ideas as to how you can establish your own events at your business and whom to ask for support.

Some pet events to try out in your community:
Dog first aid and CPR training
Volunteering at local animal shelters
Visiting the dog park
Trade shows
Dog Training Info Sessions
Meet-ups

Keep your eyes out. Most cities host events throughout the year.

6. Network within a Trade Organization

Joining a trade organization, whether it’s virtual like on LinkedIn or a local association in which you attend regular meetings, attests to your professionalism and your commitment to maintaining a knowledge basis in the pet industry. Local groups provide you with multiple opportunities to market your business directly to an audience that is rich with pet owners. Just as well, being an active part of an online community allows you to expand your networking range to include pet care professionals who are outside of your immediate area.

Being in a trade organization will put you in line to receive special offers from other companies who are looking to market themselves also. This can be a continual resource for group discounts, event access, and educational opportunities. From all of these perks, you can gain a well-rounded perspective and use that information to beef up your own business.

Popular Pet Industry Associations:

American Pet Products Associations (APPA)
National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS)
American Pet Association (APA)
World Pet Association (WPA)
American Kennel Club (AKC)

Take Action

Consider which of these you could get done in the next week and commit to doing it. Write your goal on a post-it and put it somewhere you will see it every day. Make sure to write the date of your deadline on it.

Remember: Goals are dreams with deadlines!

Throw Us a Bone!

What has been the most successful way you have worked with your referral network?