Fruitful Prospects and Job Security in the Grooming Industry
Are long-term careers a thing of the past? Certainly not when it comes to the pet grooming industry!
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1. Let your passion shine through
Passion should always transpire into your work. If you're always striving to do the best job and be proud of your work you will engage positively with other people whether there are customers, staff or industry professionals. In turn, this helps build long-lasting relationships.
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2. Take a sincere interest in each client and pet
Some people in the pet grooming industry say “I prefer dogs to people” but it is essential to remember it is not all about the dogs! Your customers are the ones who will promote you in the park and keep coming back to you time and time again. If you really get to know your customers you can be far more focused with the promotions or products you offer them. Once you know what makes your customer tick they are yours for a lifetime.
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3. Make your business work for you
Many people turn to a career in dog grooming after spending years in jobs they’ve found uninspiring and demotivating. Don’t fall into the trap of having your business dictate your working hours: benefit from the flexibility and make it work for you.
Furthermore, if there is a particular area you enjoy most then don’t be afraid to specialise in that part of the job. Customers will travel far for a groomer with a renowned reputation for a particular skill or breed. Whether it's hand stripping, a Schnauzer cut or cat grooming, if you’re the best customers will want you.
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4. Build relationships within the industry
There's great benefit in having strong relationships with others in the industry. Whether it's other groomers who are happy to send their overflow to you or joint ventures with dog walkers, doggy day cares or kennels, it can be hugely beneficial. Your competition is not the enemy!
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5. Use social media!
Being active online enables you to stay connected with industry experts, customers, clients and potential new talent. Not only can you learn from the vast amount of information available right at your fingertips, but your customers can see exactly what's happening inside your salon to understand the grooming process better.
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6. Don't ever stop learning and developing!
As Einstein said “once you stop learning, you start dying”. This seems extreme but it’s certainly a mantra our Head Tutor Laura stands by:
“If you stop learning other people in the industry will overtake you, you won’t offer anything different or special and you are at serious risk of becoming just average or below average the more time goes on”
Laura recommends being involved in at least one grooming convention, exhibition, or show a year. As well as attending seminars, being a part of workshops, watching webinars, and being active in social media grooming groups and forums. Also continually ask questions, read books and listen to podcasts to increase your knowledge and understanding.