The Benefits of Networking

When I started my pet sitting business, the only full-time professional pet sitter I knew was Nancy Petrone, the owner of PGA Pet Pals, Inc. Nancy and I met at a dog training class. When she learned that I had started a pet sitting business, she asked me to assist her when she needed extra help. She also sent me referrals that were out of her area, and in turn, I referred potential clients in her area.

During the first year I operated my business, I serviced clients within a wide range. In October of 1995, we had heavy rains and flooding in much of Palm Beach County. After spending three hours going to and returning from the Wellington (normally a 25 minute drive) due to the flooding, I knew I had to concentrate my efforts in a smaller geographical area. I called Tom Benken, the owner of A Trusted Friend, to ask if he would be interested in servicing my Wellington clients. Tom told me that he had a client in my neighborhood he was servicing now and had experienced the same travel problems because of the flooding. We decided to meet for coffee. I invited Nancy Petrone to join us. I had seen Pat Venezio’s (Pat’s Pet Care) brochures and knew she was a member of PSI and serviced the Jupiter/Tequesta area. I called Pat and invited her to join us.

The first meeting was a success. We all share the same professional standards. Pet sitting is our full-time business. We service different areas of Palm Beach County. We all are members of a professional pet sitting organization. We decided to refer potential clients to the pet sitting service closest to their location rather than each of us attempting to service a large area.

Our clients also benefit from networking among pet sitters. We can provide back up service for vacations and emergencies with another pet sitting service. If a client moves to another area of Palm Beach County, we can refer her to a pet sitter we personally know. I have referred clients moving out of the area to pet sitting services listed in the PSI national directory, and I have received referrals in return from other PSI members.

We recently shared a booth at “Paws for a Cause,” a pet related event sponsored by the American Lung Association to promote clean air for pets and people. In addition to sharing booth space, we distributed information about the event to vets and groomers in our individual market areas. The event was a huge success. We benefited by sharing the cost and work to put a booth together. Alone, none of us would have had the time or the money to put together a professional display. The American Lung Association also benefited from our joint efforts in distributing information about the event to our clients, vets and other pet professionals.

A year after our first meeting, we are still working together and have all had occasion to exchange referrals and information with other pet sitting services in addition to our original group. We also network with other pet- related businesses. Networking helps our individual business grow, while matching the client with the services that can best meet his or her needs.

To find a professional pet sitter in your area, visit the PSI Locator.

©Copyright 2010 by Pet Sitters International. All rights reserved. For reprint permission for this article, contact EllenPrice@petsit.com.