The Many Benefits of Networking with Other Pet Service Providers
Networking with other pet service providers is a great way to make friends, and to establish long-term, mutually beneficial working relationships. It's a win-win-win; good for you, good for the person to whom you refer, and good for your clients!
Over the last 20 years, I've been fortunate to work with a number of local business owners...dog trainers, pet groomers, dog boarders, pet sitters, and dog walkers. Some offer services that are different from mine, and some offer services that are similar to mine.
You might be wondering how these professional relationships are mutually beneficial. Let's take a look at a few scenarios.
1) You and the Other Provider Offer Different Pet Services
Pet service professionals can greatly benefit one another by referring their clients, friends, and even family members, to pet professionals who offer different services and programs.
For example, pet groomers can refer their clients to dog trainers, boarders, and dog walkers. Dog walkers can refer clients to boarders, pet groomers, or trainers.
The person who refers to another pet provider has the satisfaction of knowing their client's pets will be in good hands.
At the same time, they’re also creating goodwill with the other provider. The provider who receives the referral gains new business, and perhaps a long-term loyal client.
The client benefits by receiving a referral to a first-rate provider. Referrals from a trusted source saves them time, energy, and the anxiety of trying to find a provider on their own.
2) You and the Other Provider Offer Similar, but Slightly Different Services
In this scenario, each pet provider offers substantially similar services, with some key differences. For example, you might both be dog trainers, but one of you offers board and train, and the other one doesn't.
Let's say you get a call from a prospective client who wants to enroll their dog in a board and train program while they're on vacation, but you don't offer that specific program.
In this case, you can refer them to another trainer who does offer that program. This will engender goodwill with the other trainer and make it more likely that the other trainer will reciprocate the favor should the occasion arise.
3) You and the Other Pet Provider Offer the Same Service, but Live in Different Service Areas
Imagine this scenario: you receive a call from someone who needs your services, but lives outside of your service area. Instead of telling them that you can’t help them, you can refer them to another provider who offers similar surfaces, but who lives closer to them, and is able to help them.
Of course, the other provider will appreciate the referral and the business, and will likely keep you top of mind when they’re unable to help a client who lives near you, and is outside of their service area.
4) You and the Other Provider Offer Similar Services, and Live in the Same Area
This might seem like an unlikely business relationship, but don't rule it out. This can be an especially beneficial relationship for both parties.
Once the word gets out, and your best clients start referring friends and family to you, you may get so busy, that you can't accept new clients.
And, when your services are in high demand, you may soon find that you’ve become so busy that you can't even accommodate your regular clients.
For example, if you're a pet sitter who stays in the client's home, you might become so popular, and have so many clients in need of your services that you have to turn people down.
This scenario happens more than you might think, especially if you're a dog walker, boarder, or pet sitter.
Not being able to help your regular clients is an especially difficult situation; you feel bad that you have to say “no,” but you also worry that they may find another provider to replace you.
However, there is another option! Align with another pet pro who offers similar services, and who lives within your service area.
When you can't help your regular clients, being able to refer them to a well-vetted, trusted provider can give you and your clients a great deal of relief and peace of mind.
Of course, before you refer to anyone, you must first know, like, and trust this provider, and you must also be certain that this person is competent and responsible.
You must be very clear about your intentions. The other provider must understand that they are providing backup only, and that you are still your client's primary caregiver. Of course, you can also return the favor for them. When they are overly busy and need help, you can serve as a backup for them.
Having a provider who you can rely on when needed makes all the difference. It will greatly alleviate your anxiety when you aren't able to help that favorite, long-term client of yours.
Be Careful and Discerning with Referrals
Your clients entrust you with the care of their pet, but they also trust that you will provide them with quality referrals to other pet professionals.
If you break trust by referring you clients to a provider who is unethical, lazy, incompetent, or doesn't fulfill their promises, that will reflect poorly on you.
It's important to do your homework. Get to know other pet providers before you refer to them. Read reviews if they’re available and be sure to ask others about their experiences with these providers before you meet with them.
Building a community of high integrity, quality professionals takes time and patience, but it's a great way to create a supportive community of like-minded individuals where everyone wins: you, the people to whom you refer, and your clients.
