AS PET-BUSINESS OWNERS, we often focus on the tangible aspects of running our companies: inventory management, staffing, marketing strategies, cash flow. But there’s an intangible element that can be just as crucial to our success: community.
In Episode 148 of the “Pet Boss Podcast,” I explored the power of community in the pet industry. It actually may have been the first time I choked up during an episode because the stories I shared highlight how connecting with peers can transform not just your business, but your entire entrepreneurial journey.
As the person who has to make many, if not all, the decisions in business and life, you may feel isolated and like you’re the only one experiencing something. More of you feel this way than you realize. The outward appearances of success, feeling like you’re not moving fast enough or that you’re getting hit with one blow after the next, can keep you down.
You wear multiple hats, make countless decisions daily, and may lack a sounding board that truly understands your unique challenges. This isolation, or even what’s described as imposter syndrome, can lead to self-doubt, burnout, and a loss of passion for the very thing that once drove you.
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What if you could change that narrative? Surround yourself with fellow pet professionals who not only understand your struggles but are also eager to share their experiences, offer support and celebrate your successes? It would be amazing, right?! It does exist. You just need to lean into it.
By connecting with other pet-business owners, you create a robust network of support that can:
- Provide fresh perspectives: When we’re too close to a problem, sometimes all we need is an outside view. Fellow pet professionals can offer insights we might have overlooked.
- Share resources: From vendor recommendations to marketing strategies, a strong community becomes a treasure trove of industry-specific knowledge.
- Offer emotional support: Running a business is an emotional rollercoaster. Having peers who understand the highs and lows can be invaluable for our mental health.
One story I shared on the podcast was about Taylor Gonzalez of Three Tails Parlor & Pantry. She told me about how community support reignited her passion and purpose. She said, “I was searching for the girl who started this journey seven years ago, and I didn’t think I could find her. After surrounding myself with the right people, I did! And she is stronger than I ever imagined.” When you find your right community and lean into them, your confidence soars and you feel like you can do anything!
Building this kind of supportive network doesn’t happen by accident. It requires intention, vulnerability and a willingness to engage. Here are some steps you can take to cultivate community in your journey:
- Join industry-specific groups and forums: Look for online or local groups dedicated to pet professionals, like Pet Boss Nation’s programs and the PETS+ Facebook Community.
- Attend industry events and conferences: These are great opportunities to meet peers face-to-face and build relationships.
- Participate in mentorship programs: Whether as a mentor or mentee, these relationships can be incredibly rewarding.
- Share your experiences: Don’t be afraid to open up about your challenges and successes. Your story might be exactly what someone else needs to hear. (Huge thank-you and shout-out to those who participated in the Big Survey this issue. Keep that sharing going when you connect in real life and online with your peers.)
- Celebrate others’ successes: A rising tide lifts all ships. When we genuinely celebrate our peers’ wins, we create a positive environment that encourages growth for everyone.
Remember, building a thriving pet business isn’t just about what you know — it’s also about who you know and the community you build around yourself. It’s the power of proximity. By fostering these connections, we not only improve our businesses but also create a more resilient, supportive industry as a whole.
So, the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed or isolated in your journey, remember: You are not alone. Reach out, connect and tap into the incredible power of community. Your pet business — and your entrepreneurial spirit — will thank you.
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