Make Networking Work for You

The appointment book is filled and the phones are ringing nonstop when your business opens for the day. Your receptionist double-books clients and puts off others for a few weeks. A growing list of callers want answers to their questions. Whether you’re a veterinarian, pet groomer or sitter, you might not perceive a problem because being in high demand means your business is thriving. However, at the end of the day, after you skip lunch to see a few more pets and deal with a client angry about not getting in, you still have a handful of people expecting a reply from you today. Your physical and mental health has taken a beating. Wouldn’t having a “village” to release some of the pressure be nice? The idea isn’t as far-fetched as it sounds.

Unfortunately, clients sometimes expect so much more from pet professionals. For example, why can’t their veterinarian groom a matted dog during a vaccine appointment? Why can’t the groomer diagnose a cat’s skin growth? Why isn’t someone answering the phone at 2 a.m. when a golden retriever is vomiting? Client needs and wants are endless and can drain a pet professional’s energy.

If you’re a dedicated veterinary professional, your passion for providing top-notch care to clients’ furry companions is undoubtedly unwavering. However, have you considered the transformative power of building a network of other professionals in the pet care industry? You can unlock a myriad of benefits beyond your clinic by fostering connections with fellow veterinarians and groomers, trainers and other pet experts. Building a network of professionals you can count on will elevate the quality of pet care you offer.

The Benefits of a Village

One of the primary advantages of a robust professional network is the ability to offer comprehensive and holistic pet care. Collaboration between veterinarians, groomers and trainers allows for a seamless exchange of information and expertise, ensuring that every aspect of an animal’s well-being is addressed. From health assessments to grooming needs and behavioral considerations, a collaborative approach results in well-rounded care.

Building such a network opens the door to a referral system in which professionals recommend clients to each other. For instance, a veterinarian might refer a client to a skilled pet groomer and vice versa. This approach enhances the quality of care and strengthens relationships within the pet industry.

A network is a platform for knowledge-sharing and continuous learning. Engaging with other professionals provides a means to stay on top of the latest advancements in veterinary medicine, grooming techniques and training methodologies. Collaborating with them opens your eyes to diverse perspectives and problem-solving approaches. Whether the issue involves a complex health matter or behavioral concerns, a collaborative network can be a valuable resource.

Your network of professionals contributes to building trust and credibility in the veterinary industry. Clients are more likely to trust a pet professional who partners with reputable colleagues. The collective trust enhances everyone’s reputation.

Your Village

Take a moment to dream of your ideal professional village. It can differ depending on your practice’s location, size, services, clientele and team members. Consider adding these villagers to your network:

• Other veterinarians
• Veterinary specialists
• Groomers
• Pet sitters and dog walkers
• Pet supply stores
• Pet rescue organizations
• Pet-friendly cafes and dog parks
• Animal behaviorists and trainers
• Professionals who make house calls

The goal is to establish a diverse network of individuals and groups. However, being aware of potential challenges is critical. You might run into unreliable partners and discover conflicts of interest, miscommunication, confidentiality violations, unequal contributions, and differences in standards or service quality. To avoid those problems, you must establish clear expectations and carefully vet the professionals before collaborating with them. In the ideal village, communication is seamless.

Build Village Relationships

Here are some strategies to effectively develop and nurture relationships with other industry people:

• Attend local meetups, conferences, workshops and pet care events.
• Join professional associations.
• Participate in online communities.
• Collaborate on projects.
• Support those in your network by referring clients, sharing content on social media and providing testimonials.
• Host workshops or webinars within your network to showcase your expertise and share information.
• Schedule networking events to bring together your trusted collaborators.

Building a solid network takes time and requires consistent effort. Ultimately, the goal for a pet business is to create an ecosystem where collaboration, mutual support and shared values contribute to the success and well-being of the entire industry.

Your Technology Partner

Technology can connect villagers. When the proper equipment is present, a pet may be assessed through a video feed from a veterinary practice, grooming facility or client home.

Technology expands the village well beyond a business’s four walls. For example, Fido has a medical condition requiring a veterinary specialist. After initial exams, a telemedicine protocol is established, and all three caregivers — the specialist, referring veterinarian and client — can view the patient, discuss treatment plans and conduct follow-up care in real time rather than by emailing reports and playing phone tag.

Wearable technology can be a valuable partner in your village. Remote monitoring and video-enabled engagement enable partners such as veterinarians, behaviorists and trainers to assess a pet’s activity and the animal’s response to treatment. It can even make communication faster and more efficient. Not all of the villagers need to be human.

A New Village Structure

In human health care, dream teams made up of nutritionists, occupational therapists and social workers can collaborate to improve patient engagement, foster seamless interactions with physicians and specialists, and leverage team members to do what they do best. Is it possible for pet professionals to do the same thing? Yes.

It might be time to restructure your village to better serve pets, clients and your business.

Through collaboration, knowledge-sharing and a supportive community, you can position yourself to offer unparalleled care to your clients’ pets. Embrace the power of networking, and watch as your business prospers, setting new standards for excellence in pet care.

Together, villagers such as you can create a close-knit community where the well-being of every furry patient is elevated through the collective efforts of passionate, dedicated pet professionals.

VILLAGE PEOPLE

According to an article posted by the National Library of Health, “The phrase ‘It takes a village to raise a child’ originates from an African proverb and conveys the message that it takes many people (‘the village’) to provide a safe, healthy environment for children, where children are given the security they need to develop and flourish, and to be able to realize their hopes and dreams.”

STORY ARCHIVE

Check out these articles on the benefits of networking in the veterinary profession:

• “How to Land an Industry Job,” by Stacy Pursell, go.navc.com/3U6Gxie
• “Why We Join,” by Dr. Kate Boatright, go.navc.com/3QfmHQK
• “Significant Others,” by Dr. Phil Zeltzman, go.navc.com/3QfDcMP