Small business owners -what was your first step?

[slackerinabox]

I'm currently "between jobs" (left the it field out of boredom and hated my boss) and am considering starting a small business, a simple dog/cat kennel with modest ambitions. I worked at an animal shelter for a few years and loved it and, to be blunt, don't want to go back to a cube. I love animals and have enough experience taking care of them in a shelter environment, but may get some training as well. To be clear, I have very modest expectation for income but at least have a location already (my dad owns a 2 family he agreed to rent to me at break even for the first year) and my marketing experience is solid enough for a small mom and pop. I also recently sold my house and down scaled our living expenses and have a modest 5 figure investment for startup expenses. I'm confident I can build a client base within a year, and am not afraid of the initial lull, my dad's rental at cost offer (utilities, mortgage) for a year really helps with that.

I'm considering my next steps and thought I'd reach out for some advice. Going back to school for as associates or ba in business management a good idea? recommend any books/certifications/etc? I'm thinking about going under cover and working at a kennel for a few months to a year to get some more experience, waste of time? As far as education goes, would you focus on animal care or business management? Any thoughts appreciated!

 

[Squeetard]

First thing I can tell you is to check the zoning on the house your Dad is renting you, go for a business license. Dollars to donuts says you can't open a kennel in a residential neighborhood.

 

[waffleironhead]

You want to open a kennel in a house/duplex?
I bet the neighbors are going to love you. 20+ dogs all upset by being abandoned by their people is a lot of whining and barking.
Check your zoning and ordinances.

 

[drbrock]

Zoning will be an issue for sure.

As far as education goes there are a ton of books out there that will get the job done for far less money. There was a series of books highlighting specific fields. When I was looking into buying/owning a car wash I picked up one of the books and made me think about areas of the business that I did not consider before.

Education did not help me in that much besides grasping the financials. I have a Econ undergrad, MBA from a top school, master of accounting and CPA license. Experience is key.

Going to work for a kennel would be a great idea. Probably more education than any book or degree can give you. Just make sure to be looking at the business side of things not just your job.

 

[waffleironhead]

1) Do a business plan to make sure this makes financial sense.
How many animals at how much per day do you need to break even or make a profit?
How much competition is in your area?
How much does the competition charge?
What are you going to offer that isn't already covered by the competition?
How many animals do you think you can handle by yourself? Need employees? Who is answering the phone, setting appointments? Are you going to offer grooming? What are your wellness/ vaccinations requirements?
What are your startup costs? Equipment: Kennels, cages, bowls, food, litter, etc. advertising? Fees? Permits? Llc filing? Insurance?
Lastly, are you a lazy ass? Running a small business is a lot of work, a lot.

 

[Humpy]

I'm worried that you are thinking you need more experience and/or education before starting. The successful self employed usually seem to have started out with a hobby or career that became too successful so they really had no choice but to start their own business.

Going about it the other way with wanting to be self employed and then trying to find something to do seems like a one in a million shot. Don't let that stop you though. If you want to start a kennel I would skip the business management and focus on being able to prove to customers that their pets would be safe with you.

 

[slackerinabox]

First thing I can tell you is to check the zoning on the house your Dad is renting you, go for a business license. Dollars to donuts says you can't open a kennel in a residential neighborhood.

Indeed part of my research, the neighborhood's rezoning but, oddly, my research shows that home based animal care doesn't require much permits. I don't have all the answers though, will obviously research permits/zoning/etc.

 

[slackerinabox]

I'm worried that you are thinking you need more experience and/or education before starting. The successful self employed usually seem to have started out with a hobby or career that became too successful so they really had no choice but to start their own business.

Going about it the other way with wanting to be self employed and then trying to find something to do seems like a one in a million shot. Don't let that stop you though. If you want to start a kennel I would skip the business management and focus on being able to prove to customers that their pets would be safe with you.

I have a history of over thinking things Well, I do love animals and it's a passion thing but don't have the time for taking care of animals as a hobby (other than owning 4).

But point taken

 

[slackerinabox]

Zoning will be an issue for sure.

As far as education goes there are a ton of books out there that will get the job done for far less money. There was a series of books highlighting specific fields. When I was looking into buying/owning a car wash I picked up one of the books and made me think about areas of the business that I did not consider before.

Education did not help me in that much besides grasping the financials. I have a Econ undergrad, MBA from a top school, master of accounting and CPA license. Experience is key.

Going to work for a kennel would be a great idea. Probably more education than any book or degree can give you. Just make sure to be looking at the business side of things not just your job.

Good advice, looks like a part time job at a kennel while I build my business plan's a painless start. Any idea the name of the series of books?

 

[Sonikku]

Small business owners -what was your first step?

Start a big business; then wait.

 

[drbrock]

I can't remember the name of the series but it was something like this.

http://www.amazon.com/Running-Your-O...rting+a+kennel

For 26 bucks if you get one tip out of the book it will be worth it.

90% of the stuff you will already know from experience but that last 10% is crucial in saving money and wasting time.

I have a small bookkeeping business that pays for my stupid purchases and I owe a lot to just reading about the industry and how it works. Took me 30 minutes to get to the parts I needed to learn about. Well worth the 15-20 I spent on the book.

 

[holden j caufield]

I would love to start a doggie business but having 1 dog and fostering another it's just non stop pick up crap, literally. But dogs are the best I'd take 1/2 the pay if I could just be around dogs all day. If I had the money and space I would start a shelter and hire someone else to pick up all the crap.

 

[slackerinabox]

I would love to start a doggie business but having 1 dog and fostering another it's just non stop pick up crap, literally. But dogs are the best I'd take 1/2 the pay if I could just be around dogs all day. If I had the money and space I would start a shelter and hire someone else to pick up all the crap.

Ditto, I aim to make less than my last gig because I love those little critters (and honestly don't do well with office politics)- I'd rather pick up shit than deal with passive aggressive bosses or co-worker drama. I figure having 2 cats, 2 dogs, and 2 kids is good practice when it comes to dealing with bodily fluids