Building a Grooming Community

The Importance of Networking

    Sometimes grooming can be a lonely business. Many of us work alone, and we might go an entire day without speaking to another human for more than a few moments.  We may carry on really lively conversations with the dogs we groom, but often our human connections during the average day are slim.  This can be stressful, especially on a day when things go horribly wrong, as they sometimes do. I have found there is nothing like being able to pick up the phone and call another groomer.  No one else can understand what if feels like to have 4 dogs in a row relieve themselves on your grooming table, or how frustrating it is when an entire pack of clients no-show all on the same day.

  I live in a rural community. There are fewer than 10 pet stylists in a 25-mile radius.  But I have a list in the back of my file drawer that has the name and address of every one of them.  Most of them I have met, by way of  “Groomer Gatherings,” I organize from time to time.  Some have become good friends.  Any of us interested share a “Happy List.” This list was the brainchild of my grooming friend Marion Whitman, who owns Appleton Ridge Pet Care in Union, Maine. The full name of the list is the “Happy NOT to do Business with You,” list.  Folks who make this list are those who bounce checks, are rude, have truly vicious dogs, or are repeat no-show offenders.

    The above-mentioned Groomer Gatherings are informal affairs that happen once or twice a year.   We have met in restaurants, had a potluck in my home, and at our most recent meeting we all just came to our shop.  We swap tales, share ideas, discuss new equipment, eat, laugh and genuinely enjoy the camaraderie of spending time with people who really understand each others day to day work.

     The benefits of these parties are multifold.  First off, they are just plain fun!  Secondly, they foster a sense of community.  When a poodle client asked me last week if I knew the whereabouts of the woman that bred his poodle, I was able to make a few phone calls to the groomers on my list and find out who groomed the poodles for the breeder, and give my client the information on how to find her.   When another local groomer had some questions about bathing systems, she called me to ask what we recommended.  When a new groomer moved to town, I called and then went in to welcome her. 

     Of course, not everyone is open to the radical idea of talking to his or her peers.  I called one business to invite the groomer to our party, and her boss called back moments later, furious that we had invited his employee to fraternize with the “competition.”

     I well remember the first grooming seminar I ever attended. It was put on by John Stazko, and held in Nashville, Tennessee.  After he stood up and introduced himself, he had each of us turn to the people sitting on either side of us and shake hands and say hi.  I can still recall how awkward that was, and also how very comfortable it was after I’d actually met the people around me.  When we were done sharing greetings, John said, “There, no one died.”  The room erupted in laughter.  The grooming industry has historically been notorious for not socializing with each other.  My theory? There are plenty of dogs to go around! We don’t need to be so competitive.

     If you are feeling isolated, there is help! There are grooming shows located all across the country.  Sometimes it is easier to go meet groomers who you do not feel in direct competition with.  Once you establish some pleasant friendships at shows, perhaps you’ll feel more comfortable reaching out to stylists in your own neighborhood.

     The Internet has formed a marvelous on line community for groomers.  I have been an active member of Internet grooming sites for 11 or more years, and this has enriched my life more than I can possibly express.  I have grooming friends from Israel to Alaska, men and women who freely share wisdom, support, humor and compassion. 

     I have found that pet stylists are among some of the nicest people I’ve ever known.

When I recently had some questions about a business decision, I called some of the top groomers in the country and every one of them graciously took time to stop what they were doing and talk to me.  They freely gave me sound advice, asking nothing in return.

     If you are feeling isolated, there is hope.  Plan to attend a seminar near you, smile and introduce yourself.  Bring business cards to pass out, and collect them from people you meet. Get on line and check out www.groomers.net or other stylist-based sites. (Check out my links page.) Having the support of a community is more comforting and encouraging than you can begin to imagine.  After all, having a chat with dog can be a lot of fun, but you have to admit that sometimes it is nice to hear someone talk back!