by Nancy E. Hassel, American Pet Professionals
The enormity of the pet industry can be daunting to new business owners and even pet professionals who have been in the industry for years and have watched the rapid acceleration happen.   I for one have noticed so much growth in the past 10 years – it is  mind boggling, exciting and encouraging to see how well our industry continues to do.  Staying focused, determined and persevering are very important – and of course having fun while running your business is crucial in my opinion!
I have always strived on staying grounded, level-headed and not jumping to the next big fad of the industry – whatever that may be.  Owning a pet and having to pick up poop should keep any pet pro’s ego in check, smirk!  Whether you’re just starting out or have been in this industry a while – it is good to have those self-checks.  Ask your friends, your colleagues, your customers – what is it they like about your business?  What can you do better?  What else would you like to see?
Ask your employees for a meeting and check in with them – how are they doing, what can you do to make their days better?
Ask your volunteers, what could we do to make the shelter better, our non-profit better, whatever it is.
Getting feedback is a wonderful thing – a great way to put your feet back on the ground and   look at your business or rescue and why you started it in the first place.  You don’t have to take everyone’s feedback so seriously that it is going to paralyze you or make you feel bad.  You have to weigh what they say and figure out how you can add or take things away that may not be working for your business or rescue, and that is ok.  Improving on areas of your business or rescue will just help you in the long run – and if you don’t ask, you may not know where you can improve. 
Your  feedback is very important to the industry as a whole, and we would love to hear from you, as your voice matters.  Comment in the comment section below:
1.) How can the pet industry be better?
2.) What else would you like to see that would help you and your business or rescue?
3.) If only there was ______ in the industry.
4.) I would love to see more of ________ in the pet industry.
5.) Add your own….
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