The Times They Are A Changing

Gardening is no longer the spare-time hobby of those who enjoy it. As more people bring home less and less from the grocery store for their dollar, they are turning to backyard gardens. They hope to offset their grocery bill while putting fresh vegetables on the table. According to the Oregon Bend Bulletin, there has been double digit growth in the increase of backyard gardeners this year.

Many mail order see companies have sold out or nearly sold out. Burpee Seeds is the largest (mail-order) seed company in America. According to their CEO, George Ball, they are nearly sold out. Burpee claims for every $50 spent on seeds and gardening supplies, $2,150 worth of produce is acquired.

The waiting list at many community gardens have increased. Lonnie Brundage, who runs the 312-plot Long Beach Community Garden, says, “They’re growing for themselves, but you figure if they can use our community garden year-round, they can save $2,000 or $3,000 or $4,000 a year. It doesn’t take a lot for it to add up.”

Grow even more than your family can eat (zucchini comes to mind) and you could open a vegetable stand. Check out this site that tells you how.

You might think that trying to sell your house, at this point in time, is not a good idea. Of course, some people have no choice. However, if you will be buying another home in the same area, you are just trading apples for apples. It’s not about the number amount behind the “$.” The house you will purchase most likely has been reduced as much as your current home has. The biggest problem is all the other houses out there for sale. There’s a log of competition. Here are some helpful hints that might help you get the job done sooner.

1. Keeping the House Ready - Begin with the kitchen, specifically the sink. Keep it free of dishes and sparkling clean. Then move onto the stove top, counters and refrigerator door. You hear over and over that kitchens and bathrooms sell a house. So, you know where your second area of cleaning needs to take place.

2. Improvements - If you decide on only one home improvement, let be painting. A fresh coat of paint makes the whole area appear clean and new. Plus it is inexpensive and something you can tackle yourself.

3. Curb Appeal - It doesn’t take a lot of cash to keep up with the lawn mowing and bush trimming. Go in search of some inexpensive color (flowers). If you budget is limited, fill a large pot (clay pots are inexpensive) and set it by the front door. If your yard is messy and unappealing, a buyer’s mind may be made up before he/she enters the front door.

4. Open House - Holding an open house may seem like a way to get buyers to take a look at your home. However, statistics show that only 2% of homes are sold from an open house. It actually gives your realtor more business than it helps you sell your home. As the prospective buyers come through your front door, it may be that they ask about certain needs they have and the realtor is right there to guide them to another home and a sale for them. Also, security is a real concern. Would you ordinarily let strangers roam around your home, literally unattended. You could come up missing some important items or give someone a chance to find ways to get into your home and rob you later on.

5. Pricing - Do some investigating of your own and find out what other comparable houses are selling for in your area. Know that you are not overpricing your home. It’s the one sure way to get little or no buying traffic to your house. Check out this site to find out what your house is worth.

I just thought of this new home business. Take your best talents and offer them for one day at a time. This is especially enticing if you are the kind of person who hates doing the same thing over and over again every day of your life. Ugh! Of course, you could also be someone’s personal assistant for a week or a month, etc. Sometimes people could really use a personal assistant for a short time.

Step 1: Start by listing all of your skills and talents. Decide which ones of those are marketable and would fit into the new definition of Personal Assistant for a Day. Could you organize a space for someone, do errands, be a nanny for a day, pickup someone at the airport.

Step 2: Print out business cards. Don’t go to a great expense, be frugal and buy those tear apart business cards that you can print on your computer.

Step 3: Marketing/advertising can be expensive. Purchase some colorful paper (the same place you got the business card stock) and print out flyers. Distribute them where you see a lot of cars parked that are most likely local residents. Post them anyplace on bulletin board where they are allowed. Tell everyone you know what your doing.

Step 4: Consider ahead of time some basic prices. Consider if you will need to use your vehicle and pay for gas to complete the task. In other words, don’t forget about your own expenses, not just your time when deciding on a price. Be careful not to over price. If your help is going to be too expensive, people won’t use your service.

Step5: Get started by offering a discount on your first week of customers. Be willing to work for half-price until you get some regular customers. When times get slow, offer the discount again during a certain period of time - with another poster and mailing to past customers. Yes, always keep a file of your customers with name, address, and specific information.

Although, there are more than several pet related home businesses, there are some that will take some extra training and/or cash to start up. There are classes in which you can follow a program and end up with a certification or degree related to pets such as a professional dog trainer, pet psychologist, pet grooming, veterinarian, veterinarian assistant or alternative medicine veterinarian. However, there are also franchises specifically geared towards pets that will supply all the training you will need as well as a business plan, and any extras needed for your pet related business. Some of these are still considered home businesses while others are not.

The benefit to purchasing a franchise are many. The father company has already done the research, worked and reworked the plan for the business. They, most likely have other franchises that have been purchased from them. When national advertising is done through the father company, you benefit every time. You will have a recognizable system and name which goes a long way with customers. They have worked out all of the quirks, which means you have a better chance of success.

The disadvantages to a franchise is the higher start up costs and ongoing fees. You also, must not be a person with ideas and a creative flare. A franchise is very uniform for a reason, so they are all the same and recognizable to the public.

Petland
This company is based in Ohio and has been around since 1967. As a pet store you would sell pets and pet related items (dogs, cats, fish, reptiles and other small animals as well as pet food and accessories.

Top Dawg Pet Supply
This pet related business can be purchased at three different levels. For $999, you can purchase the right to be your own boss of an online store. With $4999, you can open a pet kiosk in a mall as well as start an eBay business. With $14,999, you can do all of the above as well as sell their pet supplies in places like kennels, grooming locations, veterinarian clinics, etc.

Aussie Pet Mobile
This company has been consistently ranked as a top home business. It is considered one of the best franchises in the pet industry as well. Of course, it is just what it implies, a mobile pet grooming business. This company prides themselves on a professional demeanor while using environmentally save products.

Doo Care
A complete dog waste management system is what this company is all about. Although this may not be the most pleasant of jobs for most of us, if it is something you could see as an option, it certainly could be seen as a growing industry. It’s like calling someone to mow your lawn or shampoo your carpets. It’s something that many people would rather not be bothered with.

Preppy Pet Suites
If you think running a pet daycare is the business for you, check out Preppy Pet Suites. Pet owners, like everyone else these days have busy lives. Pets need socialization. Studies have shown that dogs, especially, can become bored and even depressed left to themselves day after day. What is nice about this franchise is that you can have just a pet daycare or also include a dog spa and boarding facilities.

Bark Busters
Dog training the Australian way. Bark Busters has developed a special dog training system with communication using body language and voice control. Their system is effective with puppies as well as average age and elderly dogs. The SPCA has named Bark Busters “The Best of the Best.”

Resources

Pet Webpage Design

Dog attire could be all or one or more of the following components: dog clothing, dog collars, dog collar jewelry, dog sweaters, dog costumes, customized pet pillows/beds/blankets and dog bags/purses (that hold small dogs). A trip to your local fabric store or department will help you easily find patterns for many of the sewn items mentioned. The internet is a good source, as well for free knit and crochet patterns for dog sweaters. If you have dabbled in jewelry making in the past, perhaps dog collar jewelry is a good match for you.

Whether you choose one or more of these pet related home business components to add to your previous choice of dog bakery, dog breeding referral or professional dog walker, once again, they will all help to sell the other.
Dog Attire Business

If you choose to use a pattern that has been created by another person, you must get permission and make sure they know that you will be using it in a “for profit” manner. However, you can use patterns as a starting point for your ideas, just make sure to use your creativity and change the pattern to be your own creation.

Remember to always be professional. Package your dog attire in a professional manner. Most importantly, remember that the selling is in the details. Create details that will catch the eye of your customers.

Resources

Free Crochet Dog Sweater Pattern

Free Knit Dog Sweater Pattern

Free Fleece Dog Bed and Jacket Pattern

Dog Accessory Ideas

Dog Breeder Referral Service

Dog Breeder and/or Dog Breeder Referral are two excellent complimentary businesses to Dog Bakery and Professional Dog Walker. What is so nice about the different components of pet related businesses is that you can start out small with one component and add others as you become more confident or after deciding what you are best suited for and how your time available fits each aspect. If you have experience breeding dogs already, why not think about doing it in a professional manner? An alternate idea would be to add Dog Breeder Referral to your current pet business components of Dog Bakery and/or Professional Dog Walker. A dog breeder referral service might be a good fit for you if you are organized and can keep accurate records in your computer.

Step 1. Kind of Referral
Some breeding referrals only deal in a certain breed of dog such as a Cocker Spaniel Breeder Referral. Or you might consider being a referral for “teacup” dogs that are so popular today. Many of these are dogs are cross bread and not purebreds. Other services deal mainly at a local level and keep records for all dog breeds and sometimes even include felines. You would definitely want to set up a website if you are planning of a national service for a particular breed. However, even if your business is local (your state) only and encompasses all types of breeds, a website makes it handy for people to find you easily.

Step 2. Canine Knowledge
You need to know everything about the breed/breeds that you choose to be a referral service for. Study to learn all that you can about them. The more you know the more professional you will appear to others asking for your services. Know your state laws regarding breeding. Even if you aren’t a breeder, you need to make sure that all of the breeders you recommend have followed legalities. Your state may require breeders to have genetic testing done on their dogs.

Step 3. Dog Breeder Referral Forms
You will want to have a form(s) for each dog of each breeder that you enter into your system for referral. You may add to or subtract from the form as time goes on to create the best information needed to set up your files. Some of the things you may want on your form(s) are:

- Breeder information. Breeder’s name, address, phone, email, etc.
- Each Dog’s information.
* Full Name and birthdate
* Type of Dog
* Dog Parentage
* DNA Profile
* Annual certificate of health from veterinarian (on file)
* Any certification the dog may have
- Create an agreement form that the breeder will sign which states the amount to be paid to you for any referral and if you are to get additional money for the result of puppies from the referral breeding. Make sure it is signed by the breeder.

Step 4. Getting Clients
BE PROFESSIONAL. Have all your ducks in a row before you head out to dog shows and other dog events looking for clients. Have printed business cards and flyers to distribute. Dress in a neat and appropriate manner for the event you are attending.

Resource

Dog Breed Information

In a previous article, the home business, Dog Bakery was discussed. Adding your skills as a professional Dog Walker would be an excellent complimentary business to a dog bakery. With both a service and a product as part of your home business they can very easily sell each other. Whether you are peddling your dog treats at a farmers market, Saturday market or doing walk-ins at kennels, veterinarian’s offices or dog daycares you should hand out flyers or have a large sign telling about your dog walking service. Always have your walking schedule ready to sign up a new dog.

Step 1. Business hours. Consider your dog walking schedule. Unlike your dog bakery, where you can bake anytime and sell on the weekends, for your dog walking you will want to have particular days and hours available especially if you have other obligations such as another job or if you are a student. Also, consider when scheduling if you have to go clear across town to walk one dog and then back to do another dog. Schedule dogs that are close together in location one after the other. If they are close enough and the dogs have been socialized you can walk them together.

Step 2. Fees. How much will you charge. Make sure that your car mileage is an additional charge or in the fee. Decide if you will have one time for each walk, say 30 minutes or will you have shorter and longer walks available. Be professional and punctual at all times, this is a business after all and one that will grow mostly by word of mouth. Nevertheless, have printed business cards and flyers with you at all times. Leave flyers with anyone that will post one in their business window or will let you put a few on their counter for customers to grab.

Step 3. Obtain legalities. Check with your local governmental offices to find out what kind of licenses, permits or insurance you will need for this business. Also ask about dog walking guidelines for your location. There are sometimes a maximum number of dogs you can walk at one time. Have all of your ducks in a row before you take on your first client. Consider taking an animal first aid class. Check with a community college for comparable classes.

Step 4. Buy working products. You will need to keep extra leashes, collars, dog bowl and water, and of course, dog treats from your bakery. Keep all of these items in a plastic storage container in the trunk of your care. Always be prepared, have a pooper scooper and plastic bags handy for picking up after your client’s dog. A good idea to sell your dog bakery treats would be to make up a small package of just a few treats. Have your label on the outside and give these to the owner as part of your service when you return the dog after the walk. My dog loves these homemade dog treats and I bet most other dogs will too. When the owner sees how much their dog enjoys the treats they will order some from you.

Home Business Dog Walking Resources

IACP (International Association of Canine Professionals - Dog Walkers Division

Professional Dog Walkers Association

How to Properly Walk a Dog

In a previous article I gave a step-by-step instructional on how to start a Dog Bakery Business. Now, let’s look at other pet related businesses that could be worked alone or as a complimentary business to a dog bakery. You can imagine how one or more of these business ideas could work to sell each other. With pets being a multi million dollar industry, even with the economic down-turn, it is 60% higher than the toy industry and 33% higher than the candy industry. These numbers were discovered through studies done by APPMA (American Pet Products Manufacturers Association).

List of Pet Related Businesses

- Pet Grooming (need training and location or mobile pet van)
- Pet Wash and Go Service
- Pet Astrologer or Numerologist
- Dog Walker
- Pet Pooper Scooper Service (Clean up back yards)
- Doggy Day Care
- Pet Taxi (a shuttle service to the vets or grooming, etc.)
- Pet Sitting
- Dog Training (Obedience)
- Direct Sales of Pet Products or Food
- Buy a Pet Franchise
- Dog Breeder and/or Dog Breeder Referral
- Pet Teeth Cleaning
- Animal Massage
- Pet Retirement Home
- Customized Pet Pillows/Beds/Houses
- Pet Jewelry for Dog Collars or Pet Jewelry for People
- Custom Pet Clothing
- Pet Costumes
- Pet Birthday Parties
- Pet Photographer
- Pet Consultant (Help people find the right pet for them through interviewing and research)
- Pet Nutritionist
- Alternative Medicine for Pets

I will be exploring these pet related home businesses, individually, in future articles.

People are always looking for a home business they can start on a shoestring. With the higher price of fuel, groceries and just about everything else these days, you may need a second income. Or perhaps you have small children at home or an elderly person to care for and a regular 9 to 5 job won’t work for your schedule. Few people realize they can start a Dog Bakery right in their own home. Most states do not require a special food handlers license or a certified kitchen for making pet food. But, please check with your local government to make sure before embarking on a Dog Bakery Business.

Step 1. Come up with a great company name for your dog bakery home business. After brainstorming, but your top 5 list in order with number 1 being your favorite. Look up the names on the internet to see if anyone else has the same name. At first you may just be selling locally and the name will not matter that much if it matches someone else’s unless they are local to you. However, at some point you may want to start your own dog Bakery website and you will want a unique name.

Step 2. Business license and Fictitious Name Statement/DBA (Doing Business As) license. Check with your local government to see if you need a business license. You will also want to run your new business name through the online directory and then if your name is cleared you can register it so no one else can legally use that name. However, I believe this is by state only, that is what is required. If you don’t do this, someone could steal your name and make you stop using it. The only alternative that I know of is to use your name in the title of the business. It does not have to be your whole name, but could be something like Jody’s Healthy Dog Bakery or Smith Dog Bones. Try this site for more info State DBA.

Step 3. Product. Decide on your product. I think it is best to start small, but keep a journal of ideas for the future and then as you see what you can handle with your particular situation, you can add new items to your business. Go online and see what other internet dog bakeries are offering. My suggestion would be to start with three basic dog treat recipes for your home business. You are welcome to start with the ones I have created here, Dog Treat Recipe,http://hubpages.com/hub/if you like. You shouldn’t use someone else’s recipes without permission to do so and you must let them know you would be using them in your business.

Purchase dog bone cookie cutters or other cookie cutter shapes for the dog biscuits. You may want at least two different sizes of treats to accommodate small and larger dogs. Figure out how much it costs to make your dog biscuits, including baking electricity or gas. You need to know you are making a profit for your time and effort. After you come up with a price, check prices for similar products on the internet to see if you are in the same range. And if you have to send your product, be sure you charge for shipping and handling.

Step 4. Packaging. There are several ways you can go with your dog bakery product packaging. One inexpensive way is with brown or white paper lunch bags. You then can print labels to put on the front and staple the bags shut at the top. Or you could create a card stock label that folds in half and staples over the top of the bag. You could also use ziplock bags with either of the labeling mentioned. Perhaps you would like something a bit more commercial looking. You can find plastic jars and containers on the internet or at someplace like Walmart. And then you can put your label on it.

Step 5. Selling. You can start selling your home business dog bakery products at farmers markets or Saturday markets. Special functions or festivals many times rent booth spaces for such things. Dog shows would be an especially good place to get your name out and known for your natural dog treats. You can stop into places like privately owned pet supply stores or doggy daycares or kennels and take samples along with your finished product. Be professional and have business cards as well as order sheets in case they are ready to order now. Have an idea of how long it will take you to deliver if you don’t have the products ready in your vehicle.

Step 6. Webpage. When you are ready, get a website and create something wonderful. Be sure and add the URL to your business cards and all your other paperwork (order forms, invoices, etc.). At this point you may want to add some other unique items to your product line, be creative.

Good luck.

Herbs have been used as a natural way of healing for eons, maybe since the beginning of time. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to be more involved in a natural life style, but until now you were too busy or didn’t know where to start. Or, maybe you’ve taken my earlier advise and started a back yard or community (Freedom) garden.

maybe you are even planning on selling some of your produce from your vegetable garden next year and would like to add something unusual to your tomatoes, beans and squash. Making a one pot medicine her garden would make a good product, but don’t forget to make markers for the herbs so the purchaser will know which is which. Write your own little booklet on how to care for or use the herbs and you will have a complete product. The herbs can also be sold dried with explanations on an attached card of how to use each.

Here’s a list of what to grow.

Angelica - may be used as a tea (infusion) which improves circulation and energy. It is an antibacterial and antifungal.

Sweet Basil - may be used as a tea to help with digestion.

Calendula - make as you would a tea and use as a mouthwash for sensitive or sore gums.

Catnip - may be used as a tea to relieve fever and cold symptoms. It is mildly sedative.

Chamomile - may be used as a tea to aid in sleep and digestion.

Coriander - the leaves can be chewed to relieve an upset stomach. It has a mild sedative quality.

Feverfew - migraine headaches can be relieved by eating 3 to 5 leaves per day.

Hyssop - make a tea for relief of colds, flu or sore throat.

Purple Coneflower - may be used as a tea to help stimulate the immune system.

St. Johns Wart - may be used as a tea for depression or as a mild sedative.

Thyme - may be used as a tea to help sore throats (add some honey) or hangovers.

This is a good start, but probably more than you would want to include in one large medicine herb pot. Perhaps choosing five herbs for each container if you are selling them would be enough.