dogs at work

Tips on How to Juggle Looking After Your Faithful, Furry Friend While Tending to Your Business

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by Guest Blogger Cindy Aldridge

Congratulations, you”ve got a new pet! But there’s one small problem, you’re starting a new business at the same time and have no choice but to bring him along with you in the beginning.

Certainly, this could prove to be immensely challenging if you don’t have a plan of action to help guide you on the right path. Today, A Blog by Susan Bulanda looks at some tips to help you juggle the roles of pet owner and owner without losing the reins of them both.

Choose the Best Structure for Your Business

This is one of the first things to consider when including your pet in your new business venture. It is important to decide what business you want to start. A limited liability company (LLC) is a great option for new business owners who are looking for a bit more

flexibility in the start-up phase. LLCs have other advantages as well, including tax benefits, less paperwork to file, and limited liability. Also, be sure what the different regulations are regarding filing an LLC, as these may differ from other states.

You’ll also need to plan a marketing campaign, too, notes i7 Marketing. Spreading the word via social media is a great way to start, but you should also invest in some old-fashioned approaches like business cards. And if you’re on a tight budget, you can use a business card design tool and take advantage of the free templates.

Upgrade Your Marketing Game

Even in the digital age, the value of tangible marketing tools like business cards remains significant. They are a physical extension of your brand and an essential part of your overall marketing strategy. Business cards offer a personal touch in a digital world, providing a direct and memorable way to share your contact information and reinforce your brand identity.

Design a Standout Logo

A logo is more than just a pretty image. Entrepreneurship in a Box points out that it is the cornerstone of your visual identity, and it should be designed with care and purpose. A well-designed logo can communicate your brand values and give customers a positive impression of your business. It can also help you to stand out from the competition and attract new customers. Investing in a professional logo is an essential part of any good marketing strategy, and it can pay off in a big way over time.

Create a Pet-Friendly Routine

Pets, more specifically dogs, tend to thrive on routine, especially when trained to follow through on a specific set of orders. So, if you intend to bring your pet with you to work daily, making small changes to accommodate your pet and familiarizing your pet with these changes could be the ice-breaker your pet needs to grow fond of his new home away from home. Also, you could consider buying them some new toys and treats to make them more comfortable.

Make Them Feel Welcome and at Home

One way to make your pet feel more at home in your new office is to make them feel as much at home as possible. Therefore, you should ideally bring along with you his favorite bed, toy, feeding, and water bowl so that he gets to know that this new space is his space, too. If you’re a tenant, consider looking for a place that offers more pet-friendly accommodations or amenities.

Some apartment complexes even offer dog washing stations and green areas specifically for pets. Keep an eye out for new potential places where you and your pet can be more comfortable.

Get Assistance

Perhaps your pet is a little rambunctious, and you envision needing assistance from professionals to help your pet get used to his new surroundings. For example, your pet may be a bit apprehensive around new people. Or perhaps, he requires a little more training on the potty-training side of things. Enrolling your pet in a pet training school could help your pet cope better with these issues. Be sure to only use a trainer who uses positive training techniques.

Improve Your Skills

Balancing the demands of running a business and caring for a pet can be challenging, but pursuing a cybersecurity degree online can be a strategic move to help your business grow while managing these responsibilities. With a cybersecurity degree, you’ll gain valuable knowledge in protecting your business’s computers and network systems, a crucial aspect in 0today’s digital world.

The convenience of online learning means you can acquire this vital skill set without having to sacrifice time spent on your business or neglect the needs of your pet. All-online classes offer the flexibility to learn at your own pace and schedule, allowing you to be present at home for your pet. This approach not only ensures your business is fortified against digital threats but also provides the peace of mind that comes with being able to take care of your pet’s needs throughout the day.

Make Use of Pet-Friendly Gadgets

Suppose you need something to keep your pet busy while you get to work on building your business from the ground up. There are plenty of pet-friendly gadgets that can help you keep an eye on your pet while you’re busy working, and you can even interact with them when you have a free moment in your busy day. Before investing in any new pet gadgets, be sure to seek out products that have been reviewed by veterinary professionals first.

Make Some Time for Them in Your Day

You’re probably going to feel pulled in every direction when starting your new business (at least in the beginning). And this probably won’t leave much time for downtime. But it is vital that you make time for your pet every day, and taking them for a walk around the block is sure to make their day, as well as get them more acquainted with their new role as your office companion at work.

Find the Right Balance for You and Your Pet

Taking your pet along with you on your new business venture is sure to be an enlightening experience as you bond with your pet on a whole other level. But as stressful as it might be in the beginning, working with formation services and getting your rambunctious pet some training can make things easier. It’s also sure to be comforting as you get the privilege of having your pet by your side through all the ups and downs of your new journey.

Susan Bulanda is the author of nine books including Faithful Friends: The Never-Before-Told Stories of Pets during the Holocaust which won the prestigious Maxwell Award by the Dog Writers Association of America for being first in its category (2013) and numerous additional awards. Visit her online today! http://www.sbulanda.com

4 Tips for Tackling a New Business With a New Pet by Brandon Butler

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Image via Pixabay

You’ve decided to take some big steps in your life, pursuing your home business dreams and welcoming a new pet into the fold. It can be difficult to balance the needs of a new pet with those of a new business, but with the right knowledge, it can be done. This blog post, presented courtesy of Susan Bulanda, presents some resources and tips that you need to keep in mind.

Establish a Schedule

Pets, like humans, thrive with a regular schedule. Especially when your attention will often need to be on your business, it is important that your pet knows when to be able to expect to interact with you, exercise, and eat.

Depending on the kind of pet you have, your schedule might have to work around it. If your dog requires regular trips outside to use the bathroom, for example, you have to prioritize those when developing your daily routine. In the beginning, you may need to devote extra time in the day to train your pet on bathroom habits. Use one of the many time management apps to help give your business and pet the attention they deserve.

Keep in mind that if you decide to get a puppy, you’ll need to devote a lot of time to training them. According to the American Kennel Club, there are five basic cues that you need to teach your puppy, including how to come when called and how to walk on a loose leash. Positive reinforcement is the key here, so get some of their favorite treats and reward your pup throughout the training process. Getting the basics down will definitely help when you’re trying to establish a great work/pet life balance.

Utilize Technology

Time isn’t the only thing apps can help you manage. There are apps designed to help you keep track of your pet’s medications and veterinarian appointments and apps to help you train them. If you find yourself in need of a caretaker, the right app can connect you with pre-screened pet-sitters and walkers to ensure your pet is safe and taken care of while you tend to business.

If you have to be away and don’t require a sitter for your pet but would still like to check in, dozens of excellent pet camera systems are on the market. These allow you to check on your animal while you are otherwise engaged.

Protect Yourself and Your Business

As technology has progressed, so has the ability to treat animals experiencing medical issues. This has caused a steep rise in costs for veterinary care, as the equipment and expertise necessary to treat advanced issues can be expensive. It may be in your interest to purchase pet insurance to ensure medical expenses won’t be an unexpected burden on you and your business.

Another way to protect you and your assets is by forming a limited liability company. By doing so, you create an extra layer of protection between your business and your personal property. An LLC also has tax advantages and affords you more flexibility than other business setups. You can file for yourself online using an online formation service, saving you the expense of hiring a lawyer. Rules vary between states, so check out your state’s regulations before filing.

Give Yourself Time

Like starting a new business, getting a new pet is a big undertaking. Each animal is different, with personality and needs different from one to the next. Schedules and other tricks help, but it will take time to build trust and love between you and your pet.

Big changes require time and effort, but they can pay off big-time when done correctly. Embrace scheduling and technology, protect yourself and your pet, and give you and your animal some grace. Having the newest member of your family beside you when your business succeeds will make it all worthwhile.