u/eastburrn

Theres certain breeds that are notoriously difficult to groom and I'm wondering if it makes sense to work out something with other groomers (if they're willing) to take these clients from me and maybe do something for me in return?

Has anyone had experience with doing a customer swap like this with another grooming business?

Are there other ways that people have partnered up with other groomers outside their shop in a way that benefited both parties?

After running or working in a grooming shop for a few years (or more), is anyone able to look back and give advice on stuff new groomers should avoid doing to save money?

I feel like it's so easy to make expensive mistakes when you're just starting out building your business. Hoping to learn the lessons without having to pay up if I can help it... 😅

Has anyone done any clever marketing tactics that actually gained you more customers at your shop?

I know some people spread the word about their shop in FB groups, but have you found any other strategies that work?? Like fliers at farmers markets, partnering with pet shops/supply stores, etc.?

Happy to hear all ideas.

Basically just the title. Is there anything you've found that actually works when it comes to reducing the number of no-shows or last minute cancellations?

I'm guessing other shop owners have implemented a deposit in some cases. Does this work? If you require a deposit, how much do you suggest setting it at?

I'd imagine doing something like a $50 deposit that becomes non-refundable within 24 hours of the appointment.

I think “do what you love” or “find what you’re passionate about” is bad career advice because what you love to do more than anything in the world might be something that’s a “consumer” behavior (and those don’t create value for other people).

Reading, watching movies, going to the beach - these are all things someone might say they’re passionate about but it’s pretty difficult to sell anything in these spaces and make a living if that’s your goal (although social media/content creation has made it a bit easier in recent years).

Hobbies that produce, however - like painting, cooking, web design, writing - all create something that a potential customer may find valuable enough to pay for.

I think it’s important to have both types of hobbies and be capable of recognizing which is which.

If you’re set on quitting your 9-5 job to go and work for yourself (be your own boss), it’ll almost certainly be one of these “producing” hobbies that become the starting point of your side-project-turned-small-business.

Imagine you had $10-20 million in the bank.

You can’t go out and buy a yacht, but you and your family now have financial freedom (if you don’t make any dumb decisions and blow it all).

How do you see yourself spending your time day-to-day?

Gardening, playing golf, rock climbing, reading, investing, building apps, teaching or coaching something, cooking…?

Try to share it in a single sentence.

I’ve found that being able to visualize your “perfect day” is a great first step in working towards earning a living doing those activities.

For instance, I love learning about businesses, investing in public companies, and building websites.

I’m starting to finally make some money doing these things as side projects and it gives me hope I’ll be able to leave my 9-5 altogether and spend all my time doing what I love some day.

So glad to see this community thriving after being created a year or so ago.

When I made r/QuitCorporate I wanted it to be a place where people could vent, find support, and most importantly, find solutions & and new career paths outside of typical corporate 9-5 jobs.

What to Post:

Post anything that you think the community would find interesting, helpful, or inspiring. Feel free to share your own stories and insights that you think might help others find happiness in their careers.

Community Vibe:

We're all about being friendly, constructive, and inclusive. Let's build a space where everyone feels comfortable sharing and connecting.

Genuinely very proud of everyone that has found this community organically and posted heartfelt stories and responses to one another. I’d love to see this continue.

How to Get Started:

1. Feel free to introduce yourself in the comments below.

2. Post something today! Even a simple question can spark a great conversation.

3. If you know someone who would love this community, invite them to join.

4. Interested in helping out? Let me know if you’d like to be a moderator! We’re very fortunate that everyone engaging here has been awesome and I haven’t needed help, but as the community grows, I’m definitely happy to accept help keeping it as great as it’s been so far.

Thanks for being here!!