I need help determining if I should start a business pet and house sitting. I just moved to the area I am currently living in and noticed with some limited research that there is a person doing the same thing across the street from my new home and three others with a 15 mile radius. Their marketing is not that professional and the service fees are complicated and include add on fees for everything such as returning house keys! I feel I could do this with a good name and tag line and get involved in the Chamber and network groups- what do you think ? Should I worry about the competition or just develop a name and tag line that would attract ?

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Jay’s Answer: Your competition already has a reputation and clients. If your benefit is a simpler pricing plan, then they could copy that in a heartbeat. Slicker marketing may not be matter to the prospects – the word-of-mouth factor would. Joining the Chamber is unlikely to produce the leads you’re looking for. The obvious leads would come from vets who don’t offer pet care service, pet food stores, local dog parks, and even travel agents (who knows when people will be traveling).

Focus on something different. First, make sure you get bonded. That will speak loudly that you’re to be trusted. Team up with a house cleaner, groomer, and/or handy person. Provide a full-service menu – go away on vacation, and come back to a home that’s better than when you left it.