Existing Market.
The next steps for my business
opportunity would be to put together a professional business plan, search the
real estate market for the perfect site, and put the plan into action.
In my interviews I asked the
interviewees what they perceive as areas that similar dog resorts fall short.
The responses I received surprised me. One interviewee said customer service is
an issue at the facility she used to take her dogs to. The second interviewee
said staffing was an issue and that at night the dogs are put into kennels and
there may only be 1 employee on site. The third interviewee had concerns about
vaccinations and the spread of kennel cough. All three interviewees agreed that
these are the areas I should be paying attention to.
After receiving the feedback, I
think the first step I want to take is establishing an explicit set of rules
that can be posted on our website for dog owners to review for the safety of
the dogs and the employees. I will also put together a detailed memo for staff
members on customer services and the proper way to care for the dogs.
I believe all the works, plans and information prepared in
earlier assignments is still applicable and combine with the above items, will
really benefit the startup of this business.
New Market.
A radically different market
would be a pet resort that accepts all cats and dogs. My venture concept in the market would not
only help dog owners, but it would also help cat owners.
I interviewed two cat owners and
their feedback was very helpful and informative. They both agreed that they
needed a place that provided more care and attention for their cats than a
standard boarding facility. One interviewee did bring up the fact that cats
carry many diseases so it would be very critical that there is a strict
vaccination policy. The other interviewee mentioned that not all cats like
other cats so it would be best to have spacious play areas for “cat friendly”
cats and then spacious private play areas for not so friendly cat. In order to
adapt to this new market, I would have to provide kenneling for cats because
they have different characteristics than dogs and would not want to always be
socializing with other cats. I would also need to provide a completely separate
area where the cats cannot see or hear the dogs and vice versa.
The new market would provide for more challenges and expenses.
I would not be interested in catering to this market. I also do not have the
knowledge of how to care for cats and attend to their needs like I do for dogs
so it would be more difficult for me to related to the cat owners. This market
would take away from what I am trying to do for dog owners.
Danielle,
ReplyDeleteAfter conducting your interviews in the two different markets, I think you're right to stick with your original market. The new market you identified has some challenges that come along with it and could bring some unexpected expenses as well. Although, it isn't a perfect fit right now, I think it could be an opportunity in the future once your business is up and running. Just liked we talked about in the lectures this week, every company starts somewhere and then turns to growth. Nice work!