All American Grooming: Mobile Lectures

(in the Willow Room)

HOW TO BE A “GROOMER-ON-THE-GO”
by Kristen Fulton Friday, 8:55 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
	This lecture is perfect for the groomer who wants to be her own boss but doesn’t know how and/or doesn’t have the funds. We will cover ideas on how to get started, where to find your clients and how to be a success. Grooming-On-The-Go takes you into your clients’ homes and giving that one-on-one attention that generates higher client charges.

MOBILE GROOMING OR “PLAYING IN TRAFFIC WITH SCISSORS”
by Teri DiMarino Friday, 10:55 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
You've spent most of your grooming career within the four walls of your salon, never even thinking of mobile as a viable alternative to the daily rat-race of ringing phones, barking dogs, unpredictable employees, and complaining customers. "There HAS to be a better way!" becomes your mantra. Well you CAN have your cake and eat it too, because there IS a grooming life outside of the salon. After running a successful salon for nearly thirty years, Teri “hit the road” in Southern California in her custom “State Of The Arf” mobile grooming vehicle. These “salons on wheels” have their own set of advantages and obstacles and Teri will address many of them in her lecture. From booking appointments to knowing which dogs to refuse, Teri will fill in the blanks on the questions you may still have that are keeping you from venturing out into the streets. A great seminar for the newbie interested in small business ownership and a necessity for the burned-out salon owner seeking enlightenment and alternatives.

JOANNE’S “AHAS” FOR MOBILE GROOMERS
by Joanne Russell Friday, 1:55 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
	There are many concerns mobile groomers have which are different from salon styling . . . . Scheduling to best conserve both time and fuel. Dealing one-on-one with clients (pets and owners) in their own homes──much more intimate than in a shop. Working in a small confined area, so keeping tools and supplies compact and organized──even using equipment for more than one thing. What about the noise inside and outside the van? Joanne will discuss all of these and, as a bonus, offer exercises that can be done en route. After grooming for 45 years, 35 of them mobile, we think she’s “on the right track”, or should that be “on the right road”?!

GOING IT ALONE
by Kristen Fulton Friday, 4:25 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Although mobile groomers work alone, there are a lot of tips and tricks to make your business run smoothly, from handling difficult dogs on your own to being the secretary, groomer, and accountant all-in-one. Although you are in business for yourself, this will let you know that you are not by yourself!

YOU’LL KNOW YOU’RE A SUCCESS IN YOUR MOBILE OR SALON BUSINESS WHEN....
by Jay Scruggs Saturday, 8:55 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
	Your services are in demand at almost any cost; Customers stop asking about prices and start competing for appointment times; Your business runs more like a country club instead of a grooming business; You become known not as “the groomer” but as “my groomer”; Customers choose you regardless of price. In this lecture Jay will teach you his secrets and methods he used to become one of the most sought-after mobile groomers in the country. For shop owners and mobile alike, Jay will help you achieve the level of recognition and profitability appropriate for your community.

RI$ING GA$ PRICE$
by Sue Watson Saturday, 10:55 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Are you having trouble with the rising gas prices? All the rest of your supplies going up too? Don't know how you will cover these costs, and are you afraid to raise prices because you might lose clients? In this talk Sue will give you suggestions on how to cope plus you can share solutions with fellow attendees.

“IN AND OUT WITH STYLE, MILE AFTER MILE”
by Jodi Murphy Saturday, 1:55 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
	How long does it take you to groom a Golden Retriever? Am I taking too long at my stops? Why can't I groom as fast as you? Why does it take me so long to dry the dogs? These are all questions that Jodi hears all the time. This is your opportunity to learn how to get in and out of stops with style. Jodi will not only teach you shortcuts, but will discuss equipment, techniques, and trendy styles, so you can get in and out of your stops in a timely manner. Time is money. This is one seminar that you can't afford to miss.

HOW TO MAKE MOBILE WORK FOR YOU
by Kristen Fulton Saturday, 4:25 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
A collage of topics but the results are the same . . . How to make mobile work for you! From becoming a spa, to adding retail, pleasing the clients, getting new clients, giving yourself a raise, being your own billboard, and more. If you ever wondered “How do they . . . ?”, then this is the seminar for you. There will be time for questions and answers to help you make your mobile work for you!

PEOPLE SKILLS AND BUILDING YOUR BUSINESS
by Kristen Fulton Sunday, 8:55 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
	A first impression is everything and in a mobile operation that first impression happens on the phone. If your book is not full, you get a lot of “price-checkers” but no bookings, then listen to Kristen. This class will focus on how to spend your time wisely on the phone and get your questions answered. This will help you spend less time at the door and more time grooming and making money. Once your business has grown to where you need help, or you want to add another mobile, there are many options to consider if you want to be successful. Let Kristen show you how to cover a wider area of clients and help you make your pockets deeper. Ka-ching, ka-ching!

JOANNE’S HEALTHY GROOMING TIPS
by Joanne Russell Sunday, 10:55 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Having been grooming for 45 years, 35 of them mobile, Joanne seems to have found the secrets to success, health, and longevity in the industry she loves. She emphasizes the importance of caring for the pets, their owners, the environment, and, of course, yourself. Joanne will discuss whether or not (and how) to use dips, etc.; proper handling of pets’ legs, backs, skin, eyes, and ears; and problems and solutions for groomers related to breathing, stress, muscles, eyes, ears, backs, legs, feet, and hands. This “sparkly” extrovert still loves what she does, and it will rub off on you.