How To Interview Clients: The Owners and Their Dogs
As a dog walker, you will be expected to have interviews with clients in order to allow them to get to know you and allow you to meet the client and his or her dog. Depending on your schedule and that of the client, this may, in fact, be the only time that you ever encounter the client face-to-face.
This is the primary opportunity you have to turn an interested individual into an actual client. It is also a great time for you to get to know whether this is the type of client that you will be able to take on as one of your own.
For this reason, you need to master the ability of making a great first impression. You'll need to be prepared and know your business inside and out in order to be able to provide accurate and honest answers to any questions the prospective client may have.
In terms of being prepared, you should dress well, but not be overly formal, wearing clean, matching clothes without holes or stains. Similarly, you should be well groomed with clean hair and fingernails. Brush your teeth to make sure that your breath is fresh, but don't chew gum.
In an attractive bag or satchel, bring a notebook and pen where you can write things down so that you don't forget them later on (this also shows that you're paying attention and that you are organized). Bring a few business cards with you to leave with the perspective client for him or her to use and/or share. Have a copy of your service agreement as well as a welcome package for your client. The latter should explain all of the information they require from the details of the service agreement to policies about changing or cancelling times and how you function, what they can expect, and how to contact you. You may also want to bring treats for the dog; remember, though, that you must ask the permission of the prospective client before actually feeding the treat to the dog.
Don't forget that what is more important than everything else that you can bring is a positive attitude and a pleasant smile. As hokey as this may sound, these elements can actually make the difference as to whether or not a prospective client will sign with you. Remember, you may not be the only dog walker that the client has interviewed. A shining personality and an overall pleasant attitude can make the difference between you and the other person. Be comfortable with the dog but don't force yourself on him or her, while being respectful, polite, pleasant, and bubbly with the owner.
Always remind yourself that you're a good dog walker, you love the animals, and you are very reliable. These are the most important qualities that a dog walker can have, and you have them. From that point on, you simply need to be honest with the client and work together to come up with schedules and solutions that will function for you both. As long as you're prepared for the interview and keep a positive attitude, the client should also be more willing to work with you and to compromise if tiny changes to expectations need to be made.
This is the one time you'll need to concentrate on humans first - from here on in, it can all go to the dogs - but that's good!
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How To Interview Clients: The Owners and Their Dogs
Dog Training Basics Every Dog Walker Must Know: Dog Walkers' Obedience Training
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Dog Walking Forms