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Starting your own business offers many benefits. According to National Funding, one of the biggest advantages of becoming a small business owner is the flexibility it brings. For example, if you want to get a pet, having the freedom to work from home can help you achieve this dream. Read on for actionable tips from FidoMingle on how you can start a thriving business while simultaneously becoming a pet parent.
Before you bring your pet home
If you haven’t already established your business as a legal entity, take care of this administrative task before you bring your pet home. Forming a limited liability company (LLC) offers diverse advantages, from tax benefits to personal liability protection. A business formation service can help you take care of this task quickly. Just make sure to check your state’s guidelines regarding LLC formation. And if you already have employees, you should also set up a system for payroll. QuickBooks is a great option because it has an app that allows for mobile phone payroll processing, which will be very convenient for you. You can handle your payroll as you take your new pup to the dog park!
Before you bring your pet home, you should also set up an appropriate space for them. For example, if you’re getting a cat, you need a litter box. It’s best to keep your pet’s essentials, like their food and water bowls, in a separate area from your workspace to avoid distractions on the job.
You should also prepare the outside of your home. Lowe’s provides a guide to pet-friendly landscaping. For example, you should remove plants that are poisonous to canines and felines from your yard. You may also want to add fencing and ensure there is a shady spot for your animal to cool down on hot days.
Of course, it’s not just your pet that needs a comfortable space in the home. To keep your business on track, make sure you have a dedicated workspace where you can concentrate on your entrepreneurial project. Choose a comfortable chair and maybe an adjustable-height desk.
Once your pet is home
Once your pet is settled, establish a routine for them. For example, you should feed your cat at the same time every day. Meanwhile, a dog will require regular walks. Establishing a set routine can also help you structure your workday and succeed in business. Nextiva provides a list of morning habits that can help entrepreneurs thrive, like journaling.
To help integrate your new pet into the home with minimal interruption to your business, trust technology for help. For example, there are many apps that can help you improve efficiency on the job. Connecteam has a list of small business apps to help with everything from payments to time management, including Workday, Melio, and RescueTime.
Fidomingle.com can make owning a pet easier by keeping pet records AND pet tasks all in one app. Have your pets records on hand during travel, going to the park, or dropping your pet off at the groomers etc. Keep memos and reminders easily accessible and set to remind you at the appropriate time during your busy schedule.
In addition to apps, you can also benefit from smart gadgets. For example, with a smart assistant, you can dictate work emails aloud while taking care of pet parent tasks, like cleaning the litter box or preparing food. PC Mag has a list of the best smart speakers, like Amazon Echo, Google Nest, and more.
Even with the help of tech tools like apps and smart speakers, sometimes you simply won’t have enough hours in the day to focus on both business and your four-legged friend. In these instances, a reliable pet sitter can help. You can find professionals in your area using an online platform like Care.com.
While starting a business and bringing home a pet simultaneously is challenging, it isn’t impossible. Follow the tips above to achieve success as a pet parent and an entrepreneur.
Guest writer- Cindy Aldridge