When Royal Canine Mobile Grooming drives down the road you can’t miss me! You don’t see many Dodge Sprinters tooling around with a purple poodle and a crown on the sides. In fact, you cannot miss any grooming vehicle or trailer. We stick out like a sore thumb! Mobile groomers like that. We want and need to be noticed. Many pet owners find us as we drive from place to place with our phone numbers and graphics on display in bold letters and numbers as far as the eye can see. I cannot tell you how many people call when they are stopped behind me at a red light or jot down my number or website as I drive past them. I consider driving as part of my job description.
Since we spend quite a bit of time on the road we encounter all kinds of drivers. Everyone is in a rush. I have found the best place to be when I’m out and about is in the right lane, minding my own business. I give everyone the opportunity to pass me or go first. This makes for good neighbors. I have had some hair-raising experiences driving a mobile vehicle! I had a driver scare me to death, coming out of nowhere, passing me on the right. It was dangerous and illegal. It’s hard not to get upset when things like this happen but being a professional, you cannot react. You have to take it in stride. Remember - your name is on the vehicle you’re driving. Everyone knows who you are.
Traffic jams and detours can really put you in a tizzy especially when you are running on a tight schedule. I hate to be late.
My plan to prevent running behind schedule is simple, I don’t overbook! I leave extra time in case I want to chat with a customer or have to deal with traffic or construction. When I run late I am tempted to rush and tailgate. My fuse gets short when the pressure starts to rise. I can tolerate almost anything when I have a bit of time to spare, when I do not have to hurry. Getting stuck at every red light is not a problem when I can relax and drive.
Every groomer needs to be conscientious of the first impression they make and being seen driving your grooming vehicle is often that first impression. We know this can make or break winning over a new customer when they are searching for a new groomer for their furry friend.
Nothing can ever ruffle my feathers as long as I have minutes to spare. Remember you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. Follow a few simple rules when time is of the essence. Be patient and be prepared for any unexpected obstacle when on the road.
Good advice Ellen
In my case it's jsut a good thing the crazy drivers can't read my lips.
Posted by: Connie Wilson | 11/01/2010 at 02:22 PM
I hear you Connie! You know I can relate to that. Thanks for the comment! I appreciate it.
Posted by: Ellen Ehrlich | 11/01/2010 at 02:26 PM
Great tips Ellen! Your articles are always so informative.
Posted by: Alyssa F | 11/02/2010 at 04:59 PM
Thank you Alyssa!
Posted by: Ellen Ehrlich | 11/03/2010 at 05:39 AM
The best preparation for tomorrow is to do your best today
Posted by: Nike Dunks | 11/05/2010 at 02:28 AM