This beautifully groomed American Cocker Spaniel (groomed by Debi Hilley) recently placed second in "A" division at the prestigious Intergroom show. I was there, and as always, it was a treat to be at such a wonderful show!
If you have never attended a grooming trade show, you owe it to yourself to do so! Not only can you feast your eyes on dogs in the process of being expertly groomed, you can also visit at booths where you can learn about and even try out clippers, vacuum systems, bathing systems and more. You can hold scissors in your hand to see how they feel and discover what manufactures have come up with for new products to make our work easier. But wait, there's more! There will be classes to attend to learn grooming techniques, business skills and other topics designed to interest and inform groomers. The cherry on the cake of all this is that you will be rubbing elbows with other people who understand what its like to have your make-up licked off by your clients, people who know what its like to stay wet and hairy all day, people who dust the dog hair off their sandwich before they eat it. We groomer types are a unique breed, and it is so refreshing to meet and talk with others of our own kind.
Trade shows are a wonderful way to increase your knowledge base and recharge your batteries all at the same time. Make this year the one you go to a show. Put a tip jar up with a prominent sign, "All tips will go towards my attending the ___ show to continue my education and serve you better" You will be surprised how quickly your money will add up when you give it a purpose.
You can find a comprehensive list of upcoming shows at www.groomteamusa.com
Go, learn, make friends, ENJOY!
Comments