The Hardest Part

[ladysprite]

I haven't updated here recently, mostly because my life has been silks and business, and for the last week or so I've been driving myself rather harshly trying to get Autumn Care & Crossings up and running.

I have a website (http://www.autumnvet.com in case you missed it!). And a phone line, and I'm all set up to take new clients.  The only problem?  I don't have any clients.

I've been working obnoxious hours trying to get the word out.  I've set up webmaster tools, and made a Yelp page, and sent out press releases to over a dozen local newspapers, and designed and printed brochures, and spent most of a week driving around handing out brochures and cards to clinics I've worked at in the past.  I've asked folks to spread the word (hey - if you're reading this?  Tell people I exist).

And now.... I wait.  And worry, and wait, and worry.

I know it's been less than two weeks.  I know these things take time.  But I also need income to pay my bills.  And... I've poured my heart and soul (and savings account) into this, and I'd hate to see it not just fail but never even start.

I'll get there.   Clients will come.  It'll just take a while.

I hope.....

Comments

[aishabintjamil.livejournal.com]

I'm a bit outside of your practice area (southern NH), but I wanted to say I think this practice is a wonderful thing. I have a habit of adopting older cats, often ones with special needs, so I really appreciate the concept of someone specializing in their care.

Have you tried contacting local animal shelters with information about your practice? The shelter in Manchester (NH) solicits for volunteers to provide hospice care to older animals who aren't adoptable, and if shelters in your area have similar programs they might be interested in your practice.

[spiritdancer]

Beyond shelters, how about rescue groups - especially ones that work with special needs dogs? I can check with my local contacts to see if we can get you some names (as spreading the word here in Iowa won't exactly help you in Boston!)

[ladysprite.livejournal.com]

Shelters are actually a good idea - thank you! I hadn't thought of that....

[virtualvirtue.livejournal.com]

A thought ...take advantage of any Small Business Administration programs in your area. Back in the day, when I worked for an affilated govt agency (Manufacturing Extension Center -- think farm extension for small manufacturers), they were very helpful and did coach small business owners about where to go for customers and helped brainstorm new markets.

[ladysprite.livejournal.com]

Hmm... I'm not sure where to go to find such things, but one thing I have now is time; I can definitely look into it. Thank you!

[starcat-jewel.livejournal.com]

I posted a link to your website on Facebook; I have friends in several communities that include East Coast people, and one of them has already shared it on. Every little bit helps!

[ladysprite.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much!

[witchwestphalia.livejournal.com]

I wish I had your resource available to me when I lost my Moko to lymphoma in 2011. Have you considered working with NEVOG (New England Veterinary Oncology Group) or are you? Here's their number -- 781-684-8688. They treated Moko and were great, and their clients might need your services.

ETA: I added your info to my phone list so I can share it. I hope that's OK. I work in human healthcare, often end of life care, and and I know how important good end of life care is.

[ladysprite.livejournal.com]

I admit I haven't reached out to the referral hospitals yet, because since I'm not a board-certified specialist myself I've been a bit worried that they won't want to refer to me. But it's free to ask, and I should get over myself and do that.

And it's absolutely okay to note and share the number - I'm doing this because I want to help people, and I can't do that if they don't know I exist. Thank you for thinking of it!

[witchwestphalia.livejournal.com]

People know I've adopted multiple older cats with health problems, some end of life problems, over the last 25 years. I'm known at the hospital for sharing weird compare-and-contrast trivia between the common geriatri-cat problems and common human geriatric problems. So I may well end up giving out your contact info.

I'm friending you here so I can find your LJ. I hopd that's OK too.