Feedback on Business Idea

I've been looking for a small business idea to get me out of the house a couple of week and make a little scratch.  But I want to incorporate my animals into the process.

(I realized a while back I could never breed or own a pet store because the thought of letting anyone go is unbearable to me).

I keep going back to entertaining at children's parties....dog tricks, bird tricks, maybe some reptile demos.  If I kept the animals small, and down to one carload-I think I could be pretty competitive with the pony ride places and I have a lot of experience creating demos on things far less exciting than animals, so it would play to some of my strengths.

My leg is never going to let me compete with my dogs on the level that I want to, so maybe we can just do what I know best and go to work?

I think it sounds like a great idea!  As the mom of 2 kids, I find that I am always looking for something different for birthdays.  This would actually be a learning experience for the youngsters.  A great thing about this plan is that you wouldn't have huge overhead expenses to start up.  I say go for it!

Go for it, Debra! You'll never know, until you try--isn't that what they say? The key will be to get the word out. Start talking it up (once you're set and ready to go) at church or wherever you go to mix and mingle with people. Get some business cards made up. I use VistaPrint.com, as you can create (or use their templates) business cards for minimal cost. That is not an endorsement of that site, just sharing my experience.
I believe that God gave you this idea. If that's the case, and if you act on it, you will be successful.
Blessings,
Mary

Beware of the libability insurance.  Have you checked into that

I think the idea has merit.  But, have you considered that you would be working the weekends almost exclusively?  That is when parents schedule birthday parties.  I am glad someome thought of the insurance piece- that could be big.

If everything checks out then go for it!  I think you and your animals would have a good time.

What about doing school assemblies during the week?? The kids would love your animals!

Insurance will be a must as well as getting the proper language on any contract, and getting some boundaries set in my own head for everyone's safety.....as well as figuring out how to present those boundaries without turning off a client.

The weekend thing was one of the attractive parts-leaves me with the work week to do "workly" type things, dr.s appointments, etc. 

Since the world will not organize business hours to suit my life, I am going to try to organize my life to suit business hours and still be able to try some things I want to try. take care of family members, etc.

I'm just making a list of the pro's cons and potential problems and trying to determine if it's something that I want to try.  One of the things I'll need to do is research diseases of any animal I incorporate into the program-both from a client safety standpoint and safety to the animal.  For instance, a primate would be a bad choice to have around children because kids are running through their childhood diseases and many of those would grow cross species.

I've always wanted to train cats like that russian guy, but making sure there is adequate disease protection is a must.

And then there is the part where I want to be responsible  and entertain but not give kids the idea that they should run out and get just whatever it is I have....so I would want an educational aspect to it.

 

That is a wonderful Idea. and to make it educational will be a huge bonus for daycares and schools to hire you for demostrations. I worked in my aunts daycare and one summer she had safari joe come out.. it was expensive but the kids loved it. when you get up and running you may send letters out to the daycares because many of them get grant money to entertain the kids during the summer.  I think its a great idea good luck and i am sure  you will do great!

 You could probably get some free publicity at some of the animal adoption fund raisers like the weinie dog race or adoption days or at Pets Mart.  My niece says it sounds pretty cool unless there are snakes.  She's a wuss like me.  You have a really good idea so go for it.  donna

I was going to set up a smorgasboard kind of deal where people could request the animals they want.  I can see a boys birthday party wanting to see snakes and lizards and girls maybe wanting to see dancing cats or something like that.  (Don't mean to be sexist)