Don't Overlook Competitors

Prior to launching a zoo within your community, it's worthwhile to determine how strong the competition is. We've provided the link below to help you get a list of local competitors in your area. After clicking on the link, type in your city, state and zip code to get a list of zoos near you.

• Locate Zoos Near You

Is the established competition doing a good job? It's important to understand their strengths and weaknesses and think through how you'll stake up against those established businesses.

Learn from Others Who Are Already In This Space

If you are interested in starting a zoo, it's a wise move to have a conversation with someone who is in the business. If you think owners of nearby zoos will give you advice, think again. What's in it for them?

However, a fellow entrepreneur who has started a zoo outside of your community may be more than happy to give you a few tips, given that you don't compete with them in their area. In that case, the business owner may be more than happy to discuss the industry with you. In my experience, you may have to call ten business owners in order to find one who is willing to share his wisdom with you.

What's the process for finding an owner of a zoo on the other side of the country to talk to?

It's easy. Here's a link you can use to find a mentor outside of your area.

• Find Zoo Owners Who Might Advise You

Don't Forget About Franchising As an Option

Your odds of avoiding failure in business greatly improve when you choose to franchise in lieu of doing everything yourself.

If you are thinking about opening a zoo, you ought to investigate whether franchising might make it easy to get started.

The link below gives you access to our franchise directory so you can see if there's a franchise opportunity for you. You might even find something that points you in a completely different direction.

• Research Franchising Opportunities