This Week's Herman Trend Alert Telecommuting to a Better Bottom Line

The Herman Trend Alert February 7, 2007 Dog Nannies and Other Evidence Beginning in 2000 we have written about the increasing humanization of pets. (http://www.hermangroup.com/alert/archive_11-21-2000.html, http://www.hermangroup.com/alert/archive_4-2-2003.html) Now, we have even more evidence. As futurists, we "connect the dots." It usually starts with anecdotes and eventually moves to proven fact, usually when some other entity conducts the research. Lately, we have seen an increase in this pet trend. Literally billions of dollars in the United States is spent every year on the care, feeding, and pampering of pets. In fact, according to a report issued by Packaged Facts, by 2008, the market is expected to top USD$16 billion. From doggie daycare facilities that are multiplying like rabbits in metropolitan areas large and small to the advent of mobile pet groomers, there are few markets growing as fast as pet care. However, surely the most phenomenal new development to support this growing pet trend is the coming of "dog nannies." Like their human counterparts, dog nannies are responsible for the well-being of their charges. They take care of the pets both physically and psychologically. One dog owner put it this way, "The dog psychologists say that dogs need three things: proper nutrition, discipline, and exercise. When dogs are left alone all day, they do not get the exercise they need to stay healthy." This healthcare professional wants her pets to be as healthy as her patients. They are important members of the family. Celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Paris Hilton and have long engaged dog nannies, but now ordinary people are hiring them as well. What a great occupation for animal lovers! Further evidence of this trend comes from the dog nutrition producer Nutro. The company has a line of "healthy pet desserts". From their "Apple Torte" to their "Berry Cobbler" and "Carrot Cake", Nutro includes "no added sugars", real fruit or carrots and oatmeal, and of course, natural ingredients with vitamins and minerals. Nutro, we think you have a real winner there. As the Baby Boomers age and younger people put off child-bearing, expect to see even more expenditures on these four-legged family members. The pet care market will continue its steady growth. © Copyright 1998- by The Herman Group, Inc. -- reproduction for publication is encouraged, with the following attribution: From "The Herman Trend Alert," by Roger Herman and Joyce Gioia, Strategic Business Futurists. (800) 227-3566 or http://www.hermangroup.com. The Herman Trend Alert is a trademark of The Herman Group, Inc." NEED HELP THINKING ABOUT YOUR FUTURE? Our futurists offer thought-provoking and penetrating insights, along with creative ideas to implement right away. Whether you're looking for a speaker or a consultant or a facilitator for your strategic planning retreat, The Herman Group can help you find a person for your needs, no matter what your topic. Call Joyce at 336-210-3548 to discuss your event. REDUCE COSTS BY LOWERING EMPLOYEE TURNOVER If you knew just how much money turnover is costing your company, you would have handled it ages ago! Turnover costs A LOT and it comes right off the bottom line. Let The Herman Group and its team of very experienced consultants help you address your turnover issues right away. We have an impressive track record and stand ready to help you. Call Carol at 800-227-3566; international, call 336-210-3547 for a no-obligation conference call. GOOD SELECTION = BETTER RETENTION If you are not using pre-employment assessments, you are flying without radar---not very smart in today's highly competitive environment. Let us help you better understand your candidates and your employees. In less than 30 minutes, you will know if they can do the job (abilities); their work behaviors, even their personality and attitudes (like integrity & ethics), and those can't be trained. It's very cost effective, too! For more information, contact Joyce at 336-210-3548 or e-mail assessments@hermangroup.com. Validated for many countries and cultures. We offer in-depth help with job descriptions, too! http://www.hermangroup.com/assessments.html. Herman Trend Alerts are produced by the Herman Group, strategic business futurists, Certified Management Consultants, authors, and professional speakers. New subscribers are welcome. There is no charge for this public service. The Herman Trend Alert is received by over 30,000 subscribers in 78 countries, in addition to other websites and printed magazines. Do you enjoy receiving this weekly e-mail update? Contact us about our co-branded Trend Alert service. Click here to sign up for the Herman Trend Alert. Subscribe or Unsubscribe to weekly Herman Trend Alert View this week's Herman Trend Alert Archived Weekly Herman Trend Alerts

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