126: Growing a Support Network
Brought to you by Time to Pet. Go to timetopet.com/confessional for 50% off your first 3 months.
Summary:
2020 and Covid have taught us the importance of having a close community and network of other pet care business owners. But what if you don’t already have one near you? How do you start one? Alicia Obando, owner of Pitter Patter Parenting, discusses how she started a pet sitter network and why it’s been so important to have this year.
Topics on this episode:
Why she started her network
How she invites others to join
Supporting each other
What makes a great group
Keeping the group going
Main take away? A support network is not just for you, but to help the entire industry a better, more professional place for everyone.
About our guest:
In 1989, I received my masters in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Children and Adolescents and practiced as a child and family therapist for seven years. I left the field to go work in politics for 11 years, hoping to bring about positive change for families and communities. During this time I had begun volunteering at an animal shelter and became very involved in Chicago's animal welfare community. I left politics in 2007 to follow my passion for helping animals. I worked at Chicago's oldest and largest animal shelter for 2 years and at the largest Chicago Veterinary ER and Specialty Center for 5 years. I also ran a Kids Block Club during this time for 5 years. I have participated in hundreds of hours of pet care education including an 8 week course called Behavior Fundamentals, which teaches you about canine behavior and communication. In 2012, I founded the non-profit, Pets Are Like Family. It was an all volunteer run organization that helped pet parents with limited resources take care of their pets. As the head of this organization, I educated pet parents one on one, in a classroom setting and at community events. Over the years, I have counseled hundreds of families regarding child care and pet care. In 2015 I created the company, Pitter Patter Parenting, to bring together my love of working with families and pets. My mission is to help families manage their pets in a way that encourages safe and healthy relationships for everyone in the family.
Links:
Join us for a Thanksgiving Hour November 26th at 1pm CST!!
Zoom information: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4474535461
Consider supporting the show
Give us a call! (636) 364-8260
Check out our pet sitter resources
Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Google, Stitcher, & TuneIn
Email us at: feedback@petsitterconfessional.com
A VERY ROUGH TRANSCRIPT OF THE EPISODE
Provided by otter.ai
SUMMARY KEYWORDS
people, group, dog walkers, meeting, pet, business, clients, zoom, talk, area, months, share, pet sitter, referrals, person, networking group, big, questions, started, services
SPEAKERS
Collin, Alicia
Collin 00:18
Hi, I'm Collin.
00:19
And I'm Meghan.
00:20
And this is petsitter. confessional.
00:22
An open and honest discussion about life as a pet sitter,
Collin 00:26
brought to you by time to pet 2020 really taught us the importance of having a close community and support group around us. We talked about that many times throughout the year. However, we've never really talked about what it's like to start one from scratch in your area. So today we have Alicia Obando on to talk about how she started and why she started a pet sitter support group in her area, what that's been like how she operates it, the opportunities that it affords, and what to expect from the members. Let's get started.
Alicia 01:02
My name is Alicia Obando. And my company is called pitter patter parenting. I started it five years ago, to basically meld together my two passions of working with families with children and working with pets. So I provide pet care, education and support by doing private consultations and teaching classes, and also providing pet loss support, and general pet care services to families to help everybody live safely together.
Collin 01:33
And we had you back on in Episode 78, to talk all about keeping kids safe around dogs and recommendations. And that was a wonderful episode at a lot of information that I know, Megan and I took a lot away from that too, and implementing stuff with our kids as well. But today, we're having you on to talk all about starting pets network. And you've done that about you did that about a year and a half ago? Why did you decide to do that? Yeah, so
Alicia 02:00
it started in January 2019. I had belonged to another women in business networking group. And I belonged for three years. And we met every week 730 in the morning. And, you know, it was a lot of your typical like, you know, insurance and you know, bank people, financial advisors, and all different kinds of things. And I just felt like, you know, I loved the idea of the meeting with other people and talking about business and helping each other and sending each other referrals, but it just wasn't my tribe. Um, and I thought, I wish there was a group like this, that had to do with pet care professionals. And so I basically just called around to a few that I knew, and said, Hey, what do you think about this? And they said, Sure, I come. And so I started the Chicago pet care professionals collaborative, also known as CP CPC. Because that's a lot of words. And basically, we, you know, I started it so that we could all get together to share resources, to share support, and to share referrals with each other.
Collin 03:21
Yeah, it really it sounds great. It sounds like something that a lot of us really need, especially during uncertain times. So you said for pet professionals, who exactly is the group for?
Alicia 03:33
Well, it started off being for any pet care services business owner. So I wanted it to be for dog walkers, pet sitters, dog trainers, dog groomers, people who don't have a brick and mortar basically, to deliver services rather than like a retail. But it really is just dog walkers and pet sitters. We've never had any trainers or rumors join, although we do have two people who do training along with dog walking, but so yeah, it's basically your pet care businesses,
Collin 04:08
those people who can sometimes feel most disconnected from the world around them in most isolated.
Alicia 04:14
Right, right. And I'm a solopreneur. And I know several other pet care business owners that are solopreneurs, or that maybe they have one or two contracted helpers. And so yeah, the idea that you don't have that think tank in the office where you get to bounce ideas off of people or, you know, you're just kind of alone with your thoughts. So the idea is to be able to sit down with other people in the exact same boat as you and say, Hey, this is a challenge I'm going through what do you guys think? Are you also experiencing this? What if you tried that works or doesn't work? And also just to have the camaraderie, you know?
Collin 04:53
Yeah, yeah, that camaraderie really is is key so you don't feel alone and you can excuse that bounce those ideas off of each other like that is so Powerful to have especially people who are directly in and around what you're doing and people who've been there longer than you and you know, for shorter amounts of time to write, what was the business networking landscape? Like, before he started this?
Alicia 05:13
Well, there was a couple of there was, I think one in particular, there was a lot of online ones. Um, you know, like, Kristin Morrison has a great Facebook community. And there is a woman here out of Chicago called Candace, dog Nolo, and she runs a membership, a paid membership group called the pet boss nation, right. And, and so I joined her online community, just her free Facebook group. But that was very much geared at retailers. So I'm like, well, that's not really the same challenges that I face. So I really did look around when I first started, because I'm a big networker, ah, I've just always done networking, no matter what job I've been in, it's something that I'm good at, that I enjoy doing. And so I looked for those opportunities when I started the business. And like I said, I just joined that women's one, but there wasn't really anything pet related. That was along the same lines, you know, I joined my chamber. But again, those chamber gatherings are not usually pet care, folks.
Collin 06:19
Sure, yeah. It's not to discount those other connections and those relationships that you're building, but if you're looking for more advice, experience directly to the questions and things that you're dealing with, you know, those can be harder to find for those specifics.
Alicia 06:33
And I've gotten more referrals in the year and a half, from other pet care providers in this group than I ever did from the women's group in a year and a half. Um, you know, because we all have clients. And I think that's the thing that pulls people in is the idea of referrals, we all have clients that move out of our target area, you know, or for some reason suddenly need a service that you don't provide, to be able to send that person to someone else that you know, and respect because you've been part of a networking group with them. Because I won't refer my clients who I really trust and know that they trust me, I will refer them to somebody I don't know, right. So this way, you're building relationships with other pet care providers, so you can refer to each other. I've gotten some great new clients through this group.
Collin 07:21
Now, is that an implicit or explicit expectation for referring to others when you join the group?
Alicia 07:27
It's right there in basically the statement of what we're here for, you know, we're here to provide resources, referrals and support to each other. So we share resources as I you know, ideas, groups, whatever. We share the referrals, clients with each other. And then we share support, just being able to vent and talk and feel heard. So those are the three areas that our group really, really helps people with.
Collin 07:56
Yeah, well, I'm making those expectations known right from the get go of like, yeah, this is share and be shared with kind of group again, this this community over competition idea and mentality.
Alicia 08:07
Right, right. And that's what I'm hoping brings a lot of people to the group, because they're looking everyone's looking for new clients. Right? Yeah. So that's the that's the hook that gets them in.
Collin 08:17
Yeah, yeah. So you know, back in 2019, you've surveyed the landscape, you're dealing with all this stuff, you you have this itch to get something started Why Why did you decide it was you who are going to start this? What What made you say, this is my thing?
Alicia 08:33
Well, there, I'm definitely one of those people who like if no one else is gonna do it, I guess I'm gonna do it. So yeah, I'm kind of a, I'm kind of a group starter. Okay. I've started lots of you know, I'm the one who starts the dust filament food club. And, you know, I now run the to you ladies virtual happy hour for all the little old ladies at my church, I host a zoom happy hour for them every Friday at 6pm. Because they're all stuck at home, you know, quarantining and everything. So yeah, I'm just the kind of person who likes to start groups, and socialize and network.
Collin 09:11
Well, and I know many people, though, are not very confident, or they have a lot of questions or concerns or concerns about starting groups, because there's, there's I feel like there's maybe a lot tied into something like that. So what advice would you give to somebody to for you know, if they're not feeling confident enough that they're the one to start a group?
Alicia 09:30
Well, anybody can start the group, you know, in their own area, and really, you can make it whatever you want. Because, you know, in my group, I'm the coordinator. And so I set up our meetings and you know, and activities but you can find other people to co chair or you can, you know, rotate it around to every month someone else is in charge of setting the meeting and doing the agenda or whatever. Um, you know, you can make it work. Whatever you want. So I would say, don't be fearful, it's basically, if you can get together with a group of friends in a bar for happy hour, you can do a networking group.
Collin 10:13
Well, and you touched on there of just because you want to start, it doesn't mean you have to be the one who does all of the things right, you can still, you can still bring in help and delegate and ask for other people to be involved to so that it's not just resting on your shoulders.
10:30
Exactly. Yeah.
Collin 10:31
So after a year and a half, I was curious, how many people do you have in your group?
Alicia 10:35
Well, the number because to join, I send them the template like, you know, thank you so much for your interest, this is who we are. And then there's like five or six questions, basically, your name, your number, your email, the name of your business, your website, the services you offer, and your target area. And then that information goes in our database, which is on a Google Doc spreadsheet that everyone has access to. So if you're looking to refer to somebody because your client moved on, you can look and see, do they you know, who who has that service, who services that area, and then you can make referrals through that directory. And so you have to give that information. And then once I have it, then I put it there, I add you to the email list. And then you get emails, invitations, you do one of the only restriction or not restriction, but the only thing you have to do to be a member is you have to attend a meeting at least once every six months, because we had a lot of people who were interested and signed up and I never heard from again. So when you ask how many, the database has about 40 or so people in it. But half of those people I never heard from again. So we have our core group that meets and we were meeting once a month in a bar. But when COVID happened, we switched to zoom. And we were meeting every Wednesday night on zoom for the first couple of months. And then now we need every other Wednesday, as things have slowed down some
Collin 12:15
Sure. No, that sounds really that sounds really good. And yeah, you mentioned that it's maybe setting some of those expectations of when you start a group, you know, you may have this a big initial interest. But you know, after a while, it may shake down to these these core people, these people who are really active and really engaged.
Alicia 12:33
Right, and one of the things that, you know, we're trying to let people know is We value your engagement, this group is nothing if nobody comes. And so we have a Facebook group. And that's where a lot of the referrals happen. People will say, Hey, I got a call for this dog. But I don't service that area. Does anybody want it? We get a lot of those in our Facebook group. But what was happening is a lot of people were going on there to take those clients, but weren't at all active members in the group. And so that's when we made the rule that you have to participate in, it's not a big ask, attend a meeting once every six months. Yeah. And if you don't, then you are removed from the Facebook group, you still get invited to the meetings every time because we encourage you to come. But you don't get to benefit from all those referrals if you're not a participating member.
Collin 13:21
Yeah, it gets back to some of that purpose of the group was this this, you know, share and be shared with and if you're not sharing, well, that doesn't get reciprocated, you can't just sit there and lurk in the corners and steal the referrals. And right not share out.
Alicia 13:36
And the other purpose of the group is to build relationships with each other so that when we're making a referral, we're referring to somebody that we know, and have learned to trust and respect. So we're passing these people on to somebody we know. So if you're not coming to the meetings, and we don't know who you are, you're maybe not the person we want to refer to, you know,
Collin 13:57
yeah. Well, as you mentioned, it's very uneasy, very uneasy to refer a loved client out to somebody who you don't know. So it really gives you a big peace of mind before you can do that. So you had talked about how you looked around and you just started to ask people if they would be interested in this kind of group. Walk us through how you started to communicate with this group to others and to other pet care providers in your area?
Alicia 14:24
Well, there was only a handful of people I knew off, off, off hand and then what I did was, I would always see like business cards at the vet's office or hanging up at the dog store the pet store. And so I would reach out to some of them and say, hey, I've started this group, you know, this is what we're doing. So I tried to go that route. I haven't done that in a while because what I have found is now we have so many that people are bringing in other people. So usually what happens now is a current member will email me and say hey, I met this woman, her name is Sheila and she has a cat company. And she'd love to join our group. Here's her email address. And then so it's good because this is somebody now who I already know has expressed interest. And then I sent her my template email that says, you know, so glad that you're interested, here's who we are. And again, just letting them know that we're just a group of pet care business owners who get together every other Wednesday night on zoom, and we share resources, referrals and support. You know, we'd love to have you join us. And, you know, if you could answer these few questions, I'll add you to the database, and then you'll start getting the invitations. And so that's usually how I, how people are coming in.
Collin 15:42
Yeah, well, it's nice. Once you have people who are in the group starting to refer other people to the group, it kind of builds that organic growth and bringing in more people, what has the response been, like, you know, people who've been attending for a year and a half, you know, what do they say about the group that right now?
Alicia 15:59
Well, you know, it's, it's a totally different animal who we are now versus who we were pre COVID? Sure. Because pre COVID, I mean, the first six months, it was just kind of, you know, building up people and kind of, you know, getting to know each other. But then I started having guest speakers and our monthly groups. So I had a lawyer come in and talk, I had a social media person come in and talk. So people, you know, who would come in and talk specifically to our type of business. But then when COVID happened, the first couple of months, it was all about financial aid. So our meetings were all about, okay, who's gonna go for the PPP? Who's gonna go for the idol loan? Who has heard back from your bank? How much did you get? How did you do it? You know, it was a lot of that, you know, in our city and state had some programs as well. So it was a lot of sharing that information. And I was attending webinars like crazy, you know, my chamber, another chamber, I don't belong to the group that I originally got alone from, you know, five years ago, they were all doing webinars on, here's how you can get financing for your small business. And so then I would, you know, take good notes, and then we'd have our meetings, and I would share all that information. So trying to be that resource for the group on here's some financial resources for you. And then we were all just touching base, like, did you get your loan yet? What have you heard from your bank? And I think that that was so critical. And I've heard a lot of members say how important that was, to be able to come here to the to our meetings and find out how to get help, or, you know, I unemployment was a big one. You know, we had some people who were not incorporated, who were self employed. So that how to handle that whole self employed, unemployment was something that I think was challenging, because it hasn't really been done before. So it was just great for people to be able to say, Hey, I'm doing that too. Or I've also had that problem. And then again, that just support piece of saying, I've lost all my clients, oh, my God, how are you eating? How were you doing this? You know, does anybody have any clue about, you know, how to talk to your mortgage company about getting, you know, just how to take care of yourself peace, as well as the business. So I just think that it was so hugely important for all of us, including me to have that support network, because Sure, we're all going through COVID. But I don't really have any close friends who are small business owners. You know, nobody in my family is a small business owner,
Collin 18:43
none of my best friends are small business owners. So to be able to have a group who knows what you're going through was huge. relate those fears, and have people be able to come alongside you and sympathize with you in those times where you're just very confused. It's all confusing, right? There's so many things unknown, and very, very much that similar of like, you know, this is what I'm doing right now. Is anybody else trying? Yes, you know, how did you know you mentioned like this loan, How on earth did you apply for this loan? You know, okay, let's sit down. And let's work on this together and share how that went for each one of us. I I could imagine that that would just be such a, you know, talk about lifting a weight off your shoulders of fears and insecurities and the unknown to have that group have come alongside you during that
Alicia 19:33
right yeah, I think it was a thank God for this group. I think for a lot of us, because we would have just been floundering alone through that whole mess.
Collin 19:46
Have you heard about time to pet Dan from NYC pooch has this to say time to bet has been a total game changer for us.
19:53
It's helped us streamline many aspects of our operation from scheduling and communication to billing and customer management. We actually tested other pet sitting software's in the past, but these other solutions were clunky and riddled with problems. Everything in time to pet has been so well thought out. It's intuitive feature rich,
Collin 20:09
and it's always improving. If you were looking for new pet sitting software for your business, give time to pet a try. As a listener of pet sitter confessional, you'll get 50% off your first three months, when you sign up at type two pet.com slash confessional. What is the what is the interactions look like outside the group between you know, they they go and they leave the group? You know, how has that impacted the friendships and those kind of relationships in your in your area?
Alicia 20:38
Well, when we met in person, I felt like that was and also we weren't dealing with COVID, it was a lot more social, you know, because we met at the bar, and we would chat with each other. And I always brought my little doggie to the bar who would hang out at our meetings and and we also just had a different, there was a different feel to our meetings. Now with COVID. It's a lot more business oriented. You know, like, what are you doing? Like, a lot more here? It's the problems we're having? How are we going to solve them? And yes, we can all have our beverages, I guess, on zoom, but it's not the same for that. No imbibing together. Right. But one of the things that I've noticed that has happened during the last six months that wasn't happening before is a lot of newbies, people who are just now starting a pet care business. So I'm glad we're here for them. Because like, we were talking earlier, just being able to tell people, oh, no, don't do that. That's, that's not going to work. You know, we try that. And, you know, don't spend your money on print advertising, you know, just things like that. Like, there was a new person who joined and came to her first meeting a couple weeks ago. And we gave her some suggestions because she's like, I got everything set up. Now I'm just waiting for my first client, I need a client. And so we gave her some suggestions. And I said, you know, go to next door, go on there and just say who you are and what you do, whatever. And then she posted in the Facebook group, oh, my God, I joined next door, like you said, and I got my first client. So I love that, like when there's new people, and they get all this resources and information from all of us. People have been doing it for a little while. And they find it helpful. And you know, I that's what I love the most is being able to really feel like we're lifting people up.
Collin 22:34
Yeah, no, absolutely. And one of the questions I had about the group, but you know, for those new people is, you know, have you thought about having a mentorship program for those, those new kind of pet sitters moving forward?
Alicia 22:47
You know, I hadn't thought about that. But that would be a great idea. I could definitely ask the members, if they'd be interested in doing that I am trying not right now to not put too much work on anybody else. Just because everyone is so freaked out about just getting their business back to normal. I actually, there's been a decrease in attendance, I think because of that as well, like people are just trying to stay afloat, you know. But there is one one event that I have planned that I'm very excited about. So during all the, you know, the civil unrest, and the push to, to learn how to be more anti racist, personally, and in our businesses, which is something I've really tried to spend some time on myself. There is a wonderful group here in Chicago called my block my hood, my city. And they work on anti racist things around the city, but especially with youth. And I saw in a chamber newsletter that they were looking for businesses, who would host youth to show them what it's like to work in your industry. Oh, wow. And I thought, wouldn't that be fun? So I brought it up to the group, several people jumped on it. And now we are hosting in October of a group of like a dozen junior high end high schoolers that are African American who are coming with their advisors from this organization. And we are going to do presentations on what it is to be a dog walker, a pet sitter, and we're providing dinner, and I think it's just going to be a wonderful event for us to showcase to the youth, hey, this is a viable career option. Right, which I think it's a wonderful career option. If you do have limited resources, you know, so I think it's perfect for a group like this. But also just to, you know, for us to be able to give back to the community. And one of the hooks I've given to the people to participate is, this is a great PR for you. You know, you're going to be able to post on your Facebook page that you're doing this You know, maybe take a photo, we'll see what kind of photos we can get, we can put a press release out that we're doing it as a, you know, networking group. So it's a win win win situation. So I'm really glad people have stepped up and said that they want to be involved.
Collin 25:14
Yeah, no, that's huge. You talk about community involvement at that point, and especially highlighting the the petsitting industry, which is probably not the typical industry, or businesses that apply for those kind of things, or
Alicia 25:26
right, I'm sure they've been to a lot of banks, you know, insurance companies, you know, right. This is how you work a Xerox machine. Yeah, we're much, much more fun than that.
Collin 25:39
Well, yeah, and just showing just, you know, helping elevate everybody through that process. It's educating, you know, new people coming in going, Hey, if this is something that is absolutely viable, look at all these businesses around you that are kind of invisible, and behind the scenes that you might not even know are there. And, you know, give you guys exposure to the community and getting better connected through that. It's a wonderful opportunity. It's just one of those things that comes up of like, Oh, it was, it was just this little line in the newsletter, and, you know, like, those things can come and go, and you may never never see it. So that's the power of a group like this being able to bring those kind of resources and opportunities to everybody.
Alicia 26:18
Right, right. And that's what I see as my role is, I'm always on the lookout for things that can help us, you know, individually or collectively, and then bringing them to the group. You know, here's a great article I saw about, you know, how to get new clients, or here's a wonderful webinar that's coming up, or that kind of thing and posting it in our Facebook group. Um, and, you know, obviously, I'm not the only one who does that everybody in the group does that as well. And it's just such a great resource for all of us. Yeah, everybody wants to share and help.
Collin 26:51
Yeah, because they know, in turn, it does, it does help you, you know, when you're sharing that kind of stuff, because then, you know, hey, I saw this opportunity, let's get all get involved. And that just that does make it make it better for the group. Right?
Alicia 27:03
Like you said, It elevates our whole industry. When we do that,
Collin 27:06
it does it shines a light on that, which is something that, you know, again, not a lot of people think being a pet sitter dog walker is a viable career option, but it totally is, it just takes being exposed to that for a little bit to understand the ins and outs of that, and to some of the local success stories to like, that's gonna be I'm very excited about that for you.
Alicia 27:26
Yeah, well, and I also think that it helps people realize that it is a professional job, you know, that. And to elevate it as a professional career option, you know, that people are, you know, get training that people have certifications that people you know, know how to run a business and are doing it, you know, legally and responsibly, because, you know, there are a lot of hobbyists out there doing it differently. And so just letting people know that this is a professional industry, and that there are professionals that are doing it. And helping the newbies learn how to do that, you know, because not all of them know about, oh, what I have to have a city business license, I didn't know or, you know, what's the difference between LLC and corporations, and just that kind of basic stuff that you learn at the beginning? So just helping people come in at that professional level?
Collin 28:23
Right, you meant that word professional that really does when you have a group of people like that the the standards just get raised for everybody, you start holding yourself to a higher standard. And it just raises that whole thing for not just the businesses there, but the profession as a whole. Because you start reminding people, yes, you do need these licenses, yes, you should get this training. Like, that just helps. That helps everybody, and it helps the exposure for everybody as a whole.
28:48
Right, exactly.
Collin 28:50
Now, I was curious, you know, you have this these group of people that are attending and sharing, how do you foster that open communication and sharing of ideas in a healthy space?
Alicia 29:03
Um, well, I tried to think I always ask people, when I make the announcement, with the zoom link of our meeting coming up, if you have anything to add the agenda to the agenda, let me know, usually nobody does. So I have to come up with things but I try to come up with things that will spur conversation and sharing. Like, for instance, we have our next meeting tomorrow night. And so I sent out the reminder yesterday, and I said you know that? Well, first of all, we're always starting our meetings with how is your business doing now versus pre COVID. So people go around and say, you know, I'm at 30% I'm at 50. I got some new clients this week, you know, so kind of Where are you now? And then we're going to talk about people making changes such as anybody raising their your rates. If so, how are you doing it? When are you doing it? Why are you doing it? We started talking about that last Time. And then how are you getting new clients? You know, if we all need more people? What are you doing to get out there? And so we're trying to throw out kind of general questions that will spur conversation, that helps everybody is kind of what I try to do with the agenda each time.
Collin 30:18
Yeah. Well, in these questions, you know, someone's listening to this going, Oh, my gosh, how would I even begin to run a group meeting? Well, you know, the questions that you just listed off are all questions that I think most business owners have had, at least at some point within the past six months, maybe past week, verbalizing those and going, Hey, this is something that I have on my mind. How is everybody else dealing with that? Exactly, right. It's not these big grandiose, you know, these big complicated questions or problems that you're bringing up here. It's, this is, you know, what about this, you know, who's dealing with this problem? Who has these successes, who's has you know, who's struggling right now? Those are questions that we all have just as, as human beings in general, and vocalizing those to a group, and they'll share back, right, they, they'll tell you how they're doing.
Alicia 31:04
Yeah, if people don't give me any suggestions for the agenda, or I don't have enough of them. Usually, I just look at what am i struggling with right now? Um, you know, and everybody else is struggling with that as well, a couple of months ago, we spent a couple meetings talking about self care, like, what are you doing to keep yourself from going insane with all of this? You know, um, and I just think that that, that's helpful to know that everybody else is going through the same stuff?
Collin 31:31
Yeah, it really does. It's so it's so powerful. Again, you know, we say we say that a lot, it helps to know that you're not alone. But yeah, it is incredibly powerful, not just to ourselves, but to other people as well, who are coming, especially new people who are coming in, they have no idea what's going on. And they're doing this in the middle of a global pandemic, right, like, Good on you. Let's help, let's help you, like, awesome, let's get this. And let's come together and help everybody out. You touched on it a little bit. But, but does the group look like what you thought it would a year and a half ago, when you started this?
Alicia 32:06
Um, I have to say, one thing that I wish was different that I had hoped was different was participation, we really have our small core group. Um, and, uh, and I really thought that more people would become involved. And so I'm not sure how to make that happen. And that's definitely something that I am going to be working on. Right now, whenever I'm out walking. And I always talk to other dog walkers. And I say, oh, who do you walk for? And if it's a company who's not part of our group, I give them my card, hey, you should tell your owner to join our group, you know, I'm just trying to talk it up. Because I think that it's one of those things that everybody's so busy, I have too many things to do. I don't have time. But once they start coming, then they realize the benefit of it, you know, so it's how do I get the word not just the word out there that we exist? Because I can do that. But how do I convey the value so that it's worth taking an hour out of your time, twice a month, or even once a month? to come? So that's something that I need to figure out. And I need to, you know, that I've been struggling with, I really thought that we'd have more members. And we had more more active members before COVID. But I think, you know, people only have so much bandwidth to deal with what's going on in their lives.
Collin 33:35
And that that'll probably be, you know, an ebb and flow over the course of the years. But you know, that's something that you do you hope that as more people learn, more people will share and they'll that benefit, that inherent benefit of coming together? Because it sounds it sounds really simple from the outset of Oh, you mean you get together and talk to each other about your business for an hour? Okay. But yeah, you get together and you talk about your business for an hour like that. It really does it it once you experience something like that, I'm sure that just changes your outlook and your perspective on that entirely. Because you do see that benefit of sharing, being you know, sharing your experiences being shared back to being plugged into that community problem solving together. That that is something that has to be experienced, I would imagine to really fully grasp just how beneficial that is.
Alicia 34:21
Right? Right. And I really thought too at the beginning that it would be a lot of small like solopreneur people like me thinking Well, we're the ones who need the networking with each other the most. But we have a couple of really large groups. The ones Chicago dog walkers, I think had like 60 walkers or something. They're really big and there's another one that's been active with Windy City paws is another really big one in Chicago. So I never thought that they would find value in it, and yet they've been very active. Um, so yeah, so don't discount who you think will or won't join Cuz you never know.
Collin 35:02
Yeah, again, one of those like being being open and accessible to everybody in your industry, and if there's a big table to let everybody in and have access to, and just being open and willing to, to whoever shows up, and those are the people that need to be there at that time and need to be there to be involved in to share.
Alicia 35:23
And it's great to have a diversity of levels of experience. You know, we have people like, like, the Chicago dog walkers owner, who's been doing it for like, 25 years. And then we have people who started a business last month. So I think it's wonderful to have that breadth of experience. And just the different people offer different kinds of services. And sometimes you hear something that somebody is doing, you think, Hmm, I never would have thought to offer that service, I'm going to do that, you know, so it's, it's nice to have the diversity.
Collin 35:55
And think thinking about the group that you've that has been developing over the past year and a half, I was wondering, you know, what makes a great networking group? What are some essentials to have in the group?
Alicia 36:08
Um, well, first of all, I think for any kind of group, you need to have, um, there needs to be reliability, like this is when we meet, and you know, because once the dates and times move around, and how often and stuff, people will just forget, because they don't know what you know when to put it on their calendar. So I think it's important to decide, okay, we're going to meet, you know, on this day, every month or whatever, put it on your calendars send out a reminder a couple of days before. So it does need, there needs to be somebody, whether the person in charge or somebody that gets delegated, that somebody needs to be in charge of communicating the logistics to everybody in a reliable way. So I think that is critical, just to get people to come. And then there has to be, I think, a comp, at least for our group, the way I see it, there needs to be a combination between guiding the discussion and allowing some free form discussion. So I try to have topics on hand so that we have something to talk about to get the discussion going. But if the discussion goes in a different direction, because that's what people need to talk about, then let it go there. These agenda items are kind of like play Savers, in case there's crickets to get things going, so I think it's good to have some idea, because you don't want people to come and then everyone to just sit there like, isn't somebody gonna say something, you know, or what, what are we here for? What are we talking about? So I think you have to have some sort of a plan, but then really let the group decide what's important for them that day to talk about
Collin 37:55
knowing that, as I mentioned earlier, the people that are in the room are the people that need to be in the room and trusting that what shared is what needs to be shared, and that that stuff is going to be benefiting if someone has that question, if someone has that on the mind. Other people do too. And so if you're running that, if you're running that meeting, or if you're kind of in charge of that agenda, just being able to let that go, because the group is the group is for everybody. And if somebody is struggling with something that needs that, that can be dealt with, then you know, instead of being stuck to this rigid, like, well, now we have to talk about this. And then we have 15 minutes to talk about this, like just letting being able to write so right.
Alicia 38:32
And I think when you're running any kind of meeting, but I've especially noticed with all the zooming I've done in the last six months, that you really need to make sure to bring forward the people who maybe are shy. So if everybody's talking about a topic, but you haven't heard from Nancy, you know, as the as the person hosting the meeting, I think it's important to say, hey, Nancy, what do you think about that, and try to pull people into the meeting, who maybe are kind of shy about speaking out. I think that's always important to
Collin 39:01
making sure everybody is is involved in being able to contribute, because some people might not feel like they can or should or have value in contributing but right thing No, like, everybody can say something here. And if you have something I we need to be quiet, and let you share that because that's important to us. That's what we value is input from everybody.
Alicia 39:21
Right? Yeah. Cuz there's always gonna be those people in the meeting. And I have to admit, sometimes it's me, who do all the talking and who need to me to give someone else a turn. So as the person who's facilitating you know, it's your job to make sure that people have a chance to speak up and you know, that certain people don't monopolize the meeting. And I think that's, you know, true of any meeting but I think it is, there are some things that have become more of a challenge when you're zooming then in person.
Collin 39:50
We'll talk about that that shift then a little bit of you know, you were meeting in person, know, how has it been running those those zoom meetings have you stuck to some of the simple They're talking points, or What's that? What's that experience been like for you?
Alicia 40:03
Well, because of COVID, and all the challenges, like I said, I was doing some speakers before, we haven't done any speakers, because this has been all about supporting each other. Um, so that's been a little different, because it's almost been more of a, like a support group, with some occasional get you going questions at the beginning? Yeah. But before it was much more of a like, well, we have a resource coming in to share some information with everyone. Um, you know, and passing our cards out to each other, because there was always somebody new who had been there before we start every meeting, unless everybody, there is an old timer. But we started every meeting going around saying, you know, your name, your business, what services and what area, so that everybody knows who's there. And then sometimes people will be like, Oh, I need to talk to you later, I, you know, I have a client in your area that I need to send to you, or whatever. So it's good for everybody to know who's at the table. As far as services and geography. Again, with all zoom meetings, you have to be careful with like, people taking turns talking, it's a lot more organic in person to have people talking at the same time, but on zoom, only one person can be heard at a time. So it's hard for people who are shyer to speak up, because a lot of times, I'll see people ready to speak on zoom, you know, they open their mouth to speak, but somebody else starts speaking. And then they do that like three times, and you realize that they haven't been able to say anything, because someone else is faster. Um, so just kind of paying attention to that to all the people and who seems to be wanting to say something that maybe needs a little help, which that isn't as much of an issue in person as it is on zoom. Sure. Yeah,
Collin 41:47
it's getting back to that, you know, if we vet this, if this networking group is for the benefit of everybody, if you showed up, you have something, you know, to contribute or to learn from so we as a group are open to hearing and we value everybody that's here. And so that, you know, that is made known through making clearing space for people so they can talk if they want to, and making sure that they know that they're valued to be there.
Alicia 42:11
Right. And, you know, usually our meetings are that some of the same regulars that always come. And so we may be building on conversations we've been having. But then somebody new comes in, who may not be part of that conversation history, or whatever. And so I always try to make sure that they have a chance at the end. You know, Nancy, I'm so glad you came to our meeting tonight. I know you're new. Is there anything you'd like to ask the group anything we can help you with right now? And then, you know, they might say, Well, I don't know how to get a license. And then everyone gives their advice so that they're feeling like their issue. Maybe it's nobody else's issue, but their issue was raised, and that they were able to leave that meeting with some actual concrete suggestions for their issue.
Collin 43:00
Yeah, yeah, absolutely. That that is that is really important, too. Because, again, not not necessarily everything is pertinent to everybody. But you know, but they're all there for a reason and valuing that thinking to the future. How are you planning? What kind of things do you have in place to keep the group around for
43:15
years to come?
Alicia 43:18
Well, I would really like to go back to having in person meetings, I just felt that it was more of a connection. But everybody voted, I did bring it up to that they really liked zoom, which makes sense, because, you know, again, we all have busy schedules, we all live all over the place. And so logistically, it's easier to attend a zoom meeting. So we decided that we're going to stay on zoom, but have in person meetings quarterly. Um, so that's something that I'm going to be planning is our first in person meeting since February. And, and how to maybe make it special kind of like we're back, you know, we're back in business, we're back in person. So maybe having some sort of special speaker or something that will bring people in. So hopefully, we'll do that. And I really hope to get a boost in participation, whether in person or online or whatever, with our event coming up in October, so that people start to see again, the value that this group has for them, and that they'll start participating. So that's my big push. What can I do? What,
44:30
you know, whistles,
Alicia 44:31
can I have bells and whistles Can I show that, you know, to to bring more people in and to get more people participating? That's what I'm really going to be working on going forward. Sure. Yeah, I
Collin 44:43
know there's there's a lot of exciting things coming up. I hope by now. listeners have gotten to the gotten it in their head that it having a networking group is really important and it is extremely valuable. And it helps not just you but everybody in your area and being open to community over competition. But I was. So I'm curious, what are some things that we can do today to start putting together a group in our area if we don't already have one?
Alicia 45:12
Well, there are tons of pet care providers, I'm sure in every city here in Chicago, I just met a guy dog walking a dog yesterday, and I asked him the knew of his business, I'd never heard of it before. And yet, it seems to be big. So there are so many groups. So I would say, you know, the first thing is to let people know that you're doing this. And we often don't know who all the other people are, all the businesses are. So you know, going into the pet shop. And looking on the bulletin board, the vet's office usually has that area where everybody puts out their cards. And hopefully, you're already belonging to some online communities. You know, Facebook groups, or next door is great for hyperlocal stuff, if they have next door, where you live, those are places where you can start talking about it, mentioning that you're doing this group, I actually reached out to somebody who was offering up services on next door, and said, Hey, you should join our networking group. And she's like, Oh, my God, I'd love to. So you know, just letting people know that you're there. And those are some places where maybe you can find people. And then just when you're out walking dogs, if you're a dog walker, I meet dog walkers all the time, and try to let them know that, hey, we're here to help. Again, not competition, but just to help each other out, you know. So that's what I would suggest and just do it, you know, don't be scared, you are going to benefit so much yourself from starting this group, I have benefited so much myself. So I'm so glad I did it.
Collin 46:50
It just starts with this simple, communicating to others that there's seek recognizing that need and just start talking to people reaching out to them around you because they're there. Right? You may as you as you as you just said, there was a dog walker, they're like, I didn't even know you were around, that's awesome. Let's get connected. Let's grow, let's learn from each other. Just starting at that point is so huge and so powerful, it really does start changing the area, the business network that you're in, whenever someone starts opening up and looking for more community,
Alicia 47:20
right, and it just really spreads that thought that we're all here to help each other. We're all here to collaborate. Because a lot of times people do get into that competitive mindset. And you know, it's okay, that we're you do the same thing that somebody else does, you might do it differently, you know? So let's all help each other out.
Collin 47:42
Right? Yeah, absolutely. At least yet, this has been so. so wonderful. I am really appreciative of you sharing your experience through this and encouraging us all to either get involved or start something in our area if we don't already have one. if people have questions about more questions about running an operating a group and some of those more experiences that you have, how can they best get connected with you?
Alicia 48:04
Well, they can always email me at alyssia, a Li CIA at pitter patter parenting calm, or check out pitter patter parenting on Facebook, and you can reach me that way, as well.
Collin 48:17
Awesome, I'll have links to those and some of the other things we've talked about in the show notes. So people can click right on those and get connected. Again, thank you so much for coming on, and sharing all this with us.
Alicia 48:27
Not a problem. Thank you and your wife, so much for this wonderful podcast,
Collin 48:31
the possibilities for your group is endless, who you have invited, how you hold your meetings, how it's structured, and organized is totally up to you and the needs of the pet care community where you are. I hope that by listening to at least your story that it's you're encouraged to start something or to get more engaged with a group if you have an already existing in your area to really make it something that's working for not just you, but for everybody. I hope that as we move into 2021, that we continue to strengthen these relationships, build these support networks and build this community, not just with our clients and with our surrounding businesses, but with our pet care businesses in the area that we live in. So it's in that spirit that I want to remind you of the Thanksgiving hour that Megan and I are hosting on Thanksgiving Day, September 26. between the hours of 1pm Central and 2pm Central. It's just an hour to come together share how this year has been and share what we've been thankful for and what we're looking forward to in the year to come check out the show notes for that zoom link and we do hope to see you there. We want to thank our sponsor time to pet for making this week's show possible. Head on over to time to pet.com forward slash confessional to get that discount. Thank you so much for listening. Thank you for being a wonderful community that is Come together that is supporting each other and that is cheering one another on. You really are the spirit that this industry needs and the support that so many are desperately looking for. Again, thank you for listening this week and we'll be back again soon.
