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523: From Touch to Trust: Building Better Dog Relationships with Garrett Stevens

523: From Touch to Trust: Building Better Dog Relationships with Garrett Stevens

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What are the silent ways dogs communicate with us? In this episode, Garrett Stevens, owner of Stevens Family Kennels and Dog Language Center, dives into the four pillars of dog language: touch, space, movement, and energy. He emphasizes the importance of non-verbal communication in understanding and managing canine behavior. Garrett also shares practical tips for conducting behavioral assessments and creating a balanced, calm environment for dogs. Ultimately, he reminds us that between a stimulus and a response, there is a space where meaningful change can happen

487: Keeping it Simple with Scott Black

487: Keeping it Simple with Scott Black

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How do you keep things simple in your business? Scott Black, owner of Personal Touch Pet Sitting, discusses the importance of personalized communication, screening clients thoroughly, and managing risks in the industry. He also emphasizes the significance of continuing education and balancing growing a pet sitting business while prioritizing quality and safety. Scott shares his thoughts on liability and risk management, setting boundaries, and managing client relationships.

471: Supporting Our Clients Through Anticipatory Grief with Erica Messer

471: Supporting Our Clients Through Anticipatory Grief with Erica Messer

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What is anticipatory grief and how can we help our client through it? In the complex landscape of pet care, we face the delicate issue of anticipatory grief among pet owners—a pre-loss mourning filled with anxiety and sorrow. Erica Messer, founder of Wolfie’s Wish, discusses the critical need for pet care providers to offer support and practical resources to our clients. She advocates for early conversations about end-of-life decisions, emphasizing the importance of self-care for both owners and ourselves. She reminds us that in addressing anticipatory grief, our actions resonate more profoundly than words, fostering a supportive community for both pets and their owners.

467: Saying Yes for Success, and No for Sanity with Liz Raitman

467: Saying Yes for Success, and No for Sanity with Liz Raitman

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What are you saying ‘No’ to? For many, saying ‘No’ is almost unthinkable; we have to service the client, right? Liz Raitman, owner of Dogs Next Best Friend, joins the show to share how a love of hiking and running turned into a full-time dog walking company. By learning to say ‘No’ more, Liz talks about how she’s learned from past mistakes to run a company that fits her better. Liz also gives her perspective on why we should hold customer appreciation in such high regard.

463: Networking for Success with Angela Reinbacher

463: Networking for Success with Angela Reinbacher

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What does it mean to surround yourself with people who can help make you better? How do we go about being vulnerable enough to admit we need that help? As a business owner, personal improvement and a supportive network are key to longevity! Angela Reinbacher, owner of Wild Paws, shares how she is making networking work for her. Angela also talks about how she is approaching marketing with video to attract her clientele, while also managing the growth in a healthy and sustainable way.

431: Counting the Costs with Jill Jaffe

431: Counting the Costs with Jill Jaffe

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How much does it cost you to walk a dog or stay overnight in a client's home? While we typically consider expenses such as gas, insurance, and experience, what else should we include? Jill Jaffe, owner of "Fur Paws' Sake," joins the show to discuss why she's so passionate about offering "almost overnights" instead of actual overnights to her clients. Jill draws on the lessons she learned from her spirited little pup, Lily, emphasizing that running a business involves more than just financial costs.

427: Finding Flexibility and Freedom with Shade Long

427: Finding Flexibility and Freedom with Shade Long

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How much is your time worth to you? As busy business owners, we often get caught up in the grind and hustle of our day-to-day operations. Ultimately, we have to step back and ask what truly matters in our lives. Shade Long, owner of Complete Pet Care, joins the show to share the learning curve she's experienced over the last two years. From managing massive business growth amidst overwhelm, to refining her onboarding process, she's finding ways to strike a better balance. Shade explains why it's not all about bursting at the seams and emphasizes that you can run the business you want while also having a life outside of it.

405: Thriving Through an Emergency with Amy Sparrow

405: Thriving Through an Emergency with Amy Sparrow

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What kind of emergencies are you prepared for? While we may focus on natural disasters, lost pets, or medical emergencies, what about you? After going through a severe medical emergency, Amy Sparrow had to make drastic changes to her business, Fur Kid Sitting & Services. Amy shares how having a multi-year business plan allowed her to accelerate a brand new business structure. From growing a network, to addressing your personal risks, Amy stresses the importance of getting a plan in place today. She also explains why it’s critical to give back to the community.

401: How to Retain the Best Clients with Candace D’Agnolo

401: How to Retain the Best Clients with Candace D’Agnolo

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How do you keep clients coming back over and over? Candace D’Agnolo, from Pet Boss Nation, joins the show to discuss how to create raving fans of your business. Candace breaks down strategies for building long-lasting relationships with clients, and how to help them fall in love with your services. She also shows us ways to increase the perceived value of your business, while anticipating your client’s needs. Finally, Candace encourages us to implement follow-up services as a way to keep clients invested and engaged.

393: Working From Your Passion with Stephanie Brown

393: Working From Your Passion with Stephanie Brown

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How do you know it's time to bite down and go 110% to make your dream a reality? We all find our own motivating forces in our lives. For Stephanie Brown, owner of Happy Trail's Pet Sitting & Dog Walking Services, she found her motivation in her family. She shares how her business has evolved and how it wasn't always easy to leave services behind. Stephanie focuses on client education and fostering relationships through a personal touch. She also gives great advice around implementing a power hour to stay organized in your business and how she's navigated bringing on a manager in her business.

222: Fostering Mindful Pet Parents with Alexa Rabini

222: Fostering Mindful Pet Parents with Alexa Rabini

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What does it mean to help our clients be more mindful? We start by helping them pay attention to changes in their pet and by empowering them to be advocates for the pets health. Alexa Rabini, the Pug Mom, shares how she helps her clients be more mindful in their care. She also breaks down some common misconceptions around CBD usage in pets. Alexa gives some great tips on managing online communities for pet parents and pet professionals, to help everyone be engaged and growing together.

180: Having What it Takes with JP Anunciacion

180: Having What it Takes with JP Anunciacion

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Buying a business can be a very daunting task. JP Anunciacion, owner of Dog Days & Cat Naps, bought a pet sitting company after a background in call centers, business process outsourcing, and moving to the U.S. from the Philippines in 2006. After climbing the corporate ladder, he needed a change, and found a love and passion for pet care. JP purchased the company from Becky Eberly (episode 122) and dove head first into learning the ropes. He shares what he learned in the process and how he worked really hard for a smooth transition with staff and clients. We also discuss the importance of customer service and what good leadership means to him.