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515: The Power of Membership Models in Pet Care with Traci Bisson

515: The Power of Membership Models in Pet Care with Traci Bisson

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Traci Bisson, founder of Golden Dog Adventure Company and Start a Dog Walking Club, shares how she transitioned from a corporate marketing job to founding a professional pet sitting company and eventually Golden Dog Adventure Company, which has a very unique model. She delves into the concept of dog walking clubs, fostering a sense of community among pet owners, and the benefits of a membership model. Addressing the needs of reactive dogs and their owners, Traci highlights the importance of creating inclusive and supportive environments for all.

505: The Importance of Empathy in Pet Care with Lori Holt

505: The Importance of Empathy in Pet Care with Lori Holt

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How do you transition from a corporate job into full-time pet care? Lori Holt shares her journey from working in customer service to founding Stow Road Pet Sitters. She discusses the challenges of administrative tasks, the importance of empathy and trust in client relationships, and how her family plays a crucial role in her business. Lori also highlights the lessons learned from a dog bite incident that led to stricter client screening processes. Join us as we explore Lori's inspiring story of passion, growth, and dedication to exceptional pet care.

498: Keeping Fear From Controlling You

498: Keeping Fear From Controlling You

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Is fear holding you back in your pet care business? In this episode, we delve into the various types of fears business owners face and why addressing them is crucial for success. We discuss the physical and cognitive effects of fear, from the fight-or-flight response to avoidance behaviors, and provide strategies for overcoming these challenges through education and preparation. Building a support system and developing practical steps to manage fear are highlighted as essential tools for growth. Learn how to keep fear from controlling your business and empower yourself to achieve your goals.

491: Continuously Evolving with Debbie Solis

491: Continuously Evolving with Debbie Solis

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How are you evolving as a business owner? Debbie Solis, owner of Personal Pet and Home Care, shares her 28-year journey in the pet care industry, starting with her deep-rooted caregiving spirit and balancing roles as a mother and entrepreneur. She discusses the challenges she faced, including burnout and the need for personal growth, which led her to seek counseling and start delegating. By adopting new technologies and building a supportive team, Debbie transformed her business practices and achieved a more balanced life. She emphasizes the importance of self-care, adaptability, and continuous learning for long-term success.

468: The Best Way to Meet Lots of Pet Sitter Friends

468: The Best Way to Meet Lots of Pet Sitter Friends

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Have you been to a conference? In a first for us, we were LIVE all weekend at the 2024 Texas Pet Sitters Association Conference! It was a jammed packed weekend filled with amazing people and great information. Listen in to get a little taste of what it's like to attend a conference, and check out our resource pages to see which one you can attend!

418: Putting in Hard Work

418: Putting in Hard Work

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How does continually taking shortcuts in your business hurt you in the long run? While it may seem like a good idea to go after “tips and tricks” or “hacks” to overcome obstacles, you end up cheating yourself out of learning opportunities and confidence building. We break down several elements as to why tackling hard things is good for you, and how to know the difference between a hard task and a hardship in your life. 

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.

391: Finding Your Balance with Renée Stilson

391: Finding Your Balance with Renée Stilson

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What does it mean to live a balanced life? Finding balance as a dog walker and pet sitter is one of the most crucial aspects of running a thriving business, and maintaining personal well-being. Renée Stilson, former owner of Home Sweet Home Pet Care LLC and now The Balanced Sitter, draws on her 23 years of experience in the industry to share the lessons she learned. She discusses how she had to adapt her business multiple times, and how pet sitters and dog walkers are true ambassadors to their communities. Renée also reflects on how she knew it was time to retire, and how she's found a new way to live since hanging up her shoes and leash.

378: Are You Committed to Your Business?

378: Are You Committed to Your Business?

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What does it mean to be committed to your business? It means fully dedicating yourself to the success and growth, but it also  involves a combination of personal investment, professional investment, and planning to ensure your business thrives. By fully committing to your business, you demonstrate your belief in its potential and lay the foundation for lasting success. We break down the key areas to commit to and how your goals and values drive everything.

351: Mentoring Your Team with Cassidy LaMair

351: Mentoring Your Team with Cassidy LaMair

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Just as we work to educate clients, when we bring on staff, it’s our role to educate and mentor them in the career of pet care. Cassidy LeMair, owner of Cassidys Custom Pet Services, shares how she builds lasting relationships and partnerships with both staff and clients through her open and straightforward style. Cassidy details how she creates consistent customizable services and gives her insights into how she learns from her mistakes.

318: One Year Hiring Retrospective

318: One Year Hiring Retrospective

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It’s been one year since we started hiring in our business! A lot has changed in our company since then so we discuss what we’ve learned. We share the importance of trying new things, leaning on your strengths, and what it looks like to grow company culture. Then, Natasha O’Banion answers, “How do I scale as a solo sitter?”

256: Fear Free Pet Sitting with Mikkel Becker

256: Fear Free Pet Sitting with Mikkel Becker

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Mikkel Becker, from Fear Free and Fear Free Happy Homes, discusses how following the Fear Free philosophy impacts our ability to build trust with the pets in our care. It not only makes our job easier, but also sets up the pet and owner for success. Mikkel shares how fear manifests itself in dogs and cats, and what we can do to help them in those moments.

243: Our 2021 Wins!

243: Our 2021 Wins!

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What were your wins for 2021? On the last Monday of the year, we review what has happened to us this year. We discuss our biggest moment from each month and what we hope to carry forward into 2022. Reflecting on your wins will help keep you motivated as you move forward into the new year.

240: Being a Pet Detective with Arden Moore

240: Being a Pet Detective with Arden Moore

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Do you see yourself as an investigator? What about an educator and writer? We think you should, and Arden Moore agrees. Arden has a lifetime of not only educating but also communicating difficult topics, and encourages us to take those seriously. She shares how to ask good questions, and how the right question can save you time. She also gives tips on writing and the importance of self-editing what we create.

237: How To Do a Year End business Review

237: How To Do a Year End business Review

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Where did 2021 go? 💨The year is almost over so it’s time to sit down and reflect on what went right, and what could have gone better. We discuss how to conduct a year end business review. One of the biggest factors is your mindset going into it. We break down the 5 categories you should investigate for your business and how to grow from each of them. Then, pet business coach Natasha O’Banion answers, “How do I get started with subscription boxes?”

228: The Currency of Passion with Ashley Ann Odom

228: The Currency of Passion with Ashley Ann Odom

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Where does your passion come from? How do you put your passion to work? Just having a passion for something is the first step. It’s then up to us to fight for what we want and take the steps to realize our dreams. Ashely Ann Odom, owner of Diamonds in the Ruff a luxury grooming salon, details her journey into the pet grooming industry and overcoming her fears. She shares how she uses her passion to reach a bigger purpose in her life and why going through tough times actually helps us in the long run. Ashley Ann also talks about what it’s like running luxury grooming salon, how she connects with her clients, and what it’s like grooming for celebrities.

221: Leveraging Your Business Community

221: Leveraging Your Business Community

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Are you connected with the broader business community in your area? We had a great opportunity recently to introduce our business to other business owners. On this episode, we share why these networking events are important and the role they play in raising the awareness of the pet care industry. They also help us to feel more legitimate as business owners. We discuss the benefits that come from being connected to other businesses, and how to prepare for the networking opportunities. Then, Natasha O’Banion answers, “How do I view myself as more legitimate?”

212: How to Fail Well

212: How to Fail Well

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Have you ever failed at something? More importantly, did you grow and learn from your last failure? Instead of viewing ourselves as a failure when a plan doesn’t go the way we thought, we need to look for the growth opportunities. On this episode, we break down the common problems entrepreneurs face when failure occurs, and how to face those failures to catapult ourselves into success. From defining what a failure is, to setting appropriate goals, there are processes to make “failing” as beneficial as possible. Then, pet business coach Natasha O’Banion answers, “How do I have more fun in my business?”

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.

155: Friendship in Business with Lalka and Amanda

155: Friendship in Business with Lalka and Amanda

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Going into business with a friend may be something you’ve thought about. Lalka and Amanda have been living it for 9 years. SoHo Hound was founded from their passion for pets and is run on teamwork and trust. They share what it was like leaving their corporate jobs and starting a pet sitting business in Tampa. Lalka and Amanda discuss what it means to trust someone else in business and the importance of having the correct definition of success.

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