All tagged work

529: Giving a Crap with Erica Krupin

What does it take to run a successful dog waste removal business that goes beyond just scooping poop? In this episode, Erica Krupin, owner of Kroopin's Poopin Scoopin, shares the behind-the-scenes realities of managing her growing business. She emphasizes the importance of providing an exceptional customer experience, from building trust through reliability to creating peace of mind with professional services. Erica dives into the challenges of hiring and retaining great employees, explaining how paying well and setting clear expectations helps her maintain a high standard of service. She also talks about the complexities of pricing for quality and managing company vehicles, highlighting how investing in these areas ensures long-term success. With her down-to-earth approach, Erica offers valuable insights into what it truly takes to lead a thriving, people-centered business.

528: Stop Watching the Weather: Embracing Action Over Perfection in Business

Are you too busy watching the weather to make real progress in your business? In this episode, Collin explores how overthinking and waiting for perfect conditions can paralyze business owners, preventing us from taking action. He discusses the dangers of getting stuck in analysis, the fear of imperfection, and how to strike the right balance between planning and executing. Learn the importance of focusing on core goals and remaining adaptable to change. Join him as he shares insights on taking proactive steps to grow your business, no matter the circumstances.

525: Pet Sitting From Argentina to the Netherlands with Sophie Canil

Have you ever wondered what it takes to build a pet sitting business in a foreign country? In this episode, Sophie Canil, owner of Pet Sitting by Sophie, shares her journey from Argentina to the Netherlands and how she turned her love for animals into a successful cat sitting business. She discusses the importance of setting boundaries and self-care, especially in such a solitary profession. Sophie also emphasizes the value of delegating tasks and finding a supportive community of fellow pet sitters. Tune in for practical advice on growing a pet care business abroad!

522: FINCEN and Florida

Are you ready to comply with the latest FINCEN regulations that impact your pet care business? In this episode, we break down the new Beneficial Ownership Information reporting requirements and why they're crucial for staying on the right side of the law. We also explore how Florida's regional pet care groups are leading the way in building strong local networks and supporting pet sitters. Plus, we discuss the growing maturity of the pet care industry and what it means for business owners like you. Tune in for practical tips on filing with FINCEN and keeping your business compliant.

517: Why Flexibility is Key with Korye Bradshaw

How do you successfully balance a growing pet care business with the demands of motherhood? In this episode, Korye Bradshaw, owner of Murphy and Me Pet Sitting, shares her journey of evolving her services to meet the needs of her clients while maintaining a strong focus on her family. She discusses the importance of vetting and selecting the right dogs for her group outings, ensuring safety and harmony. Korye also emphasizes the value of consistency and routine in creating a stress-free environment for both pets and pet sitters. Listen in to learn how Korye has adapted her business over 20 years, embracing change and staying true to her core values.

513: Navigating Client Expectations with Heather Scott

Heather Scott, owner of Heather’s Pet Care, delves into the challenges of managing unrealistic client demands and the impact Covid lockdowns continues to have on their expectations. She shares her journey of phasing out overnight services due to financial and legal constraints, highlighting the importance of setting boundaries and clear communication. Heather also discusses her refined hiring process and the significance of realistic job previews for new staff. Finally, she emphasizes the value of community engagement and local networking in building a loyal client base and adapting to industry changes.

510: Leading and Managing: Balancing Roles in Your Pet Business

Are you balancing the roles of leader and manager in your pet business effectively? In this episode, we delve into the distinct yet overlapping responsibilities of leadership and management. Leaders set clear visions, inspire their teams, and embrace change, while managers ensure daily operations run smoothly by planning, organizing, and monitoring tasks. We discuss how solo pet care entrepreneurs must juggle both roles to succeed. Tune in to discover tips on empowering your team, developing emotional intelligence, and continuously improving your leadership skills.

509: Creating Connections with Cats with Zara Willmott

Zara Wilmott, owner of Cat Sitter Toronto, shares her journey from cat sitter to business owner, highlighting the unique challenges and rewards of her niche. She discusses how the pandemic accelerated her transition and led to innovative operational changes that ensured both client and staff safety. With a deep passion for feline well-being, Zara emphasizes the importance of specialized care and open communication with clients.

507: Hospitality and Heart with Ken Botts

Does hospitality translate from restaurants to pet care? Ken Botts, owner of Creekside Critters Pet Sitters, shares his journey into the world of pet care. He discusses the importance of community engagement, effective hiring practices, and the parallels between providing excellent service in restaurants and pet sitting. Ken emphasizes the role of heart-driven hospitality in building trust with both human clients and their furry companions.

502: Is this a Partnership or Marketing Ploy?

Ever wondered how to spot a genuine business partnership opportunity from a marketing ploy? We discuss the red flags to watch for when approached by potential partners. We share our own experiences with high-pressure sales tactics and emphasize the importance of setting boundaries and conducting thorough research. You'll learn how to maintain control during negotiations and make informed decisions. Tune in to hear valuable tips on protecting your business from misleading offers.

501: Success in Pet Care for Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs with Ilana Engel

Have you ever wondered how neurodivergence can shape the way a business is run? In this interview, Ilana Engel, owner of Park Slope Pups, shares her journey as a neurodivergent business owner with ADHD. She discusses the unique challenges and strengths that come with managing a pet care business while being neurodivergent. Ilana emphasizes the importance of using tools and strategies, like technology and structured methods, to succeed. She also highlights the benefits of hiring neurodivergent staff and the need to break down stigmas and misconceptions.

495: From Fired to Flourishing with Joette White

How are you navigating the challenges of business ownership? Joette White, owner of Park Cities Pet Sitter, shares her journey from being fired to successfully owning and growing a pet sitting business. She emphasizes the importance of staff management and trusting employees to foster growth. Joette highlights how personal growth and learning from failures have shaped her leadership style. She discusses adapting to challenges, especially during the pandemic, to strengthen the business foundation. Joette stresses the need for clear leadership and allowing space for staff to develop their strengths and confidence

494: Staying Top of Mind

Are you struggling to stay top of mind with your clients? We share our effective client engagement strategies, from personalized interactions to consistent communication. Discover the power of community outreach by building relationships with local businesses and participating in events. While in-person marketing is important, enhance your online presence through live social media sessions, email marketing, and SEO-friendly content. As always, it’s about exploring a variety of marketing strategies to ensure your business remains visible and relevant, even during slow periods.

491: Continuously Evolving with Debbie Solis

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.

490: In a Slump but on the Way Up?

How is your business doing? So far, 2024 has been a challenging economic landscape, marked by a significant downturn in both new and returning clients. The pet sitting industry has experienced a saturation of the market post-COVID-19 and now economic pressures have led pet owners to tighten their budgets. We share strategies for adapting services and specializing to meet changing customer needs while maintaining a resilient and optimistic business approach. We cover everything from building in-person relationships with business owners, to also the challenges of niching in lean times and prioritizing mental health during slow periods. 

484: Balancing Your vs Your Company’s Needs

Ever faced a business roadblock that made you question everything? Here's a deep dive into how we handled an unexpected hurdle and the strategies we used to keep afloat. From employee turnover to shifting business goals, we share the ups and downs you could potentially encounter, and the mindset you need to overcome. Balancing personal life and company demands is a constant challenge, requiring flexibility and a clear vision. That balance is critical to navigate obstacles while keeping your business and personal values intact.

483: Being More Than a Pet Sitter with Sarah Schloerb

How can you make your business more than pet care? Sarah Schloerb, owner of Sit Stay NJ, discusses the importance of professionalism and how she leverages her experience in the veterinary field to offer specialized services. She emphasizes the significance of building a robust network with local pet care professionals to enhance service offerings and prepare for possible industry legislative changes. Sarah's also shares her efforts in community education through pet first aid and CPR classes, and her role in founding a league of pet care professionals aimed at advocacy and education. Sarah's passion for providing tailored and compassionate care to pets shines in all she does, making it clear that her work is both a personal calling and a professional endeavor.

481: Evolving with Heart with Reilly Kahat

What does it take to transform challenges into a thriving business? Reilly Kahat, owner and founder of Pet Fit, shares his transition from a dog walker to the owner of a flourishing pet care service. Following an unforeseen business closure that left him questioning his next steps, Reilly leverages his deep affection for animals to build a community rooted business from the ground up. He explores the importance of adaptive branding, the move towards a membership-based model for consistent service, and the cultivation of a supportive team dynamic. Reflecting on the hurdles faced, including navigating through the COVID-19 pandemic, Reilly illustrates how setbacks were not just obstacles but opportunities for growth and deeper community engagement.

479: Empowering Pets and People with Mary Reid

What does it take to navigate the path from personal adversity to entrepreneurial success? Mary Reid, owner of North Dallas Pet Care, dives into her journey from being a homeschooling mother to spearheading a thriving pet care business. Following a significant health scare that altered her mobility, Mary reveals how she leveraged her passion for pets into a successful enterprise. She reflects on the critical role of work-life balance, the strategic shift from working solo to managing a team, and the integration of technology to enhance her business.

477: Turning Over A New Leaf with Kirsten Kruska

What does it mean to reinvent yourself? Kirsten Kruska, co-owner of Pet and Plant Pal, explores the journey of career reinvention after a pivotal health challenge forced her out of dog grooming. Kirsten shares how she transformed her expertise in pet care and horticulture into a flourishing business. Emphasizing health & wellness, Kirsten shares how her commitment to physical fitness and overcoming injury shaped her approach to business and life. She also discusses ethical entrepreneurship, highlighting her dedication to ethical practices rooted in Buddhist principles, and how these values distinguish her services. Lastly, Kirsten discusses the importance of knowledge sharing, from grooming advice to plant care tips, illustrating her belief in education as a cornerstone of her business model.