With 2021 on the horizon, it’s important to assess your mindset for the future. Today we discuss 3 aspects of mindset, how the pet care industry is like a funnel right now, and how to break free if you want to change your mindset.
124: Transitions in 2020 with Isabel from The Wag Pack
2020 has been a year of change for many of us. For Isabel Alvarez Arata, it meant closing down after 12 years in business and 100,000+ visits. Isabel shares how she grew her business and the big transition for The Wag Pack in 2020. From communicating to clients, to how it’s impacted her emotionally, she encourages us to embrace change and the challenges.
123: Back to Basics - Daycare
We continue our Back to Basics series with daycare! We share how we provide daycare, what screening looks like, and what kind of clients typically seek out small, in-home care. Natasha answers the question, “How do I start stepping away from my business?”
122: Selling your business with Becky Eberly
What does moving on the next phase of your life mean? How do you know when it’s time to make a big shift? Becky Eberly grew her business to over 35 employees in 17 years. Then decided she needed a change. Becky shares what that decision process was like and how she sold her business.
121: Preparing for the Holidays
This year’s holiday season is likely going to look very different! On this episode we discuss how to market to that difference, gifts, and safety concerns around holiday food and decorations. Natasha O’Banion answers what to do if you’ve made a mistake!
120: SEO with Amy Toman
SEO doesn't have to be scary or confusing. Amy Toman, from Pet Sitter SEO, breaks down the common misconceptions of SEO, the best practices we should all be doing, and how to optimize our websites to drive more local traffic from the clients we want.
119: Back to Basics- Boarding
On today’s episode we go back to basics and cover boarding! We break down how we operate boarding a small number of dogs in our home, how we approach cleaning and up keep, as well as dealing with the chaos of feeding times and schedules. Natasha answers the question, “How do I take my business to the next level?”
118: One Year in Business with Simone Addison The Pet Nanny
Simone Addison, The Pet Nanny, discusses her first year in business, what it was like discovering herself as a pet sitter, how she overcomes being discouraged, and the importance of patience.
117: Telling Your Story
What does telling your story mean? We hear it all the time, but how to do you actually do that and what does it look like? In this episode we talk about why your story is so important and how it connects with your clients. Natasha O'Banion answers, "How do I set myself apart?"
116: Growing Your Tribe with Judy Nuñez
Judy Nuñez, owner of Tails On Trails LLC, is on the podcast to discuss the importance of building and having a tribe as a business. She also tells us how she has continued to host events for her community even in the time of Covid.
115: Back to Basics- The Meet and Greet
The Meet and Greet is an essential part of being a pet care provider. It allows you to get to know the pet before you care for them. In the first of our Back to Basics series, we break down the why and how of a Meet and Greet in this world of Covid. Also, Natasha O'Banion answers, "How do I go from good to great?"
114: Burnout Recovery with Jennifer Bassman
Jennifer Bassman, The Witty Entrepreneur, joins us talk about avoiding burnout, setting healthy boundaries around email and phone calls, and her three principles of saying No. Whether you pass out into a pizza or just lack patience with those around you, burnout looks different for everyone. Jennifer encourages us to stop playing by other peoples rules and start setting healthy boundaries.
113- The Gig Conversation
An article was written recently about a survey of 100 pet owners who used Rover. The result? The owners thought the Rover sitter had all the same qualifications as an independent pet care provider. On the podcast, we discuss the implications of this and what we can do. Natasha O’Banion is BACK to answer the question, “What do I do if someone wants to sell me their business?
112- Business Recovery after Covid with Dominic Hodgson
Fellow podcaster, pet business owner, and coach Dominic Hodgson comes on the show today to talk about digging out of covid. Dom breaks down the two sales machine engines we should all have running and what it means to be specialized.
111- Preparing for Uncertainty
2020 has been a whirlwind of uncertainty so far, and unfortunately it doesn’t look like it’s getting any better soon. What are the things we can do to be better prepared for continued uncertainty in the future? Today, we discuss three areas we all have more control over than we expect, and what that means for putting ourselves on a great path forward. Natasha joins us to talk about what to do after you attend the Game Changers Summit.
110- Pet Loss and Grieving with Coleen Ellis
Processing the loss of any pet is difficult. Processing the loss of a clients pet can add complications and uncertainty of how to handle it on both a professional and personal level. Coleen Ellis, Founder of Two Heart Pet Loss Center, joins us to help break down our role as pet care providers, how to care for ourselves while grieving, and help everyone in the mourning work.
109- Who is your ideal client?
Who is your ‘ideal client?’ Have you ever tried to figure that out? It can really help your sanity and your business when you know exactly who you want your client to be. Today we discuss the ‘ideal client’, what that means, who that is, and the questions to ask when figuring it out.
108- Hiring in the Time of Covid-19
Today’s episode is two interviews, one with Amber, owner of Atta Boy! Animal Care, and the other with Mary Beth, owner of Auntie M Pet Care. They talk about what the hiring process has been like through Covid, how their processes have changed, and how the job pool applicant is different now than it was previously.
107- Expanding from Arizona to Connecticut with Michelle Sabia
Many of us talk about looking into new service areas, few of us start up a new area hundreds of miles away. Michelle Sabia, from Paws & Claws Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Services, talks about why she started services in Connecticut while living in Arizona, and how she’s made it work. From getting connected to the local community, to remote staffing and management, Michelle encourages us to learn from others and have a support system.
106- Defining Success
Today is all about what success looks like in our business and personal life. We break down the definition of success and areas in our lives where it applies. We also talk about the danger of comparing ourselves to others and how that wrecks our ability to focus on our business. Natasha is back with a great answer to the question, “How do I start up a business in a new area?”