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

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

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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!

524: Hire the Heart, Train the Skill

524: Hire the Heart, Train the Skill

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Have you ever struggled to find the perfect hire for your pet care business? In this episode, we dive into the importance of hiring for soft skills like empathy, communication, and adaptability, while training the technical aspects later. We discuss the value of a multi-stage hiring process to thoroughly vet candidates and ensure they fit your company culture. While the technical skills are trainable, finding someone with the right heart is key to long-term success. We share our own experiences in building a team that truly connects with both pets and clients.

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

522: FINCEN and Florida

522: FINCEN and Florida

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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.

520: Finding Opportunities in a Changing Economy

520: Finding Opportunities in a Changing Economy

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Have you ever attended an economic outlook presentation? In this episode, we share insights from a recent local presentation that highlighted key economic trends affecting pet care businesses. We discuss how inflation is increasing price sensitivity among clients, making efficiency and added value services crucial. We also emphasize the importance of focusing on stable sectors like healthcare and education to maintain a consistent client base. Understanding and adapting to the local economy is essential for thriving, even in uncertain times.

519: From Keywords to Community: Building Better SEO for Pet Care with Mikaela Vargas

519: From Keywords to Community: Building Better SEO for Pet Care with Mikaela Vargas

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How can pet businesses stand out in an increasingly competitive digital landscape? In this episode, Mikaela Vargas, owner of Pet Marketing Unleashed, dives into the world of SEO and how pet care professionals can use it to grow their businesses. She emphasizes the importance of writing organically and using firsthand experience to create content that resonates with both users and search engines. Mikaela also highlights the value of local SEO, internal linking, and building relationships with local businesses for backlinks and reviews. By focusing on user experience and staying consistent across platforms, pet businesses can elevate their online presence and build a stronger community.

518: Pulling Your Punches

518: Pulling Your Punches

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What does it mean to pull your punches in business? In this episode, we explore the concept of strategically holding back to ensure sustainable growth and long-term success. We discuss how pacing your expansion, marketing, and client onboarding can help maintain high service quality and prevent burnout. Learn how to set realistic client expectations, manage your resources wisely, and avoid the race to the bottom on pricing. Join us as we dive into strategies for balancing ambition with caution, adapting to challenges, and positioning your business for lasting success.

517: Why Flexibility is Key with Korye Bradshaw

517: Why Flexibility is Key with Korye Bradshaw

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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.

516: Elevating Your Pet Care Business: From Basics to Differentiators

516: Elevating Your Pet Care Business: From Basics to Differentiators

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What does it mean to elevate your pet care business beyond the basics? In this episode, we explore how to transform essential services into exceptional experiences that set your business apart in a crowded market. We discuss the importance of mastering the fundamentals, like communication and reliability, before layering on unique offerings that truly differentiate your services. Learn how to leverage specialized training, customized care, and cutting-edge technology to create standout moments for your clients and their pets. Join us as we dive into strategies that will help you rise above the competition and take your business to the next level.

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.

514: The Tech Revolution in Pet Care

514: The Tech Revolution in Pet Care

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How are you using technology in your business? Technology continues to evolve, profoundly impacting the pet care industry. Staying adaptable is essential for integrating new tools like online booking systems, GPS tracking, and smart pet feeders, which enhance our services and client transparency. Beyond using technology in our business, we must guide clients in appropriately using these innovations with their pets. Automation of routine tasks allows us to focus more on socialization and personalized care, improving pets' well-being. Embracing these changes elevates the quality of service and strengthens the bond between pet sitters, pets, and their owners.

513: Navigating Client Expectations with Heather Scott

513: Navigating Client Expectations with Heather Scott

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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.

512: The State of Job Sharing

512: The State of Job Sharing

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Have you seen an increase in requests to job share? In this episode, we delve into the increasingly common practice of job sharing, where multiple caregivers collaborate on a pet's care. We discuss the reasons behind this trend, such as more pet sitters entering the market and clients seeking cost-effective solutions. We also highlight the challenges, including communication issues and varying standards of care, emphasizing the importance of clear documentation and agreements. Finally, we cover practical advice, stressing the need to know when to trust your gut and when to decline job sharing requests.

511: From Numbers to Strategy with Anne-Marie Kaden

511: From Numbers to Strategy with Anne-Marie Kaden

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How do you navigate the financial uncertainties of running a business? Anne-Marie Kaden, from Tiny Paws Bookkeeping highlights the importance of regularly monitoring financial health and utilizing key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure your business adapts and thrives in changing markets. She emphasizes managing labor costs effectively, planning for cash flow variations, and leveraging historical data to make informed decisions. Through strategic financial management, business owners can better prepare for seasonal fluctuations and unexpected expenses, ensuring sustainability and growth. Anne-Marie's insights offer valuable strategies for maintaining financial stability and maximizing profitability in any economic environment.

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

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

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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

509: Creating Connections with Cats with Zara Willmott

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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.

508: From I to We, Fears of Growing A Team

508: From I to We, Fears of Growing A Team

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What fears do you have about hiring employees? Many business owners find themselves needing to hire to achieve a better balance, grow their business, or both. However, several fears can prevent them from moving forward. Today, we share the three biggest fears and challenges associated with hiring employees and how to overcome them. It all comes down to having a process that isn't just about getting the right people in the door but also about training and managing the right people well to maintain high standards.

507: Hospitality and Heart with Ken Botts

507: Hospitality and Heart with Ken Botts

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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.

506: Finding Direction

506: Finding Direction

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Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the chaos of running a business and managing a personal life? We dive into the importance of having a personal mission statement to stay focused and oriented, highlighting how guideposts can make a difference in life and business. By identifying your core values, passions, and strengths, you can create a mission statement that directs your actions and decisions. We discuss how to simplify decision-making and ensure consistency in your business and personal endeavors.

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