Bella In Your Business: Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Podcast

Are you struggling to stand out in the competitive pet industry? Have you considered how maximizing social media can help you attract more clients, quality employees, and even valuable partnerships? If you've ever thought of social media as merely a client-attraction tool, it’s time to shift gears.

In this episode, I’m revealing why social media isn’t just about posting cute dog pics—it’s your GOLDMINE for attracting TOP-NOTCH employees and forging partnerships with local businesses! With statistics showing that 54% of small businesses don’t use social media effectively, you could be missing out on BIG opportunities for maximizing social media impact.

Many pet business owners operate under the misconception that social media is solely for marketing. This narrow view can hinder your potential growth.

Imagine a platform where you not only showcase your services, BUT also highlight your unique company culture and values. This is what creates an authentic connection with your audience, setting you apart from the competition.

Are you ready to kill THREE birds with ONE stone! I’ll walk you through the THREE essential social media goals every pet business should embrace. Plus, I'll share real-life success stories, including how Maggie from Salty Dogs Pet Care is leveraging community connections to DRIVE GROWTH.

It’s time to break free from one-dimensional thinking! Let’s make every post count.

Tune in to discover how to elevate your social media strategy and watch your business THRIVE.

Timestamps:

[01:16] The common, short-sighted approach to using social media in pet sitting/dog walking businesses

[05:22] Using social media to attract top-notch employees

[09:19] Benefits of showcasing employees on social media

[12:31] Leveraging social media partnerships with local businesses

[1 7:29] The importance of having a strategic plan for social media content

[20:36] How the 'Better Marketing With Bella' program can help you

[22:37] The value of building long-lasting relationships through social media

Notable Quotes:

"Relationships will last longer than a social media post."

"Social media isn't just for getting clients. It's also a powerful tool for attracting employees and forming partnerships with local businesses."

"Businesses that actively post about their company culture are 33% more likely to attract top tier client employees."

"If you just try to do it a one off, or you just try to be like, 'Oh, I'm gonna just start posting stuff or whatever, see what happens,' it's not gonna be as successful."

"If you decide to do this stuff, which you should, I just want you to sit down, sit down and think about it. Think about what kind of message you want to be putting out there for employees, for partners and, of course, for clients as well. And how are you going to tell those stories? Be really strategic about it."

Resources:

Better Marketing With Bella

FREE 20-Minute Consult with Bella

Erika @ Barketing Blog

Did you love this episode?

Make sure you never miss an episode! Head over to Apple Podcasts or Spotify to subscribe to Bella In Your Business.

Transcript:

If you guys have been with me for a minute, you know that I am all about the easy button. I am all about working smarter, not harder. I am all about strategy so that we're not just throwing spaghetti up against the wall and seeing what sticks. So my most pet businesses that I see, they see social media as a one dimensional tool. And if you're doing that, you're making, like, the biggest mistake. It's. It's not just a tool to get clients. And so why not, like, you know that saying, hit a bird, two birds 1 st.

This is three birds, 1 st. If you think about it correctly, and nobody's teaching this, they're just teaching you how to get clients. And it boggles my mind. And sure enough, just like everything else I do, I'm sure in a year from now, it'll be more mainstream. But I really, really, really want to, like, pound this home today that it is not. Social media is not one dimensional. And in this episode, I'm going to be walking you through exactly why and how social media isn't just for attracting clients, but it's also for bringing top notch employees and creating partnerships with local businesses in your community. Ready? We're gonna do this.

So let's start with a problem. The way that most pet sitting and dog walking businesses approach social media is, frankly, short sighted. The mindset tends to be, I'm gonna post the cute dog pictures, or I'm gonna just try to, you know, post something that happened today and maybe a client testimony, and maybe that's gonna bring in clients. And sure, it does bring in clients. Secondary. Not. Not like initially, but is that all social media is good for? So think about this. Like, according to a survey by Hootsuite, 90% of marketers say that social media helps them stay ahead of competitors.

But only 54% of small businesses actually use social media to the fullest of its potential. And that's almost half of businesses that are missing out on what social media can really do for them. And I would say that those statistics are even higher if we were to pull pet businesses. Why? Because more than half of the pet businesses are solopreneurs. They're trying to do everything themselves. And, of course, we don't have time to be the best at everything, right? We're kind of the jack and Jill of all trades. So the main point that I want you to wake work, walk away from today is social media isn't just for getting clients. It's also a powerful tool for attracting employees and forming partnerships with local businesses.

Let's look at three main social media goals every pet business should have. One, getting clients. Obvious, right? You want new clients, and social media is great for that. But the other two that people just forget about or they don't realize that they can get, is employees. Like, why aren't you using social media to showcase your work and your work culture and attract people to your company and business partnerships? This is the hidden gem for growth. Collaborating with local businesses can expand your reach and give your brand more credibility. I can't express this enough right now. At the current time of this recording, in October 2024, Maggie from Salty Dogs pet care is killing it with Shoregate apartments in Jersey, Long Island.

I think she's in. And she is getting these people like she connected with the construction company. Okay, we, like, I showed her how to do this, you guys. And this construction company that was building these complexes put her in touch with the right people. Not just once. Twice so far. And then she started doing activities and events there. And then the residents started doing pictures of their dogs at the dog park and tagging her company without her even being there.

Guys you can build relationships online. And what does this do? It helps get people talking about your company. How amazing is that? So these are business relations, partnerships. But then think about that as a goldmine for, like, when you're trying to look for people who want to work for you. Maybe there's someone that is. That has a dog in these complexes that are, you know, they pay a lot of money to live there. Maybe 1000, $502,000 a month. It's a posh place.

Maybe they are freelancer at home. Maybe they're editing videos for someone, or maybe they're a virtual assistant for someone. Maybe they're. They just work from home. Right? They're a freelancer of some sort. They're a coder, a web developer. But they would love nothing more than to go walk dogs in the middle of the day. And they just happen to know your company, and your company just happens to be, like, advertising for midday dog walkers.

And they're like, that's great, because I can do coding or video editing or photo editing any time of day or night as long as I get it done by the deadline. I want you to think about how big this could be. Really be. Like, get excited, you guys. Let me, like, shake you for a minute. Like, let me. I'd be. My hands are on your shoulders and I'm shaking you, and I'm smiling in your face, and I'm like, do you see the power that this could be? Now, in order to do this, you can't have a cheesy feed, and you have to be showing up regularly.

Okay, so let's talk a little bit more about this. Like, let's. Let's dive in a little bit with employees. You know, like, the biggest challenge is. This is one of the biggest challenges for pet sitting and dog walking companies. It's getting more clients and getting more employees. Right. Like, almost every one of your main problems can be put in one of those categories.

So if you just had a steady flow of people. And when I say this, guys, I am not exaggerating. I am not exaggerating. This is the first time you are joining Bella in your business and hearing me say this. I have clients. Like, guys, our methods work. We have people with extra employees with their. Their problem isn't how do I hire good people? Their problem is how do I keep.

Get people more, more jobs? Because they've. They don't want to let go of these great people that are finding them and they want to keep them working. And that's a whole nother episode by the way. And my clients have problems where they have too many good people to hire. Okay? And so remember that 54% of job seekers use social media to find new jobs. Like, so if someone sees that this is a job for you, that might be really cool, or maybe not even just for them, but if you're like, do you know someone who loves to get, you know, jumped on by dogs or walk dogs or whatever it might be. So keep this in mind. And businesses that actively post about their company culture are 33% more likely to attract top tier client employees.

Do you know why? Because these employees are getting curious about this company that they want to apply for, and they are trying to see what it is like to be

Does it feel like 4th quarter planning always sneaks up on you, leaving you scrambling to hit those end-of-year goals? Or perhaps you’re wondering how to balance business growth while still finding time to rest and recharge before the holidays?

The last few months of the year can be overwhelming, but with the right strategy, you can turn this season into your most productive one yet.

In this week's episode, I’m diving headfirst into how to finish the year strong—without losing your sanity. We’re talking about 4th-quarter planning, the importance of understanding the seasons of hustle versus rest, and how to create a roadmap for success that works for YOU and your business.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

Why breaking the last quarter into manageable chunks is the key to hitting your goals.

The power of recognizing the season you’re in—whether it’s time to sprint or slow down.

The importance of delegation and automation to keep your business running smoothly, even when you’re resting.

Imagine wrapping up 2024 not in a state of burnout, but feeling balanced and ready for what’s next.

Whether you’re looking to onboard new clients, boost revenue, or reclaim your personal time, this episode is here to help you navigate the final stretch of the year with clarity and intention.

So, grab a coffee, sit back, and let’s map out a game plan for your best 4th quarter yet!

Timestamps:

[01:30] Discussing different seasons in life

[03:30] Importance of not comparing yourself to others

[05:00] Practical tips for planning the fourth quarter

[07:00] Importance of delegation and automation

[10:00] Work-life balance

[14:00] Importance of energy management

Notable Quotes:

"Not every business will look the same, and that's okay, because everyone's journey and experiences are unique, and relating yours to someone else's is always a bad idea, always the only person, and you've heard me say this before, you should ever be comparing yourself to is yourself of yesterday, last week, last month, last year."

"Rest does not mean failure. It's about understanding that there's times to sprint and times to slow down, and both are very necessary for growth."

"Dream. I want to give you that power to dream, and I can't stress this enough, but a big portion of this is going to be delegation."

"Balance is possible, but it looks different for everyone. And so I think a lot of people actually fail or feel like they're failing this, because they don't actually sit and stop and think about, what does that look like for me?"

Resources:

Better Marketing With Bella

Jump Mastermind

Did you love this episode?

Make sure you never miss an episode! Head over to Apple Podcasts or Spotify to subscribe to Bella In Your Business.

Transcript:

Welcome everybody to another episode of Bella in your business. I am excited for today's episode because I I feel like, okay, we are on the verge of the end of third quarter, right? And some of you may or may not talk or think about your business or your life in quarters, but I'm telling you, once you start doing that while things change. The reason why we do 90 day goals in the mastermind is because our brains can actually understand or think about what we're going to be doing in 90 days in three months, approximately. Think about it. You probably know where you're going to be during Christmas this year. You know where you're going to be living, what you're going to be driving, approximately how your business is going to be doing. But if I were to ask you what it would be doing in five years from now, you're like,

I have no idea.

I would have no idea that I would be in the living, the life I'm living. If you asked me this in 2019, okay, it is. It is just uncanny to me how things change and how, hopefully we change and grow all of the time. So today, I want to kind of dive into that, and I want to make you finish strong, rest easy, a balanced fourth quarter for all of you. Because right now, at the time of this this airing, it is Thursday, September 26 Okay, which means in four days, five days, third quarter is gonna be coming to an end, and fourth quarter is gonna be starting October 1. October 1 to December 31 this is your sprint. This is where we can do anything we want. Now that could be a sprint for clients and revenue. That could be a sprint for rest and to just kick it down into a gear. As a business owner, you all get to decide that, and so I really want this whole entire episode is going to be dedicated to empowering you to thinking about, how do you want to do your planning of the fourth quarter while still carving out time for family and personal life. Okay, so I want you to really think about there's different seasons in life.

There's a season for hustle, there's a season for rest, and there's a season for growing. There's so many different seasons that we can kind of go through and until you started going through them or actually acknowledging and realizing, you don't really, actually give it any gratitude. Sometimes you're just your body is tired and you just all you can do is is manage to work on your phone from laying on the couch, right? You can't even, like, be up and out and creative and all this stuff. And maybe the tapes in your head are, like, so lazy, and it's like, no, your body really just wants you to just chill out, right? And so knowing what season you're in is key to avoiding burnout. Not every business will look the same, and that's okay, because everyone's journey and experiences are unique, and relating yours to someone else's is always a bad idea, always the only person, and you've heard me say this before, you should ever be comparing yourself to is yourself of yesterday, last week, last month, last year. Okay. Now growth feelings could also feel very exciting, but they can also demand a lot from you. And so how to recognize when it's time to push and when it's time to step back is going to be really, really interesting. So I just want to stress here that like every season serves a purpose, and just because you're not in go mode 24/7, it doesn't mean that your business is failing. Maybe it's like the rest season, and it's exactly where you need to be. So let me give you example.

I worked with a business owner for her to for two years, she was in complete hustle mode. She was onboarding clients, hiring staff, running the show, and she was doing it well. But eventually, the weight of trying to do everything herself to DIY, it caught up to her, and she entered what I call the rest season. Instead of pushing harder, she made a decision to scale back and focus only on the essentials and recharge. Now, did her business fall apart? Absolutely not. Because in that hustle mode, she did all of the important things with SOPs and getting a really good foundation, okay, and in that fact, the rest period gave her the clarity that she needed to reorganize her team, and then she came back even stronger. So remember, rest does not mean failure. It's about understanding that there's times to sprint and times to slow down, and both are very necessary for growth. I know comparison, like I was saying, is a big issue for people and and again, you might think that people have it all figured out. I see it online all the time.

I see it in these Facebook groups. I see some people, you know, really looking up to, some people that I've actually had conversations with, and I know that they're running around with the chicken with their head cut off, or their profit margin is terrible. In fact, it makes me cringe seeing some people give advice where they have no no place to. It. So I really want to encourage you do not compare yourself to other people because you have no idea what their bank account, their relationships, their marriage, their stress levels, all of that is going on inside of them or in their own life. All right, be careful who you compare yourself to. Now, I definitely want you to also have a create, creating a fourth quarter without losing your sanity, guys, we I'm reminding you that you have this beautiful time. We have 25% of 2024, left. How do you want to spend it? I want you to think about that. Think about that. Really. Think about it.

And we could. I want to switch gears and talk about something practical. How can you make sure that the fourth quarter is amazing without feeling like you're sacrificing your personal life, your personal relationships or your mental health? So I have a plan, and this isn't just like a vague to do list. I mean breaking fourth quarter into manageable chunks. Let's say your goal is to onboard five new clients before the end of the year. Instead of saying, I'll get it done by September 31 break it down into smaller steps. Maybe in October you'll only focus on marketing. Maybe November is about consultations and December is about finalizing agreements. It helps you avoid feeling overwhelmed by the bigger picture. Now, that might sound really slow to you, like, Bella, we do this in 24 hours. Yeah. So that is an extreme. And whenever I'm considering planning things, I always love to go to the extremes of extremely big or extremely slow, or extreme of like, what's the worst could happen and the best that could happen, right?

So you also might want to change that around, too, and say, You know what I instead of, you know, and that would be a really small and slow kind of process. Another one could be, I want to increase by, I don't know, $30,000 by the end of the year, right? So that's an additional $10,000 a month. So what are we going to do for that? And we're going to break it down into each month. Or maybe it's just going to be a simple, I'm going to be I'm going to have more work life balance, and that means I'm not working weekends, or that means maybe you are working weekends, but you're not working Thursday Fridays, or you're shutting off by, I don't know, five o'clock,...

Ever find yourself scratching your head, wondering why your marketing isn’t hitting the mark? Wish you had a blueprint to dodge the common marketing mistakes that are holding your pet business back?

In this week's episode, I'm unlocking the secrets to effective marketing as I dive into the top five marketing mistakes that I see pet businesses make. This episode is especially for anyone feeling overwhelmed by their current marketing efforts.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

The ONE major misconception: Thinking everyone is your client—learn why this could be draining your resources and focus.

Online Presence pitfalls: Why lacking a robust online presence can make or break your business.

Branding Blunders: The do’s and dont’s of consistent, effective branding.

Imagine finally understanding why your marketing efforts haven't been converting. Picture turning those weak spots into areas of strength that drive your business forward.

Think about it...What if you could spend less time guessing and more time executing tactics that actually work? How would it feel to have a crystal-clear understanding of your target audience? What difference would a consistent and compelling brand make to your bottom line?

Time Sensitive Invite:

There’s also an exciting revival happening in our Jump Start Your Pet Business community on Facebook, and I want YOU to be a part of it. I've been going live once or twice a week to teach and give valuable tips.

We are still entering people into our  FREE 20-minute 1:1 coaching session giveaway.

Simply join the group and tag me (Bella) in your post – I'd love to hear which episode inspired you the most!

Timestamps:

[02:09] Marketing Mistake #1

[07:12] Marketing Mistake #2

[14:25] Marketing Mistake #3

[16:25] Marketing Mistake #4

[21:35] Marketing Mistake #5

Notable Quotes:

"If everyone was your client, then that means that you're competing with rover, or you're competing with, like, these big national corporations that are just a logo and, like a website, right? You are a unique individual, servicing a very small area. If you really zoom out, look at the entire world, you know, you are the expert in your area."

"If your website is stale, if it's sterile, if your marketing on your website or your social media is literally something that I could copy and paste and put on someone else's therefore it's not personal, then you miss the mark."

"Are you measuring engagement? Are you measuring ultimate conversion rates? Are you measuring just page views on Google? Are you measuring click throughs in emails? What are you measuring?"

Resources:

Email Bella: bella @ jumpconsulting . net

Jump Start Your Pet Business Facebook group

FREE 20-min Consult with Bella

Did you love this episode?

Make sure you never miss an episode! Head over to Apple Podcasts or Spotify to subscribe to Bella In Your Business.

Transcript:

Welcome to another episode of Bella in your business. My name is Bella Vasta. Today we're gonna talk. We're gonna talk about top five marketing mistakes that pet businesses make. And, guys, I know you've been loving these, like, really personal episodes, and trust me, I'm gonna stay personal. We're gonna keep it going because this is literally me talking to you and keep all of the questions coming. I love getting them. I love the DM's.

I live for them. Honestly, I always love finding out, like, you know, what your biggest takeaway was. So feel free to ask me anywhere. Instagram, Facebook, where else? I don't know. Everywhere, really. Or bellaumpconsulting.net. olivia was so excited and loved all of your comments. So thank you so much for her little, um, her little debut last week.

If you haven't listened to it, she dropped some positivity bombs that were pretty cute. I was very proud of her. Um, all right, so without ado, let's get started. Actually, no, there's one more thing I want to tell you about. Um, keep coming into the jumpstart, your pet business Facebook group. We're going to be doing a lot of stuff in there. It's starting to really ramp up. I went live in there once or twice this weekend.

Um, just kind of teaching or giving some tips. I'm going to do even more. And we are still entering people into our free coaching session. So all you got to do is just post on the wall. Tag. Mella. Hey, Belle. I heard you on the podcast, entering to win one of the free coaching sessions.

Um, and, uh, and let me know, and we'll get you in there. Okay? So just go to Facebook and just type in, jump start your pet business. You might already be a member and just forgot because of the greatest, a logarithm. Um, and, uh, it's just. It's fun in there. So come on and get in. It's one way you can be part of a community. It's free.

It's free. Costs nothing. And the difference about this community is it's actually led by me. Right? So it's not like a, um, another, um, group where it's just a random person doing it, or maybe it's a coach doing it, but they don't actually show up or they don't actually teach, and they just. It's kind of like person led like mine. I really take pride that I try to start a lot of conversations, or I try to give you guys value weekly, and. But I want you guys to join in the conversation, too, now. All right, so let's get going because this is also kind of in ties with what we're talking about.

The top five marketing mistakes pet businesses make. Again, I'm Bella Vasta from jump Consulting. If this is one of the first times you are listening to me, I've been in this industry since 2002 when my parents told me that they wanted to put a curfew on me and I realized that I could get paid to sleep over people's houses with their pets. What? Back then, the industry was not well known. So a lot of our marketing was a lot about telling people that they didn't have to go put their dog in a boarding facility that they could actually bring them to or that they could stay at home and that we could come to their home. And getting the public, like, knowing that that was an option, obviously now in 2024, at the time of this recording, that is nothing, I think, anymore. Now we're just really trying to explain to them how great and positive and trustworthy and likable and professional we are. Right.

Because they already know what's going on. And so I want you to think about something. I know a lot of pet sitters make this big mistake. The first one is they think everyone is their clients. Now that sounds pretty obvious, right? But if I go to any one of your Instagram or Facebook or maybe your email marketing, if you do email marketing, which you should be, by the way, it's like the best form. It's like email, Instagram, Facebook. That's where I would actually like, put my, um, my money where my mouth is if I were a business owner right now. Um.

Oh, I didn't even finish my story. See, here we go. Add again. Um, anyways, all right, I'm going to slow down because I'm getting really excited. It's in the morning. I've had a lot of coffee. Um, okay, so everyone isn't your client. Everyone is not your client.

And I want you to realize that because it's like, you know, if everyone was your client, then that means that you're competing with Rover or you're competing with like these big national corporations that are just a logo and like a website, right? You are a unique individual in a servicing a very small area. And, you know, if you really zoom out, look at the entire world, you know, and you are the expert in your area. You are the expert when it comes to pets. You are the expert when it comes to dog walking. You are the expert when it comes to your, your weather and the different nuances that are there. Right. If I were to drop someone from, like, Edmonton, Canada, in the middle of the sonoran desert, they would have no idea what a javelina is or, or to look out for certain kinds of cactus that can, like, jump on you or, like, coyotes. Right.

Nor would I understand, like, the fact that my walkers are gonna be walking and their eyelashes are gonna end up with icicles on them and it's perfectly okay. And that the dogs up there are okay with it like it is. You are such an expert, and if I can at any point put whatever you're saying on anyone else's, then you've lost. Right. And so I really want you to think about, you have to define your target audience. Okay? You have to know your ideal customer. You have to provide tips on, on how to, you know, care for your pets in your specific area from your specific expertise. And so the way that you understand your target market is you can do it a couple different ways.

One, you could be reactive. And by that, I mean you can think about everyone that you actually service right now, who you've attracted. And I think the number one thing you have to think about is, are these the clients I want? Right. So sometimes maybe company a has attracted a bunch of people by having coupons everywhere. And so they've, they've attracted a lot of, like, um, uh, coupon minded people that will probably jump to the next coupon or best deal, um, possible. They're not typically loyal. Um, and, and they really care about price. They're trying to constantly nickel and dime you up.

You, you know, you increase your prices, they're, like, freaking out. And then there's like, you know, company b, that's just like, you know what? We're going to be $10 more expensive than everyone else, and we're not going to have as much volume, which means we're not going to have as many employees. But our profit margin is going to be, like, popping. It's going to be amazing. And I would rather work less for more money than my ego and make it a popularity contest. Right, and have a low profit margin and a high volume. And so I think a lot of people don't stop and think, like, what do I really want? And neither one is better or worse. Right.

It comes down to, like, what you want. Um,...

Ever find yourself wondering how to keep that spark alive in your business while staying positive when life keeps throwing curveballs? Wish you had a blueprint for staying focused even when the odds are against you?

After battling a nasty illness and managing through a packed schedule, I've got some real talk to share. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by life or business, you'll find solace and actionable advice here. I'm diving deep into a question that hit home during one of our mastermind roundups: How do you stay positive amidst all the chaos?

Imagine having a toolkit at your fingertips that helps you bounce back every single time you face adversity. In this episode, you'll discover:

Practical and immediate strategies to transform your outlook.

How simple, consistent habits can turn your entire day (and week) around.

Real-life stories and anecdotes: Because nothing hits home like genuine experiences that you can relate to.

I’m bringing the positivity straight to your headphones, along with a heartwarming segment featuring my daughter, Olivia. Her innocent yet profound take on affirmations and staying positive will uplift your spirit and provide an extra dose of inspiration.

Time Sensitive Invite:

There’s also an exciting revival happening in our Jumpstart Your Pet Business community on Facebook, and I want YOU to be a part of it. Join us to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, share your experiences, and get exclusive insights that can elevate your pet business.

To sweeten the deal, I'm offering a FREE 20-minute 1:1 coaching session to a lucky member.

Simply join the group and tag me (Bella) in your post – I'd love to hear which episode inspired you the most!

Timestamps:

[0:50] Staying Positive: Laura's Question

[3:30] Daily Intentions and Gratitude with my daughter; Olivia

[9:00] Practical Tips for Staying Positive

[10:00] Olivia's Insights on the benefits of Affirmations

[11:00] Revival of the Jumpstart Facebook Community

[14:30] Importance of Community Participation and Engagement

[15:30] My Personal Story of Overcoming Challenges

Notable Quotes:

"Motivation, inspiration means nothing without action."

"You cannot be sad and grateful at the same time."

"Positivity is a choice. It literally is a choice that you have to make every single second."

"Everything we do is a habit in life. Everything we do, even the decision to say, 'oh, it just never ends,' that's a habit that is something that you're actually unconsciously choosing to do."

"I don't stay positive all the time. And for anyone that says they do, please tell me what their podcast is, because that just sounds like very Buddh, that sounds very enlightened, like there's not a lot of people in this world that are just constantly pure joy, happy, peaceful."

Resources:

Jumpstart Your Pet Business Facebook group

FREE 20-min Consult with Bella

FREE Training: '5 Must-Haves to Make Your Pet Business Training Streamlined and Sexy'

Did you love this episode?

Make sure you never miss an episode! Head over to Apple Podcasts or Spotify to subscribe to Bella In Your Business.

Transcript:

Welcome to another episode of Bella in your business.Oh, my gosh.

I did not know if I was actually going to be able to record this podcast. Today is actually Monday, September 9. I'm back in my studio. You guys absolutely loved the road trip episodes. Shortly after that, I got really sick. I never get sick. I got really sick and had the chills, like the whole nine yards. My daughter was such a good nurse.

She was so cute. But I'm kind of recovering from it, and I did a lot of talking. I had meetings all day today. I try to stack my meetings mostly on Monday, Tuesday, and so I had a lot of meetings today. My throat is sore. It was getting better, and now it just feels a little bit.

I guess I don't sound that bad. But it really strains me a lot to talk. So probably going to be a shorter episode because such is life. Okay.

But I do have two things that I really want to come to you about today, and I decided to keep your advice and, you know, be a little bit more real. So the two things I want to tell you about is something that's happening online, which I'm going to talk about second, but first, I actually received a question from a jumper. And in the mastermind, we have what we call roundups. And once a month we all get together.

It's kind of like a group coaching.

Call a group think tank. It's kind of where we can all bounce ideas off of each other and just really come together and solve. And it's great because people submit their questions ahead of time, but then people also, they just show up because a lot of the times, other people's questions are your questions or other people's fears. And this is one of them. And it actually inspired me so much that I wanted to address this on the podcast. I wanted to give you this question and inspiration, because when I did start talking about it today, I just. I started preaching, man. I started preaching because I'm very passionate about it.

And so I wanted to bring it to you. So the question Laura asked, how do you stay so positive? I catch myself fall into negative thought. We all know where that can lead to. I need to get more involved. I know I cannot listen to Bella podcast all day to stay positive. Well, first of all, thank you so much for listening, and I'm glad that it does make you feel positive because that's definitely my intention. This also is a listener that I haven't heard from for a really long time. So you guys, anyone who has not said hello to me, please dm me on Instagram.

This is between you and me. Just you and me. And it is a two way dialogue, believe it or not. I love, you know, hearing what you guys think and really want to get to that.

Okay? And we are back. Now, I just looked at my microphone, and it wasn't lit up. So that first three minutes was on my Mac speakers. And now I'm sure, and I hope that you can hear a difference. That is what a professional microphone makes. And just because of the realness of this podcast, I am not going to go back and re record the first three minutes. But anyways, back to Laura's question. So, first, thank you for listening.

Second, motivation. Inspiration means nothing without action. And I'm going to tell you what I told my mastermind members today, and I'm going to speak all from personal experience, okay? I might show up for you guys as motivated and inspiring doesn't mean that I walk around like that all day long. You can catch me five minutes before we're supposed to leave for the house for school, and I'm a frazzled mess, which is why I have habit stacked, which is one of my tips to talk to my daughter in the car on the way to school. What's your intention for today? Oh, I don't know, mom. I don't want to do it. All right, well, what do you want to focus on today? I don't want to do it, mom. Do you want to focus on picking your nose? No, mom, that's silly.

Okay. Do you want to focus on having a good day? She goes, yeah. And I go, well, what? What one thing can you focus on to have a good day? She goes, being a good friend. I go, how would you be a good friend? Because if you guys have kids, you know you have to ask 20 questions, right? So anyways, my point is, is that every day we have to drive to school, it's a seven minute drive to school. And that is the perfect opportunity to think about an intention. And we set an intention that day. And something that I started doing this week, this month. Oh, man, this might be a long podcast.

Something that we started doing this year for school, is I decided I would let her know what my intention was, and also I would tell her what I was going to be doing while she was at school. And so it was a two way street. So after school I'd be like, hey, honey. Yeah, I did this today. Or I was like, I remember one day last week, I said, I'm going to set my intention that I am creative and have great problem solving skills. And she didn't really catch on to it. But I continued on and I said, mommy is going to get her butt kicked by one of her business friends today because mommy needs to get outside of her head. And luckily I have people in my life that I can do that with.

But then I came back to her and, you know, I told her how it went and I told her that I had some really tough decisions to make and I was really overwhelmed and I had to call a friend, and I reminded myself that when I wanted to cry or have a tantrum that I am creative and I have lots of great problem solving skills. So be intentful with your life. How do you stay positive? You be intentful. How do you stay positive? You count your blessings. I got a lot of flack two years ago for this, and I don't care. I'm going to say it again because I do believe in it. I'm not saying that this saying can cure clinical depression. I am saying simply that if right now you are not feeling that happy, if you just pause this podcast and think of five things you are grateful for and even go as far as write them down, pen and paper if you can.

If not, your notepad and your phone will just do just fine. You cannot be sad and grateful at the same time. All right? So you have to fight to find the blessings every time you want to go into your brain into stinking thinking, into beating yourself up into, oh, my gosh, this always happens. Ugh. Another day, another dollar. Oh, you know, it just. It just never stops. Oh, life's all a bowl of cherries, all these sayings.

The minute that that happens, I want you to become aware of it, and I want you to change that into what is possible, what is possible from this happening. This is like the. Because you get to that. I've been talking to you guys about staying positive is a choice. It literally is a choice that you have to make every single second. And you know, something else I started doing is I started being not only grate

Ever wonder how you can just get a little better during the workday? Have you ever thought about how the people, spaces, AND food you consume might help or hinder you? In this episode, I take you along on Part Two of my road trip. This time, I dive deep into how mindful choices in food, spaces, and relationships can impact your pet sitting business!  You'll hear all about how intentional living can transform your energy levels and productivity.

Imagine starting your day with a nutritious breakfast that fuels your brain and body—compare that to grabbing a sugary snack that leads to a mid-morning crash. These small choices add up to make a significant impact on your productivity. I'm spilling some of my favorite tips for making the right food choices that keep you energized and focused throughout the day.

I also discuss the importance of setting up an environment that fosters creativity and focus. I'll walk you through some simple adjustments that can help turn your workspace into a productivity powerhouse.

Furthermore, I talk about the importance of supportive relationships. Having just one person who lifts you up and propels you toward your goals is ESSENTIAL for sustaining motivation and achieving success.

Drawing from my REAL experiences and life lessons, this episode is packed with actionable steps that make a difference. Whether it's a small tweak in your diet, a shift in your workspace setup, or nurturing a supportive friendship, these changes can lead to transformative results.

Tune in NOW and learn how food, spaces, and people can drastically impact your pet sitting business.

Timestamps:

[02:20] Importance of having a shared album with her social media manager to easily access content.

[05:00] Bella describes the feeling of energy and peacefulness she experienced at Liz's home.

[07:07] Being aware of the spaces you spend time in and how those spaces make you feel.

[09:42] The impact of food choices on energy and productivity.

[16:36] Experience of using ChatGPT to create a healthy recipe using ingredients on hand.

[20:00] The importance of being selective about the people in your life and how they impact you.

Notable Quotes:

"You get to decide, but a lack of decision is also a decision."

"What things are we using in our life to take us away from our greatness? What things are robbing us or stripping us from our excellence?"

"I just want to encourage you to just become AWARE. I'm not saying to kick everyone out of your life, get a great space, only go to good spaces, only eat good food, and if you don't, you're failure. That is the furthest thing from the truth."

"Sometimes I've had someone that's like, 'Hey, can I join you?' And I'm like, 'No,' as weird as that sounds.

"I remember 20 years ago, when I first started therapy, my therapist told me my homework was to go out to dinner by myself, and I about like suffocated. I thought that was the worst thing ever. Fast Forward, 20 years later, I go out to dinner by myself at least once a week now, and I take great pride and joy in it."

Resources:

Yuka App

Radical Acceptance (book)

Atomic Habits (book)

The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins

20-min FREE consult with Bella

Did you love this episode?

Make sure you never miss an episode! Head over to Apple Podcasts or Spotify to subscribe to Bella In Your Business.

Transcript:

Well, welcome back to another episode of Bella in your business. We are road tripping for part two of our road trip. I just finished my time with Liz, and we created a couple hundred pieces of content, whether it be videos for our upcoming classes that we're doing with pet care team training, or just a bunch of b roll of playing with dogs, feeding dogs, running with dogs, walking with dogs, petting dogs, all the things with dogs. It's really helpful. Like, you know, like I said, the last podcast, when you have people in your life you can rely on, it's also, you know, very intentional. We actually had a joke the whole time because she made an itinerary for us, and I know that she was gonna make an itinerary for us, so therefore, I knew I just needed to show up. And if she's like, hey, record a video on CPR, I was like, absolutely. Give me 1 second.

Collect my thoughts live. You know, like, go. And we're both very good about taking video footage. Like b roll. B roll is like behind the scenes. It's not like a talking head or someone's actually like talking to you or delivering information. It's more like scanning and the dogs are running, or you're following someone walking and maybe they're walking away from the camera doing things like that. That is a lot of, um.

That's b roll. And that is amazingly useful because you can use that on social media and in like reels. You can put words over it. You can do a voiceover, you can do so many different things with b roll. So the more you have it, the better. Little pro tip. We have a shared album with Maybelle, our incredible social media gal who helps us come to life online on pet care team training. If you want to take a look at it, you can see her work there.

But we, you know, film all this stuff and we put it in a shared album. And the same thing that I do for jump consulting, same thing that Liz does for full fill and fulfilled and start solution, and we just upload them to this shared album so that our social media gal always has that content. Feel free to steal that idea. But I told her about the podcast. I told her that I talked about her a lot. She hasn't heard it yet, but I am going to post it. I also kind of took to social media yesterday, explained to you all what I was doing, and if you wanted to hear my rambles, and you all overwhelmingly said yes. I got DM's, I got messages in reply to the original message, and I got some like private messages, too, where it was like, fellow, that's where we think feel like you're the most authentic.

And truth be told, that's where I am usually the most authentic. But it's also where I'm gonna solicit your help right now. If you're listening to this podcast and, you know, you want coaching for yourself, you want to get some motivation, inspiration, some how to's. When I say submit your topics, I really do mean submit them. Because as great as it is to just free flow and talk from the heart, I don't necessarily always have that for you every week, which is why I do have to, you know, prepare topics and do some research and kind of really put together a show for you. But I'm not opposed to these formats at all. And oftentimes all it takes is you give me a situation or send me a screenshot of something and say, bella, talk to me about this. I'll be like, alrighty then.

You know, you just get me going with that little, that little spoonful and I will make a whole entire gravy out of it. So today I really feel that where Liz lives, it's magical. And I'm not saying that, like, to be over the top, I'm literally saying that because it is a very. It's a feeling that I've only felt when I'm in Sedona, where there is, you know, a lot of energy and vortexes there. I'm not sure where you are on the woo scale or how woo I can get with you, but, you know, there is parts of this world where there are more energy and there's just this expansive feeling where she lives and it's very peaceful. And the way that I described it twice to her because she lives there now. And I remember a year ago when she moved to the spot, she was always, you know, really reflective about it. And of course, the minute I walked in, I was like, wow, but you, she lives there now and it's like a normal life for her.

But I felt like a gong was going off in my body that was just vibrating up and down my body and getting everything, like completely in alignment. It was. That's the best way I can describe it. So if you aren't any woo woo and you think that that's.., that I respect it, but, you know, I come from a mindset of a lot of different things and, and the more I grow as a person and heal, the more I kinda of feel that. Which leads me a little bit into this episode. It's not going to be a woo episode, but it is going to be about your feelings. And I want you to think about it. And I did a little bit of structure.

I've got three words for my notes. Are you ready for them? I'm going to tell you this spoiler right now, it's space, food, and people. And I want to ask you, how do you feel in different spaces? And ultimately, your number one space is where you live, right? And I think many of us have been in places where we haven't felt comfortable for whatever reason. Pardon me. My goodness. Again, this is real and raw, and we're just driving up the I ten right now, going back to Phoenix. I'm wondering, I think the easiest way that you can relate to this is as a pet sitter and dog walker, you get to walk into many homes, right? And I remember from my days, and I'm sure you've experienced this, there are just some homes that you walk into, and you're like, wow, I just want to, like, take a nap on your couch. I feel so warm and cozy.

I never want to leave. And then there's other places that they might look nice, but for whatever reason, like, it just doesn't settle with your spirit, your body, your emotions, your energy, whatever you want to call it. And I think a lot of times, I mean, obviously, obviously in work, you know, we're going in and out of home, so it's not that big of a deal. But taking that example, that, like, little flash in the pan example that you get to witness and taking it into the spaces that you've created for yourself, obviously, your home, which I know some people can control and some people can't control for some extenuating circumstances, or there's other people that live there, whether they're little terrorists, kids. I say that lovingly as a mom. Or maybe you just. Maybe you love your partner, but you don't like them. And they're not just making your.

Your space nice....

How do you navigate personal growth? Do you feel isolated or unsupported on your journey? Are you constantly searching for real, unfiltered insights on life and business?

Join Bella Vasta on a deeply personal road trip from Phoenix to Tucson, Arizona, in this unique podcast episode.

As Bella navigates the open road, she reflects on her partnership with Liz Illg, co-founder of Pet Care Team Training, sharing the importance of having supportive and complementary relationships in both business and life. Recorded live and unedited, this episode offers an authentic glimpse into Bella's thoughts and feelings, making you feel like you're right there in the car with her.

Bella discusses the transformative power of community and friendships, drawing from her own journey through trauma and healing after her daughter's premature birth. She opens up about the significance of inner courage, personal growth, and the necessity of having a support system. Whether she's passing cows or crossing border checkpoints, Bella's raw and unfiltered storytelling invites you to reflect on your own life, encouraging you to find and cherish the people who help you thrive.

Don't miss this engaging and inspirational episode that blends business insights with heartfelt personal experiences.

Timestamps:

[02:16] Bella and Liz's business partnership and friendship

[06:44] Bella's experience of isolation and survival mode after her daughter's health challenges

[09:40] Bella's journey of inner child healing and personal growth

[13:29] Advice on reflecting on why certain things trigger strong reactions, and the importance of self-awareness

[23:44] Importance of building a supportive community and not trying to do everything alone

[26:33] The value of having close friends who can support and challenge you

Notable Quotes:

"It takes courage to constantly grow. It takes courage to put your ego aside and think about, well, why does it hurt me? Where does it come from?"

"Sometimes you just need a witness to be like, 'Damn girl, you've come so far, because six months ago, you would have handled this a completely different way.'"

"Asking for help is really difficult for a lot of people, because we were told not to ask for help. We were told to be seen and not heard."

"You have to have a reciprocal energy flow. I'm going to put it that way, right? Like you pour into someone, they pour into you, and it has to be circular."

"I feel like all these Facebook groups, they're really great. However, there's a bunch of keyboard warriors on there. How great are the Facebook groups really? How much of an intimate connection are you actually able to make?"

Did you love this episode?

Make sure you never miss an episode! Head over to Apple Podcasts or Spotify to subscribe to Bella In Your Business.

Transcript:

Hello. This is going to be a little bit of a different episode if I actually post it. Hi, this is Bella Vasta from Jump Consulting. I'm currently going about 80 miles an hour on the I ten, heading from Phoenix down south of Tucson to a small little town where there's wine country. It is where my co founder of pet care team Training, Liz Ilig, resides and on her farm. And going down there because we are planning for the fourth quarter of the year and then just doing some projects and filming some stuff. It's actually been a year since I've been down there and you know, I'm not really sure exactly where this podcast is going, but we're going to download it and get you show notes from AI when I am done. But I thought I would just talk to you.

Is that all right? And this is also kind of like russian roulette because you have no idea what could come out of my mouth. There is no editing. There is no let's stop and re record this. So if I publish this, I'm going to publish it in its entirety. It's just like it's me talking to you as I'm driving. It's currently 09:00 in the morning. It is about 100 degrees, which is actually very cool for Arizona. As I drive south, it's actually close to the border to the point that I get these messages on my phone that says, now entering Mexico and not really, and there is a couple of border checkpoints that I go through.

If you guys have never been through that stuff, I go through it quite frequently. When I do actually drive to the beach in Mexico, it just gets down to like one lane and you go slowly through, you roll down your windows, you say hi to the guy and just kind of roll on through. But anyways, hi. I was reflecting on some stuff, something that you may or may not know. First of all, Liz is not just my business partner for pet care team training, where we certify pet sitters and dog walkers to be pet sitters and dog walkers and give them CPR first aid certifications. So two certifications. But we also are very good friends. We have this app called Voxer V, like Victor O X E R.

For any of you guys who are verbal processors who like to talk a lot, I really highly recommend it. They call it a walkie talkie app. Basically you can leave up to 15 minutes voice messages. And the difference between using that on, say, an iPhone, because that's the only thing I have that I know, is that you just press it and then you can take your hand off the button, and you can just talk. Talk. So, usually what happens, believe it or not, I'm getting really personal, is that every morning, we both get up and we take our walks. I do, like, two laps around my block. She does, like, a three mile with her dogs.

She's in, like, a rural area. She does a weighted vest. She's such a badass. I hope that's okay to say that. And we talk. And we talk about our intentions for the day. Like, she leaves me a message, I leave her a message. We talk about, like, things that we're getting done.

We hold each other accountable. Loosely, right. And we're kind of like. We're both single, so we're both kind of like each other's person, and we've been doing this for a long time. And it's just. I just. I go on these love affairs with her sometimes, and I just tell her how much I appreciate her, because I think there's something to be said when you have someone in your life that you can completely be yourself with, when you can literally just go on a mind journey, a verbal diarrhea of the mouth, if you will, and you're not judged and you're supported, or you're reminded of who you are, or you're giving questions that really make you ponder and think. And I guess this episode is going to be about her and I and the place that she is in my life in hopes that I inspire you to think about who is in your life.

I did an episode on who are your CEO's or all my CEO's, and I talked to you about my CEO's. Those are, like, the really close people in my life that I can go to with anything at any time. And they're all very, very different. And that's the point I wanted to make about Liz and I, and it's why we make great business partners, because everything she's good at, I'm not. And everything I'm good at, she. I don't want to say she's not, but she doesn't prefer to do right. Like, we are a left and a right brain. Together make one brain.

I am an organized chaos. She has everything written down. She actually did a presentation to my community, and she was talking about how she even has, like, she has sop for her household, and she needs to. I hope she doesn't mind me saying so much, but because she has chickens and goats and dogs, inside dogs and outside dogs and cats, and I don't know if I'm missing anything, but she's a lot of souls. She's got, like, 36 souls on her property, and she was talking to my community just about workflows, and, like, what happens if something happens to you? And she has it all the way down to how to work lawnmower for her home sops. Okay. I throw away the instruction books. My dad laughs at me all the time for it, and I'm like, why do I need to keep this instruction book in this cabinet somewhere for, like, one time that I'm gonna need it? Like, all of these instruction books are in a PDF online.

And I also, you know, I'm not like, oh, I live on a farm with 36 souls to take care of what happens if something happens to me? So it's a little different, right? And when we talk about things, you know, our life couldn't be any more different. We often joke around about doing an anonymous podcast about her life and my life, because it's just so unique. But I'm telling you all of this, like, as if we're just friends and you're in the car with me driving right now. Because there was a time in my life where I didn't have a community before I got married, before I was. I was in 2014, and I was doing my business. I had my friends. A lot of them were actually from networking. I did a lot, like, four times a week networking, and I made a lot of friends that way.

They were all my same age. We kind of got married, had kids the same time ish. However, when I went through everything with my daughter, and if this is one of your first times listening or you just joined us. Hi. I've had birthed one of the smallest surviving female babies on the planet. At 12oz, she was born ten years ago July. We spent 182 days in baby icu Nicu, fighting for her life. She was on a vent in a trach.

We took her home after six months. She was on a 50 foot oxygen concentrator. She was on oxygen and a feeding tube that went down her nose into her belly that I had to shove in her and stick to her face. It was horrifying. It was traumatic. I was wrecked. I pushed everyone out of my life, including my own parents. And so when I say that, you know, I had friends, and then I didn't have friends, I was in survival mode.

I don't even know what it was. I didn't know what survival mode was. I just knew that I literally. It was like I was a tree and I had to cut off every single branch just to maintain the stump and keep the stump alive. And, you know, sometimes that's what you got to do....

How many ways do you actively have clients coming into your business? Referrals? Your website? Is it google ads? Are they equal or does one lead more than the other?  Today, we are diving deep in this episode, on why you should have multiple pet business revenue streams and what they are so you can keep a great business financial health.

In the fast-paced world of pet services, relying on a single revenue source is a recipe for STRESS and INSTABILITY.

Discover actionable strategies for diversifying your income sources—from leveraging social media and email marketing to forming strategic community partnerships. You’ll learn practical steps to break free from the cycle of financial anxiety.

Let’s face it—you can’t afford to depend on just one source of income. Knowing how to create multiple pet business revenue streams will set you free from the constant worry and give you more control over your financial future.

Learn how to master your profit margins, enhance your online presence, and make strategic decisions aligning with your goals.

Whether you’re struggling with stagnant growth or feeling vulnerable relying on just one revenue stream, this episode is PACKED with insights to help you succeed.

Tune in now!

Timestamps:

[02:31] Diversifying Revenue Streams

[03:21] Google Ads and what you need in order for it to be effective

[06:15] Effectiveness of email marketing and  strategies for converting potential leads and increasing client engagement

[8:30] Significance of using social media effectively

[11:14] Using review sites like Yelp and Nextdoor and leveraging positive reviews for social media content

[11:57] Importance of building relationships with local pet stores, grooming shops, veterinarians, and other community partners for referrals

[16:10] Importance of blogging and using SEO to attract local clients.

[18:18] Retargeting and Facebook Ads

Notable Quotes:

"If you only are relying on one thing, or let alone nothing, to generate your leads, then you're not really setting yourself up for success."

"That's what happens, is that people go from your website, which is just a static thing, published, God knows when, and then they click over to your social media so that they can know like and trust you."

"And email is actually better performing, believe it or not, than social media. The reason is, is because most of the people that you have on your email list are people that you've already talked to."

"If you're diversified, you're never going to have that problem. One might go down for a little bit, but it's okay because you're spread out evenly."

Resources:

Better Marketing With Bella

Jump Start Your Pet Business Facebook Group

Did you love this episode?

Make sure you never miss an episode! Head over to Apple Podcasts or Spotify to subscribe to Bella In Your Business.

Transcript:

Hello and welcome to another episode of Bella in your business. Ooh, was that. Hello. Annoying. It was definitely very different than I usually do it. But what is going on? Jumpers today, we're gonna have kind of an interesting topic. I was having a recent conversation and it kind of inspired this episode. Someone had a difficulty with their Google, my business, GMBN, and they were a part of the organization.

That's the way they do it. They spend a lot of money on Google Ads and that's how they get their, their leads, their customers. And it got me thinking because I know that, you know, that is very. Hmm. It's very different than most professional pet sitters do it. And it kind of got me thinking larger and bigger about the whole thing and how if you only are relying on one thing, or let alone nothing, to generate your leads, then you're not really setting yourself up for success. So I wanted to have a conversation with you about that today. Basically why you need to have multiple, I'm going to call them revenue streams, multiple ways, and I'm going to talk to you about a bunch of them today to kind of get you to think about all the different areas that maybe are untapped or that you need to go back and nurture a little bit more.

But in any case, this episode, hopefully, is going to be here to inspire you to greatness. Remember, there's no sense in being motivated unless you are driven to action. So as I go through the different list and talk about the different things, I want you to think about one that you can spend 15 minutes on in the next coming week. That's my, that's my, um, my ask of you in this episode. Okay? So let's get into it. So most of us, um, we just, you know, we hope that the phone rings, right? Um, you're out there taking care of the dogs, taking care of the cats, um, taking care of your employees, running payroll, um, doing accounts receivable and payable, uh, trying to keep up with your wife, website. Like, you know, all this stuff, right? And most of us are really just not focused on, okay, this is the source of my business. This is what we do.

And we're going to talk about a lot of them today. And like I said, you know, just relying on one source of revenue is severely handicapping yourself because some are going to do better than others. And when, and if one goes down, then it's not like a complete halt to your business. So just like when you have investments, right, you want to diversify your investments, you want to diversify your revenue coming in. You want to diversify your investments going out. Um, you want to have it strategic so that it's. It's less risk for you, right? Less risk of, oh, no, we don't have any clients. If I asked you right now, what is the revenue stream that you are nurturing? I know a lot of you would be like, I'm living on a prayer, Bella.

I am hoping that that phone rings. I am hoping that email comes through. Maybe it's a form on your website, maybe it's someone calling, maybe it's a text message, I don't know. But I want you to think about this for real today. So the first one, and the one that kind of caught my attention about this was Google Ads. I'm going to be very bold and I'm going to say, I know a lot of you guys don't do that. I know that when you get to about half a million dollars or so, then you do maybe start doing Google Ads because you've got maybe 40 people on staff plus, and you know, you have a really large staff and you really want, you have the money to pay to play, right? But I know the majority of you, and I think the majority of businesses, if I can, if I can be so bold, are probably about 350,000 and less annually. I would say that's where the average company is, is that you're not spending money on Google Ads because there's so many other free ways to do it, namely your website, that you don't need to spend that money.

And that's like, you know, it's an expense. I mean, it's Google. And to do Google Ads, you have to have an expert. So not only do you have to pay for the ads, but then you also have to pay for an expert. And so I do not believe really, in the businesses that are, you know, under half a million really doing Google Ads. Although I have had success with some housekeeping clients and some larger pet sitting businesses in better marketing with Bella that have been doing Google Ads at like half a million. And then they turned on better marketing with Bella, and stuff skyrocketed. And we have so many testimonies, I won't even go into it.

But it's on our instagram. It was the only thing that they changed. And that kind of does make sense to me, because if you have Google Ads, what's happening? Is it, the Google Ad is working hard to bring someone to your website. So your website better be on point, it better have a really good user experience. I better be able to sign up really quickly. I better be able to get all my questions answered. I better know, like, and trust you. And that's the thing.

That's what happens, is that people go from your website, which is just a static thing, published, God knows when, and then they click over to your social media so that they can know like and trust you. So they can hopefully see videos or see what you're up to today. If you have a story going. I mean, think about the last time you did that when you were researching something in your area. That's what people do. So it does make sense to me that it works as an ecosystem. Google Ads is kind of like the final chapter that you do. Once you've got a kick ass website and you got great social media and you've got a great sign up and you got great customer service, all that stuff that goes into landing that new client, the next thing that you can easily do is email.

And email is actually better performing, believe it or not, than social media. The reason is, is because most of the people that you have on your email list are people that you've already talked to. So if you have already, you know, made a list of people who maybe they contacted you but they didn't buy for whatever reason, if you're able to track that and follow up with them. One of my best emails, my best converting emails when I had my pet sitting company from 2002 to 2016 was hey, Joe. So we didn't get a chance to service Rover or Fido, let's say Fido. We didn't get a chance to service Fido. Last month when you went on your trip to Hawaii, we were just wondering how was your, were you happy with your pet care choice or is there a chance for us to earn your business on your next trip? They are never, ever expecting that. And for you to follow up and have the know how to know, okay, they're going to Hawaii.

This is the dog's name, this is their name. And you know enough to email them a couple weeks after they get back to just to ask, hey, were you satisfied with whatever pet care choice you took? Sometimes they're like, oh, no, you know what? We didn't end up going or my mom took them. It was okay. Orlando, you just never know, okay. And that's one way. And with email, again, it's, you know,...

Have you ever felt like you’re constantly hustling but never earning enough? Do you find yourself wondering when to raise your pet business rates so you can finally see the financial relief you deserve?

In the demanding world of pet services, understanding when to raise your pet business rates is crucial. I talk about it ALL on this episode.

The reality of what happens when you don't charge enough, the rising costs of everything in this world, and how this affects your bottom line if your prices are too low. I will share personal stories to illustrate what happens if you don't get this part of your business under control. People legit are going out of business because this subject isn't given enough care and attention. It isn't based off of emotions AT ALL.

We’ll explore actionable strategies, from analyzing your profit margins to mastering the art of setting rates that reflect your true value. You’ll learn how to break free from the cycle of financial anxiety and create a thriving business. By aligning your rates with your goals, you’ll attract better clients.

Tune in NOW!

Timestamps:

[00:00] Introduction to the topic of when to raise prices

[01:03] Signs it's time to raise prices

[06:30] Strategy and Discounts

[08:00] 30/30/40 Method

[09:30] Mathematical pricing vs. emotion-based

Notable Quotes:

"If your business is constantly running out of money, or you are constantly wondering if your card is going to get declined, then you're doing something wrong here, because most likely, you're probably working yourself like a dog, pun intended."

"If you're giving discounts off your initial price rather than an already inflated price, you're potentially undercutting your business's value."

"It should be a mathematical equation with a strategy that you employ."

Resources:

Pricing Structure & Strategy Class

Jump Mastermind

Did you love this episode?

Make sure you never miss an episode! Head over to Apple Podcasts or Spotify to subscribe to Bella In Your Business.

Transcript:

Welcome back to another episode of Bella in Your Business. My name is Bella Vasta, and today we're going to talk about when it’s time to raise prices. This is probably one of the most popular topics I see discussed in Facebook groups, and it’s an important one. Raising prices isn’t just about making a quick decision to increase your rate by a few dollars. It's a more complex process that should involve careful consideration. Today, I want to guide you through a thought process that might be a bit uncomfortable because it involves money, which is often tied to our sense of worth and value.

Some people choose to raise their prices every year, which is fine, but are these increases aligned with inflation or simply based on feelings? If you're making pricing decisions based on emotions rather than strategy, you might not be setting yourself up for success. I’ve even created a class on this topic, the Pricing Structure and Strategy class, because there is both a structure and a strategy to consider when setting your prices.

One of the biggest mistakes I see is setting a price and then discounting it, which essentially takes profits out of your own pocket. So, when is it time to raise prices? It’s definitely a daunting decision, but there are clear signs to look for. For instance, are you or your business living paycheck to paycheck? Your business and personal bank accounts should be separate, and you should be doing draws or paying yourself a paycheck depending on how your business is set up. If your business is constantly running out of money, or if you're constantly worried about your card being declined, it's time to rethink your pricing structure. If you're working tirelessly but still living paycheck to paycheck, it indicates that your current rates aren't sufficient to cover your living expenses and business costs.

Another important factor is profit margins. If your business isn't making at least a 20% profit on revenue over $400k or 30% on revenue under $400k, it's time to reconsider your pricing strategy. Healthy profit margins are essential for covering operating expenses, reinvesting in your business, and ensuring long-term viability. Insufficient profit margins can hinder growth and sustainability, putting your business at risk and potentially leading you to work even more, which can affect your personal life.

It’s also crucial to assess whether your business can afford its needs and wants. If you’re struggling to purchase necessary equipment or invest in marketing, it’s a clear sign that you need to raise your prices. Your business should have the financial flexibility to support its ongoing needs and future growth.

Another red flag is neglecting your personal savings. Your business should enable you to save for personal goals, emergencies, and future financial security. If your current pricing strategy forces you to neglect these personal savings, it’s time to take action. Additionally, your pricing should align with your personal and business goals, whether it's expanding your offerings, hiring additional staff, or achieving a work-life balance. If your current rates aren’t supporting these goals, an increase is necessary.

One big factor to consider is your discount strategy. If you’re giving discounts off your initial price rather than an already inflated price, you’re potentially undercutting your business’s value. For example, if you start with a rate of $30 but know that you can operate your business on $25, you can offer discounts strategically. This gives you extra wiggle room for taxes, insurance, and even raises. If you’ve taken my classes, you’re familiar with the 30-30-40 method, which I've been preaching since the beginning of time. This means allocating 40% to pay your people, 30% to yourself, and 30% back into the business.

If you're trying to increase client frequency, for instance, by encouraging clients to book walks multiple times a week, consider offering a rate cut for more frequent services. There’s a strategy behind pricing, and it’s not just about raising rates. You need to decide whether you want to be the most expensive, average, or competitive in the market. If you’re priced in the middle, you need to ensure that your processes and customer experience are smooth and efficient to attract and retain clients.

In the end, pricing is not just about raising rates; it’s about ensuring the financial health of your business and aligning it with your goals. This episode is shorter because I don’t want to overwhelm you, but I want you to think carefully about your pricing strategy. Don’t just raise your rates because it’s a new year or because you feel like it. Make it a calculated decision based on a clear strategy.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic, so feel free to reach out to me wherever you heard this episode. You can send me a DM or an email at [email protected]. In the show notes, I’ll include the class I mentioned earlier. If you’re ever confused about pricing or don’t like dealing with money and spreadsheets, there’s a better way to handle it, and I encourage you to grab that downloadable class. We also dive deep into finances every year in the Mastermind, with over six months' worth of material available. You can join us at jumpconsulting.net/mastermind, and remember, there are no contracts—it's month to month, although many people stay for a long time.

This has been another episode of Bella in Your Business. Remember, when life gets you down, always keep jumping!

Read the full guide: how to raise your rates without losing clients.

Are you feeling the isolation that often comes with running a business?

Consistency and discipline got us to 400 episodes, and today’s episode is a must-listen for all pet business owners feeling the weight of isolation and stress.

In this episode of the Bella In Your Business podcast, I dive deep into the POWER OF CONNECTION. Running a pet care business can be incredibly rewarding but also lonely. Pets can’t respond emotionally, and it’s tough to share certain struggles with your team. This isolation can lead to mental health challenges, something many entrepreneurs experience, even if we don’t talk about it enough.

I open up about the impact of high cortisol levels caused by chronic stress and how it affects everything from your weight to your sleep and even your concentration. My journey with a naturopath has been eye-opening, revealing how critical it is to manage these stressors for overall well-being.

But here’s the game-changer—COMMUNITY. I can't stress enough the importance of surrounding yourself with a supportive network. From emotional upliftment to practical business advice, a solid community can transform isolation into inspiration.

Tune in as I share personal insights, scientific data, and actionable steps to help you combat the loneliness and stress of running your pet business. Learn how being part of a community can elevate you both personally and professionally.

Don't miss out on this episode—it could be the leadership shift and support you've been searching for!

Timestamps:

[00:46] Importance of Community

[02:31] Mental Health and Cortisol Levels

[08:11] Symptoms

[12:01] Overcoming Isolation in Business

[17:46] Business Community Benefits

[21:31] Shared Experiences and Support

[24:01] Personal Benefits and Accountability

[27:51] Finding the Right Community

Notable Quotes:

"Consistency and discipline will get you everywhere in life."

"Isolation doesn't just impact your business, it impacts you and your mental health."

"High cortisol levels associated with chronic stress can manifest in various physical and emotional symptoms."

Resources & Links:

Jump Mastermind

Did you love this episode?

Make sure you never miss an episode! Head over to Apple Podcasts or Spotify to subscribe to Bella In Your Business.

Transcript:

Welcome back to another episode of Jump Consulting. Oh, my gosh. I can't believe this is episode 401. Literally, guys, you just never know. Like, consistency and discipline, like, will get you everywhere in life. I haven't always been perfect. We have missed a couple of Thursdays, especially at the beginning when we are starting to get really, really going with this podcast. But I literally feel out of body. I can't believe this is episode 401. However, I do want to talk to you about something that I don't… I haven't really gone that far into before. I've talked about, you know, how important it is to have community, and this is not a pitch for the mastermind. Like, I literally want you to start thinking about who's in your life, who's surrounding you, who's lifting you up, because that has been so pivotal in my own life the past six months that I cannot even tell you. If I did not have different communities in my life, I do not know what… where I would be in certain areas of my life. And I really wanted to bring that to you this week. So, um, you know, there's an isolation that happens when we run a business, and loneliness and stress is a real thing. I mean, literally, let's get real. Like, owning and operating a pet care business can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be incredibly lonely. The pets don't talk back to us, and we can't necessarily talk to our office managers or our pet sitters like we could a comrade or a friend or a confidant, right? And so every day, we're pouring our heart and souls into caring for those, for babies, for our staff. But when the hustle winds die down and you find yourself alone with the thoughts, the isolation kicks in.

The weight of running our business, maintaining client relationships, ensuring the well-being of the pets, it can feel like an insurmountable mountain. And isolation doesn't just impact your business, it impacts you and your mental health. And I want to really talk about something that I haven't really talked about before. When I've said about mental health before, when you're operating in a silo, it's easy to spiral into feelings of overwhelm and depression. And what I really want to kind of talk about is cortisol levels. And I want you to understand what it is and how to understand it and how to, like, you know, ask your doctor about it. What changed my life was when I brought a naturopath into things.  And you can disagree with me, and that's okay. Like, regular doctors just kind of throw, like, meds at something to, like, you know, like, cover the problem, right? And it's kind of like a band-aid, but they don't ever actually address the actual problem, which is where my naturopath came in a couple years ago and really started, like, looking at my blood, and I realized my cortisol levels were through the roof, and that that constant stress wreaked havoc on my mental and physical health. High cortisol levels associated with chronic stress can manifest in various physical and emotional symptoms. And I did a lot of research on this podcast so that I could just, like, kind of, you know, open your thought process to this and say, hmm, this is interesting. Um, well, the definite way to determine if you have high cortisol is through blood testing, right. There's several signs that you can think about. Um, now, of course, you gotta get tested, um, because what I'm about to tell you could also be associated with other things, but commonly, this is also cortisol. So, like, weight gain, notably around the abdomen, face, and upper back. And if you're perimenopausal, like I am, um, that also could be that. Fatigue, persistent tiredness, and a feeling of exhaustion even after a full night's sleep. Have you ever, like, gotten up in the morning like, yay, I got a lot of sleep, but you feel exhausted. Sleep issues. You have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing a good quality of sleep. One thing about high cortisol is, like, you're waking up between, like, one and three in the morning. High blood pressure, elevated blood pressure, blah, blah, blah. Blood pressure can be a result of high sustained cortisol levels. Muscle weakness, generally like, muscle weakness or feeling less physically strong. You don't feel strong. Uh, frequent infections. Cortisol can suppress the immune system, so you could be really susceptible to colds, flus, and other infections. Does it feel like you're just constantly getting sick? Headaches. Do you get a lot of headaches, frequent or chronic headaches without a clear cause? I woke up this morning with a headache, but I know it was because I slept wrong, and I've got, like, you know, a pinched nerve in the back of my neck. But it's really important to just, like, listen to your body and, like, think about, like, do I just feel ugh or, like, what feels ugh and what's causing it? Another thing is digestive problems, like bloating, indigestion, IBS, increased thirst or urination, feeling unusually thirsty and having to urinate more than often. And skin changes like acne or thin, frail skin or slow, slow wound healing. That's all physical. Then we got into the emotional. I hope I'm not depressing you right now, but like, seriously, think about this. Have you looked into your cortisol levels? Emotional and behavioral symptoms? Anxiety and depression? Feeling nervous, stressed, or more than you know, down more than often? Mood swings, memory, and concentration, like that? Brain fog, like you can't remember anything. You know, maybe you're taking pictures of everything or doing voice notes all the time. Or setting reminders for everything because you feel like you cannot be left alone to your own devices. Decreased libido and changes in appetite. All of those are symptoms.

And so, like, do you lay awake at night staring at the ceiling, shackled by the never-ending to-do list running through your mind? Studies actually show that business owners are statistically more prone to mental health challenges due to these reasons. A survey by the Guardian Life Small Business Research Institute revealed that 30% of small business owners have experienced symptoms of depression. You are not alone. You are not… I'm repeating this so many times. You are not alone. But the good news is there is a way out. I'll tell you that. The value of community is the way that a lot of people really do combat this. I have seen so many people get involved with communities, whether they're working out and they're like, oh my gosh, you feel like, me too. Or maybe it's a business community, and they're like, wow, I thought I was the only one. Or maybe it's a mom's group, and they're like, oh my gosh, there's other people that feel exactly like me. When you get that support system and you can find and engage with the community, you're building a solid support system. It isn't just about networking or superficial engagements. This is about emotional sustenance. A community that provides space where you can express your fears without judgment, share your victories, and know that other people truly understand.

Studies and statistics suggest that business owners involved in a business community are actually better positioned for success. Here's some key benefits backed by data. One is enhanced networking opportunities. So being a part of a business allows the community owners to network efficiently, share insights, and obtain referrals. A study by ResearchGate companies that made networking a major part of their strategy is likely to grow their business by 45% faster than businesses that don't. That totally makes sense to me because that's all I did when I first

Join me as I celebrate 400 episodes of the Bella In Your Business podcast!

I couldn't be more thrilled to reach this milestone with YOU. From humble beginnings recording in my closet with a ten-pound MacBook to now, with a professional setup and a decade of experience, this journey has been nothing short of incredible.

In this special episode, I take you through the highs and lows of the past ten years, sharing the raw, unfiltered reality of building a business. Hear about my early struggles, Olivia's time in the NICU, and the challenges of balancing single motherhood with coaching and running a business.

I reflect on past episodes, from tackling imposter syndrome to overcoming burnout and isolation. You'll hear inspiring stories from guests who transformed their businesses and lives, like Jennifer Jasmin growing her team from one to seven, and Randa Clark's amazing growth mindset.

Whether you're new here or an OG listener, thank you for being a part of this journey. Your support means the world to me, and I hope this episode empowers you to take risks, embrace imperfection, and keep pushing forward.

Here's to 400 episodes and many more to come!

Timestamps:

[00:00] Celebrating 400 episodes

[02:14] Impostor syndrome and perfectionism

[06:00] Highlighting past guests and clients

[12:06] Hiring, leadership, and business processes

[20:00] Motivation, action, and mindset

Notable Quotes:

"The only person that you're in competition with is yourself. Are you better today than you were yesterday, last week, last month, and last year? That's the only thing that matters."

"You don't have to stay in the rut if you're in the rut."

"I just want to encourage you that done is better than perfect."

"Your brain does not know the difference between reality and what you're thinking. If you don't believe me, go look it up. And that's why they say fake it till you make it. Start telling yourself what you see yourself in."

Resources & Links:

Jennifer Jasmin - Furriendly Critter Sitters

Angela Watts - Pawsitive Dawg Walking and Pet Sitting, LLC

Randa Clark - Tail Chasers Inc

Beau Bibeau - Top Dog Walk

Kathy Perez - Golden Tails Dog Walking

Tracy  Murray -  Saving Fido Dog Walking

Tiffany Lewis - Pet and Home Care

Becky Lea - Paws Around Motown

LeighAnn Johnson - Wonder Pups Pet Care

Did you love this episode?

Make sure you never miss an episode! Head over to Apple Podcasts or Spotify to subscribe to Bella In Your Business.

Transcript:

Welcome to another episode of Bella in your business. My name is Bella Vasta, and, oh, my gosh, you guys, this is the 400th episode. 400. Okay. Um. I never thought that I would ever get to 400. I don't know where I thought I would get, but I'll never forget in my first house recording on my MacBook, which back then was, like, ten pounds, and I didn't have a microphone. My whole house was tile except my closet.And so I would go and I would record in my closet because it was the only place that it didn't echo too much. And I first started it off talking about how to get employees. It was, like, literally episode number one, how to get through the hiring slumps. And it's actually our third most popular episode. And I just want to tell you, if you haven't heard that one, I would highly recommend that you go back and look at that. Now. That was ten years ago. Ten years ago. How crazy is that now? My first year or two, I had started it when Olivia was in the NICU, and I didn't become regular, like, every Thursday until probably about the third year. And then we showed up with the consistency of every Thursday. But I know a lot of you out there have imposter syndrome. I was actually just talking to someone yesterday about that, and, you know, you're always looking at what other people are doing, or you always want things done perfect. And I just want to encourage you that done is better than perfect.

And when you can do that and you can realize that, you know, nothing's going to be perfect, and you can just correct and continue, as my friend Christina says, then you're going to get that momentum going and go back and listen to that episode one. You know what the episodes sound like now. I have this nice, cool, sure. Microphone. It's makes my voice sound like butter. And I also have a producer. We have different intro music. I think our podcast cover has changed about three times over the years. Truth be told, I'm going to change the jingle soon, coming in and out. However, I've just been so busy this summer. So, again, in a perfect world, we'd have a whole new, you know, jingle for the 400th episode. But you know what? Hi. I'm. I'm human. I just turned 42. I've got a now ten year old daughter as of two weeks ago, and. And I'm a single mom, and I'm a business coach. I've been in this industry for 22 years. I've been coaching since 2007. That's. That's kind of crazy. And so I want to put that perspective out there for you because I don't ever. I don't ever want you comparing yourself to other people. And this is. I wasn't even going to go here because I have a whole, like, thing that I want to talk to you guys about today.

But don't ever compare yourself to someone else because, you know, this is my 400th chapter, right? So if someone were to start off a podcast today and be like, oh, Bella, like, it doesn't sound like your podcast today. And of course, I also have much room to grow. But, you know, my first podcast is very humbling. It's all of my ums and my just rattling off stuff and the echo ness and the silly intro and outro and just even how my vernacular, my picture, it used to be like a cartoon of me jumping with holding a parachute. The whole entire thing has come such a long way. Our show notes have developed over time, and so just don't compare yourself to anyone else except for yourself. The only person that you are in competition with is yourself. My daughter being born at 12oz in a NICU for 182 days while I had my pet sitting and coaching company totally showed me that. Do not compare yourself to anyone else except for yourself. Are you better today than you were yesterday, last week, last month, and last year? That's the only thing that matters. So, as I reflect on 400 episodes, um, we are the longest pet sitting podcast because we started ten years ago. That's insane.

So if you ever question my dedication and my love for you guys, consider this my labor of love. Because most of the time, except for today, when my daughter is sitting here next to me with her headphones on, on her iPad, learning Spanish on Duolingo, because our housekeepers are here cleaning the house right now. Don't ever underestimate how much I truly adore you guys, because I'm just sitting here in this office by myself, talking into my microphone, hoping that you guys listen and you download it and you pay attention to it. So I wanted to kind of give you a gift, because I also know that as a content creator myself, I know that there's so much information out there, and it's very easy to get overwhelmed or like, oh, my gosh, Bella. Like, I don't remember or, you know, wanting something, but not realizing that we already have it out there. So, first, I kind of wanted to go through and give a nice shout out to a lot of the guests and my clients that have been on. And if you have missed it, I want you to. I want you to know about it. So, most recent, I'm going to go from the recent to all the way back, and I'm going to give you the show episode numbers, too. And we'll include this in our notes as well.

So, most recently, like, five episodes ago, we had Jennifer Jasmine in, and she talked about how she's been able to grow with all of her goals that she had set in the mastermind. She went from, like, one to seven employees in a year. And also how her previous life of being a meteorologist combined with being in the pet industry, she was able to help her hurricane area and kind of start a class about hurricane preparedness for pets in her community, and how that's been, like, a really great marketing thing, but also how her business has helped get her out of her shell and her introvertedness become extrovert, and all of her anxiety. So if any of that strikes a chord with you, I'd highly recommend you go check out episode 395. Not to be. Well, to keep going here we got episode 379 with Angela Watts, and it was a secret of getting lots of employees. She is a powerhouse, and she is so exciting to listen to. Um, she was basically talking about how she overcame her burnout. I know a lot of us have experienced that. But then how she found support in the industry to help get her out of it, and that the business goals and marketing strategies, um, for the dog walking and training service, and how she outsourced certain things, like social media marketing, um, to, like, better marketing with Bella, and the crazy results that she had, like, thousands of dollars uptick because she joined I better marketing with Bella. Um, and it was just really inspiring just to hear the ups and downs, because I think oftentimes, again, going back to the whole, do not compare yourself to anyone else. She, you know, went through the hills and valleys, and I'm sure still will. We all will. It's part of life. And coming up on hills and valleys, this next person I met years ago, years and years ago, probably. I don't know, um, at least back in like, 2008, 2009, maybe.

Uh, Randa Clark from tail chasers out in Chicago, uh, Illinois. Uh, and that was episode 377. And she talked about overcoming fear and starting and growing a business. They started with just a dog walking company and kind of living, I believe it was kind of in the cities or the burbs. And they ended up moving their entire family to this compound that had, um, where they live on it, but there's also a boarding facility. And then they bought a couple other boarding facilities, and then they got pet wants it,...