Today we talk to Mark Shaver, the owner of Buckhead Paws outside of Atlanta, GA about the importance of workers' compensation.

Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want To Miss:

What is Workers' Compensation? Basically, it is a way to help protect yourself and your employees in case of an accident. There is no coverage for independent contractors. However, when you have employees they qualify for WC which will help cover lost wages and help pay for medical bills.

One accident could easily total over $60,000. This can multiply quickly if lawsuits come into play. It’s better to play it safe and have coverage for accidents.

Pet sitters that work with a business that is covered under Workers' Compensation have a special peace of mind. In case of an accident, they can take time to heal without having to worry about missing work and bills piling up. When you are an independent contractor, you may not be covered in ways that you should be in a similar situation.

You have to understand the magnitude of what can happen if you get sued. And there is so much more comfort in knowing that your business and everything that you have worked for will not be taken away by an accident.

Show Highlights:

Why Workers' Compensation is important and how accidents happen [2:00]

The story that made Bella stunned and speechless. Accidents happen and this is why you need coverage for your business. Some accidents are horrifying, like this terrible tale of a sitter impaled on a fence. [5:45]

How close to home it hit for Mark and his staff [14:00]

Why you should take a good risk assessment in your business and the peace you get from being covered. [21:00]

Links:

If you want to learn more about making the big switch from independent contractors to employees, the Employee Quick Start Program, will tell you all that you need.

Or, if you want a free download of the 6 steps you need to take to switch from independent contractors to employees you can download your free infographic here

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More About Mark:

Mark is the very proud parent of three adult children. Also, Mark is a member of Pet Sitters, International; the Georgia Network of Professional Pet Sitters; and The Buckhead Business Association. Not to mention, Mark is also certified in Pet First Aid. Pets have been a part of Mark’s life since he was born. Over the years, Mark has shared his life with quite a collection of critters, including dogs, cats, tropical fish, rats (the pet kind!), lizards, and even a couple chinchillas. His business, Buckhead Paws, was started by a young woman who had a small sole proprietor pet sitting business. To begin with, she started sitting for a friend which extended to a small circle of others.  However, soon her life headed in a different direction. Her family was growing and they were moving out of the area. Eventually, friends of friends introduced Mark with this young woman and they struck up a “handshake” agreement for him to take over her small business After some time Mark grew the business and ended up buying it from her and growing it into the Buckhead Paws we know today.

Transcript:

Bella: This is episode 87 of Bella in Your Business. Welcome to Bella in Your Business, where Bella will discuss anything and everything about your pet sitting business to help you land on target. So get ready, Bella's got your chute. Let's jump. Welcome to Bella in Your Business. My name is Bella Vasto with Jump Consulting, and today I have a very interesting story for you. I first heard about this story when I was doing some one-on-one coaching with Mark, who is the owner of Buckhead Paws out in Atlanta, Georgia. Mark and I were working together for weeks trying to get...