Let's Talk Dog Business

In this episode, Jo & Vicky delve into the scary world of burnout and overwhelm. Something they have both experienced. They explain the circumstances that led to this situation and how to avoid the same thing happening to you. As well as discussing strategies that anyone can use to regain control so that they can once again fall in love with their business.

They cover building up your skills, working on your mindset, self-care, dealing with doubters and people who do not take what you do seriously and much more.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Overwhelm is common among entrepreneurs.
• Being a solopreneur is very lonely. Especially, after working in corporate.
• Keep things in context, it is easy to focus too much on how challenging things are.
• To be successful you have to actively develop a positive and strong mindset.
• Bear in mind that you are not the only one who is struggling.
• Keep on educating yourself and improving your skill set.
• Getting a mentor, someone who has already been where you are now will save you a lot of time, money, and energy.
• Surround yourself with people that build you up.
• Make sure your hourly rate reflects your true costs and those occasions where you have to work extra hours. Earning enough eases the pressure.
• Using incremental and achievable goals keeps you on track, motivates you and helps you to feel in control.
• Manage your expectations and be realistic.

BEST MOMENTS

‘The mindset shift needed to be able to be a business owner is incredibly powerful.'

‘That societal impression they have…. That the dog industry isn´t serious.’

‘Find your people.’

SOCIALS

https://www.tiktok.com/@letstalkdogbusiness

https://www.youtube.com/@LetsTalkDogBusiness

https://www.caninebusinessacademy.com/ 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/caninebusinessacademycommunity/ 

KELLY DUNBAR MENTORSHIP

https://mailchi.mp/c3b471796d88/kelly-dunbars-more-than-mentorship-membership-inquiry

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Meet Jo and Vicky! They bring a combined 25 years of expertise in the canine industry. Jo, with a background in corporate business, and Vicky, a dedicated advocate for rescue organisations, form an unstoppable team. Beyond the mic, their lives are a whirlwind – managing two successful businesses, pursuing a full-time university degree, and parenting two little ones under four. Each of their homes combined is a lively menagerie, housing five dogs and an abundance of chickens.

PODCAST DESCRIPTION

The ultimate hub for dog business enthusiasts! 

Join hosts Jo and Vicky as they unravel the entrepreneurial journey within the canine realm. This podcast delves deep into the business side of owning a dog business, spotlighting inspiring stories of individuals who've seamlessly woven their passion into a profitable lifestyle. Tune in for candid discussions on the human behaviour behind dogs, strategies to attract dream clients, and a behind-the-scenes look at Jo and Vicky's collaborative training ventures. Get ready for client interviews, tales behind the dogs, and insightful perspectives from actual dog owners on what they seek in a trainer. This is your go-to source for navigating the dynamic world where business meets the wagging tails.

In this episode, Jo and Vicky look at the sales versus booking processes debate and discuss how to attract the right type of client and sign them up. Jo and Vicky explain how to demonstrate that you are the solution to their problem or need.

They also cover, not appearing desperate or opinionated, using the right language, active listening, and the best way to take payment.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• If you think you are charging too much that will come over in the way you respond. Understand your value and don´t be ashamed to charge what you are worth.
• Focus on demonstrating how you can benefit the person enquiring.
• Provide the information in a way that is fast and easy to digest.
• If they raise a specific problem, ensure that they understand you have the solution.
• Make a human connection. Listen carefully and have genuinely two-way conversations.
• Having a website is not enough. Make it easy for people to speak to you.
• Make paying easy and be ready to take payment over the phone.
• Use payment platforms people know and trust.

BEST MOMENTS

‘I wasn´t desperate for custom, but I appeared desperate. ´

‘In 20 years of doing this… less than a handful have asked about accreditations.’

‘Start looking at it from a client´s point of view.’

SOCIALS

https://www.tiktok.com/@letstalkdogbusiness

https://www.youtube.com/@LetsTalkDogBusiness

https://www.caninebusinessacademy.com/ 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/caninebusinessacademycommunity/ 

KELLY DUNBAR MENTORSHIP

https://mailchi.mp/c3b471796d88/kelly-dunbars-more-than-mentorship-membership-inquiry

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Meet Jo and Vicky! They bring a combined 25 years of expertise in the canine industry. Jo, with a background in corporate business, and Vicky, a dedicated advocate for rescue organisations, form an unstoppable team. Beyond the mic, their lives are a whirlwind – managing two successful businesses, pursuing a full-time university degree, and parenting two little ones under four. Each of their homes combined is a lively menagerie, housing five dogs and an abundance of chickens.

PODCAST DESCRIPTION

The ultimate hub for dog business enthusiasts!

Join hosts Jo and Vicky as they unravel the entrepreneurial journey within the canine realm. This podcast delves deep into the business side of owning a dog business, spotlighting inspiring stories of individuals who've seamlessly woven their passion into a profitable lifestyle. Tune in for candid discussions on the human behaviour behind dogs, strategies to attract dream clients, and a behind-the-scenes look at Jo and Vicky's collaborative training ventures. Get ready for client interviews, tales behind the dogs, and insightful perspectives from actual dog owners on what they seek in a trainer. This is your go-to source for navigating the dynamic world where business meets the wagging tails.

This is the first episode of the Let's Talk Dog Business Podcast. Jo & Vicky introduce themselves and explain how this podcast will help you grow your dog business to six figures. 

Even this first episode contains important information that and dog entrepreneur can benefit from. Including developing the right money mindset and balancing the needs of your dogs, your clients and yourself.

Regardless of what type of dog-related services you offer, or what stage your business is at, this podcast is for you. It is your chance to learn from other professionals who have been where you are now on your entrepreneurial journey.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The state of the dog industry is not great, which makes it hard for dog professionals to be successful. 
• Jo & Vicky are working to improve the industry and help professionals to navigate their way to success.
• A lot of the issues dog professionals face are down to not consistently earning enough. 
• The right money mindset is essential. You have to make money as well as look after your dogs and clients.

BEST MOMENTS

‘It's not about bashing the industry – it is about trying to figure out how we can improve it.'

‘We are more about how we can support each other to create a business that you love.’

‘We will give you as many skills as we possibly can.’

SOCIALS

https://www.tiktok.com/@letstalkdogbusiness

https://www.youtube.com/@LetsTalkDogBusiness

https://www.caninebusinessacademy.com/ 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/caninebusinessacademycommunity/ 

KELLY DUNBAR MENTORSHIP

https://mailchi.mp/c3b471796d88/kelly-dunbars-more-than-mentorship-membership-inquiry

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Meet Jo and Vicky! They bring a combined 25 years of expertise in the canine industry. Jo, with a background in corporate business, and Vicky, a dedicated advocate for rescue organisations, form an unstoppable team. Beyond the mic, their lives are a whirlwind – managing two successful businesses, pursuing a full-time university degree, and parenting two little ones under four. Each of their homes combined is a lively menagerie, housing five dogs and an abundance of chickens.

PODCAST DESCRIPTION

The ultimate hub for dog business enthusiasts! 

Join hosts Jo and Vicky as they unravel the entrepreneurial journey within the canine realm. This podcast delves deep into the business side of owning a dog business, spotlighting inspiring stories of individuals who've seamlessly woven their passion into a profitable lifestyle. Tune in for candid discussions on the human behaviour behind dogs, strategies to attract dream clients, and a behind-the-scenes look at Jo and Vicky's collaborative training ventures. Get ready for client interviews, tales behind the dogs, and insightful perspectives from actual dog owners on what they seek in a trainer. This is your go-to source for navigating the dynamic world where business meets the wagging tails.

This episode is all about developing the right mindset to create a successful dog business. The way you think directly impacts the way you live and work.

Jo & Vicky explain how to think about your business in a way that sets you up for success and higher profits. With the right mindset, you will become financially secure and have more time for your family. You will also be profitable enough to be able to invest in providing your dogs with even better facilities and levels of care. Something that will delight their owners. They cover developing the right mental approach to work-life balance, hiring the  staff, managing clients and much more

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Having the right mindset is not woo-woo nonsense. It really is the key to success.
• If you don't think you are a business owner, you're not going to act like one.
• A lot of people start part-time or as a hobby business and get stuck in that mindset.
• Become clear about what you want your life to look like and know that you can make that happen.
• Set boundaries. Do what is right for you. If you don´t want to take dogs in on a Sunday, say no to Sunday drop-off clients or hire someone to cover those hours.
• Ditch the scarcity mindset that leads to overwhelm. You do not have to take every bit of work that is offered.
• The story you tell yourself is what will play out in front of you.
• Be confident with clients. You have the expertise don´t be afraid to share it with them.
• Don´t be afraid to turn away clients that you don't feel comfortable with. This is particularly important for dog trainers and behaviourists.
• Be conscious of your client´s mindset.

BEST MOMENTS

‘What the actual fudge is mindset – what does it mean? ´

‘If you are not taking care of yourself, your head isn´t right you can easily be brought down .’

‘I am still doing £90k a year and not working all the hours we think we need to be doing.’

‘Start telling yourself what you want your life to look like.’

SOCIALS

https://www.tiktok.com/@letstalkdogbusiness

https://www.youtube.com/@LetsTalkDogBusiness

https://www.caninebusinessacademy.com/ 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/caninebusinessacademycommunity/ 

KELLY DUNBAR MENTORSHIP

https://mailchi.mp/c3b471796d88/kelly-dunbars-more-than-mentorship-membership-inquiry

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Meet Jo and Vicky! They bring a combined 25 years of expertise in the canine industry. Jo, with a background in corporate business, and Vicky, a dedicated advocate for rescue organisations, form an unstoppable team. Beyond the mic, their lives are a whirlwind – managing two successful businesses, pursuing a full-time university degree, and parenting two little ones under four. Each of their homes combined is a lively menagerie, housing five dogs and an abundance of chickens.

PODCAST DESCRIPTION

The ultimate hub for dog business enthusiasts! 

Join hosts Jo and Vicky as they unravel the entrepreneurial journey within the canine realm. This podcast delves deep into the business side of owning a dog business, spotlighting inspiring stories of individuals who've seamlessly woven their passion into a profitable lifestyle. Tune in for candid discussions on the human behaviour behind dogs, strategies to attract dream clients, and a behind-the-scenes look at Jo and Vicky's collaborative training ventures. Get ready for client interviews, tales behind the dogs, and insightful perspectives from actual dog owners on what they seek in a trainer. This is your go-to source for navigating the dynamic world where business meets the wagging tails.

In this episode, Jo and Vicky talk about nightmare clients. They explain how to identify which clients you can help and which you should not be working with, how to manage expectations and how to say no when you need to.

As well as sharing practical tips you can use to read people better and manage awkward situations tactfully.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Most of the time when you look at the situation in a neutral way you realise that it is not that the client is annoying, it is often your reaction that is the issue.
• Be clear about what issues your classes can actually address and don´t accept dogs and owners that are not a good fit for what you offer.
• Overstretching yourself leads to stress. That in turn will lead to becoming overly frustrated with clients.
• Don't let frustration build. Be aware of how you are feeling and take steps to stop things from escalating.
• Be careful about offering too many or too deep discounts. Why is explained in the episode.
• You need to be relatable and be your authentic self.
• If you are negative or lack confidence, your clients are going to notice no matter how hard you try to cover it up.

BEST MOMENTS

‘Looking inwards, it was never actually the clients, it was everything that I was doing. ´

‘You´re not going to please everybody.’

‘As well as the dog body language you need to be aware of the human half of it.’

‘You´re the professional, you should be telling them what they need, not them telling you.’

SOCIALS

https://www.tiktok.com/@letstalkdogbusiness

https://www.youtube.com/@LetsTalkDogBusiness

https://www.caninebusinessacademy.com/ 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/caninebusinessacademycommunity/ 

KELLY DUNBAR MENTORSHIP

https://mailchi.mp/c3b471796d88/kelly-dunbars-more-than-mentorship-membership-inquiry

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Meet Jo and Vicky! They bring a combined 25 years of expertise in the canine industry. Jo, with a background in corporate business, and Vicky, a dedicated advocate for rescue organisations, form an unstoppable team. Beyond the mic, their lives are a whirlwind – managing two successful businesses, pursuing a full-time university degree, and parenting two little ones under four. Each of their homes combined is a lively menagerie, housing five dogs and an abundance of chickens.

PODCAST DESCRIPTION

The ultimate hub for dog business enthusiasts! 

Join hosts Jo and Vicky as they unravel the entrepreneurial journey within the canine realm. This podcast delves deep into the business side of owning a dog business, spotlighting inspiring stories of individuals who've seamlessly woven their passion into a profitable lifestyle. Tune in for candid discussions on the human behaviour behind dogs, strategies to attract dream clients, and a behind-the-scenes look at Jo and Vicky's collaborative training ventures. Get ready for client interviews, tales behind the dogs, and insightful perspectives from actual dog owners on what they seek in a trainer. This is your go-to source for navigating the dynamic world where business meets the wagging tails.

In this episode, Jo & Vicky talk about how putting yourself in your client´s shoes and really understanding them benefits you and your business. In particular, when you are trying to attract new clients. 

The also explain why becoming a generalist and offering too many different services is so bad for you, your business, and your clients. Then explain how to focus on the services you like to offer, the things you are good at and love. Services that enable you to enjoy your work and earn a good living without having to spend every waking hour working. As well as talking about website design, ads and alternative ways of sharing what you have to offer online.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Put yourself in your client´s shoes.
• When you design your website, check that someone who knows nothing about training can find what they need.
• You do need to work consistently on attracting new clients, it is not realistic to expect existing clients to take every course you offer.
• Be clear about what it is you want to offer, then focus, and offer exactly that. 
• Trying to offer something for everyone stretches you too thin.
• Offering customers too many options, just confuses them, which makes it hard for them to decide and actually buy.
• Don´t worry about someone spending money elsewhere for training you don´t want to offer.
• How you view your business and how potential clients view it has to align.
• Stop spending a lot of time and money on things your customers don´t need or care about.

BEST MOMENTS

‘I thought it was crystal clear but looking back it wasn´t crystal clear at all. ´

‘The important thing in your business you need to look at is – What do I want to be known for?’

‘A Jack of all trades is a master of none.’

SOCIALS

https://www.tiktok.com/@letstalkdogbusiness

https://www.youtube.com/@LetsTalkDogBusiness

https://www.caninebusinessacademy.com/ 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/caninebusinessacademycommunity/ 

KELLY DUNBAR MENTORSHIP

https://mailchi.mp/c3b471796d88/kelly-dunbars-more-than-mentorship-membership-inquiry

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Meet Jo and Vicky! They bring a combined 25 years of expertise in the canine industry. Jo, with a background in corporate business, and Vicky, a dedicated advocate for rescue organisations, form an unstoppable team. Beyond the mic, their lives are a whirlwind – managing two successful businesses, pursuing a full-time university degree, and parenting two little ones under four. Each of their homes combined is a lively menagerie, housing five dogs and an abundance of chickens.

PODCAST DESCRIPTION

The ultimate hub for dog business enthusiasts! 

Join hosts Jo and Vicky as they unravel the entrepreneurial journey within the canine realm. This podcast delves deep into the business side of owning a dog business, spotlighting inspiring stories of individuals who've seamlessly woven their passion into a profitable lifestyle. Tune in for candid discussions on the human behaviour behind dogs, strategies to attract dream clients, and a behind-the-scenes look at Jo and Vicky's collaborative training ventures. Get ready for client interviews, tales behind the dogs, and insightful perspectives from actual dog owners on what they seek in a trainer. This is your go-to source for navigating the dynamic world where business meets the wagging tails.