Summary Have you had to fire a client? If you're in this business long enough, you will likely have to do it. Whether it's because the pet isn't a good fit or you are tired of dealing with the client. We break down some of the most common reasons it happens, how to navigate the process, and how to deal with the aftermath. Then, Natasha O'Banion answers, "How do I find out the culture of my business?"

Topics on this episode:

• Reasons why you should
• How to do it
• What to avoid
• Dealing with the fallout
• Ask a Pet Biz Coach

Main takeaway: Whatever the reason, be professional and remember that it's YOUR business.

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• Pet Sitters Associates Promo Code: Confessional
• Automated CEO Promo Code: PSC20 for 15% off

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Summary: What do you want? It's a question Bella Vasta, owner of Jump Consulting, asks all the time. It's a simple enough question but it takes a lot of reflection and understanding of our personal values and who we are. When it comes to hiring knowing the "how" is usually a lot easier than the "what", so today Bella Vasta shares why it's so important to understand who you are and how to take on a strong leadership role before even thinking about hiring. She shares how to tackle some of the common fears when it comes to bringing on employees as well as what it means to help understand the culture of your business.

Topics on this episode:

• Overcoming fears of hiring
• Making a sexy ad
• Recovering from a bad hire
• Learning to listen

Main takeaway: Once you learn "what" you want, the "how" easily flows because you're able to make better more informed decisions.

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• Pet Sitters International: Sign up for the April 3 day workshop on getting new clients!
• Time to Pet Promo Code: 50% off first 3 months

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Summary Why is it important to invest in the people around us? How does it benefit us? We focus on community not for the benefits that come from it, but from a selfless mindset and motives. We share why investing in your clients helps them connect with, and believe in, your business. We also discuss what it means to grow your community and give them the most value possible in all we do.

Topics on this episode:

• Why invest in others?
• Who is your community?
• Being selfless
• How to grow your community

*Main takeaway: * Pursuit of community, instead of growing business, can become part of your business culture and who you are.

Full show notes and transcript

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• Pet Perennials Promo Code: Use 'PSC' when registering for a $2 off coupon on any purchases in the 1st 90 days

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Summary: Eden Rudin and her husband, Danny, have been nomadic house sitting across the globe for the last 6 years. Eden shares how to get started in house sitting, setting your expectations, and how the industry has changed. She also discusses how Covid has impacted the availability of sits, and the growing ways people are adapting. Eden also took a leap of faith and launched her own house sitting connection website, HouseSit Hawaii, as a way to solve the problem of connecting quality house sitters with home owners in Hawaii. We talk about what she's learned from that experience and what makes a good house sit platform.

Topics on this episode:

• How to get started
• Preparing for international travel
• Safety concerns
• Changes to the house sit community from Covid
• Launching HouseSit Hawaii

Main take away: 2020 changed the house sitting community, but there are still opportunities to get started.

Full show notes and transcript

Sponsored By:

• Pet Perennials Promo Code: Use 'PSC' when registering for a $2 off coupon on any purchases in the 1st 90 days
• Time to Pet Promo Code: 50% off first 3 months

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Have you ever just wished you could stop making decisions? Decision fatigue comes from being overwhelmed with options and the never ending day-to-day decisions we have to make. We share our battle with it and how it can impact you and your business. We also share some of the simple things we can do to manage it. Natasha O'Banion answers the question, "How do I know it's time to stop a service?"

Topics on this episode:

• Where does decision fatigue come from
• How does it impact us
• What can we do about it?
• Ask a Pet Biz Coach with Natasha O'Banion

Main takeaway: Set up protocols and start off-boarding as many decisions as possible so YOU don't have to make them.

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• Automated CEO Promo Code: PSC20 for 15% off
• Pet Perennials Promo Code: Use 'PSC' when registering for a $2 off coupon on any purchases in the 1st 90 days

Summary: Taylor Leedahl, owner of Tiny Horse Mercantile, is determined to help build a better connection between dogs and their handlers through building quality leads, leashes, and accessories. Taylor shares the philosophy of her design and how she manages multiple dogs at the same time. We discuss how the leash functions as a two-way communication tool and how good gear helps prevent injury and strain. Taylor also talks about her design process and what it's like receiving negative feedback.

Topics on this episode:

• The idea for the Lead-All
• Managing multiple dogs at the same time
• Why use your own gear?
• Being a designer of products

*Main takeaway: * Using good tools in your business means a more efficient, safe, and professional system.

Full show notes and transcript

Sponsored By:

• Pet Sitters International: Sign up for the April 3 day workshop on getting new clients!
• Pet Sitters International
• Time to Pet Promo Code: 50% off first 3 months

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Summary Running a business is usually seen as something for extroverts. We're told to be outgoing and put ourselves out there for our clients. But many of us in pet care would consider ourselves to be more introverted, so what are we to do? How does an introvert navigate running a service based business and take care of our clients? We discuss ways to embrace your strengths and how to navigate being 'social' on social media. Natasha O'Banion answers, "How do I get more time back?"

Topics on this episode:

• What is an introvert?
• Recognizing your strengths
• Being 'social' on social media
• Ask a Pet Biz Coach with Natasha O'Banion

*Main takeaway: * Make time to recharge away from the hustle of your business and protect your personal time.

Full show notes and transcript

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• Automated CEO Promo Code: PSC20 for 15% off
• Pet Sitters Associates Promo Code: Confessional

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Summary: Jennifer Sybol, owner of Comfort at Home Pet Services, took the opportunity to buy a pet care business in 2013 and began working hard to raise the bar on pet care. She shares what it was like buying and growing her business the past 8 years and what her guiding principle has been. We discuss the importance of viewing every day as a learning opportunity and the necessity of doing community work to build your network and relationships.

Topics on this episode:

• Buying a business
• Community work
• Going above and beyond
• Sitter networks
• Work with therapy dogs

Main take away? Don't forget about the community work to build relationships with clients and other pet sitters in your area.

Full show notes and transcript

Sponsored By:

• Pet Perennials Promo Code: Use 'PSC' when registering for a $2 off coupon on any purchases in the 1st 90 days
• Time to Pet Promo Code: 50% off first 3 months

Support Pet Sitter Confessional

Summary Have you recently thought about raising your prices? On this episode, we have a conversation about prices and dive into the pros and cons of telling your clients, how to tell them, and some rules around prices we think everyone should have. Natasha O'Banion answers, "How do I convert social media followers into clients?"

Topics on this episode:

• Knowing what to charge?
• How do you know when it's a good time to raise your prices
• Should you, and how do you, tell clients?
• Ask a Pet Biz Coach with Natasha O'Banion

*Main takeaway: * Pricing is complicated, but your worth isn't. Charge what you need to give the care you love giving.

Full show notes and transcript

Sponsored By:

• Automated CEO Promo Code: PSC20 for 15% off
• Pet Perennials Promo Code: Use 'PSC' when registering for a $2 off coupon on any purchases in the 1st 90 days

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Summary: Photos are the fastest way to communicate what our business is, who our services are for, and what our 'vibe' is. How do we use photos in our business and what does it mean to have a branded photo? Petra Losonczi-Kiss, a Pet Business Brand Photography Specialist and owner of Petra Brand Photography, joins the show to discuss how awesome photos improve our messaging. She shares how photos help connect us with our ideal clients and how to be ourselves in front of the lens.

Topics on this episode:

• Photography and branding
• Messaging with photos
• Being ourselves in front of the lens
• Myths around photography in business

Main takeaway: Photos are powerful ways to communicate with our clients because they shop with their eyes and purchase from who they connect with.

Full show notes and transcript

Sponsored By:

• Pet Sitters International
• Time to Pet Promo Code: 50% off first 3 months

Support Pet Sitter Confessional