Summary: 2020 has been a whirlwind of uncertainty so far, and unfortunately it doesn't look like it's getting any better soon. What are the things we can do to be better prepared for continued uncertainty in the future? Today, we discuss three areas we all have more control over than we expect, and what that means for putting ourselves on a great path forward. Natasha joins us to talk about what to do after you attend the Game Changers Summit. Topics on this episode: Physical Preparedness Mental...
Oct 05, 2020•28 min•Ep. 111
Summary: Processing the loss of any pet is difficult. Processing the loss of a clients pet can add complications and uncertainty of how to handle it on both a professional and personal level. Coleen Ellis, Founder of Two Heart Pet Loss Center, joins us to help break down our role as pet care providers, how to care for ourselves while grieving, and help everyone in the mourning work. Topics on this episode: Giving permission to grieve Rules of conversation with a grieving pet parent Caring for ou...
Sep 30, 2020•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 110
Summary Who is your 'ideal client?' Have you ever tried to figure that out? It can really help your sanity and your business when you know exactly who you want your client to be. Today we discuss the 'ideal client', what that means, who that is, and the questions to ask when figuring it out. Topics on this episode: What is an ideal client? Who is your ideal client? Marketing to your ideal client Keeping your ideal client What to Expect from the Game Changers Summit, with Natasha O'Banion Main ta...
Sep 28, 2020•28 min•Ep. 109
Summary Today's episode is two interviews, one with Amber, owner of Atta Boy! Animal Care, and the other with Mary Beth, owner of Auntie M Pet Care. They talk about what the hiring process has been like through Covid, how their processes have changed, and how the job pool applicant is different now than it was previously. Topics on this episode: How you handle staff during Covid How has the hiring place changed? What is the applicant pool like? Advice for other's interested in hiring Main take a...
Sep 25, 2020•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 108
Brought to you by Time to Pet. Go to timetopet.com/confessional for 50% off your first 3 months. Summary: Many of us talk about looking into new service areas, few of us start up a new area hundreds of miles away. Michelle Sabia, from Paws & Claws Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Services, talks about why she started services in Connecticut while living in Arizona, and how she's made it work. From getting connected to the local community, to remote staffing and management, Michelle encourages us ...
Sep 23, 2020•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 107
Summary: Today is all about what success looks like in our business and personal life. We break down the definition of success and areas in our lives where it applies. We also talk about the danger of comparing ourselves to others and how that wrecks our ability to focus on our business. Natasha is back with a great answer to the question, "How do I start up a business in a new area?" Topics on this episode: What success ISN'T Success and happiness Areas of success Success and confidence Dangers...
Sep 21, 2020•28 min•Ep. 106
Brought to you by Time to Pet. Go to timetopet.com/confessional for 50% off your first 3 months. Summary: Marissa LeJune, owner of Tail Swaggers, joins the podcast! Marissa shares what her first three years in business have been like, the important role a coach played in her life, and what it's like running her business with the help of her daughter. Topics on this episode: Why she rebranded after three years The role her coach has played in her life What does 'luxury' mean to her Her profession...
Sep 16, 2020•48 min•Ep. 105
There are thousands of pet care providers across the world so, many times we are left wondering how we can set ourselves apart from the pet sitter down the street. On this episode we dive into what it looks like to make yourself stand out in this industry. Topics on this episode: Services you offer Your website Customer Service Causes you're involved in Products you sell Community Involvement Your Marketing SSS Game Changers Summit Main take away? People buy from people, so help your clients get...
Sep 14, 2020•28 min•Ep. 104
Summary Self-care is a big topic and one that Nicole Ryan joins us to break down. She shares the lessons she's learned from running her business, the importance of setting boundaries, and understanding your mindset. Nicole also discusses when to walk away and the power of routines in our daily lives. Topics on this episode: Why self-care is so hard Getting out of your own way First steps to a healthy self-care journey Understanding Mindset Recommended resources Main take away? A healthy self-car...
Sep 09, 2020•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 103
Summary This episode is about being content and knowing why we do what we do. In business, we can get pushed by outside influences to do things we may not want to. Staying grounded and aligned with our business mission and purpose takes practice, but will help us feel content in our business and personal life. Natasha answers, "How do I refresh my business?" Topics on this episode: Staying grounded in business Staying content Some updates about Facebook ads and content filters Natasha O'Banion A...
Sep 07, 2020•34 min•Ep. 102
Summary On episode 101, Elise Proctor, owner of Canine Company, shares how her experiences with her own reactive dogs shaped her pet care business. Elise started her own training groups to be more inclusive and welcoming to owners of reactive dogs, and works hard to meet and set proper expectations with her clients. She also wrote a book about her best stories of being a dog walker to help shine the light on the life a pet sitter. Topics on this episode: Her history with reactive dogs How she ha...
Sep 02, 2020•44 min•Ep. 101
This podcast is sponsored by Pet Sitters Associates. Pet Sitter Confessional listeners can get a discount when joining by clicking membership Pet Sitter Confessional discount code Confessional at check-out to get $10 off today. Check out the benefits of membership and insurance at petsitllc.com. Summary We cannot believe we are celebrating 100 episodes! What an awesome journey it's been, so far. We reintroduce ourselves and then dive into some great listener questions. Natasha O'Banion answers, ...
Aug 31, 2020•32 min•Ep. 100
Jane Harrell, President of 'cause Digital Marketing, joins the show to break down the marketing world in the pet care industry. Jane shares her passion to see people make money while changing the world, and the impact that both Covid-19 and the global discussion around racial justice have had on the pet care industry. Topics on this episode: Helping pet and socially focused businesses profit and change the world at the same time What kind of data does she work with How has marketing changed in t...
Aug 26, 2020•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 99
Summary On today's episode, we discuss our self-care routines and feelings toward the idea of self-care. This episode is just as much for us as anyone because we don't have this figured out either! We talk through some tools and self-care methods. On our Ask a Pet Biz Coach segment, Natasha answers the question, "Should I even bother starting a pet care business in 2020?" Topics on this episode: Our history and feelings around self-care Our current self-care How do we want to improve? Tools and ...
Aug 24, 2020•27 min•Ep. 98
Brought to you by Time to Pet. Go to [timetopet.com/confessional]( www.timetopet.com/confessional ) for 50% off your first 3 months. Topics on this episode: How Dog Gurus got started How to 'read' a dog How do screen dogs for daycare Limits to off-leash play Getting started with a daycare Going from good to great Hiring and managing staff Main take away? Never stop learning and lean into the ideas of your staff and others around you. Links [Email Robin]( robin@thedoggurus.com ) [Check out The Gu...
Aug 19, 2020•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 97
Topics on this episode: Follow-up from last week What to say yes to? Importance of a mission statement Why say yes? How to say yes? Who gets to say yes? When to say yes? Switching your mindset Ask a Pet Biz Coach with Natasha O'Banion Main take away? Start saying YES to the things you want and need in your life. Links: Check out Start. Scale. Sail . and use PSC20 for 15% off. You can support us directly on Patreon here . Read the full transcript here Give us a call! (636) 364-8260 Check out our ...
Aug 17, 2020•26 min•Ep. 96
Consider becoming a Patreon member and supporting the show Topics on this episode: What to expect from the conference Getting prepared Thinking outside the box Covid-19 opportunities The biggest concern? Becoming a NAPPS member Main take away? Now really is the BEST time to look at your business and remake it into something you've always wanted. There are still a lot of opportunities on the road ahead. Links: Check out the NAPPS conference Read their Pledge of Professional Conduct Consider suppo...
Aug 14, 2020•59 min•Ep. 95
Brought to you by Time to Pet. Go to timetopet.com/confessional for 50% off your first 3 months. Topics on this episode: Definition of holistic care Purpose of massages Better communication with the pets in our care What is animal reiki? Techniques for anxious animals Recommended resources Main take away? From gentle massages, to specific acupressure points and reiki, there is a whole other world of things we can do or refer clients to for better care. Links: Check out Gillian's website Rocky Mo...
Aug 12, 2020•56 min•Ep. 94
Check out Start. Scale. Sail . and use PSC20 for 15% off. This podcast is sponsored by Pet Sitters Associates. Pet Sitter Confessional listeners can get a discount when joining by clicking membership Pet Sitter Confessional discount code Confessional at check-out to get $10 off today. Check out the benefits of membership and insurance at petsitllc.com . Topics on this episode: ONE YEAR! What we did before pet sitting? Our self care? How we prepare for next few years? Advise for new pet sitters a...
Aug 10, 2020•33 min•Ep. 93
Topics on this episode: Shift to virtual conference History of education focus of PSI Conference programming Preparing for the virtual conference Adapting to the new needs of their members How pet sitters are adapting to new client needs How do we put ourselves into a great position for the future Main take away? Take advantage of the amazing resources that PSI has available. The future of the industry looks promising. Remember that self care if the hallmark of a healthy business. Links: Learn m...
Aug 07, 2020•51 min•Ep. 92
Brought to you by Time to Pet. Go to timetopet.com/confessional for 50% off your first 3 months. Topics on this episode: Even when you're prepared, things can happen Owners aren't always doing it to be mean! They overlook stuff 8 tips for how to get over being overwhelmed 4 tips for when pet care is too much Main take away? Try to keep everything in perspective and be as respectful as possible to the home owner. Links: Listen to Kelly's previous episodes: Episode 9 , Episode 16 , Episode 20 , Ep...
Aug 05, 2020•36 min•Ep. 91
Check out Start. Scale. Sail . and use PSC20 for 15% off. This podcast is sponsored by Pet Sitters Associates. Pet Sitter Confessional listeners can get a discount when joining by clicking membership Pet Sitter Confessional discount code Confessional at check-out to get $10 off today. Check out the benefits of membership and insurance at petsitllc.com . Topics on this episode: Follow up from Industry Standards episode Three components of knowing your worth Setting boundaries Saying "NO" Yes, pri...
Aug 03, 2020•31 min•Ep. 90
Topics on this episode: Changes to the IBPSA conference How to prepare for a virtual conference Meeting the needs of IBPSA members Long-term vs short-term impacts Making smart moves now to be prepared for the future Area of opportunities in the industry because of Covid Becoming a member Main take away? IBPSA is working hard to make their brand-new virtual conference top notch. The road forward in our industry is rocky, yet filled with a lot of great opportunities. Links: Register for the confer...
Jul 31, 2020•47 min•Ep. 89
Brought to you by Time to Pet. Go to timetopet.com/confessional for 50% off your first 3 months. Topics on this episode: Her first client Why offer wedding pet attendant service? Most interesting pets she's cared for The "Smiles" sections of her website Why they don't do pack walks Why she made her first hire and how she's expanded into new areas Keeping everything organize What she has learned from offering pet taxi services Navigating state rules and regulations Her favorite products and servi...
Jul 29, 2020•35 min•Ep. 88
This podcast is sponsored by Pet Sitters Associates. Pet Sitter Confessional listeners can get a discount when joining by clicking membership Pet Sitter Confessional discount code Confessional at check-out to get $10 off today. Check out the benefits of membership and insurance at petsitllc.com . Topics on this episode: Discussion about the article from David Pearsall It's hard finding good information What we AREN'T saying about regulations What others ARE saying Why we need to be prepared What...
Jul 27, 2020•29 min•Ep. 87
Brought to you by Time to Pet. Go to timetopet.com/confessional for 50% off your first 3 months. Topics on this episode: When did they start investing in social media Their social media approach What content should we be posting Name Space Pollution Marketing tool vs value add? Equipment they recommend Growing your social media presence How much time should we be investing? Legality of posting client's pets? Battling the algorithms Social media practices to AVOID Social media opportunities Main ...
Jul 22, 2020•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 86
Topics on this episode: Pets we've grieved over Honoring them How to help the owner Buy them a gift? Consider other pets in their family How to help yourself Ask a Pet Business Coach with Natasha O'Banion Main take away? Remember that the key to the grieving process is to listen, and allow yourself the time to heal. Links: Check out Start. Scale. Sail . and use PSC20 for 15% off. Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement Four steps to take after the loss of a pet The Pet Loss Support Page Read th...
Jul 20, 2020•31 min•Ep. 85
Brought to you by Time to Pet. Go to timetopet.com/confessional for 50% off your first 3 months. Topics on this episode: Why he started Palmetto Scoopers Day in the life of a pet waste professional Big picture thinking - helping the community Hiring a technician What is the 'Poop Calculator'? Becoming a pet waste professional Where does all the poop go? Marketing and growing his business Favorite tools of the trade What he wishes more people know about what he does Main take away? Think BIG abou...
Jul 15, 2020•52 min•Ep. 84
Check out Start. Scale. Sail . and use PSC20 for 15% off. Topics on this episode: Our recent 1-Star Review Why have reviews available to the public? Where do you put them? How do you ask for them? The three kinds of people that leave reviews What if you get a bad one? Types of "bad reviews" The three things you can do about it The three things you shouldn't do How to respond to positive feedback and praise Ask a Pet Business Coach with Natasha O'Banion Main take away? Remember to breathe and nev...
Jul 13, 2020•30 min•Ep. 83
Topics on this episode: Why are cats so misunderstood? What's the first thing a pet sitters needs to know about caring for a cat? Common causes of aggression in cats What is Fear free? What questions to be asking our clients Getting connected with shy cats "Ask a Vet" speed round Main take away? Caring for cats is not something to skimp on, and takes a lot of prep work to do correctly. Ask the right questions and put in the time to connect with, and understand, your cat clients and you'll see am...
Jul 10, 2020•23 min•Ep. 82
