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 abo...
Apr 19, 2021•30 min•Ep. 171
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. T...
Apr 14, 2021•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 170
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...
Apr 12, 2021•24 min•Ep. 169
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 w...
Apr 07, 2021•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 168
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 ...
Apr 05, 2021•31 min•Ep. 167
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 ...
Mar 31, 2021•39 min•Ep. 166
Summary On this episode we discuss the different types of hats you may wear, and the ones you shouldn't. From being an IT manager to a marketer and CFO, there are a lot of things to do. The key is determining which hat you should be wearing versus finding a way to have someone else, or software, wear it. Natasha O'Banion answers the question, "How do I fire an employee in a healthy way?" Topics on this episode: What are some hats we all wear? What we are NOT? How to not wear so many Find a balan...
Mar 29, 2021•32 min•Ep. 165
Summary Burnout and compassion fatigue are such a huge topic in the pet care industry, because we all struggle with it. Kristin Morrison joins the show to share her own struggles with burnout and what a road to recovery looks like. We discuss why it's important to redefine what success looks like for you and why understanding our time commitments helps us set aside time for ourselves. We also discuss why it's so hard to 'rest' as a business owner, and what it takes to replace negative mindsets w...
Mar 26, 2021•53 min•Ep. 164
The world of pet business insurance can seem overwhelming, but Colleen Giles-Harris, Manager and Underwriter with Pet Sitters Associates, joins us to discuss what we need to know about being fully protected as pet care professionals. Colleen shares what it means to recognize the liability we're exposed to and how even with waivers we still need insurance to protect us. We also discuess why using your personal insurnace isn't the best idea and how not all insurance policies are created equal. Top...
Mar 24, 2021•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 163
Summary Did you know you're an educator? As a pet care professional, you're perfectly positioned to educate your community on being awesome pet parents. We're also able to educate our clients on the range of pet care service options and the problems they solve. We discuss the importance of first educating ourselves and how to be supporting and loving to the clients we may disagree with. Natasha O'Banion answers, "How do I sell myself better?" Topics on this episode: Seeing ourselves as educators...
Mar 22, 2021•29 min•Ep. 162
Summary: Have you thought about franchising your pet care business? Carmen Chávez de Hesse, owner of Slinky Cat at Home, shares her experience of franchising and what we need to consider, from legal and financial obligations, to the management of a franchise. We also discuss the growth in cat care across the pet sitting industry and how she plans to leave a legacy business for her daughter. Topics on this episode: Leaving a legacy Being an awesome cat sitter Why choose a franchise? Legal and fin...
Mar 17, 2021•1 hr•Ep. 161
Each day we experience some sort of 'first' in life and in business. We break down some of the most influential firsts we've encountered over the past nine years. We also share the lessons we've learned from them and how we've changed how we operated, from our first client, to our first time saying no. Then, Natasha O'Banion answers, "How do I prioritize what to cut back on?" Topics on this episode: Why learn from them? Some of our firsts Ask a Pet Biz Coach with Natasha O'Banion Main takeaway: ...
Mar 15, 2021•34 min•Ep. 160
Summary: After years in hospitality and running a high end wedding service company, Kimberly Richmond knew it was time to follow her passion and dive into pet care. Starting Posh Pets in the middle of a global pandemic wasn't easy, but the fundamentals of meetings others needs didn't change. Kimberly shares how she brings high end service to her company. She discusses how to be great at public relations, how to be a cheerleader for ourselves, and what it means to be a boutique pet service compan...
Mar 10, 2021•49 min•Ep. 159
Summary Happy Professional Pet Sitters Week AND International Women's Day! We discuss the tremendous impact women have made, and continue to make, on the pet care industry. We also talk about how the industry has changed and the state of pet care. We highlight what being a professional pet care provider means and how to have a more balanced business. YOU are what this week is all about. Thank you for inspiring us and for making the industry better. Natasha O'Banion answers, "What should more peo...
Mar 08, 2021•24 min•Ep. 158
Renee Neideigh, owner of Day with Renee Dog Walking, dove into pet sitting to avoid burnout as a vet tech and better align her passion with her mission. She talks about how to care for pets (and their owners) after a cancer diagnosis and the importance of just being there for them. Renee shares what the transition into pet sitting has been like, and the importance of authenticity and honesty in pet care. We discuss how to build a better relationship with our clients and how pet sitters nurture a...
Mar 03, 2021•57 min•Ep. 157
Summary Safety should always be a top concern for us as pet care professionals. This safety is not just for the pets, but also for you. This was highlighted recently by the brutal attack on Ryan Fischer, Laga Gaga's dog walker, and the abduction of her two French Bulldogs. While this is an extreme case, it should spark a conversation about safety in the pet sitting and dog walking industry. Topics on this episode: Social media Be aware of your surroundings Have protocols and standardize how you ...
Mar 01, 2021•30 min•Ep. 156
Summary: Going into business with a friend may be something you've thought about. Lalka and Amanda have been living it for 9 years. SoHo Hound was founded from their passion for pets and is run on teamwork and trust. They share what it was like leaving their corporate jobs and starting a pet sitting business in Tampa. Lalka and Amanda discuss what it means to trust someone else in business and the importance of having the correct definition of success. Topics on this episode: How to connect with...
Feb 24, 2021•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 155
* This episode is brought to you by our awesome partners….YOU! Thank you to our wonderful Patreon Members. * Summary: Contracts are essential to setting boundaries and giving your clients peace of mind. We break down why you need a contract, where to get one, and then do a deep dive into the different elements of the contract we're currently using. Remember, you should develop a contract to meet the specific needs of how you've structured your business. Then, Natasha O'Banion answers, "What's an...
Feb 22, 2021•43 min•Ep. 154
Kim Ottone-Tank, owner of Apronstrings Pet Sitting, has been providing pet care since 1990. After 30 years in business, Kim shares her experiences of weathering the ups and downs of the economy and how 2020 was totally different. Kim also gives her advice for hiring employees, and why switching from independent contractors is something she's really passionate about. We also discuss working with family and being an early adopter of technology in pet care. Topics on this episode: Knowing when to h...
Feb 17, 2021•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 153
Summary: What does "hustling" mean to you? We break down several ways it applies to the pet care industry and the misconceptions around what is means to be full time vs part time in this profession. The past year saw many "full time" sitters and walkers go "part time" as demand dropped, but many picked up multiple new services and streams of incomes for their businesses. The industry, and our identities as pet care providers, has changed because of it. Also, Natasha O'Banion answers, "How do I e...
Feb 15, 2021•27 min•Ep. 152
Summary: Working with a family member is something many of us have done, either formally or informally. It's a great way to get help in times of need, but how do you make the most of it and preserve your relationship? Dominic Hodgson, The Pet Biz Wiz, joins us to share his experience working alongside his wife and son. From having good processes to treating them the same as other employees, it can be tough at times and is a great opportunity for some. Topics on this episode: Family boundaries Tr...
Feb 10, 2021•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 151
Summary: Too often we can become the doormat for our clients as they try and change how we operate our businesses. Today, we discuss a few recent instances of this in our business and what it means to stand up for your business. We share why it's hard to do that and what it takes to start overcoming them. Natasha answers, "How do I overcome imposter syndrome?" Topics on this episode: Why we're talking about this What it means to know the why behind your reasons Valuing ourselves Ask a Pet Biz Co...
Feb 08, 2021•29 min•Ep. 150
Summary: Jill Merjeski, owner of Jill's Next Door Dog Walking & Pet Services, is on a mission to perform at the highest standard and equip her clients to give the best care possible. She shares her passion for ethical pet care and why it's important to understand canine emotion and cognition. We discuss what it means to be an advocate for pets and raising the bar on industry standards. Topics on this episode: Moving full time Canine emotion and cognition Pet adoption advocacy Main takeaway: ...
Feb 03, 2021•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 149
Going the extra mile means something different to everyone. From making clients happy, to settings ourselves apart, going above and beyond can meet various goals in our business. We discuss ways to go the extra mile while maintaining healthy relationships. On the Ask a Pet Biz Coach segment, Natasha O'Banion answers, "How do I set my pricing if I'm looking to hire?" Topics on this episode: Adding value Focusing on the little things What's a "standard" service? Not getting taken advantage of Ask ...
Feb 01, 2021•36 min•Ep. 148
Summary: After 15 years in business, Christina Walker shares her transition from corporate America to full-time pet sitter. She gives us some great advice for practical ways to set boundaries in our business and personal life. Christina talks about what it means for her to be consistent and her biggest lessons since starting Top Dog Pet Sitter. Topics on this episode: Celebrating 15 years Transitioning out of corporate America Maintaining boundaries Staying Consistent Main take away? Stop waitin...
Jan 27, 2021•1 hr•Ep. 147
Understanding your "brand" and what it means for you and your business takes time. We share our experience rebranding our pet sitting business and our struggles working on a logo. We also talk about how we developed a deeper understanding of what we wanted our business to mean to not just our clients, but to ourselves as well. On the 'Ask a Pet Biz Coach' segment, Natasha answers, "How do you set your priorities" Topics on this episode: Finding a logo Learning what a 'brand' is Giving meaning to...
Jan 25, 2021•40 min•Ep. 146
Summary: Growing community has become increasingly more important over the past year. While it may look different for each of us the principles of connecting with a broader group of people and cultivating relationships remain the same. Lyndsay Shackleford, owner of dogs of charm city, joins The show to talk about what it means to be a community focused business. Topics on this episode: Members of a community Building relationships Running events Managing an online store What pet parents want the...
Jan 20, 2021•52 min•Ep. 145
Summary Finding new clients has always been challenging, even more so this past year. While the challenges have changed, the fundamentals haven't. We have to identify who our clients are, what problems they need solved, and then tell them about our services. How that looks for each business is different as we each focus on unique clients. Natasha O'Banion answers, "What was your biggest lesson from 2020?" Topics on this episode: Marketing vs advertising Who is your client and what problem do the...
Jan 18, 2021•36 min•Ep. 144
Summary: Building a website that works for you takes planning and understanding of who your client actually is. Mikaela Vargas joins the show to discuss the best practices in websites, the role of colors, and how to make your website get the clients you want to work with. Mikaela shares how a well designed website saves us time and simple things we can do to make our existing websites better. Topics on this episode: DIY vs hire Appealing to your client Branding your site Easy website wins to mak...
Jan 13, 2021•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 143
Summary: We have so many demands on our time and attention. By setting healthy boundaries, we create more time and space for doing what we actually want to be doing. We discuss how boundaries are a way to take back control from the things demanding our attention. Natasha O'Banion answers, "How do I make time for friends and family during my busy times?" Topics on this episode: Feeling overwhelmed Internal vs external boundaries Setting priorities Ask a Pet Biz Coach with Natasha O'Banion Main ta...
Jan 11, 2021•44 min•Ep. 142
