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459: Try, Fail, and Adjust with Marie and Justin Plummer

459: Try, Fail, and Adjust with Marie and Justin Plummer

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Marie and Justin Plummer, the entrepreneurial duo behind Winston Salem Dog Care, share their journey from a small start-up to a thriving business with 17 employees. Their discussion delves into the nuances of hiring staff with a focus on professionalism in the pet care industry, while also maintaining a deeply personal touch. They highlight the importance of iteration in refining their hiring and onboarding processes and the role of technology in facilitating growth. The Plummers' story is a testament to the power of creativity, flexibility, and continuous learning in building a business that not only succeeds but also brings joy and satisfaction to its owners and clients alike.

440: The Last-Minute Rush: Balancing Business and Boundaries in Pet Sitting

440: The Last-Minute Rush: Balancing Business and Boundaries in Pet Sitting

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Ever wondered how to handle those last-minute pet care requests? We delve into the complexities of accommodating such bookings in the pet care industry, focusing on the implications for scheduling, employee satisfaction, and maintaining client relationships. We also explore the nuanced topic of job sharing, discussing its advantages and challenges, and its impact on client trust and business operations. This episode offers insights on setting boundaries, implementing fees, and tailoring policies to strike a balance between meeting business needs and responding to client demands.

351: Mentoring Your Team with Cassidy LaMair

351: Mentoring Your Team with Cassidy LaMair

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Just as we work to educate clients, when we bring on staff, it’s our role to educate and mentor them in the career of pet care. Cassidy LeMair, owner of Cassidys Custom Pet Services, shares how she builds lasting relationships and partnerships with both staff and clients through her open and straightforward style. Cassidy details how she creates consistent customizable services and gives her insights into how she learns from her mistakes.

348: Staffing Struggles

348: Staffing Struggles

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Have you had issues with staffing? 2022 may very well be defined by the labor market flipping to empowering employees. This has meant hiring and retaining staff has been difficult, especially as a small business. From competing on wages, to connecting with mission, job applicants are able to be very picky. We break down how we’ve changed our processes and have been investing in existing staff. Having staff will continue to be a major issue into the new year, and we have to prepare for it. 

318: One Year Hiring Retrospective

318: One Year Hiring Retrospective

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It’s been one year since we started hiring in our business! A lot has changed in our company since then so we discuss what we’ve learned. We share the importance of trying new things, leaning on your strengths, and what it looks like to grow company culture. Then, Natasha O’Banion answers, “How do I scale as a solo sitter?”

302: Considerations for Being a Full-Time Pet Sitter

302: Considerations for Being a Full-Time Pet Sitter

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On this episode, we discuss all the things you need to think about BEFORE you decide to quit your day job, and why having your end goal in mind is crucial. We share our story on why this was the best option for us, and discuss the practical implications of focusing primarily on your pet business. Then, business coach Natasha O’Banion answers, “How do I fire a client?”

271: Equipping Your Clients with Tami Guy

271: Equipping Your Clients with Tami Guy

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Tami Guy, owner of Creatures Pet Care in Kalamazoo, uses her background in zookeeping, and educating, to teach her clients all things pet care. Tami shares how she continues to learn from her staff when it comes to running her business. From equipping them with knowledge to providing membership opportunities, she dives into what it means to help pet parents live their best life with their pets.

253: Becoming an Employer

253: Becoming an Employer

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What happens after you post your job ad? Should you be doing anything else? 🤔Turns out, there are a LOT of things you need to have in place and think through. From insurance to team communication, we break down what you need to do before bringing on staff. Having a manager mindset will allow you to anticipate problems and remember that you are the authority. Then, Natasha answers, “What else can I have my staff do?”

251: From Application to Job Offer

251: From Application to Job Offer

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in this episode, we break down the 4 stages in our hiring process and why we think they are critical. We also explain how to remain impartial throughout the process and the importance of knowing exactly what you’re looking for before you start.. You should have a plan and know what is a good vs bad answer to your questions. Then, Natasha O’Banion answers, “How can I celebrate holidays and still run my business?”

249: How to Write a Job Ad

249: How to Write a Job Ad

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Have you ever posted a hiring ad? In the current job market it’s more critical than ever to nail the ad posting so you get what you need out of your hire. With more people switching jobs and careers than ever before, your ad has to connect with what they’re looking for and help them see a future with your company. We break down the ads we’ve placed and what you should consider before you post yours. Then, Natasha O’Banion answers, “How do I set good goals?”

248: Going The Extra Mile with K.C. Heitchue

248: Going The Extra Mile with K.C. Heitchue

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How has your business grown? Growing rapidly is never easy. Since starting Fur Baby Comfort & Care three years ago, K.C. Heitchue has worked hard to provide exceptional pet care to Southeast Michigan and has grown to over 900 clients. K.C. shares her motivations for starting the business and how that has continued to drive her. She also discusses how growing her Facebook page helped her build a network rather than competition. She shares the key to staff retention and what it means to go the extra mile for clients.

247: Why We Hired

247: Why We Hired

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Have you thought about hiring? We have. A LOT. We recently hired for the first time and will be doing a series of episodes on what the process was like for us. Hiring isn’t always the answer to our struggles in business, so we break down some of our reasons for deciding it was time to hire. We also give you some questions to think through if you’re on the fence. Then, Natasha O’Banion answers, “How do I get over my fear and make big changes?”

235: The Great Resignation and Pet Care

235: The Great Resignation and Pet Care

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The pandemic has brought about a new wave of the job market, The Great Resignation. Millions of people are leaving their jobs in search of something better. So, what’s a pet care provider to do? How does this impact marketing messages, clientele, and employee retention? We discuss new ways to approach obtaining clients and why watching these trends is critical for your business. Then, Natasha O’Banion answers, “How do I make clients happy?”

199: Laying Strong Foundations with Heather Branch

199: Laying Strong Foundations with Heather Branch

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Why should we have a good support community and what does it mean to be an advocate for the pet care industry? Heather Branch, owner of Best Friends Forever Pet Services and a board member of NAPPS, shares about the tribe around her business and gives advice for building a strong foundation. Her tribe, which includes her staff, help make her better and continue to push for more education and excellence. She stresses the importance of learning about running a business and not just focusing on the pet care. Heather also encourages us to get involved in the pet care industry at the local and national level to start advocating for the industry and let our voices be heard.

176: Hiring an Employee or an Independent Contractor

176: Hiring an Employee or an Independent Contractor

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When you are ready to hire, you’ll have to decide whether to hire an employee or bring on an independent contractor. Kim Ottone-Tank, owner of Apronstrings Pet Sitting, has been following this discussion for many years. Kim shares what the major differences are and why it’s important to know what the best fit is for your business. She also helps us understand what some of the pros and cons are for each, and how we have to set up our pricing to make sure we’re still making a profit after we hire.

155: Friendship in Business with Lalka and Amanda

155: Friendship in Business with Lalka and Amanda

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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.

153: Weathering Storms with Kim Ottone-Tank

153: Weathering Storms with Kim Ottone-Tank

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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.

114: Burnout Recovery with Jennifer Bassman

114: Burnout Recovery with Jennifer Bassman

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Jennifer Bassman, The Witty Entrepreneur, joins us talk about avoiding burnout, setting healthy boundaries around email and phone calls, and her three principles of saying No. Whether you pass out into a pizza or just lack patience with those around you, burnout looks different for everyone. Jennifer encourages us to stop playing by other peoples rules and start setting healthy boundaries.

108- Hiring in the Time of Covid-19

108- Hiring in the Time of Covid-19

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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.

031 - Heather Scott

031 - Heather Scott

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On this weeks episode we talk with Heather Scott, owner of Heather’s Pet Care LLC about taking her business from a side hustle to a full time business. She also talks about some lessons she’s learned along the way with employees and how she keeps her clients coming back year after year.

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