518: Pulling Your Punches
What does it mean to pull your punches in business? In this episode, we explore the concept of strategically holding back to ensure sustainable growth and long-term success. We discuss how pacing your expansion, marketing, and client onboarding can help maintain high service quality and prevent burnout. Learn how to set realistic client expectations, manage your resources wisely, and avoid the race to the bottom on pricing. Join us as we dive into strategies for balancing ambition with caution, adapting to challenges, and positioning your business for lasting success.
478: Fighting Mental Fatigue
Where does mental fatigue come from, and how does it impact us? While a large portion of the fatigue is brought on through external influences, a not insignificant amount stems from our own actions. From failing to adhere to policies to taking on too much, we often burden ourselves more than others do. Today, we will break down why pet sitters deal with so much mental fatigue, its sources, and some simple steps to start taking to combat it.
288: What to do When a Client Disagrees with Your Business Decision
Have you raised prices, brought on staff, made a policy change, and a client disagreed with the decision you made? Whether a new client or an existing client, it will happen eventually. It can be tough to get negative feedback on our businesses, so how do we properly (and professionally) handle it? We discuss the options and how to keep your business moving forward. Plus, Natasha O’Banion answers, “How do I break bad habits in business?”
215: Can You Have Profit First?
Can you have profit first in your business? Wouldn’t you need to be making 6-figures? What systems would you need to have in place to make that happen? We recently read the book, “Profit First” by Mike Michalowicz and wanted to share our initial thoughts about it. We break down who we think this system would be good for, and some of the things that don’t quite fit with a service industry like pet care. Overall, we think it’s a great system if you need something to control your money and understand the health of your business. Then, Natasha O’Banion answers, “How do I be a great first time manager?”
210: Coming Together
More and more people are entering the pet care space. At a time when many uncertainties plague the industry, we’re facing questions and challenges. To overcome these, and help the industry stay around for a long time, we need to be reaching out and building everyone up. There is no reason to tear others down simply because they do things differently. We should be inviting, mentoring, and educating. We share our thoughts on the importance of organizing and self-regulating, and why building community is crucial. Then, Natasha O’Banion answers, “How do you deal with all the phone calls?”
208: What is Shaping Client Expectations
We all recognize that client expectations are changing. It’s not just a generational thing, though that does play into it. New clients are finding they need a pet sitter more and more, and they’re bringing a new set of expectations and learned experiences. Where do these expectations come from? We play a new commercial that hints at where new clients are headed, and the broader impact it will have on the pet sitting community. We share our thoughts on how to overcome unhealthy expectations and have a better balance with your boundaries.
182: Client Experience with Madeline Burgos
In 2015, Madeline and her husband, Gabriel, couldn't find a trustworthy dog walker for their beloved dog Lola. Seeing an opening, they ditched their backgrounds in computer science and business management to start Happy Bark and Tails. Passionate about customer service, Madeline shares what it means to be trustworthy and how they have adapted to changing needs in services. She discusses her methodology behind communicating their mission with their website and how they make sure they're the right fit for clients. Madeline and Gabriel also use their social media following for more than just promoting their business, and she tells us the impact it can have.
154: Contracts
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 easy win for automating my business?”
125: Mindset Work
With 2021 on the horizon, it’s important to assess your mindset for the future. Today we discuss 3 aspects of mindset, how the pet care industry is like a funnel right now, and how to break free if you want to change your mindset.
111- Preparing for Uncertainty
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.
064- Common Client Questions
After some back-to-back meet and greets left us feeling a bit rusty after being closed down for so long, we breakdown some of the most commonly asked new client questions. Additionally, we're so happy to annouce a new segment with Natasha O'Banion, from Start.Scale.Sail. Each week Natasha will address some frequent pet business questions.
054- Covid-19 and Kennels with Zach Shearer
How have kennels been impacted during the Covid-19 pandemic? Zach Shearer joins us this week to discuss his business, how he’s adapted to changes, and his outlook for the rest of 2020.