All tagged support

488: Networking with Purpose

488: Networking with Purpose

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Ever wondered how to effectively network and forge meaningful connections within the industry? We share the importance of setting clear goals and aligning expectations in your networking endeavors. We consider the four main reasons for connecting with industry peers. When connecting, it's crucial to freely share information while respecting boundaries, and also understand the nuances between formal and informal referral networks. Ultimately, we offer practical advice for cultivating meaningful connections and robust support networks to navigate the challenges of the industry.

375: Fail, Learn, Improve, & Grow with Wayne Hartley Jr.

375: Fail, Learn, Improve, & Grow with Wayne Hartley Jr.

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How do you know when it’s time to walk away from a dream? As a business owner and entrepreneur, we are driven by our passions to our goals we set for ourselves. However, sometimes we have to quit and start over. Pivoting (quit by a different name) means course correcting due to either external, or internal factors. Wayne Hartley Jr., owner and founder of Happy Hearts Pet Care ATL, joins the show to share how he quit his dream of mobile grooming to start a brick and mortar business. Wayne sacrificed a lot to make it happen, but it was all because he recognized he needed the change to better connect with his mission. He gives advice on how to keep moving forward, even when you’re exhausted, and how to innovate well in your business.

322: No Such Thing as a No Risk Niche

322: No Such Thing as a No Risk Niche

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What does it mean to find a niche in your business? From services to clients, there are a variety of ways to target your business. While it does have benefits, it can come with risks you have to assess. We share the potential pitfalls that niching down can bring to your and your business. We also discuss how to overcome those and why finding your niche is so powerful. Then, Natasha O’Banion answers, “How do I hire seasonal help for the Holidays?”

320: Considerations for Hosting an Event

320: Considerations for Hosting an Event

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We recently put on a pet loss memorial service in one of our service areas and learned a lot! This was the first event we have ever hosted so we were a little nervous. We share how we planned the event and what the main goal of it was. We also talked through how we plan to improve it next time, and give some things to think about if you were planning an event of your own.

292: How to Handle Inflation as a Pet Business

292: How to Handle Inflation as a Pet Business

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How are you handling inflation and high gas prices? Prices on everything continue to rise and businesses are feeling the pinch more and more. Unfortunately, most economists aren’t seeing any bright spots in the future. So how do we tackle these concerns and make sure our businesses continue to operate and provide us a living? We break down four things you should be considering in the days and months ahead to make sure you’re positioned to weather the storms.

273: Finding Hope in Pet Care with Abagail Giordano

273: Finding Hope in Pet Care with Abagail Giordano

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Abagail Girordano was given hope when she started as a dog walker for a company, but several years later found herself taking over ownership of it. She now runs Pack Pals NY and talks about her experience of growing into a management role and what it means to see change in yourself, without losing yourself. She shares what it means to fight for legitimacy in pet care and why we need to set appropriate boundaries. She gives advice on how our businesses can help others, instead of only thinking about what they do for us.

260: Reflecting on Hiring

260: Reflecting on Hiring

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So, after everything we have learned and experienced through hiring, what are our major takeaways? We discuss it in this episode. Hiring has certainly been a major growth opportunity for the business as well as our personal mindsets. We share some of our mistakes, lessons learned, and how we can do better next time. Natasha answers, “I’m solo, do I need to care about company culture?”

221: Leveraging Your Business Community

221: Leveraging Your Business Community

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Are you connected with the broader business community in your area? We had a great opportunity recently to introduce our business to other business owners. On this episode, we share why these networking events are important and the role they play in raising the awareness of the pet care industry. They also help us to feel more legitimate as business owners. We discuss the benefits that come from being connected to other businesses, and how to prepare for the networking opportunities. Then, Natasha O’Banion answers, “How do I view myself as more legitimate?”

186: Pressing Pause

186: Pressing Pause

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Stressed? Feeling overwhelmed? We are. The rapid increase in new clients has caught many of us off-guard and scrambling to meet the new demands. We want to give you permission to press pause for a few seconds and just breathe. We know there are so many things on your plate to get done today and this week. Which of them are mission critical to your business? We encourage you to seriously take 30 seconds to rest and focus on the emotions, fears, and stresses that bubble up Natasha O’Banion answers the best way to scale to meet the new demand.

161: Franchising with Carmen Chávez de Hesse

161: Franchising with Carmen Chávez de Hesse

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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.

152: The "Hustle"

152: The "Hustle"

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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. Natasha O’Banion answers the question, “How do I enter a new market?”

116: Growing Your Tribe with Judy Nuñez

116: Growing Your Tribe with Judy Nuñez

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Judy Nuñez, owner of Tails On Trails LLC, is on the podcast to discuss the importance of building and having a tribe as a business. She also tells us how she has continued to host events for her community even in the time of Covid.

066- PawsInn with Dennis Nelson

066- PawsInn with Dennis Nelson

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Dennis Nelson got into pet care through purchasing two pet care companies in New York. It was a difficult transition and learning process for him, but one that has fueled a deep passion. Because of his experience in running his business, he wanted a better way for pet sitters to promote their businesses. So he started PawsInn. Join us today as Dennis shares his passion and vision for a great new platform.

057- Community in the face of Covid-19 with Natalie Durack

057- Community in the face of Covid-19 with Natalie Durack

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What can supporting your community and bringing others together look like in a pandemic? Natalie Durack, owner of Happy Hounds Dog Walking and Pet Sitting, joins us on the show to discuss how businesses on the Gold Coast have joined together to support each other in the midst of the chaos.

036 - Kitchen Confessions

036 - Kitchen Confessions

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On this episode, we talk a lot about preparing for what happens next after Covid-19, seeking out local tax and CPA experts to guide you through the confusing world of pandemic relief funds, and how to keep your social media relevant and engaging while you’re sheltering in place. Plus, we give some of our recommendations on what we’re listening to and doing these days.

035- Housesitting in the Time of Covid-19

035- Housesitting in the Time of Covid-19

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Kelly Hayes-Raitt was expecting an extensive travel period over the next several months, but then Covid-19 happened. Stuck in London, on this episode she shares her experience of travel restrictions, quarantines, and her take on what’s happening.