113- The Gig Conversation
An article was written recently about a survey of 100 pet owners who used Rover. The result? The owners thought the Rover sitter had all the same qualifications as an independent pet care provider. On the podcast, we discuss the implications of this and what we can do. Natasha O’Banion is BACK to answer the question, “What do I do if someone wants to sell me their business?
112- Business Recovery after Covid with Dominic Hodgson
Fellow podcaster, pet business owner, and coach Dominic Hodgson comes on the show today to talk about digging out of covid. Dom breaks down the two sales machine engines we should all have running and what it means to be specialized.
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.
110- Pet Loss and Grieving with Coleen Ellis
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.
109- Who is your ideal client?
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.
108- Hiring in the Time of Covid-19
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.
107- Expanding from Arizona to Connecticut with Michelle Sabia
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 to learn from others and have a support system.
106- Defining Success
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?”
105- Marissa LeJune from Tail Swaggers
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.
104- Setting Yourself Apart
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.
103- Pet Sitter Self Care with Nicole Ryan
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.
102- Staying Content
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?”
101 - Elise Proctor with Canine Company
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.
100- 100th Episode Q&A!!
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, “How do I provide promotion opportunities for my employees?”
099- Marketing with Jane Harrell
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.
098- Self-Care
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?”
097- Robin Bennett from The Dog Gurus
Robin Bennett, from the Dog Gurus, joins us to talk all about safety and day cares! Whether you’ve been operating a daycare for 10 years or haven’t eve started yet, Robin has something for you. From being careful about zoning in your area to screening dogs, Robin shares some great information that we can all learn from.
096- Learning to say 'YES'
We covered saying ‘no’ and setting clear boundaries, but what about saying ‘yes’? Today, we break down every facet of saying ‘yes’. From overcoming the fear of the unknown, to the right reasons to say ‘yes’, we share some of our learned experiences. Natasha O’Banion joins the show to answer “How do you keep you and your staff organized?”
095- Jessica Abernathy with NAPPS
Jessica Abernathy, President of NAPPS, comes on the show to share about their 2020 conference and her encouragement and excitement for the future of the industry. Jessica also describes the importance of taking time right now to dig into your business and where opportunities are opening up.
094- Holistic Pet Care with Gillian Edwards
On today’s episode, Gillian Edwards, owner of Four Paws Holistic Therapy, joins us to talk all about holistic pet care. Gillian shares how pet sitters are a part of the pets care team, and how we can learn more about massage, animal communication, and the role reiki plays in their long term care.