Welcome to The Influential Collective podcast with Mikaela. I will be sharing my experiences as an Mamapreneur. I will be bringing other badass entrepreneurs on to discuss their best lessons and tips to help you stay motivated. To learn more, go to theinfluentialcollective.com and sign up for our email list for EXCLUSIVE FIRST LOOKS.
…
continue reading
A podcast by pet sitters, for pet sitters. After 10 years pet sitting, we've got some stories! Listen in as we talk candidly about our experiences as pet sitters and speak with others regarding theirs. From how to get started, to major lessons from tough situations, this is an in-depth look at the life of a pet sitter. Our goal is to grow a passionate community of pet sitters, making the industry better for everyone. We'd love to hear your story!
…
continue reading
1. Snoh Aalegra - DO 4 LOVE 2. Steven Russell Harts - Gots ta Be 3. Chris Brown - Dream4. Dyna Edyne ft. AYLØ - 'Dubai' 5. Saleka - Seance6. Chxrry22 - Call Me 7. Giveon - Lost Me 8. Inayah - Most Girlz 9. Mikaela Ayira - Black and Blue10.Jade Novah - Trip11. Kevin Alston - Love Song12. T'yun Marshall - Good God13. Tyra Levone - I Like It14. Ne-Yo - Don't Love Me15. Muni Long - No Signal 16. Yvonne Gage - Feel Love17. Jada Denise - UnWorthy21. Cecil Parker - Gotta Get You Home 22. Debaneise ...
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
519: From Keywords to Community: Building Better SEO for Pet Care with Mikaela Vargas
59:15
59:15
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
59:15
How can pet businesses stand out in an increasingly competitive digital landscape? In this episode, Mikaela Vargas, owner of Pet Marketing Unleashed, dives into the world of SEO and how pet care professionals can use it to grow their businesses. She emphasizes the importance of writing organically and using firsthand experience to create content th…
…
continue reading
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 expectation…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
517: Why Flexibility is Key with Korye Bradshaw
53:03
53:03
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
53:03
How do you successfully balance a growing pet care business with the demands of motherhood? In this episode, Korye Bradshaw, owner of Murphy and Me Pet Sitting, shares her journey of evolving her services to meet the needs of her clients while maintaining a strong focus on her family. She discusses the importance of vetting and selecting the right …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
516: Elevating Your Pet Care Business: From Basics to Differentiators
22:06
22:06
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
22:06
What does it mean to elevate your pet care business beyond the basics? In this episode, we explore how to transform essential services into exceptional experiences that set your business apart in a crowded market. We discuss the importance of mastering the fundamentals, like communication and reliability, before layering on unique offerings that tr…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
515: The Power of Membership Models in Pet Care with Traci Bisson
57:31
57:31
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
57:31
Have you ever wondered how to create a thriving community for pet owners while running a successful business? Traci Bisson, founder of Golden Dog Adventure Company and Start a Dog Walking Club, shares how she transitioned from a corporate marketing job to founding a professional pet sitting company and eventually Golden Dog Adventure Company, which…
…
continue reading
How are you using technology in your business? Technology continues to evolve, profoundly impacting the pet care industry. Staying adaptable is essential for integrating new tools like online booking systems, GPS tracking, and smart pet feeders, which enhance our services and client transparency. Beyond using technology in our business, we must gui…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
513: Navigating Client Expectations with Heather Scott
1:00:44
1:00:44
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
1:00:44
Are clients' expectations driving your pet care business to the brink? In this episode, Heather Scott, owner of Heather’s Pet Care, delves into the challenges of managing unrealistic client demands and the impact Covid lockdowns continues to have on their expectations. She shares her journey of phasing out overnight services due to financial and le…
…
continue reading
Have you seen an increase in requests to job share? In this episode, we delve into the increasingly common practice of job sharing, where multiple caregivers collaborate on a pet's care. We discuss the reasons behind this trend, such as more pet sitters entering the market and clients seeking cost-effective solutions. We also highlight the challeng…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
511: From Numbers to Strategy with Anne-Marie Kaden
59:24
59:24
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
59:24
How do you navigate the financial uncertainties of running a business? Anne-Marie Kaden, from Tiny Paws Bookkeeping highlights the importance of regularly monitoring financial health and utilizing key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure your business adapts and thrives in changing markets. She emphasizes managing labor costs effectively, planni…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
510: Leading and Managing: Balancing Roles in Your Pet Business
23:16
23:16
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
23:16
Are you balancing the roles of leader and manager in your pet business effectively? In this episode, we delve into the distinct yet overlapping responsibilities of leadership and management. Leaders set clear visions, inspire their teams, and embrace change, while managers ensure daily operations run smoothly by planning, organizing, and monitoring…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
509: Creating Connections with Cats with Zara Willmott
1:05:46
1:05:46
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
1:05:46
What’s it like running a business dedicated to cat care specifically? Zara Willmott, owner of Cat Sitter Toronto, shares her journey from cat sitter to business owner, highlighting the unique challenges and rewards of her niche. She discusses how the pandemic accelerated her transition and led to innovative operational changes that ensured both cli…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
508: From I to We, Fears of Growing A Team
22:21
22:21
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
22:21
What fears do you have about hiring employees? Many business owners find themselves needing to hire to achieve a better balance, grow their business, or both. However, several fears can prevent them from moving forward. Today, we share the three biggest fears and challenges associated with hiring employees and how to overcome them. It all comes dow…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
507: Hospitality and Heart with Ken Botts
1:00:26
1:00:26
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
1:00:26
Does hospitality translate from restaurants to pet care? Ken Botts, owner of Creekside Critters Pet Sitters, shares his journey into the world of pet care. He discusses the importance of community engagement, effective hiring practices, and the parallels between providing excellent service in restaurants and pet sitting. Ken emphasizes the role of …
…
continue reading
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the chaos of running a business and managing a personal life? We dive into the importance of having a personal mission statement to stay focused and oriented, highlighting how guideposts can make a difference in life and business. By identifying your core values, passions, and strengths, you can create a mission st…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
505: The Importance of Empathy in Pet Care with Lori Holt
54:33
54:33
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
54:33
How do you transition from a corporate job into full-time pet care? Lori Holt shares her journey from working in customer service to founding Stow Road Pet Sitters. She discusses the challenges of administrative tasks, the importance of empathy and trust in client relationships, and how her family plays a crucial role in her business. Lori also hig…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
504: Navigating Threats in Pet Care: From Robots to Regulations
25:56
25:56
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
25:56
Are you ready to future-proof your pet care business against emerging technologies like robotics? We explore the transformative potential of automation in pet services and how it might affect traditional business models. We delve into strategic adaptations inspired by the digital transition of Encyclopedia Britannica, highlighting the importance of…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
503: The Subtle Art of Dog Behavior with Fanna Easter
1:05:00
1:05:00
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
1:05:00
Are you struggling to understand a dog's anxious or reactive behavior? Fanna Easter, owner of Positive Pooch Behavior, dives into the nuances of canine anxiety, distinguishing between general anxiousness and separation anxiety. Fanna emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes rather than just managing symptoms, highlighting the role of…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
502: Is this a Partnership or Marketing Ploy?
38:10
38:10
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
38:10
Ever wondered how to spot a genuine business partnership opportunity from a marketing ploy? We discuss the red flags to watch for when approached by potential partners. We share our own experiences with high-pressure sales tactics and emphasize the importance of setting boundaries and conducting thorough research. You'll learn how to maintain contr…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
501: Success in Pet Care for Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs with Ilana Engel
47:32
47:32
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
47:32
Have you ever wondered how neurodivergence can shape the way a business is run? In this interview, Ilana Engel, owner of Park Slope Pups, shares her journey as a neurodivergent business owner with ADHD. She discusses the unique challenges and strengths that come with managing a pet care business while being neurodivergent. Ilana emphasizes the impo…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
500: Finding Inspiration and Motivation
26:27
26:27
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
26:27
What inspires and motivates you? To celebrate our 500th episode, we share some of our favorite quotes, reflect on their meaning and how they helped us. We share quotes on finding your priorities, setting boundaries, taking ownership of responsibility, as well as embracing a love of learning. Life of a dog walker and a pet sitter is full of ups and …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
499: Be the Novelty with Cathy Duvall
1:09:36
1:09:36
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
1:09:36
What challenges come with running a pet care business in a rural area? In this episode, Cathy Duvall, owner of Goin' to the Dogs Pet Sitting, shares her journey of relocating from metro Atlanta to the North Georgia mountains and the unique adaptations required for rural pet sitting. Cathy emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries for personal…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
498: Keeping Fear From Controlling You
28:59
28:59
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
28:59
Is fear holding you back in your pet care business? In this episode, we delve into the various types of fears business owners face and why addressing them is crucial for success. We discuss the physical and cognitive effects of fear, from the fight-or-flight response to avoidance behaviors, and provide strategies for overcoming these challenges thr…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
497: Certification to Self-Care with PSI's President Beth Stultz-Hairston
50:33
50:33
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
50:33
How has the pet sitting industry evolved over the past 30 years? In this episode, Beth Stultz-Hairston, President of Pet Sitters International (PSI), discusses the organization's remarkable journey and its impact on professional pet care. She highlights PSI's commitment to supporting pet sitters through education, certification, and professional st…
…
continue reading
Is your business memorable? With a more crowded market than ever, we discuss strategies for making your business stand out and why it's crucial for success. We share the importance of defining the terms you use and the importance of offering unique services. Your clients are looking for feelings and emotions, so you should be connecting at that lev…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
495: From Fired to Flourishing with Joette White
1:02:16
1:02:16
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
1:02:16
How are you navigating the challenges of business ownership? Joette White, owner of Park Cities Pet Sitter, shares her journey from being fired to successfully owning and growing a pet sitting business. She emphasizes the importance of staff management and trusting employees to foster growth. Joette highlights how personal growth and learning from …
…
continue reading
Are you struggling to stay top of mind with your clients? We share our effective client engagement strategies, from personalized interactions to consistent communication. Discover the power of community outreach by building relationships with local businesses and participating in events. While in-person marketing is important, enhance your online p…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
493: Seeking Genuine Engagement Over Vanity with Kate McQuillan
1:00:01
1:00:01
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
1:00:01
Are you engaging with the right clients? Kate McQuillan, owner of Pet Sitters Ireland and Pet Business Owners, emphasizes the importance of market research and understanding your audience. She highlights how local content can drive meaningful engagement and how a consistent blogging strategy can significantly impact business growth. Kate stresses t…
…
continue reading
Are you embracing growth? We explore the relationship between personal growth and business adaptation. We are always growing; every phone call, dog walk, and client interaction contributes to our internal changes and makes us stronger. Embracing both internal and external growth is essential to a better business, whether it's updating your SOPs or …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
491: Continuously Evolving with Debbie Solis
47:32
47:32
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
47:32
How are you evolving as a business owner? Debbie Solis, owner of Personal Pet and Home Care, shares her 28-year journey in the pet care industry, starting with her deep-rooted caregiving spirit and balancing roles as a mother and entrepreneur. She discusses the challenges she faced, including burnout and the need for personal growth, which led her …
…
continue reading
How is your business doing? So far, 2024 has been a challenging economic landscape, marked by a significant downturn in both new and returning clients. The pet sitting industry has experienced a saturation of the market post-COVID-19 and now economic pressures have led pet owners to tighten their budgets. We share strategies for adapting services a…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
489: Impacting the Pet Industry with the Florida Pet Services Association
32:08
32:08
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
32:08
Heidi Lewis-Pracko and Savanna Westwood, from the Florida Pet Services Association (FPSA), discuss the organization's mission to connect and support pet service businesses in Florida and beyond. They highlight their first aid kit initiative, which provides basic supplies to homeless pet owners and is expanding to shelters and hurricane preparedness…
…
continue reading
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 boundar…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
487: Keeping it Simple with Scott Black
1:12:54
1:12:54
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
1:12:54
How do you keep things simple in your business? Scott Black, owner of Personal Touch Pet Sitting, discusses the importance of personalized communication, screening clients thoroughly, and managing risks in the industry. He also emphasizes the significance of continuing education and balancing growing a pet sitting business while prioritizing qualit…
…
continue reading
Can you meet the promises you make to your clients? Our goal should be to truly embody values like professionalism, dependability, and transparency. Whatever you promise your clients, these should not merely be marketing terms but actual practices, supported by robust systems. There can be significant repercussions if we fail to meet the standards …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
485: Creating Client-Centered Services with Hannah Alsup
58:56
58:56
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
58:56
What does it mean to create a client-centered pet care service? Hannah Alsup, from Three Dog Pet, explores how to incorporate a wide range of services to meet the unique needs of each client. From pet sitting and personal assistance to dog training, Hannah explains how personalized communication and flexible services can empower clients to make inf…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
484: Balancing Your vs Your Company’s Needs
19:27
19:27
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
19:27
Ever faced a business roadblock that made you question everything? Here's a deep dive into how we handled an unexpected hurdle and the strategies we used to keep afloat. From employee turnover to shifting business goals, we share the ups and downs you could potentially encounter, and the mindset you need to overcome. Balancing personal life and com…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
483: Being More Than a Pet Sitter with Sarah Schloerb
57:50
57:50
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
57:50
How can you make your business more than pet care? Sarah Schloerb, owner of Sit Stay NJ, discusses the importance of professionalism and how she leverages her experience in the veterinary field to offer specialized services. She emphasizes the significance of building a robust network with local pet care professionals to enhance service offerings a…
…
continue reading
How do you manage when a client's home is more than just messy? We dive into the challenging world of hoarding and its impact on our business as pet sitters and dog walkers. We explore what hoarding really entails and how it creates unsafe and unhealthy working conditions. From navigating privacy issues to ensuring the safety of the pets and mainta…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
481: Evolving with Heart with Reilly Kahat
1:07:27
1:07:27
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
1:07:27
What does it take to transform challenges into a thriving business? Reilly Kahat, owner and founder of Pet Fit, shares his transition from a dog walker to the owner of a flourishing pet care service. Following an unforeseen business closure that left him questioning his next steps, Reilly leverages his deep affection for animals to build a communit…
…
continue reading
How do you become a master in something? Inspired by Bruce Lee's philosophy that emphasizes focused practice over quantity, we share how repetitive actions, from the simple task of unlocking a door to the complexities of route planning, not only build familiarity but also pave the way to competency and mastery. We also talk about how deliberate pra…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
479: Empowering Pets and People with Mary Reid
1:06:07
1:06:07
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
1:06:07
What does it take to navigate the path from personal adversity to entrepreneurial success? Mary Reid, owner of North Dallas Pet Care, dives into her journey from being a homeschooling mother to spearheading a thriving pet care business. Following a significant health scare that altered her mobility, Mary reveals how she leveraged her passion for pe…
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
477: Turning Over A New Leaf with Kirsten Kruska
54:39
54:39
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
54:39
What does it mean to reinvent yourself? Kirsten Kruska, co-owner of Pet and Plant Pal, explores the journey of career reinvention after a pivotal health challenge forced her out of dog grooming. Kirsten shares how she transformed her expertise in pet care and horticulture into a flourishing business. Emphasizing health & wellness, Kirsten shares ho…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
476: Harnessing the Heat: Anger's Role in the Pet Sitting Business
22:22
22:22
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
22:22
Why does anger management feel like an uphill battle? In an industry fueled by passion and love for animals, emotions run high, and anger can emerge from the least expected corners. To get it under control, we have to understand its roots and its multifaceted impact on both our personal well-being and business operations. From dealing with unruly p…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
475: Creating a Business to Prioritize Yourself with Shannon Hendon
1:00:46
1:00:46
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
1:00:46
How can you navigate the twists and turns of life through fostering community? Shannon Hendon, founder of Ocala Pet Sitting, takes us through her 18-year saga of transforming challenges into opportunities. From altering her career path away from vet school to implementing cool new services like kitty cam rentals, Shannon's story is a masterclass in…
…
continue reading
Why is it so challenging to implement productivity tips into our lives? Amazon has over 10,000 books on the subject of ‘productivity’, so there certainly isn’t a universal solution for everyone. One of the major stumbling blocks to actually being more productive is a lack of understanding of how we work, and the nature of the work we need to get do…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
473: Embracing a Changing Business with Amy Garrison
51:30
51:30
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
51:30
How does a passion for pet care transform into a thriving business? Amy Garrison, owner of Oh My Dog Sitters, shares both her evolution as a business owner and her business. She takes us through the challenges she faced when she started, pivotal moments of growth, and how changes in business tactics propelled her company forward. Amy is actively wo…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
472: Tuning Out the Noise of Opinions from Others
24:21
24:21
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
24:21
Who are you allowing to speak into your life and business? As a business owner, there are a lot of people who have opinions about what you do and how you do them. There is a lot of advice out there that clutters up our brain space and processing abilities, which can lead to decision fatigue and an incoherent approach. Instead of following the whims…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
471: Supporting Our Clients Through Anticipatory Grief with Erica Messer
58:24
58:24
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
58:24
What is anticipatory grief and how can we help our client through it? In the complex landscape of pet care, we face the delicate issue of anticipatory grief among pet owners—a pre-loss mourning filled with anxiety and sorrow. Erica Messer, founder of Wolfie's Wish, discusses the critical need for pet care providers to offer support and practical re…
…
continue reading
What are you learning right now? Are you doing anything with it? We’re reflecting on the overwhelming abundance of information available to us, especially in running a pet care business. There is a crucial difference between endlessly acquiring knowledge and actually applying it to make tangible progress in our business. Something that is a hard ba…
…
continue reading