When Katie Gwilt decided to leave her corporate career in science, she didn’t know it would lead to becoming a leading advocate for cats and their care across the UK.Katie’s journey into the cat care industry began by accident as she recovered from being seriously ill and realised she wanted to do something that brought her joy - working with cats. Like many pet professionals, growing up, she thought the only way this could be a career was to be a vet, but after leaving her old career, decided to see if she could make it work.She started out as a cat-sitter before launching her own business, The Kat Lady in 2020, and training in grooming and behaviour and is now one of the UK's leading experts in cat care and life with cats.Katie has partnered with training organisations and rescues, and has been recognised as Groomer of the Year and was recently shortlisted for Pet Service Business of the Year at the PIF Awards.And her hard work has seen her become the go-to authority for everything feline. From grooming and holistic therapies to teaching and product development, she has turned her love for cats into a thriving business.In this episode, Katie shares her journey of building The Kat Lady from scratch, why she believes there’s huge potential in specialising in cats, and her commitment to raising the standard of feline care across the UK. Plus, the funny things that have happened along the way, including Clarence, a cheeky cat who ended up making headlines with his love for catnip.You can listen in on the player link below and find all the links to connect with Katie at the end of this post.Key topics and timings in this episode:00:02 – Introduction to the episode and the focus on growing a cat business02:21 – How Katie works as a cat groomer, behaviourist, and holistic feline therapist03:40 – Katie’s journey from scientific sales to starting her own cat business06:45 – How visibility and media exposure helped Katie grow her business07:53 – Social media strategies Katie used during the early stages of her business09:44 – From health challenges to building a thriving cat care business10:30 – Networking and partnerships that helped Katie build her reputation13:20 – A look inside Katie’s busy weekly schedule as a cat specialist15:27 – Managing rapid growth and coping with burnout17:05 – The value of delegating tasks and building a support team18:18 – Taking on staff and how admin support transformed the business19:26 – How PR and networking increased Katie’s visibility and authority20:17 – Attending cat-focused events and the growing interest in cat care22:06 – Collaborations with other pet businesses and creating unique partnerships24:16 – The importance of recognizing cats as distinct from dogs in care and training27:24 – Opportunities for aspiring cat professionals in the growing cat care market28:05 – Insights into the rising demand for cat behavioural services31:28 – Expanding into holistic approaches and herbal remedies34:55 – Launching an online herb shop and tailored herb kits for cat owners38:14 – The story of Clarence the cat - from stealing catnip to media sensation39:42 – Making holistic cat care more mainstream and educating clients45:00 – The importance of support networks and the impact of coaching48:43 – What’s next for Katie – new services and product launches in the pipeline50:30 – Final thoughts and where to connect with Katie onlineKey quotes from the episode:"You CAN have a brilliant business working with cats - it’s not all about the dogs!" "When I started out, I didn’t have a grand plan. I just kept showing up, even when it felt overwhelming." "Clarence literally chose what he needed - that’s self-selection at its...

Have you ever tried to start something new in your pet business, like a newsletter or a weekly piece of content?&nbsp;At first, it feels easy, but then life gets in the way, and it falls to the bottom of the to-do list. After a while, it has stopped altogether.First, don’t beat yourself up. Running a business is a slog, and there are only so many plates you can spin, especially if you’re on your own.&nbsp;When I have conversations about things people want to be doing, they often talk about willpower and a lack of it leading to them not doing the ‘thing.’But there’s a lot of research into whether willpower really is the key to having the self-control to either do something consistently or stop doing something.&nbsp;When it comes to the things you want to implement in your business, it’s more about creating habits that you can sustain.These habits can make your day or week feel more manageable, ensure you do the things you need to do to power your business, reduce ‘decision fatigue’, and help you grow your business.&nbsp;In this podcast, we’ll look at how to create habits, why they matter, and how to stick with them when life gets busy, plus case studies and further reading.Caveat - I’m not an expert on this - I’ve researched the topic as I would as a journalist and brought in what I’ve learned as a coach to try to help you.Key topics and timings in this episode: 0.45 - What to expect from this episode.1.40 - Why forming habits can be hard and why it’s not about willpower.4.00 - The willpower myth and how genetics can drive behaviour.5.45 - What are habits and why are they important?7.15 - Decision fatigue and how creating habits can free you up for the tasks you enjoy.8.30 - The Change Curve concept and how this relates to change and habits.12.22 - Finding ways to build habits that stick - 7 steps to follow.20.56 - Three barriers and objections to building habits.25.29 - Case study - Kerry Jordan.26.52 - How coaching can help you build habits.29.57 - Why letting go of old habits can help you create space for new ones.32.06 - Habits that could help your pet business - marketing, customer communications, invoicing and admin.34.18 - Recommended reading on habits, Atomic Habits, The One Thing and The Power of Habit.36.04 - Your options if you’d like to work on habits together.37.04 - Conclusion to building habits.Links mentioned in this episode: Join Pets Get Visible and get 50% off your first month here.Book a 1-1 session hereFurther listening: Kerry Jordan on the importance of building relationships to grow your pet businessIs my Pets Get Visible membership right for you?How to choose the right pet business coachHow to create consistent contentHow to create a social media calendar for your pet business<a href="https://rachelspencer.co.uk/tackle-procrastination-pet-business/"...

When Jessica Morris forgot to pack a treat for her dog Rudy on a day out to the pub, she didn’t realise it would spark the idea for a business that would soon have tails wagging across the UK.Jess wanted something to occupy Rudy as she had a drink with friends at the end of a long walk, and it was getting a 'no' from the barperson that sparked a lightbulb moment.Now, four years on, Jess is co-founder of The Canine Menu, a business supplying hospitality venues with everything they need to keep their canine customers coming back.The idea started with Jess asking her local landlady if she fancied handing over £50 for 50 dog treats and when she got a 'yes' she knew she was on to something.She teamed up with her brother-in-law Nick Marsh, who has a background in hospitality, which perfectly matched Jess's experience in the pet food industry.Now The Canine Menu supplies thousands of pubs, cafes, hotels and restaurants across the UK with long-lasting treats and chews, bowls, beds, and even tea bags and ice pops.Plus English Heritage sites, and my holiday cottage, Sunnyside Cottage and tonnes of other dog-friendly places from coffee trucks to ice cream vans.Today, Jess shares how that one forgotten chew sparked a brilliant idea and transformed her passion for pups and pubs into a booming business.Key topics and timings:01:33 - Introduction to Jess and her background in the pet business03:02 - The lightbulb moment: Creating a business after being told there were no treats at the bar for Rudy!05:49 - Testing the concept: From chicken feet in paper bags to creating a beautiful brand09:20 - Growing from a small start-up to scaling operations11:46 - Challenges in scaling and operational success13:40 - The principles that guided product development20:00 - Building partnerships with hospitality venues24:42 - Matt, the landlord who sells more dog chews than peanuts32:43 - Expansion into hotels and holiday rentals with welcome packs36:12 - Challenges faced and lessons learned from rapid growth43:09 - The importance of investing in branding and external expertise46:47 - Staying true to the hospitality focus despite retail temptations48:49 - Jess's advice for budding entrepreneurs: “Just go for it.”51:58 - The importance of support networks and co-founder relationships54:42 - Where to connect with The Canine MenuKey quotes:"I was so nervous, but I walked into my local pub with a box of dog chews in tiny little paper bags and asked the landlady, ‘I come here all the time with my dog, loads of other people do too. I’ve got this box - 50 chews for £50 - are you interested?’ She got £50 out of the till right there and then! That’s when I knew we were onto something.""It’s beyond me why we ever thought dogs would sit quietly for half an hour at a pub - like a two-year-old, they need something to keep them occupied!""The sooner you get your idea out into the world and ask someone to part with their cash for it, the sooner you'll know if it's a good idea or not.""We’re about more than just treats; we aim to improve the overall experience for dogs in hospitality settings.""The hardest part is knowing when to scale up - your operation grows before the financial benefit arrives."Key takeaways:Starting small with a big idea: Jess describes how the concept for The Canine Menu arose from her experience visiting a pub with her dog and grew into a business.Hospitality focus: The Canine Menu remains dedicated to enhancing the hospitality experience for dogs and their owners, avoiding the temptation to expand into retail.Challenges of scaling: Jess discusses the difficulties of scaling operations, from managing the supply chain...

Running a pet business is incredibly rewarding, but it can also feel isolating. Whether you’re a product maker or service provider, you’re juggling everything - creating products or delivering services, marketing yourself, managing social media, connecting with clients, and handling the day-to-day.If you’re doing it on your own, it can sometimes feel like you’re shouting into the void.But you don’t have to go it alone. Being part of a supportive community can transform your experience, giving you the emotional and practical support you need to thrive.In this episode I’m going to share why community matters so much for your business, you'll hear from some fabulous members of my Pets Get Visible community, and come away knowing how to find the community that’s right for you.Topics and timings in this episode0:00 - Introduction to the importance of community4:10 - My personal experience with online and offline communities10:30 - Emotional support through communities: guest Fiona shares her experience17:45 - Accountability and motivation: insights from community member Jo Milnes25:50 - Celebrating wins and the power of sharing accomplishments33:20 - Finding the right community fit: what to consider40:15 - How to get the most from being part of a community47:00 - Final thoughts and invitation to join Pets Get Visible membershipKey quotes“Trying to promote your business all on your own can feel like shouting into a void.”“Community isn’t just about networking - it’s about having a support system that gets you through the tough days.”“When you accomplish something, it’s worth celebrating - and a community that cheers you on makes all the difference.”“The more you give to a community, the more you get back.”“You’re not a number here. You’re seen, you’re heard, and you’re understood.”Key takeawaysEmotional support - Communities offer vital emotional support, reducing feelings of isolation and helping members stay motivated.Accountability and motivation - Regular check-ins, live calls, and shared goals provide accountability and a boost in motivation to achieve personal and professional goals.Celebrating wins - Community members celebrate each other’s achievements, helping them build confidence and appreciate their progress.Learning from others - Being part of a community enables members to learn from each other’s successes and challenges.Finding the right fit - Not all communities are the same; finding one that aligns with personal values and needs is crucial for maximum impact.Working together: If you’re ready to stop going it alone, come and join me in Pets Get Visible, a community where you’ll feel seen, heard, and supported for 50% off your first month here.And if you’d like to know more about my mastermind, drop me an email, and we can chat when it opens again in March 2025 or you can apply to work together as a coaching client here.Further listeningIf you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more on this topic, here are some podcast episodes you might find helpful:Why every pet business should keep a win folderHow to...

Have you ever wondered what you’d do if you were kicked off Facebook and couldn’t use Instagram or WhatsApp anymore?&nbsp;Or what it would be like to move your pet business to a completely new area where nobody knows you?&nbsp;That’s exactly what happened to Gill Gallagher, and in this episode, I’m chatting with her about how she handled both of these challenges.Gill is the founder of Speaking Spaniel and has been working as a dog trainer since 2016.&nbsp;After losing access to Meta platforms and relocating her business, she had to find new ways to get visible and connect with clients – without relying on social media.&nbsp;In this conversation, she shares how old-school, face-to-face marketing and building real-life connections helped her bounce back.We talk about the frustrations she faced, how she kept her business going, and why the Meta nightmare ended up being a blessing in disguise.&nbsp;Gill’s approach is a reminder that even when things don’t go to plan, you can still find success by doing things your way.If you’ve been knocked back by the many bumps in the road you have running your business or just need a bit of inspiration, this episode is full of practical advice.Listen in to hear how Gill turned things around, and find all the links to connect with her at the end of the episode.Key topics and timings00:20 – Introduction and what to expect from this episode.02:56 – Gill's background and starting out as a dog trainer.04:15 – Moving her business from Portsmouth to a new area and starting from scratch.09:42 – What it was like to be kicked off Facebook and lose access to Meta platforms.17:30 – How going back to traditional marketing helped Gill rebuild her business.21:12 – Building collaborations with local businesses and why face-to-face networking worked.29:18 – How Gill found a new field for her business through community connections.35:00 – Setting up events, workshops, and building a local presence in a new area.42:10 – Why relying on social media isn’t enough and how Gill diversified her approach.51:35 – Gill’s advice to anyone moving to a new area and starting your business from scratch.Links mentioned in this episodeFind out more about Gill’s business at Speaking SpanielCheck out Gill’s website for puppy training: Speaking PuppyRead about Gill in her local paper showcasing her new business training Shropshire's Spaniels!Further listening and readingWays to grow your pet business off social media15 reasons not to worry about social media engagementBuilding resilience as a pet professional with Andrew HaleTaking care of your emotional wellbeing with Andrew Hale<a href="https://rachelspencer.co.uk/social-media-postagrid-colette-adwin/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Do you have tasks in your business that you keep putting off, and you can't quite figure out why? Maybe it’s your accounts, social media, or even sending invoices that would really help your business.In this episode of the Your Pet Business, Your Way podcast, I’m diving into the topic of procrastination—why we do it, how it impacts our work, and practical strategies to overcome it.I explore the common reasons behind procrastination among pet business owners, including fear of failure, overwhelm, and perfectionism. I share personal experiences and insights from my coaching training, offering tips that can help you move forward.We’ll discuss the importance of understanding your strengths, building accountability, and creating a supportive environment that fosters productivity. Whether you're an established pet professional or just starting out, I hope you find this episode helpful.Listen in on the player link below, and you'll find all the details on how to connect with me at the end of this post.Key topics and timings in this episode:0:20 - Introduction to procrastination in pet businesses2:55 - Understanding the reasons behind procrastination5:50 - The costs of procrastination9:09 - Identifying strengths and gaps11:55 - Strategies to overcome procrastination14:46 - Building accountability and community support21:54 - Conclusion and next stepsLinks mentioned in this episode:Is my Pets Get Visible membership right for you?Join Pets Get Visible for just £15 for your first monthRead The Coaches Casebook: Mastering the Twelve Traits that Trap Us by Kim Morgan and Geoff Watts on AmazonFurther listening:&nbsp;How to feel more comfortable and confident with self promotionHow to create systems and make your life less stressful with Amy MitchellHow to create a pet business social media calendarHow to create a bank of anytime contentWhy I trained as a coach and what that means for your pet businessWhat kind of coach is right for your pet business&nbsp;Let's connect on social media: https://www.facebook.com/rachelspencerukhttps://www.instagram.com/rachelspencerukhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelspencerukThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

Do you feel resilient as a pet professional? Are you able to recover from setbacks and keep moving forward?It can be tough managing your energy and navigating challenges while meeting the demands of caring for animals and their humans.In the second of a two-part podcast on taking care of your mental health as a pet professional, I’m chatting to Andy Hale on the topic of resilience.Andy is a dog behaviourist with a background in psychology, and we cover why resilience is crucial for personal and professional growth.Developing resilience involves recognising and processing emotions, learning from experiences, and developing coping strategies that empower you to bounce back stronger.We explore how self-awareness, self-compassion, and a clear sense of purpose will enable you to maintain your emotional wellbeing while being your best for your clients.Whether you’re an established pet professional or just starting out, I hope you find this episode helpful.Listen in on the player link below, and you'll find all the places where you can connect with Andrew at the end of this post.Key topics and timings in this episode: 0:20 - What to expect from this episode2:20 - The difference between robustness and resilience.5:45 - Why resilience isn’t about being tough and keeping on marching.8:48 - Coping with issues from our past and how they can impact our daily existence.12:45 - Stopping to take care of yourself and thinking, ‘how am I?’13:46 - Understanding yourself and why knowing your support needs will help you support others in terms of your physical and emotional health, and recognising things that may take their toll on you.15:45 - Why you should be spending more on self-care each month than you are on hot-dog sausages!20:45 - Understanding your feelings when working online, connecting your reactions to your purpose, and considering whether to respond to what you see online.23:15 - Why you can’t change people’s opinions and how it can help to step away and spend time in safer online environments rather than being stuck in a conflict cycle.27:56 - Why you don’t need to get involved in the big stuff to make a difference.28:15 - The care hierarchy and considering who is a priority for you and your emotional energy.30:01 - Awareness, Acknowledgement, and Acceptance, and Control, Change, and Choice on social media.34:20 - Building your professional presence and how this can support you in being resilient so you have a fighting chance of turning up and being less affected by challenges.38:17 - Why taking a break from animals can be good for you and why having hobbies and interests outside of your pet business is important.41:01 - The ‘want to do, need to do, and must dos’—getting the balance right to create space in your life.45:07 - Why you’re not letting dogs or pets down by not getting involved in big issues on social media; making a difference for one dog you’re working with is enough.48:27 - How saying no to things is part of being resilient and taking care of yourself.52:35 - Making time for yourself and why self-care isn’t indulgent.54:34 - Why your purpose will help you when it comes to self-care.56:32 - Andy’s mission to create ‘Safe Space’—a new resource for pet professionals—and his emotional health workshops.57:47 - How the ‘invitation’ approach can be freeing.59:00 - Where to find out more about Andy’s work.Links mentioned in this episode:&nbsp;Find out more about Andy on his website: https://dogcc.org/Join Andy’s community on Facebook&nbsp;&nbsp;Dog Centred Care:...

Taking care of your emotional wellbeing is essential for anyone in the pet care industry, where the demands of supporting animals and humans can take their toll. Andy Hale is a dog behaviourist, behaviour consultant for Pet Remedy and expert advisor for Canine Arthritis Management and combines his expertise in training with an understanding of mental health.With a background in human psychology, Andy is passionate about supporting pet professionals like you in balancing client care with your emotional wellbeing.In this episode, we explore Andy's system designed to help people in the industry identify their core values and communicate their offerings with confidence. This approach helps you share what you need to connect with people who are looking for your support, allowing you to thrive while helping your clients - both human and furry.Andy reframes the often-daunting task of self-promotion and suggests viewing this process as an invitation rather than a sales pitch. By sharing your values and work philosophy, you can attract clients who resonate with your approach, transforming 'selling' into a meaningful connection.Whether you’re an established pet professional or just starting out, this conversation is packed with insights that I know you’ll find valuable. You’ll find all the places where you can connect with Andy at the end of the show notes. Key topics and timings:0:20 - What to expect from this episode.2:56 - Andrew explains how his Dog Centred Care community works.4:21 - Why he’s looking to create Safe Space for pet professionals.7:40 - How the emotional experiences pet professionals encounter can impact them.17:05 - The ‘righting reflex’ and how this can impact how we operate online as business owners.24:14 - How you can take the ‘invitation’ approach when it comes to working with and finding the right clients.38:15 - The ‘task’ and ‘care’ approach and having a more holistic method when working as a pet professional, despite the ‘quick fix’ world we’re in.44:00 - The five pillars Andrew works with in supporting his clients: find your story, purpose, structure, presence, and self.53:19 - Taking time to recalibrate and figure out what you need to have a sustainable business.57:31 - Working out what is ‘enough’ for you and resisting the pressure to strive for ‘more,’ measuring success on your own metrics.58:44 - Stepping away from debates online while Andrew is happy to have conversations with balanced trainers and hear their approach.1:00:02 - How Andy looks at his own priorities ahead of reacting.1:03:10 - Thinking about purpose when you post online and creating thought-provoking content.1:05:14 - Why we can’t keep everyone happy and feeling okay with that.1:07:52 - Why we should be writing for people who need our support and may work with us, rather than other pet professionals or people who’ve already said no to us.1:10:24 - Where to find out more about Andy and his community.Links mentioned in this episode:&nbsp;Find out more about Andy on his website: https://dogcc.org/Join Andy’s community on Facebook : Dog Centred Care: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dogccCheck out his YouTube channel with lots of amazing conversations :https://www.youtube.com/c/dogcentredcareFind his Pet Remedy Group:&nbsp;https://www.facebook.com/groups/petremedyanimalsThis podcast uses the following...

Do you ever take a moment to stop, look back and see how far you've come in your pet business?We can be so busy trying to figure out the many things we need to do as business owners, and spinning so many plates, we forget to acknowledge our successes.In this week’s episode, I’m sharing experiences from my time as a journalist - where success was quickly forgotten - to now, where I’ve learned the importance of pausing to reflect on achievements through my coaching and mentoring.You’ll also hear from Niki French, who had a lightbulb moment during a recent retreat, along with insights from the book The Gap and the Gain, which helps shift our focus from what’s missing to what we’ve already accomplished.I’ll share practical tips and exercises to help you take a step back and recognise your wins - no matter how small. Plus, if you’re looking for more support in this area, how my Pets Get Visible membership is here to help you.Whether you’re just starting out or have been running your pet business for years, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you build a positive mindset. Key topics and timings in this episode: 0.55 - What to expect from this episode.2.30 - Episode sponsor - Pets Get Visible membership.4.05 - My own experience of never stopping to look back and what changed my perspective.5.30 - Why training as a coach helped me understand this topic more.7.10 - Why I encourage my clients to create a habit around looking back and reflecting.8.08 - The reflection exercise I did on my recent retreat.9.27 - Niki French from Puptalk shares her experience.13.43 - What would happen if you ten years ago was plonked into your life now?19.41 - About the book, the Gap and the Gain and how this applies to this topic.20.11 - The Hedonic Treadmill and why we pressure ourselves to move on to the next goal.24.09 - Examples from my membership of feeling reticent about sharing wins.27.02 - How looking at your achievements can help with your social media.27.36 - Ways to build reflection into your business so you can recognise how far you've come.28.47 - How you can have support if you'd like to work together on this topic.Links mentioned in this episode:This podcast is sponsored by my Pets Get Visible membership where you can get all the support you need with feeling comfortable and confident promoting your work.You have access to live classes and coaching calls covering topics like PR, blogging, applying for awards, photography, email newsletters, creating case studies, plus forward planning guides every month to stay ahead with your content and ensure you remain visible.Every session is recorded, so you can catch up on anything you've missed. There's also a Facebook community where you can meet fellow petpreneurs, feel supported, and get inspired.If you'd like to find out more about joining Pets Get Visible, send me a message at [email protected], or head to this post. Is my Pets Get Visible membership right for you?Or you can join for just £15 for your first month here: https://publicityforpetbusinesses.mykajabi.com/offers/7Hvpvxzr?coupon_code=PGV50Further reading on this topicCreating meaningful content with Aileen StevensonNavigating the rollercoaster of running a small business<a...

Rachel Down is the founder of Boil and Broth and The British Broth Company, and she began making bone broth after experiencing her own health challenges.Rachel suffered from chronic health problems and discovered that bone broth could help her body heal itself.When she found that there wasn’t a product on the market that didn’t contain ingredients she was intolerant to, she decided to make her own.What started out as a trip to the butcher and an experiment in her kitchen led to a total health transformation for Rachel, who lost six stone and reversed her health conditions.Friends and family asked if they could try her broth, and it soon became a business—first for humans, and later for pets.Now Rachel’s products are shipped all over the world. She’s won awards for her innovation and will soon be stocked in Walmart.She’s also involved in many collaborations and partners with influencers to raise awareness of the impact bone broth can have on both people and their pets.In this episode, Rachel shares her entrepreneurial journey, her plans for the future, and how she navigates the rollercoaster of running her business.Key topics and timings in this episode:1.00 - What to expect from this episode.2.10 - How Rachel founded her business Boil and Broth.3.02 - How Rachel's experience with the NHS inspired her to find her own solutions to candida overgrowth and gut health issues.4.57 - Reversing her health issues in just 12 weeks and how she lost six stone in three years.7.30 - Creating dehydrated bone broth and how this helped her business grow.8.40 - Starting out in 2016 and figuring out how to make her own broth—stinking out her house in the process!11.30 - Turning her broth-making into a business, navigating Brexit, and scaling up production.15.20 - The impact of going viral and how she handled the surge in sales after featuring on the Raw Pet Medics podcast.16.43 - Scaling up to produce 2,000 litres of broth a month.20.23 - What it was like entering the pet space as a new business and staying true to her ethics.26.03 - Rachel's experience working with influencers and how this has helped to grow her brand.29.00 - The results of the bone broth and gut health study Rachel worked on with Dr Carol Hughes and Anna Webb, focusing on the health of 30 dogs.35.04 - How Rachel enjoys working with pet professionals.37.58 - How bone broth can help boost cat health.41.59 - The ways Rachel has built her audience, authority, and credibility.45.09 - Rachel's advice for anyone feeling unsure about promoting their work and sharing their story.47.38 - Things to consider if you're looking for coaching or mentoring.51.35 - How going against the grain and doing things differently has benefited Rachel's business.55.51 - What’s next for Rachel and Boil and Broth.58.32 - How to find out more about Rachel and her work.Links mentioned in this episode:Find out more about Rachel’s work on her website: www.boilandbroth.com and https://www.britishbrothcompany.com/Connect on LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/racheldownukFollow her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/boilandbrothCheck out her page on Instagram: www.instagram.com/boilandbrothListen to Rachel on Anna Webb's podcast:<a...

Are you looking for a coach to support you in growing your pet business?Working for yourself can be hard, and having a coach means that you have someone in your corner to support and guide you.Like dog training, the coaching industry is unregulated, and there are lots of different kinds of coaches you can turn to.In this podcast episode and blog, I'm exploring three different approaches to coaching you can choose from, so you can figure out which best suits you.Key topics and timings in this episode:0.02 - Episode introduction.0.30 - Why I decided to cover this topic.1.09 - Regulation in the coaching space.1.52 - The difference between coaching and mentoring.4.05 - Type one - the My Way coach or mentor.5.24 - Type two - the My System coach or mentor.7.40 - Type three - The Coach coach or mentor.10.26 - What I've learned while investing in all three types of coaching and mentoring.12.26 - Why it's key to choose the right style for what you need, and how there is no right or wrong style.14.20 - How you can work with me either one to one as a coach or in my Pets Get Visible membership where I have a coaching approach.Links mentioned in this episode:If you're fed up with being told what to do and are looking for the approach in option 3, this is how I work. Book a free call with me, and let's see if we're a good fit.Further listening/readingWhy I trained as an accredited coach and what that means for your pet businessIs my Pets Get Visible membership right for you?Navigating the rollercoaster of running a pet businessDo qualifications matter as a pet professional?Embracing your strengths with Sasha Louise SmithThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

Are you looking to grow your pet business by using Instagram?Charlotte Perrott is a social media manager and coach for pet businesses, and she stays on top of the latest Instagram features and trends.It’s a platform that can sometimes feel overwhelming, and mastering how to use it can put you in front of pet parents who need what you have to offer.Charlotte, who runs Canine Marketing Support and Pet Business Support, loves Instagram, and in this podcast episode, she explains how you can too, with simple ways to grow your engagement and followers.We also talk about the dark side of social media, and how Charlotte recently turned an unpleasant experience into an opportunity to showcase her expertise.If you’d like to get more from your Instagram account, this is a must-listen, and many of the strategies Charlotte shares can be used on other platforms too.Key topics and timings in this episode:0.20 - Episode overview.1.10 - Charlotte and the different services she offers.1.47 - How Charlotte found herself in the pet industry after COVID and leaving the travel industry.5.05 - The challenges business owners face on social media, especially starting out and why it’s normal to feel overwhelmed at times.7.47 - Charlotte’s advice for businesses who might feel nervous about being visible and small first steps to take to feel more comfortable.9.46 - How Charlotte overcame an unpleasant experience of being trolled on social media.&nbsp;12.25 - Advice on navigating nasty people online.16.14 - Dealing with the ever-changing demands of Instagram without losing your mind!19.47 - Charlotte’s thoughts on why Instagram can benefit your pet business.20.24 - Why you’re building a library of content as a pet business without even noticing.22.22 - Charlotte’s five Instagram features.22.48 - Feature 1 - Go live without going live, and how you can practice.25.27 - Feature 2 - Engage with your community if you want engagement.30.10 - Feature 3 - Remove the TikTok watermark and use Instagram to create your content.35.17 - Feature 4 - Repurpose your content and look at changing the format of it, for example, carousel to reel.37.38 - Feature 5 - Use stories, try out the different tools and have fun with it.40.54 - Using the links on Instagram stories.42.12 - How Charlotte would love to see pet businesses using Instagram.43.55 - Where to find out more about Charlotte.Links mentioned in this episodeFind out more about Charlotte on her website: https://petbusinesssupport.co.uk/Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petbusinesssupport/Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/petbusinesssupportukListen to Charlotte’s podcast:&nbsp;https://petbusinessownerpodcast.podbean.com/See how Charlotte responded to her troll: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/UzqUpkHhfwun6sGs/Further listening: Building a community for your pet business on Instagram with Helen PerryUsing LinkedIn for your pet business with Helen Pritchard<a...

What do you want to be known for in your pet business?And what would you like people to say about you when someone asks about your business or what you offer?That’s the topic of this week’s podcast, as it’s a common theme that comes up in my coaching and membership calls.In this episode, I’m exploring how to figure out what you want to be known for, and how to bring that to life.There’s a simple four-step process to follow, with examples from two pet business owners, Kim O’Donnell from Leo, Charley and Me, and Gill Gallagher from Speaking Spaniel.Plus, I share how I’ve applied this to my coaching business and holiday cottage, so you can do the same.Key topics and timings in this episode: 0.20 - Introduction to the topic0.50 - Information on the episode sponsors, the Pets Get Visible membership.3.05 - The problem of feeling invisible in pet businesses and my own experience of wanting to be known for coaching and mentoring services.6.00 - What I did to stop feeling invisible, refreshing my website and brand to better reflect my coaching and mentoring work.10.00 - Four steps to follow to refine what you want to be known for.14.31 - Interview with Gill Gallagher from Speaking Spaniel, who wants to be known as the most supportive spaniel trainer in her area.14.57 - How Gill applies the four steps to her business. 18.24 - Interview with Kim O'Donnell from Leo, Charley and Me, who wants to be known for providing high-quality, stylish accessories.19.24 - How Kim applies the four steps to her business. 28.04 - Explaining the branding and messaging strategies I'm using for my own businesses—positioning myself as a coach/mentor and Sunnyside Cottage as Yorkshire's most dog-friendly holiday destination.32.00 - Recommendations for further listening on related topics to help pet business owners define and communicate their unique value.Links mentioned in this episode: If you’d like support in working on what you want to be known for, my membership for pet business owners, Pets Get Visible, is the place to be.This membership is for pet professionals who want to get noticed and feel confident putting themselves and their awesome businesses out there.Inside the membership, you'll have access to live classes and coaching calls covering topics like PR, blogging, applying for awards, photography, email newsletters, creating case studies, plus forward planning guides every month to stay ahead with your content and ensure you remain visible.Every session is recorded, so you can catch up on anything you've missed. There's also a Facebook community where you can meet fellow petpreneurs, feel supported, and get inspired.If you'd like to find out more about joining Pets Get Visible, send me a message at [email protected], or head to this post. Is my Pets Get Visible membership right for you?Or you can join for just £15 for your first month here: https://publicityforpetbusinesses.mykajabi.com/offers/7Hvpvxzr?coupon_code=PGV50Further listeningSeven ways to be the go-to person in your pet businessFive steps to get your pet business in the press<a href="https://rachelspencer.co.uk/how-to-write-a-press-release-for-your-pet-business/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

You've heard of microbiome tests for humans, and this week on the podcast, I have an interview with Dr. Joe Inglis from Biome9, who creates the same for dogs.Your dog's gut health offers a window into their overall well-being. Their gut microbiome can reveal valuable insights into their digestive health, nutrient absorption, and general health. This test provides a 'gut health score' and personalised dietary recommendations to support your dog's long-term health.The results can help identify issues with joints, skin, immunity, behaviour, and mental health that are linked to their gut microbiome. Whether you're a dog lover or a pet professional, understanding gut health is key to giving pets the best chance at living a healthy, happy, and long life.Joe and his colleagues at Biome9 hope to connect with pet professionals, and this episode is packed with valuable information to help you support the dogs you love and care for.Key topics and timings in this episode:0.02 - Episode introduction and what to expect.1.20 - What microbiome testing means for our pets' health.3.15 - Examples of what the gut microbiome test can reveal about a dog's health.6.56 - What happened when I tested Patch and why a low health score doesn't mean you've failed your dog.7.25 - The different factors impacting dog microbiome and how raw diet can affect results.9.55 - Dietary recommendations pet owners can implement from the results.13.32 - Case studies and customer feedback on Biome9's programmes.15.34 - The purpose and mission behind Biome9's work.19.17 - Perspectives on the 'humanisation' of pet care and Biome9's approach.25.31 - How pet professionals can partner with and support Biome9.27.28 - Upcoming research projects and collaborations for Biome9 and how they're working with Guide Dogs to learn about how the microbiome affects puppies.Links mentioned in this episode: Find out more about Biome9 at https://biome9.com/Read about what happened when Patch had a test and the recommendations on my pet blog: https://thepawpost.co.uk/health/what-happens-when-microbiome-test-dog/Further listening if you enjoyed this episode:Canine functional characters explained with Heather Stevens from Beyond the Breed Why Jade Statt is on a mission to help homeless pet ownersWhy Carla wants every pet owner to be able to have a district nurse to support themHannah Capon and her hopes for pet professionals to unite to tackle arthritis in dogsMarie Yates on why she is helping survivors of sexual violence through Canine HopeThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

As a pet business owner, showing up regularly and having a social media strategy is key for reaching and engaging with your target audience.&nbsp;One of the best ways to ensure you’re consistent and can make the sales you hope for is by creating a social media calendar.In this podcast, I'm chatting about the key reasons why you should create a social media calendar for your pet business, as well as the step-by-step process to make it happen.Key topics and timings in this episode: 0.02 - Episode outline.0.38 - About Pets Get Visible, the sponsor for this episode.2.32 - What to expect from this episode.3.10 - Why create a social media calendar for your pet business.5.34 - How to get started creating your social media calendar.6.05 - Step away from distractions and turn off your notifications.7.05 - What's happening the month ahead in your business?9.21 - What is happening in the world and your local area right now that's relevant to your clients.11.23 - Looking at the awareness days and dates in the diary coming up to see how they can fit into your content.12.41 - Pet business social media example from Sunnyside Cottage, my dog friendly holiday cottage.18.07 - How I can help you if you'd like support in being consistent with your social media.19.29 - How to get in touch.20.02 - Recommended listening if you found this episode helpful.Links mentioned in this episode:Is my Pets Get Visible pet business membership right for you?How to be more comfortable, confident and consistent with your pet business contentHow to put your passion and personality into your marketing with Alex McCannWays to build relationships to grow your pet business with Kerry JordanHow to use awareness days in your pet business contentBehind the scenes of the first 12 months at Sunnyside CottageThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

Fiona Pedley is known as The Canine VA, a virtual assistant specialising in supporting dog businesses.A former executive assistant working in corporate, Fiona began her self-employed journey in the 2020 lockdown, making the leap to start her own business.As a dog mum and having studied and worked as a dog trainer, she gravitated towards working with dog-related businesses and in 2024 rebranded as The Canine VA.In this episode, we chat about the challenges and lessons she’s learned along the way, how she supports her clients, and how her business has evolved.Plus, we discuss the challenges around being visible, ways to show up on social media that feel right for you, and the importance of networking and relationship-building in growing your business.With a string of awards and a waitlist of clients who want to work with her, Fiona has achieved so much in a short space of time in her business.I hope you find this episode inspiring, and you’ll find all the links to connect with her at the bottom of this post.Key topics and timings in this episode:0:02 - Introduction to Fiona and her business, The Canine VA.1:30 - Fiona's corporate background and transition to starting an online business.4:23 - How Fiona discovered the virtual assistant world during COVID-19 and decided to take a leap of faith and start her own business.6:14 - Why Fiona decided to specialise in working with dog businesses.10:10 - The main challenges Fiona's clients face, time constraints and technology and how she supports them,14:58 - How Fiona built her business through visibility and relationship-building.23:23 - Fiona's approach to content creation and social media.27:49 - Why Fional decided to rebrand and become The Canine VA.35:41 - What’s included in Fiona's new product line, including record books for dog groomers.44:43 - Fiona's advice for people feeling overwhelmed in their business.54:35 - How to find and connect with Fiona online.Links mentioned in this episode:Connect with Fiona via her website: http://www.thecanineva.co.uk/Follow her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCanineVAOn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaninevaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fiona-pedley/Further listeningThe power of building relationships in your pet business with Kerry JordanUsing your strengths to build a business you love with Sasha Louise SmithPutting you first and creating a pet business that makes you happy with Jane ArdernHow to feel more comfortable and confident with self-promotionIs my Pets Get Visible membership right for you?Why I trained as an...

In June 2023, I launched my first pet-related business, a dog-friendly holiday let called Sunnyside Cottage in Robin Hood’s Bay.&nbsp;In the first year, the bookings and takings have doubled compared to the previous year, and I’m sharing how in this podcast episode.It has always been a dream to have a holiday cottage and to make it as dog-welcoming as possible, so this has been an absolute joy.&nbsp;It’s also been an opportunity to try out the tactics I teach my clients when it comes to publicity and visibility.Since opening the doors, I’ve worked with journalists, bloggers, and influencers to get the word out about Sunnyside Cottage and put it firmly on the dog-friendly map.&nbsp;With social media, I’ve used Instagram and Facebook and cross-promoted through my blog and the social media pages of my coaching business.&nbsp;I’ve also utilised the network I’ve built up in the industry and been fortunate to have friends and family spread the word.This episode takes you behind the scenes so you can see what I’ve learned, plus tips and insights you can apply to your business.Key topics and timings in this episode:0.40 - What to expect from this episode.2.19 - Background to how I came to buy the cottage.3.25 - Celebrating being fully booked this summer.4.07 - The increase in income at the cottage from £12,000 a year to £23,000.5.06 - Keeping the expenses lean and why I’m a frugal Fiona!6.16 - The support I have from Baytown Holiday Cottages when it comes to marketing the cottage.7.20 - The first set of publicity we had including the Guardian, The Sun, Yorks Press, Dotty4Paws and WoofWagWalk and from Lynne Taylor coaching.9.10 - PR and reviews since August 2023.18.03 - Newsletter and blog coverage that has led to bookings and inquiries.20.40 - Why it helps to take people on the journey with you.21.05 - Why you SHOULD get excited about your business.21.27 - How taking care of guests will pay off and why you can’t be too over the top!22.52 - Using your network to build your client base and cross-promoting on your other social media.24.02 - The importance in having courage in your own convictions and doing what you think is right for your business and ignoring what other people say!26.10 - Why there is no ‘one thing’ that has made Sunnyside a success but lots of things working together.26.45 - Striving for constant improvement.27.05 - Supporting people who have supported me when it comes to items I have in the cottage.29.03 - Ways we can work together if you’re feeling inspired and want to work on raising your profile.Links mentioned in this episode:&nbsp;Book your stay at Sunnyside Cottage on the Baytown Website: https://baytownholidaycottages.co.uk/our-cottages/property?s=sunnyside-cottage-robin-hoods-bayDoing visibility my way at Sunnyside Cottagehttps://rachelspencer.co.uk/behind-the-scenes-sunnyside-cottage/Is this the UK’s most dog-loving holiday cottage: https://houndy.dogfuriendly.com/sunnyside-cottage-most-dog-loving-escape-in-robin-hoods-bay/The car-free seaside town with the best fish and chips: <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/travel/24472698/north-yorkshire-robin-hood-bay-staycation-travel-fish-chips/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Can understanding the different functional characters of the dogs you support help you as a pet professional?Heather Stevens is a dog trainer who is on a mission to educate people in the industry around this topic and believes it can.She'd spent her life training dogs and 10 years studying the different functional characters and helping pet professionals and owners identify the characters of different dogs.&nbsp;The process is a little like the Myers-Briggs personality tests you might have taken in the workplace.&nbsp;Heather believes this knowledge can help you match the dog you work with to the right activities and environments, improving communication and relationships between the dogs you support.In this episode, Heather explains about the different characters, how they all work together, and how understanding them can help you as a pet professional.Key topics and timings in this episode:0.20 - Episode overview.2.04 - About Heather and her work in the dog care industry.4.27 - How Heather came to write a book about the Canine Functional Characters.6.23 - What the eight functional characters are and the Nanny Guardian, who is an associate character.17.57 - Heather's mission and passion for us to have a deeper understanding of our dogs, as regular pet owners and pet professionals.19.10 - How knowing a functional character of a dog will improve your relationship and understanding.26.00 - Why Heather wants more pet professionals to know about the different Canine Functional Characters.31.20 - How it might work for different types of pet professionals.36.28 - Where you can learn more about Heather's workshops and how to take part.40.11 - How to get in touch with Heather.Links mentioned in this episode:Buy her book on Amazon:&nbsp;https://amzn.to/3w4TFfE*Visit her website for dates and times of workshops:&nbsp;https://www.beyondthebreed.co.uk/Follow her on Instagram:&nbsp;https://www.instagram.com/beyondthebreed/Join the Beyond The Breed Facebook Group:&nbsp;https://www.facebook.com/groups/1060551757675722Further listening/readingWhy Jade Statt is on a mission to help homeless pet ownersWhy Carla wants every pet owner to be able to have a district nurse to support themHannah Capon and her hopes for pet professionals to unite to tackle arthritis in dogsMarie Yates on why she is helping survivers of sexual violence through Canine HopeThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

Do qualifications matter when you’re working as a pet professional or running a pet business?This is a topic that comes up regularly on my coaching calls, and online, with a range of clients from different parts of the industry.It might be that you run a business creating products, and your qualifications might be around production, sustainability, marketing or HR if you have a team.You might have a pet service business and have studied for a range of accreditations and certifications to demonstrate your expertise.At the time of writing and recording this post and podcast (June 2024), there are still many areas of the pet industry that are unregulated.This means you can set up a business as a pet professional, and there is no requirement when it comes to qualifications.In this episode, I’m exploring whether this matters, or if people are more concerned with results.Key topics and timings in this episode:00:00 - Episode introduction and overview04:42 - Exploring the importance of qualifications11:10 - Research on qualifications and millennial pet owners13:37 - The different types of qualifications in the pet industry22:13 - The importance of understanding the values of your ideal clients24:05 - How you can balance credentials and results32:22 - Episode conclusion and wrap-upLinks mentioned in this episode: Report into millennial and Gen Z owners Veterinary PracticeCreate a pet business you love and put you first with Jane ArdernCaroline Wilkinson on growing a successful online dog training businessSeven ways to be the go-to expert as a pet professionalIn the spotlight with Katie Gwilt from The Kat LadyZoe Willingham from Best Behaviour Dog Training on building a successful dog training academyThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

Helen ‘Scotty’ King is a cartoonist and illustrator supporting business owners in the pet industry by bringing their messages to life.She works with all kinds of clients, including holiday cottage owners, product makers, coaches, and people providing pet services, capturing the essence of what they do.Helen says she was ‘rubbish’ at drawing growing up, but loved the work of Walt Disney as a little girl and set herself a challenge to learn to create cartoons.She studied for an online diploma in design, was supported by Steve Bright, the creator of the 1980s cartoon Bananaman, and started her own business creating cartoons.With her late dog Jasper as her muse, Helen found a love of creating canine scenes, and after a few years, decided to specialise in working with dog businesses.Helen has created hundreds of incredible stories for her clients, and her cartoons stop the scroll, create a lasting impression, and lead to sales and enquiries.In this interview, we talk about how she started her business, the variety of services she offers for pet owners and businesses, and the challenges of running a small business.Helen talks about dysautonomia, a nervous system disorder that began during her teens, and how she navigates this in life and business, plus the marketing systems that work for her, and ways she’s found support as a business owner. Topics and timings in this episode:0.20 - Introduction to the episode.1.47 - Helen shares how her business started and that she was ‘rubbish at drawing’ but went on a mission to learn.4.30 - What inspired Helen to niche into becoming The Dog Cartoonist.6.45 - Ways Helen went about getting the word out about her work.7.44 - How you can get 650% more engagement with an image than text.9.21 - The different ways Helen works with pet owners and businesses.11.40 - Examples of Helen’s visual storytelling.15.59 - How the cartoons can impact on social media reach.22.00 - Helen explains how dysautonomia affects her as a business owner and what dysautonomia means.26.20 - Helen’s feelings on being visible and the frustrations of the ever-changing algorithms.29.12 - What’s working on different platforms for Helen.31.25 - What has helped Helen in terms of support in being visible.32.25 - How being told to ‘Get Over Yourself’ by May King Tsang changed her approach and took away the fear.35.29 - Helen talks about her blog and newsletter and how they fit into her marketing and inspire her social media.39.31 - Why building relationships, the personal touch, and being consistent has helped Helen grow her business.41.42 - Advice for business owners who feel overwhelmed with the information we’re bombarded with about all the things we’re meant to do!44.00 - How Helen’s business is looking right now and the benefits of being in a community.47.49 - Ways to find out more about Helen.Connect with Helen:Website:&nbsp;&nbsp;https://www.scottyscartoons.co.ukFacebook:&nbsp;https://www.facebook.com/scottyscartoonsInstagram:&nbsp;https://www.instagram.com/scottyscartoonsTwitter/X:&nbsp;https://twitter.com/ScottysCartoonsLinkedIn:&nbsp;https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenscottyking/Links mentioned in this episode:&nbsp;Check out Bananaman on YouTube: <a...

In this bonus episode, I'm sharing key takeaways from the Business of Pets event organised by the Pet Industry Federation. This covers range of topics including the importance of having a mentor, the value of a strong support network, the need for a business plan, and the significance of knowing your numbers. Plus the power of storytelling, the impact of customer confidence on the pet industry, and the role of influencers in promoting pet brands. You'll also learn about the innovative products and brands showcased at the event.Key topics in this episode:Having a mentor is crucial for business success and personal growth.Building a strong support network is essential for overcoming challenges and avoiding loneliness.Creating a business plan and knowing your numbers are key to growth and profitability.Storytelling is a powerful tool for connecting with customers and building a brand.Customer confidence is growing in the pet industry, but affordability is still important.Influencers play a significant role in promoting pet brands and driving sales.Attending industry events and investing in them can lead to valuable insights and connections.Innovative pet products showcased at the event include bone broth, CBD-infused treats, and grooming tools.Investing in professional photography can enhance brand image and attract media coverage.The pet industry is constantly evolving, and staying informed and adaptable is crucial for success.Links mentioned in this episode: Be first to know of any future Pet Industry Federation eventsI can't stress how valuable it is to attend events like this and meet like-minded people, if nothing else to realise that you're not on your own in experiencing challenges.Going out and seeing other entrepreneurs will leave you feeling inspired, and you learn loads of things you can implement in your pet business.To find out more, visit: https://petfederation.co.uk/Finally, mentoring and coaching came up so many times and if you're reading this and you're looking to work with a qualified and accredited coach or mentor, hi, I'm here to help.I have the ILM Level 5 Accreditation in Coaching and Mentoring and am currently studying for ILM Level 7 certification in coaching executive and senior leaders.You can work with me one-to-one and I also run a VERY affordable membership, Pets Get Visible, where you can join two, one-hour, group coaching calls each month.This is just £30 a month and you can get 50% off your first month.Further readingWhy I trained as an accredited coach and what this means for your pet businessIs my Pets Get Visible pet business membership right for you?How to choose the right pet business membership The NatWest Accelerator and how it can help your pet business This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

Would you like support in growing your pet business and to feel part of a community by joining a membership?It can be lonely and overwhelming as a solo business owner, and there are always new skills and challenges to figure out.Being part of a community of other people who are in your industry and are experiencing the same thing can be valuable and that’s where memberships come in.Over the last ten years there has been a rise in online communities, and there are many different pet business ones you can be part of.It might be solely for people who do the same as you, such as a membership for dog trainers, or a broader membership where people who offer products and services for pets come together.When joining a pet business membership, it’s key to choose the one that’s right for you, and in this episode, I’m exploring the key things to consider.Key topics and timings in this episode:0.35 - Episode overview and what to expect1.15 - Why be part of a membership2.21 - Studies into the benefits of being in memberships3.16 - How being in a pet business membership can help 4.40 - How to find the right membership and things to consider and expect6.52 - Researching pet business memberships8.30 - Checking the reputation of the membership owner10.30 - Checking the coaching style of the membership owner15.10 - Will the delivery style in the membership suit you?16.15 - Is this a community you want to be part of?18.23 - What to expect from my pet business membership Pets Get Visible.Links mentioned in this episode:The Pets Get Visible membership includes:Learning resources library with templates, worksheets and videos on marketing topicsMonthly live workshops on visibility and publicityMonthly forward planning resources and content inspirationBi-weekly coaching calls for personalised support3 monthly co-working sessions to get content createdPrivate community Facebook group for support and collaborationDirectory listing on the top UK pet blog, The Paw PostAll for £30 per month, providing an affordable way to feel confident and consistent with their marketing.You can get a 50% discount on your first month, meaning it's just £15 - join Pets Get Visible for just £15.Plus, read or listen to Is my Pets Get Visible membership right for you?Or if you’d prefer one-to-one support, book a call and let’s chat.Related postsSarah Mills from Albie's Boutique interviewWhy I trained as an accredited coach and what that means for your pet businessHow to write a press release for your pet business This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

Can playing to your strengths rather than focusing on your challenges help you feel more comfortable with self-promotion?Sasha Louise Smith, a life coach supporting dog professionals, says embracing what makes you unique can help your business thrive, on your own terms.Sasha has worked in the dog industry since 2015, as a walker, trainer and dog boarder. She decided to train as a coach after experiencing burnout and benefiting from a mentor herself, Christina Cass from Epic Dog.Now an accredited coach, Sasha specialises in supporting neurodivergent clients, both diagnosed and undiagnosed, to help them navigate the challenges they face.From managing hyperfocus and loss of interest to dealing with Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria, Sasha shares practical strategies to play to your strengths.Whether you have an ADHD diagnosis or simply find yourself constantly starting new projects only to abandon them, this chat will help you see your differences can be your superpowers.Sasha's approach is all about embracing your individuality, creating systems and processes that work for you, and tapping into the support you need to thrive.In this episode, you'll gain lots of great advice about making life easier and being kinder to yourself as a business owner.Listen in on the player link below and connect with Sasha on social media on the links at the bottom of this post and let her know your thoughts on this chat.Key topics and timings in this episode:1:53 - Sasha's background as a life coach and small business mentor in the dog industry since 2020.2:31 - Why Sasha set up her own pet business in 2015 and how her rescue work, especially with border collies, developed her practical skills.4:59 - How finding a mentor in 2018 after a breakdown impacted her business and led her to step away from the training aspect of her dog business.5:57 - Why Sasha decided to focus on coaching and community support and joined Epic Dog as their community manager.6:44 - Supporting trainers in the 2020 lockdown and how this shaped her decision to expand her skills and qualifications to help business owners.11:23 - How Sasha's ADHD diagnosis in 2021 shaped her training experience and inspired her to seek out the right qualifications for her coaching and mentoring.14:56 - Sasha's advice on how to go about finding the right coach or mentor.10:25 - Sasha's personal experience of mental health challenges and how she went about gaining a formal ADHD diagnosis.24:12 - The three different types of ADHD and Sasha's approach to working with neurodivergent clients.29:57 - Common challenges Sasha's clients face, like starting and losing interest in projects, experiencing Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria, and feeling overwhelmed.34:36 - Sasha's perspective on the diverse qualities her clients bring to their businesses and why a neurodivergent diagnosis can be empowering.37:05 - Sasha's advice on finding the right ways to take care of yourself and your emotional wellbeing, and why it's okay to ask for support, whether through coaching or therapy.39:24 - Why you don't need a diagnosis to access educational resources if you're relatiing with some of the topics Sasha talks about.43:06 - Why it's okay to not be firing on all cylinders all the time and how your mental health can impact your capacity.44:35 - How to connect with Sasha on social media if you'd like to learn more.Links mentioned in this episode:Find Sasha on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CoachingbysashalouisesmithSign up for Sasha’s newsletter here: <a href="https://mailchi.mp/coachingbysashalouisesmith/stay-in-touch" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Are you looking to approach content creators to feature your pet business?In this podcast episode, I'm talking about why thinking 'What's in it for them,' rather than 'What's in it for me,' will drastically improve your pitch success rate.One of the exercises I do with my clients is to ask them to create a ‘wishlist’ of publications where they’d like to be published.Regularly, people will get in touch and say, ‘I want to be in this magazine or on this podcast or work with this blogger.’It might be a brand they’d love to collaborate with and they want to know the best way to approach it.And the key to success is to think, ‘What’s in it for them?’ What is in it for the journalist, content creator or brand in featuring or working with you?In this episode you'll learn how 'What's in it for them' works as a pitching approach, and how you can use it to improve your success rate.Key topics and timings in this episode:0.10 - Intro0.30 - Pets Get Visible sponsors this episode - find out more here: Is my Pets Get Visible membership right for you?2.01 - What 'what's in it for them' means3.26 - Building and nurturing relationships7.07 - Respecting time and value exchange9.29 - Why you shouldn't be surprised if you're asked for money10.00 - What is a value exchange?13.21 - Using the personal touch in pitching14.49 - Rachel's pitching examples18.35 - Pitching examples from pet business owners Wendy, Kerry and Louise23.46 - Conclusion and next stepsLinks mentioned in this episode: If you’d like a pitch framework, you can download my free podcast pitching guide here.And for further, personalised support on your ideas, come and join Pets Get Visible.Your first month is only £15 and you can get started here.Further reading on this topicIs my Pets Get Visible membership right for you?How to pitch yourself as a podcast guestHow to be the perfect podcast guestWorking with bloggers and influencers with Vicky GunnBest podcasts for the pet industryVisibility lessons from Sunnyside CottageThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

Would you love to secure press coverage for your pet business and need some story inspiration?You’ll find plenty in this blog post and episode of the podcast where I’m sharing my top 20 favourite stories from five years of helping clients get in the press.To celebrate the 200th episode of the Your Pet Business Content, Your Way podcast, I’ve rounded up a selection to show what journalists look for.Since I began working with small businesses supporting them with approaching the media, there have been over 1,000 pieces of coverage.From local outlets to the BBC Breakfast sofa and This Morning, I hope listening and reading these examples will show you what’s possible.And if you’d like to chat about working together, head to the ‘work with me’ section for a range of options to suit all budgets.Listen to this episode or head to my website to read many of the examples in the blog post here: https://rachelspencer.co.uk/top-20-pet-business-stories/Key topics and timings in this episode:2.28 - How this podcast started at Publicity for Pet Businesses.3.53 - What made me train as a coach.7.00 - How you can pitch to the press yourself and why I feel so passionately about showing business owners how to do this.8.03 - Story number 20 ‘Meet Carla Finzel, the district nurse for pets.’9.40 - Story number 19 ‘Kate Taylor on why dogs should be allowed everywhere like children.’12.20 - Story number 18 ‘Karen Boyce the puppy queen of Wales.’13.38 - Story number 17 ‘Doreen Potter, the Cumbrian dog trainer giving Romanian rescues a home.’15.07 - Story number 16 ‘Supporting your cat coming out of lockdown with Wendy Thomson in the Warrington Guardian.’16.14 - Story number 15 ‘Katie Gwilt The Kat Lady in Total Grooming.’18.23 - Story number 14 - ‘Helen Motteram on the mental health crisis facing our dogs in the Daily Mirror.’20.14 - Helen Motteram shares what it’s like to be on the BBC Breakfast sofa.22.11 - Story number 13 - ‘Caroline Wilkinson as a doggy agony aunt in the Guardian.’23.02 - Caroline on how publicity has helped her business.24.09 - Story number 12 - ‘Not all breeders are Cruella De Vil with Rebecca Walters.’25.23 - Rebecca talks about what it was like being in the press sharing her mission.29.15 - Story number 11 - ‘How to train your dog for social media stardom with Kerry Jordan.’30.15 - Kerry talks about being in her local lifestyle mag Cumbria Life.31.33 - Story number 10 - ‘A crisis can bring out the best in us - Suzanne Gould.’32.44 - Suzanne talks about how being in the spotlight has helped her stand out as a dog trainer.36.16 - Story number 9 - ‘Meet lockdown hero and Menopaws story Louise Humphrey.’37.31 - Louise shares how PR has positioned her as a pilates and canicross expert.38.29 - Story number 8 - ‘Jo Sellers on being a prisoner in her home in Take a Break.’39.52 - Jo on what it was like being in a real-life women’s magazine.41.20 - Story number 7 - ‘Emily Thomas why more people are turning to canicross and lots more.’42.56 - Emily on raising her profile as an authority in canicross.44.52 - Story number 6 - ‘Meet Zoe Willingham - the animal lover who lives with over 100 pets in the Daily Mirror.’47.38 - Zoe shares what it’s like to be in the press.49.27 - Story number 5 - ‘Becky Baker on The One Show and post-puppy blues.’50.54 - Becky on why you’ve just got to ‘go for it!’52.09 - Story number 4 - ‘Sarah Jones and her mission for dogs in yellow to get the space they need in the Daily Mirror.’55.23 - Sarah shares what being in the media has done for anxious dogs.56.07 -...

Do you find yourself worrying around how much engagement you have on your social media accounts?This is a topic I find comes up repeatedly on social media, in Facebook group conversations, and in the coaching calls I run in my membership.Pet professionals who are doing a brilliant job of caring for animals and supporting their clients, making brilliant products that make a difference.Yet they become tied up in knots with social media, trying to keep up with the ever changing demands of platforms run by billionaires.Social media is an incredible free tool to get your work seen, but it can also cause a lot of stress and frustration.One thing I wish wasn’t a cause of this is engagement.&nbsp;In this podcast episode, I’m talking about why I would LOVE for you to let go of any concerns you have around this, so it doesn’t hold you back, and so you can show up as the brilliant pet pro you are.Key topics and timings in this episode: 1:23 - The challenges pet professionals share about social media engagment2:38 - What is social media engagement5:24 - Why worrying about it can hold you back7:10 - Why normal people don't care about social media engagement8:35 - Would a lack of engagement stop you from buying?9:24 - Even social media experts struggle to get engagement 10:13 - Remember, you're a pet pro, you are not a social media expert11:51 - Worrying about a lack of engagement means you’re not getting seen13:36 - People can discover you on social media and then come OFF social media to find out more about you15:09 - It takes 10 to 15 touchpoints for people to decide to buy from you16:42 - Pet parents need to know the available choices19:08 - You want to dilute the aversive messages that are out there20:25 - Social media is a little bit like quicksand21:09 - Remember that people are lurking22:24 - Engagement doesn't pay the bills and an engaging post may generate no money 24:29 - You're winning just by showing up as research shows many people don't even bother25:22 - Be brave and post what you really want to say and you might surprise yourself27:11 - Sometimes it's just having a little confidence boost29:01 - Podcasts to listen to if you'd like to feel inspired31:15 - Final thoughts on posting and feeling confident31:40 - How I can support you in feeling more ok with self-promotionGet 50% off your first month in Pets Get Visible here: https://publicityforpetbusinesses.mykajabi.com/offers/7Hvpvxzr/checkout?coupon_code=PGV50Links mentioned in this episode: Creating meaningful content with Aileen StevensonHow to feel more comfortable and confident promoting your pet businessIf you’re not visible who misses out?Stuff the social media rules and do things your way with Colette AdwinPutting your passion and personality into your marketing with Alex McCannWhy I trained as an...

Are you fed up with feeling awkward when selling your product or service?If so, I think you’ll love this episode with sales expert Sara Dalrymple, author of More Sales Please, where we’re talking about letting go of the discomfort you feel around asking for money.You started your business because you wanted to do good work and make a difference, and for this to happen, you need to earn a living.You likely love doing your work, and Sara says that simply ‘developing a love of talking about what you do’ is the key to being a better salesperson.Selling is like a muscle, you have to work on it, build it up and maintain it, and in this interview Sara shares a simple way to do this.She talks through the journey your potential clients go through, from being cold and unfamiliar to warm and ready to make a decision to hot and ready to take action.Whether you’re a confident salesperson already or looking to get more comfortable with the process, I think you’ll love Sara’s no-fluff advice.*This post contains an affiliate link to Sara’s book, meaning if you buy a copy, I will be paid a small commission. This doesn’t affect your price and helps fund this podcast.Key topics and timings in this episode:2.36 - Sara’s background in corporate and how she came to specialise in sales training.5.23 - Why it’s ok to feel vulnerable when presenting what we offer online.6.19 - Sara’s thoughts on reframing sales as “talking about what you’re good at and asking for money.”9.43 - Accepting that there will always be challenges in the world and economy and that you need to be consistently visible to thrive.12.21 - Seeing our sales skills as a muscle we need to build and maintain.16.35 - Ways to figure out what your potential clients are looking for so you’re able to lay the information they need to decide to buy from you.20.16 - How to create content for the different stages of the journey, from a potential buyer being cold and unsure to warm and considering their options to hot and ready to buy.27.03 - Posting little and often and why it’s the compound effect of seeing you regularly rather than a few perfectly crafted posts that will lead to more sales.31.26 - Being strict with your time on social media and spending a maximum of 30 minutes a day on your posts.35.17 - Handling rejection and using this as an opportunity to clarify your messaging.37.25 - Having time and patience to let social media work with you and the compound effect to build.41.52 - How running a pet business is a gift when it comes to content creation because of the emotional connection we have with our animals.44.07 - Sara’s three steps to get started for sales phobics. Be clear on the value in what you offer, show up regularly, and get support.46.36 - Where to learn more about Sara and the best places to connect.Links mentioned in this episode:Buy Sara’s book More Sales Please on Amazon * https://amzn.to/4cQjUHeLearn more from Sara on her website: https://saradalrymple.co.uk/Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saleswithsara/Further reading&nbsp;Creating meaningful social media content with Aileen StevensonPutting you first and creating a pet business that makes you happy with Jane ArdernHow to feel comfortable and confident talking about your pet businessTaking the fear out of putting up your prices with Sally FarrantWhy I trained as a coach and what this means for your pet business&nbsp; Further...

Would you love to be an award-winning pet business?To gain recognition for the hard work you do and stand out from the competition?Whether you own a grooming salon, a pet shop, training or dog walking service, or you make products that make a difference, being involved in industry awards will boost your credibility and attract new customers.In this podcast episode, I'm sharing reasons you should aspire to be an award-winning pet business.Plus tips on choosing the right award for you and using your win to secure media coverage.Winning awards means you'll elevate your pet business, stand out from the crowd, and gain the recognition you deserve.And you’ll hear from two pet businesses who have won awards to inspire you.If this is something you'd like to work on, join my Pets Get Visible membership where the focus for April is awards and get 50% off your first month by clicking here.Key topics and timings:0.20 - Introduction1.29 - What to expect from this episode1.40 - Getting over the cringing feeling of looking for recognition3.48 - How you can get support with your awards process and applications5.50 - It's acceptable to self-nominate for awards6.30 - Consider the purpose of winning an award7.37 - Choose the right awards&nbsp;8.49 - How applying will refine your business messaging9.42 - Recognition demonstrates professionalism10.49 - Case study - Niki French12.10 - Awards boost confidence12.54 - Winning gives third party validation of business impact13.51 - Stand out from competitors15.42 - Social media buzz and engagement16.00 - Case study - Louise Humphrey17.54 - Opportunities for public relations20.45 - What to do if you’d like to work on applying for awards - come and join my workshop!Further reading on this topicHow winning the SBS award with Theo Paphitis can raise your profile10 takeaways from Theo Paphitis’ SBS event 2024Kirsty Skeates shares why you SHOULD be applying for awards for your pet businessHow to feel more comfortable and confident promoting your pet businessIs my Pets Get Visible membership right for youThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

What do you do when something happens in your life, and it means you have to stop everything in your business to deal with it?We live in an uncertain world, and the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic has shown that you don’t know what might be coming around the corner to turn your life upside down.And while your business is a huge part of your life, there are inevitable things that happen with your family and loved ones which, at times, mean they need to come first.Running a business is challenging during these times. You don’t have the usual time, energy, and resources to keep the plates spinning.So what can you do? In this podcast episode, I’m sharing some thoughts on how to navigate the day-to-day running of your business and taking care of yourself too.The last 12 months have been a stop-start time for me.And I’m talking about some of the lessons I’ve learned along the way in the hope it will be helpful for you if you’re experiencing the same.Key topics and timings in this episode:&nbsp;00:00 - Introduction1:29 - Defining a stop-start period4.44 - My own stop-start experience from the last 12 months7.46 - The difference between going through tough times as a business owner compared with an employee9.20 - Seven thoughts on how to navigate stop-start times.9:36 - 1. Accept that you can't do all the things10:36 - 2. Take the pressure off yourself13:29 - 3. Work out how much time you can dedicate to work15:22 - 4. Prioritise cash-generating activity17.30 - 5. Step away from things that will make you feel rubbish21:03 - 6. Accept that things will take longer than usual25:11 - 7. Be kind to yourself27:19 - Coaching exercise: Prioritising tasks30:13 - Final thoughts34:22 - How to keep in touchLinks mentioned in this episode:Further reading&nbsp;Navigating the rollercoaster of running a businessThe power of taking a pause in your pet business contentWhy I trained as an accredited coach and what this means for your pet businessHow to navigate controversy in your pet businessBuy Emotional Agility by Susan David here on Amazon.Listen to The Hit Factory playlist on Spotify&nbsp;https://www.instagram.com/rachelspencerukhttps://www.facebook.com/rachelspencerukhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelspenceruk/For more mindset musings, register for my newsletter which you can sign up to here:&nbsp;https://publicityforpetbusinesses.mykajabi.com/OptinThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

Each year Theo Paphitis puts on his Small Business Sunday winner's event in Birmingham to celebrate small businesses and give them a boost.It's a brilliantly inspiring day where Theo and his panel of experts give so much encouragement and line up fabulous speakers to educate and inspire you.This year, we had talks on using AI in your marketing from Google and a spotlight session from Susan Bonnar, founder of The British Craft House and a former SBS winner.NatWest chaired a panel discussion with success stories from their Accelerator program Maxine Laceby, founder of Absolute Collagen, Sanjay Agarwal, founder of Spice Kitchen and Shalom Lloyd from Naturally Tiwa skincare.The fireside chat this year was Stacey Solomon who brought the house down, and was mobbed by fans bringing her gifts and sharing how she'd transformed their businesses with her endorsements.In this podcast episode, I'm sharing my ten takeaways from the event.Key topics and timings:0.20 - What to expect from this episode.2.00 - Why the SBS community is such a special place to be a part of and how Theo gives you the reassurance we all need.2.30 - What is SBS and how it started.4.45 - How the SBS network can help you and provide support.5.34 - Takeaway 1 - Keep getting up - there will always be setbacks.7.30 - Takeaway 2 - Stop and sense-check your activities.9.05 - Takeaway 3 - Don’t be afraid to change.10.35 - Takeaway 4 - Why it's important to plan&nbsp;and look forward.12.20 - Takeaway 5 - Use AI as inspiration and a helpful assistant and not to do everything for you!16.11 - Takeaway 6 - You have to make money.20.11 - Takeaway 7 - Say yes to things even when it feels huge and scary.23.45 - Takeaway 8 - Let yourself off the hook with social media and be social put your community first.26.57 - Takeaway 9 - You need to be seen and the impact of a shout-out from Stacey Solomon - leading to £100,000 of sales for Stamptastic.29.41 - Takeaway 10 - Why it's ok ask for help.Links mentioned in this episode: How Theo Paphitis' Small Business Sunday award can raise your pet business profileTheo Paphitis launches SBS investHow the NatWest accelerator can help your pet business Finding support for your pet business in Pets Get VisibleThe rollercoaster that is running a small business This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

Are you thinking of joining my Pets Get Visible membership?If so, this podcast episode is for you.&nbsp;Inside you’ll learn what the membership is, the different elements inside of it, and what’s in it for you if you join.Plus my clients Helen and Nina share their experience of being part of it.If you know you’re ready to join, here’s the link:&nbsp;&nbsp;https://publicityforpetbusinesses.mykajabi.com/pets-get-visibleKey topics and timings in this episode0.43 - this week's topic - my Pets Get Visible membership.2.01 - Why I made the membership.2.57 - Why doing things your way is so important and why I'm so passionate about person centred coaching.4.17 - How the resource library works.6.08 - How the forward planning resources work and help you overcome the blank page.10.07 - The monthly workshops and the kind of things we cover.12.41 - How coaching works inside of a membership and why I believe being accredited as a coach is valuable in caring for my clients wellbeing.17.20 - The supportive nature of the group.18.52 - Helen King from Scotty's Cartoons shares her experience of coaching inside Pets Get Visible.20.02 - The Facebook group and what to expect in the community when it comes to support.21.44 - What happens on the co-working calls.23.15 - Nina Fotara from Confident Canine Dog Training talks about the co-working sessions.25.15 - The benefits of having your business listed on my pet blog for your website.27.17 - Building your confidence inside of the membership.29.02 - How to get in touch if you'd like to join - email [email protected] or find me on social media @rachelspenceruk.Links mentioned in this episodeIf you want to join, head to the sign-up page here: https://publicityforpetbusinesses.mykajabi.com/pets-get-visibleOnce you've registered, you'll have instant access, and you'll be invited to the members' Facebook community. Any questions, let me know and it would be great to see you thereFurther listening if you found this helpfulWhy I trained as a coach and what this means for your pet businessThe Trust Equation and how to use it to build trust in your pet business&nbsp;What’s your pet business culture and why it mattersNavigating the rollercoaster of running your own pet businessGetting comfortable, confident and consistent in your pet business marketingThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

Is your pet business marketing in need of some tender loving care?I’d love to invite you to my ‘Show your pet business some love’ challenge.It’s a free five day challenge taking place from February 12th - 16th 2024 where you shake things up in your pet business and remember why you fell in love in the first place!With Valentine’s Day coming, I decided to create a free event around showing the love and you can learn what to expect in this episode.SAVE YOUR SPACE HERE: https://publicityforpetbusinesses.mykajabi.com/show-some-love-challengeKey topics and timings:0.00 - Introducing the challenge and the idea behind showing some love.1.55 - What the challenge will do.2.10 - Who the challenge is for - the different kinds of business.3.18 - The reasons why your pet business might need showing some love.4.13 - The difficulties faced by pet businesses at the moment.6.31 - Why it's helpful to take a step back and assess what you're doing in your pet business.11.37 - What to expect from the challenge.13.02 - How to register for the challenge.Links mentioned in this episode:Register for the challenge: https://publicityforpetbusinesses.mykajabi.com/show-some-love-challengeJoin my free Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/publicitytipsforpetbusinessesAnd if you're reading this in the future, after the challenge has ended, sign up for my newsletter to be the first to know of any future challenges and free training.Opt in for the newsletter here.Further listening if you enjoyed this episodeOvercoming comparisonitis with Kate HoyleWhy Imposter Syndrome can be your friend with Nicola Kinnard Comedie The rollercoaster of running a small businessCreate content for your clients not your peers with Erin MooreThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

What do you do when you see pet professionals who use aversive methods being given a platform to share their views?And when your kind, force-free training methods are challenged in the mainstream media?This podcast is in response to a recent story in The Times newspaper about ‘How man’s best friend became the master.’In the article, positive reinforcement training was mocked and challenged, and Colin Tennant from the Cambridge Institute of Dog Training and Behaviour was quoted as having said: “If you treat your dog like a human, it will treat you like a dog.”The story was followed up on This Morning where presenter Rochelle Humes introduced the topic, saying: "How dogs are being turned into Hell Hounds because owners are treating them like humans.”This has caused a lot of debate among pet professionals.In this episode, taken from a Facebook live, I explain how you can respond, why it’s important to put your perspective and kind methods out there so people can choose you, and my own experience of working with an aversive trainer.Plus, why journalists DO want to hear from you, ways to find them, and how I can support you if you’d like to work on this.Key topics and timings in this episode:0.20 - Intro and overview of this episode.0.45 - The coverage on The Times and This Morning challenging force-free training.1.45 - How you can work with me and get support approaching the press.2.24 - Facebook live and introduction to the Times story - 'How man’s best friend became the master.'3.40 - Coverage on This Morning - 'How dogs are being turned into Hell Hounds because owners are treating them like humans.’4.05 - The emotions around force-free training and why it’s frustrating seeing your methods questioned.4.35 - Colin Tennant quote ‘If you treat your dog like a human, it will treat you like a dog.’6.20 - My perspective on training and why I support training with kindness.7.06 - How you can respond to information you disagree with being put in the public domain.8.04 - Sharing your approach and inviting people to share their thoughts.8.28 - Getting curious about people’s thoughts on these challenging perspectives.9.05 - My personal experience of working with an aversive trainer and why I feel so passionately about getting pet pros who train with kindness seen.12.30 - What I’ve learned and mistakes I’ve made as a dog owner.13.40 - People who watch TV shows need support because they want to understand their dogs better.14.20 - Share what you do, why you do it, how you do it, and why you use those methods.14.59 - Understand why people find the DogFather charming.16.43 - Why nothing stops you from approaching journalists and where and how to find them, including This Morning researchers.17.40 - How this story is tomorrow’s chip paper.18.45 - Why regular owners see the DogFather as a charming man who cares.20.43 - Responses to Facebook live comments.22.03 - How we can work together if you’re fed up with seeing the same faces and names in the media for less than the cost of a takeaway each month.Further reading/listening on this topic:Nine things dog trainers need to know when dealing with journalists.Is my Pets Get Visible membership right for you?How to get press coverage from Facebook groups with Jill Foster.How to

Do you need to write a press release about your pet business? You're in the right place!This episode will cover everything you need to know when it comes to creating a press release for your pet business. But what I’m really keen to stress is that there is more to landing press coverage than writing a press release.What journalists want are stories, and by the end of this episode, you’ll have a sense of how to go about finding them in your pet business, plus what you can do if you’d like some support.Key topics and timings in this episode:0.20 - Introduction to the podcast and topic.0.46 - Why I've re-recorded this episode from 2020.1.38 - My background and how this will help you with your press release.4.28 - Why journalists aren't bothered about press releases and what they really want instead.4.57 - What to expect from this episode.5.19 - Definition of a press release.5.54 - Why you as a business owner are capable of writing one yourself.6.55 - Why there's never been an easier time to connect with the press.7.44 - Why have a press release and how being in the press gives third party validation.9.20 - When you might need a press release.10.53 - Examples of what makes a story from Zoe, Rachel and Sarah.16.33 - Story idea prompts for if you're stuck for ideas.17.40 - How to write your press release.19.00 - Why you want your story to be click-baity.22.59 - What else you need to include with your press release.25.27 - What you shouldn't do with your press release.28.01 - Options for working together if you'd like support.28.45 - How press coverage has helped my dog friendly business go from ghost town to fully booked.29.36 - What to expect from the membership.31.18 - How my 1-1 calls work.Background on the host: If you’re new to the podcast and you’ve clicked on this episode because you need to write a press release, here’s a little background about me.I’m a journalist and have been since 1999, a whopping 25 years ago, writing for local, regional, and national newspapers.In 2006 I went freelance, and since then, I have continued to work for national titles, women's magazines, and websites. I found myself writing about the pet industry after adopting my friend's dog Daisy in 2009, and this led me to start my own pet blog.My blog, www.thepawpost.co.uk, appeared in the top 10 UK pet blogs, and businesses and brands would approach me about being on it, and when they found out I was a journalist, they asked for help in landing press coverage.This led to me writing a book, 'Publicity Tips for Pet Businesses,' starting a Facebook group, working one-to-one with people, starting an online course, this podcast, then a membership.Since 2019, I’ve helped over 1000 pet business owners appear in newspapers, magazines, radio, TV, including BBC Breakfast, websites, podcasts, and more.Further reading or listening if you enjoyed this episode: Is my Pets Get Visible membership right for you?How to prepare for a radio interview with Anna WebbWhat happens on a Get Your Pet Business in the Press 1-1Dos and Don't when dealing with journalists<a...

What do you need to create a successful online dog training business?Caroline Wilkinson from Barket Place is a dog trainer, behaviourist, and online pet coach and created her digital business way before the world went online.Her background is in digital marketing and when her first dog Ezri came into her life she wanted to learn more about how our dogs think and feel.So she decided to study dog training and behaviour, first shadowing another pet professional, then studying to become a trainer and a behaviourist.Caroline built a local service business through networking, collaboration, supporting pet carers in her area and was able to step away from marketing.Then she combined her former career and her passion to create Barket Place, an online training and support community for pet parents.She works with pet brands as an expert, including Forthglade pet food and Dorwest Herbs and has been featured in publications including the Telegraph, the Guardian and Edition Dog.In this episode, Caroline shares her journey and you’ll learn what goes on behind the scenes to running a successful online business.Key topics and timings in this episode:01:30 - Introduction to Caroline’s business and her background in Digital Marketing.03:54 - Why Caroline decided to make the transition to having an online business.07:03 - Caroline talks about the challenges of launching an online dog training business.10:06 - The importance of building an audience and marketing.11:46 - How Caroline went about building a community to make her online business sustainable.15:18 - The nuts and bolts of creating and building an online business and Caroline’s advice for other pet professionals who might be thinking of taking their business online18:24 - Why it’s important to be visible and authentic.22:21 - How collaboration and working with others can help you grow your online business.24:54 - PR and media opportunities and the impact they have had on Caroline’s authority.27:32 - Why relationships and support are key when you’re working online.30:02 - Navigating social media and stepping away from drama online.32:06 - Caroline shares the marketing strategies she’d found have worked for her business.34:25 - Why we mustn’t forget about prioritising wellbeing and self-care.38:12 - Why it’s ok to do things your own way.40:48 - What’s next for Caroline?43:01 - Where to find out more about Caroline and Barket Place.&nbsp;Links mentioned in this episode:Visit Caroline's website at www.barketplace.ukFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/barketplaceFree Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/connectwithyourdogInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/barketplace/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZb9QUR4sc6Fmq9R1j1D4XgJoin our club: Barketplace.uk/clubPodcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/supporting-both-ends-of-the-lead/id1657034916My interview with Caroline back in 2019 about Mindful Living and our dogs: <a href="https://thepawpost.co.uk/health/mindful-living-dogs-caroline-wilkinson/"...

Are you ready to plan out 2024 for your pet business?Whether the start of the New Year has you brimming with enthusiasm or you’d rather ease yourself in gently, it’s likely you’ve been thinking about what you’d like to accomplish.And if you’d like some structure and support around this, I’d love to invite you to a 'Plan Your Prosperous 2024' workshop.It’s happening on Tuesday, January 9th, at 7 pm, and there is a replay if you can’t make it live.Together we’ll look at your personal, financial, and visibility goals for the year and plan out your publicity too.We’ll refresh your pet business vision and focus on who your clients are, what they need, and how you can connect with them.This podcast gives an overview of what to expect from the workshop, and you can book your place by clicking here.Key timings in this episode:0.12 - Introduction and what to expect1.02 - What to do if you’d like to come along to the 'Plan Your Prosperous 2024' workshop at 7 pm on January 9th, 2024What to expect from the workshop and the cost (£30)2.32 - Why plan in the first place3.02 - Forward planning as a journalist4.30 - What happens when life gets in the way and how a plan can help6.30 - What’s covered in the session, personal, financial, and visibility goals7.30 - Taking care of you8.12 - The content refresh and finding content you enjoy9.12 - Creating a publicity plan10.12 - The publicity you control12.34 - How to join the workshop13.42 - What to do if you’re listening after the workshop has taken placeLinks mentioned in this episodeDownload the Plan Your Prosperous 2024 workbook for FREE here Join Pets Get Visible and get the workshop and a month of support for £30 hereIs my Pets Get Visible membership right for youThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

Is raising your profile and feeling more confident when it comes to being visible one of your goals for 2024?If so, it would be great to chat about working together!As a journalist, pet blogger, and visibility coach specializing in working with small businesses in the pet industry, I’d love to help you get noticed.There are a range of options to choose from, starting with my budget-friendly Pets Get Visible membership to working together one to one.In this podcast episode, I’m outlining the difference between each option and how I can support you in getting your pet business seen.Key topics and timings:0.20: What to expect from this episode.2.04: My background in journalism, the pet industry, and as a pet business coach.3.58: Why I trained as a coach in 2022.6.03: My pet business - a dog-friendly holiday cottage.6.50: What to expect from my Pets Get Visible membership.7.00: How the forward planning, coaching, and community work in Pets Get Visible.12.04: Coaching options - 1-1 for an hour.13.01: One-to-one bundle sessions of three or six months.13.40: What’s included in my Mastermind for pet businesses.17.50: How my content projects work.19.48: Why 'closed mouths don't get fed,' so it’s important to talk about how people can work with you.21.00: How to keep in touch and Christmas wishes for 2024.Links mentioned in this episode: Want to chat about a one-to-one support package or joining the Mastermind? Book a call here:&nbsp;https://calendly.com/rachelspenceruk/discovery-callsFind me in my Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/publicitytipsforpetbusinessesOn Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/rachelspencerukOn Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/rachelspencerukOn LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelspencerukFurther reading and listening:&nbsp;Is my Pets Get Visible membership right for you?Why I trained as a coach and what this means for your pet businessVisibility lessons from Sunnyside Cottage, my dog-friendly businessThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

How was 2023 for you? Is it a year you’re happy to look back on or one you’d rather forget?This week’s podcast is about reflecting on the last 12 months because there will be high points and inside of the challenges there are always lessons.It’s also about looking forward to 2024 and thinking about what you want for your business for the year ahead.So that you can break your goals down into manageable milestones and think about what you’d like to focus on.The episode also talks about being kind to yourself when you reflect and set your future goals, and letting go of things that aren’t working anymore.Plus how having an accountability buddy by your side will help you when the road gets rocky, and when you want to whoop about your wins.Inside I’m sharing lots of personal anecdotes about 2023, what’s in store for 2024 and why a business mini-break might be just what you need to kick off the year. Key topics and timings in this episode:1.01 - What to expect from this episode.1.42 - Background to my experience with having an accountability buddy.3.40 - The benefits of having a business or accountability buddy and why that helps you bring your goals to life.4.20 - An overview of how Kerry and I reflected on 2023 and planned for 2024.4.40 - My goal to run an in person event next year.5.31 - Mindset challenges we discussed during our retreat.6.38 - Trying out outdoor coaching with Kerry.9.39 - Ways to reflect on 2023 - not an easy year and how world events can impact on us.10.48 - Pick three things you’re proud of from 2023.11.04 - Did you learn any new skills? How did you grow?14.24 - The importance of reflecting with self-compassion and kindness.15.12 - Deciding on what you could let go of when it comes to reflecting on the year.17.07 - Considering your goals for 2024.18.05 - Do your goals fit in with your business vision?20.04 - Keeping track of your goals. What will your milestones be?&nbsp;21.17 - Deciding on whether you set 30, 60 or 90 day goals.23.47 - Building reflective practice into your business, no matter what you do.24.16 - The role of a business buddy and why everyone should have one.28.16 - How you can work with me if you’d like to try coaching.Links mentioned in this episode:Business of Authority podcast: https://www.thebusinessofauthority.com/episodes/planning-your-bets-for-next-yearJoin my Pets Get Visible membership: https://rachelspencer.co.uk/pets-get-visible-right-for-you/Book a call if you’d like to chat about working together 1-1: https://calendly.com/rachelspenceruk/discovery-callsFurther reading and listening: Creating a pet business that makes you happy with Jane Ardern Navigating the rollercoaster of running your own pet businessWhy I trained as a coach and what this means for your pet businessThe Trust Equation and building confidence...

Have you ever thought about the culture of your pet business?This topic came up recently during a discovery call with a client, and I realised I had never taken the time to define my own.Your culture is comprised of the values, beliefs, behaviors, and environment that shape your brand or business.It plays a significant role in how you operate and communicate with prospective customers and clients, influencing how people experience your brand and why they choose you.In this episode, I cover why your culture matters, how to define it, and how to effectively communicate it.Plus examples from pet business owners in my community, demonstrating how they embody their culture and bring it to life.Topics and timings: 0:20 - Episode overview and what to expect.2:30 - What is a pet business culture?4:52 - Three key reasons for articulating and defining your pet business culture.7:55 - How to go about capturing and defining your culture and things to consider.10:17 - Sharing your pet business culture with your community and potential clients and customers.12:14 - Consider using a Fair Play Agreement to send to clients regarding how you work and your culture.14:12 - Case study - the culture inside my Pets Get Visible community.22:45 - Pet Business examples: Laura Hebberd from Pure Dog Adventures, Sarah Jones from My Anxious Dog, Zoe Willingham from Best Behaviour Dog Training, Debbie Humphreys from Redhound for Dogs, Kerry Jordan from Fur and Fables photography, and Kerry Whitney from Franky’s Bowtique.32:04 - I’d love to hear about your pet business culture and how to get in touch.34:15 - What to do if you’d like to work with me - email [email protected] or message me on social media @RachelSpencerUKLinks mentioned and further reading: Brene Brown list of values (https://brenebrown.com/resources/dare-to-lead-list-of-values/)How to reach people in your community with Collin FunkhouserWays to feel confident talking about your pet business with Osmaan ShariffIs my Pets Get Visible membership right for you?Building a community around your pet business with Sandra Emmons from HappipupThe power of building relationships to grow your pet business with Kerry JordanWhy I trained as a coach and what this means for your pet businessThe Trust Equation and building confidence in your pet businessThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

Tracey McLennan is a dog trainer specialising in working with dogs with high prey drive.After studying for a degree and a Masters, decided she wanted to have her work feature in a journal.It was a challenging process with her surveying over 2,000 dog owners and studying over 90 videos of dogs.And earlier this year Tracey had her findings published in the Journal of Applied Animal Behaviour Science.In this podcast episode, we chat about her journey from working in IT to following her dream and becoming a full-time dog trainer.Tracey talks about how she’s built a successful online business and thriving membership and how she takes her long-form content and turns it into engaging material for her community.We cover how her own experiences with her own dogs Ren, Cuillin and Calgacus have changed her life and shaped her work.Plus managing the algorithms on social media so what you see has a positive impact on your mental health, and why it’s ok to step away from what everyone else is doing and have courage in your own convictions.Tracey is such a brilliant, hard-working, caring pet professional with so much valuable advice to share to inspire you to follow your passions.Key topics covered along with timings:&nbsp;02:00 - Introduction to Tracey and her background.03:05 - Why Tracey decided to focus on working around the topic of prey drive, studying at Bishop Burton College.04:49 - Volunteering for charities and working with dogs in Paws for Progress, a scheme working with dogs and people in prison.05:30 - Returning to Bishop Burton to do a Masters following being made redundant and making the decision to switch from reactivity to prey drive for her dissertation.06:35 - Discovering the need for research into prey drive and gaining inspiration from the struggles she’d had with her own dogs Cuillin and Calgacus.10:15 - How Tracey found that the information she was reading around prey drive didn’t match up with her experience with her own dogs and why this inspired her to carry out her study into the topic.11:24 - Tracey’s experience of carrying out her own research.17:15 - The determination it took to complete the research and pursue having her work published in an academic journal.20:22 - The benefits of having her work published on Tracey both as a pet professional and a business owner.23:51 - How having her Cocker Spaniel puppy Ren (now aged three) benefited Tracey during her studies as a living breathing case study.26:54 - The research process and how Tracey used this to grow her audience and her authority, and inspired a useful download that has helped to build trust with pet owners.31:51 - What it feels like to have your work published in a journal and the impact on Tracey’s self-belief and confidence.35:45 - How Tracey’s research has changed attitudes to managing and working with prey drive in dogs.37:32 - Tracey’s thoughts on prey drive and why it’s not about finding a solution, stopping or fixing it, but finding a happy solution which is fulfilling the need that prey drive is and having their attention on you as a pet owner or guardian.40:00 - How Tracey’s research and published work have fuelled her business and helped her thrive.40:47 - Her first experience of selling online courses and why she made the decision to move to a membership model.42:01 - Tracey’s 5 Day High Prey Drive Challenge and her year-long membership and how she supports her community.46:10 - Taking her passion from helping people in IT in her former career and using this in her new business.52:49 - Using the material she’s created on social media and how Tracey manages her social media.55:27 - Tracey’s advice as a former IT professional on managing the algorithms to see content you want rather than what triggers you.58:19 -...

You know what you offer in your pet business makes a difference, but how do people know you’re there to help if they don’t know what you do?When it comes to creating content to effectively market your work so you CAN reach the people out there who need you, there’s so much conflicting advice.New platforms, different demands, the latest trends, it’s no surprise it leads to huge overwhelm and makes you want to hide away.Returning to the question ‘how will they know you’re there to help?’ can be encouraging when it comes to your marketing.And success with your content comes in stages, first you get comfortable, then you get confident, then you get consistent and your hard work will pay off.In this episode, I’m talking you through these stages with examples from my own experiences as a content creator too.Key topics and timings in this episode:0.20 - Introduction to this episode&nbsp;and what inspired it2.32 - Why we use our time and energy to create content in the first place and the opportunities it creates3.17 - Attraction marketing and how this could work for your business4.37 - Examples of attraction marketing for pet professionals5.21 - How my Christmas Content Cracked Guide can help you get started6.56 - How content can help people choose you (or not)10.11 - How your content can dilute the message from aversive trainers11.04 - Thoughts on content pillars and taking a relaxed approach13.29 - Thinking like a journalist with your content16.58 - Making people feel positive with your content and avoiding shame17.05 - Why content can be websites, in person, networking, word of mouth, print, PR19.02 - Feeling comfortable with putting your content out there and letting go of caring what people think20.48 - Letting go of the need for perfection21.13 - Why I was utterly terrified the first time I posted on Facebook27.14 - Getting confident with your content and how it takes time28.34 - Remembering the confidence you have in your product or offer and channeling this into your content32.15 - Consistency and why it’s ok to show up 80% of the time32.50 - Why I had to just stop this year with content and how that impacted my business34.36 - Case study, why Kat Coroy’s consistent emails have inspired me to want to work with her37.18 - What to do if you’d like to work with me and get comfortable, confident and consistent with your contentLinks mentioned in this episode: Listen to the podcast with Natasha about Content MonstersHow to get my Christmas Content Cracked Guide&nbsp;Creating meaningful content with Aileen StevensonBuilding a community around your pet business with Sandra EmmonsHow networking can grow your pet business with Hayley HiltonLessons from Sunnyside CottageIn the spotlight with Debbie Humphreys from Redhound for DogsDebbie’s <a...

Learn from Natasha Courtenay-Smith about how to keep up with the content monsters and what being visible means for a small business for the next three years.Natasha is a journalist turned digital marketing expert who has a string of businesses including Buddy and Lola, a pet supplement brand.She's a powerhouse with a capital P when it comes to marketing and we talk about content monsters and the lessons small business owners and solopreneurs can learn from big brands and gurus like Gary Vaynerchuk when it comes to being visible.Natasha shares how she grew Buddy and Lola, her own pet supplement brand, how she keeps up with the demands of the content monsters, her predictions when it comes to social media and marketing for the next three years and ways to repurpose your content to lighten the load.Plus why having a pet business is a gift when it comes to landing press coverage and going viral on social media.And how letting go of caring about how you look and what people think will enable you to keep up with big brands and feel less overwhelmed.Key topics and timings&nbsp;in this episode:2.06 - Natasha’s background.3.43 - Natasha’s businesses including Buddy and Lola, a pet supplement brand.4.48 - Behind the scenes of Buddy and Lola and what Natasha and her team have learned from launching on Amazon, moving to Shopify and having a successful small team.7.57 - Why pet brands are in a brilliant position when pitching to the press as they have so many fascinating stories to package and share.10.45 - How Natasha and the Buddy and Lola team have been gathering stories to approach the media and examples of the ideas they’ve discovered from their community.12.57 - Why giving a journalist an easy life will help you and help you get in the press.14.33 - The content monsters and the challenges they give to small business owners.16.06 - Natasha’s advice when it comes to comparing your business to other brands that were created at a different time and were able to capitalise on algorithm opportunities.17.32 - The opportunity presented (and challenges) to businesses by vertical videos and why Natasha believes this organic opportunity is here to stay for the next three years at least.18.11 - Why viral content doesn’t happen overnight and we need to keep dropping assets into the cauldron that is social media.&nbsp;19.42 - Case study - Kerry Whitney from Franky’s Bowtique and how she went viral and how pet brands have a far stronger chance of going viral.21.38 - Why Natasha decided to put together a White Paper on Content Monsters and the challenges for creative teams and e-commerce brands.&nbsp;25.27 - How setting up your own offshore production can help, and Natasha’s work with The Edit Squad.26.40 - Why Natasha is focusing on organic content over paid ads, how she manages her own content and a behind the scenes of her content creation process.28.50 - The importance of getting regular ‘underlying bass drum’ content out every day for Natasha.30.05 - Letting go of worrying about what you look and sound like and why you don’t need to be ‘done up’ on every video.32.19 - How stopping listening to other people will stop you feeling anxious about putting yourself out there - unless it’s Gary Vaynerchuk.38.24 - The future of long-form content and changes in SEO.38.57 - Why people do still want to read more and the best ways to invest your time when it comes to repurposing your content.41.45 - What to expect from Natasha’s White Paper, The Conundrum of Creative Production - Why your brand struggles with creative production in the TikTok era and three solutions that work.44.16 - Why picking up your phone and mastering creating your own content and being uncomfortable is the way to keep up.46.54 - How to find out more about Natasha and...

Christmas is right around the corner and this is such an exciting time for you and your pet business. People love spending money on pets during the holidays, whether it’s treating their furry family members to new toys, tasty treats, fun accessories, and more. If you provide a service, you’ll likely be in high demand as a pet sitter, groomer, or trainer helping pets be on their best behaviour when visitors call round. So it’s vital for pet parents get to see you and for you to showcase how your products or services can enhance their holiday season. And the sooner you spread the holiday cheer, the more sales and bookings you're likely to make.In this podcast, I’m sharing tips from my new Christmas Content Cracked guide, packed with social media ideas, campaign plans and more to help you connect with pet parents this holiday season.Head here to get the Christmas Cracked download for just £9.99.Key timings in this episode:0.20 - Introduction0.50 - Why it’s important to plan ahead and think about Christmas in November or earlier.1.53 - Spending on pets and pet products and why that’s good news for you and your pet business.3.56 - How to get the Your Pet Business Christmas Content Cracked guide.&nbsp;4.10 - Report from Talking Retail study by Vyper - an online retail platform.5.31- The different ways pet parents spend money and why it’s key to be creative.6.13 - How having a holiday campaign can lead to sales for December and the New Year and why my Christmas Content Cracked guide can help you.7.48 - How business owners feel about planning content.8.44 - What to expect from the guide&nbsp;- how to create a Christmas offer.- how to turn something you do all year round into a festive offer.- who needs to see it.- when you need to put your content out.- inspiration for holiday content.- marketing ideas to get your community involved.11.00 - Case study Helen Scotty King.11.56 - Case study Debbie Humphreys.13.10 - Connecting the dots between your Christmas content and linking it to ways to earn money.14.36 - What to do if you want to get your Christmas Content Cracked.15.12 - What to do if you’d like more support.Links mentioned in this episode: Get your Christmas Content Cracked guide here for just £9.99 here: https://publicityforpetbusinesses.mykajabi.com/offers/iHYbdYh6Vyper research on spending on pets: https://www.talkingretail.com/news/industry-news/pet-spending-not-impacted-by-cost-of-living-crisis-research-shows-05-10-2023/ Find out more about Debbie Humphreys at Redhound for Dogs: https://www.redhoundfordogs.com/Learn about Zoe Willingham from Best Behaviour Dog Training: https://www.bestbehaviourdogtraining.co.uk/See Helen 'Scotty' King's creations: https://www.scottyscartoons.co.uk/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

When you're running a business, it often feels like there's never a moment to catch your breath, with a constant stream of tasks demanding your attention.This week's podcast looks into the significance of occasionally hitting the pause button. This allows you to assess what's working, take stock, and give yourself a moment to breathe!I'll be discussing how the concept of 'pause' functions in coaching, whether you're in the role of a coach or a coachee (client). Remember that any form of educating your clients is a type of coaching.Plus, we'll look at the value of taking a break from your content creation process, especially if you regularly produce long-form content like blogs, vlogs, or podcasts.This can be quite demanding, and taking breaks provides the opportunity to analyze what resonates with your audience or community. Understanding what they find most valuable means you can produce more of the content they enjoy.I'm also sharing the power of a 'mini-pause'. When you're feeling overwhelmed and frazzled, even stepping outside for a mere 15 minutes can do wonders.Topics and timings in this episode: 0.20 - Introduction to this episode&nbsp;1.10 - Why the podcast is taking a break.1.50 - The power of the pause in business and coaching.&nbsp;3.10 - What a pause gives you as a coach.3.55 - What the pause gives to your client or coachee.8.20 - The power of pause in your content and why it’s ok to take a break.9.10 - How long it takes to create and promote this podcast.10.40 - Don't feel guilty for stepping off the content treadmill, particularly if you create long form content like a blog, podcast or video.12.54 - Why I’m pausing to improve what I offer.16.10 - Advice on pitching to podcasts and making it about them not you.17.14 - Recap over the guests from this season.23.12 - How I choose guests for this podcasts.24.20 - Taking a mini-pause when you’re feeling stuck.26.17 - How the beta and alpha waves work in your brain.28.07 - What to do if you would like to work together - head to my work with me page here.Links mentioned in this episode:The power of building relationships with Kerry JordanStep away from the computer and meet your community with Hayley BonwickWhat happens outside your comfort zone with Sarah JonesGrowing your pet business with networking with Hayley HiltonCreating a pet business that makes you happy with Jane ArdernHow the Trust Equation works for your pet businessNavigating controversy as a small business ownerThe rollercoaster of being your own boss Join Pets Get Visible: <a href="https://publicityforpetbusinesses.mykajabi.com/pets-get-visible" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

When you make a decision in your pet business, do you consider the impact on your physical and mental health, or do you tend to think about the money?I'm chatting about this with my podcast guest Jane Ardern,&nbsp;and whether you really do need to grow a huge pet business.Or whether it's ok to have one that brings in enough money to pay the bills, give you a comfortable lifestyle and the time to enjoy with your own animals.As solopreneurs, we have to think about money and bring in enough to survive.But, our decisions also impact our health and well-being.Jane is a dog trainer and behaviourist. She has spoken at huge industry events, run a doggy daycare, managed teams, and much more.She walked away from a well-paid corporate job in 2006 to follow her dream and train dogs, starting out dog walking before it was as popular a job as it is today.In this episode, she talks about the lessons she’s learned along the way.We chat about what it’s like to work for yourself in the digital age and the pressures that come with it, and that we put on ourselves.Jane talks openly and honestly about events in her personal life, including a breakdown and being diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year.Whatever stage you’re at in your pet business, I think you’ll enjoy this episode and get lots from it.Key topics and timings in this episode:0.10 - What to expect from this episode and why I wanted to speak to Jane after seeing a post about her seeking a quiet life on social media.2.04 - How Jane found her way into her dog training business in 2006, starting out with a £50 dog training course.3.51 - Taking a leap of faith into running her business by taking voluntary redundancy from Centrica and her corporate life.6.44 - The changes Jane has seen during nearly 20 years and how dog walking was a novelty and new thing at the start!8.35 - Trying out doggy daycare at Waggawuffins and deciding to step away from managing people and stick with training dogs.14.02 - Why it’s easy to get wrapped up in the pressure of having to grow a huge business when you work online.16.55 - Stepping away from social media and how this helped improve Jane’s mental well-being after she experienced a breakdown earlier this year.18.05 - Why our bodies and minds struggle to cope with the pace of technology, the level of interaction and the stress and pressure of being online.19.04 - Learning to tell the difference between what makes you happy and what feeds your ego.21.28 - Considering how your decisions affect your mental and physical health rather than how much money they’re going to make you.23.26 - How lockdown sent our nervous systems into fight-flight defence.29.33 - Putting yourself first and your mental health and learning how to manage your time.33.30 - Jane’s advice to new dog trainers - get good at dog training, then get better at dog training.35.30 - Why you CAN build a business without being all over social media by being good, and being yourself will bring the right people to you.40.51 - How having pressure put on you to do something you’re not ready for can lead to imposter syndrome.46.45 - Jane’s advice for people coming into the industry or who might be finding work challenging at the moment.49.55 - Where to find out more about Jane.Links mentioned in this episode: Find out more about Jane on her website: https://www.waggawuffins.comConnect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/waggawuffinsFollow Jane on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/waggawuffins_canine_college/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

When you started your small business, did you think there would be a smooth path to growth, an upwards trajectory?This week on the podcast, I’m talking about the rollercoaster ride that is being your own boss, and why we need to talk about the lows as well as the highs.The highs are those moments of exhilaration, when you’re riding high at the top of the rollercoaster.Then there’s the lows, where you feel like you’ve been shaken around and come crashing down to the ground, and might find yourself thinking ‘what just happened?’In an age where we share everything on social media, it can feel like everyone else is enjoying the highs all the time and when you’re feeling low, this can be tough.This episode is a look at the reality of running a small business in the UK in 2023, with statistics from studies and interviews with thousands of solopreneurs.Plus, details on where you can get help if you need it and suggestions on ways to feel more supported as a business owner so you can build your resilience.Key topics and timings in this episode:1:00 - Why we need to be more honest about the challenges of running a business.2:00 - The rollercoaster analogy and how it applies to solopreneur life.4:40 - How our emotional state can change in just a few hours, going from feeling really low to being ecstatic with joy!5:04 - Why seeing posts in my community inspired this episode about the highs and the lows.6:10 - Quitting my job at the News of the World and the rollercoaster that followed.10:30 - Asking my family for support at the start of going freelance.11:03 - The highs of the first few years of self-employed life.12:38 - The lows of losing 85% of my income overnight.14:08 - How launches have differed in my online business.15:05 - The misconceptions about six-figure launches and 10k months and why it needs to be addressed.16:47 - Statistics on life as a small business owner in the UK - 7 in 10 experience anxiety over late payment - Juno study.17:16 - Simply Business study found that 56% of small business owners reported feelings of poor mental health in the last 12 months.18:27 - Xero Global state of small business well-being study.22:37 - Recommendations from the Xero study.23:13 - The positives of being a business owner.29:33 - Small Business Britain Study found 60% expect to grow this year.31:58 - Kantar research on spending this Christmas - 50% of respondents plan to spend more.34:20 - How you can feel more confident and robust as a small business owner.35:48 - Free communities where you can gain support and programs like the NatWest accelerator and Theo Paphitis’ Small Business Sunday.39:23 - How you can go from feeling low to riding high in a short space of time.40:15 - My rollercoaster year in 2023.42:31 - How to connect if you’d like to explore the topics covered in this podcast.Links mentioned in this episode:https://www.smallbusinesscommissioner.gov.uk/63-of-small-business-owners-suffer-from-stress-anxiety-or-depression-caused-by-late-payments/https://www.xero.com/content/dam/xero/pdfs/FINAL%20-%20April%202023%20-%20The%20global%20state%20of%20small%20business%20owner%20wellbeing.pdf<a href="https://www.xero.com/content/dam/xero/pdfs/Brains-of-the-Business-May-2022.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Can you grow a pet service business via in-person networking? Hayley Hilton, a canine massage practitioner and pet sitter says yes you can.Hayley has been in the pet industry since 2014 after she started her own Hotel for Dogs.Later, she studied to become a massage therapist and wanted to get the word out there in her local community.While online is often seen as the ideal way to reach people, Hayley went old school.She joined groups like 4Networking and BNI, and soon built a steady client base and became known as the Canine Massage Lady of the North West.Hayley talks about why networking does work, and how by stepping away from the screen you can win clients and make friends too.Plus how she gets inspiration from her in-person events for her content marketing and the importance of follow-up.And how being the friendliest person in the room means her name is always on the tip of the tongue of everyone she meets when it comes to caring for dogs.Key topics and timings in this episode:0.20 - Introduction and what to expect.2.15 – Hayley’s background as a Navy reservist.3.02 – How joining the Navy reserves the day before the September 11th attacks helped her figure out her skillsets.4.03 – How everything changed in 2014 when she was made redundant from her scientist role, found solace in her pet dog, Lola, and opened the Hotel for Dogs.5.10 – The Facebook algorithm showed her a course for becoming a massage therapist.6.06 – How Hayley realised she could help other owners and their pets through massage.12.55 – How Hayley first got into networking for business.17.20 – The different types of people you meet networking and how building the relationships is worth it.25.25 – How Hayley has ADHD and how it affects networking.30.05 – How networking can lead to referrals of other pet-based businesses.31.09 - Using in-person to grow an online community.32.07 - The importance of follow-up - what Hayley learned from Stefan Thomas, the author of "Business Networking for Dummies."33.15 – How to use LinkedIn to grow your online network.34.11 – How to use social media to show your personal side.36.26 – How networking has helped Hayley create content to use online.39.16 – Top tip: Wear your uniform or take your favourite branded mug to an in-person networking event.40.51 – How COVID has stopped people from being able to speak in public!43.42 – How Hayley worked with a public speaker to help craft her story.44.48 – There is always someone in a networking event that can help you with what you need.47.40 – Building relationships with clients.52.33 – Top three tips for getting into networking.Want to find out more about Hayley?Head to her website here: https://handsonheart.dog/Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HandsOnHeartCanineFollow Hayley on LinkedIn:&nbsp;https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayley-hilton-hands-on-heart-clinical-canine-massage-098b7a38/Want to listen to more inspiring stories?The power of building relationships to grow your pet business with Kerry JordanWhat happens when you step out of your comfort zone with Sarah Jones<a...

Wondering if tools like ChatGPT and other AI platforms could help you with your pet business content? In this episode, we're looking at AI and how it can help you be more creative and more productive, while still sounding like you.Think of AI as your helper, streamlining content creation and giving you more time in the day.I'll walk you through various ways to blend AI with your creative ideas and existing content. Plus you'll get insights from pet businesses who are making the most of these tools and learn how I'm using it to make life easier, including crafting the headline for this post.Key topics and timings for this episode:0.02 - Introduction and what to expect from this episode1.02 - Having an open mind when it comes to AI tools1.47 - Seeing behind the headlines around AI3.13 - Why you can’t just expect these tools to do everything for you3.51 - Is AI ripping off entire blogs or is it dodgy marketing companies?5.02 - How AI is already in tools we use every day6.12 - QUOTE: “It's dangerous to be resistant to new ideas. Doesn't mean you're going to embrace them ever, but just being flat-out resistant usually is not a great long-term strategy for your business.” This quote is from Rochelle Moulton from The Business of Authority Podcast.6.32 - Poll results on people using these tools10.43 - How Gemma Rice used ChatGPT to sell out a workshop12.01 - How Sarah Jones used ChatGPT to create her ‘naked without Yellow’ campaign13.57 - How I’m using AI tools for blogs, emails, podcasts, social media, and for checking how thorough I’m being with my work22.45 - What Anna from the Dog House Leicester and I did on her AI coaching call25.13 - Working with Debbie from Redhound for Dogs on revamping her existing content with AI27.47 - QUOTE: “It's kind of like I have a first drafter, like an intern type of employee who understands my stuff and can do a good first pass.” This quote is from Johnathan Stark from The Business of Authority Podcast28.51 - How you can gain support with your content marketing and using AI either one to one or inside of my Pets Get Visible membership.Links mentioned in this episode: Listen to the Business of Authority Podcast: https://www.thebusinessofauthority.com/Learn more about working together on AI for your pet business and your content marketing in my Pets Get Visible membership. Is my Pets Get Visible membership right for you?Carry on the conversation in my Facebook community https://www.facebook.com/groups/publicitytipsforpetbusinessesCheck out MagAI - this is an affiliate link meaning if you click through and buy I will be paid a small commission but this doesn't affect the price you pay and helps support this podcast. https://magai.co/?via=rachelWebsite: Debbie from Redhound for Dogs Website: Anna at The Dog House LeicesterFurther reading if you enjoyed this post10 ways to use ChatGPT in your pet business content marketingApps and...