In March 2020 the world was turned upside when the devastation of Coronavirus hit the UK.As well as the confusion as to what the virus was and what it was capable of, we feared for our health and that of our families and loved ones.Then on March 23rd full lockdown hit. We were told to ‘Stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives.’ For many working in the pet industry, their businesses skidding to a halt overnight as they were no longer able to go out and walk dogs or care for animals.At the Pet Industry Federation, Nigel Baker, Chief Executive Officer and Alexandra Baker, Chief Operating officer had to make sense of the new restrictions.In the days and weeks that followed, they lobbied ministers on a number of issues such as whether pet shops and groomers could operate, whether dog walkers were providing a key service and campaigned for financial support across the industry, particularly for catteries and kennels who were left devastated when the travel industry shut down.In this episode they share their views on the impact of COVID 19 on the Pet Industry and what the future holds.We talk about their second Pet Index event, a free trade show taking place on October 11th and 12th 2020 and how pet business owners can get involved.Plus how they can upskill at the event and come back from the Coronavirus crisis stronger.Register for Virtual Pet Index here.Key timings in this episode:2.00: Introduction to Nigel and Alexandra and the background of the Pet Industry Federation.3.30: What the PIF has been doing to support members since lockdown was announced in March.4.30: Working with the Government, DEFRA and the Canine and Feline Sector Group and processing the ‘see-saw of information’ for their members.7.30: How pet shops selling small animals were hit and the steps that needed to be put in place to ensure thousands of baby animals survived.8.54: Campaigning for groomers to be allowed to continue to operate.12.34: Using social media to communicate in the crisis to keep members informed.14.45: Alexandra shares her plans to be more involved with government legislation in the future around pets post COVID.19.51: Nigel and Alexandra talk about licensing for dog walkers and the rise of the volunteer dog walker in lockdown.25.11: The benefits of using a professional dog walker.26.44: Launching the UK’s first Virtual Pet Industry Trade show, Virtual Pet Index in June 2020.27.03: Welcoming 1700 visitors from all over the world, and how some trade stands reported having MORE sales than at a physical event.31.33: The global reach of VPI and how it attracted visitors from Canada, America, South America, right across Europe, down to South Africa, China, and Asia.34.14: Tips on how to make the most of having a stand at VPI to attract global clients.36.05: The positive side of Coronavirus, being creative, putting on a virtual show and reaching an audience they never would have imagined would come to a UK trade show.39.02: What’s happening at VPI in October 2020.40.09: What’s lined up, from taking awesome smartphone photos to packaging to the transport of animals, pet bereavement and American industry experts reflecting on what the next big thing is to hit the UK.45.00: How to register for the event and take part.46.50: How the pet industry has adapted and made business owners look inwards, reflect and adapt to serve what’s happening in the world today.48.43: Can COVID be a positive for the pet industry?49.15: The puppy boom and concerns about where puppies are coming from. 52.29: How life slowing down has inspired people to have pets and how lockdown has lifted barriers to pet ownership.54.12: How pet business...

Are you thinking of pitching to the media but you're worried about being ignored.Or worst, your story being rejected?Being knocked back is hard and it can often stand in the way of people pitching to journalists.In this episode I share the five reasons why your pitch or press release might be ignored.Plus what you can do to improve your story, and bring back to life an idea you didn't think would land.Key timings in this episode:1.08 - How the fear of rejection can stand in our way of pitching - myself included2.30 - Why you shouldn't feel demoralised if your pitch or press release isn't picked up and how you can turn things round.4.16 - Reasons why your pitch may not be picked up.4.20 - Because it's not suitable for the publication6.17 - Because the topic isn't of interest to their readers7.16 - Because it's not a strong enough story either for that title or if working with a freelance, for them to sell in8.00 - Using the 'why would anyone care' test.10.45 - Because the reporter isn't working there at the moment11.50 - Because they've already covered a similar story recently12.30 - Case study Kerry Lawson in the Express14.10 - The next steps if a pitch is ignored14.30 - Follow up with the journalist by sending one or two e mails15.20 - Why journalists don't like being phoned16.25 - Look for another hook or angle18.55 - Trying a different publication20.01 - Just because it's not right, right now, doesn't mean it's a no forever21.03 - Why you should try not to let it get you down or take it personally23:00 - Using your idea as content for your own website, social media or newsletter.24.00 - Recap on the points coveredLinks mentioned in this episode:Claire's Coronavirus advice for pet owners: Coronavirus and self isolationSherry and her marathon on two legs: Two legged dog runs MarathonDog friendly offices post lockdown: Tips on making an office dog friendly from Kerry LawsonJoin the Facebook community: Publicity Tips for Pet Businesses Facebook GroupDownload my free press release template: How to write a press release for your pet businessThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy