pet sitting

A Stranger Helped Me Complete This Blog Post. If You Want to Be Productive with Anything, Try This

Dog Training, Dog Walking, Pet Business, Pet Business Owner, Pet Care, Pet Grooming, Pet Sitting, Productivity Hacks / /

Today I had on my to do list to write a blog post. 

BUT… I also needed to do a bunch of other things today like:

  • Write my morning pages 
  • Gather a lot of important data about my pet business books to a possible book foreign rights publisher (Woot, we’ll see! It was very tedious work, but I got all the data to him. Whew.)
  • Make a healthy breakfast and lunch 
  • Talk on the phone with a friend who is really struggling with some health issues
  • Show up on time and prepared for my business mastermind 
  • Respond to a lot of emails and phone calls 
  • Spend some time looking at pictures and a long article my husband sent me about treehouses (because we may want to build one this year so we’re doing research now). 
  • Take a sauna at the Air BnB I’m at because if I don’t get in the sauna before I leave my stay here, I’m going to really regret it! (The sauna was a big reason why I booked this spot.) 
  • Plus, a lot of other things.

You’re a business owner. You know the drill. 

Anyway, I really wanted to write this blog post before the day’s end. (Here I am writing the blog post, but I’m also writing about what’s helping me write it. It’s very meta, isn’t it?) 

Long story short: I didn’t want to write this blog post. I wanted to dive into that sauna (the sauna that is currently heating up and that will be my reward for writing this). But a sauna at the end of my blog post writing wasn’t enough to get me to actually write a blog post. 

<Brief pause in my writing right now to check to make sure the sauna is actually heating up. It is. Good. I’m back now.>

So, in comes one of my most powerful secret weapons for productivity. It’s my productivity sauce, people. 

You may have heard me mention what I’m about to share here in one my webinars or in a coaching session you’ve done with me. 

Or maybe you read about my productivity hack in my Facebook group for pet business owners, or in my Prosperous Pet Business podcast.

It’s one thing to read about it or hear about it. It’s another thing to actually do it. And today I did it. 

So what is this “it” I’m referring to? 

Focusmate.

It’s virtual co-working. For 25 or 50-minutes you meet with a stranger by video at a time you both signed up for. They tell you what they are going to work on. You tell them what you are going to work on. And then you do it. At the end you check in and share briefly what you did. 

Having that accountability: check in/take action/check out is POWERFUL. 

I created a Focusmate matching system for pet business owners – your own group for pet business owners. It doesn’t mean you’ll always get matched with a pet business owner but if a pet biz owner books a session time at the same time you do, if you’re part of the group, you’ll get matched!

So I recommend you stop reading about it and join it now. It’s free for up to 3 sessions a week. Unlimited is just a few dollars a month. You’ve got nothing to lose, except some things on your to do list. 

Find out more about Focusmate for Pet Business Owners.

A Stranger Helped Me Complete This Blog Post. If You Want to Be Productive with Anything, Try This Read More »

How I Worked Less and Made More Money in My Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Business

Pet Sitting Business / /

I recently wrote an article for Thrive Global (Arianna Huffington’s online magazine) and wanted to share it with you pet sitters and dog walkers. I’ve had a lot of you ask me how I went from working 7 days a week to working 3 days a week in my pet sitting and dog walking business.

Here’s the article that addresses that topic. (Click on the link below to read the rest of the article.)

In 1995, I started the business of my dreams with lots of passion but no business experience of any kind. That first year I had lots of time but almost no money. A few years in, I had plenty of clients but hardly any time. Friends and family often complimented me on my business success, but I didn’t feel successful. To me, success was having both time and money. I was working 12-14 hour days seven days a week and still not making much compared to when I worked full-time as an employee.  

I was exhausted, frustrated and ready to call it quits, but instead I committed to one more year and to making fundamental changes in how I ran the business. If I didn’t have both time and money by the end of that year, I decided I would just walk away. Having nothing to lose freed me to try both traditional and nontraditional approaches to create more time and more money. CLICK TO READ THE ARTICLE..

How I Worked Less and Made More Money in My Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Business Read More »

Turkey

Blogging, pet sitting blog / /

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Last November I was riding my bike down a busy street in my town when I saw a turkey walking down the street.

Yes, a turkey.

He was on the sidewalk and so was I. I got off my bike so I could pass without scaring him.

As I passed, he began clucking at me. (Yes, turkeys cluck. I know that now.)

Then he began running toward me.

He came up close and looked up at me. Looked me deep in the eyes.

No joke.

He clucked.

He looked.

He clucked some more.

He was about a foot away and his head came to my knee.

It was like he knew me. (I’d never seen him before.)

To my untrained eyes he appeared to be a teenager turkey.

I said hello and then I began walking my bike away.

He clucked excitedly and ran after me.

He walked beside me. He became obviously distressed if I got too far ahead of him. The clucking would increase and he would pick up the pace so that we were walking side by side.

People in cars stopped and stared.

People across the street stopped and stared. Camera phones came out and I’m sure I appeared on many local Facebook pages last November.

I noticed the turkey would stare intently at me with his little black eye on the side of his head.

He was truly LOOKING at me. He was present in a humans rarely are.

He wouldn’t let me out of his sight.

There was something oddly comforting about him.

Each time I would stop, he would stop. When I began walking, he would walk. It was the avian version of Simon Says.

I walked to a park to get him away from the speeding cars. He found a worm or something in the grass and promptly forgot about me.

I noticed that I felt more than a bit disappointed that food could get in the way of our connection.

I got on my bike slowly. I hoped he’d see me leaving and come running toward me as he had all the way down the street.

But no.

He was busy looking for food.

I felt oddly alone as I rode my bike home.

🙁

I told a few friends about the experience and I thought about the turkey from time to time, wondering how he was doing.

I wondered if he’d gotten hit by a car. That thought made me very sad.

So I tried not to think about it.

Last Tuesday I was riding my bike on the same street and low and behold, there was a turkey on the sidewalk.

I got off my bike and sure enough: he came running up to me, making a slightly deeper clucking sound than I remembered from last year.

It was him!

Same turkey. I’m sure of it. Unless all turkeys like me this much.

He was a tall adult now and last year’s drab brown feathers shown iridescent.

I’ve never thought of turkeys as beautiful before but he was so beautiful.

He clucked excitedly and followed me as I walked my bike down the street.

People stopped and stared.

“I’ve never seen anything like that! A wild turkey following a person,” one guy said. “He really likes you.”

“Yes, I met him last year,” I replied, as though I was talking about an old friend. “Perhaps I’m the turkey whisperer,” I mused.

“Perhaps you are,” the guy said in wonder.

He took a picture of us. I smiled. Turkey looked up at me with adoring eyes.

Other people lined up on the opposite sidewalk to stare at me and Turkey walking down the sidewalk. Cars stopped and iphones came out.

We are probably on Facebook again this November. Me and Turkey.

We walked beside a retirement home and a woman who worked there came out. “That turkey peers in the window at the residents sometimes. They love him. They become animated and alive when they see him.”

“Oh, that’s sweet.” I stared at Turkey and he stared back at me, clucking.

“There are a few wild turkeys around here,” the woman continued. “One got hit by a car last year and we had a funeral for him. A lot of people came to the turkey funeral. Everyone who came was quite upset.”

“I’m so glad it wasn’t this guy,” I smiled.

“Yes, he seems to really like you.”

We walked away, me and Turkey. We stopped at the red light and then when it turned green we walked through the crosswalk.

People stared and pointed, pointed and stared. I felt a little embarrassed. Like we were famous or something. Turkey looked intently at me as we crossed the street.

We reached a patch of grass and he began rooting around for worms or bugs or whatever it is that turkeys eat.

I kept going.

I looked over my shoulder at one point, hoping he’d run after me.

But he didn’t. He was deeply focused on whatever was in the grass.

Turkey Read More »

Bali Sandwich

How to Create a 3-Day Pet Sitting Workweek, How to Start a Dog Walking Business, How to Start a Pet Sitting Business, Pet Sitting Business / /

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In exactly three weeks I’ll be heading to Bali.

I just got back from my annual New Years retreat in Santa Cruz and have a massive to do list before I leave at the end of January. Yesterday I decided to extend my trip for an extra two weeks so instead of being gone for two months like I’d planned, I will be gone for two and half months! Wow.

I’m thinking back to that fateful conversation about travel that hot August day in 2009 in my friend Peter’s peaceful office…with his great questions…gently probing me with words to get me to my truth around my desire to travel…and now here I am. Getting ready for my trip.

Amazing how one decision six months ago can create a new adventure like this.

But that’s how life changes happen. One foot in front of the other until there you are-where you wanted to be six months earlier.

Things are falling into place. I found a subleaser to rent my house for two and half months. She gave me the deposit last week and tonight she gave me the balance for the rent. I can tell she’s going to take good care of the place and I’m excited to have her stay here and experience the healing energy of my tranquil, retreat-like home.

My managers are stepping in to manage my business with such love, caring and an excitement for my going away. I cried at our business meeting last week as I thanked them for their steadfast support around my trip. It was an unusual business meeting. Crying at a business meeting? It was beautiful.

We all got a little teary.

I’m nervous and excited. Going away for two and half months feels like a bit of a dream right now. Surreal.

I’ll be in Bali for 2 weeks then India for 5 weeks then back to Bali for 3 weeks.

A Bali sandwich.

This blog’s topics will switch for a short time from my pet sitting business tips and tools to my writing about my travel adventures. I don’t know how often I’ll check in and post as I have decided NOT to bring my computer with me.

I need and want to unplug.

I don’t know about you but one of the best ways for me to unplug is to leave my cell phone and computer behind.

There are always internet cafes along the way…

I’m hoping my travels will inspire some of you who haven’t had a vacation in years (very common in the pet sitting industry) to open your mind to the possibility of having time off. If I can do it, anyone can. I used to be a total control freak about my business. I still am very particular about the way it runs but I’ve also learned how to let go on a deeper level in the last few years.

Having great staff members makes all the difference in the world, folks.

And for those of you who aren’t interested in travel adventures on this pet sitting business blog, no worries.

I’ll be back in action again in May with business-related blog posts, exciting teleclasses, pet sitting business coaching, and my continued commitment to your pet sitting business success.

Bali Sandwich Read More »

Can Pet Sitting Business Owners Leave their Businesses and Travel for 2 Months?

Dog Sitting Business, dog walking business, Goal Setting, Pet Business, Pet Sitting Business / /

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Yes. Yes. Yes! If you’ve got a supportive management team and great pet sitters and walkers on staff you can take time off to see the world.

And that’s just what I am going to be doing in January 2010.

When my business was 3-5 years old I traveled each year for 2 months. I would do lots of pet sitting for 10 months and then have my manager oversee everything for the two months that I’d be gone from the business and out of the country.

I went on a lot of great trips. I traveled for two months in Europe. Two months in Bali. Two months in Thailand. (Thai villagers dressed me up in Thai gown and crown and I led a parade of villagers down the street but that’s for another blog post!)

I have been desiring to travel again. What has held me back is that my business is now MUCH larger than it was 10-12 years ago! We have 35 staff members. Our huge client list continues to grow with the new calls we get daily.

I have been mulling over traveling for an extended period of time for awhile now and was noticing that fear was holding me back. I try to live my life in such a way that I normally don’t let fear run my life. I’ve coached many of you business owners on how to make peace with your fears and really live in a way that is fulfilling and meaningful both in business and in life. And yet here I was finding myself wanting to travel and letting the thoughts of fear stop me from committing to something that I really want to do.

My fear thoughts went something like this:  Will everything be okay while I’m gone? What if something happens while I’m away? What if……? (fill in the blank.)

Well, last week I decided to look the fear straight in the eye and smile at it and say, “I’m going.”

So I took the first step and asked my main business manager if she could manage the business while I was away. She said that she would love to.

And now I’m compiling an ultra long list of many tasks that need to be completed before I depart in 5 months. I’m also exploring: where do I want to go? I’m still mulling it over. Bali is definitely calling to me. I might start there and end up some place totally different.

I’ll keep you posted!

In the meantime I’d love to hear about you: what are some unrealized dreams that you have that you are afraid of fulfilling? Is there a way your business could support you in making those visions a reality? Email me privately or post your comment below if you like.

Can Pet Sitting Business Owners Leave their Businesses and Travel for 2 Months? Read More »

New Pet Sitters: How to Determine Your Dog Walking and Pet Sitting Rates

Dog Walking Business Start Up, Dog Walking Rates, Pet Sitting Business, Pet Sitting Rates, Pet Sitting Startup / /

2892058635_da341cba5f_mIf you are a new pet sitter here’s the easiest way to determine your pet sitting and dog walking rates:

1) Create a spreadsheet with at least 10 different competitors on the far left.

2) On the columns to the right have each service plus time limits plus extra pet fee. Find your competitors’ rates sheets and enter their totals there.

3) If you can’t find ten competitors in your area then look in the next immediate town until you have ten different pet sitters listed in or near your town.

4) Figure out the medium range by looking at the range of prices for each service from your ten competitors.

I usually recommend that new pet sitters have their rates be in the middle-range of your competitors when you are first starting out.

Here’s how to determine the average middle: Let’s say you create your competitor pricing spreadsheet and you find the range is $12-$20 per 30- minute pet sitting visit. You’ll want to start out with a rate $16 per visit.

Once you develop a stellar reputation as a pet sitter you can (and should) raise your middle-range rates.

New Pet Sitters: How to Determine Your Dog Walking and Pet Sitting Rates Read More »

The Power of a Post It Note

Goal Setting / /

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In 1953, researchers surveyed Yale’s graduating seniors to determine how many of them had specific, written goals for their future. The answer: 3%.

Twenty years later, researchers polled the surviving members of the Class of 1953 — and found that the 3% with specific, written goals had accumulated more personal financial wealth than the other 97% of the class combined.

Do you have specific, written goals for your business?

If not, it is time to start.

One of the simplest ways to start setting goals is to write this month’s money goal on a Post It note and stick it on your computer where you see it every day (and usually you’ll see it multiple times a day if you are a frequent computer user).

I wrote my money goal on a Post It note on July 1.  Next to the amount that I wanted to earn for the month July, I wrote that I ‘easily and effortlessly achieve my goal’. And guess what? Money has easily and effortlessly come to me this month–I am almost to my target profit goal.

The power of the Post It note is that it creates an intention of what is wanting to be created. Creating a clear intention often inspires direct actions to take. THAT’S where the power ultimately is. Taking action in a way that will increase your business success. Sometimes we need a yellow sticky note to prompt us to do that.

Tomorrow is August 1, the perfect time to start experiencing your own Post It note success. What will your money goal be for August?

The Power of a Post It Note Read More »

Marketing: Are clients finding you everywhere?

Goal Setting / /

bb114s1946I spoke with Felicia Lembesis, the executive director for National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) on Monday.  We were discussing pet sitters and marketing and how it seems that many pet sitters have a fear or extreme dislike of marketing. Because a lot of pet sitters dislike it or fear it they end up not doing much of it and ‘hope for success’ instead of actively creating their business success.

In my own pet sitting business I ask clients how they heard about us and will often hear new clients say, “I see your company everywhere.”

How do I get EVERYWHERE?

Here is just some of what I do to get my business “everywhere”:
~ My website is search engine optimized (SEO) so I show up on the first or second line of most of the search engines. (Need help with this? I can do a complete SEO session with you.)
~ I drop off my attention-grabbing business cards on a consistent basis (every 1-2 months) to groomers, vets and pet stores.
~ I advertise in different pet publications that pet owners read.
~ I have signs on my car.
~ I look for advertising opportunities wherever–my feelers are open for possibilities to spread the word about my pet sitting company.
~ I have my website information on the bottom of my personal email so that friends are reminded (or alerted to) the fact that I own a pet sitting company.

Begin promoting your pet sitting business in a way that clients will soon be saying, “I see you EVERYWHERE!”

Marketing: Are clients finding you everywhere? Read More »

Blogging and my Book

Blogging, Dog Sitting Business, dog walking business, Pet Business, Pet Sitting Business / /

KristinOliveback

I’m noticing that I’m excited about this new blog and being able to communicate with all of you pet sitters on a regular basis and yet I’m also really excited and lit up about the book that I’ve been writing for pet sitters.

So…though the thought of  blogging every day sounds so fun and is tugging at me a bit, I’m finding that I really want and need to use my extra time to work on (and finish) my book.

Writing this book really has been a labor of love. I started it a few months ago when I hurt my back and was bedridden for a couple of days. One day I found myself writing for 10 hours straight! Now I usually write for 1-2 hours every couple of days and will stop when I find my attention wandering or I realize that I don’t want to be writing anymore.

I’m trying to really honor my natural rhythm of writing and not force myself to keep writing if I don’t want to.

I’m keeping the title hush-hush for now but in a few weeks I’ll be announcing it and telling you more about it. Stay tuned.

Blogging and my Book Read More »

Hello Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers

Blogging, Search Engine Optimization (SE0) / /

Horray! My blog is finally up and I’m so excited to have the opportunity to post every few days as my way to communicate with you in between our coaching sessions, teleclasses and my newsletter. I’m still trying to figure out how to put pictures up but other than that blogging is easy. You should try it.

If you’ve been thinking about getting a blog I really recommend it for these reasons:

1) You’ll get higher on the search engines like Google, MSN, Yahoo and the new Bing if you have a blog.

2) It’s so much fun. Try it. You’ll like it.

PS-I finally figured out how to put pictures in. 🙂

Hello Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers Read More »

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