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My #1 Pet Sitting Business Secret

Today I am going to reveal my #1 Pet Sitting Business Secret that increased my bottom line by 103% in 1 year.

In this video I talk about my personal journey and how I ended up where I am today.

A Little Background

When I went to college at The Ohio State University in 1995, I truly had no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up. I had received a scholarship for field hockey, so besides playing my sport and having a blast in the process, I had no true direction or career aspirations. Looking back, I regret wasting the amazing opportunity that was given to me to envelop myself in my education. Don’t get me wrong. I had a great time, but I wish I had the where with all to focus on the things that truly mattered, which was my future career. When I enrolled at OSU, I declared Special Education as my major. I had worked at a home called St. Edmond’s Home for Crippled Children all through high school, so I figured this is what I was supposed to do. The curriculum was a breeze. I barely had to study, which left plenty of time for partying and hanging with my friends. I will say that I do have a gift of being able to care for and help special needs children. The tricky part was that I did love it, but I knew deep down that it wasn’t my calling.

After Graduation

After graduation, I accepted a position teaching seven years old children with Down Syndrome. They were the cutest, most wonderful jewels on the planet. I loved each and every one of those kids, but I felt completely drained both physically and emotionally. I can’t even describe to you the exhaustion that I felt at the completion of each work day. It wore on me, and it wore on me fast! The summer before going into my second year of teaching I was expressing my disappointment in my career choice to my mother. She suggested that I start my own business. I initially laughed it off. I mean, what on earth would I do? She asked me what it was that I love to do most? I answered in jest; I wouldn’t mind playing with dogs all day. Well, that one little statement was like a lightning bolt that struck my life, which in turn has never been the same since. During my second year of teaching, I did nothing but plan for the opening of my very own pet sitting business. I gave my notice to the principle about mid-way through the year, giving her plenty of time to fill the position for the following year. Then in June of 2001, on the last day of school, I opened the doors to Pet Nanny-Pet Sitters of The Main Line.

The Start of My Pet Sitting Business

For the next five years, it would be me, myself and I, all alone. I did everything for the pet sitting business. Every single pet sitting visit, dog walk and overnight stay. I answered the phone. I did the accounting. I did the emails. I had created nothing more than another J.O.B for myself, and my boss was my clients. I thought that the entire point of going into business for myself was to have the freedom to do the things that I loved. Ummmm… NOT!!! I never slept in my own bed, because I was always staying at one of my client’s houses. I did the 6 am morning visits, the afternoon dog walks, the dinner visits and the 10 pm evening visits. I was utterly exhausted and very unhappy. On top of the rigorous schedule that I had created for myself, my clients took unbelievable advantage of me. I had no policies or procedures in place and I never wanted to be rude, so I just let them take advantage of me. Uh! Looking back, I want to grab that 24 year old girl, shake her and tell her to toughen up and to get with it! But this is what learning is all about, right? We need to have our struggles to show us what we really want.

My Wake-Up Call

So after five years of running myself straight into the ground, I decided to either get serious about the business and expand or possibly go into pharmaceutical sales. I chose option A…expansion!!!! The problem was I had not a clue on how to achieve this. There was no real solid business education out there that I knew of. In truth, I had NO IDEA on where or how to start. Then, like a miracle, a person came into my life by almost miraculous fate. I attended the NAPPS pet sitting conference that year and a woman named Fabienne Fredrickson of Client Attraction spoke. Well, I just dove into her teachings. I read every email, every newsletter, I purchased every product, I attended every event and I eventually joined her Platinum Mastermind Program. You see, I found a mentor. I found someone to teach me what I didn’t know, which was everything. Through Fabs I also found other great teachers that I started to follow and learn from as well. I kind of became a product junkie. I ready every book, took every course, attended every event and purchased every program that I could get my hands on. I had a thirst for business knowledge. I loved learning, then applying what I learned to Pet Nanny and then seeing how my business just kept growing and growing and growing.

Me with my Coaches, Fabienne and Derek Fredrickson

Let’s Talk Numbers

I hope it’s okay with you, but I am going to share some numbers. I realize that some people can be put-off by this, but I just want to show you the surprising results that I experienced as a result of applying all the great nuggets of wisdom and information from my mentor and all the many programs that I had invested in. This is what happened to my business…

In 2005, I had earned a gross revenue of $47,282.32. In 2006 after applying all that I had learned, I earned a gross revenue of $95,992.50. That is a 103% increase!!!! Since then my business has grown by exponential numbers each and every year, even in the down economy.

Continued Growth

How do I do it? I keep learning. I still purchase programs and attend seminars and apply what I learn to my business. I will never reach a pet sitting business nirvana, where I will say “that’s good enough.” No way!!! I believe the sky is the limit for Pet Nanny. I truly mean that. Those of us that are in the pet sitting industry have chosen an excellent field. Our clients are obsessed with their pets, and we provide them with the solution on how to provide loving care for them when they can’t be at home. We will never, ever have a shortage of clients. This I can promise you.

Currently. Pet Nanny has 1000+ clients, a staff of 40+ pet sitters, a full-time Client Happiness Manager, and a part-time Sitter Manger. The business is generating a high six-figure revenue. I get to spend my time doing what I love. This includes working on my business, playing paddle or tennis every day, entertaining our friends and family, vacationing at our beach house, playing with my kids and attending all of their school events. This is what my definition of success is. FREEDOM! I make enough income where I can enjoy my life. I will be honest; it feels good.

In this video I speak about the power of a mentor at minute 14:03

My #1 Secret Revealed

To sum up, in all of the years that I have been in business I have learned tons of things, but the most important aspect and the #1 secret that I uncovered to finding success within your own pet sitting business is to find a mentor. Find someone that you connect with, and that you respect and want to emulate. This is the shortcut to success. You saw my numbers. I had 103% growth in the year that I started working with my mentor. The numbers don’t lie. That is rock solid evidence of the power of a mentor.

YOUR HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT: Find yourself a mentor.

If you’re interested in working privately with me head on over here to checkout my Ignite Private Coaching Program.

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