Motivation Archives | Pet Sitting Business Coaching

3 Fun Things To Listen To While You Walk, Drive, Exercise, or Work

May 19, 2014/1 Comment/in Business Articles, Learn, Motivation/by Bella

I am a big believer in always feeding your brain. In fact, when I used to (past tense, lol) go to the gym, I was suck a geek that I didn’t often listen to music. I listened to business books on tape. I found that if I listened to music I would be trapped in my own conundrum of thoughts and would pay even more attention to the thing I was doing, exercise!

Cover of "The Total Money Makeover: A Pro...

Cover via Amazon

Books On Tape

To get my mind off what I was doing, and into “work out mode” as well, I downloaded a lot of books on tape. Some of my favorites were Chet Holems, The Ultimate Sales Machine. Dan Kennedy, the “No B.S. Series” Michael Gerber “The EMyth” and more recently Dave Ramsey “Total Money Makeover” You see, the more I listened to these things, the less I remembered how much I didn’t like what I was doing! Ever been there? This also works while cleaning house and doing laundry! 🙂

The logo used by Apple to represent Podcasting (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Podcasts

When I first got involved in listening to podcasts it was via iTunes. As time progressed and the people I liked to follow expanded onto other networks like Stitcher I followed. Podcasts opened a whole world of possibilities. They included The Sale Lion, Ducktape Marketing Podcast, and of course, Pet Biz Support Show ! Podcasts are what I started to listen to when I would go for power walks, or in my early days, be driving around doing pet sits and walking dogs. It was something I could easily plug into my AUX hook up in my car, and then take it out and pipe it through my headphones when walking… It was and always been a big way that I get ideas for blogs or products. Podcasts are a lot more conversational and topical than the mammoth that is a book.

Pandora (Photo credit: jacob.wayne.smith)

Pandora

Oh where would I be without my Pandora? It is like a nicely seasoned cutting board. The more you use it the better it gets. Most people use music to drive around town, or walk dogs… but I use music when I am working in the office or remotely out in a cafe. Music keeps me pumped to work, blog, and write. Now, I know some of you wouldn’t be able to write with music in your ear…which is totally fine! My Mom and Brother are just like that. I think the lesson is that you gotta do what works for you! That is how I stay motivated. How do you?

Now over to you….

What are some of your favorite things to feed your brain while you work, drive, or exercise? Do you like to listen to podcasts? Ever listen to a book on tape? Does music get you amped up? What does it for you? Share below so we can all learn from each other!

Is Pet Sitting Profitable? How To Figure Out The Perfect Price.

March 12, 2014/2 Comments/in Business Articles, Motivation/by Bella

Is Pet Sitting Profitable? Of course it is! If you know what you are doing.

All Ages Can Sell (Photo credit: VividImageInc)

Although if you are a pet sitting business owner who has a staff, paying them 60 – 70%, after you add in taxes and expenses, it may be COSTING you money to have your business.

I always chuckle when I run down the cost of one pet visit with a coaching client and we get down to “So, you are actually only making $4.00 a pet sit. Is that what you really want? You can go work at McDonald’s and get health benefits right away! Or even Starbucks!” At that point, I can see the proverbial light bulb above their head as they say, “OK, I don’t want to work at Starbucks of McDonald’s . I want to make this work. How do I do that?”

Success story: Julie Frederick, from The Pet Sitter Of Boise actually paid off her house last year by pet sitting! No mortgage. Can you believe that? She got serious about the business and put it to the grind.

I know one pet sitting business owner who generate over a million dollars! So forget the whole, I want a six-figure company. What about a million dollar company? In fact, there are many who have accomplished this!

Fact of the matter is – If you know what you are doing, you can do anything. What makes you different from the pet sitter on the list below you in the yellow pages? Or care.com? Do you know what your profit margin is? Do you know what your cost of goods sold is? Do you know how much you can afford to discount? Knowing these numbers can make a drastic change in the knowledge of how you need to run your business.

Your whole life needs to be documented in order for this to happen. A good book keeper can take a HUGE weight off your shoulders. Then, you can know what you are spending your money on, how much you are saving, and if you are making the money that equals happiness in your life.

It doesn’t matter if you have a lemonade stand, or are Donald Trump. If you do not know about the finances in your business, you don’t be around for a long time. So, what are you going to do? Will you make emotional decisions or mathematical decisions?

If you would like to really break it down and learn how to get a grip of your pricing STRATEGY and structure, I have a super course that walks you through it all.

How 20 Seconds Of Confidence Can Get You Through All Your Business Challenges

January 31, 2014/4 Comments/in Bella's Thoughts, Motivation/by Bella

Confidence…..

We all know what that means but do you know the impact it can have on your life if you just take a deep breath and have confidence?

On the plane about to watch movies for 14 hours!

On the plane ride home I was watching “We Bought A Zoo” (Great movie by the way) and Matt Damon’s character gives this advice to his son who wanted to approach a girl…. All you need is 20 seconds of guts. So muster it all up and go for it. You just need 20 seconds.

Well it is true! In our lives. In our businesses. Here is another story….

After dating for (Oh Gosh) like ten years and striking out again and again., I could have lost my confidence in myself, my appearance, the ability to date. But I didn’t. And I met my soul mate!

After going out for only 7 months, I could have gotten scared and waited longer before getting engaged, but I was confident in our relationship and that led to our marriage. Our TWO marriages one in Az and in Europe!

I was scared to go to a foreign country where I really didn’t speak the language (but learning) and get married again, travel the country, and go in and out of countless homes just sitting that frustrated that I didn’t understand much of what was being said… I was worried that they would think I was foolish because I didn’t understand or I would act in the wrong way. Courage got me through it and helped bridge that (what turned out to be) not so big gap of understanding. You would be surprised how much you can get away with non verbal communication.

Fog canceled our flight from Macedonia to Rome and we wouldn’t have been able to get there (for our honeymoon) for two

The Coliseum

days. It took confidence in my husband that he rearranged everything, and even though it wasn’t a journey I would have necessarily planned, he still got us there. It was operation VIVA ITALA!! (More about this adventure in another blog)

You see, sometimes courage doesn’t even need to be in ourselves, but sometimes others. It is ok to trust. It is ok to fail. It is ok to do trial and error. The common theme in all these examples are you are moving forward!

What sparked this topic was an event that happened this week after I returned from my trip. I am on a hiring blitz, ready to pound the pavement, post on craigslist, and talk to everyone I know… But after I was coming out of one pet store I was feeling a tiny bit defeated. I was thinking to myself, yikes! If I had a bad attitude about doing this and I didn’t have the courage to say YES this whole process would be a lot worse. I started reminding myself that I needed to fake it till I made it.

I started reminding myself that courage is contagious and if I didn’t believe in myself, then why would they believe in my company or hang my fliers?

It got me thinking, and I wanted to let you know that confidence is everything. Even if you don’t think you have it. You don’t want to have it. You don’t know how to get it. You just need to fake it till you make it! Trust me.

Tell me about you:
When did you have courage about something in your business or personal life, how would it change you? Tell me about a time or a current situation that confidence was needed when it wasn’t so easy for you to do. By sharing your story, you will help inspire others! (aka give them the confidence!)

Help! Where Do I Learn About Google + For My Pet Sitting Business?

November 15, 2013/2 Comments/in Bella's Thoughts, Motivation, Social Media/by Bella

For those that have been following me over the past few days on Google + and in my community, you will know that I have been getting serious about Google + and it is my prediction that this is what is really going to set you up and over your competition. It is going to take your blogging to a whole new universe, and it is going to teach you more than you ever wanted to know.

Just another Facebook? No! Facebook is filled with relationships and chatter. Google + is more about learning… to grow your business, to learn a new hobby, to teach yourself a new trick, and to connect with people who are amazing thought leaders in all types of industries. Facebook, is totally different. And Google + isn’t just about “getting a profile and forgetting about it”

(Can you tell I am excited? )
Google + is a social network. Much like Facebook you have a profile page and a business page. Your business page can be connected to your YouTube and Reviews. It is very confusing at first but I proimise you, stick with it, be a part of the solution and you will get it.

At first, I admit, not many were actually using it. But when your Google + profile is searched by the actual Google engine, then yeah… if you are a small business it might be great to jump on board.

Google has endless products, services, and apps that they can help your business with. I am still learning and have been evolved in a 48 hour overhaul while getting my website to go faster. How did I finally do all of this?

Google Helpouts.

Go there. Google helpouts. It is your friend. Actual human beings, will join you in a private video conference to help you work through everything. Gone are the days where you read through websites on How To’s and now you have a person sitting right there with you (virtually) helping you get through it all. After all, that is how I was able to get my 4 Youtube stations, 3 profiles, 5 business pages, and God knows what else, all consolidated to two easy to use “profiles” Now, I admit, everything isn’t perfect, and I still have to wait 9 days for one of the transfers (merging two profile pages) to go through… but I am so much closer than I was three days ago. When it was a crazy messed up spider web that I didn’t understand.

For those of you who know me, you know I am not the type to speak or teach unless I really feel like I know exactly what I am talking about inside the problem and on top of it. I defiantly do not understand all that is “google +” but I am learning and invite you to learn with me inside Jump Consulting’s Google + community (think “group” on Facebook)

So… here are some things I have learned.

1 – Not to delete my accounts that already have 100+ people following me. When I post blogs to these circles (think groups of friends) it holds more klout in Google’s eyes because I have a bigger audience.
2 – Your circles are like a way to classify people. The standard lists things like Friends, Family, Acquaintances, but I encourage you to create your own like, Clients, Pet Sitters, Friends, Networking, etc.

3 – One circle you create could be people you admire, or want to follow, like thought leaders, and others could be people who you want to see your “news” Circles allow you to have a profile that is YOU and you can attract, promote, or learn in whatever circle you want to share or create in. No longer do you need everything separate!

4 – Google Helpouts is a God send! I got in early with a great guy named Chris Hubbell. He was working for free at the time just to gain lots of great rankings so that he could eventually start charging…. Well that didn’t take long. It is also how I found Joshua Cheney (a recommendation from Chris) to help me speed up my website.

In a age when google is God when it comes to the internet, and you can have your google listings appear with not only your reviews and stars but also Google + page… that could be huge to the next client who is looking for a pet sitter for Fido. They can virtually get to know you! What is your profile saying about you?

Authorship & Publisher

Now it gets REALLY mind blowing…..

“Authorship is establishing you, to Google, as the author of a piece of content that gets published on a website. In simple terms, it’s like establishing yourself as the confirmed author of your blog by using your Google+ profile. And they take your Google+ profile picture and use it as the author picture in SERPs. That’s pretty much it in a nutshell.” Read more at http://www.searchenginejournal.com/google-authorship-lethal-guest-bloggers/69733/#72qXLzCmlL86UZjI.99

Google Publisher is something that every single serious pet sitting business owner on the web who blogs needs to understand. I am not even going to try to explain it. I am going to tell you that you need to read this: http://www.buuteeq.com/blog/googles-authorship-markup-author-vs-publisher/

Did you click on it and read???
So eventually, no longer will your amazing blogs that you have been writing show up as just the TITLE, but also your little picture next to it. Now which one do you think YOU will click on if you were the potential client?

When pet sitters are constantly trying to sell TRUST ( that is what we sell, not dog walking, pet sitting, litter scooping) what better way than to get on this wave and make it work for you?

My challenge to you:

Spend one week doing everything you can on Google + Talk to the experts, I am not one of them, and get them to virtually sit next to you and show you around, explain it, and help you through it all.

I am willing to bet that you have a few more profiles than you realized and I know I have heard pet sitters wonder about their review pages and google maps, local, etc. Argh. Even writing this is giving me a headache. But take this – I learned SO MUCH in the past two days by stumbling around with Chris. Yes, I got headaches. Yes, it was tough… but get in now. USE these resources.

It is time to take your website and your social network and let them do the talking and selling online. It is here, and it isn’t going anywhere.

Side note, Google + is a GREAT place to learn things. There are so many people sharing info on there… just dive in!

More things to come soon. This is really just an open letter/ramble to you all so you can see what I have been doing since Wednesday and I hope that I gave you a little direction to go in. Dive in. Google it! Get on Helpout. Become a student! Learn!!! I promise, I will have more to come soon.

8 Real Reasons Why Sole Pet Sitting Proprietor Businesses Should Use Client Management Systems.

June 26, 2013/13 Comments/in Business Articles, Motivation/by Bella

When I asked the question: Do you use a client management system for your businesses? to a group of sole proprietors it amazed me that more aren’t using these systems.

I remember when I was just running my pet sitting business all by my lonesome and I had papers everywhere, and calls coming in with requests, schedule changes, update to pets info, and last minute reassurance calls. Not to mention the ones that I would call every weekend to “confirm” their services.

I felt an intense need to answer the phone every time it rang and felt like I had a huge cloud over my head until all calls were called back.

As a sole proprietor, I needed the business. It was just me. I didn’t want the callers calling down the list of pet sitting names they found online or in the phone book and booking services with anyone else other than ME!

When I was done running my “rounds” I would come home and do office work when I was supposed to be eating and resting before the next time I had to run out. Which, by the way, totally stunk because I had no downtime.

I wish someone told me to get the client management system!

But wait – I was scared. I didn’t think I could afford it. There was too much to learn. I had so many other things I needed to do. And then soon, another avalanche of worry past over me and I just stayed where I was. In fear.

Well, they say that hindsight is 20/20 so here is what I wished someone would have told ME.

You need to have systems!

Systems are crucial in your business and even if you are only bringing in 10K a year, you NEED to start now. While you are slow, while you have the time.

The purpose of systems in your business will help you avoid burn out in the end. When talking about the system of client management systems, I don’t care if you are using Power Pet Sitter, Leash Time, Pet Sit Click, Blue Wave, etc….

If you are building your business this software is going to streamline everything.

Here’s how:

No email clutter. Going through threads for info. It is all stored in one place.
The client feels at ease, knowing that they can see all their info, notes, and know that things are confirmed.
The systems track your trends. How many without these systems can tell me the percentage of dog walks v pet sits they are currently doing and how that compares to Last Year?
In the same respect, we live in the INSTANT age. People want to sign up with your company NOW and ONLINE…. not wait for a call back or phone tag.
Existing clients can book instantly online. You are making it easier for them to spend money with you. Lots of people don’t even want to talk on the phone. They want to text or email. This is giving them that option.
I understand that some might feel like they are paying for nothing, but what you are doing is helping to build a back bone of systems for your company.
Having a business is supposed to HELP your life. Not burry you underneath it. It makes it so that you spend LESS than an hour a day on invoicing, confirmations, scheduling, updating notes, and more.
Doing this will help almost eliminate:
-Taking bookings
-Changing schedules
-Updating client notes
-Updating pet notes
-Loosing client files or papers
-Spending money on file folders, paper, ink, etc
-Calling for confirmations
-Appearing more professional to a client
-Not having to do the same thing over, and over, and over, and over, (ok you get it) again.
-Keeping up on holiday charges
-Track trends and allow you to email in less than 5 minutes people that booked last year at the same time!

What it all comes down to:

Everyone is entitled to do whatever they want and I do respect it. I am just trying to push your thoughts into a bigger picture where it gives you more time for LIFE. If you go back to what I believe as a business coach, I believe that your business should be there to SUPPORT you and your LIFE. You should have a life, and it should support you. You shouldn’t be buried underneath it all.

When you are a sole proprietor and doing all the work on your own, it is this time, now more than ever, that your time is precious to you. It is a LOT of work to run a business and work in it.

Now it is your turn…. tell me if you have a client management system and if you like it. Tell me if you are a sole proprietor and think I am off my rocker crazy silly for writing all of this….

Let me know! Sound off below! 🙂

(PS – I do not get paid to say any of this!)

Why Should I Blog For My Pet Sitting Business?

August 3, 2012/10 Comments/in Business Articles, Motivation/by Bella

Having a blog for my pet sitting business is so important for my SEO. Without re-posting the content, I would be dead.

Where I am writing you from at the Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale

I have been able to have my website dominate in many key words in my area. This is important because it leads to phone calls and ultimately clients. I only pay to advertise in one place. The rest of our advertising comes from my blog.

First, lets look at a few MYTHS:

MYTH: I don’t have time to start a blog for my pet sitting business.
FACT: If you have time to be on Facebook, you have time for blogging. Plus you can write a few blogs and schedule them to come out once a week.

MYTH: I don’t have anything to say.
FACT: You have inspiration all around you in your job. Different leashes, litters, “How To’s” etc.

MYTH: I am not a good writer.
FACT: You don’t have to be. Write in your own voice that is what blogging is about.

Ways I can benefit with a blog for my pet sitting business:

1- Search Engine Optimization. You are creating pages on the internet to direct traffic and key words to your website. Do this tens or hundreds of times and you will dominate over your competition.

2- You are able to position yourself as an expert. Write down all your knowledge and people will read, share, and interview you for more.

3- You are able to offer rebuttals when selling a client on the phone by sending them you “My cat is too shy and won’t come out for you” blog that shows the techniques you used to alleviate this problem.

4- You become an information source that others look at for valuable information. Through breaking important pet news stories (that you can often find out about on Bella In Your Business) you can write a short commentary about it with a link to the article or organization hosting it. It builds your credibility.

5- You are hijacking the search engines. So you don’t do dog boarding or dog kenneling, but you have a post that talks about “Why pet sitting in (your town) is better than dog boarding” Well guess who is going to come up when someone googles (your town) and dog boarding?

Blogging is something that is FREE that I think no business owner can afford NOT to do. We consider spending money on passive advertising like Yellow pages or relocation magazines or welcome wagons, but never once consider saving our money and creating our own welcome wagon. Why not create a blog post about ARE YOU NEW TO (YOUR TOWN)?

Do you blog or not? Why or why not? If you do blog list your blog below and tell me what you blog about that gets the most comments, reaction, or hits on your website and why you think that is.

Learning Means Nothing Without Execution.

October 17, 2011/0 Comments/in Business Articles, Motivation/by Bella

We learn more from 5 minutes of doing rather than 10 years of studying.

Logic tells us that:

1) You learn something.
2) You practice it.
3) You master it.
4) You more onto the next task to conquer.

So why do so many of us get caught up on Step 1 and don’t ever follow through the rest of the steps? We are all guilty of it at one point or another but I see it a lot when I am coaching clients.

I can teach them all that I know – but unless they practice it in their own business, they never master it, and never move onto the next obstacle. They stay paralyzed in fear.

In business we need to listen, practice it, and then just do it! If you don’t implement it and put it in your life, we are never going to win the game, the test, or grow our business. We need to use what we learn everyday. All the hours reading, listening, and spending money on learning from those who we choose to follow are wasted if we never do anything with it again.

Are you DOING it? Who cares if you are talking or thinking about it. Are you DOING it?

Here are my ways I DO IT in no particular order:

I tell people in my life to hold me accountable. This means they are constantly asking me for updates on a regular basis.
I tell the world. I put it out on my personal Facebook, tell groups that I am in, tell my social circles.
I post it on my refrigerator so I see it everyday.
Start taking the first step forward even if it feels weird. I start getting the motion going forward.

This weekend I was inspired to JUST DO IT and write this blog to you. Pastor Will from Impact Church really got me thinking and I wanted to share it. Writing this today is me DOING it 🙂

Listening, Studying, and knowing will NEVER be a substitute for DOING.
Committing to the daily truth is necessary for future acts of damage.
Now that you know these things, you will be favored if you do them (John 13:17)

It makes sense, right? I mean how many times in life have we learned something and never done anything about it?
Faith without works is dead!

You gotta learn, believe, do…

Just. Do. It.

So…what is one thing that you have been listening, reading, learning “to do” that you haven’t done yet? Comment below and I will hold you accountable and help you through it!

If the Bumble Bee Can Do It, You Can Too!

August 29, 2011/2 Comments/in Business Articles, Motivation/by Bella

So I am sitting in church this morning and Pastor Travis starts talking about the Bumble Bee. Did you know this silly little creature anatomically isn’t meant to fly? In other words its body is so darn big that it’s itty bitty wings isn’t supposed to be able to lift its body!

But it does!

Hmm, got me thinking.

So many times I hear business owners thinking THEY can’t do things. They can’t do the impossible. They are right. They can’t. Although if you have certain things in your life, you can do anything. Just like the Bumble Bee!

Three things you need to fly and sting like a Bee!

(1.) FAITH: You need to believe in SOMETHING. I think we have all acknowledged that you can’t do it on your own. If you put the weight of the world on your shoulders, be sure to have a good chiropractor. If you have faith in God, then let Him direct and guide your ways.

Works without faith are dead!

(2.) HELP: You can’t start of expand your business on your own. Knowing how and when to ask for help is going to be critical. You will not always have the right answers or tools to help you overcome or conqueror the road blocks that will come your way. Humble yourself and know when you need help.

(3.) PEOPLE: Birds of a feather, flock together. Ever heard that saying? It is true! You need to take an active role in surrounding yourself with people you want to be like. People that lift you up, give you sound advice, someone you can rely on. What do your 5 closest friends say about you? [2 Corinthians 6:14 ]

If a Bumble Bee can do it, you can too. You just need to take control, believe, have faith, ask for help, and surround yourself with people who believe you can and want to be like.

Tell me below… what are some things that you are struggling with accomplishing right now. Why do you feel like it is so impossible? I want to know!

Communication Is Key, Secure & Close The Sale Now

May 26, 2011/1 Comment/in Business Articles, Motivation/by Bella

Communication. Sometimes you don’t realize how important it is, until it doesn’t happen. Example… I had a recent weird experience with a vendor. I admired their work, and passed it along to colleagues and friends, who also liked their work. In fact one colleague liked their work so much that they said they wanted to purchase the product.

“Yay!” I thought to myself. “I just helped FEED this other business, and helped a colleague get a product they were excited about.”

Later, I found out that the vendor called my colleague, left a message and never followed up. No communication after that call. How bad do you want the sale?

I was perplexed because I worked so hard to “feed” her this lead, yet it didn’t seem like they made a strong effort to “eat” it.

Why Happiness In Your Business Isn't Just A Number

May 20, 2011/1 Comment/in Bella's Thoughts, Goal, Motivation/by Bella

When I coach people, my main goal is to give them freedom. The freedom that their life is currently not giving them. One of the things I always ask before beginning is, “What do you have this business for?” Nine times out of ten they tell me they started this business in hopes spend more time with their family, go on trips, and not work so hard.
Read more

Why Happiness In Your Business Isn’t Just A Number

May 20, 2011/1 Comment/in Bella's Thoughts, Goal, Motivation/by Bella

When I coach people, my main goal is to give them freedom. The freedom that their life is currently not giving them. One of the things I always ask before beginning is, “What do you have this business for?” Nine times out of ten they tell me they started this business in hopes spend more time with their family, go on trips, and not work so hard.
Read more

Rule #2: Who Cares About The Competition.

May 2, 2011/0 Comments/in Business Articles, Motivation/by Bella

How many of us have started off our business trying to do what everyone else does first?

You know what I mean…. you figure out what your services are going to be, what you call them, how much they are, how they are structured – all by what already exists out there. Hmmm….. But if there are a bunch of companies out there all pretty much the same, then what really makes them different?

I have been around the block enough times with coaching clients to know that “because I really really care about my clients” or “We provide the highest quality of service” or “I do it because I love the work! In fact, it isn’t work” Isn’t what being unique about. Almost everyone feels the same way and you need MORE.

If this was fashion, it would be creating your own style, and then getting on that run way and walking to the beat of your own drum!

Lets focus on looking inward! (Think about it and fill in that cloud)

EXAMPLE: Where does your pricing structure come from? It should come from what you need to make in a year with your business in order to survive. Then, taking into account the COGS, and expenses. Not arriving at a price because that is what everyone else is charging and you wanted to be a little more or less than “average.”

EXAMPLE: Where does your list of services come from? Did you create it yourself? Did you come up with your own names for the services or are they pretty generic and “typical” in your industry? How can you put your own spin on things?

By looking inward, you create a company that no one can copy. You make it genuine and trust me, it will shine though in your marketing and your website. Think about it this way – McDonald’s can’t just kick Ronald McDonald out and start using Wendy as their front line girl. They can’t start calling their most popular burger the Whopper. Its the BigMac. Think about how this relates to your company…. Make it your own. Create your branding. Be unique. Find out who you are, and Be You!

You be you and I will be me, because that is the best we can ever be. – Bella

Why be bitter? Attitude is everything!

February 28, 2011/0 Comments/in Business Articles, Motivation/by Bella

It is said that it takes more energy to be mad than to be happy. Being in the pet industry, how could one ever be mad? Personally, I am greeted by wagging tails, sloppy kisses, and purring kitties most of the day. It is great!

A few weeks ago I was helping a person with a billiard company and we “shopped” his competition by calling his biggest competitor. The first five minutes of the conversation was this other business owner trash talking his “competition.” I was appalled and honestly turned off. This person spent so much energy on being negative, and not highlighting the positives about his business that he actually came off as insecure to me. Next, we explored the advertising mediums. As suspected, this person’s “cheery” disposition (not) was also reflected in the print media they were utilizing.

Most recently, I was searching through pet sitting websites. I am sad to say that I found a similar incident. It surprises me how some want to focus on (what they perceive to be) the negative’s of other businesses, while ignoring the fact that they should be spending their time, energy, and advertising opportunity to positively highlight the caliber of their business. How about highlighting the good things about your business and why you are different rather than bashing other companies? Take the high road. Be confident. Set yourself apart from the rest by being unique. Slinging mud is for the playground.

I am not sure how you all feel, and would love to know, but wouldn’t you feel a little put off if you were trying to research or buy from a company and all they were doing was bashing the other businesses in the industry? I don’t even want to call it competition, because clearly they are on different levels. My impression was that this other billiard company, and then pet sitting company, was highly insecure, and perhaps even bitter about something? In any case I would not want either one working for me because lets face it, in the world we live in…who needs more negative energy?

More energy spent on being mad… less energy spent on the business? Hmmmmm?

Want Revenge? Think Again.

February 23, 2011/0 Comments/in Business Articles, Motivation/by Bella

Some define integrity as “doing the right thing even when no one is looking”

As human beings we put ourselves out there and always risk getting hurt or burnt in some way.

There is much information about how to lead your life with integrity, but what happens when someone without integrity affects your life? What do YOU do?

There are many paths one could take. Revenge always feels good for a minute, but then it wears off. Speaking out and telling everyone of the wrong doing also feels good, but you run a big risk of it back firing and you looking bad. Going and being self destructive could occur, but the only person you end up hurting is yourself. Or then again you could just wait around for “karma” to happen but who knows when that would strike.

Faith tells us to:

“Dear friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God. For it is written, ‘I will take vengeance; I will repay those who deserve it,’ says the Lord” (Romans 12:19).

That, my friends, is what I will hold onto. I will tell my story to those who want to know and they can make their own decision. I would have just urged those without the integrity to think before they affect someone of a high social persuasion with a lot of followers.

Tell me about a time that you were done wrong and how you handled it:

Who Exactly Is An Expert?

February 20, 2011/0 Comments/in Business Articles, Motivation/by Bella

I once hear someone say “An expert is someone who knows a LITTLE bit more than someone else.” Hmm…This could be true, but it is also important to know who the expert is.

In addition to being an “expert” you need to have your niche. No one can possibly be an expert about everything. If they were, they would be God.

It annoys me to all get out when someone claims to know something about everything. We all know those people. They are usually the ones that either

a) End up messing everything up because of their ego or low self esteem.

b) End up leading the flocks of sheep into the loin’s den and not realize it until it is too late.

An expert, in my opinion, is someone who is proficient in a subject. They know a LOT more about something than everyone else. They are the ones that usually always have the answers, but are honorable and humble enough to say “I don’t know” when they don’t know.

An expert, usually has a niche. Niche. There is that word again. Webster define’s niche as a defined market. A defined market doesn’t include everything under the sun and beware of those who think their niche is everything under the sun.

Beware of know-it-alls.

Photo Credit: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=371

I Can't Help The People That Aren't Willing To Do These 4 Things:

January 8, 2011/1 Comment/in Business Articles, Learn, Motivation/by Bella

“When doors open, it is still your responsibility to walk through them. So get stepping!!!” – Andrew P.

If you have ever had the opportunity to work with me, I start out by telling you that I have two rules.

RULE #1 – You are your own worst enemy.

RULE #2 – Who cares about the competition.

Rule #1 is the one I am about to focus on and rip apart. Are you ready?

So many times in life things leave us petrified by fear. Like the petrified forest in Muir Woods, nothing has changed in hundreds of years… Our own thoughts and perceptions in life is what holds up captive.

I meet so many smart, intelligent, creative minds… that are sometimes trapped by nothing else other than just themselves. So how does someone get out of it?

FOUR THINGS TO STEP OVER SO YOU CAN START STEPPING FORWARD!

1 – Get over yourself! Stop thinking that the world begins and ends with you… not everyone is watching you and you are not the best thing since sliced bread.

2 – You will make mistakes! The sooner you realize you are going to mess up, the easier it will be to accept it. You are not perfect. Just when you are able to take the step and have someone JUMP with you (www.jumpconsulting.net) then it will be easier along the way becasue I will look back and tell you “Don’t make that mistake. I did and it sucked!”

3 – You can’t always make everyone happy.Don’t let your fear of not for filling others plans for your life prevent you from moving forward. The more you know about yourself and who you are, the easier this will be. Not everyone is going to agree with your decisions, but in order to move forward with confidence, you need to be confident in yourself.

4- Stand up to the voices in your life that are not you. All too often, while trying to impress others, we give up self in order to for fill their projected outlook on our lives. THEY DON’T MATTER (to an extent). You must have a strong sense of self, direction, and passion to push forward. No family member, spouse, or friend can hold you back…unless you let them.

These are the same things that prevent us from setting goals. From turning dreams into reality. You attitude should be filled with I CAN. Not… “I can only if…” You must get rid of the stinking thinking, acknowledge that you are not perfect, you can’t always make everyone happy, and make a conscious promise to yourself to take a STAND in your life!!!!

You CAN do it. Why? Becasue no one else can do it for you.

If you would like that extra accountability, sounding board, and encouragement… consider shooting me an email. I love being a cheer leader and big doses of motivation to push you forward for YOUR OWN goals…

danielle@jumpconsulting.net

I Can’t Help The People That Aren’t Willing To Do These 4 Things | pet sitting business coaching services

January 8, 2011/3 Comments/in Business Articles, Learn, Motivation/by Bella

“When doors open, it is still your responsibility to walk through them. So get stepping!!!” – Andrew P.

If you have ever had the opportunity to contract my pet sitting business coaching services, I start out by telling you that I have two rules.

RULE #1 – You are your own worst enemy.

RULE #2 – Who cares about the competition.

Rule #1 is the one I am about to focus on and rip apart. Are you ready?

So many times in life things leave us petrified by fear. Like the petrified forest in Muir Woods, nothing has changed in hundreds of years… Our own thoughts and perceptions in life is what holds up captive.

I meet so many smart, intelligent, creative minds through my pet sitting business coaching services… sometimes they are trapped by nothing else other than just themselves. So how does someone get out of it?

FOUR THINGS TO STEP OVER SO YOU CAN START STEPPING FORWARD!

1 – Get over yourself! Stop thinking that the world begins and ends with you… not everyone is watching you and you are not the best thing since sliced bread.

2 – You will make mistakes! The sooner you realize you are going to mess up, the easier it will be to accept it. You are not perfect. Just when you are able to take the step and have someone JUMP with you (www.jumpconsulting.net) then it will be easier along the way because I will look back and tell you “Don’t make that mistake. I did and it sucked!”

3 – You can’t always make everyone happy.Don’t let your fear of not for filling others plans for your life prevent you from moving forward. The more you know about yourself and who you are, the easier this will be. Not everyone is going to agree with your decisions, but in order to move forward with confidence, you need to be confident in yourself.

4- Stand up to the voices in your life that are not you. All too often, while trying to impress others, we give up self in order to fulfil their projected outlook on our lives. THEY DON’T MATTER (to an extent). You must have a strong sense of self, direction, and passion to push forward. No family member, spouse, or friend can hold you back…unless you let them.

These are the same things that prevent us from setting goals. From turning dreams into reality. You attitude should be filled with I CAN. Not… “I can only if…” You must get rid of the stinking thinking, acknowledge that you are not perfect, you can’t always make everyone happy, and make a conscious promise to yourself to take a STAND in your life!!!!

You CAN do it. Why? Because no one else can do it for you.

If you would like that extra accountability, sounding board, and encouragement… consider shooting me an email. I love being a cheer leader with my pet sitting business coaching services to you. I have a big dose of motivation to push you forward for YOUR OWN goals..

Have You Copied A Pet Sitting Website?

January 7, 2011/2 Comments/in Business Articles, Motivation/by Bella

Copying another business is NOT a form of flattery. Any business owner who knowingly directly copies another business is stealing.

When a copycat steals another person’s information for their own use it shows that their own business culture is lacking. If a business is solid and has clear direction and uniqueness than no other businesses principals, websites, forms, etc can ever become another businesses because it just doesn’t fit.

As a business coach, I see and hear about this happening frequently. I have seen, or it has been brought to my attention: that chunks of websites being copied, marketing pieces, service agreements, types of services, unique names, even logos have been directly copied!

It has been my experience based on the 3 people that have come to me in the past two months, that when the person is confronted they are less than wiling to admit that they stole something and change it. This is sad. It is the same thing as walking into a store, grabbing something and walking out without paying for it.

Now I am all for creative juices flowing and sometimes you have to “shop” around. Sometimes you mix and match what you see but what should always happen is that the business should PUT THEIR OWN SPIN ON IT. Lets face it, almost every wheel has already been invented. What are YOU going to do to help RE-INVENT it and make it your own?

Think twice before you copy someone. It is illegal, and shows that you can’t think for yourself.

How To Set Great Goals In Your Pet Sitting Company.

January 6, 2011/1 Comment/in Business Articles, Motivation/by Bella

Goals are so important to anything in life. If you don’t know where you are headed, how the heck do you know how to get there. Recently, I have been struggling with some very tough decisions. (more on this later) However if I didn’t have personal and business goals in mind there would be no rhyme or reason to any decision I make. I do not wander through the woods – I pave a path towards a destination.

Last year for BHPS I actually wrote down my goals on a white board. I thought it was a pipe dream! In an economy where there is a “recession” When I hear business owners complaining all over that their businesses are failing… I took a steady look at my goals and thought ” How the heck do I get there? ” Jan and Feb 09 were one of the worst months ever in the past 8 yrs I have been in business. Why do I think this was? Simply put – the media SCARED everyone into thinking we were doomed. That the world was ending. It was at this point where I was faced with a really difficulty decision….Should I do what every other person was doing and lower my rates? I was getting told NO a lot on the phone. It made me question everything I was doing. What did I do? I went back to what my GOALS were. No, I just don’t mean a fiscal 2009 goal – but what I wanted for my life, what lifestyle I wanted to afford to live, what sort of time I wanted free for the important things in my life, what I wanted for a future with Bella’s… many things went through my mind.

It was at that point that I decided SCREW IT – I want to keep building this business and that is what I am going to do. I forget where I heard it, but the quote “You can’t change the way the wind blows, but you can change the position of your sails” was PROFOUND to me and I took that and ran.

That is when I started the Gift Certificate program. Even though I was the highest priced sitter in an area where there were over 40 pet sitting companies, and interestingly enough people were HURTING bc everyone was living above their means and on a borrowed dollar….I decided to keep my prices right where I wanted. I struggled a lot with quality over quantity and decided to stay true to my roots. What I originally intended for my business. To have a quality service at a premium price. Not a quantity service at a discount price (no offense meant to anyone at all).

This program saved my toockas! (butt)
All the vendors on there gave me free advertising. I had pizza boxes being delivered to homes with my flier on them! (and sooooo much more too)

MORAL OF THE STORY Having my clear set goals in mind, knowing who I was, and standing on solid ground… when the “earthquake” (aka recession) hit I was able to make my move while not jeopardizing who my business was. This is so pivotal for business owners to really understand. KNOW who you are. KNOW who your business is. KNOW where you want to go with it. If you do, your decision making process will be that much better and like me, by the end of ’09, we were 20% UP falling just a few thousand short of what I thought was a “pipe dream goal”

DREAM….
THINK….
SEARCH….
THEN SET GOALS AND MAKE PLANS ACCORDINGLY

YOU OWE IT TO YOURSELF !

Look at all the successful entrepreneurs… they did not faulture (sp?).
Ben and Jerry’s was broke for 7 yrs before they took off.
Michael Jordan was told that he would never be on Varsity HS Bball.
…..and so many more….

By the way…. Bella’s is UP 53% since the doom and gloom of Jan 09. (Written Jan ’11)

Goal setting – the pipe dream with an end | Small business coaching

January 6, 2011/1 Comment/in Business Articles, Motivation/by Bella

GOALS are so important to anything in life. If you don’t know where you are headed, how the heck do you know how to get there. Recently, I have been struggling with some very tough decisions. (more on this later) However if I didn’t have personal and business goals in mind there would be no rhyme or reason to any decision I make. I do not wander through the woods – I pave a path towards a destination.

Last year for BHPS I actually wrote down my goals on a white board. I thought it was a pipe dream! In an economy where there is a “recession” When I hear business owners complaining all over that their businesses are failing… I took a steady look at my goals and thought ” How the heck do I get there? ” Jan and Feb 09 were one of the worst months ever in the past 8 yrs I have been in business. Why do I think this was? Simply put – the media SCARED everyone into thinking we were doomed. That the world was ending. It was at this point where I was faced with a really difficulty decision….Should I do what every other person was doing and lower my rates? I was getting told NO a lot on the phone. It made me question everything I was doing. What did I do? I went back to what my GOALS were. No, I just don’t mean a fiscal 2009 goal – but what I wanted for my life, what lifestyle I wanted to afford to live, what sort of time I wanted free for the important things in my life, what I wanted for a future with Bella’s… many things went through my mind.

It was at that point that I decided SCREW IT – I want to keep building this business and that is what I am going to do. I forget where I heard it, but the quote “You can’t change the way the wind blows, but you can change the position of your sails” was PROFOUND to me and I took that and ran.

That is when I started the Gift Certificate program. Even though I was the highest priced sitter in an area where there were over 40 pet sitting companies, and interestingly enough people were HURTING bc everyone was living above their means and on a borrowed dollar….I decided to keep my prices right where I wanted. I struggled a lot with quality over quantity and decided to stay true to my roots. What I originally intended for my business. To have a quality service at a premium price. Not a quantity service at a discount price (no offense meant to anyone at all).

This program saved my toockas! (butt)
All the vendors on there gave me free advertising. I had pizza boxes being delivered to homes with my flier on them! (and sooooo much more too)

MORAL OF THE STORY Having my clear set goals in mind, knowing who I was, and standing on solid ground… when the “earthquake” (aka recession) hit I was able to make my move while not jeopardizing who my business was. This is so pivotal for business owners to really understand. KNOW who you are. KNOW who your business is. KNOW where you want to go with it. If you do, your decision making process will be that much better and like me, by the end of ’09, we were 20% UP falling just a few thousand short of what I thought was a “pipe dream goal”

DREAM….
THINK….
SEARCH….
THEN SET GOALS AND MAKE PLANS ACCORDINGLY

YOU OWE IT TO YOURSELF !

Look at all the successful entrepreneurs… they did not faulture (sp?).
Ben and Jerry’s was broke for 7 yrs before they took off.
Michael Jordan was told that he would never be on Varsity HS Bball.
…..and so many more….

By the way…. Bella’s is UP 53% since the doom and gloom of Jan 09. (Written Jan ’11)

Simon says, “Follow the Leader” but which one? |Pet Sitting Business Coaching

January 4, 2011/2 Comments/in Business Articles, Motivation/by Bella

What leaders do you follow?

A very wise book said “seek wise counsel….”

Who do you seek out when you are looking for answers, guidance or advice? Are they truly the people that you want to be?

That is who I look after. Those who I inspire to be and I simply listen with two ears and talk with one mouth in that ratio.

With so much being published on a daily basis these days I think it is important to really think about who you are following. Do you really know who they are? What they stand for? What is their track record? Are they in a position of life that you want to be in? Are they a person of integrity?

If you are not following anyone, I am curious as to how you find the motivation and inspiration to move forward even when you have strong headwinds. How do you not get pushed off course?

Following the leader, a great game we used to play as kids…. However make sure that the Simon who is ” Saying”…. Is a Simon that you want to be.

Not sure? Just ask them.

Me??? Glad you asked! I was born in 1982, had my first 6 figure business by the time I was 28. Have been nationally awarded and have served many hours of volunteer time in the pet sitting industry area.

I come from a line of entrepreneurs, always had to work for everything I have in life. (including my beloved Mini Cooper convertible aka Mini Me)

I am a Christian, and give a lot of the glory of my success to the Lord.

I am told on a weekly basis that I am motivating and energetic.

I hold my family and friends in a higher regard than my own business, they will always have priority, and that goes for my staff as well.

I value the ability to make my own schedule and choose when I want to work in such a high regard that I will fight tooth and nail if I have to in order to keep it. Lunch with friends or my mom in the middle of the “work day,” Happy Hours with friends or family, being able to go on vacation at the drop of a hat, is all the quality time that I cherish.

I am pretty extreme to my fault sometimes. I am either all in or all out. Black or white. You either jump out of the airplane or you don’t. There is no jumping out and then holding onto the side of the airplane. and you can take that any way you want (as good or bad).

I am not easily quieted when I believe something is wrong and will fight for those who are loyal to me. I am Italian and from Boston… need I say more?

If that is something that appeals to you or lines up with your values, I would love to help you along the way. Taking the JUMP can be the scariest thing in your life. I remember it well myself. But with the proper inspiration, motivation, and challenge…. You my JUMPER can do ANYTHING! (When you get really high up, just wear an oxygen mask! Lol)

Just make sure you seek wise council and really know the people who you are following.

Feel free to ask me anything you’d like… just press COMMENT below 🙂

Simon says, "Follow the Leader" but which one? |Pet Sitting Business Coaching