Your pet business, Your way

Are you feeling ready to make a plan for 2026 but not sure where to start?

Maybe you've got some big goals for the year ahead but it's the start of January and you're easing yourself in.

This podcast and blog is about making a plan that fits round you actually want to work, and what’s right for your life, your energy and your goals.

In the episode, I talk about the five things I believe you need to think about if you want to make a plan that works.

They ar...

Do you choose a word for the year? Or are you thinking about yours for 2026? 

Each year, I choose a word to guide how I want to feel and how I want to work and this year it’s Connection.

In the past, it's been Calm and Space - two things I definitely needed during some pretty full-on seasons. 

But this year, for 2026, it’s all about connection.

In this post, I’m sharing why that word matters to me, how it came about, and some reflections and prompts to help you choo...

Are you thinking of putting up your pricess in 2026?

If you're a pet business owner who struggles with charging fairly, overdelivers, and feels awkward about pricing - this episode is for you.

I share what my current offers include, why my prices are increasing in 2026, and how the investment I’ve made in my own training and development is shaping the support I provide.

You’ll also hear from two of my lovely clients, Louise and Sarah, who’ve both grown in confidence and visibility through coaching and community support.

I also e...

When you run a business, it can feel like you’re constantly bombarded with new things you need to be doing.

You wear plenty of hats anyway, from doing the actual work, to social media, your accounts, keeping on top of your orders and appointments.

And on top of that, in the ever-changing online world, with so many ways you can get your business seen at your fingertips, there’s an endless barrage of information on stuff you need to do.

There will be times when what you need is directive support, for some...

Are you already feeling like you’ve got a plan for 2026 or looking for some inspiration?

If it’s the latter then carry on reading because in this post and podcast episode, I’m sharing 12 lessons from the online planning day I ran recently.

As well as the key areas covered in training, You’ll hear from the pet professionals who were there on the day and what works for them.

Whether you're all set for 2026 or thinking of the year ahead, I hope these give you a feeling of clarity, some  reassurance, and maybe...

Jade Statt is the co-founder of StreetVet, a charity supporting people affected by homelessness and their pets.

Jade, her co-founder Sam Joseph, and their volunteers, support animals in 23 locations in the UK and there are 350 vets and nurses who are part of StreetVet.

It all started when Jade, a vet, was on a night out in London in 2016, and saw a homeless man whose dog had a painful skin condition.

She was desperate to help but couldn’t, and the image of that dog stayed with her, so she decided she wanted to ma...

Have you bought a planner because you want to feel more organised, calm and in control of your pet business in 2026?

It’s normal to start the year with good intentions of how you’d like things to be.

And with a plan that you can keep checking back in on and that prompts you to look at your progress, the goals you set for yourself for the year ahead can become a reality.

Whether you’ve bought a copy of my Pet Business Content Planner or you’re looking for inspiration for using an...

Kate Hendry is the founder of Finbo Studio - a branding and design agency that helps pet businesses create a visual identity that feels just like them.

In this episode, we talk all about how your brand is so much more than just a logo – and how to put yourself out there in a way that feels good.

Kate is the brilliant brain behind the design of my planner, and she’s worked with loads of amazing pet brands to help them stand out, tell their stories, and grow businesses they’re proud of.

We t...

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the things you’re told you should be doing, and you're craving some space to figure out what actually works for you, this episode is for you.

I’m talking about my 2026 online content planning day - what it includes, how it works, who it’s for (and who it’s not for), and why it’s part of my new offer, the Planner Club.

But more than that, I share why this isn’t about giving you another strategy or a list of things to add to your already f...

Bleu Stessia is the founder of My Cat Grass - the UK’s only fully compliant producer of fresh cat grass.

Back in 2018, Bleu had the idea to create his own grass after Monty, his British Shorthair, suffered from intestinal problems caused by his thick coat. 

Determined to find something to help him, Bleu decided to try cat grass, and started growing it on his windowsill to support Monty’s digestion, and found it made a huge difference.

Then friends and family asked him to supply cat grass for their pets, and he start...

Gemma Stocks is the founder of The Herbal Dog Co - the biggest pet brand on TikTok which she built after making natural products for her own dogs at home.

It all started back in 2017, when she was struggling to find natural solutions to treat skin problems for her own pets and began making concoctions for her poorly rescue dogs Benson and Lola from her kitchen table.

Gemma was working in hospitality, and had an interest in health brands for humans and wondered what it might be like to do the same for pets.

Key topics and timings in this episode:

0.20 - What to expect from this episode and the chat with Kirsty.

1.41 - Kirsty on her background in the pet industry.

2.47 - How Kirsty went from running her hydrotherapy business to creating her own tool.

3.54 - Deciding to sell her business and change direction.

5.18 - How her experience shaped what she’s made with Pet Biz AI.

8.00 - Getting her head round technology as a business owner who has dyslexia.

11.01 - Kirsty’s advice for people who might be w...

Running a pet business is full-on, and when it comes to planning, it can feel like yet another thing on your never-ending to-do list. 

That’s exactly why I created the Pet Business Content Planner - and this year I’ve created more support to help you use it, The Planner Club.

If you’ve clicked on this episode, chances are you’ve either grabbed a copy of the 2026 planner already or you’re thinking about it. 

Maybe you love the idea of being organised and consistent with your marketing - but also know you need...

Claire Harris is the founder of Pets 2 Places - the UK’s first pet taxi franchise and talks about why she's on a mission to educate owners about pet travel safety.

Her business started back in 2014 when Claire had the idea to make a taxi service for pets, and with a £10 phone and a handful of leaflets.

She was supporting elderly people in her old role in another business, and was asked about helping get pets to the vets.

Claire gave the concept of ‘Pets to Vets’ a try, walked round vets with her lea...

Are you thinking of buying my Pet Business Content Planner?

In this episode, I’m talking all about why I created it, who it’s for, and how it can help you.

This planner is designed specifically for pet business owners to make marketing easier, build confidence, and help you stay organised.

I’ll walk you through its features, like monthly content prompts, goal-setting tools, coaching exercises and practical resources that can help grow your visibility and connect with your audience.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by putting your pet business...

Gemma Glover is the co-founder of The Pet Carpenter, a family business creating beautiful, bespoke pet furniture that looks good in your home and supports your pet’s wellbeing.

The brand began during the pandemic when her brother Harry, a carpenter, was asked to make a pet bedroom - and from that first piece, the idea quickly grew.

In this episode, Gemma shares how they turned a chance request into a thriving business, the impact of going viral on Instagram, and how they’ve dealt with trolls, copycats, and even a devastating fire in their firs...

When Victor Carpio rescued a tiny kitten from a sewer in Peru, he had no idea it would lead to him inventing a product that would help thousands of cats all over the world live healthier lives.

Victor is the founder of Inventorcat and the creator of the Dental Wand - which is a toothbrush and fun play toy for cats.

The inspiration came from his own cat, Lilo, who he’d adopted after rescuing him that night in Peru.

Victor wanted to be the best cat dad, and it was when he le...

Just two years ago Kate Hart was making scentwork kits as a treat for her dog training clients and now she's sending them out to dogs all over the world.

Kate's gadgets and goodies went down so well that she decided to make them as a 'side hustle,' with her engineer husband Marcus and created a workshop at their home in Bristol.

In this episode, Kate talks about how she became a dog trainer after a terrifying accident where she broke both her legs, and then specialising in scentwork.

She talked about...

Jo Scott is a dog artist, illustrator and creative business owner whose work now reaches people all over the world.

Yet just over a decade ago, Jo was working in corporate and dreaming of creating her own greetings cards, something that had been at the back of her mind since Uni.

Her business began with a single portrait, drawn as a birthday gift for her mother-in-law where just wanted to see if she could capture the likeness of a dog she loved. 

That one drawing led to another… and eventually to a full car...

Clayton Payne is a pet industry expert who’s been in the trade for over three decades – and who’s built one of the UK’s most well-known and well-respected wholesale businesses from scratch.

He shares what it was like starting out as a young lad knocking on doors trying to get products into shops, how he built a business that turned over millions, and why staying real and relatable has been such a big part of his success.

Clayton also talks about what it’s like to be hated and not taken seriously, and how he pus...

Are you thinking of joining my Pets Get Visible membership?

If so, this podcast episode is for you. 

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 hear from member Nina share their experience of being part of it.

If you know you’re ready to join, here’s the link:  https://publicityforpetbusinesses.mykajabi.com/pets-get-visible

Use PGV50 at checkout to get your first month for £15 and it's £30 a month afterwards.

Key topics an...

In June 2025, the Pet Industry Federation hosted its third Business of Pets conference – a two-day event that brought together founders, retailers, marketers, investors, and innovators from across the pet industry.

Held at Cranfield University, the programme was full of insight and inspiration. Across expert-led panels, hands-on workshops, and the ever-popular Innovation Award pitches, we explored what’s next for the pet sector – and how small businesses can not just keep up, but lead the way.

In this episode, I’m joined by my friend and designer Kate Hendry from Finbo Studio, who I attended the event wi...

After nearly five years and 250 episodes, I’m taking a break from my weekly podcast, Your Pet Business Your Way.

In this final episode, I reflect on how the podcast started, how it’s evolved, and why now feels like the right time to pause.

I also share my plans for the future and how you can stay connected while I take this break.

Key topics and timings in this episode:

0.20 – What to expect from this episode – look back at nearly five years of the podcast.

2.30 – How the po...

Want to know how to create a loyal, engaged community around your pet business?

In this episode, Laura Hebberd, founder of Pure Dog Adventure Training, shares how she went from running small classes in her local village hall to building a thriving tribe of dog owners who absolutely love everything she does.

Laura is based in Darlington in the North East of England and works with all kinds of dogs - the key thing is that they and their owners love an adventure.

Her business is about so much more than training...

Want to make sure your pet business website content is helping your pet business stand out?

I'm chatting to Roz Healey for the second part in a series on websites - this time looking at the content you create on yours.

Roz is a website expert who has worked in digital media since the 1990s and carried out research into how people behave online in the pet industry as part of her Masters in Digital Marketing.

She’s helped countless businesses create websites that work hard for them.

In this episode, Ro...

Are you looking to create a connection with pet owners when then land on your website?

This podcast episode with Roz Healey, a website expert who has carried out research into the psychology of how pet parents make decisions online is here to help.

Roz has been working in digital media since the 1990s, and she’s the brains behind countless WordPress websites for businesses across a range of industries. 

She recently carried out a fascinating research project into the psychology of how people make decisions online, specifically focusing on the pet industry, as...

Are you thinking of starting a blog, a podcast or a YouTube channel and regularly publishing content around your pet business?

If so this podcast episode is for you, as it will help you decide which style of content is right for you.

And if you choose the one that’s most suited to your skills and taps into what you actually enjoy doing, then it’s more likely that you’ll find creating it enjoyable and remain consistent.

In this episode, I’m going to talk about why you should invest time and reso...

When Lucie Culley saw dog owners struggling to find trusted pet care professionals, she set out to create a solution to making finding support easy.

And when she connected with pet professionals as her idea started to take shape, she realised they were frazzled with trying to keep up with the demands of endless platforms.

So she created Wooflinks, a platform that connects dog owners with ethical and professional services, including groomers, trainers, walkers, pet sitters, and dog-friendly holiday destinations.

Plus, Lucie launched while juggling the demands of two small kids, having no...

Are you ready to make 2025 your most visible year yet?

In this episode, I’m sharing how you can create a visibility plan for your pet business using my Pets Get Visible for 2025 Workshop and the Pet Business Content Planner and Companion.

You’ll discover why visibility is key, how to plan ahead for key dates and awareness days, and how a structured approach can help you feel less overwhelmed and more in control.

Whether you’re tired of scrambling for content ideas or want to take your marketing to the next level, this e...

This episode is a little different from the usual podcasts about putting your pet business out there and feeling ok with self-promotion.

I’m joined by the brilliant Lucy Culley, founder of Wooflinks and a member of my coaching community, for an honest and open chat about our personal journeys with alcohol.

This is not a podcast about giving advice - it’s simply a conversation about why we each chose to take breaks from drinking, what we’ve learned along the way, and how it’s impacted our lives and businesses.

If you’re c...

This week on the Your Pet Business, Your Way podcast, I'm looking at 12 things that will help you create a pet business that's right for you.

As it's Christmas, they all begin with the letter C and whether you're a product maker or service provider, these 12 Cs are designed to help you feel more calm, confident, and in control while navigating the many hats you wear as a business owner.

This episode looks at how to structure your business, communicate effectively, and stay consistent while aligning with your values.

It also includes insights...

Have you ever considered doing something special around an awareness day to grow your pet business?

From pitching to the press to running events and sales on relevant products, there is so much more to awareness days than a simple social media post.

Used in the right way, they can help you connect with your audience, build relationships, and grow your business in creative ways.

And help you make sales. Niki French, creator of Don't Walk Your Dog Day, made thousands of sales of her book, Stop Walking Your Dog, after going viral...

Introducing - Your Pet Business Content Planner and Companion, designed for people in the pet industry to help with visibility.

It has everything you’d look for in a content planner, like monthly themes, awareness days, and space to capture your ideas, goals, and reflections.

The Companion part is a guided journal, with exercises created for pet business owners to help you navigate the common challenges that come along.

I’m so excited to share this planner with you because it brings together everything I’ve noticed my clients need since I started workin...

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...

Have you ever tried to start something new in your pet business, like a newsletter or a weekly piece of content? 

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. 

When I have conversations about things people want to be doing, they often talk about...

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 ke...

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 th...

Have you ever wondered what you’d do if you were kicked off Facebook and couldn’t use Instagram or WhatsApp anymore? 

Or what it would be like to move your pet business to a completely new area where nobody knows you? 

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. 

After losing access to Meta platforms and relocating her busines...

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 coa...

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.

De...

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...

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 hea...

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...

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:<...

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 yo...

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 bu...

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...

As a pet business owner, showing up regularly and having a social media strategy is key for reaching and engaging with your target audience. 

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...

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.

In June 2023, I launched my first pet-related business, a dog-friendly holiday let called Sunnyside Cottage in Robin Hood’s Bay. 

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. 

It’s also been an opportunity to try out the tactics I teach my clients when it comes to publicity and visibility.

Since...

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. 

The process is a little like the Myers-Briggs personality tests you might have taken in the workplace. 

Heather believes this knowledge can help you match th...

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...

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 1980...

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...

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 ca...

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...

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...

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.

Fro...

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...

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...

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...

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 th...

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...

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://pu...

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 yo...

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...

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...

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 pe...

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 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 abou...

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...

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.<...

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 b...

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...

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 produc...

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.

...

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, 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 t...

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 you...

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...

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...

When Sarah Jones launched My Anxious Dog, her business dedicated to selling yellow space awareness products, people said there was no point in them.

At that point, eight years ago, the concept of a dog in yellow symbolizing anxiety and the need for space was relatively unheard of.

Sarah knew the vital role these products played for anxious dogs and their owners, because of her experience with her own anxious dog, Cocker Spaniel Bella.

Instead of giving up, people being dismissive made Sarah determined to push ahead and educate every dog owner about...

Starting a business or managing one that's been operating for a while can make articulating what you do a challenge.

As a business owner, there could be numerous reasons why you may lack confidence in promoting yourself.

In the podcast episode, I'm focusing on why it's so important to feel comfortable and gain confidence when it comes to discussing how you support your clients.

We'll define what confidence really is, and share some straightforward strategies to nurture it.

After all, if you're hidden away, your customers might look elsewhere.

...

In this episode of the podcast I'm talking about how to navigate controversy in your pet business.

It's in light of a situation that has emerged regarding Absolute Dogs and commercial puppy breeding with links to other pet brands including Tug-e-Nuff which has had a lot of coverage on social media.

Because so many pet professionals have links with these organisations, from having trained with Absolute Dogs or at Devon Dogs, or having used, bought, sold or been an affiliate for Absolute Dogs and Tug-e-Nuff, it's been an unsettling time.

In this podcast...

What if the path to growing your pet business wasn’t following the latest trends on social media but involved listening to people instead?

That’s what Hayley Bonwick discovered worked for her when she set up her handmade pet accessory business Handmade by Hayley B.

Hayley found trying to keep up with the ever changing demands of platforms completely overwhelming.

Yet when she went to events with her flyball team and local shows, she LOVED chatting to people about what they needed for their dogs.

So instead of following the crow...

Fancy a look behind the scenes at some of the things I’ve learned since taking over a dog-friendly holiday cottage?

I’ve been working with pet business owners for five years but have always felt a little lacking because I didn’t have a pet business of my own.

That changed in April 2023 when I started a new holiday cottage business and took over Sunnyside Cottage in Robin Hood’s Bay.

My plan was to make it a paradise for pups, and to implement what I’ve learned working as a journalist, coach and...

Kerry Jordan is an award-winning dog photographer and founder of National Dog Photography Day, an event that goes viral every year.

She works with small pet brands helping them showcase their work beautifully through her photography.

Kerry says the key thing she has done to grow her business is build relationships with people in her community on social media and championing the work they do.

In this episode she talks about working with brands who share your values and ethos, trusting your intuition and finding ways to make marketing your business enjoyable.

Welcome to the first episode of the Your Pet Business Content Your Way podcast.

This show is for you if you want to do things that feel right for you, that feel comfortable, that feel like you're being true to yourself.

It's for you if you can't be bothered with the things you must do, if you're sick of hearing what you should be doing, and if you've had enough of people saying you have to do things their way.

This podcast is for you if you want to do things your way.<...

After three and a half years, I’ve made the decision to stop the Publicity for Pet Businesses podcast and give it a makeover.

I have loved every moment of chatting to over 100 guests and putting out nearly 200 episodes, through the pandemic and the cost of living crisis that followed.

The advice I’ve shared here, along with the brilliant insights from guests, has helped get pet businesses in the press, on the telly, and has led to huge boosts in sales and visibility.

I’ve moved away from focusing solely on press covera...

This is a bonus episode of the podcast where I'm talking about why I'm taking a break for a couple of weeks due to family commitments.

These are the key topics and timings in this episode:

0.04 - Introduction of this episode.

0.20 - What to normally expect from the podcast.

1.02 - Why I'm explaining myself in this episode.

1.47 - What's happening in my personal life that's impacted on my business.

3.34 - My eye condition and how that's impacted on my business.

5.42 - What happens when someone...

Can you imagine what it would be like to be able to dip into a bucket of ready to go social media posts about your pet business every time you’re stuck for what to say.

Material that you’ve created, so it’s not something you’ll see other businesses sharing, that’s unique to you, personalised for your clients?

Having a bank of content can take away the ‘aghhhh’ and the demands we feel are put on us to constantly feed social media and content platforms.

And ultimately make life easier for ourselves...

Can Imposter Syndrome be something that is helpful for your pet business? 

According to Nicola Kinnard-Comedie, my guest on the podcast this week, it can.

Nicola is a business and mindset coach for equine and canine practitioners. 

She helps clients change their mental programming and develop business strategies to grow their horse or dog focused business.

Self doubt, feeling as if you’re not good enough, worrying about your capabilities and being your own worst critic are issues I see all the time.

Usually termed as ’Imposter Syndrome,’ in this pod...

Trust is so important when a pet owner is considering a business to take care of their pet or provide a product for their pet.

So how do you go about building it? There’s a formula you can follow called The Trust Equation and I’m exploring it on this week’s podcast.

Created by management consultant David Maister in the 1990s, it’s made up of four components.

The first three are credibility, reliability and intimacy, three things that will help people feel confident about working with you or using your product...

Colette Adwin is a graphic designer, Instagram expert and founder of content branding system Postagrid.

She works with businesses showing them how to ensure their brands stand out on social media, with a seamless and memorable feed.

We chat about what it was like when Instagram made significant changes, doubling down on video and how this impacted her work.

Plus, falling in love with the challenges you face, building resilience, how important it is to keep looking backwards at what you’ve accomplished, and do things your way.

Colette has so ma...

Have you been reading about ChatGPT and other ai tools and wondering if they might be helpful in your pet business?

When I first tried ChatGPT in January, I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure, and my mind was totally blown by it.

Chat GPT is OpenAI’s Generative Pre-trained Transformer.

It describes itself as an ‘AI-based chatbot that uses natural language processing to interact with humans and provide relevant information or responses. 

‘As a large language model, it has been trained on vast amounts of text data and can generate hu...

Are you considering setting up a Facebook group for your pet business?

They’re a brilliant way to raise your profile, build a community, learn what your customers and clients need and make friends.

It’s a place where you can share your knowledge and expertise, find people to collaborate with and build your network and connections.

Nearly five years ago I started a Facebook group, Publicity Tips for Pet Businesses, named after the title of my book.

Since then it’s grown to over 2000 members and I’ve supported many clients...

Zoe Willingham is the founder of Best Behaviour Dog Training in Suffolk and started her business after leaving behind a corporate career.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to grow a large dog training academy, build a team to support you and live with nearly 100 animals, this podcast is for you.

Zoe decided to learn more about dog training after getting her first dog Millie, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. 

She studied to become a dog trainer alongside her corporate job, then qualified as a behaviourist, and in time she was rea...

When you’re looking for a pet business coach or mentor, is it important that they are certified?

That they’ve followed a training programme, are affiliated with a professional body, and follow a code of ethics?

The coaching industry is unregulated, similar to the dog training industry, and anyone can say they are a coach.

I know this causes frustration in the pet professional world, as it’s important to follow an industry standard.

And it’s why I decided to train to be a coach and studied for the ILM Leve...

Note this is a recording of a workshop I did for Product Guru in March 2023.

If you’d like to chat about working together, click here to head to my Calendly page here: https://calendly.com/rachelspenceruk/discovery-calls

In this podcast, I’m talking about the two types of publicity you can use for your pet product business and you can listen in on the player link or read the key points covered as a blog.

Key topics and timings in this episode:

0.02 - Introduction.

2.44 - The different types of p...

Of all the platforms, LinkedIn is the least popular for pet businesses but Nicki Cameron has embraced it with gusto.

In just over 18 months, she’s styled herself as the dog lady of LinkedIn and it’s bringing in leads and inquiries for her photography business.

Nicki also did a 31 day ‘Brighten up your January’ challenge, lighting up LinkedIn AND all the other social platforms.

And it helped to take her email list from zero to over 300 subscribers in just a month.

In this chat, Nicki shares how she learned to love Lin...

Would you love to see your pet business in the press but you're not sure how to go about it?

In this podcast I'm sharing three ways I can help you get your pet business featured in newspapers, magazines, radio and even on the telly.

Whether you have NO budget at all or you'd like to invest in spending a day together learning everything you need to know to pitch stories to journalists, there's an option to suit.

You'll learn why getting press coverage can help you.

Plus what makes a...