by Danielle Chonody on September 2, 2010
Today has been named World Movement Marketing Day by coach Suzanne Evans. Her business helps encourages entrepreneurs to make a difference and “Help More People”. She released a really inspirational video today that I’d love you to watch at
http://www.MovementMarketingMovie.com
I think that my mission here at Working with Pets and through my work with the APSE fits into the scope of Suzanne’s movement concept.
So what is my movement?
I want to drive a movement that grows the perception of pet sitting as a serious profession. I believe that the pet sitting industry provides:
- A valuable service to the world community of pet lovers
- A great income and source of fulfillment to the pet sitting business owner
- And great jobs to people that want to work with pets.
I’m always saddened to hear from pet sitters who are ridiculed by their peers for what they do. I got this email via Facebook just a couple of days ago:
“I’m getting more criticism from “friends” re the fact that I work as a dog walker. Even at church I heard from sources that there is talk I’m not leading a “productive” life. One friend even stated after I mentioned how difficult it was when I had laryngitis “Ohhh reallly. Why do you need your voice working as a dooooog walllker?”"
The pet industry is thriving and there is no reason for people to have this perception of what we choose to do to earn a living!
I know you agree.
People need and love the services we provide and we as pet sitters and/or dog walkers ensure that pets get the exercise they need, the care and attention they deserve, and a safe loving environment when their owners sometimes can’t be home with them.
When the pet loving public think of pet sitters I want them to think of a profession that:
- Is proud of the service we provide
- Conducts business professionally and gives excellent customer service every day of the year
- Strives to continually educate themselves and pet owners about pet health and care
- Gives back to their community by supporting pet rescue and local pet organizations
Because I know that is what we as pet sitters do every day.
So help me raise the profile of pet sitting by displaying the professionalism of your pet sitting business in everything you do and then telling others about your business.
Join us at the APSE as we strive to spread the movement! Watch our video salute to pet sitters on our APSE homepage (http://www.petsittingexcellence.com/) – and share this with your friends and family via Facebook.
by Danielle Chonody on August 25, 2010
It has been way too long since I’ve posted a Talk Back Tuesday question! But here I am trying to get back in the groove blogging here at Working with Pets every day.
Tonight we had a super APSE sponsored webinar with Laura Roeder where I learned some great new tips about finding local pet sitting clients on social media – I hope you joined us! That’s one of my biggest challenges solved 
So to tie into this topic – today I want to know -
What keeps you up at night – What are your biggest challenges in your pet sitting business?
Tell me your questions by leaving a comment – and I’ll give you some one on one coaching to help you overcome these problems, right here on Working with Pets. So don’t be shy, the questions you share and the discussion we have here will help many others currently struggling in their business too! If you have the question – you are not the only one. So post now and let’s get talking ..
by Danielle Chonody on August 24, 2010
Pet sitters have a super opportunity to both raise money for shelter pets in need and raise the profile of their business by getting involved in the Wishbones for Pets project in the coming months.
This is a project that I’ve been aware of for a few years now – but this year I finally have time to get fully involved – it will be my first year of participation – and I’d love you to join me!
Wishbones for Pets is a fund raising project especially for pets sitters that started in 2004, where each year pet sitters collect donations of money and supplies for a animal shelter in their local area . The program runs each year in the 6 weeks prior to Thanksgiving (in the US).
Pet sitters ask local business owners to host collection bins in their stores that are labeled with the pet sitting business name, the name of the local charity, and list of requested supplies. These bins give visibility to the pet sitting business and foster community goodwill. The goods from the bins, as well as monetary donations are collected at the end of the 6 week drive and then delivered to the local shelter by the pet sitting business.
The Wishbones for Pets website lists the great benefits of participation in the event:
“What are the business benefits?
- Publicity for the individual pet sitting service
- A public awareness of this industry
- Publicity for the sponsors
- Retail traffic and potential sales increases for the drop off stations/sponsors
- Community responsibility showcased
- A charity receives the needed donations
How does the pet sitter benefit?
This program enables pet sitters to significantly increase its public profile by informing the community of the fundraiser for a pet related charity and brings an awareness of their own services. Without this type of marketing, the community might not otherwise learn what is offered without the pet sitter having to incur significant expenses associated with media advertising.
Initial ideas for promoting will include a list of targeted participants, offering promotional items, placing alternative advertising throughout targeted areas, radio/television announcements, assembling volunteers to assist in weekly pick-ups, developing co-sponsorships, and much more.
All pet sitters participating in the program are free to use the Wishbones for Pets logo on their literature and/or website as well as a link to the official Wishbones for Pets website displaying information about the sponsor. The advertising exposure for everyone involved is enormous!”
So take a look at the Wishbones for Pets website today – it’s easy to register and there is a Yahoo group that can offer you support and guidance so that you make the most of the event.
A press release template to send out announcing your participation – and asking local businesses for their help to host collection bins has been added to the Yahoo group. So no excuses – will you join me to help some pets in need?
Let us know if you have participated in event by leaving a comment ….. and be sure to let us know your tips and how you made the most of the program!
