Podcasts about Pet sitting

Hi friends and happy friday!! I loved catching up with y'all PER USUAL and thank you for being here!! :) Write In Your Questions/Stories: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Po-xXACQPyiFYy4UP9ctxg7UAOh1bFoUnG65hAz5GRM/preview

What if your pet sitter had real veterinary training and could recognize health concerns before they became emergencies? Today on Scottsdale Vibes, we're talking with the founders of VetterCare about how they're changing pet care by bringing trusted veterinary professionals directly into your home. If you're a pet owner, you know how stressful it can be to leave your furry family members in someone else's care, especially if they're recovering from surgery, need medication, or have ongoing medical needs. Today's guests saw a major gap in the pet care world and decided to do something about it. I'm joined by Tony and Karen Chavez, the founders of VetterCare, a platform that connects pet owners with experienced veterinary professionals for in-home pet care. Unlike traditional pet sitting apps, VetterCare providers come from real veterinary backgrounds, including vet techs and veterinary nurses, giving pet owners peace of mind when it comes to medication administration, post surgical monitoring, and recognizing early signs of health issues. Tony and Karen, I'm excited to learn more about how this idea came to life and how you're helping pets and their people feel more supported.  

What if your pet sitter had real veterinary training and could recognize health concerns before they became emergencies? Today on Scottsdale Vibes, we're talking with the founders of VetterCare about how they're changing pet care by bringing trusted veterinary professionals directly into your home. If you're a pet owner, you know how stressful it can be to leave your furry family members in someone else's care, especially if they're recovering from surgery, need medication, or have ongoing medical needs. Today's guests saw a major gap in the pet care world and decided to do something about it. I'm joined by Tony and Karen Chavez, the founders of VetterCare, a platform that connects pet owners with experienced veterinary professionals for in-home pet care. Unlike traditional pet sitting apps, VetterCare providers come from real veterinary backgrounds, including vet techs and veterinary nurses, giving pet owners peace of mind when it comes to medication administration, post surgical monitoring, and recognizing early signs of health issues. Tony and Karen, I'm excited to learn more about how this idea came to life and how you're helping pets and their people feel more supported.  

Liz Long didn't set out to become a full-time traveler. After graduating college and starting a publishing career in Boston, she found herself burned out, anxious, and questioning the version of success she had been chasing. What started with pet sitting and budget travel eventually turned into a lifestyle built around freedom, wellness, meaningful relationships, and intentional living. Since then, Liz has traveled across more than 25 countries while finding creative ways to make long-term travel financially sustainable. In this episode, we talk about the realities of solo travel, loneliness, money, community, wellness, and what it actually takes to build a life you genuinely love instead of waiting for “someday.”Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/globetrotters-podcast--5023679/support.

If you've been watching pet business owners post in groups about closing their doors and wondering if you're next... this is for you. Because there is a wave coming. And the line between who survives and who sells out is being drawn right now — and AI is the divider. Timestamps [0:00] — Cold open: $80 billion just bet on the future of AI [2:00] — Why this affects YOUR pet sitting business [3:30] — The Google + Anthropic deal explained simply [6:00] — OpenAI just announced agents are replacing GPTs [7:00] — Magai: how to access every major AI model in one place [8:00] — The listener message I had to read on air [9:30] — Three reasons the selling wave is starting RIGHT NOW [11:00] — A line in the sand: who this episode is NOT for [12:30] — How the AI gap will split this industry in two [14:30] — VC and private equity are circling pet businesses [16:00] — The 3-layer survival system: SOPs ? Brain ? Agents [19:00] — Why you cannot do this alone [20:00] — Mastermind invitation + your one action this week In This Episode You'll Discover Why a wave of pet sitting businesses are quietly closing or selling in 2026 (and the three reasons converging at once) What the $80 billion Google and Amazon investment in Anthropic actually means for small business owners The line in the sand: who is positioned to survive this shift, and who will get left behind The 3-layer AI survival system — SOPs, AI brain, and agents — and why skipping any layer guarantees failure Why first-mover pet business owners will be the BUYERS in the consolidation wave, not the sellers About This Episode Bella Vasta is the CEO and founder of Jump Consulting and the host of Bella in Your Business — the longest-standing pet business podcast in the industry. She has coached pet sitters and small business owners for over 25 years, and is widely recognized as the go-to voice for AI integration in the pet industry. Her Jumpers Mastermind has helped pet business owners scale, hire, and now adopt AI in ways their competitors haven't even considered. Resources Mentioned in This Episode The Jumpers Mastermind — Monday-Friday access to Bella, two live monthly meetings, free monthly coaching call, and 8 years of archives — the room where Bella teaches the SOPs, AI brain, agents' progression in real time. Magai (30% off, all major AI models in one place) — Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, and Grok in one subscription — so you're not locked into one vendor as the AI landscape changes. How to Set Up Claude in Your Pet Business (Bella's recent blog) — The step-by-step companion to layer 2 of the survival system — building an AI brain that actually knows your business. Free 20-Minute Call With Bella — Bring one problem. Bella helps you think through it. No pitch. Connect with Bella Website Sessions with Bella The Jumpers Mastermind Subscribe to Bella in Your Business Bella's Website Find Bella on Instagram and Facebook — search Bella Vasta Frequently Asked Questions Q: Why are pet sitting businesses closing in 2026? A: Three pressures are converging at the same time. First, many of these businesses launched 15 to 20 years ago and the founders are ready to exit. Second, profit margins are getting squeezed by rising wages, insurance costs, and taxes. Third — and this is the one nobody is talking about yet — AI is creating a competitive gap where businesses that have adopted it can serve more clients with less staff, and the businesses that haven't are watching their bookings drift to competitors who can. Q: Will AI replace pet sitters? A: No. AI cannot walk a dog, give a cat insulin, or sit with a senior pet. What AI replaces is the back-office workload — the inquiries, scheduling, care notes, hiring, marketing, and admin work that eats your evenings. Pet sitters who use AI well will have MORE time for the actual care work. Pet sitters who refuse to use AI will burn out trying to compete. Q: Should I sell my pet sitting business? A: Only if you've decided you're done — not because you're tired of the admin. The pet business owners who sell out of exhaustion in 2026 will likely sell low, because consolidators and venture capital firms know the seller is desperate. If your real problem is overwhelm, the answer might not be to sell — it might be to learn AI, document your business, and let the systems carry the weight. That's what the Jumpers Mastermind exists to teach. Q: What did Google's $40 billion investment in Anthropic actually mean for small businesses? A: It signals that the company building Claude — which most pet business owners haven't even tried yet — is about to get faster, cheaper, and more powerful, with Google's compute and data center infrastructure behind it. Practically, that means Claude will likely show up inside Google Workspace, Gmail, Drive, and Calendar over the next 12 to 18 months. The small business owners who already know how to use Claude will be ahead. The ones still using only ChatGPT may find themselves on the wrong tool when the shift happens. Q: How do pet business owners actually start using AI without getting overwhelmed? A: There is a specific order. Layer one: document your standard operating procedures (SOPs) — every process in your business written down. Layer two: feed those SOPs into an AI like Claude to give it a 'brain' that actually knows your business. Layer three: build agents that can run pieces of your business for you. Most owners try to skip to layer three and fail. Get the SOPs done first. Everything else builds from there. Full Episode Transcript Google just dropped $40 billion to Anthropic. $40 billion! That brings the total that Google has put into the company that builds Claude, Anthropic, to over $55 billion in two years. Billion with a B, okay? And Amazon is in for another $45 billion. So the company that makes Claude and the AI tool I literally use every single day in my business and life. just had $80 billion walk through its front door by the two largest cloud companies on the planet. Okay? The number is bigger than the GDP, gross domestic product, of most countries. And here's why this matters to you. Because while everyone else is still asking if they should bother to use AI or a prompt for chat GPT, the biggest company in the world, they're telling us exactly where this is going. with their checkbooks. And in this episode, I'm going to tell you what I think happens next and why a wave of pet sitting businesses and small businesses across the whole country are about to sell clothes or get swallowed up and what the people listening to this podcast need to do right now so that you don't become one of them. Hi, I'm Bella and this is Bella in Your Business. Let's get into it. Real quick before we dive in, if you haven't subscribed yet or hit like or subscribe or any of that, wherever you're listening, this episode is one that you're wanna come back to. You're gonna wanna save it, you're gonna wanna share it with your friends. And if you know one small business owner who is overwhelmed by all this AI stuff, share the episode with them. Don't let them get left behind and let them understand what's going on on a higher 30,000 foot view, all right? So let's... Let's get into. And if you know one other small business owner who's overwhelmed by all of this AI stuff, share this episode with them. Please don't let them get left behind. It's gonna be a very big overview so that everyone's gonna be able to consume this and then percolate on what they should do in their own business. I cannot wait to get into it. All right, so you've been hearing about all these AI investments and your eyes glaze over because honestly, who can even comprehend billions of dollars, right? and like 40 billion, 65 billion, 80 billion, it sounds like monopoly money. But here's what's actually happening underneath those numbers and why I want you to pay attention. All right, so most business owners scroll past these headlines because what does it have to do with you, right? Like you're trying to fill a schedule, hire a sitter, get out of the weeds. You don't have time to track what a tech company is doing and who bought out who or whatever. Like I get it, I do, and that's why I'm here. I saw a really sharp breakdown from Jonathan Maas this week and I wanted to pull a few pieces out of it because what he laid out is something that every business owner needs to understand. So here's what's going on. Google has been quietly building a stake in Anthropic for a couple of years now. 300 million here, 200 or 2 billion there. They were already around 14 % ownership and now they just took another 40 put another 40 billion on the table. With performance milestones attached, like you get more if you perform X, all right? Google doesn't write a $40 billion check to companies that they plan to sit back and watch. This is what Jonathan says. Performance milestones mean that Google has a seat at the table for what Claude becomes next, how fast it moves, what it builds, which is just mind blowing because Google also has Gemini. Are you staying in here with me? Okay? I mean, And then on the other side, Amazon is also up for 25 billion running Claude through Amazon AWS, through AWS. AWS is like what like holds the cloud compute for so many companies, all right? So putting it inside Amazon Bedrock, so any developer building on Amazon's cloud has Claude right there in the cloud already. So the company that already makes Claude, has the two biggest cloud providers in the world elbowing each other to be their preferred provider. Are you with me? Okay, and this isn't an accident, it's leverage. And here's where it gets really interesting. Right now the most well known tool is ChatGBT by millions on the numbers, okay? And most of you have probably tried it, you probably have a subscription to it, but Claude, the one Google, like,

It's Friday, which means Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson are back with Mike to Wrap the Week that Was. They discussed the rumours of a coup in the National Party and Chris Bishop's performance on the show this morning. Also on the agenda was circuses, pet sitting, and this weekend's maiden Supercars event in Christchurch. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do friends and family assume you'll watch their pet just because you've said yes before? What starts as a favor can quickly turn into an expectation that's hard to undo.In this episode, I break down how to figure out your limits, why too much explaining usually backfires, and how to respond in a way that is clear, respectful, and hard to argue with.BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL LEARN: • Why this kind of frustration is usually about boundaries, not the pet • How to decide what you are and are not willing to do before the next ask comes in • Simple ways to respond when someone expects free pet careIf you know someone who keeps getting stuck as the family or friend group go-to pet sitter, please send them this episode.Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here.Support the showExpert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:

You could have an awning that provides shade. But since it's blocking the sun anyway, why can't it generate power too? We investigate. We also take a look at an interesting opportunity to sleep under a roof, review a saw that does it all, look at some space junk, and get up close and personal with some major infrastructure. Alloy? Annoy.   NEWS Jalopnik: Vanlife Isn't Cheap https://www.jalopnik.com/2111425/van-life-costs/ TECH TALK Commercial Chef 0.6 Cu. Ft. 700W CHM660W https://amzn.to/4upataK Panasonic 1.2 cu. ft. Inverter Microwave 1250W - NN-SN68QB (Renewed) https://amzn.to/3N9U9Kf PRODUCT REVIEW WORX Cordless Reciprocating Saw & Jigsaw, Battery and Charger Included, PowerShare https://amzn.to/47Eihvj   A PLACE TO VISIT Rocky Mountain Star Stare https://rmss.org RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION Trusted Pet Sitters https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/ FCC Notice: If you purchase anything from these links, the show will receive a small fee. This will not impact your price in any way.  

After our last episode about teaching kids entrepreneurship, many parents realized they wanted to start something themselves. But most side hustle advice is terrible - scams, pyramid schemes, or ideas requiring massive followings.This episode cuts through the noise with six proven side hustles you can start this week with under $200 and 5-10 hours per week.**The Six Side Hustles:****Virtual Assistant Services** ($600-1,800/month) - Handle administrative tasks for small businesses remotely. Minimal startup, flexible hours.**Online Tutoring** ($480-1,600/month) - Teach what you know, whether academic subjects or professional skills. Parents are desperate for quality tutoring.**Pet Sitting & Dog Walking** ($400-1,200/month) - Canadians spent $10 billion on pets in 2023. Trusted local pet care is always in demand.**Freelance Content Writing** ($500-2,000/month) - Every business needs blogs, social media content, and newsletters but most owners hate writing.**Home Services** ($600-2,000/month) - Handyman work, cleaning, organizing. Simple services with constant demand.**Digital Products** ($100-500/month) - Create templates, guides, or courses once and sell them forever.Each side hustle includes: exactly what it is, why it works, startup costs, how to get your first client, time commitment, and realistic income expectations.No hype. No "quit your job in 90 days." Just practical ways real Canadians can create extra income while keeping their day jobs.

In this episode of Toni Unleashed, Toni is joined by her niece Natalie for an honest conversation about pet sitting, boarding facilities, and the reality of traveling when you have animals you truly love. Natalie shares what life looks like with four rescue pets—two dogs and two cats—and why her family structures vacations around them instead of boarding. The discussion dives into the stress many rescue dogs experience in kennel environments, the financial and logistical challenges of boarding, and why pet sitting can often be a calmer alternative. Toni draws from her experience as a former professional pet sitter and boarding facility co-owner, explaining the pros and cons of each option, including vaccine requirements, temperament risks, burnout in the industry, and what to look for when hiring someone to care for your pets. From neighbor kids to Rover to long-term trusted sitters, this episode highlights one clear truth: when you choose to have pets, your lifestyle shifts. Travel, planning, vehicles, even daily routines—everything revolves around their well-being. And for many pet parents, that's exactly how it should be.

What does it look like to grow a pet sitting business without losing safety, consistency, or your sanity? Mikayla and Aaron Anders share how Adventures in Pet Sitting evolved from offering "everything" into a focused set of services built around what they love and what their community truly needs. We talk about building a team with a rigorous hiring and onboarding process, including certifications that prepare staff for real emergencies. They explain how boundaries, policies, and case-by-case flexibility protect both the business and client relationships over the long haul. The conversation closes with how networking in a rural market drives referrals and expands awareness—especially for specialty care like farm animals. Main topics: Safety-first hiring and training Refining services for focus Team consistency and handoffs Policies, boundaries, and fairness Rural referrals and networking Main takeaway: "Knowledge is what protects us." This is a standard that shapes how you hire, how you train, and how you operate when things go sideways. Safety isn't only about avoiding worst-case scenarios; it's about building a team that can make smart decisions without panic, even in weather events, lockouts, or unfamiliar animal behavior. The more your business grows, the more your systems have to carry the load—because the stakes get higher with every new client, pet, and employee. Training, clear procedures, and ongoing education aren't "extra," they're what create consistency. If you want a business that lasts, build the kind of knowledge that keeps everyone safe. About our guests: Mikayla Anders is the founder and "Head Adventure Leader" of Adventures in Pet Sitting, where she designs and oversees enriching, compassionate care for a wide range of animals. With a background in biology and hands-on experience across animal care environments, she's built a safety-first business known throughout her community. Aaron Anders supports the company through marketing and operations, bringing his experience in business, photography, and brand-building to the behind-the-scenes work. Together, they've grown a trained team, refined their services, and built strong local partnerships to better serve clients. Links: https://petsittingadventurescom.wordpress.com https://www.facebook.com/PetSittingAdventures18 Check out our Starter Packs See all of our discounts! Check out ProTrainings Code: CPR-petsitterconfessional for 10% off

Get 1 CEU for PSI and/or NAPPS: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe0MylzLjD5QBzVXXsDfUI2jiRzkTzMfWBZcmv99WLgs6FUag/viewform?usp=header What does it mean to truly care in your business when you're busy, scaling, and running on fumes? In this conversation, we talk with Scott Black about how complacency shows up quietly—skipping the notes, assuming nothing changed, letting small red flags slide—and how that leads to "oh no" moments. We dig into why consistency isn't boring, it's protective: for pets, for clients, and for your team. Scott shares practical ways to raise the bar through screening, documentation, and clearer boundaries around what you will and won't do. The goal is simple: stay professional, stay prepared, and keep your head in the game. Main topics: Complacency vs. consistent care Documentation that prevents mistakes Screening for risk and fit Insurance, liability, and boundaries Emergency planning and preparedness Main takeaway: "If you're consistent, you won't get complacent." That line hits because complacency rarely shows up as a big decision—it shows up as a skipped step. You stop re-reading the notes. You assume the meds are the same. You let a red flag wait until the meet-and-greet. Consistency is what keeps your head in the game when the schedule is full and your brain is tired. It's not about being robotic—it's about building a repeatable standard that protects the pets, the client, your team, and you. About our guest: Scott Black is a veteran pet care professional with 20 years in business, known for his thorough, safety-first approach to pet sitting and client communication. He emphasizes consistency, documentation, and preparedness as the foundation for preventing avoidable emergencies and liability issues. Scott is passionate about professional standards, ongoing training, and helping newer pet sitters avoid mistakes it took him years to learn. He regularly shares insights in industry groups and encourages pet care pros to keep the "P" in professional pet sitting. Links: Get 1 CEU for PSI and/or NAPPS: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe0MylzLjD5QBzVXXsDfUI2jiRzkTzMfWBZcmv99WLgs6FUag/viewform?usp=header Check out our Starter Packs See all of our discounts! Check out ProTrainings Code: CPR-petsitterconfessional for 10% off

In this episode I am joined by Sally Pederson who has visited 50 countries and saved thousands of dollars by petsitting her way around the world. Sally shares her tips and advice from her years of housesitting. If you love pets and want to save money on accommodation when you travel solo, this episode is for you. Find out more about how pet sitting works at Trusted Housesitters Or follow Sally at globalcitizenlife.org 

Revolutionizing Pet Care: Inside WagWorks with Founder RichmondWe're sitting down with Richmond, the founder of WagWorks, to discuss how his innovative app is transforming the world of pet sitting and walking. WagWorks isn't just about convenience—it's about fairness. Richmond explains how the platform puts more money back into the pockets of the professionals while providing "pawrents" with a centralized, reliable hub of high-quality care options for their beloved pets.References: IG: TheWagPodIG: WagWorksNC#corgi #dogsitting #dogwalking

This episode dives into the intricate challenges of running a pet sitting and dog walking business, focusing primarily on liability and proper worker classification. Lori, who operates a dog walking and pet sitting service in the Philadelphia area, shares her concerns about managing the risks associated with her pet walkers, especially after sustaining an ankle […]

Are you covered for what you actually do today—not what you did last year? We walk through our annual insurance review. We cover the "must-haves", when bonding makes sense, and why non-owned auto and business property matter once you add staff or an office. We also explain what petsitting business insurance does not cover—and how workers' comp and personal health insurance fit in. Finally, we share practical risk-management habits and the customer-service "intangibles" we expect from any insurer. Main topics: Core coverage essentials Care, custody & control Non-owned auto protection Workers' comp vs. health Risk management habits Main takeaway: "Insurance is not about fear. It's about good stewardship of the pets, of the homes, and the trust that the clients place in us." We build our business on trust, which means planning for real-world moments—not pretending they won't happen. The right coverage protects pets, homes, neighbors, employees, and yes, you. It also lets us say to clients with confidence: if something goes wrong, we have a plan and a policy. That's professional care, not hobby care—and it's why our annual insurance checkup matters. Links: Check out our Starter Packs See all of our discounts! Check out ProTrainings Code: CPR-petsitterconfessional for 10% off

In this week's Just The Tip, we share how to score free accommodations around the world  by pet sitting, or get free pet sitting for when you are out traveling! We'll share details about the Trusted Housesitters platform, what to expect from being a host or pet sitter, real stories from Kim's experiences, and tips for landing your first sit. Perfect for budget travelers, digital nomads, and anyone who loves pets and adventure.Use our promo code 12TRUST to get 12% off your membership when you sign up at Trusted Housitters using our link!—---------------------------------------Shop: Trip Itineraries ⁠& ⁠Amazon Storefront ⁠Connect: ⁠YouTube⁠, ⁠TikTok⁠, and ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠and contact us at travelsquadpodcast@gmail.com to submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising. Submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising.Contains affiliate links, thanks for supporting Travel Squad Podcast!

Sometimes your next career move comes with four paws and a leash.

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    I heard it again… I am broke and I need extra money… I don't know what to do?      Freelance Your Skills Online: Use platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer to offer services such as writing, graphic design, programming, data entry, social media management, or virtual assistant work. You leverage existing skills and set your own hours. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking: If you love animals, use apps like Rover or Wag! to find gigs watching pets in your home or theirs, or taking dogs for walks. This offers flexible hours and is often in high demand. Deliver Food or Groceries: Drive for services like Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Instacart. You can work on a flexible schedule and earn money delivering meals or groceries to people in your area. Sell Unwanted Items: Declutter your home and sell unused items like clothing, furniture, electronics, or books on platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, or at a local yard sale. Take Paid Online Surveys and Participate in Focus Groups: Websites like Survey Junkie, Swagbucks, or Respondent pay you for sharing your opinion. Surveys are low-effort and can be done in your spare time, while focus groups often pay a higher hourly rate. Rent Out a Room or Your Car: If you have a spare room, you can rent it out for short-term stays on platforms like Airbnb. If you don't use your car often, you can rent it out through car-sharing services like Turo. Test Websites and Apps: Companies will pay you to test their websites and apps for usability, providing feedback on your experience. Services like UserTesting often offer a quick, one-time payment per test. Tutoring (Online or In-Person): If you are knowledgeable in a specific subject, language, or skill, you can tutor students online or locally. Sites like Wyzant or Chegg Tutors can help you find clients and set your rate. Complete Local Odd Jobs/Tasks: Use apps like TaskRabbit to find small gigs in your community, such as assembling furniture, light yard work, cleaning, or running errands for others.     The Bible does not contain a specific book on "business" or "entrepreneurship" as modern concepts, but it offers numerous principles regarding work, wealth, diligence, and ethical conduct that are highly relevant to both. Here are the key biblical principles applied to business and entrepreneurship:   1. Work and Diligence are Commended   The Bible encourages hard work and warns against laziness. This principle is fundamental to a successful venture. Diligence brings reward: "Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth." (Proverbs 10:4). Diligent hands: active, eager, willing to try anything….. When I first got online and saw the possibilities I figure out something pretty quick. Not every youth pastor had my creative skill and writing lessons for youth. I was already a regular contributor/writer for YouthWorker Journal - So I would put together these really good power point lessons with great applications. Then I sold them online… and guess what - people bought them!  To pay my bills I have lots of skills and I will try anything.  I have taught guitar, drums, I am a personal trainer. But all these things fit within my calendar. I can't take on another hourly, full time job - I am still and first a pastor. So Diligent hands seek what works best for each person.  Just today I hit up a woman who has a unique skill for other women- I can't give to much away just yet. But she absolutely loved my idea and wants to come on board. We will typically work with about 25 women for one night a week and make a few thousand dollars. Diligence - try anything and if you fail - keep trying.    YESTERDAY SOMEONE ASKED… Hey you said a $1000 bucks a week… how could you do that with just Uber… well my thought (and I did not explain it fully- sorry) is between uber, teach a lesson, sell something a $1000 a week is easy. Hey first and foremost - you better have a budget and stick to it! Or you will never have enough money!    Purposeful work: The creation narrative and later writings present work as a good, God-given activity (Genesis 2:15, Colossians 3:23-24). Work is seen as service, not just to people, but ultimately to the Lord…. Maybe you are asking the wrong question… maybe you should ask God what can I do to add value to your kingdom and get paid at the same time. A great friend of mine teaches martial arts/self protection… but he is also a strong believer. He gets paid well, has a strong client list, but uses this opportunity to share Christ all the time. It is a win win.    2. Stewardship and Investment   The concept of stewardship is central, suggesting that everything a person possesses—time, talent, and treasure—ultimately belongs to God and should be managed wisely… here is an idea, managing our time also means charging for our time. Listen I have a ton of people that would call me a friend - many times they want me to teach or train them for free because I am a friend and on top of that a pastor. Here is one simple rule I let them in on all the time. I have to charge my friends because my enemies won't do business with me. I say it in a fun loving way, but it gets the point across.  The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30): This parable is often cited as a direct encouragement for enterprise and investment. The master praises the servants who invested their money and produced a profit, while rebuking the one who buried his talent out of fear. This emphasizes the expectation of using resources (gifts, skills, capital, talents) productively, taking calculated risks, and seeking growth… is a God thing. It is a value to our maker.  The lazy servant is called wicked. He acted in fear… fear kept him from seeing his investments take off. FEAR will stop 95% of all people who have ideas to make extra money… but if you are lazy fear is a great excuse to fall back on. I will forever nag my friend for not acting on his stupid idea… it was Uber, but he never acted on it… FEAR!  Prudence and Planning: "For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?" (Luke 14:28). This speaks to the need for careful planning, foresight, and sound financial management in business… most buisinesses fail due to lack of financial backing and a lack of planning. I used to have the #1 powerlifting gym in the country. Now I have a nice small personal training gym. It has everything I need…in time I will open another gym for body soul and spirit. But until then I just keep planning, picking up equipment that is a steal… and when the time is right - Boom I will act. But I will no longer rush into things! 

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    I heard it again… I am broke and I need extra money… I don't know what to do?      Freelance Your Skills Online: Use platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer to offer services such as writing, graphic design, programming, data entry, social media management, or virtual assistant work. You leverage existing skills and set your own hours. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking: If you love animals, use apps like Rover or Wag! to find gigs watching pets in your home or theirs, or taking dogs for walks. This offers flexible hours and is often in high demand. Deliver Food or Groceries: Drive for services like Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Instacart. You can work on a flexible schedule and earn money delivering meals or groceries to people in your area. Sell Unwanted Items: Declutter your home and sell unused items like clothing, furniture, electronics, or books on platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, or at a local yard sale. Take Paid Online Surveys and Participate in Focus Groups: Websites like Survey Junkie, Swagbucks, or Respondent pay you for sharing your opinion. Surveys are low-effort and can be done in your spare time, while focus groups often pay a higher hourly rate. Rent Out a Room or Your Car: If you have a spare room, you can rent it out for short-term stays on platforms like Airbnb. If you don't use your car often, you can rent it out through car-sharing services like Turo. Test Websites and Apps: Companies will pay you to test their websites and apps for usability, providing feedback on your experience. Services like UserTesting often offer a quick, one-time payment per test. Tutoring (Online or In-Person): If you are knowledgeable in a specific subject, language, or skill, you can tutor students online or locally. Sites like Wyzant or Chegg Tutors can help you find clients and set your rate. Complete Local Odd Jobs/Tasks: Use apps like TaskRabbit to find small gigs in your community, such as assembling furniture, light yard work, cleaning, or running errands for others.     The Bible does not contain a specific book on "business" or "entrepreneurship" as modern concepts, but it offers numerous principles regarding work, wealth, diligence, and ethical conduct that are highly relevant to both. Here are the key biblical principles applied to business and entrepreneurship:   1. Work and Diligence are Commended   The Bible encourages hard work and warns against laziness. This principle is fundamental to a successful venture. Diligence brings reward: "Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth." (Proverbs 10:4). Diligent hands: active, eager, willing to try anything….. When I first got online and saw the possibilities I figure out something pretty quick. Not every youth pastor had my creative skill and writing lessons for youth. I was already a regular contributor/writer for YouthWorker Journal - So I would put together these really good power point lessons with great applications. Then I sold them online… and guess what - people bought them!  To pay my bills I have lots of skills and I will try anything.  I have taught guitar, drums, I am a personal trainer. But all these things fit within my calendar. I can't take on another hourly, full time job - I am still and first a pastor. So Diligent hands seek what works best for each person.  Just today I hit up a woman who has a unique skill for other women- I can't give to much away just yet. But she absolutely loved my idea and wants to come on board. We will typically work with about 25 women for one night a week and make a few thousand dollars. Diligence - try anything and if you fail - keep trying. 

Would you be interested in trekking across the Sahara Desert on a camel? Or what about staying in somebody's home for free in exchange for looking after their pet?Sinead Kennedy, travel expert and host of wellness activity breaks, joins The Last to discuss a wide range of holidays that are out there for people who want an alternative break away.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

PJ talks to Aoife CodyKane who looks after peoples pets in their homes when they have to go away. Surprisingly, there's enough demand you can use it instead of renting! See also here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kaitlin Wood of Kaitlin's Pet Sitting in Chattanooga, TN shares her journey from teenage sitter to full-time business owner. She discusses the evolution of her services, including her growing wedding assistance offering, and the importance of clear client communication. Kaitlin opens up about lessons in time management, setting boundaries, and the struggle of finding trustworthy team members. Her passion for pets and people shines through as she talks about building trust and delivering peace of mind. Main topics: Managing time and personal balance Transitioning from solo sitter to team Building trust through consistency Offering wedding pet services Client expectations and boundary setting Main takeaway: “It's not just about loving animals—you have to be honest, reliable, and dependable.” Loving pets is only the beginning. What sets great pet sitters apart is their reliability, integrity, and follow-through. Your clients are trusting you with their most beloved companions and their home. They deserve someone who shows up on time, communicates clearly, and follows through on every promise—every time. In an industry where trust is everything, it's the quiet consistency that builds unshakable peace of mind. Be the sitter you'd want for your own pet. About our guest: Kaitlin Wood is the owner of Kaitlin's Pet Sitting in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She offers drop-in visits, dog walking, and overnight care, and has recently expanded into wedding day pet assistance—helping pets be part of their owners' big day. With a background in psychology and a heart for animals, Kaitlin focuses on delivering peace of mind to clients by being trustworthy, responsive, and deeply committed to pet well-being. She's currently running her business solo but is planning to grow her team and potentially open a boarding location in the future. Links: Instagram - Kaitlin's Pet Sitting Facebook - Kaitlin's Pet Sitting Check out our Starter Packs See all of our discounts! Check out ProTrainings Code: CPR-petsitterconfessional for 10% off

What starts as a teenage job can sometimes turn into a thriving career—and Kora Sloan is proof. In this episode, host Tiffany Anton sits down with the founder of Playtime Pals Pet Sitting to hear how a high school gig at a doggy daycare grew into a full-time business that's now thriving in Cookeville. Kora shares her journey from walking neighborhood dogs at 14, to managing a packed nine-to-nine client schedule, to rebuilding her business after a cross-country move. She talks about the lessons learned from burnout, the value of mentorship, and the importance of earning clients' trust through communication and care. Whether it's hand-feeding a nervous pup or making sure an owner can enjoy a worry-free vacation, Kora's “if there's a will, there's a way” mindset shines through. This is an inspiring conversation for anyone who's ever wondered if their passion could become their paycheck.  

In this insightful interview, Isabel chats with Scott Black, a seasoned pet sitting professional with over 19 years of experience. In the episode, Scott shares valuable tips, stories, and best practices for pet parents and pet sitters. Scott also shares personal anecdotes that illustrate these points, providing a rich, experience-based perspective on the pet sitting industry, one that has evolved dramatically in almost 20 years. Isabel and Scott have so much to discuss and share about the pet sitting industry; this episode is the first part of a two-part interview. Check back to listen to the conclusion of this fantastic discussion. Enjoy the show! EPISODE NOTES: Tails from the Trade: Inside Professional Pet Sitting - Part 2Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/covered-in-pet-hair-a-fun-late-night-boozy-pet-podcast--6667884/support.

? How to Make AI Sound Authentic in Your Pet Sitting Business Ever feel like AI-generated content sounds stiff, robotic, or just... not like you? In this episode, I share exactly how to fix that. I'm walking you through the biggest mistake people make when using AI—and how to shift your approach so it sounds like you, not like a bot. This episode will help you tap into the magic of your voice, infuse your personality into prompts, and get AI to mirror the tone, energy, and intention you actually want. Whether you're writing blogs, captions, emails, or responses, you're going to learn how to make AI content feel real, raw, and resonant. In This Episode, You'll Learn... The Wake-Up Call - You're Already Living in AI Land The Graveyard of “Old School” Thinking The Psychology of Struggle Worship What AI Really Gives You (The Value Proposition) The REAL Authenticity Problem - You're Using AI Wrong The Action Plan - Training AI to Sound Like YOU Timestamps 00:00 – Why AI sounds fake—and what no one tells you about fixing it04:17 – The secret to injecting YOUR voice into your AI outputs07:45 – Real examples: what bad AI sounds like vs. authentic AI10:58 – How to “season” your AI with brand language and intent14:39 – A final mindset shift that will change the way you use AI forever Notable Quotes “AI doesn't sound fake—you sound fake when you don't tell it who you are.” “If you want authentic output, you need to give it authentic input. It's that simple.” “Tone, rhythm, and context are everything. AI is just the amplifier—you are still the instrument.” Resources & Links Ready to make AI sound like you? Start by shifting how you talk to it. Then come tell me what changed—DM me, tag me, or email me. I want to hear your voice in it. Join the Mastermind Book a Free 20-min Call with Bella Bella's Marketing Services Watch all our Podcasts on YouTube Catch up on last week's episode:   Transcript Welcome back to another episode of Bella in your business. My name is Bella Vasta. And things are good. My daughter just got back from a 2 and a half week trip to Macedonia. That's where her dad's from for those of you who have been part of this podcast for the past 11 years! Oh, my God! Also, if you are watching on Spotify right now, there, we have a video up. We also have video up on YouTube for this podcast. You're gonna see in my back corner I got a new plant and I need help naming her. So let me know if you have any fun names for that. I was sick and tired of seeing that plug, and it's a um... oh, gosh! I even forget what that's called. It's one of those ones that are supposed to be really good for the room and the air, aren't they? Anyways, today we're gonna talk about something that I see a lot. And honestly, it was started by Pet Sitters International. I am so excited that they posted something about AI, and it sparked a lot of conversation, and it was all over the board. And if you have been listening to the podcast, you know that I have been asking and asking and asking for other people in the industry to step up and start talking about this, because it's time that we all elevate the industry with what is actually going on out there. It's just like back in... was it 2006, 7, 8? I'm really bad at dates. When I was trying to teach everyone how to do—on why they should have a Facebook page for the business. And you know, AI is just like that. But before we get into the episode, I promised my team that I would ask you to like and subscribe and comment anywhere you are listening or watching to this podcast. We spend about a hundred dollars every single episode to produce this for you with the video, the editing, and the emails, and all the things. And if you find this valuable, if you could just do me that one little favor, that would be amazing. Or even share it with a friend.

In this insightful interview, Isabel chats with Scott Black, a seasoned pet sitting professional with over 19 years of experience. In the episode, Scott shares valuable tips, stories, and best practices for pet parents and pet sitters. Scott also shares personal anecdotes that illustrate these points, providing a rich, experience-based perspective on the pet sitting industry, one that has evolved dramatically in almost 20 years. Isabel and Scott have so much to discuss and share about the pet sitting industry; this episode is the first part of a two-part interview. Check back to listen to the conclusion of this fantastic discussion. Enjoy the show! EPISODE NOTES: Tails from the Trade: Inside Professional Pet Sitting - Part 1Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/covered-in-pet-hair-a-fun-late-night-boozy-pet-podcast--6667884/support.

How should pet sitters adapt as client expectations shift? Camp Bow Wow is celebrating 25 years as a market leader in daycare and boarding. Their recent brand refresh and national pet parent survey offer valuable clues about where the pet care consumer mindset is heading — and what we, as dog walkers and pet sitters, can learn to better serve clients and compete in an increasingly emotional and experience-driven marketplace. In this episode, we explore insights from the survey, including the rise of the emotional experience economy, the power of community connection, and the growing demand for convenience and polished brands. We share why marketing outcomes—not just tasks—is now essential, and how refining the client experience can help us stand out. With practical examples, we discuss how small pet care businesses can thrive alongside big brands by leaning into our unique strengths. Main Topics Rise of the emotional experience economy Shifting client expectations for pet care Building community and client connection Marketing outcomes vs. checklists Streamlining client experience through tech and branding Main Takeaway: Pet care is no longer about just checking the box of functional care. It's about selling the emotional experience and outcomes. Too often, we focus our marketing on what we do—feeding pets, walking dogs, refreshing water bowls. But today's pet parents crave more than checklists; they want an experience. They want joy, enrichment, and peace of mind—for their pets and themselves. When you show them how your care brings happiness to their pets and reduces their own stress, you elevate your business beyond tasks. Don't just market what you do—market how you make them feel. Links: Check out our Starter Packs See all of our discounts! Check out ProTrainings Code: CPR-petsitterconfessional for 10% off

Embrace the mindset of my loyal puppy, my perfect hypno-pet. In this new free podcast session, I first fill you in on my feelings about public play. And then we're going on a walk together to learn a thing or two about being a good pup. Revisit the characters from my Pet-Sitting series in all […] The post Hypnotic Pet-Play Training from a Femdom Mistress – Gentle Public Kink Play Guidelines appeared first on Spoken By Elswyth.

Pet Sitting Business Burnout: 6 Lies That Are Draining Your Energy Are you running on fumes, questioning if your pet business is even worth it anymore? You're not broken—you're burned out. In this episode, I'm calling out the six lies that fuel pet sitting business burnout and block your growth. These myths sneak in through Facebook groups, outdated advice, and even your own inner critic. But today, we're flipping the script. You'll learn: Why taking time off isn't a luxury—it's how real CEOs stay creative and sane. How doing everything yourself drains your energy and stalls your success. What “professional” really looks like—and why boring branding doesn't work. Why showing up on every platform isn't helping (and what to do instead). How S.O.P.s and AI tools can save your sanity—even if you're a solo pet sitter. Why your business should never look the same all year long. Huge thank-you to Becky from Paws Around Motown for showing us what strong systems, great leadership, and actual balance can look like in real life. Your example is pure gold. This episode is not about surface-level tips. It's a truth-packed reality check with practical steps you can take right now. If you've been stuck in survival mode, it's time to shift. You don't have to keep spinning your wheels. Let's bust these myths and beat pet sitting business burnout together—so you can lead with vision, energy, and joy again. In this Episode, You'll Discover... How to stop believing the lies that cause pet business burnout Practical ways to reclaim your time and energy Real examples from business owners making bold shifts How to use AI and seasonal trends to stay proactive, not reactive Learn how to delegate with clarity and confidence—even if past hires left you burned. Timestamps 00:42 – The myth of “I can't take time off” and how Becky from Paws Around Motown proves otherwise 08:51 – The trap of being on every social platform and what to do instead 12:24 – Why “professional” doesn't have to mean “boring” 14:32 – S.O.P.s aren't just for big businesses 19:05 – The myth of “I'll save money by doing it all myself” and the true cost of DIYing everything Notable Quotes “Just because it didn't work doesn't mean it doesn't work. It means it doesn't work that way.” “You can still be fun and serious about safety. You can be warm and still have rock-solid SOPs.” “Professional doesn't mean boring. It means intentional, trustworthy, and human.” Links & Resources: Join the Mastermind Email Bella: bella @jumpconsulting.net Connect on IG: @bellavasta Book a complimentary 20-min strategy call.  Transcript Welcome back to another episode of Bella in Your Business. My name is Bella Vasta. And you know what I told you last episode that we might just continue on. And we totally are. I got a couple of emails and texts from you guys, that last week's message was totally on point. I even want to read one from Lily Johnston, she said. Bella, this episode was a smash hit with my brain. It's given me so much confidence. I've listened to a lot of your podcast episodes. But this one was perfect and just what I needed for the moment. I am in right now. Thank you. Girl, you are so welcome! Absolutely. And it wasn't just you. It was some other people that was like, yes, that totally hit it home. So I decided, I'm going to keep going. I'm gonna keep going. Because why not? And this is like literally what I call stinking thinking. If you've ever worked with me, and as we're on episode 440 and guys, I don't plan on stopping anytime soon. I'm like the slow and steady. Okay. If you've been with me for a long time, you know that I started this podcast in my closet. 10 years ago, when my daughter was in NICU. It was the only place in my entire house that had a carpet and everything else had tiles, so it was very echoey,

Today you'll hear me work with coaching client Pretteek, a pet sitter and dog walker in Northern California. He's got a new business and already has 3 five-star Yelp reviews! He has had a lot of pet owners reach out via Yelp but rarely do those leads turn into actual clients. He feels frustrated by […]

Top 5 Pet Sitting Business Myths That Are Holding You Back If you've ever felt stuck, underpaid, or unsure how to scale your pet sitting business… you might be believing lies that aren't serving you. In this episode of Bella in Your Business, I'm calling out 5 of the most common and damaging pet sitting business myths I see over and over again. These myths are like industry propaganda—and they keep smart business owners small, broke, and stressed. Maybe you've heard that “everyone uses independent contractors,” or “clients only care about price.” Or maybe you've convinced yourself, “you can't charge that much in your area.” I'm here to tell you: none of that is true. I've coached hundreds of pet business owners, and the ones who succeed stop believing these lies—and start building smarter, stronger businesses that work for their lives. I'll walk you through each myth, why it's harmful, and what to believe instead. This isn't just a pep talk. It's a mindset shift and strategic realignment. Let's stop repeating what the Facebook groups say and start building a business that's built on truth, value, and bold leadership. In this Episode, You'll Discover... Why using independent contractors “just to get started” is a trap How underpricing based on fear is hurting your growth Why pet care is a real career—and how to own it What clients actually care about (hint: it's not price) How to lead your market instead of blending in with it Timestamps: 00:05 – Why I had to do this episode: the propaganda ends here05:10 – My IC truth bomb: it's not fine, it's dangerous14:00 – Stop selling your soul for price shoppers20:00 – If you treat this like a hobby, don't expect professional pay29:00 – Why copying the competition will never make you stand out Notable Quotes: “The ones who build profitable, sustainable businesses are the ones who stop falling for these lies.”“If you don't differentiate, you disappear.”“Pet care is a billion-dollar industry. Stop treating it like a hobby.”“You don't need permission to build the business you really want—just truth.” Links & Resources: Join the Mastermind Email Bella: bella @jumpconsulting.net Connect on IG: @bellavasta Book a complimentary 20-min strategy call.  Transcript Welcome back to another episode of Bella in Your Business. We just got off a Memorial Day weekend. I hope you had a really good time, whether working hard or taking time for yourself and your family. Today, we're going to talk about myths. I'm taking a break from AI and focusing on myths. What prompted this was a trend on social media talking about propaganda people aren't falling for. I was creating one myself when I thought—why not turn it into a podcast episode? Depending on your feedback, maybe I'll even do a part two. I've got five for you today that are extremely relevant—whether you're new, seasoned, or thinking about the future of your business. These myths are something I've seen repeatedly over the past 20 years. Shoutout to all the Mastermind members doing Joey Coleman's 100 Days and mapping out their phases—you're crushing it. Not just for clients, but for employees, too. With AI, it's easier than ever to build systems based on avatars, and that growth has been exponential. Quick PSA on AI: there's a lot happening every single day. I even predict that ChatGPT may not always remain the dominant player. People will need to learn the nuances between different platforms. It's powerful when used with subscriptions, folders, and GPTs—tools that can cut down hours of work by thinking for you. But today, we're setting AI aside and diving into five pieces of propaganda—five myths about pet sitting businesses that circulate like gospel and keep people stuck. Sometimes we believe these lies because we don't have the right community around us. Facebook groups often perpetuate them. You ask one question and get 20 different answers.

How to Start Using AI in Your Pet Sitting Business (Even If You're Not Techy) Are you still staring at ChatGPT wondering what to even type in? Or maybe you've dabbled with AI and decided it's just “not for you.” But here's the thing—if you're not using AI in your pet sitting business yet, you're already falling behind. In this episode of Bella in Your Business, I'm breaking down exactly what that means—with zero tech talk. I'll show you how AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and custom GPTs can help you write care notes faster, automate client emails, and even build your own AI assistant that sounds like you. I'm sharing real stories, real results, and how other pet sitters are already using AI to save time and serve better. No more guessing. No more generic advice. This isn't the future—it's the right now. So if you're overwhelmed or skeptical, listen in. I'm here to help you move from confusion to confidence with AI in your pet sitting business. In This Episode, You'll Discover... What ChatGPT and AI actually are (in plain English) Why AI matters right now for pet sitters The difference between using AI and training your own digital clone How to create a pet-sitting-specific AI that talks exactly like you Why ignoring AI could cost you time, clients, and money Timestamps 00:00 – Why AI matters right now for pet sitters 02:00 – The difference between using AI and training AI 05:00 – What a GPT is and how to make one for your business 10:00 – Real-life AI wins: Mother's Day & meet-and-greet hacks 15:00 – Building your digital clone + how to get started now Notable Quotes “This is not about pulling up ChatGPT and asking it to rewrite your email. That's daycare level. We're aiming for grad school.” “AI in your pet sitting business isn't optional anymore. It's the difference between falling behind and staying ahead.” Resources & Links Try Bella's custom pet sitting GPT. Learn how to build your own AI assistant. Connect on IG: @bellavasta Book a complimentary 20-min strategy call. Join Bella's Mastermind. Did You Love This Episode? Share it on Instagram and tag @BellaVasta with your biggest takeaway using #BellaInYourBusiness. Ready to clone yourself and save time? Build your AI assistant today. Transcript Hi, I'm Bella Vasta, and in today's episode, we're going back to basics—especially with AI. A recent Mother's Day moment reminded me that many of you may still be trying to figure this stuff out. I'll also address common questions like, "What is GPT?" and "How do I use ChatGPT correctly?" Here's what we'll cover today: What is ChatGPT? Why AI for pet sitters matters right now How to create AI that sounds like you What's next for AI in the pet sitting world Why AI Matters for Pet Sitters If you've heard of ChatGPT but still aren't quite sure what it does or how it fits into your daily operations, you're not alone. This episode is designed to help you understand it—and maybe even get a little excited about it. The key takeaway? You don't need to be a tech wizard, but you do need to start planning for AI integration now. The pet sitting industry is not immune to tech shifts, and the gap between those using AI and those who aren't is only going to widen. What Is ChatGPT? Let's demystify ChatGPT. Think of it like Kleenex is to tissues—ChatGPT is just one brand of AI. It stands for “Generative Pre-trained Transformer”—a fancy way of saying it's a tool that generates human-like text. It learns from data, including pet care info, and uses a model called a transformer to generate responses. It's not the only option either—there's Claude, Gemini, and even tools that aggregate all of them like Magai. At first, these tools just predicted text. But now, they're becoming what experts call agentic—they take actions on your behalf. Imagine an AI that writes client emails, social posts,

Clone Yourself in Your Pet Sitting Business   Ever wish you could clone yourself in your pet sitting business so you could finally get off the phone, still book new clients, and stop repeating the same info 1,000 times a week? In this episode, we're talking about making that wish a real, scalable reality. I'm sitting down with George B. Thomas, the human behind an AI-powered clone that literally talks, teaches, and problem-solves as him—because it is him. This tech isn't cold and creepy. It's warm, human, and helpful. Trust me, I talked to his clone and forgot it wasn't actually George. That's how good it is. And YES, you could totally do this in your pet biz. Imagine giving your clients 24/7 access to "you"—your knowledge, your answers, your heart—even when you're knee-deep in litter boxes. In this episode, you'll discover: How cloning yourself doesn't replace you, it amplifies you Why AI-powered voice clones are a game-changer for solopreneurs and pet pros The exact tech George used to create his digital twin (yes, with a phone number!) How to train a clone using your beliefs, voice, and values Ways you can use this in your own pet biz: sales calls, client FAQs, team training, and more Timestamps 2:30 – Bella discovers George's clone and has a real conversation with it 7:00 – What cloning could mean for pet sitters juggling leashes and sales calls 9:00 – George explains how he built his clone (and how YOU can too) 14:00 – The mindset shift you need before you build your AI twin 24:00 – How clones can support your team AND delight your clients Notable Quotes “I'm not using it to replace me. I'm using it to scale me and augment me.” – George B. Thomas “Imagine your clients calling an AI version of you to ask for dog walking info—anytime, in any language.” – Bella Vasta Resources & Links Bella's AI Bot Class: How to Create Your Own GPTs Email Bella: bella@jumpconsulting.net Connect on IG: @bellavasta Try George's clone at helper.georgebthomas.com George B. Thomas HubSpot Helper Growth AI Clone Access Jump Consulting Mastermind Did You Love This Episode? Want more content like this? Join our Mastermind or book a 1:1 coaching session. Transcript [00:00] Bella Vasta: Um. Welcome everybody to another episode of Bella in your business. I have something interesting for you today. Bella Vasta: The thing is is. I have not actually had a guest on my podcast for a very long time. You are going to be so excited for what I'm about to bring you today because I was George B. Thomas is here with us today, and he doesn't know it yet. But the day that this all came down I was having a pretty crappy day. Bella Vasta: And he came across my feed sharing a screenshot of something that was basically throwing out an 800 number and saying like, Call my my clone, and I was like what. And so I called. This number had a 3 min, total natural conversation with what I thought literally felt like George. That's how good it was. Bella Vasta: And I instantly jumped into my mastermind, called it back. Did a whole video on it, and then begged, actually asked his clone if he would come on my podcast and here we are without further ado. George B. Thomas, how are you, my friend? George B. Thomas: Bella, I'm doing great. I'm super honored to be here to be honest with you. This whole um. Journey that you just explained was both fun and enlightening... [00:05] George B. Thomas: ...It just shows the power of when you take the time to lean in and try to innovate in your business, and play. Just play around and see what can happen. George B. Thomas: What really fills my heart with joy is. You said you were having a bad day, and then all of a sudden, you interacted with the clone, and you were having a better day... Bella Vasta: It's so amazing. And I love that you just mentioned that, too... George B. Thomas: Yeah, I like long walks on the beach. No,

?   Let's flip the script on how you think about AI in your pet business. By understanding these Ai pet sitting business mindset shifts you will really be able to fly ahead of your colleagues. This isn't another “how to use ChatGPT” tutorial. It's a mindset makeover—because AI isn't a tool you master once and move on from. It's a thinking partner. A skill. A business amplifier that's evolving faster than you are with these Ai pet sitting business mindset shifts Bella unpacks 13 mindset shifts that are essential if you want to work with AI instead of fighting it, wasting time, or feeling overwhelmed. Whether you're curious, resistant, or already experimenting, this episode is your playbook for making AI a strategic partner—not just another software in your tech stack. Timestamps: 01:22 – AI Isn't a Tool. It's a Paradigm Shift. 04:35 – Why You Need to Say “No” to Mediocre AI Outputs 07:44 – Challenge the Output: How to Get Better Results 09:22 – It's Not Google: Stop Treating It Like a Search Engine 13:08 – Think *With* AI: Brainstorm Like You Would a Team 15:47 – AI is Evolving Faster Than You Are 18:01 – You Can't Break It: AI Is Your Creative Sandbox 20:07 – Talk to It Like a Human (Seriously) 22:39 – Why Speaking Beats Typing Every Time 24:05 – Treat AI Like a Skill, Not Magic 25:20 – Save Your Prompts Like Gold 26:17 – Start With Boring Problems 27:02 – Your Energy Matters: Emotional Regulation + AI What You'll Learn: Why AI isn't like ClickUp or Time To Pet—and why that matters. How to reframe “people vs process” into “information vs instruction.” Why “Google thinking” is sabotaging your AI results. How to challenge AI to get dramatically better outputs. Why you should TALK to AI instead of type (yep, even while brushing your teeth). What “sandboxing” with AI means—and how it sets you free. How to emotionally regulate before asking AI to solve big problems. Bella's real talk on evolving with AI instead of resisting it. Why prompts aren't enough—and what to do instead. What it really looks like to save 70% of your work time with AI. This Episode Is For You If: You've tried AI tools but feel like you're “missing something.” You're curious but overwhelmed about these Ai pet sitting business mindshifts You're using AI—but still rewriting everything it gives you. You want to build a smarter business, not a busier one. Resources Mentioned: Join the Mastermind Book a Free 20-Min Chat With Bella ? jumpconsulting.net/20 Get Access to Multiple AI Tools in One through Magai   Notable Quotes: “You're not behind. You're just untrained. And if you're even thinking about AI, you're ahead of 90% of the world.” Transcript: 00:01:09.000 --> 00:01:41.000 Bella Vasta: Welcome back to another episode of Bella in your business. I am looking forward to this episode because it is going to be absolutely jam packed with mindset shifts. One of the things that happens with AI in our business um, is that you have to understand that it's not Like a software that you learn how to use like clickup or power pet sitter, or well, they're not around anymore, or um time to pet or precise right? It's not like 00:01:41.000 --> 00:01:48.000 Bella Vasta: Something that is, one dimensional. AI is something that is completely changing daily 00:01:48.000 --> 00:02:13.000 Bella Vasta: Daily, Weekly, monthly, and um! There's a lot of like Shifts that I want you to think about. I know that it's been all over the place lately, and I know that you can't go 5 min without hearing about it. I also know that a lot of you feel like, Oh, I know how to use AI, because I've used it, but you're only using it like 5% of its of its true potential. And so 00:02:13.000 --> 00:02:36.000 Bella Vasta: Or you're in the camp where you're completely avoiding it because you're intimidated or you get frustrate...

How do you build a pet sitting business that becomes a household name? Justina Allen-Yancey, owner of Justina's Pet Sitting, shares how she turned her business into an award-winning, community-trusted brand. She dives into the power of team management, setting clear client expectations, and why networking is key to sustainable growth. Justina also discusses how proactive planning, volunteer work, and local recognition have helped her business stand out in a competitive market. Whether you're looking to refine your policies, grow your team, or strengthen your community presence, this episode is full of valuable insights to help you build a thriving pet care business. Main topics: Building trust through community engagement Setting and enforcing client expectations Managing a growing pet care team Leveraging awards for business growth Proactive planning for pet care Main takeaway: “We've in the long game to earn the trust of the people around us, and we've done that just by getting really involved in things that are going on in the community.” – Justina Allen-Yancey Trust isn't built overnight—it's earned through consistent actions, clear standards, and a genuine presence in your community.

?   Struggling to find good help? Feeling like your team's falling apart faster than you can hold it together? You're not alone—and no, it's not just because “no one wants to work anymore.” Let's cut the fluff: The job market isn't broken. Your systems are. If you've been panic hiring, training people on the fly, and praying they don't ghost you two weeks in… that's not a hiring problem. That's a business-building problem. This episode is a wake-up call for every pet business owner who's ever said: “I can't find good people.” “I hired three and they all disappeared.” “Why does it feel like I'm always starting from scratch?” Because what's actually going on? Your hiring process is random, reactive, and frankly... exhausting. But here's the good news: You can fix it—and I'm going to show you how. In this episode, I'm breaking down exactly why your hiring process keeps failing you—and the real, practical steps you can take to build a team that's reliable, loyal, and actually loves working for your business. I'm dropping truth bombs.I'm calling out the mistakes most business owners don't even realize they're making.And I'm giving you a 30-day plan to turn the whole thing around. So if you're tired of spinning your wheels, losing sleep over staff issues, and constantly feeling like your business is one resignation away from disaster… In This Episode, You'll Discover… Why “no one wants to work” is a dangerous myth The real reason your job posts aren't attracting quality applicants How panic hiring is killing your business The secret to building a system that attracts, hires, and keeps rockstar employees A 4-week plan to overhaul your hiring process in just 30 days  Timestamp Highlights: [00:57] – The hiring truth bomb most business owners don't want to hear[03:36] – What good employees actually want (and why you're not giving it to them)[08:11] – The trap of panic hiring and how to avoid it[10:20] – What a hiring funnel actually looks like (and why you need one ASAP)[16:35] – The 30-day challenge that will change everything  Notable Quote: “You don't attract great employees by chance. You attract them by design.” Resources Mentioned: Jump Consulting Mastermind Loved this episode? Screenshot it, share it to your stories, and tag @BellaVasta! Transcript 00:04 welcome back to another episode of Bella in Your Business my name is Bella Vasta and today um we're going to get right on into it but before we do I want to encourage you uh to please like or subscribe wherever it is that you listen to this um this podcast uh we just recently started putting them all up on YouTube so if you like to to watch you can actually watch these episodes on YouTube or you could still listen on whatever your favorite podcast uh episode listener is look I talk to businesses all day like every single day and I can't tell 00:42 you how many times over the past 20 years I have heard "Bella I can't find good people." Or "No one wants to work the job market's terrible i hired three people and they ghosted me after training here's the thing i'm about to drop some truth bombs today that might be a little uncomfortable but they could also completely transform your business so are you willing to get a little uncomfortable to maybe change the face of your business i'm not kidding cuz today that's exactly what I'm going to 01:14 show you so let's start off with the real problem let's cut through the fluff because you know I'm a non no nononsense person you're not struggling to find good people because no one wants to work anymore it's just not the truth good employees exist they're out there right now working for businesses that have their act together the real reason you're struggling is because your hiring process is most likely random reactive and if I'm being completely honest it's exhausting 01:47 it like it's like I'm going to date myself right now but you know...

Wednesday 3/19/25

Miguel agreed to pet sit for Producer Kelbin while he got married. It might not be going that well.

A study from the Kaplan Group makes clear just how popular having a side hustle is. According to the study, 5 it's pet sitting, 4 lawn care, 3 photography, 2 landscaping. And at number one, it's drop shipping. Notably, three of the top five landscaping, lawn care, and pet sitting fall under the category of home services highlighting the continued demand for businesses that enhance the home aesthetic and maintenance.

Are you constantly dealing with employee turnover? Hiring people who seem perfect, only for them to quit within weeks? If you're frustrated with flaky employees and high turnover, this episode is for you! The truth is, employees don't quit because they're lazy or because you're hiring the wrong people. They quit because they feel lost, overwhelmed, and unsupported. And most of the time, your training system is to blame. If you've ever said, “I just need someone with common sense!” or found yourself answering the same questions over and over, it's time for a change. In this episode, I'll break down why employees leave and give you the real solution to keep them engaged, confident, and sticking around longer. Hit play now because you don't want to miss this!

AI for Pet Sitting Client Experience—Are You Using It the Right Way? Your pet sitting client experience can make or break your business. Clients want updates, fast responses, and a seamless process—but when you're buried in messages and last-minute schedule changes, it's easy to fall behind. That's exactly where AI comes in. Not to replace you, but to help you be faster, more efficient, and more personal than ever before. AI isn't just about automation—it's about enhancing the way you connect with your clients, ensuring they feel supported, informed, and valued at every step. In this episode, I'm breaking down how AI is transforming pet sitting client experience in real, practical ways. We're moving past the surface-level advice and digging into how AI can anticipate client needs, streamline communication, and create a stress-free experience that feels personal, not robotic. I'm also tackling the biggest misconceptions—like whether AI will take away the human connection (spoiler: it won't when you use it right). The pet business owners who start leveraging AI now will be the ones delivering a next-level pet sitting client experience that keeps clients coming back. So, are you keeping up or falling behind? Hit play and let's dive in!

Brooke is a long-time pet business owner who has a large pet sitting and dog walking business in Los Angeles. She no longer does the pet sitting and dog walking visits herself; she has a large team of staff to help her. One of the challenges Brooke is currently struggling with is how to get […]

Marci does not want to admit where the puppy—the one her husband was not enthusiastic about getting in the first place, has chosen to eject his mix of chicken and tumbleweed. Yes. Tumbleweed. There's also been an incident of cat smuggling.

“AI tools for pet care sounds cool, but I don't think it's for me.” Sound familiar?! Maybe you've told yourself, “I'm not tech-savvy enough,” or, “AI just seems too overwhelming to figure out.” If that's you, this episode  is going to change your mind—and your business. I'm diving into AI tools for pet care and breaking down why it's WAY easier than you think. No confusing jargon. No complicated setups. Just practical, real-life ways AI can lighten your workload and free up your time—starting today. From saving hours on social media captions to transforming how you approach goal setting, I'll show you exactly how pet business owners are already using AI tools for pet care to work smarter, not harder. Plus, I'm giving you a sneak peek into our hands-on AI Lab, where you'll learn how to actually apply these tools in ways that make sense for YOUR business. If you've ever felt like your business is running you—or like you're drowning in tasks with no way out—this episode is your lifeboat. It's not about replacing you or your creativity. It's about amplifying what you do best and making your life easier. By the end of this episode, you'll be saying, “Why didn't I start using AI sooner?” So, grab your coffee, settle in, and let's make AI work for you.

Ready to escape the 9-to-5 grind and start your entrepreneurial journey without breaking the bank? In this episode, Robin explores 28 innovative business ideas you can kick off with just £200 or less. Whether you're passionate about pets, skilled in social media, or have a knack for writing, there's a business idea for you. Key Framework for Business Success We outline a simple yet powerful framework to guide your side hustle or business venture: Passion: Choose something you genuinely love doing—it'll keep you motivated through challenges. Clients You Love: Work with people who inspire you and make your job enjoyable. Monetisable Skills: Focus on areas where your expertise can translate into income. Business Ideas That Won't Break the Bank Here's a sneak peek at some of the standout ideas discussed: Pet Sitting and Dog Walking: Earn £15-£30/hour doing what you love. Car Detailing and Cleaning Services: Start small, borrow equipment, and grow your client base. Social Media Management: Use your tech-savvy skills to support small businesses. Graphic Design: Turn creativity into cash through platforms like Fiverr and Dribbble. Blogging and Content Creation: Build a blog and monetise it with ads, sponsorships, and affiliates. From Side Hustle to Full-Time Gig These ideas are perfect for starting small, testing the waters, and scaling up as you grow. We also share practical marketing tips like leveraging local Facebook groups and networking to find clients. Tune in now to discover actionable insights and start building the life you want today! Don't forget to grab your free copy of “Take Your Shot” by visiting Fearless Biz. To Apply for a FREE Coaching Session with Robin Use the following link: https://www.robinwaite.com/app To find out more about Fearless Business: Join our amazing community of Coaches, Consultants and Freelancers on Facebook: >> https://facebook.com/groups/ChargeMore And check out the Fearless Business YouTube Channel: >> https://www.youtube.com/RobinMWaite

This week, I'm sharing something special—a panel recording from my last Move Abroad Escape Plan Bootcamp featuring three incredible Freedom Life alumni who have successfully made their dream of moving abroad a reality. Meet the Panelists:Monica: A writing coach who moved her business to Amsterdam along with her husband and their two cats. (Fun Fact: My husband joined her writing coaching program) Lisa: A retired digital nomad traveling the world as a pet sitter. Lisa shares her expertise on finances, downsizing, and navigating 30 countries in a year —plus, she's even pet-sat for me in Georgia!Allison: After being let go from her job in the US, Allison made a bold move to Spain to job-hunt on the ground. She quickly landed a position in Germany, navigating the process with her large dog in tow.These three women faced very different challenges—running a business, finding a full-time job abroad, retiring to travel the world—but each found their way. Their stories are full of real-life advice on moving pets, budgeting, visas, and how to embrace the unexpected.Want to Join the Next Bootcamp?If you loved this panel and want to join the next Move Abroad Escape Plan Bootcamp, our next session is in January! Sign up for the waitlist now to get access to live panels, training, and more.Can't Wait Until January?Hop on a call with Violet to explore our Freedom Life coaching programs. Whether you're ready to start now or in January, we'll help you find the right fit. Plus, if you join Freedom Life, you'll get a free ticket to the next bootcamp! Resources Mentioned:→ Join the Bootcamp Waitlist → Chat About Your Coaching Options→ Join the Crash Course → Follow Move Abroad Coach on Instagram→ Check out Monica's Writing Coaching! Love this Episode? What to Listen to Next:#85 Beyond the US Election: How Global Politics Impact Your Life Abroad (this is the episode I mentioned in the intro where I dive deeper into what's happening in Georgia) #44 Fresh off the plane! Moving to the Netherlands with Monica Hay #39 How to travel the world for free as a pet sitter (or get free pet sitting for your pets abroad!) #17 Help! I've applied to 50 jobs and haven't heard back from any of them #25 How to move abroad with cats (or a small dog)

3 Really Scary TRUE Pet Sitting Horror Stories

Are you feeling stuck trying to scale your pet business? Whether it's hiring the right team or getting your brand out there, scaling your pet business isn't just a buzzword—it's the KEY to unlocking real freedom and long-term stability. So, let me ask you: Can your business thrive WITHOUT you? Are your systems strong enough to keep things running while you step back, or does everything fall apart the moment you leave? In this episode, I'm joined by Leia from Wonder Pups Pet Care—one of my clients who successfully scaled her pet business. We're diving into the real strategies that allowed her to go from a solo operator to leading a thriving, growing business. It's not just about surface-level tweaks; we're talking about building systems and processes that lead to sustainable growth. Leia opens up about the challenges she faced, including hiring the right team and learning to let go of tasks that once felt essential. We discuss how focusing on high-impact tasks helped her empower her team to take ownership and create a business that thrives without her micromanagement. This episode gives you the roadmap to streamline your operations, empower your staff, and truly scale your pet business. If you're ready to break free from the day-to-day grind, tune in and take the first step toward scaling your pet business to new heights!

Have you ever wondered what it takes to build a pet sitting business in a foreign country? In this episode, Sophie Canil, owner of Pet Sitting by Sophie, shares her journey from Argentina to the Netherlands and how she turned her love for animals into a successful cat sitting business. She discusses the importance of setting boundaries and self-care, especially in such a solitary profession. Sophie also emphasizes the value of delegating tasks and finding a supportive community of fellow pet sitters. Tune in for practical advice on growing a pet care business abroad! Main topics: Moving from Argentina abroad Starting pet sitting business Overcoming expat pet sitting challenges Setting boundaries and self-care Delegation for business growth Main takeaway: When you present clear boundaries, it gives clients confidence that you know what you're doing. About our guest: Sophie has been passionate about animal care since childhood, beginning with her first pet cat, Pepi. With years of hands-on experience and formal education, including veterinary studies and certifications in animal CPR and behavior, she provides expert pet sitting and dog walking services. Having worked in Argentina and the Netherlands, Sophie also volunteers with animal shelters and as a photographer to help pets find homes. Her commitment to animal welfare extends into her personal life, reflected in her lifestyle choices and volunteer work. Links Instagram @petsittingbysophie: https://www.instagram.com/petsittingbysophie/ Facebook: Pet Sitting by Sophie: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560943149119 Web: www.psbysophie.com Check out our Starter Packs Give us a call! (636) 364-8260  Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter Email us at: feedback@petsitterconfessional.com Full show notes and transcript   Sponsored by: ❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters Time to Pet Visit: https://timetopet.com/confessional Code: 50% off first 3 months National Association of Professional Pet Sitters www.petsitters.org