Let's Talk Dog Business

• Market Saturation: Turning Competition into Opportunity and Thriving in a Crowded Market

  DESCRIPTION In this episode, Jo & Vicky shatter the "saturated market" myth. They explain how to turn your fear that there is too much competition in your area into a strategic advantage. It pushes you to take a fresh look at your business and identify your unique offering and gaps that need filling. You become more effective at making would-be customers more aware of why you are worth hiring instead of the competition, all of which enables you to continue charge enough to make a good living. Listen in to learn how to turn competition into your greatest opportunity, instead of joining the “race to the bottom”. KEY TAKEAWAYS Don't automatically assume that competition means there are not enough clients to go around.  Most areas have a lot more dogs than service providers can serve. You only need a limited number of clients to succeed. You don't need to attract every potential client, just the right ones for your business. Avoid the "race to the bottom". Lowering your prices rarely helps. However, there can be a place for genuine special offer campaigns. Focus on your unique value and delivering high quality. Continue to charge what you are worth. Conduct a SWOT analysis to objectively assess your business strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Jo & Vicky´s course includes a module on doing this. You can learn a lot from your competitors. New competition is an opportunity to review and strengthen your business. Identify weaknesses in your competitors´ businesses. Filling those gaps is an opportunity for you. Approach business challenges logically, stay confident in your unique offerings, and see competition as a chance for growth rather than a threat. BEST MOMENTS “Pivot into using it (competition) as an opportunity, rather than something to be scared of.” "Why am I stressing out so much that all these people are going elsewhere when I only need five new people to succeed." “I don’t want to lower my fees because then I’m going to have to work 10 times as hard to actually just put food on the table and pay my bills and deliver a s**t service whilst doing it.” SOCIALS AND IMPORTANT LINKS https://www.tiktok.com/@letstalkdogbusiness https://www.youtube.com/@LetsTalkDogBusiness Website www.caninebusinessacademy.com Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/caninebusinessacademycommunity/ Let´s Talk Dog Business Strategy Book - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lets-Talk-Dog-Business-Strategy/dp/1068791705 Email [email protected] ABOUT THE HOSTS Meet Jo and Vicky! They bring a combined 25 years of expertise in the canine industry. Jo, with a background in corporate business, and Vicky, a dedicated advocate for rescue organisations, form an unstoppable team. Beyond the mic, their lives are a whirlwind – managing two successful businesses, pursuing a full-time university degree, and parenting two little ones under four. Each of their homes combined is a lively menagerie, housing five dogs and an abundance of chickens. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

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• Annoying Clients – Is It Them or Is It You?

  DESCRIPTION Are annoying clients really the problem, or could you be the source of some of their frustration? In this episode, Jo & Vicky reveal the surprising truth about why clients seem "annoying" and the role not managing customer expectations often plays when that happens. They explain how to master the art of clear communication, set realistic outcomes, and create services that truly serve both you and your clients.  If you've ever found yourself frustrated with "difficult" clients, this episode will change your perspective and give you the tools to create a more harmonious, successful business. Listen in to answer the question: Is the problem really my client, or is it me? KEY TAKEAWAYS Never assume clients fully understand what they are buying. Clearly communicate what clients can expect from your service, focusing on outcomes rather than just selling time or sessions. Set realistic expectations from the beginning, explain the process, potential challenges and the type of support they can expect. Be flexible and supportive. Avoid damaging your reputation by venting about clients in professional groups or online forums. Approach client communication with empathy. Try to understand why they might struggle to complete tasks. Be transparent about the time and effort required to achieve the required result. If you offer one-off sessions, make it clear that the problem won´t be 100% solved at the end. Regularly seek and incorporate client feedback to improve your service and communication. Be very clear about the work the client needs to do in between sessions, but be patient. Managing expectations is a multifaceted process that requires ongoing communication and support. BEST MOMENTS "Do they know what's coming next? Do they know what's expected of them? Or do you just spring stuff on them and then get annoyed that they're not doing the work." "Our role is to manage their expectations right from the outset." “You have to start asking yourself, ‘What do you want them to walk away with, and what do you want to walk away with?’” “It gets really messy, because you're essentially trying to sell an hour of your time, and you're not selling an outcome.” “Look at who you’re helping, what your service is supposed to do and how you can communicate that clearly.” "Some people find it a bit judgey, even though it's supposed to be constructive criticism." “It's not our job to be coming down them like a tonne of bricks.” SOCIALS AND IMPORTANT LINKS https://www.tiktok.com/@letstalkdogbusiness https://www.youtube.com/@LetsTalkDogBusiness Website www.caninebusinessacademy.com Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/caninebusinessacademycommunity/ Let´s Talk Dog Business Strategy Book - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lets-Talk-Dog-Business-Strategy/dp/1068791705 Email [email protected] ABOUT THE HOSTS Meet Jo and Vicky! They bring a combined 25 years of expertise in the canine industry. Jo, with a background in corporate business, and Vicky, a dedicated advocate for rescue organisations, form an unstoppable team. Beyond the mic, their lives are a whirlwind – managing two successful businesses, pursuing a full-time university degree, and parenting two little ones under four. Each of their homes combined is a lively menagerie, housing five dogs and an abundance of chickens. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

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• Canine Business Academy Live (CBA Live) – When, Where and Why You Don’t Want to Miss It

  DESCRIPTION In this episode, Jo & Vicky announce the details of the very first Canine Business Academy Live event aka CBA Live. They share why they decided to do an in-person event and what you can expect when you attend. If you are a part of the dog world, someone who's working with dogs in some way, shape or form, someone who wants more for their business, more for their life, and more for themselves, this conference is for you. Regardless of what stage you're at, whether you're just starting out, are already turning over 6 figures or are somewhere in between, CBA Live is the right room for you. It´s time to transform your dog business, so secure your spot at CBA Live - https://www.caninebusinessacademy.com/cba-conference-2025. You really don´t want to miss this game-changing event. It will be 2 days of dog business inspiration, strategies that work and collaboration opportunities. KEY TAKEAWAYS Business and learning do not need to be stuffy; they can be fun. CBA Live will definitely be lively, fun and inspirational. Networking and collaboration feed growth, and the CBA Live event is the perfect place to meet like-minded people you can work with. You can expect practical, actionable advice from Jo, Vicky and their guest speakers. There will be great knowledge being shared on stage, but don´t underestimate the amount you will learn by chatting to fellow attendees. The event will have something for everyone regardless of what stage they are at in their business journey, including people who are just investigating joining the industry. BEST MOMENTS “We promise to make it something that will be unforgettable for all the right reasons.” "We want everyone to walk away feeling like they can do it, and they are worth it." “We´ve formed collaborations in those (live event) rooms that have been life changing.” “The CBA Conference means a lot to us.” “There will be dancing. There is no way that there will not be dancing.” “Positivity is what we're trying to bring, there'll be no negative vibes, nothing like that.” "We believe that everybody should love their business." "Business should be fairly simple. The simplicity is the strategy." SOCIALS AND IMPORTANT LINKS https://www.tiktok.com/@letstalkdogbusiness https://www.youtube.com/@LetsTalkDogBusiness Website www.caninebusinessacademy.com Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/caninebusinessacademycommunity/ Let´s Talk Dog Business Strategy Book - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lets-Talk-Dog-Business-Strategy/dp/1068791705 Email [email protected] ABOUT THE HOSTS Meet Jo and Vicky! They bring a combined 25 years of expertise in the canine industry. Jo, with a background in corporate business, and Vicky, a dedicated advocate for rescue organisations, form an unstoppable team. Beyond the mic, their lives are a whirlwind – managing two successful businesses, pursuing a full-time university degree, and parenting two little ones under four. Each of their homes combined is a lively menagerie, housing five dogs and an abundance of chickens. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

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• Using Effective Follow Up to Supercharge Your Business Growth

  DESCRIPTION In this episode, Jo & Vicky look at something that a lot of entrepreneurs get wrong – following up with would-be or existing clients. Those dog business owners that fail to follow up in the right way are leaving a lot of cash on the table, so this episode is important.  Using the tried and tested strategies Jo & Vicky share will help you to stay in touch with existing customers so that when they need more dog-related services it is you that they will turn to.  They also cover making the right impression on potential clients, fully understanding what they need, demonstrating that you offer it and follow up in a way that will persuade them to buy. KEY TAKEAWAYS Develop the right mindset about follow up. It is not being pushy. Done the right way, it is actually helpful. People´s circumstances change, so they may say yes to something at a later date. Follow up with past clients to see if you can help them with something else. Only take on clients that are a good fit for you.  Focus on understanding the needs of your clients and what they are trying to achieve. When you do that you automatically make more sales. Often, during their initial contact, customers hold back a bit. Use gentle questioning to uncover what they actually need.  Most people are not naturally good at sales. They struggle to get the balance right, so don´t be discouraged. With sales, practice, definitely makes perfect. The more leads you follow up on, the better you become at making sales. Don´t let the fact that what you are offering has a high-ticket value put you off from following up. If a client needs that type of help, they will find a way to pay for it at some point. Remember you are trying to persuade the human, not the dog. BEST MOMENTS “If you can have a strategy that focuses on retaining your existing client base, your business is onto a winner.” "You may feel like it's icky and pushy and not your place to change somebody's mind." "You're not in the business of dogs. You are in the business of people…. really think about the person again and what they need." "You can't sell something that costs £997 to somebody that you don't believe is going to give them the outcome." “Ask the right questions… it shouldn’t feel like you are selling.” "It's not your job to persuade somebody. You don´t have to justify yourself. The person you are talking to has to see the value." “You have to come from that place of service and integrity, and you have to look at people as people.” SOCIALS AND IMPORTANT LINKS https://www.tiktok.com/@letstalkdogbusiness https://www.youtube.com/@LetsTalkDogBusiness Website www.caninebusinessacademy.com Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/caninebusinessacademycommunity/ Let´s Talk Dog Business Strategy Book - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lets-Talk-Dog-Business-Strategy/dp/1068791705 Email [email protected] ABOUT THE HOSTS Meet Jo and Vicky! They bring a combined 25 years of expertise in the canine industry. Jo, with a background in corporate business, and Vicky, a dedicated advocate for rescue organisations, form an unstoppable team. Beyond the mic, their lives are a whirlwind – managing two successful businesses, pursuing a full-time university degree, and parenting two little ones under four. Each of their homes combined is a lively menagerie, housing five dogs and an abundance of chickens. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

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• Everyone Has a Negativity Bias: Don´t Let Yours Get in the Way of Your Contentment and Success

  DESCRIPTION In this episode, Jo & Vicky look at the negativity bias that all humans have – the tendency to fixate on what is wrong and get unnecessarily worked up about it. Beating yourself up for past mistakes you made years ago, constantly comparing yourself unfavourably with others and being overly critical are all examples of our negativity bias taking over, which leaves you feeling stressed and deflated. In a gentle and sometimes funny way, Jo & Vicky share how to recognise negativity bias in yourself and stop it from ruining your day and holding you back. KEY TAKEAWAYS Every human has some level of built in negativity bias.  Some people are naturally more positive than others, but positivity can be learnt by even the most negative person. Using the example of social media, Jo & Vicky explain exactly how to recognise when your negativity bias is getting in the way and what to do about it. Comparing yourself with others is mostly pointless, each business is unique, so what others are doing might not be right for you. Being clear about what you want helps stop you  wasting time and energy, so you progress faster which makes it easier to stay ahead of negative thoughts. Continually looking back and kicking yourself for what you didn´t do is very counterproductive. Failure is absolutely not a bad thing. You need to fail to learn. Be realistic, things are going to go wrong. Reframe, you learn new skills and become more resilient. Don´t be afraid of being wrong and stop beating yourself up when you are. You're constantly learning and growing, so being wrong sometimes is normal. Stopping yourself getting angry about little things makes a huge difference to your overall positivity e.g. It's not being a keyboard warrior or shouting at the telly. Constantly whingeing about things with friends is an easy trap to fall into. BEST MOMENTS “Humans literally go to the glass half empty first.” “Train your brain to look at something other than the negative.” “If you're asking them what they would do, you're asking the wrong question.” “Allow yourself to fail…graciously.” “Be aware of how you are reacting.” “Stop comparing yourself to everybody else, you are on your own journey, and that is all you need to worry about .” EPISODE RESOURCES An overview of negativity bias studies - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3652533/#:~:text=There%20is%20ample%20empirical%20evidence%20for%20an,to%2C%20learn%20from%2C%20and%20use%20negative%20information SOCIALS AND IMPORTANT LINKS https://www.tiktok.com/@letstalkdogbusiness https://www.youtube.com/@LetsTalkDogBusiness Website www.caninebusinessacademy.com Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/caninebusinessacademycommunity/ Let´s Talk Dog Business Strategy Book - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lets-Talk-Dog-Business-Strategy/dp/1068791705 Email [email protected] ABOUT THE HOSTS Meet Jo and Vicky! They bring a combined 25 years of expertise in the canine industry. Jo, with a background in corporate business, and Vicky, a dedicated advocate for rescue organisations, form an unstoppable team. Beyond the mic, their lives are a whirlwind – managing two successful businesses, pursuing a full-time university degree, and parenting two little ones under four. Each of their homes combined is a lively menagerie, housing five dogs and an abundance of chickens. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

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