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Pet Sitters: What You Can Learn From America’s Got Talent

black-boardHave you noticed the interesting phenomenon about the current season of America’s Got Talent?

As we approach the finals, it’s becoming more and more apparent.

America’s Got Talent is not about talent at all. Sure, the finalists certainly have talent, but the show is not actually about talent.

“What?!” you may be thinking. “But it’s got the word talent right in the title!”

Fair enough. So let’s back up for a second. It’s important to note that none other than Simon Cowell created the show. Mr. Cowell is certainly no stranger to producing compelling and exciting television shows.

To fully understand what the show is really about, ask yourself this: Why do you tune in week after week to watch shows of this nature?

Naturally, to enjoy a possible train wreck we can chat about with friends in the morning, but more specifically, we tune in to watch the journey of the contestants unfold.

That journey itself becomes the story. And each contestant has a specific and engaging story.

The chicken catcher from Kentucky who never performed on a stage before, the cancer survivor given a second chance at life, and the male dancer who was made of for following his dreams are 3 good examples of the stories of contestants.

The producers understand that millions of people are tuning in to root for their favorites. And they work hard to position each one to fit a perfect story.

So if America’s Got Talent is not about talent, what is it about then?

It’s about the person, their story and their journey – not their specific talent.

Enhance Your Pet Sitting Business With Your Story

How can you as a pet sitter find your own story and benefit from raving fans that will turn into clients?

Instead of selling your services, sell yourself.

Potential clients will hire you as their pet sitter quicker than you can say ‘Am I hired?’ if they feel a genuine connection with you as a person first.

Clients buy into the person, not the service.

Entrepreneurs understand this concept when it comes to finances since investors invest in the individual, not the business.

Go back to the drawing board and think about why you became a pet sitter in the first place. Think about what you love about doing what you do.

How can you develop your story and use it on your website? Let’s take a look at how one pet sitter gets it exceedingly right.

A Decadent Case Study

Decadent Dog founder Rob Nager (recent PSI Pet Sitter of the Year award recipient) understands and executes this concept perfectly.

On his company’s Who We Are page, Rob dives right into his story. As noted, he spent a lifetime in Corporate America, needed a change, wanted to make a difference, and followed his dreams.

You can be sure when potential clients read that first paragraph alone, they are nearly sold. Why is that?

Because they get it. They can relate to him, and they understand where he’s coming from. A potential client will rush to root for him by becoming a raving fan.

They know what it’s like to take a risk and follow your dreams. And they know what it’s like to want to find something meaningful out of life.

In other words, they will easily hop on board and become a client.

The more you can engage and connect with your users through the use of story, the more he or she will become emotionally invested in you and your service. And that becomes a win-win.

Find specific ways to relate to each and every potential client on a personal level and you will have a much easier time finding new clients.

Interact with your potential client in a sincere conversational way and find the common ground. You both already love pets, want the best for them and probably have a hundred stories to share.

Share one. Build rapport with a potential client and sell them on you first.

You’ll spend less time trying to sell them on your services. And that’s talent everyone can enjoy.

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Josh Cary is a respected and well sought-after speaker and business consultant within the professional pet care industry. Since 2009, having grown his own pet sitting business, Josh provides his industry with the tools, support, and resources to build and maintain a thriving and respected pet business.

With a strong focus on digital marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), and website development, Josh’s one mission is to help you Get Found First through a professional and effective website.

This Post Has 4 Comments

  1. You are so right Josh! Many of my clients request my services because yes…they like how I treat my dogs, but they also like my personality and energy. Pets (especially dogs) feel energy so owner usually look for a pet sitter that has the right energy for them and their pets. Be up front with you story…how did you get to be a pet sitter? When did you career path changed? Potential clients like to connect with you in a personal level.

  2. You are so right Josh! Many of my clients request my services because yes…they like how I treat my dogs, but they also like my personality and energy. Pets (especially dogs) feel energy so owner usually look for a pet sitter that has the right energy for them and their pets. Be up front with you story…how did you get to be a pet sitter? When did you career path changed? Potential clients like to connect with you in a personal level.

  3. “Pets (especially dogs) feel energy so owner usually look for a pet sitter that has the right energy for them and their pets.”

    I’m so glad you have experienced all this first hand. Understanding that potential clients are more interested in YOU rather than your actual SERVICE is a big obstacle to overcome.

    Once you discover this, though, ‘selling’ your services will become that much easier.

  4. “Pets (especially dogs) feel energy so owner usually look for a pet sitter that has the right energy for them and their pets.”

    I’m so glad you have experienced all this first hand. Understanding that potential clients are more interested in YOU rather than your actual SERVICE is a big obstacle to overcome.

    Once you discover this, though, ‘selling’ your services will become that much easier.

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