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Pet Sitter Spotlight: Cynthia Lummis Johnson of Copy Cat & Dog Care

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This is Day 5 of our 15 Professional Pet Sitter Spotlight Series.

One of the most unfortunate statements I hear in our industry is a version of “I went into this business because I don’t like people.”

Or “I’d rather spend my time dealing with the furry clients rather than the human clients.”

While I completely understand the sentiment of that thought, I say it’s unfortunate because no matter what business you are in (including our extraordinary industry) it’s ALL about dealing with the human client first.

It’s also vastly important to form genuine bonds, connections, and strategic partnerships with other various people in your community.

Without the help and support of others, you will most certainly burn out and hit a ceiling in your pet business.

The “secret” to any successful business is forming strong relationships. Period.

As you’ll read in today’s Spotlight from pet business owner Cynthia Lummis Johnson of Copy Cat & Dog Care in Lebanon, Ohio, forming a few strategic relationships helped her raise a great deal of money (and awareness) for a wonderful cause.

The Right Relationships Are Everything

Cynthia Johnson photoEvery year, I try to do at least one type of fundraiser for a local shelter or rescue.

I am ALL about relationships–relationships with my clients and their pets, relationships with fellow pet care professionals and relationships with people in my community.

This past fall, I reached out to Sara, a local small business owner and an Executive Director with Thirty-One Gifts.

I pitched the idea of having a fundraising party with the hopes of her donating a percentage of the sales. It’s not uncommon for consultants to offer a percentage of their commission when agreeing to a fundraiser.

What IS uncommon is for a consultant to volunteer her entire commission, which in Sara’s case was 30%. Ends up she’s an animal lover herself and shares her home with two rescued pups.

I chose Advocates 4 Animals as the beneficiary — a small, local, no-kill, 501c3 non-profit, all-volunteer rescue. (No paid staff.)

A long time client sits on their board and I’ve seen firsthand the amazing work they do. She was thrilled with the idea.

The Plan Was In Motion

I created flyers and an event page on Facebook. “31 to the Rescue! Pawty”

We accepted orders online for those who couldn’t attend and I promoted, promoted and promoted our efforts.

I reached out to my contacts in my local Chamber of Commerce and other small business owners who I regularly network with in the hopes that they would support me.

And they did! Clients really stepped up and showed their support, as well.

Long story short, the event was not only a HUGE success but it was so much F-U-N!

We picked a great venue, we enjoyed yummy food/drink and of course, we talked PETS! A representative from Advocates 4 Animals attended which really helped put a face to the organization and gave people the opportunity to talk to her to better understand their mission.

Ends up, with the party proceeds and the additional cash donations we collected, it was not only the BIGGEST fundraising party Sara ever had but it was also her most successful party PERIOD. (She’s been with Thirty-One Gifts for 8 years.)

Total sales topped nearly $2,400. (Avg fundraiser is $800-$1,000).

Her party commission was $720.00 and I donated an additional $80 to make the total rescue contribution an even $800.00.

It was wonderful to organize an event, have the full support of so many people, and have it really be a community effort.

Pets and our love for them connect people in ways that are truly incredible.

Here are some pictures from the event

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Over To You

Read More: See all the other wonderful stories in our 15 Professional Pet Sitter Spotlight Series.

Have you formed successful relationships and partnerships with those who can help you in your community?

Let us know how you formed them and what the results have been?

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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 14 Comments

    1. When Sara (the 31 Rep) told me it was her BIGGEST party ever, I was thrilled. Initially, I felt a little bad for her. All the time she spent & zero commision since she offered to donate her entire 30%.
      But she was perfectly fine & excited, as well, that the event was so successful. Someone actually booked a party of their own from the event so she ended up getting further business & additional exposure to people that she otherwise wouldn’t have. Win/Win.

    1. It was way more successful than I had imagined. Once it got rolling, it really snowballed.
      While I’ve always appreciated the importance of cultivating relationships, last year I made the decision to really get more involved in my local commmunity, make new connections & further strengthen existing ones. It’s made a difference for me both personally & professionally.

    1. We had such a great time. Since it was to benefit a local no-kill shelter, people were more inclined to spend $$ that they normally wouldn’t have had it been a regular party.
      They are certainly time-consuming but I like to think that we put the F-U-N in fundraiser!

    1. Thanks! Josh really hit the nail on the head. I’m a BIG pet person but I’m also a real people person. I’ve never met a stranger & I swear, I can start a conversation with just about anyone.
      I find pets to be a great connector & I really enjoy networking.

  1. I really enjoyed doing the fundraiser with Cynthia! I love giving back and I love my dogs! Happy to do it again sometime! Thanks for everyone who supported the cause! Sara Oates, Thirty-One Gifts

  2. Thank You Cynthia Johnson for sharing your story. You really are an inspiration to me and other pet professionals!

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