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Your Pet Sitting Phone Pitch is Killing Your Business

pet-sitter-phoneHow often do you get the chance to chat with a potential client on the phone?

And how often do those conversations directly lead to gaining a new client?

Imagine spending 10-15 minutes on the phone with a pet owner and have a play date set before hanging up each and every time.

Are you keeping track of, or aware of, the biggest objections you continually hear?

You know the ones I’m talking about:“I need to discuss this with my husband.”

“I’m just gathering information for the future.”

“I just can’t afford it right now.”

If you’re not keeping track, you may want to start. Only at that point will you be able to focus on changing your success rate.

Here’s an interesting point to remember: Each and every person you are given the chance to speak with about your pet sitting service CALLED YOU.

You are not cold calling pet owners and offering to watch their pet, right? They call because they are in the market for pet care.

Your website gave them a brief overview of how the service works, a bit about you, and perhaps information on your fees. So what went wrong?

Don’t miss another opportunity to gain a new client by falling victim to “I’ll have to discuss this with my husband and get back to you” or any number of other stalls.

Why Not You?

There are dozens of reasons why you don’t win a new client after a phone call with them. A few of these reasons include:

They don’t trust you

If I’m going to be handing over the keys to my home to an otherwise stranger, I better be able to trust that person completely.

They don’t see the value of your service

Your pricing structure may either be too high or too low – both of which can hurt the deal. Or you simply didn’t communicate the value effectively.

They don’t see the benefit of your service

I always say “Why should a potential client go with you over the next name on their list?” If you don’t know this answer, find it.

They don’t think you are the most qualified

Anyone can say “Pet Sitter for Hire.” Are you talking like the qualified, experienced pet care expert that you are? How so?

Keep this in mind before your next call to increase the chance of adding a new name to your client list:

Build rapport, establish a relationship, listen closely, ask questions, display credibility.

What Do Your Phone Calls Sound Like?

In the early days of Alitia’s Animals, we recorded a bunch of phone calls so we could perfect and adjust as necessary. They have also become a great training tool for others who have never taken a phone call before to hear the general gist of things.

Here’s a phone call Alitia took:

How Much Money Are You Missing Out On?

Can your pet sitting phone pitch use improving?

Perfect, cause I have something right up your alley.

I’ve got something brewing that is sure to make your life easier and your pet sitting business more money. I’m looking for a few good pet sitters who want in.

It’ll take less than an hour of your time and won’t cost you a red cent.

If you’re ready to take part in my maniacal plan, leave a comment below and I’ll email you privately with details.

*Would YOU like us to work on your Website?*

If you are looking to dramatically improve your website results by appearing on the front page of Google (like we have done for hundreds of your professional pet industry colleagues), then review the options here and let's compare notes!

. . .

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 15 Comments

  1. Hi Joshua,

    One of the big frustrations I’ve had since becoming a pet sitter is the lack of colleagues. I feel that I do an outstanding job, and luckily, so do my clients. I very much enjoy the interactions daily with my wonderful pet friends. But I do miss having someone else to “bounce” things of off of. I think it’s great that you included an audio clip with this article. Printed copy can only do so much, so the audio is very effective at communicating your ideas related in the article. Please count me in for your “maniacal plan”. I’d love to improve my phone skills and help others do the same!

  2. Hi Joshua,

    One of the big frustrations I’ve had since becoming a pet sitter is the lack of colleagues. I feel that I do an outstanding job, and luckily, so do my clients. I very much enjoy the interactions daily with my wonderful pet friends. But I do miss having someone else to “bounce” things of off of. I think it’s great that you included an audio clip with this article. Printed copy can only do so much, so the audio is very effective at communicating your ideas related in the article. Please count me in for your “maniacal plan”. I’d love to improve my phone skills and help others do the same!

  3. Hi Joshua,

    Thank you for posting the phone call sample. It's always nice to hear how other people handle calls. I've come up with ten reasons why potential clients should chose me over my competitors but would love more insight. I'm interested in hearing about your maniacal plan!

  4. Hi Melissa,

    Thanks for stopping by. I will contact you shortly so we can begin the maniacal antics!

    By the way, where are your 10 Reasons that you've referenced?

  5. Ten reasons:

    1. Experience with many breeds.
    2. Experience handling difficult animals.
    3. Can provide grooming/nutrition advice.
    4. All Star Pets is a real business, not under the table.
    5. I have a genuine love for animals.
    6. I am available anytime of day.
    7. I don't walk more than three dogs at a time.
    8. I will water plants, bring in the mail and run errands.
    9. I will assist in reinforcing positive training.
    10. I am trustworthy, insured and bonded.

  6. Wow, those are great!

    Do you post them on your website? Email them to potential clients?

    How do you market yourself with the top 10 list?

  7. Thank you!

    To be honest I just came up with the list yesterday after reading one of your blog posts. So, no, I haven't had the chance to market the list yet. Do you recommend I put it on my site? Perhaps the front page? I think my homepage needs a face lift to draw more clients in. Maybe putting the top ten list on the homepage will help? I just started this business in NYC and am hitting a road block. As I'm sure you're aware, there is a lot of competition and I'm having a hard time getting my foot in the door.

  8. Hi Joshua,

    Thank you for posting the phone call sample. It's always nice to hear how other people handle calls. I've come up with ten reasons why potential clients should chose me over my competitors but would love more insight. I'm interested in hearing about your maniacal plan!

  9. Hi Melissa,

    Thanks for stopping by. I will contact you shortly so we can begin the maniacal antics!

    By the way, where are your 10 Reasons that you've referenced?

  10. Ten reasons:

    1. Experience with many breeds.
    2. Experience handling difficult animals.
    3. Can provide grooming/nutrition advice.
    4. All Star Pets is a real business, not under the table.
    5. I have a genuine love for animals.
    6. I am available anytime of day.
    7. I don't walk more than three dogs at a time.
    8. I will water plants, bring in the mail and run errands.
    9. I will assist in reinforcing positive training.
    10. I am trustworthy, insured and bonded.

  11. Wow, those are great!

    Do you post them on your website? Email them to potential clients?

    How do you market yourself with the top 10 list?

  12. Thank you!

    To be honest I just came up with the list yesterday after reading one of your blog posts. So, no, I haven't had the chance to market the list yet. Do you recommend I put it on my site? Perhaps the front page? I think my homepage needs a face lift to draw more clients in. Maybe putting the top ten list on the homepage will help? I just started this business in NYC and am hitting a road block. As I'm sure you're aware, there is a lot of competition and I'm having a hard time getting my foot in the door.

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