12 planning lessons for 2026

12 planning lessons for 2026

Author: Rachel Spencer December 8, 2025 Duration: 22:47

Are you already feeling like you’ve got a plan for 2026 or looking for some inspiration?

If it’s the latter then carry on reading because in this post and podcast episode, I’m sharing 12 lessons from the online planning day I ran recently.

As well as the key areas covered in training, You’ll hear from the pet professionals who were there on the day and what works for them.

Whether you're all set for 2026 or thinking of the year ahead, I hope these give you a feeling of clarity, some  reassurance, and maybe a few ideas to try out for yourself.

Key topics and timings:

0.20 - What to expect from the episode

0.40 - What to expect from the 2026 Planner

0.59 - Match funding for The Big Give and StreetVet

2.30 - Planning support for 2026 and your options

2.45 - About the five pet professionals who shared their stories

7.14 - Lesson 1 - People crave structure

8.12 - Lesson 2 - Be flexible

9.43 - Lesson 3 - Keep checking to see what's working

11.14 - Lesson 4 - Plan for Jan = positive start for 2026

11.39 - Lesson 5 - Don’t forget how amazing you are

13.05 - Lesson 6 - Think of your content as a time capsule

13.33 - Lesson 7 - Energy is what will make a difference

14.22 - Lesson 8 - Being visible is SCARY

15.09 - Lesson 9 - Focus on what matters to you

16.07 - Lesson 10 - Stay on your own to-do list

18.05 - Lesson 11 - You don’t have to do it on your own

19.17 - Lesson 12 - Make sure you're connected

20.38 - Ways to work together for 2026

Links mentioned in this episode:

Planner Club: https://rachelspencer.co.uk/product/pet-business-planner-bundle/

Pet Business Content Planner: https://rachelspencer.co.uk/product/pet-business-content-planner/

Check out Pets Get Visible - My membership for support, coaching, content ideas and connection all year round.

It's currently £30/month (going up to £45 in 2026).

Head here: https://rachelspencer.co.uk/pets-get-visible/

Related posts

Should you buy my Pet Business Content Planner

What is The Planner Club and should you join?

The importance of looking back and seeing how far you've come

Choosing the right pet business membership

Is my Pets Get Visible membership right for you?


There's a persistent myth in the pet industry that success requires a rigid, one-size-fits-all formula. Your Pet Business, Your Way exists to dismantle that idea entirely. Hosted by Rachel Spencer, a journalist and accredited coach with deep roots in this world, this podcast is a conversation for pet professionals-groomers, trainers, walkers, product makers-who feel exhausted by generic marketing advice and industry trends that clash with their personal values and lifestyle. Rachel brings her background as a mentor and author to frank discussions about building a sustainable enterprise that doesn't demand you sacrifice your family time, your sanity, or your unique voice. Episodes delve into practical strategies for marketing, client relationships, and entrepreneurship, but always through the lens of your individual circumstances. You'll hear from Rachel directly, as well as insights from others navigating the same path, focusing on how to grow a business that genuinely fits around your life, whether that involves kids, other passions, or simply a desire for more autonomy. This isn't about following a rulebook; it's about writing your own. Tune in for a refreshingly realistic take on creating a pet business that thrives on your terms, making this podcast a trusted resource for anyone who believes their love for animals and their personal ambitions can truly coexist.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Your pet business, Your way
Podcast Episodes
How to create a pet business Social Media Calendar [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:10
As a pet business owner, showing up regularly and having a social media strategy is key for reaching and engaging with your target audience. One of the best ways to ensure you’re consistent and can make the sales you hop…
In the spotlight with Fiona Pedley The Canine VA [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:50
Fiona Pedley is known as The Canine VA, a virtual assistant specialising in supporting dog businesses.A former executive assistant working in corporate, Fiona began her self-employed journey in the 2020 lockdown, making…
Behind the scenes of the first year running Sunnyside Cottage [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:00
In June 2023, I launched my first pet-related business, a dog-friendly holiday let called Sunnyside Cottage in Robin Hood’s Bay. In the first year, the bookings and takings have doubled compared to the previous year, and…
Do qualifications matter as a pet professional? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:27
Do qualifications matter when you’re working as a pet professional or running a pet business?This is a topic that comes up regularly on my coaching calls, and online, with a range of clients from different parts of the i…
In the spotlight with Helen King from Scotty's Cartoons [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:19
Helen ‘Scotty’ King is a cartoonist and illustrator supporting business owners in the pet industry by bringing their messages to life.She works with all kinds of clients, including holiday cottage owners, product makers,…
20 takeaways from the PIF Business of Pets event 2024 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:23
In this bonus episode, I'm sharing key takeaways from the Business of Pets event organised by the Pet Industry Federation. This covers range of topics including the importance of having a mentor, the value of a strong su…
Choosing the right pet business membership [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:52
Would you like support in growing your pet business and to feel part of a community by joining a membership?It can be lonely and overwhelming as a solo business owner, and there are always new skills and challenges to fi…