Navigating stop-start times in your pet business

Navigating stop-start times in your pet business

Author: Rachel Spencer March 19, 2024 Duration: 35:19

What do you do when something happens in your life, and it means you have to stop everything in your business to deal with it?

We live in an uncertain world, and the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic has shown that you don’t know what might be coming around the corner to turn your life upside down.

And while your business is a huge part of your life, there are inevitable things that happen with your family and loved ones which, at times, mean they need to come first.

Running a business is challenging during these times. You don’t have the usual time, energy, and resources to keep the plates spinning.

So what can you do? In this podcast episode, I’m sharing some thoughts on how to navigate the day-to-day running of your business and taking care of yourself too.

The last 12 months have been a stop-start time for me.

And I’m talking about some of the lessons I’ve learned along the way in the hope it will be helpful for you if you’re experiencing the same.

Key topics and timings in this episode: 

00:00 - Introduction

1:29 - Defining a stop-start period

4.44 - My own stop-start experience from the last 12 months

7.46 - The difference between going through tough times as a business owner compared with an employee

9.20 - Seven thoughts on how to navigate stop-start times.

9:36 - 1. Accept that you can't do all the things

10:36 - 2. Take the pressure off yourself

13:29 - 3. Work out how much time you can dedicate to work

15:22 - 4. Prioritise cash-generating activity

17.30 - 5. Step away from things that will make you feel rubbish

21:03 - 6. Accept that things will take longer than usual

25:11 - 7. Be kind to yourself

27:19 - Coaching exercise: Prioritising tasks

30:13 - Final thoughts

34:22 - How to keep in touch

Links mentioned in this episode:

Further reading 

Navigating the rollercoaster of running a business

The power of taking a pause in your pet business content

Why I trained as an accredited coach and what this means for your pet business

How to navigate controversy in your pet business

Buy Emotional Agility by Susan David here on Amazon.

Listen to The Hit Factory playlist on Spotify 

https://www.instagram.com/rachelspenceruk

https://www.facebook.com/rachelspenceruk

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelspenceruk/

For more mindset musings, register for my newsletter which you can sign up to here: 

https://publicityforpetbusinesses.mykajabi.com/Optin


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 use your Pet Business Content Planner [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:57
Have you bought a planner because you want to feel more organised, calm and in control of your pet business in 2026?It’s normal to start the year with good intentions of how you’d like things to be.And with a plan that y…
Branding that feels good with Kate Hendry from Finbo Studio [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:31
Kate Hendry is the founder of Finbo Studio - a branding and design agency that helps pet businesses create a visual identity that feels just like them.In this episode, we talk all about how your brand is so much more tha…
Should you join my 2026 pet business content planning day? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:08
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the things you’re told you should be doing, and you're craving some space to figure out what actually works for you, this episode is for you.I’m talking about my 2026 online content p…
What is The Planner Club and should you join? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:07
Running a pet business is full-on, and when it comes to planning, it can feel like yet another thing on your never-ending to-do list. That’s exactly why I created the Pet Business Content Planner - and this year I’ve cre…
Should you buy my Pet Business Content Planner and Companion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:37
Are you thinking of buying my Pet Business Content Planner?In this episode, I’m talking all about why I created it, who it’s for, and how it can help you.This planner is designed specifically for pet business owners to m…