Why community matters for you and your pet business

Why community matters for you and your pet business

Author: Rachel Spencer October 29, 2024 Duration: 35:36

Running a pet business is incredibly rewarding, but it can also feel isolating.

Whether you’re a product maker or service provider, you’re juggling everything - creating products or delivering services, marketing yourself, managing social media, connecting with clients, and handling the day-to-day.

If you’re doing it on your own, it can sometimes feel like you’re shouting into the void.

But you don’t have to go it alone. Being part of a supportive community can transform your experience, giving you the emotional and practical support you need to thrive.

In this episode I’m going to share why community matters so much for your business, you'll hear from some fabulous members of my Pets Get Visible community, and come away knowing how to find the community that’s right for you.

Topics and timings in this episode

0:00 - Introduction to the importance of community

4:10 - My personal experience with online and offline communities

10:30 - Emotional support through communities: guest Fiona shares her experience

17:45 - Accountability and motivation: insights from community member Jo Milnes

25:50 - Celebrating wins and the power of sharing accomplishments

33:20 - Finding the right community fit: what to consider

40:15 - How to get the most from being part of a community

47:00 - Final thoughts and invitation to join Pets Get Visible membership

Key quotes

  • “Trying to promote your business all on your own can feel like shouting into a void.”
  • “Community isn’t just about networking - it’s about having a support system that gets you through the tough days.”
  • “When you accomplish something, it’s worth celebrating - and a community that cheers you on makes all the difference.”
  • “The more you give to a community, the more you get back.”
  • “You’re not a number here. You’re seen, you’re heard, and you’re understood.”

Key takeaways

Emotional support - Communities offer vital emotional support, reducing feelings of isolation and helping members stay motivated.

Accountability and motivation - Regular check-ins, live calls, and shared goals provide accountability and a boost in motivation to achieve personal and professional goals.

Celebrating wins - Community members celebrate each other’s achievements, helping them build confidence and appreciate their progress.

Learning from others - Being part of a community enables members to learn from each other’s successes and challenges.

Finding the right fit - Not all communities are the same; finding one that aligns with personal values and needs is crucial for maximum impact.

Working together:

If you’re ready to stop going it alone, come and join me in Pets Get Visible, a community where you’ll feel seen, heard, and supported for 50% off your first month here.

And if you’d like to know more about my mastermind, drop me an email, and we can chat when it opens again in March 2025 or you can apply to work together as a coaching client here.

Further listening

If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more on this topic, here are some podcast episodes you might find helpful:

Why every pet business should keep a win folder

How to choose the right pet business community

Collaborating in your pet business

Is my Pets Get Visible membership right for you?

What's your pet business culture and why it matters

21 things to consider when running a free Facebook group


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…