Your pet business content your way

Rachel Spencer
  • 5.0 (38)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Your pet business content your way

Welcome to 'Your Pet Business Content Your Way,' a podcast to empower pet business owners to set aside the 'should dos' 'must dos' and 'got tos' and do things their way. My focus is about helping you do what feels right and enjoyable to you, rather than getting swept away in the latest trends. This podcast is a perfect match if you've felt bent out of shape trying to accommodate someone else's idea of content creation. Cast aside the notions of following a generic blueprint or making yourself miserable doing things that you hate! As an experienced journalist, consultant, author, coach, and pet business owner, I've combined my knowledge to identify and share strategies that feel good, fun and that you might even enjoy! This podcast is to inspire you to create pet business content in a way that resonates with you. I promise not to give you quick fixes or spoon-feed you strategies. Instead, I encourage learning and developing your distinct voice in content creation. The podcast operates in seasons, with a new episode released every Monday during the active season. As well as the tools, strategies and mindset shifts that will help you get noticed, I’ll showcase successful pet professionals who've put their big pants on and marketed their work their own way. It's all about carving out your own path, not following the crowd. The aim is not to create buzz just for the sake of getting noticed, but to genuinely help people and make a difference in your unique way. By tuning in, my hope is that you'll discover a renewed excitement about marketing your pet business authentically. Connect with me on social media @rachelspenceruk, join my friendly and supportive Facebook community, and let's create content in a way that feels right for you.

  1. 17 HR AGO

    Should you buy my Pet Business Content Planner and Companion

    Are you thinking of buying the Your Pet Business Content Planner and Companion? 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 make marketing easier, build confidence, and help you stay organised. I’ll walk you through its features, like monthly content prompts, goal-setting tools, and practical resources that can help grow your visibility and connect with your audience. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by marketing or struggled to stay consistent with your content, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable ideas to support you. I’ll also share a bundle that includes the planner, a workshop, and membership access to help you make 2025 your most visible year yet. Key topics and timings in this episode: 0.20 - What to expect from this episode 1.15 - Why I created the pet business content planner 3.45 - Features of the planner and how they simplify marketing 7.30 - Monthly content prompts and awareness days explained 12.00 - Overcoming marketing overwhelm with structure and mindset support 15.10 - Who the planner is for and who it’s not for 18.30 - Bundle offer: planner, workshop, and membership 21.00 - How the planner can boost visibility and confidence Links mentioned in this episode: The planner on its own for £30: https://rachelspencer.co.uk/product/pet-business-content-planner/ Or bundle it with two months in my Pets Get Visible Membership and the 2025 Visibility Workshop for just £60: https://rachelspencer.co.uk/product/pet-business-planner-bundle/ Further reading and listening10 ideas for using awareness days that aren't all social media How to use awareness days to promote your pet business Is my Pets Get Visible membership right for you? How to get comfortable, confident and consistent with your pet business marketing  Overcoming imposter syndrome in your pet business with Nicola Kinnard Comedie Why every pet business should have a win folder What kind of coaching style is right for your pet business? Why community matters for you and your pet business

    24 min

  2. 19 DEC

    What to expect when you take a break from alcohol with Lucie Culley

    This episode is a little different from the usual podcasts about putting your pet business out there and feeling ok with self-promotion. I’m joined by the brilliant Lucy Culley, founder of Wooflinks and a member of my coaching community, for an honest and open chat about our personal journeys with alcohol. This is not a podcast about giving advice - it’s simply a conversation about why we each chose to take breaks from drinking, what we’ve learned along the way, and how it’s impacted our lives and businesses. If you’re concerned about your own drinking and feel you need support, please do speak to your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional. If you’ve ever thought about taking a break or are simply curious about what it might look like, we hope this conversation will inspire and reassure you. There’s no judgment here - just two women sharing their experiences in the hope it resonates and provides support if it's something you're considering. Key topics and timings: 00:00 – Introduction to the conversation 03:03 – Lucie's journey with alcohol 06:12 – The decision to take a break 09:02 – Initial challenges and discoveries 12:06 – Understanding grey area drinking 14:55 – Rachel's experience and reflections 18:13 – The impact of alcohol on mental health 20:50 – Finding new hobbies and interests 24:12 – Concluding thoughts on alcohol and life 31:58 – The transformative power of sobriety 34:28 – Personal growth and professional focus 37:17 – Navigating social situations without alcohol 40:57 – Community and support in sobriety 44:09 – Reflections on alcohol and personal experiences 49:07 – Reflections on drinking 52:31 – Final thoughts on embracing change Recommended resources:Books:The Sober Diaries by Clare Pooley on Amazon The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober by Catherine Gray on Amazon This Naked Mind by Annie Grace on Amazon Beyond Booze by Sarah Rusbatch on Amazon Apps: Reframe: A supportive app with tools and community features to help with mindful drinking or sobriety. Find out more here.Dry Days: A free app from Alcohol Change UK where you can track alcohol-free days and set personal goals. Download it here. Podcasts: Love Sober with Kate Baily and Mandy Manners This Naked Mind Podcast by Annie Grace. Find out more about Lucie and Wooflinks: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wooflinksuk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wooflinksuk/ Website:

    51 min

  3. 10 DEC

    The 12 Cs to creating a pet business that works for you

    This week on the Your Pet Business, Your Way podcast, I'm looking at 12 things that will help you create a pet business that's right for you. As it's Christmas, they all begin with the letter C and whether you're a product maker or service provider, these 12 Cs are designed to help you feel more calm, confident, and in control while navigating the many hats you wear as a business owner. This episode looks at how to structure your business, communicate effectively, and stay consistent while aligning with your values. It also includes insights about using the Pet Business Content Planner and Companion and the Pets Get Visible membership as tools to implement these ideas. Listen in for practical steps, relatable stories, and a sprinkle of festive cheer, this episode is your guide to a calmer, clearer, and more connected pet business for 2025. Key topics and timings in this episode: 0.20 - Introduction to the episode. 3.26 - Calm: Prioritising what matters most to avoid overwhelm and burnout. 5.52 - Comfortable: Creating workflows and marketing approaches that suit your style and preferences. 7.24 - Confidence: Tracking wins, overcoming self-doubt, and building belief in your value. 9.09 - Control: Setting boundaries and using systems to stay organised and focused. 11.22 - Consistency: Establishing a steady rhythm for marketing to stay visible and build trust. 13.41 - Content: Crafting meaningful, engaging, and authentic content that resonates with your audience. 16.08 - Clarity: Refining your messaging to attract the right audience and communicate effectively. 18.33 - Communication: Staying proactive and transparent in how you connect with your audience. 20.57 - Collaboration: Partnering with other businesses to expand your reach and discover new opportunities. 23.18 - Community: Building a supportive network of peers and customers to foster loyalty and growth. 25.35 - Case studies: Sharing client success stories to demonstrate the value of your services or products. 27.54 - ChatGPT: Using AI tools to streamline tasks and save time without losing your creative voice. Links mentioned in this episodeYou can get a copy for just £30 plus postage here: https://rachelspencer.co.uk/product/pet-business-content-planner/ Combine it with the Pets Get Visible Membership for coaching, resources, and support to put these ideas into action and grow your business. This costs £30 a month and you can get the membership and planner together here: https://rachelspencer.co.uk/product/pet-business-planner-bundle/ Further reading and listeningHow to navigate stop start periods in your pet business The power of community for your pet business Is my Pets Get Visible membership right for you? How to create a social media calendar for your pet business How to write a press release for your pet business a...

    29 min

  4. 3 DEC

    10 creative ways to use awareness days to make sales in your pet business

    Have you ever considered doing something special around an awareness day to grow your pet business? From pitching to the press to running events and sales on relevant products, there is so much more to awareness days than a simple social media post. Used in the right way, they can help you connect with your audience, build relationships, and grow your business in creative ways. And help you make sales. Niki French, creator of Don't Walk Your Dog Day, made thousands of sales of her book, Stop Walking Your Dog, after going viral in the press. There are so many ways you can use the days too, and in this post, I’m sharing 10 ideas for you to use awareness days that go beyond just posting online. I’ll also introduce you to my Pet Business Content Planner and Companion - packed with ideas and space to plan your content - and the Pets Get Visible Membership, which provides coaching and support to help you stay consistent and confident. Key topics and timings in this episode: 0.20 - Introduction and episode overview and how awareness days can help grow your business 2.00 - How my Your Pet Business Content Planner and Companion can help you 3.44 - Delight your customers with surprises or gifts 5.18 - Bring together your clients and community 7.13 - Partner with local businesses for cross-promotion 9.27 - Share personal stories inspired by awareness days 11.30 - Offer exclusive discounts and VIP experiences 13.19 - Provide educational resources and content 14.52 - Share the “why” behind an awareness day 15.56 - Host in-person or virtual events 17.20 - Launching limited-edition products or services 18.49 - Making surprise donations tied to awareness days 19.45 - Your options if you'd like support with this and want to work together Links mentioned in this episode: The Pet Business Content Planner and Companion is packed with ideas and prompts to help you plan your content and visibility efforts. You can get a copy for just £30 plus postage here: https://rachelspencer.co.uk/product/pet-business-content-planner/ Combine it with the Pets Get Visible Membership for coaching, resources, and support to put these ideas into action and grow your business. This costs £30 a month and you can get the membership and planner together here: https://rachelspencer.co.uk/product/pet-business-planner-bundle/ Further reading and listeningIs my Pets Get Visible membership right for you? How Niki French went viral on Don't Walk Your Dog Day In the spotlight with Sarah Jones from My Anxious Dog How to harness the power of community to grow your business with Sandra Emmons a href="https://rachelspencer.co.uk/dog-photographer-kerry-jordan-on-her-viral-national-dog-photography-day/" rel="noopener...

    23 min

  5. 28 NOV

    Introducing Your Pet Business Content Planner and Companion

    Introducing - Your Pet Business Content Planner and Companion, designed for people in the pet industry to help with visibility. It has everything you’d look for in a content planner, like monthly themes, awareness days, and space to capture your ideas, goals, and reflections. The Companion part is a guided journal, with exercises created for pet business owners to help you navigate the common challenges that come along. I’m so excited to share this planner with you because it brings together everything I’ve noticed my clients need since I started working as a publicity and visibility coach back in 2019. Plus, it has exercises to help with your mindset and be there, by your side, or in your handbag, when you need support and encouragement. I’m talking through how the planner works in this episode, plus how to get your copy. Key topics and timings in this episode: 0:00 – Welcome and introduction to promoting your pet business your way 2:15 – Why I created the your pet business content planner and companion 3:30 – Overview of the planner: combining practical tools with emotional support 6:30 – Monthly content prompts, awareness days, and how they help with planning 10:45 – Weekly layouts, habit trackers, and setting monthly goals 12:30 – The pause and reflect section: celebrating wins and identifying challenges 14:00 – Using awareness days strategically to generate press and content ideas 17:00 – Examples of successful awareness days like don’t walk your dog day 19:00 – Guided journaling prompts for imposter syndrome, balance, and celebrations 20:15 – How the planner complements the pets get visible membership Resources in this episode:The Your Pet Business Content Planner and Companion - available at www.rachelspencer.co.uk/shop Pets Get Visible Membership - join for £15: https://publicityforpetbusinesses.mykajabi.com/offers/7Hvpvxzr/checkout?coupon_code=PGV50 Further listening: How to use awareness days to promote your pet business Is my Pets Get Visible membership right for you? How to get comfortable, confident and consistent with your pet business marketing Overcoming imposter syndrome in your pet business with Nicola Kinnard Comedie Why every pet business should have a win folder What kind of coaching style is right for your pet business? Why community matters for you and your pet business

    21 min

  6. 19 NOV

    How to grow a cat business you love, and that makes you money, with Katie Gwilt

    When Katie Gwilt decided to leave her corporate career in science, she didn’t know it would lead to becoming a leading advocate for cats and their care across the UK. Katie’s journey into the cat care industry began by accident as she recovered from being seriously ill and realised she wanted to do something that brought her joy - working with cats. Like many pet professionals, growing up, she thought the only way this could be a career was to be a vet, but after leaving her old career, decided to see if she could make it work. She started out as a cat-sitter before launching her own business, The Kat Lady in 2020, and training in grooming and behaviour and is now one of the UK's leading experts in cat care and life with cats. Katie has partnered with training organisations and rescues, and has been recognised as Groomer of the Year and was recently shortlisted for Pet Service Business of the Year at the PIF Awards. And her hard work has seen her become the go-to authority for everything feline. From grooming and holistic therapies to teaching and product development, she has turned her love for cats into a thriving business. In this episode, Katie shares her journey of building The Kat Lady from scratch, why she believes there’s huge potential in specialising in cats, and her commitment to raising the standard of feline care across the UK. Plus, the funny things that have happened along the way, including Clarence, a cheeky cat who ended up making headlines with his love for catnip. You can listen in on the player link below and find all the links to connect with Katie at the end of this post. Key topics and timings in this episode:00:02 – Introduction to the episode and the focus on growing a cat business 02:21 – How Katie works as a cat groomer, behaviourist, and holistic feline therapist 03:40 – Katie’s journey from scientific sales to starting her own cat business 06:45 – How visibility and media exposure helped Katie grow her business 07:53 – Social media strategies Katie used during the early stages of her business 09:44 – From health challenges to building a thriving cat care business 10:30 – Networking and partnerships that helped Katie build her reputation 13:20 – A look inside Katie’s busy weekly schedule as a cat specialist 15:27 – Managing rapid growth and coping with burnout 17:05 – The value of delegating tasks and building a support team 18:18 – Taking on staff and how admin support transformed the business 19:26 – How PR and networking increased Katie’s visibility and authority 20:17 – Attending cat-focused events and the growing interest in cat care 22:06 – Collaborations with other pet businesses and creating unique partnerships 24:16 – The importance of recognizing cats as distinct from dogs in care and training 27:24 – Opportunities for aspiring cat professionals in the growing cat care market 28:05 – Insights into the rising demand for cat behavioural services 31:28 – Expanding into holistic approaches and herbal remedies 34:55 – Launching an online herb shop and tailored herb kits for cat owners 38:14 – The story of Clarence the cat - from stealing catnip to media sensation 39:42 – Making holistic cat care more mainstream and educating clients 45:00 – The importance of support networks and the impact of coaching 48:43 – What’s next for Katie – new services and product launches in the pipeline 50:30 – Final thoughts and where to connect with Katie online Key quotes from the episode:"You CAN have a brilliant business working with cats - it’s not all about the dogs!"  "When I started out, I didn’t have a grand plan. I just kept showing up, even when it felt overwhelming."  "Clarence literally chose what he needed - that’s self-selection at its...

    53 min

  7. 12 NOV

    How to build habits you can stick to in your pet business

    Have you ever tried to start something new in your pet business, like a newsletter or a weekly piece of content?  At first, it feels easy, but then life gets in the way, and it falls to the bottom of the to-do list. After a while, it has stopped altogether. First, don’t beat yourself up. Running a business is a slog, and there are only so many plates you can spin, especially if you’re on your own.  When I have conversations about things people want to be doing, they often talk about willpower and a lack of it leading to them not doing the ‘thing.’ But there’s a lot of research into whether willpower really is the key to having the self-control to either do something consistently or stop doing something.  When it comes to the things you want to implement in your business, it’s more about creating habits that you can sustain. These habits can make your day or week feel more manageable, ensure you do the things you need to do to power your business, reduce ‘decision fatigue’, and help you grow your business.  In this podcast, we’ll look at how to create habits, why they matter, and how to stick with them when life gets busy, plus case studies and further reading. Caveat - I’m not an expert on this - I’ve researched the topic as I would as a journalist and brought in what I’ve learned as a coach to try to help you. Key topics and timings in this episode: 0.45 - What to expect from this episode. 1.40 - Why forming habits can be hard and why it’s not about willpower. 4.00 - The willpower myth and how genetics can drive behaviour. 5.45 - What are habits and why are they important? 7.15 - Decision fatigue and how creating habits can free you up for the tasks you enjoy. 8.30 - The Change Curve concept and how this relates to change and habits. 12.22 - Finding ways to build habits that stick - 7 steps to follow. 20.56 - Three barriers and objections to building habits. 25.29 - Case study - Kerry Jordan. 26.52 - How coaching can help you build habits. 29.57 - Why letting go of old habits can help you create space for new ones. 32.06 - Habits that could help your pet business - marketing, customer communications, invoicing and admin. 34.18 - Recommended reading on habits, Atomic Habits, The One Thing and The Power of Habit. 36.04 - Your options if you’d like to work on habits together. 37.04 - Conclusion to building habits. Links mentioned in this episode: Join Pets Get Visible and get 50% off your first month here. Book a 1-1 session here Further listening: Kerry Jordan on the importance of building relationships to grow your pet business Is my Pets Get Visible membership right for you? How to choose the right pet business coach How to create consistent content How to create a social media calendar for your pet business a href="https://rachelspencer.co.uk/tackle-procrastination-pet-business/"...

    39 min

  8. 5 NOV

    In the spotlight with Jessica Morris from The Canine Menu

    When Jessica Morris forgot to pack a treat for her dog Rudy on a day out to the pub, she didn’t realise it would spark the idea for a business that would soon have tails wagging across the UK. Jess wanted something to occupy Rudy as she had a drink with friends at the end of a long walk, and it was getting a 'no' from the barperson that sparked a lightbulb moment. Now, four years on, Jess is co-founder of The Canine Menu, a business supplying hospitality venues with everything they need to keep their canine customers coming back. The idea started with Jess asking her local landlady if she fancied handing over £50 for 50 dog treats and when she got a 'yes' she knew she was on to something. She teamed up with her brother-in-law Nick Marsh, who has a background in hospitality, which perfectly matched Jess's experience in the pet food industry. Now The Canine Menu supplies thousands of pubs, cafes, hotels and restaurants across the UK with long-lasting treats and chews, bowls, beds, and even tea bags and ice pops. Plus English Heritage sites, and my holiday cottage, Sunnyside Cottage and tonnes of other dog-friendly places from coffee trucks to ice cream vans. Today, Jess shares how that one forgotten chew sparked a brilliant idea and transformed her passion for pups and pubs into a booming business. Key topics and timings: 01:33 - Introduction to Jess and her background in the pet business 03:02 - The lightbulb moment: Creating a business after being told there were no treats at the bar for Rudy! 05:49 - Testing the concept: From chicken feet in paper bags to creating a beautiful brand 09:20 - Growing from a small start-up to scaling operations 11:46 - Challenges in scaling and operational success 13:40 - The principles that guided product development 20:00 - Building partnerships with hospitality venues 24:42 - Matt, the landlord who sells more dog chews than peanuts 32:43 - Expansion into hotels and holiday rentals with welcome packs 36:12 - Challenges faced and lessons learned from rapid growth 43:09 - The importance of investing in branding and external expertise 46:47 - Staying true to the hospitality focus despite retail temptations 48:49 - Jess's advice for budding entrepreneurs: “Just go for it.” 51:58 - The importance of support networks and co-founder relationships 54:42 - Where to connect with The Canine Menu Key quotes: "I was so nervous, but I walked into my local pub with a box of dog chews in tiny little paper bags and asked the landlady, ‘I come here all the time with my dog, loads of other people do too. I’ve got this box - 50 chews for £50 - are you interested?’ She got £50 out of the till right there and then! That’s when I knew we were onto something." "It’s beyond me why we ever thought dogs would sit quietly for half an hour at a pub - like a two-year-old, they need something to keep them occupied!" "The sooner you get your idea out into the world and ask someone to part with their cash for it, the sooner you'll know if it's a good idea or not." "We’re about more than just treats; we aim to improve the overall experience for dogs in hospitality settings." "The hardest part is knowing when to scale up - your operation grows before the financial benefit arrives." Key takeaways: Starting small with a big idea: Jess describes how the concept for The Canine Menu arose from her experience visiting a pub with her dog and grew into a business. Hospitality focus: The Canine Menu remains dedicated to enhancing the hospitality experience for dogs and their owners, avoiding the temptation to expand into retail. Challenges of scaling: Jess discusses the difficulties of scaling operations, from managing the supply chain...

    55 min
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5
out of 5
38 Ratings

About

Welcome to 'Your Pet Business Content Your Way,' a podcast to empower pet business owners to set aside the 'should dos' 'must dos' and 'got tos' and do things their way. My focus is about helping you do what feels right and enjoyable to you, rather than getting swept away in the latest trends. This podcast is a perfect match if you've felt bent out of shape trying to accommodate someone else's idea of content creation. Cast aside the notions of following a generic blueprint or making yourself miserable doing things that you hate! As an experienced journalist, consultant, author, coach, and pet business owner, I've combined my knowledge to identify and share strategies that feel good, fun and that you might even enjoy! This podcast is to inspire you to create pet business content in a way that resonates with you. I promise not to give you quick fixes or spoon-feed you strategies. Instead, I encourage learning and developing your distinct voice in content creation. The podcast operates in seasons, with a new episode released every Monday during the active season. As well as the tools, strategies and mindset shifts that will help you get noticed, I’ll showcase successful pet professionals who've put their big pants on and marketed their work their own way. It's all about carving out your own path, not following the crowd. The aim is not to create buzz just for the sake of getting noticed, but to genuinely help people and make a difference in your unique way. By tuning in, my hope is that you'll discover a renewed excitement about marketing your pet business authentically. Connect with me on social media @rachelspenceruk, join my friendly and supportive Facebook community, and let's create content in a way that feels right for you.

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