As we're winding down 2024 and, although 2024 isn't close to be done for me, it is a good time to reflect on the hits and misses in 2024 and what I can look forward to in 2025.
I can't say there were a lot of misses in 2024. I had made a goal for myself and I'm going to be just shy of reaching that by the end of the year. The goal was pretty arbitrary, anyway. It is difficult to see how I am performing when I really don't. have any benchmarks to compare against. I had somewhat of an idea. I had talked to other dog walking/pet sitting businesses in the neighbor. I had a sense that I was doing well without them divulging their financials to me. I wouldn't expect them to. One thing I did in 2024 (or rather just this month) was hire a business coach. Not just any business coach but one that specializes in dog walking/pet sitting businesses just starting out.
Before we met, I wrote out for him all the things I have done so far.
I hired a lawyer to draft by Terms and Agreement
I reached out to other dog walkers/pet sitters in the area
I built a website.
I signed up for a scheduling/admin App
I have social media accounts (Facebook and Instagram)
I post on the neighborhood Facebook page
I have a Google Business Profile
I solicited Google Reviews
I told him how much revenue I'm projected to make for 2024.
"You're doing that by yourself?"
"Yes, I'm a bit disappointed because I'm just shy of my goal. If I hadn't gone to France and Austria, I would definitely hit it."
"Um, you're doing fine. Pretty amazing actually. Let's not dwell on not hitting your very arbitrary goal. And, by the way, it's good you went away for a bit to recharge. What are your goals for the next year?"
Oh snap! I had to think a bit quick on that one. I really hadn't stopped to think about it yet.
"I'd like to double my revenue. I'd like to get more 'template' dog walk so I have more predictable income and smooth out the ebbs and flows."
"That won't be a problem."
Wait, what?
"You're in a good position to have an employee by Q1 2025. We're making that one of your goals."
"OK, let's talk about that. I know hiring people isn't for everybody. Do you think it's a good fit for me?"
"It's really not for most people. In fact, for most people it's a really terrible idea. Most people do this in order to get away from people but feel like they have to hire in order to grow. You're not one of those people."
"Are you sure I'm not one of those people? I definitely hate people sometimes."
"Well, you seem pretty personable to me. And not many people have the sense to implement Terms and Agreement, social media, an App, and a Google page while only being 1 1/2 years in."
"I attribute that to life experience and working in an office setting. Not my love of people. I've seen enough to know that I had to have some sort of legal document. And social media, I mean, duh. That's a given."
"I don't think you hate people. You may hate some people. I hate some people. You won't be hiring people you hate. By spring break, you'll be ready to go. Then we'll see about hiring more people throughout the year."
Is this really happening?
"OK! I'm on board. Let's do this!"
We also talked about some things that I could be doing better. My Meet 'n' Greets for one. I've been relying on my likable face and good smile and that's pretty much about it. I need to be more professional when going to meet people. I need to hand them printed material with my services and prices, QR code for Google reviews and referral programs. I need to go in and lead the discussion and not be dragged around someone's house while the client goes on and on about their pet. I need to be the one leading the discussion and asking all the questions, handing them the material, and be in and out within 30 minutes because the client and I have other things to do.
I need to post more on social media. So follow me! Facebook: Mollyz Pet Service and Instagram: Mollyz_Pet_Service. I need to use hashtags? I, honestly, never stopped to think about the relevance of hashtags. When and if I used a hashtag, I used #HashtagsAreDumb. Well, I learned they are not so dumb and I can use up to 30 on a post and they'll make me more searchable. I learned I had to beef up my Google Profile. I had to add hours, a Q&A, more pictures, a better description of my business. I have to update it like I would update my socials. Apparently, Google likes all of that and will send me up the list on searches. Then I'll get more clicks and a better SEO presence. I need to post more on my blog. These are the things I can do for free.
We'll then talk about doing some marketing that will cost money, like hiring someone to build me a sleeker website, do pay-per-click Google advertising,
OK, so I have my work cut out for me in 2025. Let's reflect. 2024 was a great year. I don't hate all people. I love my clients. They're the reason why I've started liking people again. Many of them have nvited me into their lives and even made me feel like I'm one of the family. I love it when the kids are home when I come over and they run up to give me a big hug. "Oh, Nikki. You're often a topic of conversation in this house. We're constantly being asked if Nikki is coming over today." I love how they love their pets and they trust me to care for them. I love how some plan their trips around MY availability. I'm having the best time. I can't believe I've been able to make this dream a reality and that my coach thinks that I can even make a bigger go at this. It's more than just playing with animals all day but how cool is it that I get to play with animals all day.
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