Among the many things I do and enjoy very much, is my pet sitting 'business'....I put quotes around "business" because I've been doing it for 15+ years and I still can't make even close to a living from it
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I love animals.....All animals!!!! ( well except my neighbors dog, but that's a whole other post) The above duo were clients of mine, Henry and Annie. I loved caring for them and their other "housemates" a cat, a bunny, a hamster, 2 finches, and tropical fish , in their beautiful Laguna Beach Home.
It's a strange sort of feeling to "take over" a clients house and household responsibilities for any extended period of time. I take my job very seriously. I care for my clients animals and home as I do my own, and let me tell you I'm pretty particular. I've never had a client that did not tell me repeatedly how calm and happy their animals were when they returned, and how much they appreciated me and loved the peace of mind that my service provided them. I've always been very proud of my sense of responsibility and loyalty.
So why am I always looking for clients? Why do these people who claim to value me and my services very rarely refer me to friends or family and more times than not, just stop calling with no explanation? I'm stumped. These people have given me the keys (literally) to their homes, their pets and their lives. Several times.....and then nothing.
Just the other evening I was coming home from some function or appointment and my neighbor, who's dog I'd cared for, intermittently for 10 years, was out on her front lawn. Now we're not "friends" and we don't run into each other all that much but we live right across a very small street from each other. I caught her eye and gestured that I would like to talk as I crossed the street. I think she tried to avoid me but realized that she couldn't. I asked her about her dog, who I couldn't recall seeing for quite some time. Another neighbor had said they thought he had passed away! So I asked her if this was true, and she nodded. I won't get into the why's and wherefores but she was obviously still very sad about this horrible turn of events that had occurred ....8 months ago! Why didn't anyone tell me? I live 30 seconds away, they have my phone number and my e-mail address. I took this rather personally ( not that I let them know that)
I'm trying to figure out why word of "me" hasn't spread like wildfire. Where I live there are more Veterinary clinics than doctors offices. I thought when you found a 'good thing' you shared it with your friends and family. I know for a fact that it can't be due to distrust because I would never steal. If anything I usually leave a teat for the family upon their return. So What Gives?
People like me, who attempt to make a living doing what we love and do well, rely on the positive feedback and word of mouth referrals of their existing clients. I used to think that my clients were afraid if they shared me with their friends I wouldn't be available to them when they needed me. For some reason I no longer believe this.
If there's a service in your community that you use and like, share it with your friends, neighbors and family members before it no longer exists. Don't say your happy with a service if your not. If you've said you'll pass on their card, do! And make sure others understand your intentions to share the wealth..........
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