The Business Animal

Building a Brand From Scratch: The First 3 Decisions Every Entrepreneur Must Make

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Many entrepreneurs hear that branding is essential, but what if you’re just starting and don’t actually have a brand yet?

In this episode, we walk through the foundational steps for building a brand from the ground up. Instead of starting with logos or colors, we focus on the deeper strategic elements that shape how customers experience your business.

We talk about how brands are formed in the relationship between a business and its customers, and why clarity about your purpose and positioning matters more than design elements in the early stages.

In this episode, we explore three essential questions every entrepreneur should answer when developing a brand:

• What problem are you fiercely committed to solving?

• Who are you not for?

• What feeling should people walk away with after working with you?

If you’re a new entrepreneur or someone who’s been running a business without intentionally shaping your brand, this episode will help you clarify the foundation that attracts the right customers and communicates what makes your business different.

How to Stand Out in a Crowded Local Market

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Feeling like just another business in a sea of competitors? In this episode of The Business Animal Podcast, Kim and Betsy break down three powerful ways to stand out in your local market without shouting louder or discounting deeper.

We explore:

• What a value proposition really is and how to define yours clearly

• Why your brand is more than a logo and how it shapes client experience

• How to define your niche and persona without boxing yourself in

If you want the right clients to find you, recognize themselves in your work, and happily refer their friends, this episode gives you the framework.

Is Your Marketing Actually Working? How to Stop Guessing and Start Knowing

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0400

How do you know if your marketing is actually working or if you’re just guessing and hoping for the best? In this episode of The Business Animal Podcast, Betsy and I break down three practical ways to tell what’s really happening with your marketing without spiraling into overwhelm.

We talk about why looking at analytics feels scary (and why it doesn’t have to be), how asking your customers a few simple questions can reveal more than any dashboard, and how to evaluate email and social media performance in a way that actually makes sense for small businesses.

This episode is about replacing anxiety with information, guessing with clarity, and making marketing decisions that feel grounded instead of reactive.

Links:

Google Analytics (GA4)
👉 https://analytics.google.com
Website traffic, user behavior, pages, sources, conversions

Google Search Console

👉 https://search.google.com/search-console

Search queries, impressions, clicks, indexing, SEO health

Links referenced in this episode:

Companies mentioned in this episode:

CSI Saddle Pads
Western Horseman
Google
Google Analytics
Google Search Console
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
Ride the Sky Equine Photography
Be More Business
Score

Building a Real Marketing Ecosystem Instead of Piecemeal Effort

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Marketing isn’t a random act of posting when the mood strikes. In this episode, Kim Beer and Betsy Bird break down what it actually means to build a real marketing ecosystem. One that supports your business over time instead of draining it.

They explore why social media is only a small piece of the puzzle, how to create repeatable marketing rhythms that your nervous system can tolerate, and how systems and automation can carry the heavy lifting so you don’t have to. This is a grounded, real-world conversation for business owners who want marketing that works with their life, not against it.

Parts of a Marketing Plan (for reference):

Executive Summary
Market & Audience Analysis
Competitive Analysis
Value Proposition & MessagingGoals & Objectives
Marketing Channels & Tactics
Budget & Resources
Timeline & Campaign Calendar
Metrics & Measurement
Review & Optimization Plan

Metricool social scheduling tool affiliate link: https://f.mtr.cool/LUHXXL

Links referenced in this episode:

Companies mentioned in this episode:

Mona Planner
Mac
ChatGPT
Metricool
E. Myth Revisited
Ride the Sky Equine
Be More Business

Building a Work Week With Realistic Energy, Not Wishful Thinking

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The Business Animal Podcast, Kim Beer and Betsy Bird tackle a familiar frustration for entrepreneurs: why carefully planned work weeks fall apart the moment real life shows up.

From migraines and puppies with a death wish to colicking ponies and recording gremlins, this conversation explores how to build a work week based on realistic energy, not wishful thinking. Kim and Betsy compare radically different temperaments, challenge productivity dogma like “eat the frog,” and share practical ways to audit your actual schedule without turning your life into a spreadsheet.

You’ll hear why systems should support your nervous system, how boundaries protect your energy, and how AI tools can help you design a week that works with your temperament, your environment, and the chaos that comes with animal-centered businesses.

If you’ve ever felt broken because traditional productivity advice doesn’t work for you, this episode offers permission, perspective, and practical alternatives.

https://thebusinessanimal.com

Kim: https://bemorebusiness.com | https://liveinsynchronicity.com

Betsy: https://ridetheskyequine.com

The Business Animal Is Back (With Snark, Strategy, and AI)

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 01:00:00 -0400

The Business Animal is officially back. And this time, it has two heads.

After a yearlong hiatus, Kimberly Beer returns with a new co-host, Betsy Bird of Ride the Sky Equine. Together, they’re ushering in a fresh evolution of the show that blends visionary thinking, grounded strategy, laughter, and real-world marketing wisdom for animal-based businesses.

In this episode, Kim and Betsy introduce the new format, the return of the Big Three framework, and what listeners can expect moving forward. From sustainable marketing and realistic workweeks to AI as a practical business ally, this conversation sets the tone for what’s coming in 2026.

If you run an animal-based business, or any small business built around creativity, service, and heart, this podcast is for you. Expect insight, honesty, humor, and the occasional rabbit hole… always tethered back to reality.

New episodes drop every other Tuesday.

Becoming a Badass Business Owner with Julie Cortes

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 05:45:00 -0400

In this episode of The Business Animal Julie Cortes, the Freelance Rockstar, joins me to talk about the three Ts of becoming a badass in your own business. Julie is full of great, practical information and we share lots of good advice for both new and experienced business owners.

About Julie:

Copywriter by day. Freelance Rockstar by night. Julie Cortés lives, breathes, teaches, speaks, and coaches on all things creative self-employment. She’s run her own business for more than 25 years, is the founder of The Freelance Exchange of KC, and created a much-needed college-level course, Freelancing 101, for the KC Art Institute, where she taught as an adjunct professor. Awarded dozens of times over for her work, leadership, volunteerism, and community involvement, she’s regularly sought out for business coaching, media interviews, and speaking engagements. Julie is loving life, living out her passion for helping creative freelancers succeed.

Reach out to Julie:

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

https://www.instagram.com/freelancerockstar/

https://www.juliecortes.com/signup

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Julie Cortez and Her Journey

07:58 The Importance of Mindset in Business

14:03 Training Yourself: Establishing Boundaries and Policies

21:05 Training Clients: Setting Expectations

27:10 Training Family and Friends: Creating Supportive Environments

35:18 Finding Freelancers: The Kansas City Freelance Exchange

38:54 Coaching Services: Supporting Self-Employed Individuals

40:57 The Role of Pets in Business and Life

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6SvNbQVXODE

The Art of Business Storytelling

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 09:00:00 -0400

This week I have a great conversation with storytelling professional Christa M. Hines of The Business Storytelling Studio. Christa has an amazing superpower to make your business' story come alive for your target market and customers. You'll learn about the importance of story in business, the components you should consider when telling your business story, and how to work with a content writer to build the stories that will impact the quality and quantity of customers you reach. Plus we weave a great Star Wars metaphor into the show!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Business Storytelling

01:33 The Role of a Content Strategist

05:14 Journey into Business Storytelling

08:14 Understanding Business Stories

11:15 The Customer as the Hero

14:21 The Hero's Journey in Business

20:25 Components of Effective Business Storytelling

24:15 Creating Anchor Content

30:30 The Value of Professional Writing

33:32 Balancing Business and Personal Life

35:30 Lessons from Animals

About Christa:

I partner with health and wellness entrepreneurs, coaches and executives to position them as industry thought leaders by creating strategic content plans and compelling marketing collateral. I deliver a variety of writing services ranging from website content, executive bios, articles, newsletters, ebooks, and white papers. With more than 25 years of experience working in whole-person healthcare, non-profit, B2B SaaS and magazine writing, I understand the critical role communication and storytelling play in creating meaningful, engaging content that supports business goals.

In addition to my client work, I’m an award-winning writer, author and speaker. My work has appeared in numerous publications, including KC Parent, Vibrant Life, Pregnancy & Newborn, Parents, and Woman’s Day.

I’m passionate about sharing information that helps people of all backgrounds achieve greater personal well-being, which can have positive ripple effects creating healthier families and stronger communities.

Described by clients as a word-whisperer, I geek out on storytelling techniques and transforming lifeless business word jumbles into irresistible, captivating content that’s easy to understand.

For fun, I enjoy trying out Kansas City’s many restaurants with my family, exploring nature trails with my sweet rescue mutt, going on solo writing retreats and consuming storytelling in all of its forms.

Links:

Christa's website: https://christamhines.com

Christa's Substack: https://wordenergybychristamhines.substack.com/

Christa's contact: https://christamhines.com/contact/

Upleveling Your Performance in Your Business

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 03:15:00 -0400

Do you perform at 100% or 60% when working on your business? In this all important episode, Angie Wiley of You Are Strong and I have an enlightening discussion around your performance in your business and how you can show up at a higher level to increase the results in your business.

About Angie:

Angie inspires others to stop sitting on the sidelines and become a game-changer!

Angie was an industry leader for 22 years for a top medical device corporation, in sales and sales management. She and her late husband, Chuck, also owned their own small business during this time. In 2013 Angie followed her true calling to help athletes with their mindset and launched YOU ARE STRONG, alongside her full time family and career.

In 2014 Chuck was diagnosed with cancer, and from his new perspective, posed the question to Angie, “What are you waiting for?” After his passing in 2020, the question grew louder and Angie courageously stepped out of the corporate world in 2021 and began living her message: YOU ARE STRONG.

Her program has since helped thousands of athletes, sales professionals and business leaders take action resulting in personal and professional success.

Angie holds a B.S. in Education and Coaching, with a minor in Psychology.

You can find Angie at https://youarestrong.com

The Chuck Wiley Athletic Foundation can be found at: https://chuckwileyathleticfoundation.com/

Creating a System to Achieve Your Vision

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 09:00:00 -0400

This episode is full of a lot of wisdom, laughter, and inspiration that will help you understand why and how to create systems in your business that move you toward achieving your goals and vision.

My guest this episode is Betsy Bird of Ride the Sky Equine Photography who offers her amazing insight into how to develop systems that support your business. Along the way we'll laugh, share stories, and impart some great ideas. You'll also enjoy some interesting metaphors and at least one odd cat fact. ;-)

About Betsy Bird:

Betsy Bird, Cr. Photog., CPP, of Ride the Sky Equine Photography spends her days doing insane things to make animals look at her. Clearly, she’s desperate for attention. Outside of acting like a total goofball, she invests in growing her business, mentoring photographers, dealing with her teenagers' angst, and hanging with her canine friends.

Betsy has earned her Photographic Craftsman degree from the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) which honors photographers who contribute to the photographic industry through speaking, mentoring, and publishing. Betsy is also a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) with PPA. The CPP designation is held by fewer than 2,500 photographers nationwide and is a hallmark of consistency, technical skill, artistry, and professionalism.

Additionally, she serves on the Board of Directors for the Professional Photographers of East Tennessee (PPETN) and the Tennessee Professional Photographers Association (TNPPA). Betsy is one of three Tennessee photographers elected to serve on the council of the Professional Photographers of America (PPA). She is also a professional member of the Equine Photographers Network (EPN).

Betsy's award-winning work has been featured in a variety of publications and is found throughout homes and stables in the United States. She is the co-author of the book, Equine & Equestrian Photography Poses that Sell: The Ultimate Guide to Posing Horses & Humans. She has been featured on Scenic Trend, the Profitable Photographer Podcast, The Business Animal Podcast, Chatter Magazine, Cowgirls with Cameras Podcast, the Chattanooga Times Free Press, the Chattanoogan, and the Focal Points Podcast to name a few.

Based in Chattanooga, TN, Ride the Sky Equine Photography works on location in Tennessee, North Georgia, and beyond. With a strong background in entrepreneurship, marketing and brand building, goal setting, time management, and business workflows, Betsy is an expert in her field (which isn’t that surprising given how much time she actually spends outstanding in a field...get it?)

Betsy's Website: https://ridetheskyequine.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ridetheskyequine

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ridetheskyequine

You can also listen to The Business Animal Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcast outlets.

Exploring Different Entrepreneurship Avenues with Sara Roy

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 04:00:00 -0400

In this enlightening episode you'll learn about various ways of becoming an entrepreneur — and don't shy away from listening even if YOU ARE an ENTREPRENEUR! This episode has some great takeaways about franchising, business acquisition, and much, much more. My guest, Sara Roy of the Entrepreneur's Source, is delightful and I know you'll enjoy this conversation as much as I did.

About Sara:

Sara Roy is a dynamic Career Ownership Coach and Business Owner with The Entrepreneur's Source, empowering individuals in career transition to explore entrepreneurship as a viable path to achieve their goals. She specializes in providing no-cost education and coaching on entrepreneurial opportunities, including building passive income streams and diversifying investment portfolios.

Sara's unique coaching approach begins with helping clients articulate their goals, values, and lifestyle aspirations. She provides education on business fundamentals, funding options, and alternative career pathways while offering a supportive space to overcome emotional barriers and embrace the possibilities of entrepreneurship.

In addition to running her business, Sara is deeply involved in organizations that advocate for small business ownership, women entrepreneurs, and women in leadership. As a sought-after speaker, she inspires audiences nationwide on topics related to business ownership and franchising.

Before becoming a business owner, Sara built a 20+ year corporate career in consulting, process improvement, program and project management, product management, and strategic planning. She also completed numerous executive leadership development programs and earned her MBA from St. Mary’s University.

Sara resides in the Kansas City Metropolitan area with her three children. She is passionate about creating meaningful experiences with her kids, whether attending sporting events, musicals, or concerts, or enjoying outdoor adventures together.

For more information, email Sara at sroy@esource.com

Website: https://sroy.esourcecoach.com/

Schedule an introductory call: https://sroy.esourcecoach.com/schedule-a-call/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-roy-026a5840/

Testimonials: https://sroy.esourcecoach.com/testimonials/

Stress Reduction Through Feng Shui with Robyn Stevens

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -0400

If you've heard of Feng Shui, you know it can be a powerful practice in drawing in the energy you'd like and moving away from the energy you don't want in your space and life. If you haven't heard of Feng Shui, and either of the above statements appeals to you, you're in for a treat in this episode of The Business Animal. Robyn Stevens join Kim for a discussion about Feng Shui practices and principles that you can apply in your business space that will reduce stress and set you up to attract what you've been seeking in your business.

About Robyn Stevens:

Certified Feng Shui expert Robyn Stevens transforms home and work spaces to help anyone wishing to attract more prosperity, joy, love and creativity into their life. Robyn is an entertaining and highly sought after speaker, TV guest and consultant who makes Feng Shui accessible and fun. Learn more at https://www.robynstevensfengshui.com.

https://www.instagram.com/robynstevensfengshui/

https://www.facebook.com/robynstevensfengshui/

How to have less stress from your stuff with Joanie Nicholas

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -0400

As this crazy year draws to a close, I believe we are all seeking to reduce the stress in our lives. Today, I interview Joanie Nicholas of All Things Organized who shares some great tips on how to reduce the stress in your life through organization that works for you!

In her role as a Space Organization Expert Joanie Nicholas helps people live life with enthusiasm and clarity by decluttering, reimagining, and organizing their space. She approaches decluttering and organizing from a soulful place ~ recognizing the impact clutter has on every aspect of our lives. For over 25 years, Joanie has led people across the metro area in creating positive changes to their space, in ways that fit their lifestyle and personality. Joanie brings professional guidance, enthusiasm, empathy and humor to her hands-on work with each client. She loves sharing tips and tricks in group settings, where she can infect large numbers of people with her organizing energy!

Visit Joanie's website: https://allthingsorganizedkc.com

T3: Solving Problems You Don't Have

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 09:00:00 -0400

You're a born problem solver! Yes! ... now let me as you this: Are you putting energy, time, money, and stress into solving problems you don't have? Is this helping you or holding you back?

Stress Relief for Entrepreneurs: An Entrepreneurial Pep Talk

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Join me as I explore the topic of Stress Relief for Entrepreneurs and get ready for this month's Business Animal interviews!

T3: Visioning for Entrepreneurs

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0400

In this weeks Three Thoughts for Thursday I share my thoughts around the importance of vision work for entrepreneurs.

Manifesting & Letting Go with Tiffany Sedorus

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Business Animal Podcast, I interviews Tiffany Sedorus of Valor Through Gestalt. Tiffany, a Veteran, has faced many challenges on her entrepreneurial journey. She openly shares about her experience in manifesting her dream property on which to build her business and an inspirational story of how we sometimes get exactly what we want and then find out it no longer fits the future vision. Tiffany's story is one that will show you dreams not only come true, but they change, morph, and continue to build as long as you're willing to follow the flow of energy and do your part to keep moving forward.

Visit https://valorthroughgestalt.com/ for more information on Tiffany and Valor Through Gestalt

Tiffany's story shared from her website:

After more than 10 years in therapy, numerous anti-depressants, serious bouts of contemplating suicide thinking I would never fit back into life outside of that uniform, something had to give. I made up my mind that these demons needed to be laid to rest once and for all. I had met a woman who told me about the Equine Gestalt Coaching Method and how it didn’t involve riding or obstacles to work with the horse. I knew there had to be some merit to it because every time I showed up to the barn in tears, my horses carried me through the pain and I left a little bit better even if I was simply sitting in their stalls while they were eating.

In January of 2019, I started on my own journey to my Equine Gestalt Coaching Certification. For the first time in my life, I have clarity. Not only am I sleeping better more often, my anxiety and fear, and depression are gradually finding their way out of my body and laying to rest in the sand in the arena with the help of my equine partners. I have, once again, become part of something so much bigger than me. The difference is that this time, it’s working for the good of humanity without the use of force and bullets. A little bit at a time, I have healed and am continuing to heal in a way I never thought possible.

Now, my ultimate life mission has become clear: Walk with my fellow veterans on their own healing path and encourage my horses to help provide them with the clarity they need in their own lives. I'm determined to leave no soldier or their family behind. I will partner with my horses and encourage them to do what they do best and show each person the strength and support they need.

I'll never experience what happened at home during the 14 months I was gone; I will never be able to look back without the memories of my deployment; I will never know what life would be like without the military being part of my story. Relaizing that I am now OK with these things. I know that I can move forward despite my history. I know that deep down, I did what I needed to when I needed to and my life is better for those decisions.

Fierce Feminine Finance with Sarah Nicole Nadler

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0400

Money and finance is an incredibly important aspect to being an entrepreneur. It is also one of the biggest challenges business owners face. In this Business Animal episode, I interview Sarah Nicole Nadler of Fierce Feminine Finance who shares multiple wisdoms around female entrepreneurs, money, and building financial success both within and beyond your business.

About Sarah:

Sarah Nicole Nadler is a $6-figure money coach, licensed financial advisor, and award-winning author of the book "From Hustler To InvestHER".

Visit Sarah's site: https://www.fiercefemininefinance.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fiercefemininefinance

Download Sarah's free gift: https://fiercefemininefinance.com/retirementguide

T3: Qualifying Customers

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0400

My three thoughts for Thursday this week are around qualifying your customers. If you want to fine tune the people who are showing up as clients in your business this episode is for you!

Entrepreneurial Pep Talk: Customers

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 13:30:00 -0400

In this pep talk, I share my experience with the not so shiny side of customer service — what happens when it goes wrong and how you can both improve your business and protect your inner peace.

T3: Customer Service

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 02:00:00 -0400

Three Thoughts for Thursday (T3) on Customer Service

In this episode I share three thoughts on customer service for mission-based business owners. I started my working career as a Customer Service Agent for ChemLawn back in the 1980s. (Wow, I'm getting old - and WISEr!) For the ensuing 40 years, I've had to really embrace customer service in my businesses and, frankly, in life. Here are three short wisdoms I've earned (along with my pretty gray hair!).

Customer Service with Sherrie Ortiz

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 02:00:00 -0400

In this interview, Sherrie Ortiz shares how her focus on customer service makes Just One Day Travel Tours a unique opportunity and beloved business for those who tour with her.

About Sherrie:

The day tour travel business has been on my mind for many years. I had an amazing career in the bakery industry working as a retail cake designer for 20 years, followed by 18 years owning my own bakery. This gave me the best of both worlds while our kids were young. Now they are adults and out on their own paths and I am free to create this new adventure called Just One Day Travel Tours.

I have always loved planning trips. Family vacations and Girl Scout outings….. the logistics, the hunt for cool stuff to do.. …all those things are exciting to me. I enjoyed a good gathering of people that just wanted to relax and have fun. To tour local-ish places and learn how things from the past and new things to engage in is all very refreshing. I am also a bit of a thrill seeker. I love to go zip lining, rappel, and snow tubing……tours I plan to do in the future if you are game ?!?! ) You can see more about me, Sherrie Ortiz, in the blog adventures, Facebook and Instagram?

I hope you will come join Just One Day Travel Tours for these new adventures.. There will be a number of pre-planned travel trips in the Kansas City and surrounding areas that you and your friends can join as a group, or come by yourself and meet new people. If there is something that you and your friends have always wanted to do, but don’t want to do the planning and driving, I can put together a trip just for you. You can also join the Affiliate Program and earn free seats.

Sherrie's website: https://justonedaytraveltours.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Justonedaytraveltours

Instagram: @justonedaytours

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherrie-ortiz-77a097197/

T3: Customer Pain Points

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 08:30:00 -0400

Welcome to a new feature of The Business Animal podcast: Three Thoughts on Thursday or T3. In this short weekly segment, I pick one topic and provide three pieces of wisdom (thoughts) plus three strategies and three suggestions on how to take action on those thoughts. This week, I'll be talking about Customer Pain Points. I hope you enjoy and benefit from this short episode. I'd love feedback, so please feel free to send comments to me at kim@bemorebusiness.com

I talk in this episode about Value Proposition Design. Here is a link to the book I mention on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Value-Proposition-Design-Customers-Strategyzer/dp/1118968050/ref=sr_1_1?crid=20GBYWRE8976D&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.y27DqkR8AOdqOvu48U4hkklHqbU36dC-lRBrjXBF-0tXdPkqluibB-gSznc4Gav5DnF_hDp85KYbro4CfANxXEN60BrS3EO0L45-i2DRNwVNgqJoUpHd8KtVpbSWuWslWzCxTasm9eHfsES0cRCZBkQDvIsoQGMECLIakMLK8cQyNinViqDlP1S4KSXeEzY1sXfbZS3-udPx0XDcHWS4qAEqlTiWCJCNgCsj5VQOREE.EjnrKriQNOsRDZOJwN89oKO3TS8NnyrQNdeLg_iGqzw&dib_tag=se&keywords=value+proposition+design&qid=1726147767&sprefix=value+prop%2Caps%2C110&sr=8-1

Serving Wholeheartedly with Annie Young

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 02:30:00 -0400

In this episode, Annie Young and I talk about what it's like to build a business with your whole heart and in service of a population that you not only know well, but deeply feel compassion around. We also discuss what it's like to get your vision together — and then have life throw up a series of HUGE obstacles and what it's like to overcome and drive on in trust and with focus.

About Annie Young:

Annie Young is a triple certified master equine assisted mental health practitioner who works primarily with adult parents. Annie specializes in parents of special needs and parents of children who struggle mentally and emotionally.

https://sawubonaranch.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-young-3a8b8792/

https://www.facebook.com/annie.young.52/

Instagram: @sawubonaranch

Email: annie@sawubonaranch.com

A Passion for Helping Others with Carmi Swift

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 02:15:00 -0400

In this episode of The Business Animal Podcast, join me for an interview with Carmi Swift, founder of iPoint Touch EHR software for complementary animal therapy practitioners as we discuss the impact a passionate entrepreneur can have on the people they serve.

About Carmi Swift:

Carmi Swift is a lifetime entrepreneur and animal lover. Carmi’s unique ability to see solutions to entrepreneurial challenges has made her an outstanding ally to both the Audio/Visual Service Industry and Integrative Animal Practitioners. Carmi spent 10 years building a successful AV Service business that worked with residential and commercial contractors to supply the latest AV equipment and fulfill installation. Late nights doing paperwork after a full day of serving customers fired her desire to make her own life easier so she sought help from her son and business partner Brooks who had a background in programming. Together, they developed a software system that reduced the time needed for project management by eliminating repetitive tasks. The system they created for their own business made such a dramatic difference, Carmi and her son made a decision to package and resell it to help others in their industry. The resulting company, iPoint Solutions LLC, owned and operated by Brooks, is a software product now internationally successful with thousands of users.

When Carmi’s dog Tate needed chiropractic care, she sought out a local practitioner and, during the appointment, her keen ability to solve problems kicked in as she watched the doctor hand write copious notes. She recognized in Dr Emily what she had seen in herself as the catalyst for the birth of iPoint Solutions. She approached Brooks about developing a software for Integrative Animal Practitioners and the rest, as they say, is history.

Today, Carmi is devoted to helping doctors provide the best care for their patients and do so efficiently with as little stress and repetition as possible. Carmi lives in the Kansas City metro with her pack of German Shepherd dogs and human family. In her spare time she enjoys dog showing, doing “projects around her home, and traveling to Marco Island, Fl to spend time with family.

You can find Carmi at:

https://ipointtouch.com

https://www.facebook.com/carmi.swift/

Join her Facebook Group for animal practitioners at https://www.facebook.com/groups/167050077260384

email: carmi@ipointtouch.com

For when your business is evolving ... an Entrepreneurial Pep Talk

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 09:00:00 -0400

Join me for the first of a monthly installment of the Business Animal called "The Entrepreneurial Pep Talk!" In this short episode, I hope to "pep" you up if you're moving through an evolution in your business — whether that evolution is planned or unplanned, wanted or unwanted. So prepare to be pepped!

If you'd like to watch this episode, head over to YouTube: https://youtu.be/GCnAvvg5h

About Kimberly Beer:

Think of me as your Entrepreneurial Wisewoman, I optimize the most important asset in your business: YOU! I do this through knowledge earned from 30 years of my own entrepreneurship helping my clients ideate, build, market, and automate their small business. I have a unique toolkit of skills that address the toughest aspects of entrepreneurship fall into the gap between your therapist and traditional business coach. I am known for my out-of-the-box approaches including drawing on the wisdom of nature and horses to inspire you in the changes you seek. I lead an active and supportive community of like-minded business owners who are creating a business that supports the life they want to live.

Find me at https://kimberlybeer.com

On YouTube at https://youtube.com/kimberlybeer

Finding Your Path with Risa August

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 09:00:00 -0400

Join me as I talk with Risa August, founder of Feather and Sage Coaching, author, coach, and hair sparkler! Risa shares the unique challenges she's faced in building a business that supports the life she wants to live — including how a life changing diagnosis of a brain tumor has both changed her and, at the same time, solidified who she came into this life to be. You'll laugh and learn in this insightful episode.

Buy Risa's book "The Road Unpaved" here: https://a.co/d/gUFM4pW on Amazon. It is available in paperback, Kindle, and Audible formats!

Risa's Bio:

Award-winning author, Speaker, Gestalt Practitioner, and Patient Advocate, Risa August has been living with a pituitary tumor and rare disease for over a decade. Risa shares her insights and perspectives on stage, offering words of inspiration to audiences. Additionally, Risa works one-on-one with clients, guiding them through the many roadblocks of life and toward living more fully inspired.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/featherandsagecoaching/

https://www.facebook.com/risa.august.unleashed/ (Group)

Instagram: @risaunleashed

Website: https://www.risaaugust.com

About Kimberly Beer:

Find me at https://kimberlybeer.com

On YouTube at https://youtube.com/kimberlybeer

Graining Confidence with Amy Shield

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 09:00:00 -0400

Amy Schield is a time management coach who takes a unique approach to helping her clients through neuroscience. In this episode Kim and Amy discuss her journey to build Amy Schield Coaching including how entrepreneurship develops personal growth that leads to confidence.

Amy's Bio:

Amy Schield, MBA is a time management and mindset coach for small business owners, solopreneurs, and busy professionals. Using a mix of simple tactics and neuroscience-based strategies, she helps clients manage their time effectively, set and achieve goals for business growth, and navigate the mental and emotional side of owning and running a small business. Acting as a personal trainer for the brain, she teaches her clients how to get more done in less time, so they can make more money.

You can find Amy at:

https://www.amyschield.com

https://youtube.com/@amyschieldcoaching

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-schield/

https://www.facebook.com/AmySchieldCoaching

On Instagram @amyschieldcoaching

Want to watch this episode? Head over to YouTube: https://youtu.be/2OuOSB0J61Y

About Kimberly Beer:

Find me at https://kimberlybeer.com

On YouTube at https://youtube.com/kimberlybeer

Evolving Your Business with Cara Taylor Swift of Fast Horse Photography

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Business transitions happen — and they've happened for both Cara and Kim. In this return episode of The Business Animal, you'll get caught up on the past year and where the podcast is heading in the future!

Want to watch this episode? Head over to YouTube: https://youtu.be/WtHq127YAuM

Social Proof For Animal-Based Business Owners

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Social proof is one of your most important marketing assets. Your POTENTIAL clients are more likely to trust someone else… who was once like them… looking for the service or product that you offer. Social proof is so important because it directly influences your potential customer’s actions.

On this episode, Cara and Kim talk in depth about social proof. What is social proof and why does YOUR animal, pet or equine-based business need it? Animal-based business owners are more than happy to “talk up” their businesses and share the great service or product they offer with all who they come in contact with. However, when other people share their experience with a business it carries so much more weight! In this episode you will discover: the four main types of social proof available to your business; how to mindfully cultivate and harvest social proof; how to develop good social proof listening and tracking skills; and tips to develop your very own social proof plan.

Collaboration over Competition

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Shifting your mindset away from seeing the businesses in your industry as competition to seeing them as collaborators is not always an easy feat — and yet doing it can change the level of success. In this episode, Kim and Cara discuss tactics to help you make this essential shift in mindset.

Unleashing Success Through Client Segmentation

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Customer segmentation allows animal businesses to identify and understand different groups of customers at different phases of their customer journey. By dividing your customer base into segments, you can develop more targeted and effective marketing strategies tailored to each segment. This will help you deliver the right message to the right customers, increase your chances of engagement, conversion, and overall customer satisfaction.

Preparing for the Unexpected: Could Someone Else Run Your Business?

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 11:31:00 -0400

In this episode, we delve into an essential topic for business owners and entrepreneurs: ensuring the continuity of your business in case of an emergency. Life is unpredictable, and it's crucial to have a plan in place that allows someone else to step in and keep your business running smoothly when unforeseen circumstances arise. We explore three key steps to help you prepare for such situations: making an emergency plan, documenting critical procedures, and starting to delegate tasks now.

How You Can Motivate Your Clients to Buy

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 03:00:00 -0400

On this episode of The Business Animal Podcast, we delve into the art of motivating clients to buy by leveraging three key strategies: selling the solution, creating a sense of time or scarcity, and mastering the art of closing deals. Join us as we explore practical techniques and insightful tips to ignite client enthusiasm and drive increased sales in your animal-based business.

How Your Business is Affecting Your Body

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Owning and managing an animal-based business can have both positive and negative effects on a person’s body, as it often involves a combination of stress, responsibility, and lifestyle changes. It’s so important for animal-based business owners to be aware of these potential effects and take steps to reduce them.

Psychology of Pricing

Tue, 23 May 2023 03:00:00 -0400

The psychology of pricing plays a crucial role in the success of animal-based businesses. Business owners need to understand the psychological factors that influence consumer behavior and purchasing decisions in order to set prices that are attractive to their potential customers while also ensuring that their animal-based business is profitable.

Coach Yourself

Tue, 09 May 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Coaching oneself as a small business owner can be a valuable approach to personal and professional development. While having an external coach can provide objective insights, self-coaching can also be effective. On this episode of The Business Animal, Kim and Cara discuss a few tips and techniques to ensure that you get the most out of your self-coaching endeavors.

Dream Big

Tue, 02 May 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Dreaming big is one of the most fun and most scary parts of being an entrepreneur. It’s doubly impactful for those of us with mission based businesses in the animal industry. Today, Kim and Cara talk about how you can step out of your comfort zone and take the next big step toward bringing your BIG dream into reality.

Three Big Business Killers

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Overwhelm, resentment & frustration.

Get Smart About Tech

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Ah technology — the thing we can’t live without, and yet we have a love-hate relationship with it! In this episode Kim and Cara get real about all the tech we use in our business and break down how to be SMART about how you’re using (and paying!) for it.

Business Building Resources

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Did you know you can get an amazing amount of support for your business? You can! In this episode Kim and Cara give you a bunch of ideas on where to get information and assistance in building and growing your business.

Stop Self-Sabotage

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 03:00:00 -0400

This week on The Business Animal Podcast, Cara and Kim are diving into the topic of self-sabotage. We all have the tendency to self-sabotage from time to time, but why does this happen and what can we do about it? They will discuss how to recognize the signs of self-sabotage, identify the inner voices that can lead us down a path of self-sabotage, and when it's time to seek professional help. Tune in to get the tools and strategies to help you identify and break free from the cycle of self-sabotage.

Clarify Your Mission

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Your mission statement is the North Star for your business, a beacon of light to guide you and your team as you move forward. It's the foundation of your business, a declaration of your values and goals, and it should be revisited periodically to ensure it's still relevant and accurate. Most entrepreneurs set their mission statement and then never think about it again, but the truth is that your business is likely to have shifted and changed since the day you wrote it. That's why it's so important to take a few moments and review it - to make sure that it still reflects your vision and goals.

Mentioned in this episode:

2023 Cottonwood Ranch information

How to Ask Better Questions

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 03:00:00 -0400

As animal based business owners, asking better questions is a critical part of our success. It helps us to better understand our audience, build relationships, uncover their motivations, and look for opportunities to provide even better results.

By asking better questions, we can not only learn more about our own business, but also discover ways to meet other needs and add value. It's a great way to foster a deeper understanding of the people we are working with, and to open up conversations about the animals we are all passionate about.

We all have unique experiences, insights, and perspectives to share, and asking better questions can help us to draw out those elements of our client's story to better understand their needs and uncover opportunities that we may not have considered before.

Asking better questions can be an invaluable tool for any animal based business owner, and it's an easy way to get the most out of our conversations with our clients.

Upscale your Email Marketing List

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Building your email and SMS lists is a key factor for the success of your business. Today, Kim and Cara are here to help animal-based business owners with three effective strategies for growing their list. Firstly, you should provide your leads with something truly valuable, such as a thoughtful lead magnet or a generous coupon. Secondly, take advantage of every single opportunity to add qualified leads to your database. Finally, don't forget to remove contacts that aren't engaging with your content, and replace them with ones that are more likely to interact. Doing so will ensure that your list remains up-to-date and that you can focus on the people who are genuinely interested in your services.

Failure and Why it’s a Good Thing

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 03:00:00 -0400

As a small business owner, it's important to recognize the importance of failure and why it can be a positive thing. It can be easy to become discouraged when things don't go as planned, but learning from our mistakes and continuing to strive for success is key to achieving success as an animal based business owner. Failing can help us to identify what works and what doesn't, allowing us to make necessary changes to ensure the best outcome. In some cases, it can even open us up to new opportunities that we hadn't previously considered. Additionally, failure can help to foster resilience, giving us the strength to persist even when things don't go as planned. We can also use it as an opportunity to evaluate our processes and make improvements to increase efficiency. While failure can be difficult, it is an essential part of the learning process and an invaluable tool in the pursuit of success. Embracing it and using it to our advantage is the key to success for any animal based business owner.

Adding an Animal Influence to Your Marketing and Brand

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Yes, you’re an animal based business, but are you effectively adding an animal influence to your marketing and branding? Our customers LOVE their animals — and we are in business because of that love (and the passion for animals that brought us to this community in the first place). In this episode Kim and Cara explore ways to further capitalize on the animal influence in your business and branding.

Developing Courage in Your Animal Business

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 03:00:00 -0400

The ability to take risks and be courageous is a crucial component of success in any animal-based business. However, it's important to understand your own risk tolerance in order to make sure you're taking the right risks at the right time. Just like any other skill, you can grow and develop your courage to become more flexible and resilient. It's also important to remember to be kind to yourself, and not to dwell on any past failures. It's perfectly normal to feel anxious or scared when it comes to taking risks, but don't let those feelings hold you back from achieving your goals. With the right attitude and mindset, you can develop the courage necessary to make your animal-based business a success.

Hobby to Business: Are You Ready?

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Have you ever thought about turning your hobby into a business? If so, you may be wondering how your relationship with your beloved pastime might change. Making the leap from hobby to business can be a big decision, and it's important to think through the implications before you get started. One of the most important questions to ask yourself is whether you can monetize your hobby in a way that makes sense. After all, if you can't make money from your hobby, it may not be a viable business. If you're ready to take the plunge, don't be afraid to ask for help. Whether you need assistance with the legalities of starting a business or tips for reaching a wider audience, there are experts out there who can provide you with the resources you need. For example, if you're an animal-based business owner, you may want to reach out to other entrepreneurs in the industry who can offer you advice and support. Taking the plunge from hobby to business can be an exciting adventure, and with the right preparation, you can make sure you're ready for success.

Where Do You Draw The Line With Friends, Family, Business Partners, and Customers?

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 03:00:00 -0400

When you become a business owner, you are faced with many more dilemmas than just business. One of the things that can blind side you is how you will handle the relationships in your life — the existing ones and the new ones you’re going to make as you grow in your business. Things can get complicated: Customers become friends, family members want free service, and friends become clients — not to mention the deep relationships you’ll form with your business partners. In today’s episode, Kim and Cara give you some things to consider in how to manage these relationships so they don’t derail your momentum as a business owner or cause turmoil in your life.

Creating a Marketing Calendar

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Today on The Business Animal Kim and Cara provide you with helpful tips and strategies to create and maintain an effective annual marketing calendar. Learn how to create a timeline of your marketing activities and set goals to help you stay organized and on track. Plus, you'll learn how to make the most of your current resources. Tune in for expert advice and creative ideas to get your marketing year off to a great start!

Building Your Roundtable

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 03:00:00 -0400

A round table is a group of advisors you choose, and who become actively involved, for your business.

Things We've Learned From 100 Episodes of Podcasting

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 03:00:00 -0400

It’s our 100th episode and we are very proud to now be “seasoned” (x4!) podcasters. Today, we want to share the things we’ve learned about creating and maintaining a podcast for all those who are thinking of stepping out to be heard on the podwaves.

Here are a few of the tools we use and you might like to use too!

Podcast Hosting https://www.captivate.fm/

Podcast Editing https://www.thewavepodcasting.com/about

Recording Studio https://riverside.fm/

Transcript Creation and Editing https://otter.ai/home

Paying it Forward

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 03:00:00 -0400

As we start into a new year, it’s nice to look back at all we’ve accomplished and be grateful for all those who helped us along the way. Now, we’d like for you to turn your attention to ways you can help others in their entrepreneurial and life journeys. In this episode, Kim and Cara talk about how you can pay it forward and bring success and good vibes to more people.

There are opportunities for Random Acts of Kindness everywhere you just have to look:

Check out RandomActsofKindness.org for some awesome ideas that are perfect for kicking off the new year.

Reconnect with Your Business

Tue, 03 Jan 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Do you ever feel disconnected from your business? Yep, us, too. Sometimes it feels like we get so carried away in working in our business we forget to work on our business. In this episode, Kim and Cara discuss three ways you can reconnect to your business (and your passion!).

Burnout - Stop the Fire

Tue, 27 Dec 2022 03:00:00 -0400

Burnout is very real for entrepreneurs. Long hours, lots of bosses (ahem, clients), and a oft-neglected life away from your business mean we are prone to the things that kill our joy and our business. In this episode, Cara and Kim take a real look at the stress that leads to burnout and some ways you can work toward halting (or avoiding!) the blaze of burnout.

How Do You Measure Success?

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 11:00:00 -0400

We all want to be successful, but have you ever stopped to think about what defines success for you? It’s truly a different equation for all of us. Today, Cara and Kim talk about some of the attributes they and others use to define and measure success.

Branding Versus Marketing

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 03:00:00 -0400

Many people get confused between branding and marketing — in this episode, Cara and Kim help you understand the difference and how to make sure you’re doing both.

How to Stay Focused on YOUR Path as an Entrepreneur

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 03:00:00 -0400

There are so many distractions that can lead you off your path in business! Today, Kim and Cara tackle how to avoid those “squirrels” and “shiny objects” (or choose the right ones for you at least) in your entrepreneurial life so you can stay focused on reaching your goals.

Understanding Brand Values with Betsy Bird

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 03:00:00 -0400

Brand building is one of the most fun — and challenging — aspects of creating a successful business. In today's episode, Kim and Cara have an engaging (and laughter filled) conversation with Betsy Bird of Ride the Sky Photography about a unique aspect of brand building — brand values. If you want to create more appeal to potential consumers and encourage your current clients to be loyal, you won't want to miss this episode of The Business Animal!

Get your free 194 Animal-Based Business Brand Values here and figure out what you and your brand stand for right here https://ridetheskyequine.com/bap-brand-values/

Learn more about Betsy on social media

https://www.instagram.com/ridetheskyequine/

https://www.facebook.com/ridetheskyequine

Untangling Limiting Beliefs

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 03:00:00 -0400

Limiting beliefs can hold us back in both business and life. On today’s podcast, Kim and Cara get vulnerable and honest about the limiting belief challenges they’ve faced in their businesses. You’ll learn how to recognize your own limiting beliefs and how to go about resolving them.

So You Procrastinated Your Holiday Marketing ... Now What?

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 03:00:00 -0400

So You Procrastinated Your Holiday Marketing ... Now What?

You just looked at the calendar and it’s November 8th and you haven’t done any holiday marketing — yet. You’re decidedly not alone! In this episode Kim and Cara give you some great tips on marketing during the upcoming holiday quadfecta of sales days. It’s time to add some cash to the holiday coffers!

How Introverts Can Navigate the Extrovert-Focused Business World

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 03:00:00 -0400

Today, Kim and Cara bring attention to all the quiet ones, the ones in the back of the room, the ones who dread holiday parties — yes, today, we’re putting the introverts in the spotlight! Join us as we talk about the amazing super powers of the introvert and introduce you to some strategies, if you’re an introvert, to navigate the extrovert-focused business world.

Tooting Your Own Horn – How to Become Okay with Self-Promotion

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 03:00:00 -0400

Tooting Your Own Horn – How to Become Okay with Self-Promotion

Does Your Website Suck?

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 03:00:00 -0400

Your website is the front door to your business .... the question today is: Is your front door welcoming or is it repelling your customers? Can people even find it for that matter? In this episode of The Business Animal, Kim and Cara help you determine if your website is good to go or ... yikes, sucks!

Writing a Great Nurture Sequence

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 03:00:00 -0400

Nurture sequences are at the heart of Evolved Email Marketing. In today’s episode, Kim and Cara cover how to write a nurture sequence that converts.

Refining Your Sales Process

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 03:00:00 -0400

Your small business sales process is a repeatable and structured set of steps taken by a business to convert prospective consumers into clients. It’s how you make a sale by turning a POTENTIAL CLIENT into a BUYING ONE. Can you make it simpler? Can you personalize the experience? Can you automate it?

Selling on Value Instead of Price

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 03:00:00 -0400

When you set up your animal, equine or pet-based business to sell on value instead of price you are using a sales method where you price your products and/or services based on the value your customer receives from the product and/or service instead of the actual cost to, you as the business owner, to deliver or produce the product and/or service.

Also Kim wrote a book! Go show her some love by grabbing your copy of "The Little Book of Big Sales Moves: The Sales Training You've Always Wanted, But Didn't Know How to Find".

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BCSB1N5V?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

Self-Publishing with Guests Mark Weber and Martin Pugh

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 03:00:00 -0400

We’ve all got a book we want to write. Getting that book from initial concept to a published product ready to share with the world can feel like an insurmountable task. Kim and Cara sit down with Mark Weber and Martin Pugh of Marathon Press to discuss three big things that all small business owners should consider before starting the self-publishing process.

Learn more about Marathon Press right here https://www.marathonpress.com/

and check out their informative blog right here http://blog.marathonpress.com/

Dealing with Procrastination as a Business Owner

Tue, 06 Sep 2022 03:00:00 -0400

Never do today what you can put off until tomorrow — the motto of all procrastinators. In today’s episode, Kim and Cara talk about how to both overcome and embrace (yes, embrace) the tendency to procrastinate.

Build Your Online Credibility

Tue, 30 Aug 2022 03:00:00 -0400

For consumers, the internet has become the compass for our buying choices. This means as a business, you must have good online credibility. In this episode, Kim and Cara give you a guide on how to boost your digital credibility and turn that credibility into sales and loyalty.

Hosting a Successful Open House For Your Business

Tue, 23 Aug 2022 03:00:00 -0400

Open houses are a great way to draw people into your business, build your list, and reward loyal customers. In today’s episode, Kim and Cara give you three great ideas for open house happiness.

Designing Better Print and Social Media Marketing Materials

Tue, 16 Aug 2022 08:37:00 -0400

Don’t become a member of the BAD AD club! Today Kim and Cara share three design tips to help get your ad materials looking awesome!

Designing Better Print and Social Media Marketing Materials

Join us on Instagram and Facebook

https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessanimal/

https://www.facebook.com/thebusinessanimal

The Mindset Hack You May Be Missing Out On with Tara Punter

Tue, 09 Aug 2022 03:00:00 -0400

Do you have negative thoughts? About yourself, your business, life? Let’s face it, we all do! Our guest today, Tara Punter, is an NLP expert and she shares ways we can shift those negative thoughts into positive progress. This episode is jam packed with actionable steps you can take to both believe and achieve your goals.

Learn more about Tara in all the places right here:

https://www.instagram.com/tarapuntercoaching/

https://www.facebook.com/tarapuntercoaching

https://www.tarapuntercoaching.co.uk/

And listen to Tara on her podcast https://www.tarapuntercoaching.co.uk/podcast/

How to Create Your FAQ

Tue, 02 Aug 2022 03:00:00 -0400

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) are a great way to make better customer relationships while boosting your Google ratings and fulfilling your content goals for your website and social media. In today’s episode, Kim and Cara talk about how to create a great FAQ reference.

SCAMS and the Small Business Owner

Tue, 26 Jul 2022 03:00:00 -0400

SCAMS are everywhere these days and small business owners are continuously being targeted. Listen to this episode if you don’t want to fall victim to an unscrupulous company doing shady business tactics!

When the World Distracts Your Audience

Tue, 19 Jul 2022 03:00:00 -0400

How do you navigate social business conversations in an environment dominated by major news events? We’ve all been there as business owners — our social channels blowing up with conversations that are overwhelming the focus of our consumer audience. As business owners, we have to walk a difficult middle ground between being sensitive to what is going on in the world and successfully running our businesses. Although no one knows all the answers to this dilemma, Kim and Cara have three suggestions to help you find your way through the distracting environment of social business conversations.

Get More Referrals- NOW!

Tue, 12 Jul 2022 03:00:00 -0400

The Rule of 3 – for every customer you make, turn them into 3 customers.

Maintaining Your Momentum

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 03:00:00 -0400

Ahhh summer, summer, summer — and things seem to just slow down and so does our momentum around our goals and objectives. (Yeah, remember all those goals you set the first of the year!) In this episode, Kim and Cara give you tips and tricks to help you maintain your momentum through this slowdown so you stay on track.

Creating Professional Respect in Your Animal Based Business

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 03:00:00 -0400

Creating Professional Respect in Your Animal Based Business

How you present yourself — and your business — matters. Being a professional means you gain respect and confidence. Creating professional respect in your business begins with you and in this week’s episode of The Business Animal Kim and Cara break down three ways you can make the shifts necessary to gain professional respect from your industry, customers, and the public — and gain some important self-regard as a bonus!

Tapping into Your Entrepreneurial Intuition

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 03:00:00 -0400

A good entrepreneur is able to access their intuition in running and growing their animal business. That said, so many entrepreneurs we meet are not in touch with their intuition — or are skeptical (to say the least) in trusting it when making decisions. In this episode, we’re going to talk about how to access and nurture your entrepreneurial intuition.

When Writer's Block Strikes!

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 03:00:00 -0400

We all have to write things for our animal, equine & pet-based business — posts, marketing material, emails, blog posts, contracts — YIKES! What happens when you sit down at the keyboard and you BLANK? Writer’s block is REAL and it happens to even the most prolific and talented of writers. In this episode, Kim and Cara break down three ways you can break through writer’s block.

How to Create a Digital Product for Your Animal Based Business

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 09:00:00 -0400

Digital products can mean leads in your list and money in your pocket. But how do you do it? In this episode Kim and Cara break it down for you from ideation to delivery!

Three Things You Can Automate In Your Business RIGHT NOW

Tue, 31 May 2022 09:20:00 -0400

Three Things You Can Automate In Your Animal Business RIGHT NOW

There are so many tasks in our animal, equine and pet-based businesses that are repetitive. That we find ourselves doing over and over again. And they are often big time-sucks! On this week’s episode of The Business Animal, Cara and Kim give three things you can take off your plate right now through the power of automation. Listen to this episode and lighten your load!

Hack your Mindset with Nicola

Tue, 24 May 2022 03:00:00 -0400

We know how much you all love a good Mindset episode! This one really delivers. Our guest this week is Nicola Kinnard-Comedie of NKC Equestrian Training. Join Kim and Cara as we explore Nicola’s unique hack to breaking through your mindset blocks to get results and forward motion.

Learn more about Nicola and NKC Equestrian Training right here:

Nicola Kinnard-Comedie (Msc, BHSAI Int. SM) is the owner and founder of NKC Equestrian Training, delivering training to both horse owners and equine professionals alike.

Nicola has developed some outstanding online training for horse owners focusing on Horse First Aid and Equine Nutrition, all produced together with qualified vets

Nicola is a qualified riding instructor and has over 20 years industry experience, and now uses her coaching skills to assist equine practitioners. Nicola decided to combine her experience of equestrian science, sales and marketing, and teach this to others.

Building a mindset for success has been crucial to grow and develop NKC Equestrian Training. Feeling the benefits of this first hand led Nicola to train as a Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) Coach, as well as practitioner skills in Time Line Therapy™, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT or ‘tapping’) and hypnosis. Nicola works with veterinary physiotherapists, massage therapists, osteopaths and other practitioners across the world to help them build their dream business.

You can find out more about Nicola here: https://www.nkcequestrian.com/practitioners/

Want some help with your social media?

Download 100 Social Media Post Ideas here (you apply these ideas to any business!)

https://mailchi.mp/nkcequestrian.com/socialmediaguideideas

Finally you can join us on Instagram here:

https://www.instagram.com/nkc_equestrian/

Be Accountable To Your Business

Tue, 17 May 2022 03:00:00 -0400

One of the most important things you can do as a business owner is develop skills to increase your accountability to your business. As animal, equine or pet-based business owners, we are often very much alone in our business. Accountable to only ourselves… and sometimes our clients. What happens to our business when we aren’t very good at being accountable to ourselves? In this episode of The Business Animal, Kim and Cara share three tips to increase your business accountability and empower you to achieve the results you’ve been seeking.

Creating Good Habits in Your Business for Success

Tue, 10 May 2022 03:00:00 -0400

Taking the time to create habits in your daily activities will support the growth of your business and ensure your longevity in the animal, equine and/or pet-based industry that you love so much. Join Kim and Cara and they discuss three big things you can do to harness the power of better habits in your business.

Resource: https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits

Public Relations 101

Tue, 03 May 2022 06:56:00 -0400

Public relations is about putting yourself and your business in the spotlight. It is an arm of marketing many people don’t utilize to the fullest extent — or at all! It is incredibly valuable and the only investment you need to make is time.

You Should Share Your Story More Often

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 03:00:00 -0400

You Should Share Your Story More Often

Your story is highly valuable — to your business, your marketing. If you are a small business owner in an equine, pet and animal-based industry, YOU are very much your business. Your story is essential to help your audience feel connected to YOU and your business. Consumers who connect with your business are more likely to want to hear more from you and engage services when they feel connected to you and the business you represent. Join Cara and Kim as they share the BIG THREE to using your story as a path for those you serve.

Recognizing Your Unique Asset

Tue, 19 Apr 2022 03:00:00 -0400

Recognizing Your Unique Asset

Every business has a unique asset — something that they are KNOWN for that truly sets them apart from all other choices. It’s your secret sauce, your guarded recipe, the way you do it here, your patented magic. Some businesses never fully become aware of their unique asset — and those businesses don’t reach their potential. In this episode, Kim and Cara walk you through how to discover your unique asset and give you ideas on how to use it in your marketing and service.

Understanding Yourself for Greater Success

Tue, 12 Apr 2022 03:00:00 -0400

YOU are the most important asset your business has — and getting to know yourself is key in becoming an asset that moves your business forward into its greatest potential. In this episode, Cara and Kim dive into ways you can better understand yourself so you can mindfully work on creating a positive direction in your life and your business.

Upleveling Your Professional Skills

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 03:00:00 -0400

Upleveling your skills offers you the opportunity to open up increased income and refresh your business outlook. Join Kim and Cara this week as they discuss how they have both recently upleveled their skills and their offerings. You’ll find new ideas and a lot of inspiration.

How to Overcome Sales Objections

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 03:00:00 -0400

Sales objections happen. Get comfortable with that idea and then understand where they most likely come from so you can be prepared when they happen. In today’s episode of The Business Animal, Kim and Cara break down the three most common objections and give you tips on how to overcome them.

So You Want To Hire A Business Coach?

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 03:00:00 -0400

There are so many reasons you might want to work with a business coach in your animal, equine or pet-based business. Business coaches can be an incredible resource when you have a problem or a project you want to manage, but there are a few big things you need to consider prior to hiring a business coach. Join Cara and Kim as they discuss a few very important steps you should take before, during and after deciding to hire a business coach.

Why Business Owners Should Be Doing Competitive Research

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 03:00:00 -0400

Competitive research is a type of research that small businesses should be doing to monitor and analyze what your competition is doing. For animal, equine and pet based businesses it can be a way to better understand why your customers choose you over the neighboring business right down the road OR why they choose your competitor over you. Join Kim and Cara as they share the reasons you should be doing competitive research for your animal, equine, or pet-based business and the types of information you should be looking for.

Our Best Three Tips to Bring the Wow to Your Next Tradeshow or Expo

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 03:00:00 -0400

Expos and tradeshows are target rich environments for sales and marketing. Spring expo season is headed our way right now and it’s time to get ready in a way that will create success that does more than just cover the booth fee! In today’s episode, Kim and Cara talk about three key aspects of creating a happy expo experience for you and your business.

Does Mindset Really Matter?

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 03:00:00 -0400

People always tell you changing your mindset will solve many of your business problems, but is that REALLY the truth? Join Cara and Kim as they dive into the all important topic of mindset — and what they have both learned about how mindset affects your business. Don’t skip this episode because you think it’s another “sunshine and roses” talk about mindset — we keep it real and raw.

3 Ways to Better Understand Your Customers

Tue, 22 Feb 2022 03:00:00 -0400

When we start a business, we have our own reasons. As soon as our business becomes public, however, it really becomes the business of the clients and customers we serve. Really getting to know your customers is often the key to taking your business to the next level. From understanding their pain points and gain points to fully embracing their vocabulary, taking time to interview and research your customers means more engagement and more sales. It also helps you gain perspective on how your business fits into the lives and goals of your customers. In this episode, Kim and Cara break down three avenues you can explore to better understand your consumers and customers.

Self Care for Entrepreneurs

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 03:00:00 -0400

Remember all that endless excitement and energy you had when you first started working your pet, equine or animal-based business? You would spend all of your time thinking about the next step you needed to take to make your dream a reality. Man, that was an exciting time! What happens when all those things you used to enjoy suddenly become annoying, frustrating or downright dreadful? THIS IS YOUR BODIES INTERNAL WARNING SYSTEM. It’s the sign you need that it’s time to take a time-out. Join Cara and Kim this week as we discuss self care, and self compassion, for the animal, equine or pet-based business owner.

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Getting Reviews that Convert

Tue, 08 Feb 2022 03:00:00 -0400

Social Proof and Getting Better Testimonials were two of our most popular episodes last year and it has spawned a lot of interest for us to revisit some of the topics we touched upon. There is no better social proof for your animal, pet or equine-based business than customer product and service reviews. In fact, they are a key element to building an incredible brand. Join Kim and Cara as they discuss one of the easiest ways businesses can separate themselves from the competition.

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Goal Setting for the Unenthusiastic

Tue, 01 Feb 2022 07:50:00 -0400

Here we are already in the early days of 2022 and everyone is talking about their goals! Do you feel left out of the conversation? Or maybe you’re in the conversation but not sure of the value you’re getting by setting goals. This week Kim and Cara will help light a little spark of goal setting excitement and get you moving productively forward on setting goals for your animal, equine or pet based business.

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Turn Your Content Into Clients

Tue, 25 Jan 2022 03:00:00 -0400

You spend a lot of time creating content — making social posts, writing blogs, recording videos, making brochures, publishing podcasts. But how do you turn that content into clients? Content marketing is a marathon marketing strategy, but we have to set our sights on getting consumers across the finish line and into our businesses or it’s a lot of energy expended for no return. In this episode, Kim and Cara focus on three ways you can turn your content into clients.

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Banishing Your Troll For A Better Business

Tue, 18 Jan 2022 03:00:00 -0400

Trolls are that nasty little voice in your head that keeps you awake at 3:00 am reminding you of all the things you struggle with. Telling you that you just aren’t good enough. You aren’t capable. You won’t be successful. That your business will fail. Trolls prevent you from taking action, taking new opportunities or taking the next step towards your goals. This week, Cara and Kim, are pleased to welcome back Melisa Pearce of Touched by a Horse to help us identify and banish our troll. You will not want to miss this motivational episode!

We know you will want to hear more from Melisa so go check her out on her website at https://touchedbyahorse.com/ and follow her Instagram and Facebook at @touchebyahorse .

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Do you need to rebrand your business?

Tue, 11 Jan 2022 03:00:00 -0400

Rebranding is something many entrepreneurs ponder regularly. As you grow your business, you learn and shift, and you begin to wonder if you should shift your branding. Rebranding is a big decision fraught with complications and encompasses way more than your logo and company slogan. “Your brand is what people say about you when you're not in the room,” says today’s guest, Maredith Davis of Maredith Davis Design. Do you need to change that conversation? Or maybe you’ve changed the way you do business and your brand is still having the same, old conversation? Does your brand reflect the quality of work you are doing? These are all valid reasons to rebrand or tweak your current brand. Join Kim and Cara as they get Maredith’s keen insight on branding and rebranding for animal-based businesses.

Learn more about Maredith right here

Website- https://www.maredithdavis.com/

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/maredith_woods/

Important Social Media Marketing Concepts You Should Understand: Part 2, Paid Social

Tue, 04 Jan 2022 03:00:00 -0400

Paid social media advertising

Is it time to start paying for social media advertising for your animal, pet or equine-based business? Today, social media ads are among the top 5 ways that consumers are learning about new brands. On last week’s episode, covering organic social media, we learned that reach is never guaranteed, BUT paid social media increases the chances that your content gets discovered by an audience that you have specifically targeted as your ideal customer. On this week's episode of The Business Animal podcast, Kim and Cara chat through three things animal-based business owners should consider before using paid social media advertising.

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Important Social Media Marketing Concepts You Should Understand: Part 1, Organic Social

Tue, 28 Dec 2021 03:00:00 -0400

Remember the good ol’ days of social media when you didn’t have to think about things like key performance indicators (KPIs)? When you could post something on your social media platform of choice and know that a large percentage of your audience would see what you posted. Today we are lucky if even a tiny percentage of our “follower” count actually see the content we are posting and working so hard to create. But how do you measure how your social media content is actually doing? On this episode of The Business Animal podcast, Cara and Kim discuss the use of social media metrics to gauge the impact of social media activity through three key metrics: reach, engagement, and impressions.

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Embracing Inclusivity in Your Animal Based Business

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 03:00:00 -0400

It is crucial to the success and longevity of animal, pet and equine-based businesses (and it’s just the right thing to do) that you don’t just showcase diversity, but that you increase the inclusivity of voices that are different from your own in all aspects of your business. On this week's episode of The Business Animal, Kim and Cara chat with self-proclaimed serial entrepreneur, Shelly Watts of Muirneen. Shelly shares some of the crucial steps that she took, tough decisions she made, and lets us in on some of the hard conversations she undertook when developing her equine business’s mission and the products that followed. Join us for this episode!

You guys! Go check out Muirneen right now at https://www.muirneen.com/ and follow their journey online at

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/muirneen/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/muirneen

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Overcoming Obstacles in Your Animal Business

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 03:00:00 -0400

How do you overcome unexpected obstacles in your animal, equine or pet-based business? Obstacles will happen, and if there is one thing we have all learned from living through a pandemic… and running our businesses through a pandemic, is that we can’t plan for everything. However, we CAN work to navigate through those obstacles in a way that keeps our businesses moving forward. On this week's episode of The Business Animal, Kim and Cara chat with Warren Byrne of Cannahorse, who shares the story behind his equine-based business and to discuss three big ways that Warren navigated through repeated obstacles in the early stages of his business.

Learn more about Cannahorse right here:

www.CannaHorse.com

Facebook.com/Cannahorse

Instagram.com/cannahorse.co

Twitter.com/cannahorse

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Beating the Holiday Business Blues: Tips Beyond the Bubble Bath

Tue, 07 Dec 2021 03:00:00 -0400

What do you do when the holiday business blues come knocking at the door of your animal, pet or equine-based business? When your existing clients are “waiting until after the holidays” to make their purchases and potential new consumers haven’t hit their “new year, new me” excitement yet. When it seems like everyone around you is celebrating the holiday festivities but you’re feeling a little blah and wondering what the new year will bring. Join Kim and Cara as we discuss ways to navigate the holidays, rejuvenate your business, and hopefully find a little joy and cheer for the season.

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Giving Tuesday Special: Hope Held by a Horse

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 03:00:00 -0400

Giving Tuesday is here and we want to encourage you to support your favorite non-profit organization. In today's episode, Kim and Cara sit down with Suzanne Hagmaier of Hope Held by a Horse to discuss their amazing mission. Hope Held by a Horse provides a safe, positive environment, in the company of horses, to support women with breast cancer to learn, grow, and heal. Woven in with the story of Hope Held by a Horse, three survivors: Annie Young of Sawubona Ranch (https://sawubonaranch.com), Susan Bloom of Connection and Synergy (https://connectionandsynergy.com) and Cheryl Hill of Above the Spurs Coaching (https://abovethespurs.com) all share their stories around the topic of breast cancer and the healing power of horses. We truly hope you enjoy this inspiring episode of The Business Animal.

Hope Held by a Horse gives women the opportunity to reclaim a part of themselves that has been lost or diminished through the challenges of breast cancer. Our goal is to provide a place in which they can address fears and express emotional pain. The spiritual connection with horses helps them feel supported, centered, empowered and able to continue on and thrive.

Hope Held by a Horse is a 501c3 non-profit organization based in Littleton, Colorado. To find out more or donate, visit https://hopeheldbyahorse.org. Find Hope Held by a Horse on Facebook and Instagram @hopeheldbyahorse

Three Big Things and a Bunch of Little Things to be Thankful for as an Entrepreneur

Tue, 23 Nov 2021 03:00:00 -0400

Working through the holiday season as animal, equine and pet-based business owners is an exhilarating and EXHAUSTING time. While riding the roller coaster of entrepreneurial ups and downs, it can be easy to forget all the things we have to be grateful for as entrepreneurs when we are just trying to get through the day to day AND keep our sanity intact. It’s the season of giving thanks, so join Kim and Cara on this feel good episode that shines light on the positive aspects of business ownership. We laugh, we cry, we talk about Legs pantyhose and burnt popcorn for some reason too!

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Bring the WOW to the Customer First Impression

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 03:00:00 -0400

The first contact a customer has with your animal, equine or pet-based business often sets the tone for their entire experience. Today, Kim and Cara have some great ideas about how to create a wow factor right from day one AND how you can feel more confident handling the initial inquiry from potential clients.

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Why You Want to Have a Blog For Your Animal Business

Tue, 09 Nov 2021 03:00:00 -0400

Blogs are dead, right? Who reads blogs anymore? They are a lot of work and maybe you have allowed yours to grow cobwebs and get all dusty! Well get out the broom because blogging is not only still a thing — it’s an important part of your animal, equine or agri-based business marketing plan. In this episode Kim and Cara take a look at blogging — why it’s STILL important and the things you need to consider in starting (or restarting) your blogging efforts.

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You’re Not a Fraud! Destigmatizing those feelings of being an “Imposter”

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 03:00:00 -0400

If you are a business owner, and a woman, it’s pretty much a sure thing that you’ve heard the term imposter syndrome. At some point you may have even felt like a bit of an imposter in your quest to become the best animal, equine or agricultural based business owner you can. What is happening when you feel like you don’t belong in your industry? That you are “faking it until you make it" or are feeling like you aren’t worthy of your success? What if we challenge those feelings and focus less on “fixing YOU” and more on fixing the places and industries that women are now more a part of than ever before?

We recommend that you read this article: Stop Telling Women They Have Imposter Syndrome

by Ruchika Tulshyan and Jodi-Ann Burey

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How to Activate Passive Income in Your Animal Business with Phyllis Burchett of Phyllis Burchett Photo

Tue, 26 Oct 2021 03:00:00 -0400

Let’s start thinking about ways to make money while you sleep! Like most small businesses, there’s one of you and you’ve got a lot of responsibilities in your animal, equine or agricultural based business. The day to day running of your business can be all consuming and it feels like there is little time to scale your business and create more income opportunities. What if you could generate passive income streams in a way that allows you to set it… and KINDA forget it… or at least without having to invest an incredible amount of effort over and over again to create it? Creating passive income can free up your time to invest in more active income opportunities. On this episode, Kim and Cara chat with fellow photographer and entrepreneur, Phyllis Burchett, of Phyllis Burchett Photo about how she has created passive income streams that allow her to focus on the work she enjoys doing every day.

Learn more about Phyllis Burchett

Visit Phyllis Website

Follow her on Instagram and Facebook

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and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebusinessanimal

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Everything You Need To Know About Hiring a Copywriter, But Didn't Know You Needed to Ask with Jennifer Dugas Bitting of The Equine Copywriter

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 03:00:00 -0400

Is it time to hire a copywriter? On this episode Cara and Kim chat with Jennifer Dugas Bitting of The Equine Copywriter to discuss how hiring a copywriter can help animal, equine, and agri-based business owners create the best copy for websites, blog posts, social media and so much more. Jennifer talks through the three big steps necessary to create a successful relationship with a professional copywriter so you can get back to petting all the animals. Listen to the end of the episode to learn about two amazing resources Jennifer is sharing to set your copy creation up for ultimate success.

Learn more about Jennifer Dugas Bitting of The Equine Copywriter by following the links below:

https://theequinecopywriter.com/ The Equine Copywriter

Instagram

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How to Support Other Small Businesses in Your Community

Tue, 12 Oct 2021 03:00:00 -0400

Are you an animal, pet or equine-based business out there supporting other local businesses? Showing support to businesses in your local community is great for so many reasons. For starters, it keeps the local business economy booming which is also really good for YOUR animal business. On this feel good episode, Kim and Cara cover different ways that you can, and should, support other small businesses in your area at little to no cost, but for potentially huge gains to you and your business! Get ready to inspire some good karma, grow your network of support, and open your business to new ideas and opportunities.

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Your Mental Health Matters with Jason Medows

Tue, 05 Oct 2021 03:00:00 -0400

Mental health in equine, pet and/or agri-business matters. On this episode of The Business Animal, Kim and Cara chat with Jason Medows of the popular podcast, Ag State of Mind, about breaking the stigma of mental health in agriculture. Jason shares some of his favorite resources and strategies to better manage mental health in rural America.

Learn more about Jason and Ag State of Mind:

website - https://agstateofmind.com/

Instagram -

Facebook -

Do More Ag Foundation - https://www.domore.ag/

Better Help

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Bonus! What Animal-Based Business Owners Need to Know About Domestic Violence

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 12:00:00 -0400

Quick note: Before listening to this episode, please consider your own personal safety. If you are experiencing an unsafe relationship, please choose a time and location that is safe for you to listen and consider marking the episode as "unplayed" and deleting your browser history when you finish.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness month and animal, equine and pet-based business owners have an obligation to better position themselves to provide assistance to their human and animal clients BEFORE a survivor walks through the "door" of their business.

Domestic violence victims and their children often have significant bonds with their pets, with the pet offering love and comfort, and often serving as trusted confidants. People who chose to hurt animals, often do not stop at hurting animals. There is a recognized link between animal cruelty and domestic violence. Animal, equine and pet-based business owners ARE coming in contact with survivors of domestic violence and have the potential to play a lifesaving role in the prevention and response to domestic violence.

Harm to animals is an indicator crime of other violence going on in the home. In fact, abuse of animals is also a direct tool that abusers will use to control their intimate partner. Survivors will often delay leaving an abusive relationship out of fear for their animals as abusers often threaten harm or neglect of pets and/or farm animals as a means of controlling their victim. Often, there is little to no safe haven available to larger animals such as livestock or horses.

To learn more about domestic violence or to learn more about resources available to survivors, their children and their animals:

National Domestic Violence Hotline https://www.thehotline.org/ or call 1-800-799-SAFE(7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224

National Network to End Domestic Violence https://nnedv.org/

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence https://ncadv.org/

Interactive Safety Planning Tool https://www.thehotline.org/plan-for-safety/create-a-safety-plan/

Pet Safety https://www.thehotline.org/plan-for-safety/pet-safety-during-domestic-violence/

Bringing a New Idea Into the Marketplace with Nick Bourdon of Artemis

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 03:00:00 -0400

Do you have an idea that you believe will transform your animal, equine or pet-based industry? On this week’s episode, Cara and Kim speak with Artemis Horse Match founder, Nick Bourdon, about his experience bringing a new product to the equine and equestrian marketplace. Nick shares his experience in getting to better know his ideal customer AND creating a product that, not only fits their unique needs but, is designed around consumer behavior as a solution to their pain point.

Learn more about Artemis Horse Match at https://www.artemishorsematch.com/ and follow Artemis online at Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artemishorsematch/ and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtemisHorseMatch

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Battling the Batching Boredoms

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 03:00:00 -0400

You want to know the number one way to be more efficient in your animal, pet or equine-based business? Batching. Sounds incredibly boring right? BUT, you’re already doing it successfully in so many other areas of your life… Why not your business too? In this episode, Kim and Cara provide an easy to follow recipe for boredom-free batching that saves you time, keeps you consistent, and gets the work done!

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How to Target YOUR Market

Tue, 14 Sep 2021 03:00:00 -0400

Successful marketing is not about you, it’s about your customers. So that begs the question: how much do you know about your ideal customer? It’s time to take a deep dive into their life and lifestyle — and identify how you can relate to them in a way that feels natural and comfortable (but makes you a lot of money!)

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Finding and Living Your Worthy Hell Yeah! (WHY)

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 03:00:00 -0400

Your WHY is your ‘go juice.’ It’s your mantra, it’s the reason you get up in the morning, it’s the engine that powers your ambition and courage. It’s the thing that makes you go forward when life gets ‘hella hard’ and weighs you down. When you connect your WHY with your mission and your life, you make things happen. When you have a clear connection to your WHY, fear and doubt won’t steal your time and progress. So write your WHY down on paper, and announce it daily. Live your WHY out loud!

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Hashtag Your Way to Fame and Fortune on Instagram (or at least more engagement)

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 03:00:00 -0400

Hashtags are absolutely necessary on Instagram. But they are so confusing! Which ones do you use? How many? Do you repeat them? Where should you use them? Animal, equine and pet-based businesses SHOULD have a hashtag strategy that includes different types of hashtags. On this episode Kim and Cara talk about the nine different types of hashtags that business owners can start using right now to increase engagement on Instagram.

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The Art of Getting Better Customer Testimonials

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 03:00:00 -0400

Testimonials are a huge marketing boon for your business. For many new customers, they are the deciding factor in choosing you over your competition. They are so valuable, we believe it’s time for you to take your customer Testimonials to the next level! In this episode, we give you detailed tips on how to get better testimonials from your customers.

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Connect To Your Creative Magic

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 03:00:00 -0400

Creativity is vital in almost every industry, but especially for animal, pet and equine-based businesses. In our world of constant change, uncertainty, and increased need for innovation, creativity in the workplace has never been more important. Fostering a creative mindset and being able to put your “creative muscle” to work to solve problems and bring new ideas to the table may make the difference between success and failure in your business.

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Finding Your Marketing Genius

Tue, 10 Aug 2021 03:00:00 -0400

What is your distinctive, super-special secret sauce, that has your existing clients coming back for more time and again AND encourages consumers to choose your animal-based business over a similar business right down the dirt road? Maybe you already have an idea of what your unique marketing genius is BUT this episode will help you clarify what you really bring to the table in your marketing and then how you can utilize that to get (and hold) the attention of the people that you want to reach for your business.

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Stop Failing at Follow-up

Tue, 03 Aug 2021 03:00:00 -0400

The number one way for animal, pet, or equine-based businesses to increase their sales is to get comfortable with follow-up. If you get anxious when it comes to following up with potential new clients and need to create a better follow-up system that you can rely on, then this episode is for you! It’s time to build confidence around your follow-up response and grow your animal business… and your bottom line with The Business Animals.

Reaching Your Goals with Betsy Bird of Ride the Sky Equine Photography

Tue, 27 Jul 2021 03:00:00 -0400

This week's episode is all about creating strategies to reach your animal, pet, or equine-based business goals. Ever feel like you are just treading water or putting out fires instead of moving your business forward? We hear you! Are you in the process of starting a business or thinking of growing your side hustle into a full-time gig? We hear you too! This week Kim and Cara chat with Betsy Bird of Ride the Sky Equine Photography and discuss three techniques you can implement right now that will have you scaling your animal-based business to new heights!

We know that our listeners may want to learn more about the guests we invite on the podcast. Here are the ways you can connect with Betsy Bird of Ride the Sky Equine Photography.

Betsy’s Website: https://ridetheskyequine.com/

Betsy’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ridetheskyequine/

Betsy's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ridetheskyequine

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When You're Asked to Work for Free

Tue, 20 Jul 2021 03:00:00 -0400

Have you ever been asked to work for free? Maybe someone even said they will pay you in “exposure.” How do you separate what may be a great opportunity that leads to more work from non-opportunities where you bust your butt and get nothing in return? In this episode, Kim and Cara break down their thoughts around working for free.

Is It Time To Automate or Delegate in Your Animal-Based Business?

Tue, 13 Jul 2021 03:00:00 -0400

As an entrepreneur you have to know all the moving parts of your business, but that doesn’t mean you have to do all of those moving parts, yourself, forever! Is it time for you to add an automation system that will handle things for you or an employee that will take on some of the tasks in your business?

The Four Elements Every Website Needs with Denise Alvarez

Tue, 06 Jul 2021 03:00:00 -0400

Websites are your business’ digital storefront. Many times they are the first impression a potential customer has of your business. They are the place where you can create the brand look and feel that sets you apart from your competition. They are also incredibly important to being found on search engines (the modern day Yellow Pages!). All in all, websites offer the opportunity for you to reach your business marketing potential. Whether you’ve been in business a few weeks or have been established for decades, you can build the website of your dreams if you keep focused on a few key elements.

In this episode, Kim and Cara visit with website expert Denise Alvarez of Stormlily Marketing about four (yes, there’s a bonus to the BIG 3!) must haves to make your website dreams a reality!

Website Checklist: 4 MUST-HAVES

TO MAKE YOUR EQUINE

WEBSITE DREAMS A REALITY

Facebook: How To Market Your Horse Business Facebook group

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stormlilySolutions

Website: StormlilyMarketing.com

Podcast: StormlilyMarketing.com/podcast

Instagram: Instagram.com/stormlilymarketing

Choosing the Perfect Marketing Image https://thebusinessanimal.com/2021/03/03-choosing-the-perfect-marketing-image/

Creating Competitive Advantage with Emily Ascolillo

Tue, 29 Jun 2021 03:00:00 -0400

How do you stand out from your competition and foster a healthy competitive advantage in your animal, equine or pet-based industry when it feels like new businesses are popping up all around you? Kim and Cara chat with Emily Ascolillo, owner of Quite Fetching, a pet bakery and boutique located in Grafton, MA, about just what it takes to rise above the noise and stand out in a way that has continued to grow her business from an idea founded on the love of a special pet and onward through a pandemic.

You can find Emily online at:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/quitefetchingllc

Website: http://www.quitefetching.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quitefetchingbarkery/

How to Get Comfortable With Sales Conversations

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 03:00:00 -0400

Love your animal-based business, but hate the cringe-worthy feeling of closing a sale with your clients? This episode is for you! This week, Kim and Cara tackle the topic of sales conversations. Get ready to flip your sales conversation management skills from awkward to confident and become the problem solving expert your business needs you to be.

Becoming a Responsive Business with Lindsey Ardmore

Tue, 15 Jun 2021 03:00:00 -0400

Do you have a good handle on how customers move into and through your business? Are you leaving money on the table (or barn floor) because your process doesn’t support good relationship building techniques? Today, Lindsey Ardmore of The Automated Vet joins Kim and Cara for a deep discussion on how to better embrace customer relationships without adding a ton of work to your already busy schedule! Lindsey is an automation expert and her insights into how to do business better for your customers are incredibly enlightening. Join us as she shares her wisdom and lessons learned from her most recent venture helping equine veterinarians change the way they interact with their clients to a method that is smooth, easy and frees up their time to do what they are passionate about, which is to serve horses and their people!

Three Key Factors in Content Marketing

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 03:00:00 -0400

Content marketing is using what you know (your content) to persuade (market to) the right people to take you up on what you offer (sale!). In this episode, Kim and Cara take you through three key factors in making your content marketing program successful. Go beyond using your content just a social media fodder and into exploring how you can create content that wows, inspires, and converts potential customers into clients AND keeps your current customers coming back for more. Join The Business Animals as they talk about all of the “out of the box” ways to use what you know to market to people who will become your customers.

Setting Boundaries for Small Business Owners with Julie Cortes

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 03:00:00 -0400

Kim and Cara sit down with Freelance Rockstar Julie Cortes to discuss how to set boundaries as a small business owner. From customers who expect after hours service to family members who don’t respect your office door, we all have encountered having our boundaries violated. Setting clear boundaries — for yourself, your clients, and your family — is critical to your productivity and happiness as a business owner. Julie offers listeners some very practical steps they can take to set up good business practices that facilitate respect and productivity while making sure you, as the business owner, have your needs fulfilled.

Solving Problems You Don’t Have

Tue, 25 May 2021 03:00:00 -0400

Kim and Cara chat about how easy it is for small business owners to get caught up solving problems that really aren’t an issue for their business. They identify signs that small business owners can scrutinize to determine if they are currently working through a problem that their business just isn’t ready to tackle yet and acknowledge common triggers that get entrepreneurs off track, distracting from the real problems that need working right now.

As small animal, pet and/or equine-based business owners it is so easy to get caught up dreaming about all the places we hope to take our businesses. Dreaming of big business is a good thing, an exciting thing, but not ALSO meeting your business where it’s at, is a recipe for disaster. It’s so easy to look over the fence and see what other businesses are doing and feel triggered to leap into solving problems you just don’t have yet in your business. Feeling like you have to keep up with what everyone is doing around you, buy the new technology, join the new class, order the giant software program, is a common feeling for small business owners just trying to be successful. Slow down, take a deep breath, and think about YOUR business and what you really need to be successful. Look for the signs that you might be starting down a path of solving a problem that you just don’t have right now.

Creating Customer Loyalty Part 2

Tue, 18 May 2021 03:00:00 -0400

Consumers are making purchasing decisions, everyday, based on so much more than just price. They are looking for animal, pet and/or equine based businesses that have shared values, are engaging and inspire an emotional connection. Customer loyalty programs are an incredible way to provide more value to your customers and keep your customers engaged beyond the sale. They can be an inexpensive way to increase sales AND set you apart from your competition!

Creating Customer Experience That Wows!

Tue, 11 May 2021 03:00:00 -0400

Are you wowing your clients at every step of their experience with your animal, pet or equine based business?

Customers who feel appreciated, respected, valued and recognized are loyal because they have an emotional connection to your company. In this episode, Cara and Kim discuss the importance of creating a customer experience that wows your ideal client, reduces points of friction, and creates a relationship that sets your business apart from the competition and keeps your clients coming back again and again.

Creating Your Entrepreneurial Success Mindset with Melisa Pearce

Tue, 04 May 2021 03:00:00 -0400

Do you struggle with entrepreneurial overwhelm? Do you not know where to apply your focus or feel like your to-do list runs your life? Could you benefit from a better relationship with money? This week Kim and Cara sit down with guru of all things entrepreneurial mindset, Melisa Pearce of Touched by a Horse. This episode is packed with wisdom you can really use to achieve the success you’ve always wanted with your business.

Melisa Pearce is a teacher, author, psychotherapist and pioneer in the field of the human/horse healing. Over the last three decades, she has coached and helped thousands experience the healing power of horses. Melisa founded the Touched by a Horse Certification Program, a two year intensive program, that trains and certifies Equine Gestaltists. She is the author of multiple books and articles.

At the core of her approach lies her deep understanding of the transformative power of one of the most important contributions of humanistic psychology – Gestalt therapy. As a Gestaltist, Melisa has guided thousands of clients through their unfinished business to a level of self-awareness that allows room for personal responsibility and a life of self-compassion.

Melisa has also bred, shown and raised horses for over 30 years, giving her a deep understanding of their natures. She won two World Championship American Paint Horse Association awards, has bred over 200 foals, and owns multiple ranches.

Creating Customer Loyalty Programs Part 1 of 2

Tue, 27 Apr 2021 03:00:00 -0400

Part one of a two part series on creating customer loyalty programs. Today Kim and Cara visit with Terri Cage of Terri Cage Photography. Terri shares her program that turns existing customers into a branded sales team to grow her business and expand her social reach and referral network while mindfully targeting her ideal clients.

Customer loyalty programs are essential to any good lifecycle marketing program. A return customer will spend more than a new customer — and you have already invested in acquiring them, so there is more profit in return customer sales. Loyal customers are also your best source of NEW customers through their social proof actions (shares, referrals, reviews, etc.). On today’s episode, Terri shares an outstanding program she has used in her equine photography business that turns her customers and models into her own “customer based sales team!” This model is innovative and can be applied to almost any kind of animal based business. Tune in and get your creative marketing juices flowing!

Look for part two coming up in a couple of weeks!

Joint Ventures

Tue, 20 Apr 2021 03:00:00 -0400

Establishing joint ventures with like-minded business owners is one of the fastest ways to scale your animal-based business! Joint venture collaborations can allow YOUR business entrance to new markets AND new potential customers, access to specialized staff and equipment, and create an opportunity for problem solving that transcends what you may have ever thought possible.

On this episode of The Business Animal Podcast, Kim and Cara discuss some of the things to consider before pursuing a joint venture with another business, and why joint ventures are high octane fuel for scaling pet, equine and animal businesses. We share our BIG 3 things to consider before forming a joint venture with another business including the criteria that every joint venture must have in order to be successful for both parties.

Find us online at:

https://thebusinessanimal.com/

https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessanimal/

https://www.facebook.com/thebusinessanimal

Repurposing Content

Tue, 13 Apr 2021 03:00:00 -0400

Why should you be repurposing content? It just makes good business sense! The truth is only a small fraction of your audience will see your content, let alone the new potential audience you hope to reach, so repurposing the meaty content you’ve spent time and energy perfecting means that there’s a better chance you will reach your target audience.

On this episode, Kim and Cara explore the many, MANY ways animal, pet and equine based businesses can and SHOULD repurpose the content they create. We start by covering the three sources of repurposed content: 1. Content created with the thought of repurposing from the onsite, 2. Older content that has been created but is still relevant and ripe for repurposing, and 3. Established brand content that will be regularly inserted into your posting program. With these three sources of ripe and ready content in mind Kim and Cara have a conversation about the multitude of ways that content can be repurposed… So get your pen and paper ready and start creating your very own content repurposing strategy!

Get Off Your But

Tue, 06 Apr 2021 03:00:00 -0400

Are You Setting on Your But? Entrepreneurship is about so much more than just business skills — it’s also about having the right mindset. We’re talking about buts… not BUTTS! Setting on that but is the number one root cause for small business failures.

Cara and Kim talking about the three big buts that animal, pet or equine-based business owners often find themselves getting stuck on. Understanding the root of the but that’s holding you back is often the first step in moving forward. Recognizing what it is, where it comes from, and then flipping the script with the truth is just part of that process! Join us for a fun and lighthearted chat about a very serious subject that can cripple the growth of your business.

Embracing a Collaborative and Abundance Mindset with Carien Schippers of the Equine Photographers Network

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 03:00:00 -0400

Kim and Cara chat candidly with Carien Schippers, owner of Imagequine and founder of the Equine Photographers Network, about her career as an equine photographer and what motivated her to start a community of horse photographers that is today known as the Equine Photographers Network. Carien shares why she made a conscious decision to have an abundance mindset in the field of photography and how it has carried her through tough times in the industry. Carien speaks to the importance of using community to raise the standards for ALL by pulling others up with us. And finally, Carien acknowledges how she has embraced world changes throughout the years and how her business had to adapt in order to be sustainable.

Quizzes!

Tue, 23 Mar 2021 03:00:00 -0400

So admit it — you’ve taken more than one quiz online, right? We all love taking these quick — sometimes serious, sometimes not-so-much — quizzes that reveal things we may not have considered. People love learning new things about themselves AND seeing how they compare to their friends and colleagues. The subject of this episode is using quizzes as content and lead generation. Kim and Cara share their five favorite types of quizzes — and give examples of each plus tips on writing and publishing your own quiz.

Use this link and the code BIZANIMAL to get 20% off any Interact Plan! https://www.tryinteract.com/#oid=76139_4020

Social Proof

Tue, 16 Mar 2021 03:00:00 -0400

Evolved Email Marketing

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 03:00:00 -0400

Email marketing, like all digital marketing, has evolved in the past decade. Gone are the days where you could just send out a weekly newsletter and call your email marketing program a winner. Today, you need to target your emails to meet consumers and customers right where they are on their customer journey — and move with them as they step forward from potential lead to sale and follow through so they become loyal customers.

On this episode, Kim and Cara take a deep dive into the world of Evolved Email Marketing, giving you tips and techniques that will raise your email marketing IQ and how-to. You will learn:

How to use the stages of consumer awareness and the steps of the customer journey to elevate your email marketing response;
Why you should be focusing your email campaigns on engagement versus sales;
The first steps you should take to evolve your email marketing program;
Considerations for good list hygiene practices.

Also included in this episode is a download of the 5 Marketing Emails Every Business Needs. It is available at: https://thebusinessanimal.com/2021/03/04-evolved-email-marketing

Episode produced by ZappSocial. Thanks Jaz!

Choosing the Perfect Marketing Image

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 03:00:00 -0400

Consumers are inundated with hundreds — if not thousands — of marketing images every day. How do you choose images that get noticed, communicate your brand message, and create an action that results in a sale? In this episode, Kim and Cara give you some insight on what you should consider when choosing that perfect image to represent your business.

Think about all the images you see on a daily basis. From social media to the billboards you drive past to the packaging on your favorite products. You are continuously bombarded with marketing images. So how do YOU select the perfect images to support your animal based business? What types of imagery will best represent your brand and align your company to your ideal client?

Before you begin choosing images, it is a good idea to do a lot of customer research. The better you understand your customer, the better you will be at choosing images that will attract them.

You also need to consider the story you want to tell, and where and how the image you select will be used; such as social media, website, print ads, or maybe even a billboard.

Once you know the story you want to tell, you should begin to seek out how you can obtain that perfect image. You have many options — you can take your own images, hire a professional photographer, or license images from a stock image provider.

Visit https://thebusinessanimal.com/episodes/ for extended show notes, resources, video tips and more. Don't forget to DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE MARKETING IMAGE CHECKLIST!!

Episode produced by ZappSocial. Thanks Jaz!

Build Your Sustainability Squad

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 03:00:00 -0400

Building a network is one of the best — and most important — things you can do in your life and your business. Whether you’re in growth mode with your business or learning how to balance life with entrepreneurship, your network is there to support you and motivate you. In this episode, Kim and Cara talk about how to build a Sustainability Squad. This is your support network as an entrepreneur, and the people you recruit for this squad can make a huge difference in your bottom line and your peace of mind. You’ll learn six key roles you should fill in your own squad plus pick up some great tips on how to find and work with each.

FREE “RECRUIT YOUR SUSTAINABILITY SQUAD” WORKBOOK! Have fun and build that mindful network you need to give you the “go juice” to realize your business goals with this handy workbook. Learn where to fill each of the six “roles” of your squad and drill down on how you can get (and provide) the most value for each. Download on the episode show notes page of The Business Animal Website.

Show produced by Zappsocial. Thanks Jaz!

The Accidental Entrepreneur

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 06:00:00 -0400

Did you plan to be an entrepreneur — or did it just happen? In this episode we’ll discuss our Big 3 Things we wished we’d known before we became entrepreneurs. Plus you’ll learn some great trivia about both of us — including those careers we had planned and how it all evolved into the businesses we succeed at today.

What to listen for:

How two ambitious, conscientious women turned their passion for photography and animals into successful careers — without having a formal education in photography or business.
How we overcame the difficulties of starting — and growing — our businesses. You’ll hear us discuss our experiences with bankruptcy, depression, corporate career shifts, vicarious ptsd, and more.
The good things about being an entrepreneur and how they've impacted our lives — freedom, financial growth, independence, etc.
Why we chose our specific Big Three takeaways and the impact these lessons have had on each of our businesses.
Ideas for how you can apply the lessons from our experience to your entrepreneurial journey.

Visit https://thebusinessanimal.com for show notes, links, and more.

Episode produced by Zappsocial THANKS JAZ!

The Business Animal Trailer

Sun, 31 Jan 2021 16:02:00 -0400

First Episode February 16! Saddle up for a gallop to the top of the animal industry where you’ll learn how to tame your wild business beast with tips, techniques and tools that will take overwhelm to obedience school- and have you wagging your tail with joy.