It is possible over time to run a full-time Dog Training Business - grounded in education, ethics and values.
Even if right now, that feels like a million miles away
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Even when you don't know where to start or what that will look like​
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Even when you doubt your skills and abilities
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Even when your a total newie at business, or a total technophobe
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Even if this is your "second career" or you're returning to work
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I won't pretend it will be easy, but it is possible with hard work, dedication and guidance.
What often starts as a passion
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An enthusiasm leads to a quiet wondering of could this potentially be a full time business?
You’ve attended the courses, got some hands-on experience, invested in your learning and education (or maybe even begun shadowing a local trainer) and began to dip your toes in the world of self employment.
You have the insurance, you’re registered as self-employed, and you might even have your Facebook Business Page or have had a go at creating a website…
But, very quickly you’ve realised that there is a lot more to running a Dog Training Business than meets the eye.
Friends, and family while supportive in their own way, don't appreciate how much you care about dog’s and their welfare, or how much you want to make this business work.
Crippling self doubt about your knowledge and abilities, means that you're stuck between a rock and a hard place not earning anywhere near enough money to make it work, but being too scared to put yourself out there.
When you do put yourself out there, you’re either met with radio silence or comments like “that’s nice, I will keep you in mind”.
Hanging out in Facebook groups, looking for nuggets of information on where to start and what to do next, leaves you more confused and retreating further and further back, unable to take action.
You want to move forward, to make it work but just need a leg up, a helping hand and some guidance on where to begin, and where to go next.
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Area's you might need targeted support with to get you started
With Five years of industry specific knowledge, from start up’s to seasoned practitioners my role is to support you to take small, but effective steps forwards establishing your business in your local area.
Local Marketing Approach
Helping you to understand and implement Local Marketing Strategies that enable you to reach more people in your immediate area to tell them who you are, what you do and how you can help them and their dog.
Getting organised as a Business Owner
Lay strong foundations, systems and habits that set you up as a business owner helping you to step confidently into running your business.
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Social Media
Explore the basics of Social Media, how to set up and optimise your Facebook Business Profile so that you know what to post, and when to reach a wider audience.
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Identifying who you are and what you do
How to know who your target audience are, what problems they have and how you can help while staying in line with your education, experiences and abilities.
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Your services and pricing
Clarify your services, and pricing so that you can tell people clearly what you do and how you can help them (instead of freezing on the spot, when someone asks you want you do)
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Most importantly
your mindset
Learn how to work on your mindset, your confidence and your self belief to help you to navigate overwhelm, recover from setbacks and maintain forward momentum.
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How it works, getting started
There are two main ways I can support you.
If you are an independent learner, and value being in a group environment but just need some guidance, information and direction.
The Dog Business Hub: Membership is for you (Waitlist open for 2025)
With regular group calls, targeted learning, group discussions and peer support you can join my monthly group membership.
The membership starts from £100.00 per Month, with a minimum commitment of three months, numbers are capped to ensure I can get to know you as an individual and your own requirements.
If you prefer a 1-2-1 learning environment, that’s more targeted towards you, your business and where you are right now.
You might prefer my Coaching and Mentoring Programs.
Meeting fortnightly, for three months, we will explore your business, personal circumstances and goals in depth. So that together we can identify what needs your focus first, and what your first steps towards reaching those goals are. Taking small, but effective steps forwards to getting your business established in your local community.
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I'm curious, what happens next?
The first step is what we call a "Discovery Call" so we can get to know each other better and make sure I’m the right Mentor & Coach for you.
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This call is free and will last approx. 45 mins. Usually over Zoom, although phone calls are welcome if you would prefer.
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During that time, you will have an opportunity to talk through your goals and idea's, and discuss any barriers you face as well as what support you feel you would benefit from.
After the call, you will receive an email outlining what we discussed as well as the different packages available to you.
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Mentoring packages start with an initial investment of three months, and can then move to a rolling retainer contract for clients who value ongoing direction, support and accountability.
Not quite what you are looking for, visit my other Mentoring Packages for more established business owners.
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How does it work?After our initial chat, once we have had a chance to get to know each other and I can understand more about you, your business and what your looking to work on. I will share with you the package I think will be most suitable. From there you will have time to go away, have a think, ask any questions and come back when you are ready to begin. Every package begins with a 90 minute Kick off call, to help me get as quickly up to speed with your business, any immediate time sensitive challenges you face and to understand your goals and idea's in more detail. From there we will meet fortnightly for an hour to collaborate together to help you keep moving forward to where you want to be at the end of our time together. In between you can message me, send voice notes or emails and have me in your back pocket as a source of support and encouragement, accountability or to ask for feedback. Depending on the complexity of your Project we may use shared resources such as Trello or Google Drive, full training and support is given if these are new to you. Packages start with an initial three month agreement, to give us a good amount of time to get started, from there we will either finish up or you will move onto a rolling agreement. Most clients enjoy the support so much, they choose to stay with me for a long time allowing me to really get involved in their business development and watch them grow year after year.
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Why dog businesses?Whilst I am not a practicing Dog Trainer, I have worked in the industry since 2015. I initially ran a home boarding, day care and walking business and started my journey immersed in the world of rescue. Through my first mentor, I realised just how many people in this industry need support to run their businesses due to the unique nature of the role. By working with reward based Dog Trainers I still get to contribute to helping more people access help for their dogs and prevent them ending up in rescue. I have had the pleasure of working with over 100 trainers over the last four and a half years, and find my role incredibly fulfilling not only working with my clients but hearing about the work they do and being a small part in creating a better future for our dogs.
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What area's are you most passionate about?On a personal level, working with people who are kind, open minded and truly want to create businesses that make a difference in the world, whilst creating an income for their families. Seeing clients grow in confidence, increase their resilience and trust in their own abilities as business owners. Business wise, I am multi passionate but especially enjoy helping clients design/redesign their program's and services, improve their customer experience and client retention. As well as seeing projects come alive that provide more good quality educational resources into the hands of the general public.
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What area's do you not enjoy or can't help with?I am not a marketing expert, whilst I can give a lot of creative input and have a good understanding of social media, local marketing approaches and list building.I am not the best person for you if you are looking for done for you, hands on marketing help. I have a fantastic group of colleagues who have their own unique skillsets and can cross-refer you to someone else if you have a specific project in minds that requires a more advanced level of marketing.
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Do you offer any other services for Dog Professionals?Yes! My membership The Dog Business Hub is a hybrid learning environment that offers group learning, resources and support specifically for people within the Dog Industry. We currently have Dog Trainers, Behavioral Practitioners, Dog Walkers and Pet Photographer in the small, but active community. With the option to bolt on additional monthly Coaching, The Dog Business Hub is a more cost effective option for people who would like to work with me but who aren't yet ready for more targeted mentoring work. Doors are currently closed and will re-open Early 2025, if you would like to enquire, or be added to the wait list please send me an email on hello@coachingbysashalouisesmith.com