Last year, I attended the Texas Pet Sitters Conference for the first time. This year, I made my way back to Lewisville, TX and was thrilled to attend what has become one of my favorite annual work events.
Another Year, Another TX Pet Sitters Conference: Reuniting with Friends
Last year, I attended four pet sitters conferences. It was a record for me - and worth it!
I started the year with the Texas Pet Sitters Conference in Lewisville, TX and almost immediately went to New Orleans for the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters Conference. Then, later in the year, I attended the first-ever Florida Pet Sitters Association Conference and finished up the year at the Pet Sitters International Conference, which was held in Winston-Salem, NC.
In addition to the education I received - more on that later - these conferences allow me to make and reunite with friends in the industry. A small, tight-knit community, the pet sitters I connect with are entrepreneurs and small business owners like me. They strive to grow a professional operation while maintaining exceptional standards and employee retention. It's not an easy job and chatting with industry friends has proven invaluable in my quest to take Hearts at Home Pet Sitting to its fullest potential.
Another Year, Another TX Pet Sitters Conference: Checking in with Myself
After attending these conferences, I often feel inspired and motivated to challenge myself and improve my life and business. Maybe it's the pride I feel in being part of the pet sitting industry; it could also be the energy that comes with connecting with others of like mind. No matter the reason, I always return from these conferences with a desire to do more and do better.
This year, I was inspired by Coach Brandon Mancine, a fitness and health expert who challenged us to prioritize our health and well-being. Many pet sitting business owners are busy and being pulled from various directions at all times. Running a service industry business that operates 24/7 can certainly stand in the way of fitness and diet goals. Yet, as small business owners, we are an integral part of the operation and often fully responsible for its success.
Coach Mancine's presentation motivated me to bring self-care to my schedule, make movement a daily commitment, and to be kind to myself even when I don't get it right. As a wife, mom, grandmother, and professional pet sitter, I often put the needs of others before my own. Coach Mancine reminded me that I need to be at the top of the list so that I can be my best self to all those that look to me for assistance.
Another Year, Another TX Pet Sitters Conference: Staying on Top of Industry Trends
As with any industry, technology impacts our daily operations. Joining these conferences allows me to discuss trends with other similar businesses. While we were in Texas, over 20 states were represented, allowing me to connect with a pet sitter from Roanoke, VA, and even a pet sitter from Canada. Learning from each other keeps us at the forefront of industry trends and standards, which is invaluable for a small business such as ours.
I love to share Hearts at Home on social media and believe I do a great job of staying on top of blogs, social media posts, and more. That said, by understanding how consumers can be better reached, how to target local pet parents, and how to reach more people looking for dog walking and pet sitting services in and around Yorktown, I can bring much-needed relief to families that need it.
Another Year, Another TX Pet Sitters Conference: Representing Yorktown
One of my favorite things to do at pet sitters conferences is to represent my business and area. While Yorktown is known for its history, many of my fellow industry participants have never visited. I enjoy sharing what life is like here in Coastal Virginia.
I also like to brag about my clients and team. Our clients' commitment to their pets fills my heart. Working with dedicated pet lovers to meet their cats, dogs, and small animals needs is my purpose. I am also so proud of the team I have built and the difference we continue to make in the lives of busy families and their beloved companion animals.
Hearts at Home Pet Sitting provides in-home dog walking and pet sitting services in Yorktown, Poquoson, Newport News, and Hampton, Virginia. If you are interested in registering with us, please complete a new client questionnaire here. Existing clients may request services here. Please visit our website or contact us by email at Hello@HeartsAtHomePetSitting.com or by phone at 757-745-9868 to learn more.