Episodios

  • For Better or Worse: Surviving, Then Thriving Together as Business Partners

    For Better or Worse: Surviving, Then Thriving Together as Business Partners
    Sep 16 2025
    DESCRIPTION What does it really take to build a successful business partnership—and how do you navigate the bumps along the way? In this candid episode, Jo & Vicky discuss the real-life journey of their business partnership. They share the highs, lows, and the lessons learned. Jo & Vicky cover understanding personality differences, improving communication, and not killing each other in the first few months. They share how embracing self-awareness transforms your relationships with clients as well as your business, and how to turn the challenges of partnering up into opportunities that create a far stronger business than one you could develop alone. KEY TAKEAWAYS Regularly communicate openly and honestly with your business partner to address challenges early. Understand and make allowances for both your own and your partner’s personality types and working styles. Embrace self-awareness and be willing to work on your personal growth for the benefit of the partnership. Clearly define roles and expectations, but be ready to help each other as you learn and grow together. Be patient with each other. Don’t be afraid to seek external help, especially when you are facing challenges. Jo & Vicky hired a mentor to help them grow. Make time to work on the business, not just in the business, to accelerate growth and decision-making. Use structured frameworks like DISC profiling to improve collaboration and understanding. Ask open questions to encourage discussion rather than just yes/no answers. E.g. This is my idea, what do you think about it? Accept and leverage each partner’s unique strengths instead of trying to change each other. BEST MOMENTS “That's how I knew you were the right person, because we want to achieve the same thing.” “I think it’s more intense than marriage … it can be make or break as to whether that business works.” “I love our journey, it’s really fun looking back on it.” “It works because I’m you and you are me.” “You need to keep having the conversations of what we are prepared to do for the business and what we're not prepared to do." “It is that dance that you have to learn.” EPISODE RESOURCES Andy Nisivic episode - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-impact-your-personality-profile-has-on-your/id1727170978?i=1000668232509 https://onedegree.uk – DISC personality profiling SOCIALS AND IMPORTANT LINKS https://www.tiktok.com/@letstalkdogbusiness https://www.youtube.com/@LetsTalkDogBusiness Website www.caninebusinessacademy.com Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/caninebusinessacademycommunity/ Let´s Talk Dog Business Strategy Book - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lets-Talk-Dog-Business-Strategy/dp/1068791705 Email hello@caninebusinessacademy.com ABOUT THE HOSTS Meet Jo and Vicky! They bring a combined 25 years of expertise in the canine industry. Jo, with a background in corporate business, and Vicky, a dedicated advocate for rescue organisations, form an unstoppable team. Beyond the mic, their lives are a whirlwind – managing two successful businesses, pursuing a full-time university degree, and parenting two little ones under four. Each of their homes combined is a lively menagerie, housing five dogs and an abundance of chickens. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
    Más Menos
    55 m
  • The Power of Overcoming Fear of Judgement and Sharing Your Success

    The Power of Overcoming Fear of Judgement and Sharing Your Success
    Sep 9 2025
    DESCRIPTION Are you holding back from putting yourself out there and sharing your achievements because you fear being judged? Today, Jo & Vicky look at the real reasons behind self-doubt, imposter syndrome and a reluctance to self-promote, that holds so many business owners back. They explain how embracing your unique story and confidently sharing your wins inspires others while also accelerating the growth of your business. They share practical strategies that enabled them to overcome imposter syndrome and share what they knew. A move that enabled them to build their training businesses, create The Canine Business Academy, reach and help hundreds of people and win awards. KEY TAKEAWAYS Sharing your achievements and what you offer is not about ego. It´s about serving your audience. If you say nothing, people never know there is a solution available for their problem. Overcome imposter syndrome by recognizing your unique strengths and focusing on your purpose. Be the bouncer of your own club. Define your audience – people you can genuinely help and work with effectively. Then, focus on attracting them. They will truly appreciate what you offer. Be authentic and share your story, it builds trust. It´s OK to turn people off. What you offer and how you work is not going to suit everyone. You are not a good fit - they don´t need you and you don´t need them. If you don´t take what you do seriously other people won´t either. Your job is not a hobby. Confidence comes naturally once you are clear about who you are, what you stand for and what you have to offer. Personal development matters, it is the main fuel for your business growth. Without authenticity, confidence and overcoming imposter syndrome you can´t grow very fast. Celebrating true wins, even if they are small ones, inspires both you and others. BEST MOMENTS “If something inside you will not shut the f**k up… that needs to get out to the world, and it’s your job to do it.” “Everything comes back down to purpose. What do you want to achieve? Who do you want to help?” “If you keep it a secret, which effectively is what a lot of you are doing… You’re doing those people out there that need you, your knowledge, and what you’ve got a disservice.” “It's not that I'm a bigger person than you or a better person than you. It's just that I know who I am, and that's it.” SOCIALS AND IMPORTANT LINKS https://www.tiktok.com/@letstalkdogbusiness https://www.youtube.com/@LetsTalkDogBusiness Website www.caninebusinessacademy.com Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/caninebusinessacademycommunity/ Let´s Talk Dog Business Strategy Book - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lets-Talk-Dog-Business-Strategy/dp/1068791705 Email hello@caninebusinessacademy.com ABOUT THE HOSTS Meet Jo and Vicky! They bring a combined 25 years of expertise in the canine industry. Jo, with a background in corporate business, and Vicky, a dedicated advocate for rescue organisations, form an unstoppable team. Beyond the mic, their lives are a whirlwind – managing two successful businesses, pursuing a full-time university degree, and parenting two little ones under four. Each of their homes combined is a lively menagerie, housing five dogs and an abundance of chickens. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
    Más Menos
    41 m
  • Taking Your Business to the Next Level: Countdown to The Canine Business Academy Conference

    Taking Your Business to the Next Level: Countdown to The Canine Business Academy Conference
    Sep 2 2025
    DESCRIPTION In this episode, Jo & Vicky tell you more about what you can expect and achieve by attending their first Canine Business Academy Conference on 11-12 September at Village Hotel, Solihull. They explain who the conference is for, how it will help you with personal development, mindset, business strategies and growth, networking and working collaboratively so that you can grow faster. If you've not yet got your tickets, there's still time – You just need to book here - https://www.caninebusinessacademy.com/cba-conference-2025 KEY TAKEAWAYS If you are a force-free trainer or a behaviourist that is ready to move from winging it, only just making enough money to get by, to running your business with purpose and confidence, the CBA conference is definitely for you. Conferences are a great place to genuinely connect with others. You cannot beat the support of people who are following a similar path to you. Networking creates opportunities to work with other dog business owners, so you can both be more effective and both make a better profit. The speakers and mentors all offer insights and advice based on real-world experience. Expect plenty of Aha moments. The CBA conference is designed to empowers attendees to become more self-aware, improve their mindset and grow their confidence. It supports both personal and professional development. BEST MOMENTS “The bare minimum salary somebody (a single person) needs to live a very basic life in the UK is £28k.” “What life do you want to be leading? What do you want your business to look and feel like? All of this comes down to literally mapping out that roadmap.” “Every decision you make is going to impact not only that financial goal, it's going to impact how you're spending your time.” “Don't think that we're getting rich from this conference because we are not. It's the complete opposite, actually. But there's a bigger picture.” “When we talk about a roadmap, we do mean staying on a track, but what we don't mean is literally that tunnel vision of sticking your fingers in your ears.” EPISODE RESOURCES If you´ve enjoyed or benefited from any of our podcasts, courses or our book. https://share.google/wgGEcJzpJGZu0xIRY - Please click this link or copy and paste it into your browser and leave us a review on our Google business listing. Joseph Rowntree Report £28k income - https://www.jrf.org.uk/a-minimum-income-standard-for-the-united-kingdom-in-2024#:~:text=A%20single%20person%20needs%20to,prices%20all%20rose%20in%20April. SOCIALS AND IMPORTANT LINKS https://www.tiktok.com/@letstalkdogbusiness https://www.youtube.com/@LetsTalkDogBusiness Website www.caninebusinessacademy.com Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/caninebusinessacademycommunity/ Let´s Talk Dog Business Strategy Book - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lets-Talk-Dog-Business-Strategy/dp/1068791705 Email hello@caninebusinessacademy.com https://www.caninebusinessacademy.com/cba-conference-2025 ABOUT THE HOSTS Meet Jo and Vicky! They bring a combined 25 years of expertise in the canine industry. Jo, with a background in corporate business, and Vicky, a dedicated advocate for rescue organisations, form an unstoppable team. Beyond the mic, their lives are a whirlwind – managing two successful businesses, pursuing a full-time university degree, and parenting two little ones under four. Each of their homes combined is a lively menagerie, housing five dogs and an abundance of chickens. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
    Más Menos
    49 m
  • Market Saturation: Turning Competition into Opportunity and Thriving in a Crowded Market

    Market Saturation: Turning Competition into Opportunity and Thriving in a Crowded Market
    Aug 26 2025
    DESCRIPTION In this episode, Jo & Vicky shatter the "saturated market" myth. They explain how to turn your fear that there is too much competition in your area into a strategic advantage. It pushes you to take a fresh look at your business and identify your unique offering and gaps that need filling. You become more effective at making would-be customers more aware of why you are worth hiring instead of the competition, all of which enables you to continue charge enough to make a good living. Listen in to learn how to turn competition into your greatest opportunity, instead of joining the “race to the bottom”. KEY TAKEAWAYS Don't automatically assume that competition means there are not enough clients to go around. Most areas have a lot more dogs than service providers can serve. You only need a limited number of clients to succeed. You don't need to attract every potential client, just the right ones for your business. Avoid the "race to the bottom". Lowering your prices rarely helps. However, there can be a place for genuine special offer campaigns. Focus on your unique value and delivering high quality. Continue to charge what you are worth. Conduct a SWOT analysis to objectively assess your business strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Jo & Vicky´s course includes a module on doing this. You can learn a lot from your competitors. New competition is an opportunity to review and strengthen your business. Identify weaknesses in your competitors´ businesses. Filling those gaps is an opportunity for you. Approach business challenges logically, stay confident in your unique offerings, and see competition as a chance for growth rather than a threat. BEST MOMENTS “Pivot into using it (competition) as an opportunity, rather than something to be scared of.” "Why am I stressing out so much that all these people are going elsewhere when I only need five new people to succeed." “I don’t want to lower my fees because then I’m going to have to work 10 times as hard to actually just put food on the table and pay my bills and deliver a s**t service whilst doing it.” SOCIALS AND IMPORTANT LINKS https://www.tiktok.com/@letstalkdogbusiness https://www.youtube.com/@LetsTalkDogBusiness Website www.caninebusinessacademy.com Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/caninebusinessacademycommunity/ Let´s Talk Dog Business Strategy Book - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lets-Talk-Dog-Business-Strategy/dp/1068791705 Email hello@caninebusinessacademy.com ABOUT THE HOSTS Meet Jo and Vicky! They bring a combined 25 years of expertise in the canine industry. Jo, with a background in corporate business, and Vicky, a dedicated advocate for rescue organisations, form an unstoppable team. Beyond the mic, their lives are a whirlwind – managing two successful businesses, pursuing a full-time university degree, and parenting two little ones under four. Each of their homes combined is a lively menagerie, housing five dogs and an abundance of chickens. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
    Más Menos
    50 m
  • Annoying Clients – Is It Them or Is It You?

    Annoying Clients – Is It Them or Is It You?
    Aug 19 2025
    DESCRIPTION Are annoying clients really the problem, or could you be the source of some of their frustration? In this episode, Jo & Vicky reveal the surprising truth about why clients seem "annoying" and the role not managing customer expectations often plays when that happens. They explain how to master the art of clear communication, set realistic outcomes, and create services that truly serve both you and your clients. If you've ever found yourself frustrated with "difficult" clients, this episode will change your perspective and give you the tools to create a more harmonious, successful business. Listen in to answer the question: Is the problem really my client, or is it me? KEY TAKEAWAYS Never assume clients fully understand what they are buying. Clearly communicate what clients can expect from your service, focusing on outcomes rather than just selling time or sessions. Set realistic expectations from the beginning, explain the process, potential challenges and the type of support they can expect. Be flexible and supportive. Avoid damaging your reputation by venting about clients in professional groups or online forums. Approach client communication with empathy. Try to understand why they might struggle to complete tasks. Be transparent about the time and effort required to achieve the required result. If you offer one-off sessions, make it clear that the problem won´t be 100% solved at the end. Regularly seek and incorporate client feedback to improve your service and communication. Be very clear about the work the client needs to do in between sessions, but be patient. Managing expectations is a multifaceted process that requires ongoing communication and support. BEST MOMENTS "Do they know what's coming next? Do they know what's expected of them? Or do you just spring stuff on them and then get annoyed that they're not doing the work." "Our role is to manage their expectations right from the outset." “You have to start asking yourself, ‘What do you want them to walk away with, and what do you want to walk away with?’” “It gets really messy, because you're essentially trying to sell an hour of your time, and you're not selling an outcome.” “Look at who you’re helping, what your service is supposed to do and how you can communicate that clearly.” "Some people find it a bit judgey, even though it's supposed to be constructive criticism." “It's not our job to be coming down them like a tonne of bricks.” SOCIALS AND IMPORTANT LINKS https://www.tiktok.com/@letstalkdogbusiness https://www.youtube.com/@LetsTalkDogBusiness Website www.caninebusinessacademy.com Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/caninebusinessacademycommunity/ Let´s Talk Dog Business Strategy Book - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lets-Talk-Dog-Business-Strategy/dp/1068791705 Email hello@caninebusinessacademy.com ABOUT THE HOSTS Meet Jo and Vicky! They bring a combined 25 years of expertise in the canine industry. Jo, with a background in corporate business, and Vicky, a dedicated advocate for rescue organisations, form an unstoppable team. Beyond the mic, their lives are a whirlwind – managing two successful businesses, pursuing a full-time university degree, and parenting two little ones under four. Each of their homes combined is a lively menagerie, housing five dogs and an abundance of chickens. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
    Más Menos
    46 m
  • Canine Business Academy Live (CBA Live) – When, Where and Why You Don’t Want to Miss It

    Canine Business Academy Live (CBA Live) – When, Where and Why You Don’t Want to Miss It
    Aug 12 2025
    DESCRIPTION In this episode, Jo & Vicky announce the details of the very first Canine Business Academy Live event aka CBA Live. They share why they decided to do an in-person event and what you can expect when you attend. If you are a part of the dog world, someone who's working with dogs in some way, shape or form, someone who wants more for their business, more for their life, and more for themselves, this conference is for you. Regardless of what stage you're at, whether you're just starting out, are already turning over 6 figures or are somewhere in between, CBA Live is the right room for you. It´s time to transform your dog business, so secure your spot at CBA Live - https://www.caninebusinessacademy.com/cba-conference-2025. You really don´t want to miss this game-changing event. It will be 2 days of dog business inspiration, strategies that work and collaboration opportunities. KEY TAKEAWAYS Business and learning do not need to be stuffy; they can be fun. CBA Live will definitely be lively, fun and inspirational. Networking and collaboration feed growth, and the CBA Live event is the perfect place to meet like-minded people you can work with. You can expect practical, actionable advice from Jo, Vicky and their guest speakers. There will be great knowledge being shared on stage, but don´t underestimate the amount you will learn by chatting to fellow attendees. The event will have something for everyone regardless of what stage they are at in their business journey, including people who are just investigating joining the industry. BEST MOMENTS “We promise to make it something that will be unforgettable for all the right reasons.” "We want everyone to walk away feeling like they can do it, and they are worth it." “We´ve formed collaborations in those (live event) rooms that have been life changing.” “The CBA Conference means a lot to us.” “There will be dancing. There is no way that there will not be dancing.” “Positivity is what we're trying to bring, there'll be no negative vibes, nothing like that.” "We believe that everybody should love their business." "Business should be fairly simple. The simplicity is the strategy." SOCIALS AND IMPORTANT LINKS https://www.tiktok.com/@letstalkdogbusiness https://www.youtube.com/@LetsTalkDogBusiness Website www.caninebusinessacademy.com Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/caninebusinessacademycommunity/ Let´s Talk Dog Business Strategy Book - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lets-Talk-Dog-Business-Strategy/dp/1068791705 Email hello@caninebusinessacademy.com ABOUT THE HOSTS Meet Jo and Vicky! They bring a combined 25 years of expertise in the canine industry. Jo, with a background in corporate business, and Vicky, a dedicated advocate for rescue organisations, form an unstoppable team. Beyond the mic, their lives are a whirlwind – managing two successful businesses, pursuing a full-time university degree, and parenting two little ones under four. Each of their homes combined is a lively menagerie, housing five dogs and an abundance of chickens. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
    Más Menos
    30 m
  • Using Effective Follow Up to Supercharge Your Business Growth

    Using Effective Follow Up to Supercharge Your Business Growth
    Aug 6 2025
    DESCRIPTION In this episode, Jo & Vicky look at something that a lot of entrepreneurs get wrong – following up with would-be or existing clients. Those dog business owners that fail to follow up in the right way are leaving a lot of cash on the table, so this episode is important. Using the tried and tested strategies Jo & Vicky share will help you to stay in touch with existing customers so that when they need more dog-related services it is you that they will turn to. They also cover making the right impression on potential clients, fully understanding what they need, demonstrating that you offer it and follow up in a way that will persuade them to buy. KEY TAKEAWAYS Develop the right mindset about follow up. It is not being pushy. Done the right way, it is actually helpful. People´s circumstances change, so they may say yes to something at a later date. Follow up with past clients to see if you can help them with something else. Only take on clients that are a good fit for you. Focus on understanding the needs of your clients and what they are trying to achieve. When you do that you automatically make more sales. Often, during their initial contact, customers hold back a bit. Use gentle questioning to uncover what they actually need. Most people are not naturally good at sales. They struggle to get the balance right, so don´t be discouraged. With sales, practice, definitely makes perfect. The more leads you follow up on, the better you become at making sales. Don´t let the fact that what you are offering has a high-ticket value put you off from following up. If a client needs that type of help, they will find a way to pay for it at some point. Remember you are trying to persuade the human, not the dog. BEST MOMENTS “If you can have a strategy that focuses on retaining your existing client base, your business is onto a winner.” "You may feel like it's icky and pushy and not your place to change somebody's mind." "You're not in the business of dogs. You are in the business of people…. really think about the person again and what they need." "You can't sell something that costs £997 to somebody that you don't believe is going to give them the outcome." “Ask the right questions… it shouldn’t feel like you are selling.” "It's not your job to persuade somebody. You don´t have to justify yourself. The person you are talking to has to see the value." “You have to come from that place of service and integrity, and you have to look at people as people.” SOCIALS AND IMPORTANT LINKS https://www.tiktok.com/@letstalkdogbusiness https://www.youtube.com/@LetsTalkDogBusiness Website www.caninebusinessacademy.com Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/caninebusinessacademycommunity/ Let´s Talk Dog Business Strategy Book - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lets-Talk-Dog-Business-Strategy/dp/1068791705 Email hello@caninebusinessacademy.com ABOUT THE HOSTS Meet Jo and Vicky! They bring a combined 25 years of expertise in the canine industry. Jo, with a background in corporate business, and Vicky, a dedicated advocate for rescue organisations, form an unstoppable team. Beyond the mic, their lives are a whirlwind – managing two successful businesses, pursuing a full-time university degree, and parenting two little ones under four. Each of their homes combined is a lively menagerie, housing five dogs and an abundance of chickens. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
    Más Menos
    55 m
  • Everyone Has a Negativity Bias: Don´t Let Yours Get in the Way of Your Contentment and Success

    Everyone Has a Negativity Bias: Don´t Let Yours Get in the Way of Your Contentment and Success
    Jul 30 2025
    DESCRIPTION In this episode, Jo & Vicky look at the negativity bias that all humans have – the tendency to fixate on what is wrong and get unnecessarily worked up about it. Beating yourself up for past mistakes you made years ago, constantly comparing yourself unfavourably with others and being overly critical are all examples of our negativity bias taking over, which leaves you feeling stressed and deflated. In a gentle and sometimes funny way, Jo & Vicky share how to recognise negativity bias in yourself and stop it from ruining your day and holding you back. KEY TAKEAWAYS Every human has some level of built in negativity bias. Some people are naturally more positive than others, but positivity can be learnt by even the most negative person. Using the example of social media, Jo & Vicky explain exactly how to recognise when your negativity bias is getting in the way and what to do about it. Comparing yourself with others is mostly pointless, each business is unique, so what others are doing might not be right for you. Being clear about what you want helps stop you wasting time and energy, so you progress faster which makes it easier to stay ahead of negative thoughts. Continually looking back and kicking yourself for what you didn´t do is very counterproductive. Failure is absolutely not a bad thing. You need to fail to learn. Be realistic, things are going to go wrong. Reframe, you learn new skills and become more resilient. Don´t be afraid of being wrong and stop beating yourself up when you are. You're constantly learning and growing, so being wrong sometimes is normal. Stopping yourself getting angry about little things makes a huge difference to your overall positivity e.g. It's not being a keyboard warrior or shouting at the telly. Constantly whingeing about things with friends is an easy trap to fall into. BEST MOMENTS “Humans literally go to the glass half empty first.” “Train your brain to look at something other than the negative.” “If you're asking them what they would do, you're asking the wrong question.” “Allow yourself to fail…graciously.” “Be aware of how you are reacting.” “Stop comparing yourself to everybody else, you are on your own journey, and that is all you need to worry about .” EPISODE RESOURCES An overview of negativity bias studies - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3652533/#:~:text=There%20is%20ample%20empirical%20evidence%20for%20an,to%2C%20learn%20from%2C%20and%20use%20negative%20information SOCIALS AND IMPORTANT LINKS https://www.tiktok.com/@letstalkdogbusiness https://www.youtube.com/@LetsTalkDogBusiness Website www.caninebusinessacademy.com Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/caninebusinessacademycommunity/ Let´s Talk Dog Business Strategy Book - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lets-Talk-Dog-Business-Strategy/dp/1068791705 Email hello@caninebusinessacademy.com ABOUT THE HOSTS Meet Jo and Vicky! They bring a combined 25 years of expertise in the canine industry. Jo, with a background in corporate business, and Vicky, a dedicated advocate for rescue organisations, form an unstoppable team. Beyond the mic, their lives are a whirlwind – managing two successful businesses, pursuing a full-time university degree, and parenting two little ones under four. Each of their homes combined is a lively menagerie, housing five dogs and an abundance of chickens. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
    Más Menos
    43 m