Pet Shop Girls from Pet Product News with Sherry (Odyssey Pets) and Carly (House of Paws)

This episode of the Pet Shop Girls is all about hiring and retaining excellent employees in your independent pet business. We're sharing our top strategies to find and foster 'rock star teams,' from Carly's unique open house hiring format to cultivating a positive workplace culture. We know what you're thinking - and trust us, we have included a bunch of low and no-cost ideas to help you retain top talent. Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas Connect with Pet Product News: https://www.petproductnews.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PetProductNews

When a key employee leaves suddenly, it can be a stressful and disruptive situation for a small business. In this episode, we discuss strategies for handling sudden employee departures, including having a backup plan, communicating with the team, and even considering exit interviews to learn from the experience. We're sharing our own stories and advice to help pet pros navigate this common challenge and come out stronger on the other side. Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas Connect with Pet Product News: https://www.petproductnews.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PetProductNews

In this episode, we're sharing our top 10 tips (plus a bonus tip!) for running your independent pet store. We created this list especially with newbies in mind, but even if you have been around for awhile, we think there might be a tip or two in here that you can use - because even we learned from each other while recording this episode! Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas Connect with Pet Product News: https://www.petproductnews.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PetProductNews

We are thrilled to introduce you to Nancy and Chris Guinn, the dynamic duo behind the successful pet retail chain Dog Krazy. In this episode, they share their incredible story of growing from a single store to 8 locations across Virginia, and their plans to expand even further through franchising. We know you will be inspired by their passion for enhancing the lives of dogs and their unwavering commitment to providing exceptional customer service and education. Their insights about maintaining consistency, developing strong teams, and navigating the challenges of multi-location growth will be invaluable for any pet pro looking to scale. Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas Connect with Pet Product News: https://www.petproductnews.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PetProductNews

When it comes to partnering with rescues and charities, it's easy for indie pet pros to find themselves making some of the same common mistakes. In this episode, we're sharing how to set clear boundaries and expectations to ensure that these collaborations are mutually beneficial. From vetting potential partners, creating partnership agreements, to offering creative donation options, we're sharing our own experiences navigating the challenges of "when good deeds go bad" to help you build successful community partnerships. Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas Connect with Pet Product News: https://www.petproductnews.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PetProductNews

This week, we're discussing the importance of having customer-friendly policies. From our own personal experiences with unfriendly policies like credit card surcharges, restrictive returns, and hidden fees, to the value of transparent communication, flexible payment options, and an overall positive shopping experience to build customer loyalty, we hope this episode encourages you to eliminate any unfriendly policies and focus on creating a welcoming environment for your customers. Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas Connect with Pet Product News: https://www.petproductnews.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PetProductNews

It's Christmas in September! Actually, we just wanted to take this opportunity to remind you that the holiday season is coming fast and it's time to prepare your promotions and marketing plans. Here are some of the ideas we cover in more detail in this episode: Plan and buy Christmas merchandise early - or at least as early as you still can! Implement holiday sales and promotions, such as: VIP holiday party with 20% off Christmas merchandise "Stocking stuffer" event with 20% off small items "Ugly sweater day" promotion "Grinch hair, don't care" sale Host a holiday-themed VIP customer appreciation event Create a holiday gift guide Optimize in-store merchandising and displays Involve your team in the planning process Discuss what worked well and what didn't in previous holiday seasons Delegate tasks and set regular checkpoints to stay on track Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas Connect with Pet Product News: https://www.petproductnews.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PetProductNews

Ready to level up your advertising and promotions? This week, the Pet Shop Girls are sharing their real-world experiences - both successes and failures - when it comes to advertising tactics (including TV commercials, social media, SEO, and more). Listen in for actionable advice on affordable, effective ways to attract new customers and keep your business top-of-mind, even during slow periods. Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas Connect with Pet Product News: https://www.petproductnews.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PetProductNews

This week, we're sharing an episode we recorded LIVE at SUPERZOO at the Pet Product News booth. Were you at SUPERZOO? If not, this episode is your behind-the-scenes look at all the chaos and fun to be had there. We are so glad we got a chance to meet so many of you, and if you weren't there this year, we really hope to see you at a pet industry trade show soon! Introducing our NEW podcast - for pet parents! https://linktr.ee/tipthedish Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas Connect with Pet Product News: https://www.petproductnews.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PetProductNews

Join us for the grand finale of our Legendary Leadership series!  In this last episode, we sit down with Angela LaVelle, the visionary behind Retail.pet, the leading online training platform for Pet Retail Associates. Angela will share her expert insights on nurturing and developing your team effectively. From identifying team members' development needs to creating individualized growth plans and celebrating their successes, Angela covers it all. Learn how to assess strengths and areas for improvement, set collaborative goals, provide essential resources, and track progress to ensure your team not only meets but exceeds their potential. Angela's strategies will empower you to support and uplift your team like never before. Don’t miss this invaluable episode if you're looking to enhance your leadership skills and foster an environment of continuous development and learning.  Tune in to transform your approach to team development and lead your team to greater heights! Connect with Angela: Website: https://retail.pet/ Email: HELLO@RETAIL.PET IG: https://www.instagram.com/retail.pet Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas Connect with Pet Product News: https://www.petproductnews.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PetProductNews

In the third episode of our Legendary Leadership Series, we are joined by guest Tammy Bond. Today, we are talking about the differences between coaching and traditional, 'old-school' style management and how it can benefit our teams. From active listening, to asking good questions, and so much more, Tammy has so much to share from her coaching certification background to revolutionize pet business team management. Connect with Tammy: https://www.bondgroupenterprises.com/# LinkedIn  https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammyjbond?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/thetammybond?igsh=MXRnZnZuaDU3aW1pcA== Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas Connect with Pet Product News: https://www.petproductnews.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PetProductNews

This week we are back with part 2 of our Legendary Leadership Series. Today's guest is Jennifer Lymer, and we are talking all about building loyalty among your team. When we combine trust and safety with good culture, leadership, and recognition opportunities, we can build remarkably loyal teams. Connect with Jennifer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenn-lymer-18289bb?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas Connect with Pet Product News: https://www.petproductnews.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PetProductNews

Over the next few weeks, we are excited to introduce our first mini-series of the Pet Shop Girls Podcast, all about Legendary Leadership. In this first episode of the Legendary Leadership Series, Richard Phillips joins us to talk about performance reviews and evaluations, leadership styles, and employee engagement. Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas Connect with Pet Product News: https://www.petproductnews.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PetProductNews

It's almost time for SUPERZOO, and we want to help you be prepared to make the most out of this incredible show. This week, we are sharing all kinds of tips including where to stay, using the app, navigating all the vendors without getting overwhelmed, what to pack and what to wear, and so much more. Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas Connect with Pet Product News: https://www.petproductnews.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PetProductNews

Our guest this week is Lisa Tully, and we are talking all about holistic healing for pets and their parents. From animal communication methods, to oils and herbs, to mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of healing, we are covering so much ground today. Connect with Lisa: https://animalhealing.ie/ https://www.instagram.com/animalhealinglisatully/ https://ausflowers.com.au - Grief resource mentioned in the episode https://linktr.ee/animalhealinglisatully Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas Connect with Pet Product News: https://www.petproductnews.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PetProductNews