Lessons From Two Decades of Entrepreneurship
Back in 2004, I started my first business (New Jersey Young Professionals) with little more than determination, a big idea, and a lot of trial and error. It was the early days of Facebook, back when it was just a platform for college students and nobody had heard of Instagram or TikTok. Marketing was a whole different ballgame then, but I figured it out—learning how to create buzz, build a loyal customer base, and keep them coming back. Over the years, I’ve carried those lessons into every new venture, sharpening my skills in branding, customer engagement, and digital marketing. In 2021, I found a creative way to use those same skills in a family project: building a dog-sitting business from scratch.
Turning a Quirky Idea Into a Thriving Family Business
When I stumbled across Rover.com in 2021, I didn’t have a dog but loved the idea of caring for others’ furry family members. Inspired, I pitched the idea of a family dog-sitting business to my husband and two elementary-aged kids. It didn’t take much convincing—they were all in.From the start, I leaned on everything I’d learned over the years about branding, marketing, and customer relationships. My oldest daughter and I handled design, creating our flyer and business cards. My youngest tackled the less glamorous but very necessary poop-duty training. And I got to work on the big-picture stuff: establishing our presence online and building a steady flow of customers.
What Worked: The Strategies That Took Glen Rock Dog Sitters to the Next Level
Growing this business was more than just “putting ourselves out there”—it was about applying every tool in my marketing toolbox to make us stand out. Here’s what I did:
- Embraced Social Media Marketing:
Facebook, Instagram, and our local community groups became our best friends. I created posts that highlighted our services and sprinkled in adorable photos of the dogs we cared for (because who can resist those puppy eyes?). - Optimized for Local Search:
We crafted a simple yet professional website showcasing our services and added ourselves to Google Maps. This move made sure anyone searching for "dog sitters near me" would find us. - Focused on Review Management:
I knew how critical reviews could be from my earlier business experience. So we always asked happy customers for feedback and responded to every review personally. This not only boosted our credibility but also strengthened relationships with our clients. - Streamlined Communication:
From quick response times to clear service agreements, we built a reputation for reliability and trustworthiness.
Why It Worked: Experience Matters
Glen Rock Dog Sitters wasn’t just a family side hustle—it was a well-oiled machine that funded summer adventures to France, Italy, and the UK. Every bit of growth came from lessons I learned over the years: understanding what customers want, staying consistent in branding, and using technology to make life easier.I realized something along the way: building a business, whether it’s dog sitting or something entirely different, isn’t just about having a good idea. It’s about doing the work that others don’t want to do—or don’t know how to do—to bring that idea to life.
How I Can Help You Build (or Revive) Your Business
If you’re a business owner, you probably have a million things on your plate. You might know that you should be posting on Instagram, responding to reviews, sending out newsletters, or keeping up with your blog, but who has the time?That’s where I come in.With years of experience in marketing, branding, and growing businesses (all while balancing family and a house full of dogs), I can help you find new customers and keep them engaged. Whether it’s social media management, blogging, newsletter creation, list building, or review management, I’ll take those tasks off your to-do list so you can focus on what you do best.And, yes, I’ll probably be doing it with a dog curled up under my desk. 🐾