Living in Austin the past few years, there are potential clients around every corner. Gaining clients is nearly effortless. I am never sales-y so when others discover what I do for a living I find they are very curious about it and ask tons of questions. I could write - I am writing - a book about all of my fabulous and not-so-fabulous experiences. There are some times when I have to focus on the other aspects of pet sitting because lets face it, there are many factors that can make or break the whole deal too:
- Pets. Pets are the most important factor in pet sitting. If your pet is cranky or aggressive I am not the pet sitter for you; I have been bitten three times in my career and I figure I better quit my dog-whisperer pipe-dream while I still have my face/hands/legs intact. Are your pets cool or are they assholes? Believe it or not, mutts have proven to be some of the very best clients I've had.
- Wifi. Internet is a must. It is 2015 afterall.
- Bed. If you are going to hire me, or any pet sitter, make sure you have a comfortable bed for them (and your pets) to sleep in. Doesn't matter if it is your bed or a guest bed - a good mattress and quality bedding goes a long way! I have slept in some fantastic beds. In fact, I count on the fact that you'll have a better bed than I do!
- Noise Level. I need peace & quiet (ok so maybe I am old). Do you live ten feet from the train tracks or next to a frat house? Can you see or hear the highway from your patio? If you answered yes to any of these questions then you may need to equip your space with one of these.
- Neighborhood. It is always a nice perk when one lives in a great safe area. It is a bonus if I can walk somewhere nearby and not have to deal with the impossible (Austin parking). That said, I am just as, if not more, fond of outskirts like Dripping Springs or places with more nature/land around. It is always nice to escape the city hustle bustle.