I’m Gretta Ford…
A business strategist for self-employed, ethical dog trainers & animal behaviourists
Fuelled by copious cups of tea, sneaky slices of cake and the foot-warming powers of a working cocker who never leaves my side…
… I’m on a mission to set you up for success in your business through coaching/ consultancy, online courses and strategy-led brand & website design… all tailored to our unique industry.
You need a business that’s more than a ‘poorly paid hobby’
The trouble is, many of our industry norms lead to burn-out and struggling to earn enough to fund the life you want to live.
And, no, I don’t mean one where you just lounge around on a yacht in the south of France or have an impressive collection of designer handbags (I’m not sure they’d really go with my wellies anyway, to be honest).
You didn’t join this industry under the illusion of it being a ‘get rich quick scheme’.
But, after all of your hard work to get here, surely it’s not too much to ask to be able to pay your bills, have some time off and afford to treat yourself to things that make you happy…
…whether that’s holidays with the family, cocktail nights with your friends or yet more totally unnecessary new dog collars. I’m not judging!
Well, you know what…
It’s not too much to ask! The question is… what do you need, to help you get there?
Just think of the progress you could make with the support of a specialist who has the understanding, skills and experience you need to help you with your business…
…without the second-guessing, time-wasting and finger-crossing that comes from trying to figure it all out on your own!
That’s where I come in….
As a business strategist and self-employed ABTC-Registered Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist and Dog Trainer, I combine industry-specific business know-how with real-world experience.
Before devoting myself to dogs, I worked in marketing, sales, school teaching and leadership (and I’ve got 4 successful businesses under my belt), so I’d like to think I’ve earned my stripes.
I know what it’s like to struggle with your business or have to keep up your ‘proper’ job whilst trying to grow your new venture to a point where you can afford to jump in with both feet. So, rest assured, I’ve been where you are and got the t-shirt (skinny fit, oversized… you name it!).
Forever a teacher at heart, I’ve shared my expertise with the University of Edinburgh (on their MSc in Clinical Animal Behaviour), as well as some of the most respected professional membership bodies in the world.
Through my industry-specific 1:1 business coaching/ mentoring, online courses/ workshops and strategic branding/ website design, I’ve had the pleasure of supporting many wonderful colleagues with their businesses. I’d really love to help you too…
Gretta is different to other business coaches
When I looked at other business coaches, it always made me feel uncomfortable and like I wouldn't succeed because I didn't have a big, bold personality that could ‘sell’.
Gretta is different - she’s down to earth, approachable and understands that most of us are in this to help the animals and people that we work with - we just need to be able to make it a sustainable living as well!
Laura Adkins
So, how did I end up here?
Well, as a marketer - turned – teacher – turned – dog behaviourist, I suppose it’s not surprising that I often have a slightly different take on things.
I always relished any chance to work on, rather than just in, my business. And, just as I did with dogs, I invested hugely (both time and money!) into learning all I could and refining my skills.
Before long, I found myself with a pile of business and marketing books by the bed, competing with the stack of my latest dog-related purchases next to it. Fellow trainers and behaviourists would often ask to ‘pick my brains’ and, loving nothing more than a business chat over lunch (just in case you ever fancy joining me!), being the ‘one you go to for business advice’ suited me just fine.
But seeing so many other people in the industry struggling, I knew I had to do more. So, I suppose it was only a matter of time until I would come out of the ‘business nerd closet’ and do something about it.
And that’s why I’m here… on a mission to support the industry I love (and, in turn, the animals and clients that we serve) by putting all of my hard-earned lessons to good use.
find your
next step…
UNLEASH YOUR POTENTIAL
1:1 Business Coaching
Enjoy your business and earn more money in a way that’s ethical, authentic and personally sustainable.
LEARN ONLINE
Courses & Resources
Online, self-paced learning and resources, for both new and established self-employed pet professionals.
ELEVATE YOUR BUSINESS
Websites & Branding
Website templates, website audits and bespoke design to help your website work harder for you.
What makes me
different?
Pushing back against a tide of sticking-plaster-hacks, cookie-cutter-formulas and ever-changing-fads, I’m all about:
Ethics
Acting authentically, with integrity and empathy. No fluff, no ‘magic-fixes’… just honest, practical support.
Expertise
Providing strategic, industry specific advice, underpinned by psychology and extensive experience.
Empowerment
Giving you the clarity, knowledge, skills and confidence that you need to help your business fly.
So, where to next?
take your pick from the options below…
It’s a bit like one of those ‘choose your own adventure’ books from the 80s. Fortunately, in this case, you won’t turn to page 36 only to be told that you’ve died.
I’m curious…
Got any useful articles I can read?
Ok, I’m keen…
What free resources can help me?
Yes, I’m all in...
How do I get some hands-on help?
A business and mindset transformation!
Gretta has not only transformed my business and my website (which is so beautifully designed and easy to use) but has also changed my mindset in regards to my business.
I have a real belief now that I can achieve my goals and also understand how I can achieve them. On top of that, Gretta is just such a lovely person to work with: efficient and knowledgeable but also kind, compassionate and caring. I cannot recommend her highly enough.
Pauline Whittaker
Proud to be featured…
Gretta is an incredibly rare talent
She is honest, un-stuffy, organised, efficient, non-salesy and highly qualified. Unlike others, Gretta actually showed up for me, pushed me when I needed it, helped me when I floundered and supported me with patience, understanding and integrity. She is probably one of the most brilliant and lovely people I’ve ever met.
Lottie hanks
Want to know more?
Well, this pretty much sums me up…
JOBS BEFORE DOGS:
Deputy Headteacher, various sales and marketing roles
Favourite drink:
A great cup of tea… accompanied by plenty of biscuits, of course!
IDEA OF Perfect evening:
A lovely dinner (not cooked by me!) and cocktails with my husband
‘Pinch Me’ moment:
Having my research published, co-authored by Prof. Daniel Mills
Favourite food:
Is it bad to admit that cake is probably your favourite food?
Worst Habit:
Cramming my diary too full with things that I want to get done!
Trust me, Gretta is who you need to speak to!
She really has ‘been there, done that’ so knows exactly what you’re going through! Gretta’s help has had a huge impact on my business and I’d highly recommend working with her to others.
Karen Bachell
