5 things to do when you don’t have many clients as a dog trainer/ animal behaviourist
It’s not uncommon to have quieter times in your business as a dog trainer or animal behaviourist. For example, many people find that they have fewer new enquiries during the summer holidays and in the period just before Christmas.
In addition to these fairly predictable and cyclical fluctuations, other factors, such as economic uncertainty and global pandemics (!), can significantly impact on what work comes your way.
I have a separate blog post which shares various ways to encourage new client bookings, which you can check out here.
However, there is another side to this…
So many trainers and behaviourists with established businesses find that they’re always short on time so, in some ways, a slower period in your business does present some opportunities.
With this in mind, I wanted to share my 5 top tips to help you make the most of your ‘client free’ time, in a way that will set your business up to be in the best possible shape for when the quiet period is over and people are looking for help with their pets again.
1. Progress your career/ CPD
Been meaning to apply for that accreditation? Maybe now is your chance.
If you know that gaining a particular accreditation will be helpful for your career or your business in the long run but the thought of filling in the forms or gathering together all of your records of prior learning has held you back, make the most of the time that you now have and finally get that ticked off your list once and for all… it’ll feel so good when you’re opening a bottle of prosecco to celebrate!
And what about CPD?
There’s so much great online, on-demand (and often free or very low cost) content out there. From conference recordings to webinars and mini courses to online qualifications you’re spoiled for choice… without eating in to all of your profits.
The trouble is, when you’re swamped with work it can be hard to find the time to make the most of it all. A quieter time in your business gives you an opportunity to really unleash your inner nerd and learn some new skills or refresh your knowledge.
2. Nurture relationships
In terms of your business, there are two main types of relationships that would be very worthy of your time and attention, during a quiet time.
Firstly, it’s a good opportunity to make your previous (or current) clients feel extra special.
You could offer them a small discount off their next service with you or a trusted supplier, tell them about something new that you’ve learned, signpost them to some great resources or write a really helpful blog post to share with your email list… hopefully you’re doing that anyway but when things are busy, it can easily be missed!
Of course, any of these actions could prompt a past client to book more sessions with you (woohoo!). But, regardless, by keeping fresh in their minds and maintaining a positive relationship with them, they’re more likely to recommend you to others – word of mouth marketing is so powerful!
Secondly, building and maintaining relationships with people who may refer clients to you is a useful focus for your new-found free time. This could include local veterinary surgeons/ nurses, groomers, pet shop owners, dog walkers, other trainers/ behaviourists… anyone who is likely to also work with your ideal clients.
You could offer some free CPD (now that you have a bit of time to prepare and deliver it!), go in to meet the veterinary team in person (with some biscuits and flyers in hand!) or catch up with a colleague over a cup of tea, to see how you can support each other.
Not only does it feel good to have these relationships but it’s also a great way to help encourage clients to be sent your way.
3. Get organised
When we’re constantly running around in a rush, things can often end up in a bit of a muddle. Then, of course, we waste time looking for things or recreating things… which just makes matters worse!
So, if your diary is looking like it has some breathing room for once, why not get everything ship-shape, to enable you to do things more efficiently when you’re all booked up again?
You could:
make sure that your computer filing system is consistent and easy to navigate
design master copies of templates that you can use to structure your client reports (you can even swipe my own fully-editable template for just £15 here - it couldn’t be easier!)
create handouts (and/or video guides) for training exercises/ advice that you often share
set up an online booking system or streamline your onboarding process
save commonly used email responses so that you can simply copy and paste in future (or, even better, use your email provider’s template feature)
… there are often lots of ways that we can be more efficient and organised in our businesses!
4. Update your website
If you’ve outgrown your DIY website, feel like it’s starting to look a bit tired or know that it’s simply not performing as well as it could be for you, perhaps now is a good time to invest in some help?
By having a brand and website that is strategically designed to help you attract your ideal clients, you’re going to be best-placed to win them over when they start looking for help. This is something I can help with, through my bespoke Branding and Website Design package for ethical animal pros, like you.
Or, if you fancy a stunning new website, without splashing too much cash, my website templates might be just what you need. With 4 designs to choose from (all of which are fully editable to suit your brand), you’ll be spoilt for choice. Rest assured, whichever one you choose, you’ll get step by step instructions to help you make it your own, as well as free access to my highly-praised course How to Write Your Website!
Alternatively, if you’re taking a DIY approach, you might want to take use this time to polish up your website copy, optimise your site for search engines (and mobile users), update your images, check for broken links and ensure that your website is really easy to navigate.
Finally, if you’re not 100% sure what your site needs (it can be hard to look at it objectively!) and want to make sure you’re putting your time and effort to the best possible use, why not book in a website audit and I’ll give you a clear and simple plan of action.
The value of a great website can’t be underestimated, in terms of properly reflecting your values and expertise, to help potential clients feel really confident in choosing to work with you. However, it can be hard to find time to work on your online presence when you’re flat out with client work, so having a bit of slack in your calendar might just give you the chance you need to get this sorted.
5. Take a break
If you spend most of your time working non stop, maybe all you really need to do right now is to allow yourself to recharge. Have some lie-ins and duvet days, tick things off your bucket list, practise some self care, book a short break away or just enjoy some extra long walks with your dog… whatever works for you.
As a small business owner, it’s easy to get swallowed up by work and, in our profession, burn-out and compassion fatigue are very real possibilities.
So, if quiet times are rare for you, just enjoy it!
Bonus Tip…
You might also want to look at how you can get some free publicity for your business. This can not only bring in potential new clients, but also spread your message with a wider audience. I have an online course about getting free publicity. Find out more by clicking on the button below.
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