Spring 2009 - National Association of Professional Pet Sitters

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By: Felicia Lembesis Pet sitters traveled to Long Beach, CA, for the 2009 Annual Conference and Small Business Forum in January to learn how to sail past the competition. As it does every year, the NAPPS Annual Conference provided opportunities to learn and grow, and network and share ideas with fellow pet sitters. In the words of Erin Barnes, who attended the conference, “the program was well thought out, and the range of topics covered was pertinent. I did appreciate the balance of topics between the nuts and bolts of running a business and improving our skills, not only as business owners, but as people.” On Friday, Jan. 16, the first day of the conference, the focus was on small business issues: • David Pearsall of the Business Insurers of the Carolinas discussed all types of insurance to help pet sitters determine the coverage needed to protect their businesses. • NAPPS President Monica Leighton educated members on emergency preparedness and ways disaster preparedness can help pet sitters market themselves and gain community awareness, educate clients, and train employees. • Candance Labane-Godfrey presented the ever-popular Pet Sitting 101. New and seasoned pet sitters learned skills to grow their businesses. • Attendees learned how to advertise and promote their businesses on a shoestring from Tartan Media CEO Lee Van Kirk. • Profitability by setting pricing above all business costs was the topic presented by Jeffrey Lauterbach, President of Critter Sitters Inc., Atlanta, GA, and a financial advisor. • Image consultant Diana Jennings provided her expertise on projecting a professional image through appearance, business protocol, and personal branding. Following the day’s educational program, members had a chance to network with fellow pet sitters at the welcome reception and one of the favorite events of the conference, NAPPS Chat Jeffrey Lauterbach, financial advisor, explains the fundamentals of "Pricing Theory." Past President Candance Labane-Godfrey addresses "Pet Sitting 101." Author and radio show host Arden Moore and Callie explain how "It's Cool to be Catty.” The NAPPS Network • 8
Monica Leighton, 2009 NAPPS President provides insight into emergency planning. Pet detective Kat Albrecht educates attendees on finding a lost pet. Attendees learn about the latest in pet products. NAPPS conference exhibitor, Help 4 Pets, Inc., explains the benefit of the company's product. Live. NAPPS Chat Live is moderated by Linda Norton, past board member. Linda always leads a lively discussion about pet sitter issues and business tips. Attendees have the opportunity to meet their fellow pet sitters and usually leave the session inspired. Saturday morning activities kicked off with breakfast and the awards ceremony. The awards honor member volunteers, outgoing board members, and the NAPPS Business of the Year winner. Outgoing board members Jerry Wentz and Linda Norton were honored for their commitment to board service. Both Jerry and Linda served two three-year terms on the NAPPS Board of Directors. Each year NAPPS conducts a “Business of the Year” contest. The business selected to win the award demonstrates outstanding business practices and vision in maintaining and growing their company. The 2009 Business of the Year winner is Terrapin Pets owned by Christi Fries in Beltsville, MD. Christi has also been selected to win the 2009 Members in Action Award. The award recognizes members for outstanding service to NAPPS and its members. As the new chair of the Certification Committee, Christi has been able to continue to see the new online Certification Course through to fruition. The 2009 Members in Action honorees included Kathie Luxton, Deedra Thompson, and Debra Farrington. Kathie Luxton is the force behind the new NAPPS certification program. Kathie led her certification team of volunteers through a four-year journey to develop a complete indepth certification course for pet sitters that builds both business and pet care skills. When the Presents 4 Pets Committee chair unexpectedly stepped down from her position just prior to the Spring roll out of the Presents 4 Pets program Debra Farrington immediately stepped in. She quickly assembled an efficient committee that quickly organized and was responsible for the successful launch of the 2008 program. Deedra Thompson is the NAPPS mentoring teleconference moderator. She has a full time job and a pet sitting business. Each month without fail, prior to the mentoring teleconference, Deedra confirms with the staff office the background information for the teleconference presenter and the logistics for the call. Following the awards ceremony, conference attendees gained insight about a wide variety of topics: • Author and pet sitter Debra Farrington provided an inspirational session exploring all the ways in which pet sitters are invaluable to their clients. In addition to her presentation, Debra signed copies of her book “All God’s Creatures: The Blessing of Animal Companions.” • During “Take This Job and Love It,” Lee Silber of Creative Lee Speaking addressed “How to Hire, Fire and Keep Your Staff Happy.” In addition to the enlightening session, Lee, author of 13 books, was available for a book signing. • Shannon Keith, an animal rights attorney whose practice is located in Los Angeles, addressed animal rights issues. • In “Speaking with Confidence: How to Manage the Butterflies,” Mimi Donaldson taught participants how to address large groups with confidence and control. • Dr. Signe Beebe is a veterinarian in integrative medicine practice. Her session explored alternative options for care in The NAPPS Network • 9
Page 3 and 4: Table of Contents ASSOCIATION NEWS
Page 5 and 6: Membership Every NAPPS member in go
Page 7 and 8: Get to Know Your Board John F. D’
Page 9: Some state statutes address the IC
Page 13 and 14: The NAPPS Network • 11
Page 15 and 16: An Open Love Letter Some say it's t
Page 17 and 18: • Make sure someone knows where y
Page 19 and 20: Participation in, and education rec
Page 21 and 22: New NAPPS Members NAPPS Would Like
Page 23: NAPPS COMMITTEES As a member of NAP

Spring 2009 - National Association of Professional Pet Sitters

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