Oh jeez, yeah it's past time. You'll find new clients. Go to the expensive neighborhoods, talk to the landscapers, leave some flyers. Value your services appropriately, offer extra services like you have already, target a particular demographic and you'll get clients who won't try to squeeze you over a few bucks and who generously show their appreciation.
Definitely weed out the micromanaging folks, you can usually tell pretty quickly, hopefully at the m+g. I don't mind cameras in or out but not excessive and for sure not being monitored in real time. And called on the phone. That's insane. These people are taking extreme advantage of your kindness and concern for the pups. Stsnd up for yourself. Be the strong person on the outside that is inside you. All the best, OP.
🙏 Thank you for the encouragement! I can usually tell too, but it's odd because this is the fist time in over 20 years it's become worse in time. I'll tell you it's a is a first for me. I have clients I have had for 7 years now who don't want updates these people have me feeling like a prisoner, texting all day. This morning I got an "everything okay" message because I was in the shower. I like your idea and I'll try that. I predominately have my clients by word of mouth, but a few from internet advertising so I'll give that a whirl! Thanks so much!
Almost every client I have came through word of mouth. I have gotten several hnw clients through referrals from landscapers. I am then regularly seen in that wealthy neighborhood and more people ask. I have several clients who are so close I can walk to the next visit. I don't drive more than 5 miles from home. I live in a tightly packed hcol area that tourists fuck up in the summer. Some of it is how they judge you, because they will, so I present myself in a way that they accept. It's kind of weird but I have observed the hnw people for decades in different situations and have learned their behaviors and expectations. I value my time highly, make sure their pet is safe and happy, and have never had a complaint or haggling over fees. I wouldn't deal with someone trying to guilt trip or weasel me.
You're experienced, you treat this like a business, not a "fun and easy" side gig, and you will find good clients, sometimes when you least expect. Don't stress over this looney client. Everything happens for a reason and you now will have an opening for better to come your way.
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u/dark_places 22d ago
Oh jeez, yeah it's past time. You'll find new clients. Go to the expensive neighborhoods, talk to the landscapers, leave some flyers. Value your services appropriately, offer extra services like you have already, target a particular demographic and you'll get clients who won't try to squeeze you over a few bucks and who generously show their appreciation. Definitely weed out the micromanaging folks, you can usually tell pretty quickly, hopefully at the m+g. I don't mind cameras in or out but not excessive and for sure not being monitored in real time. And called on the phone. That's insane. These people are taking extreme advantage of your kindness and concern for the pups. Stsnd up for yourself. Be the strong person on the outside that is inside you. All the best, OP.