Running a pet business is so rewarding, but it can also feel isolating too.

Whether you’re a product maker or service provider, you’re juggling everything – creating products or delivering services, marketing yourself, managing social media, connecting with clients, and handling the day-to-day.

If you’re doing it on your own, it can sometimes feel like you’re shouting into the void.

But you don’t have to go it alone. Being part of a supportive community can transform your experience, giving you the emotional and practical support you need to thrive.

In this episode I’m going to share why community matters so much for your business, you’ll hear from some fabulous members of my Pets Get Visible community, and come away knowing how to find the community that’s right for you.

Listen in on the player link below or you can read the key points as a blog post.

Why visibility feels so hard when you’re doing it on your own

Have you ever felt like you’re the best-kept secret in the pet industry? You know your business is brilliant, but no one else seems to notice.

You’re posting on social media, trying to connect, getting the word out – but it still feels like you’re talking to yourself.

When you’re on your own, promoting your business can feel daunting.

The people I work with – and I feel this too – often struggle with things like imposter syndrome, comparisonitis, and the fear of putting themselves out there.

But being part of a community changes everything.

You’re surrounded by people who get it, who are cheering you on, and who know what it’s like to be in your shoes.

And if you’re in a community for a specific goal, such as securing publicity, other members will help you with ideas and motivation.

In fact, for clients who work closely with me, whether in my Pets Get Visible membership or my mastermind, we have a 100% success rate in getting press coverage.

The benefits of being in a pet business community

Being part of a community is about so much more than business strategies – it’s about emotional support, motivation, and practical tools that make the journey sustainable.

Here are some key benefits of joining a supportive network, with stories from members who’ve experienced it first-hand.

Emotional support – and how this can help when things get tough

Running a business can feel lonely, especially if you’re working from home without a team.

You might feel like you’re the only one struggling with imposter syndrome, staying motivated, or balancing it all. But a community reminds you that you’re not alone, and this can be incredibly reassuring.

One of my members, Fiona Pedley from The Canine VA, shared her experience:

“The community is just so important. It’s such a safe place – not just about building the business and being successful all the time. It’s about having somewhere to go in those moments when you’re really stuck or frightened about something. You know you can post in the group, and the support is just fantastic. No one judges you – everyone is so supportive, and it’s a lovely, safe place to be.”

Learn more about Fiona in this In the spotlight with Fiona Pedley, The Canine VA

When you’re feeling wobbly or unsure, having a community to turn to can make all the difference.

Accountability and motivation – keeping you on track

Staying motivated and accountable as a solo business owner can be challenging. But in a community, accountability is built in. You have regular check-ins, support from others, and that gentle nudge to keep moving forward, even when things get tough.

Jo Milnes from Distinctive Pets shared how community helps her stay motivated:

“Running a business on your own is hard because there’s no one to bounce ideas off, and I get really low sometimes. Being in a community is a safe space to ask questions, run ideas past others, and get inspired by what they’re doing. The Pets Get Visible community really works for me, and I also value the local in-person networking groups I attend – they add another layer of connection and inspiration.”

Learn more about Jo with this episode, In the spotlight with Jo Milnes from Distinctive Pets

In my Pets Get Visible membership, we have live coaching calls and group sessions, so members can check in, share what they’re working on, and stay motivated.

For more personalised support, my smaller mastermind group offers a deeper level of accountability – we meet regularly and support each other every step of the way.

Celebrating wins – it is ok to toot your own horn!

In the rush of running a business, we often forget to pause and celebrate our achievements. But celebrating wins – big or small – is so important for motivation.

I encourage everyone to keep a ‘win folder’ where they document every success, whether it’s a media feature, a client testimonial, or even just surviving a tough week.

I know that people sometimes find this uncomfortable, but the truth is, sharing your wins isn’t bragging. It’s about recognising your hard work and inspiring others to do the same.

I even did a podcast episode about this, which I’ll link to below if you’d like to start your own win folder.

Learning from others – tapping into collective wisdom

One of the best things about being in a community is the shared knowledge.

When you’re part of a group, you’re constantly learning from others – from their successes, their mistakes, and their journeys.

Gemma Glover from The Pet Carpenter talks about the value of sharing in a community:

“One of the most valuable things for me is being in a space where you can bounce ideas, share challenges, and help each other overcome them. I love listening to others, connecting ideas, and seeing the genuine innovation that can come from collaboration. Finding a community where values align is so important, and I really believe that Rachel’s community is that safe, supportive space where people can share, learn, and grow together.”

Learning from others’ experiences means you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. You get to tap into a network of wisdom and ideas that help you navigate the journey.

How to find the right pet business community for you

Not every community is a fit for every business. To find the right one, consider the following:

• Values and fit: Make sure the community’s values align with yours. For example, in Pets Get Visible, we focus on visibility, confidence, and supporting each other to grow. It’s about feeling seen, heard, and valued.
  
• Size and format: Some people prefer large groups with lots of networking opportunities, while others thrive in smaller, more intimate settings. My Pets Get Visible community has 80-100 members, which offers a broad network without feeling overwhelming. For those who want a more personal experience, my mastermind group is limited to just six members.
  
• Leadership style: The leader of a community sets the tone, so choose someone whose approach resonates with you. I’m all about helping you find your way of doing things, rather than handing you a one-size-fits-all solution.

Getting the most from your community

Once you’ve found the right community, how can you make sure you’re getting the most out of it?

• Be active and engaged: The more you put into a community, the more you’ll get out. Share your struggles, celebrate your wins, and ask for feedback. Being open helps build connections that will support your growth.
  
• Offer your expertise: Don’t be afraid to contribute your own knowledge. When you offer your skills and advice to others, you’re building a culture of collaboration and support that benefits everyone involved.

In my community, I see members collaborating on projects, supporting each other’s launches, and connecting with people in ways that open up new opportunities.

This collective support system is what makes community such a powerful tool for growth.

Ready to get started?

If this sounds like what you’ve been missing, here are a few steps to get started:

1. Join a community: There are so many communities out there! If you’d like to be part of mine, I’d love to welcome you to Pets Get Visible – it’s just £30 a month, click here for 50% off your first month.
   
2. Engage and build connections: Attend events, join calls, and introduce yourself. Let others know who you are and what you do.
   
3. Start a win folder: Capture every win, big or small. Not only will this boost your confidence, but it’ll also give you content to share on social media when you’re stuck for ideas.
   

Conclusion

Community isn’t just about networking – it’s about building a support system that helps you succeed, offering emotional support, practical advice, and the chance to celebrate wins and make real connections.

If you’re ready to stop going it alone, come and join me in Pets Get Visible, a community where you’ll feel seen, heard, and supported for 50% off your first month here.

And if you’d like to know more about my mastermind, drop me an email, and we can chat when it opens again in March 2025 or you can apply to work together as a coaching client here.

Further reading

If you enjoyed this post and want to learn more on this topic, here are some podcast episodes you might find helpful:

Why every pet business should keep a win folder

Take a moment to look back and see how far you’ve come

How to choose the right pet business community

Collaborating in your pet business

Is my Pets Get Visible membership right for you?

What’s your pet business culture and why it matters

21 things to consider when running a free Facebook group