Episode Details

In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks to the Business Consultant of Jump Consulting, Bella Vasta. Bella's journey in the pet industry began in 2002 with her first company, Bella's House. Since then, she has grown her business, sold it, and ventured into coaching and speaking. Bella's passion lies in leadership and hiring, and she firmly believes that having a great team is essential for business success. Bella shared how the pet industry has evolved over the years. The emergence of social media and online platforms has made it easier for pet owners to find services. Bella was one of the first to utilize platforms like Facebook Live and blogging to educate people about the options available for pet care. The industry has also seen shifts in the employment model, with more regulations requiring businesses to have employees rather than independent contractors. As a coach and consultant, Bella focuses on helping pet industry professionals attract and build great teams. She emphasizes the importance of personal leadership and being conscious of what we allow into our lives, such as the media we consume and the relationships we nurture. Bella believes strong leadership starts from within and extends to interpersonal relationships and the business community.

Key Points from the Episode:

• The evolution of the pet industry with the rise of social media and online platforms
• The importance of having a great team for business success
• Bella's focus on leadership and hiring in the pet industry
• The importance of personal leadership and being conscious of what we allow into our lives
• The importance of clarity in hiring and creating a strong company culture
• Changes in the job market post-COVID and the need for a compassionate approach
• The analogy of hiring and attracting clients as two wheels for business growth
• Bella's use of platforms like radio and podcasts to establish credibility and reach a wider audience

About Bella Vasta:

Bella Vasta is the driving force behind the one-woman coaching company, Jump Consulting, which she named after jumping out of a (perfect) airplane at 13 000 feet. Her motto is “Always Keep Jumping.” Her dynamic and engaging speaking style encourages people to leap to the next level for their businesses. From systems and processes to leadership and networking skills, Bella has coached pet-sitting businesses since 2007 and published some of the most comprehensive research on relevant industry topics. You could say she wrote the book on it because she did. The Four Types of Dogs Every Business Needs: How to Build the Right Team to Grow Your Business and Have a Balanced Life uses popular breeds as a metaphor for the personalities that work best on a team Bella has always been a trailblazer in the pet industry, forging a path for others to follow. Bella won the National Pet Sitting Business of the Year award by 25, building and selling her first company by 30 and her second by 34. She was also selected as one of 35 Entrepreneurs Under 35 in the Arizona Republic. After her micro-preemie daughter, who weighed only 12 oz., was born in July 2014, Bella sold her pet-sitting business and now lives out her passion for being a boss mom while using her business experience to inspire, motivate, and challenge business owners through coaching, consulting, and speaking. She has been featured in Entrepreneur, Huffington Post, NBC, ABC, FO