Part 2 of our free 4-part webinar series for dog trainers.
How do you make a strong, lasting impression — the kind that keeps referral sources sending clients your way, and ensures that prospective clients choose you over the competition? In our second presentation of the series, Don’t Fart in the Waiting Room, we focus on exactly that: being memorable (in a good way), building strategic relationships, and navigating common sales objections with confidence.
Watch the recording below
Recording Notes & Summary
Referrals: Thinking Beyond the Vet’s Office
Most dog trainers know that establishing relationships with vets can lead to referrals — but that’s just the beginning. In this webinar, we brainstormed and shared dozens of creative, non-traditional sources of referrals:
- Pet photographers, groomers, breweries, apartment complexes, fencing companies, and more
- Local businesses you’re already a customer of — start from an authentic relationship
- Events like Trunk-or-Treats that allow you to meet your target demographics with low competition
So how do you turn these opportunities into real relationships?
Start by looking professional, practicing your pitch, and being prepared to listen, not just talk. When you visit a business, be respectful of time — speak to the gatekeeper, ask how you can help them, and always follow up if you say you will.
Pro tip: You’re not proposing marriage on the first visit. Focus on being helpful, kind, and consistent. Ask for business cards, leave a review, or tag them in social media posts — and keep showing up.
Sales Calls: Confidence + Clarity = Conversion
Being memorable matters during sales calls, too. When prospective clients reach out, they may be talking to multiple trainers. To stand out:
- Be clear and confident in your recommendations
- Know common objections and proactively address them (without planting seeds of doubt!)
- Use storytelling and examples to highlight how you can help
- Show that you’re listening, not just selling
- And don’t forget the basics: return calls, follow through on emails, and book lessons promptly
Remember, you’re aiming to build trust — that means being consistent, reliable, and responsive.
Keep Clients Coming Back
Staying memorable with past clients is just as important as bringing in new ones. Some tips we shared:
- Stay in touch via email (newsletters, updates, automated follow-ups)
- Highlight clients in social media or blog “spotlights”
- Offer continued education: memberships, field trips, fun classes
- Ask for testimonials and feedback
- Even something simple like a holiday card can keep you top of mind
Final Thoughts
Being memorable doesn’t mean being loud or flashy. It means being consistent, thoughtful, and helpful. It’s about building real relationships — with other businesses, potential clients, and your existing client base — and making sure people remember you for all the right reasons.
Join us for the next two sessions in this series:
- 🗓 July 7th @ 12pm ET
Don’t Step In It: 11 Business Mistakes Worse than Sh!t On Your Shoe - 🗓 July 17th @ 1pm ET
No Magic Wands: Build a Business, Not a Fantasy
All recordings will be made available at dogtrainersumbrella.com as they’re released.
