Category: All

We’ve reached our 10 millionth customer request!

We’re wrapping up the year hitting a huge milestone here at Bark – we’ve reached our 10 millionth customer request! 

It’s a pretty mind-boggling number, and a great moment to reflect on how thankful we are to the customers and professionals who have brought the platform to life. 

Since Bark’s creation in 2015, we’ve grown pretty fast. Today, we’re able to serve customers in over a thousand different industries, plotting ourselves in eight different countries in all corners of the globe! And that’s all thanks to the talented professionals and customers using our platform. 

This year it’s been more important than ever to support local businesses, and we’re proud to be at the forefront of the effort, assisting businesses as they move their services online. 

When Bark began our mission was simple: to make finding and hiring local service professionals as quickly and easy as buying something from eBay or Amazon. While that hasn’t changed, we now have a much better chance of reaching that goal, thanks to the continued support of our professionals and customers. 

We’re looking forward to seeing what the future holds as we move forward into 2021, together. 

Meet Ivan – Founder and CEO of Magic Pro Cleaning

This week we’re off to Burnham in the UK, where we have the pleasure of chatting with Ivan, founder and CEO of Magic Pro Cleaning! 

Let’s hear how Ivan’s company has flourished into a thriving business, with a little bit of Bark magic. 

Tell us a little bit about your company and how long you’ve been operating for 

Magic Pro Cleaning was born in 2013 with the idea to create a unique experience for our clients. 

In the beginning, we provided carpet cleaning only. As demand grew for more and more services, I knew that if Magic Pro Cleaning was only a carpet company, the competition would devour it. Shortly after, I added deep cleaning to the list. Not long after, I added window cleaning and pressure washing to our services. Our goal is to be a one-stop-shop for cleaning. 

If you aren’t competitive and you don’t change according to your clients’ demands, it’ won’t be long before your business stagnates. 

What made you join Bark? 

Magic Pro Cleaning joined the Bark family in 2020. I’ve used Bark from the customer side, so I knew how it worked and wanted to give it a go. In less than a year, Magic Pro Cleaning has become one of the top-rated providers on Bark – we’re very proud to have been awarded the Bark Certificate of Excellence for our services. 

Tell us about your experience with Bark! 

On Bark, I managed to find many of Magic Pro Cleaning`s clients. It is also really helpful to know how our customers rate our services through the review section on our Bark profile  – it gives me the strength to go on!

 

 

What’s the best thing about Bark? 

It is really great to have a clear view of what the clients want before your first contact with them. When you call them with an offer it is a lot easier to convert the lead into a booking. 

Bark has provided me with a steady flow of clients, even in the coronavirus pandemic. 

What are your top tips for success as a professional on Bark? 

To succeed with so much competition out there you must offer a top service and listen to your clients.

How helpful have you found Bark’s Customer Success team? 

They are always there when I needed them! 

And there you have it, one man’s mission to change the world one cleaning service at a time, and a little bit of Bark magic. If you’re looking for a reliable, top-rated cleaning service, check out Magic Pro Cleaning on Bark. 

Magic Pro Cleaning is also on social! Check them out on Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok, and Youtube. 

Want to reach new heights with your business? Join as a professional today on Bark today. 

Meet Debra – Personal Trainer at PlatinumFit PRO

This week we’re off to White Plains in the US to speak with owner of PlatinumFit PRO personal training, Debra Ann. 

Let’s hear about Debra’s journey growing her business with Bark. 

Can you tell us a little bit about what you do? 

I’m a certified personal trainer and health coach, with 20 years of experience in the field. I’m a muscle specialist, providing muscle centric movement to prevent, treat, or in some cases reverse chronic conditions that arise from being under muscled. 

By age 30, we are no longer in a growth phase; we experience shifts in hormones and bone mass restructuring. Having a solid resistance training and nutritional plan in place are the foundations to ageing with strength and beauty. 

Resistance training is not about looking like Arnold Schwarzenegger or…it could be. It’s about building on the strengths you already have, addressing concerns and achieving goals.

What made you join Bark? 

I joined Bark in November 2020. I found it by accident when I was browsing the web. I surveyed my clients and a few were familiar with the site and had positive results. On that, I decided to roll the dice and set up a profile and purchase credits.

Tell us about your experience on Bark 

Since joining a month ago, I have successfully anchored new clients. Bark has ample and qualified leads. I love the many distinctions on the client profile.  

What’s the best thing about Bark? 

Personal training is just that…personal. It is a one-on-one service that is a custom fit and tailored to the client. I feel Bark shares the same philosophy with its providers. 

The Bark support team is on call 24 hours a day. They are kind, courteous and helpful. My questions are answered quickly and they provide clever suggestions which have been helpful when setting up my profile. I appreciate having Bark to help grow out my personal training business.

Anything else you’d like us to include? 

Your customer service is the best I have come across. I feel supported by you all.

It was a real pleasure chatting with Debra and learning about her fitness philosophy – we wish we knew that much about how the body works!

If you’re looking for a Personal Trainer or Health Coach in the New York area, head over to PlatinumFit PRO’s Bark profile. Read reviews, find out more information and get in touch – all from one place! 

Keen to meet more professionals? Head over to the professional spotlight section of our blog where you’ll find plenty of inspiration from people who have built fantastic careers on Bark, in a global pandemic! 

Think the next success story could be yours? Join as a professional on Bark today!

UK home improvement trends in Lockdown 1 vs. Lockdown 2

After the first UK lockdown in March 2020, we teamed up with https://homeownercosts.co.uk/ to see what kept Brits busy during the lockdown, by looking at the most in-demand home improvement trades on Bark during that period.

We learnt that most people made the most out of their time at home by getting well and truly stuck into home DIY projects, with demand skyrocketing for outdoor-themed services and home decorating projects.

UK Lockdown 1.0 

After the second UK lockdown in November 2020, we decided to team up with https://homeownercosts.co.uk/ again to compare the increase in enquiries for the first 30 days starting from the first day of lockdown 1.0 vs. 2.0 (23rd March 2020 vs 5th November 2020). Here’s what we found:

UK Lockdown 1.0 vs. 2.0 

Perhaps unsurprisingly, demand for draught-proofing soared in lockdown 2.0 compared to 1.0. Looks like the cold got the better of us!

Strangely, requests for bed bug extermination soared in lockdown 2.0 compared to lockdown 1.0 – your guess is as good as ours as to why!

And some good news, requests for solar panel installation increased massively in lockdown 2.0 compared to the first lockdown. Perhaps suggesting that we’re becoming more environmentally conscious as a nation – that was one good thing to come out of 2020 at least!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What support can I get during lockdown if I’m self employed?

Article updated: 3 February 2021

Covid-19 has been a difficult time for those who are self-employed. Many have seen huge losses to their income or have been forced to close their business altogether. 

If you are currently self-employed in one of the eight countries we work with here at Bark, here is the latest information on support available to you at the time of writing. 

Australia

Australia is running the JobKeeper payment for business owners to be able to continue to pay their employees. The self-employed can also claim if they have seen their income negatively affected due to the pandemic. 

The JobKeeper Payment will be available until 28 March 2021. Payments range between $650 and $1,200 per fortnight before tax. 

The Australian government have devised a tier system for the JobKeeper payment which is as follows:

Tier 1:

Eligible employees who have worked 80 hours or more in the four weeks of pay periods before either 1 March 2020 or 1 July 2020.

Eligible business participants who were actively engaged in the business for 80 hours or more in February and provide a declaration to that effect.

Tier 2:

Any other eligible employees and eligible business participants. 

Canada

Those who are self-employed in Canada can benefit from EI Benefits, though you need to have been registered for at least 12 months to qualify. As of September 27, 2020, changes were made to the EI Benefits scheme to make it more accessible in light of the pandemic.

Payments start at $300 per week before taxes for extended parental benefits, though the figure starts at $500 for everyone else. If you don’t qualify for EI benefits, then there are other benefit schemes you may be eligible to claim from. 

Ireland

The COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment is a welfare payment that covers both employees and the self-employed in Ireland. 

PUP payments range from €200 to €350 depending on your usual rate of earnings.  To qualify, your trading income needs to have ceased or at least reduced due to the pandemic. You must not receive any income from an employer and must also be seeking work. Only those who are aged between 18 and 66 can apply. 

New PUP applications will be accepted until 31st March 2021. 

New Zealand

The New Zealand government will make one-off payments to small businesses (including the self-employed and sole traders), as part of the Small Business Cash Flow Loan Scheme. 

The amount of the loan is up to $10,000 and includes an additional $1,800 per equivalent full-time employee. Applications have been extended until 31st December 2023. 

Singapore

Singapore has introduced a Covid-19 Recovery Grant to provide temporary financial relief to workers in low or middle-income households who have experienced involuntary job loss, income loss or no-pay leave as a result of Covid-19.

Applications for the Covid-19 Recovery Grant will close on December 31st 2021.

South Africa

The South African government has a range of measures in place to help businesses who have been affected by Covid-19. 

United Kingdom

The UK government is extending the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, which was first rolled out back in March 2020. 

The taxable grant will cover 80% of your average trading profits over a 3 month period. The amount is paid in a single instalment and is capped at £7,500.

The last date for making a claim for the third grant was 29 January 2021.

Details about the fourth grant will be announced on 3 March 2021.

United States

The US government passed a stimulus bill worth $2 trillion to help those affected by the pandemic, called Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). 

If your employment is related to the pandemic, you are eligible to claim half your state’s average weekly unemployment benefit plus an additional $600 a week. It can be claimed for up to 4 months, though if you do claim, it will extend your state benefits for up to 13 weeks.

If you are still self-employed, you can claim $1,200 each or $2,400 per couple and $500 for every child you have under the age of 18. Anyone who earns $75,000 or more will receive a reduced amount.

To claim, you need to visit your local state’s website for further information. Some other schemes are running in light of the pandemic that you may also qualify for when you do so.

To sum up

Remember, the availability of the above funding options in each country is subject to change as the external situation unfolds, so always keep an eye out for updates on official government websites.

If you need expert advice on how to grow your business during these difficult times, please get in touch at team@bark.com. Or you can call us at a time that suits you – we’re open 24/7. Find your local website on www.bark.com.

Meet Edward (Ted) – Managing Director at 2excel Software & App Development

This week we’re heading to South Australia to talk to Edward (Ted), Managing Director of 2excel Software and App Development. Let’s hear what Ted has to say about his experience switching to Bark! 

Can you tell us a little bit about you and your company? 

2excel work on diverse projects ranging from simple information systems and websites to complex enterprise systems and web-enabled applications. We follow three main rules to get to our goals: do it on-time, do it within the scope and offer the best service delivering the best value possible. 

Have you always been interested in the software industry? 

I had a lifelong passion for technology and coding from selling computers in primary school to coding games in high school.

What made you want to start your company?

I kind of fell into it.

I have always been a bit of a geek; in primary school, I was building computers, in high school, I was programming and then when I left high school, I started building websites for people. When I was working for Yellow Pages I started building more websites, and that was when the accountant suggested that I should register my own business. I took on that advice and made it a reality, turning my passions and hobbies into a career and business.

What year did you join Bark, and why did you join? 

Bark found me and started sending leads around February 2020, so out of curiosity, I accepted them as they seemed intriguing. After accepting the leads, I was able to make some sales from them. Because of the promising leads that Bark was generating I decided to continue with their service and started paying for the leads – I haven’t looked back since.

Tell us about your experiences on Bark…

Bark has kept the business very busy. Before Bark, we used to get around one or two leads a day, but now we’re getting around ten to fifteen leads a day. It was overwhelming, to begin with, but after a while, we managed to get accustomed to the extra leads. I will admit it has been a lot of work getting through the increase in leads but it has been a positive experience. The leads have helped increase our bottom line and they are now a major part of our marketing strategies. 

What do you like most about Bark? 

One of the best things has been the excellent communication from Simon who is Head of Partnerships with Bark. I feel we have built a close relationship where we can both be transparent and open with one another. It is nice to get someone who takes the time to listen and seems to take on any feedback; we can give feedback on their leads and they will actually respond! This has been very helpful in gradually improving the leads to help benefit our business. We have also been able to share information with each other, which in turn has helped each other out; I feel like it has been a win-win relationship.

Tell us your top tips for success on Bark! 

  • Speak regularly to your Account Manager. Because they are there to help you convert the leads that they give you. They know how to deliver leads. If you want a long-term relationship, Bark is perfect, as they also look for long term relationships with their clients.
  • Take on all the leads you get from Bark. As you can’t always believe the information the customers provide until you follow up and they answer the phone, and you speak to them personally.
  • Don’t expect Bark to deliver miracles – you must work and sell to the leads that you do get. Bark is not expected to make a sale for you, and you need to do your part to make the relationship work. You need to be able to sell to the leads that they give you.
  • Make sure you have got the resources to back up the number of leads you get from Bark, as they will potentially send you a lot!

What do you think of the Customer Success Team at Bark? 

They have been very helpful and prompt in answering any questions.

How useful has Bark been during the coronavirus pandemic? 

Bark came to our attention back in February 2020 when the pandemic was starting to gain traction. Since then they have been a huge source of leads, which continues to grow. This has enabled our company to grow during the pandemic, rather than see us temporarily close our doors.

Due to this influx of leads, the company has had to expand resources and our team has now grown from three to a team of twelve here in Adelaide, South Australia. Our Indian team has also expanded from eleven to a team of forty. We are now three-four times larger than what we were, this time last year.

Is there anything else you’d like to add? 

Because of Bark and the leads they have generated, we are now on our way to expand the business into New Zealand and eventually the UK and USA. Bark has changed our business for the better and is helping us achieve our expansion goals.

It was a pleasure chatting with Ted about the huge success his company has had in the short time since joining Bark. If you’re looking for Software and App development, head over to 2excel’s Bark profile where you can read reviews and request more information. Check out their New Zealand branch Bark profile too! 

2excel software are also on social media! Check them out on Facebook or LinkedIn.

Covid-19 – FAQ for homeowners

The coronavirus pandemic has been a testing time for us all. Britain has now entered a second lockdown, meaning all attention will once again be on staying indoors. As a homeowner, it can be confusing to know what is and isn’t allowed. 

To make things easier to understand, we’ve answered the top frequently asked questions regarding homeownership and Covid-19 to guide you. 

Can I move house during lockdown? 

Yes, although people from outside your household or support bubble can not help you to move house unless it’s absolutely necessary.

Estate agents, letting firms and removal companies can continue to work. This includes conducting property viewings, though everyone will be required to wear a mask and social distance when doing so. 

Can I still claim for a mortgage holiday?

Yes. The scheme was due to come to an end in October 2020 but has now been extended for up to 6 months. You can claim if you are otherwise up to date on your mortgage, and have concerns about paying it due to being financially affected by Covid-19. 

Buy-to-let landlords are also eligible to claim, with the expectation that they will pass the payment break onto their tenants. The deadline for applying for a mortgage holiday is January 31, 2021, at the time of writing.

Am I eligible for tax relief while working from home?

Yes. If you’re an employee who has worked from home for at least one day since April 6th, you can claim tax relief. The value is up to £125, so is well worth applying for if you qualify. 

Do landlords still need to arrange repairs for tenants during lockdown?

Yes. The landlord is still responsible for maintaining the property, throughout lockdown and Covid-19 in general. Though the government has advised that repairs should only be carried out if they are urgent or if there is a safety risk while in lockdown. If repairs are required and the landlord needs to enter the property, it is advised the tenants stay in another room to avoid any contact. 

I can’t stay at my main residence during lockdown. What should I do?

During lockdown, the government has stated homeowners can stay elsewhere overnight if there is a legitimate reason why they cannot stay at their main residence. 

Otherwise, people are not permitted to stay in second homes, caravans, hotels or with friends or family. 

Outside of lockdown, you should follow the local advice as each area of the UK may have different restrictions. 

Can I have a cleaner in my house during lockdown?

Cleaning counts as a job that cannot be done remotely, and the government has stated that cleaners can continue to work as normal during the second lockdown. 

If you have a cleaner visit your home during the pandemic, it’s advised you social distance and that they wear a mask. 

To sum up

Above is a list of some of the FAQ for homeowners during Covid-19. As always, we suggest consulting the latest government advice on matters relating to homeownership, work and travel as the information is subject to change.

How effective is online counselling in treating anxiety?

Anxiety can be crippling. It can make it difficult to do the simplest of tasks, for example going to the supermarket, meeting your friends or even answering the phone.

Counselling is often seen as an effective treatment for anxiety. It can help you to explore the root of your feelings as well as finding coping strategies to help you to manage your anxiety when it flares up.

But what if your anxiety makes it difficult for you to see a counsellor? For some people, just leaving the house is enough to trigger a panic attack. Could online counselling be a solution for treating anxiety?

What causes anxiety? 

Anxiety is caused by the body’s fight or flight response. When your body feels like you’re in danger, it triggers this response in an attempt to keep you safe. During this fight or flight response, your body produces adrenaline to keep you alert to the danger. When the threat is gone, your body stops producing adrenaline and you can relax.

However, with anxiety, this is not the case. Your body continues to produce the adrenaline, despite the threat not being there. This causes you to feel anxious and on edge and can cause sleep difficulties.

How can counselling help with anxiety? 

Counselling can help you to understand the cause of your anxiety and find ways to overcome it. A good counsellor will support you to explore your anxiety and why you feel like you do.

You’ll probably start by talking about how you feel and what’s causing your fears. The counsellor will then move on to looking at any underlying issues including the triggers for your anxiety. Once you understand the cause of your anxiety, you can start to work on changing your unhelpful thinking patterns and work to overcome your anxieties.

It could be a particular stress in your life or a reaction to a past experience. Finding out the source of your anxiety can help you to deal with it, finding ways to release the anxiety and learning coping strategies to help you when your anxiety flares up.

Different techniques work best for different people – it’s all about finding the technique that works best for you, and a good counsellor will work to explore this with you. Many people enjoy practicing mindfulness as a way to relax and allow their anxieties to fade away.

Is online counselling effective in treating anxiety? 

Online counselling is a highly effective treatment for anxiety. In fact, a 2018 study which was published in the Journal of Psychological Disorders found that online counselling was equally as effective as face-to-face counselling for treating social anxiety disorder, panic disorder and generalised anxiety disorder.

As many people suffering from anxiety may find it challenging to leave their house or meet new people, online counselling may feel like an easier alternative than traditional face-to-face counselling.

How to find an online counsellor 

Bark offers an easy way to find online counsellors who are ready to help you to overcome your anxiety. You can view their profiles and read genuine reviews from their past clients before you make contact.

If you’re ready to take the first step in overcoming your anxiety, you can find a counsellor on Bark.

How to make your workplace Covid-19 secure

Covid-19 has changed the way we work, with many workplaces being forced to close their doors during parts of the pandemic and many employees working from home. If your job requires you to travel into the office or meet with colleagues or customers face-to-face, it’s never been more critical to have watertight risk assessments in place.

But what steps do you need to take to make sure that your workplace is Covid-secure?

Complete a Covid risk assessment for your workplace

It is your duty as an employer to protect your employees, customers, and anyone else that enters your buildings from harm. This includes taking reasonable steps to protect these people from Covid-19.

To identify where your employees may be at risk, you should complete a Covid-19 risk assessment for your workplace. 

In your Covid-19 risk assessment, you should identify any areas of the workplace or situations which may cause transmission of the virus, identify who could be at risk, and work out the likelihood of their exposure to the virus. You can then put measures in place to mitigate or reduce the risk in these areas.

Maintaining hygiene during coronavirus

Covid-19 can be spread through contact with surfaces. That’s why it’s important to keep high-contact surfaces clean and encourage good hand hygiene amongst your employees.

You should use signs and posters to remind your workers to practice good handwashing technique and ensure that you have adequate handwashing facilities with running water and soap. You should also provide hand sanitiser around buildings and for employees who are unable to wash their hands regularly.

You should identify any surfaces which are touched regularly and implement an increased cleaning schedule for these areas. These areas could include door handles, lift buttons, desks, touch screens, and shared equipment.

Social distancing in the workplace during coronavirus

Social distancing involves people keeping a distance from one another to limit the spread of Covid-19. Where possible, you should keep two metres of distance from other households. However, where two metres isn’t possible, one metre is acceptable providing other protective measures are taken such as wearing masks, using Perspex screens, or facing away from each other.

Consider how you could implement social distancing in your workplace to reduce the chance of transmission. This may include using floor paint or tape to mark work areas, providing signage to remind people to keep distance, and limiting the movement of people wherever possible.

Working from home during coronavirus 

If your employees are able to work from home during the Covid-19 pandemic, you should allow them to do so wherever possible. This will limit the risk of transmission for any employees who must remain in the workplace.

Ensure that you communicate regularly with any employees who are working from home, making sure that they have everything that they need to work safely.

Protecting vulnerable workers during coronavirus

Some people are at increased risk of a negative outcome if they contract Covid-19. Companies should put measures in place to protect those workers as much as possible. This could mean moving vulnerable employees into roles where they are able to work from home to minimise the risk of them catching the virus.

Consult the experts in workplace health and safety 

For more information about keeping your workers safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, occupational health and safety experts can give advice. If you are looking to hire an expert in health and safety to help you to make your workplace COVID-secure, you can find an occupational health and safety expert on Bark.

Five steps to living your best life during Covid-19

The coronavirus pandemic has left no area of life untouched. From your work life to your family life and your health to your social life, it’s likely you’ve experienced some major life changes over the past year.

Most people have simply been living in survival mode, doing whatever it takes to get through daily life. However, for some people, the Covid-19 pandemic has caused them to take a step back and reassess their lives, making long-term changes which will last long beyond the pandemic.

Whether you’re run off your feet as a key worker or struggling with isolation, here are five ways that you can take control of your life and thrive during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Focus on what you can control 

It’s easy to feel out of control when so many areas of your life are restricted and you’re facing high levels of stress. But try to focus on the things that you can control. Set yourself small goals, whether that be starting to plan the book you’ve always dreamed of writing or taking up running. Focusing on specific goals can help you to take back control of your life.

Connect with nature

Spending time outdoors can help you to feel grounded when things are out of your control. Try going for a walk and really focusing on what you can see, hear and smell. You could also have a go at growing your own fruit or vegetables – there’s nothing more satisfying than eating food that you’ve grown yourself.

Maintain a routine

It’s easy to forget about self-care if you aren’t leaving the house as much as usual, but self-care translates to positive mental wellbeing. Try setting your alarm for the same time every morning to get up, take a shower and brush your teeth. A consistent morning routine helps to set you up for a good day, leaving you ready to achieve your goals.

Keep talking 

It can be easy to feel isolated when you can’t see your friends and family as much as usual. That’s why it’s important to find new ways to stay connected during the coronavirus pandemic. Take the time to contact your friends and family by text, phone call, or even video call as regularly as possible. As well as supporting your own mental health, it could benefit the people you reach out to as well.

Hire a life coach 

If this period of reflection has made you reconsider your priorities or empowered you to make a big change to your life, it’s worth considering hiring a life coach.

You may be wondering “what is a life coach?” A life coach can help you to make the changes you desire, whether that’s in your career, your relationships or your day-to-day life. They’re there to help you to set realistic and achievable goals and to empower and motivate you to achieve those goals.

Best of all – life coaching can be done virtually, so there’s no need to wait until the pandemic is over to get started. Your online life coach can support and empower you through video calls and over the phone, allowing you to make changes towards a positive mental wellbeing and a successful future.  

If you’re thinking of hiring a life coach to help you to improve your life, you can find a life coach on Bark.