Professional Spotlight – Page 2

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!

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.

Meet Dan – Owner and Founder of dogHEART

This week we’re heading to Richmond California to chat with Dan, owner and founder of dog training company dogHEART.

Let’s hear Dan’s story about building a successful career on Bark.

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

dogHEART is a behavior training business for Service Dogs and Pet dogs that started in 2017.

We strengthen the human-canine trust by showing humans how to bring out the best value in their dog so their dog will be safe, and owners will have confidence and peace of mind in public.

What were you doing before you launched your business?

I was in business development, helping failing non-profits become sustainable.

What made you want to start your company?

I enjoyed helping non-profits continue their mission with underserved communities. But it was time for me to follow my dream to help people find comfort and strength in life and trauma through dogs.

Well-behaved dogs are powerful healers just by their presence and unconditional love. My dream is to start an Integrative Wellness Center, utilizing Service Dogs in a holistic approach to heal trauma.

When did you join Bark? What made you join?

I decided to join Bark in November 2020 because I had to rethink how to continue business due to the Covid-19 pandemic locking everything down. I posted ads on Google Search and YouTube, which yielded minimal results. Bark was my only viable option.

Can you tell us about your experiences on Bark?

I began to receive more results in two weeks than I did in two months with my other ads! By my third week, I had three clients. I cancelled my other ads, and I am staying with Bark.

What’s the best thing about Bark?

There are so many great things I have found with Bark. Probably the best for me is their business model. I am no longer sending out ads, supposedly focused on my demographic, and waiting for clicks.

Bark reversed the current marketing model by allowing my business a space to be visible to the people seeking out my specific service, and I find that this model yields high returns on investment.

Any top tips for success on Bark?

Show your passion. Follow the profile template the Bark professional marketers set up. Contact your leads as soon as possible. Utilize the professional help that Bark provides.

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

I have reached out to Bark’s Customer Success Team several times as I was getting started. I am continually impressed at how quickly I can get a real person who is courteous, professional, and who expedites solutions.

How has Bark helped you during Covid-19?

I am thankful that I found and joined Bark. We all have to get through life during this difficult time. I find Bark to be the link between me and clients who need my services.

Anything else you’d like us to include?

I am amazed at how much Bark wants business people like me to succeed by offering to reapply credits if you do not receive any clients from your first credit pack. I love that credits do not expire!

We’ve loved chatting with Dan today – it’s great to hear how he’s used Bark to follow his passion (and we didn’t mind the adorably cute pics of the dogs either!). If you’re looking for a dog trainer, then head over to Dan’s Bark profile. You can find more information about dogHEART, check out his reviews and make an enquiry – all from one place! Stuck at home? Dan also offers puppy training online (for puppies 2 months to 5 months of age).

Meet Simon – Graphic Designer at Media Monkey

This week we’re off to Devon in the UK to chat with Simon, Graphic Designer and Animator (or as he calls it ‘Designamator’) at Media Monkey, a creative design agency.

Let’s hear how Simon has grown a successful business over the years with Bark.

Tell us a bit about your background

I’ve lived and breathed design for over 20 years, working at various creative agencies in my twenties and finally setting up my first company in 2011, called ‘Ramsey’s Design.’

Over time, the marketplace I was working in demanded a lot more attention in motion graphics. Video was becoming more popular and engagement was through the roof on social platforms.

I only had a small understanding of animation, but I learnt on the fly by watching as much training as I could. In 2018 I rebranded Ramsey’s Design Lab to Media Monkey – really to focus more on video and animation.

When did you join Bark?

VERY VERY early days – 2015/2016!

Tell us about your experiences on Bark…

From day one it always looked and felt like a great site. Huge attention to user journey and packed full of leads for all sorts of different service areas. Bark was a huge change for me to now ‘close’ my own customers. Yikes!

Since the early days, Bark has continually listened and updated the system and it has progressed beautifully over the years. Any issues I had have been ironed out and we are always very excited to see new updates that make things easier for us to use Bark and importantly, make money from it. We now have verified phone numbers!! and each lead shows how many people have responded to it.

These may sound like small changes. But they have made a HUGE impact and created more trust in the whole system.

Over time Bark has become the sole source of my work. It accounts for over 95% of my revenue yearly, in both new projects and repeat business from those valuable relationships I have made.

If it wasn’t for Bark I wouldn’t have a business.

How has Bark helped you fight the coronavirus pandemic?

When the pandemic hit in March 2020 I lost over £250,000 in estimates, proposals and retained business which happened pretty much overnight. I had two weeks of pacing up and down the garden wondering how on earth we are going to manage.

I spent my last £60 on Bark credits which landed me with a handful of incredible clients. I was so happy to be back doing what I know best. Business is very much booming thanks to this wonderful system, with June and July 2020 being the busiest months on record.

What’s the best thing about Bark?

There are lots of GREAT things about Bark.

Active development team – It feels like we are being listened to. Updates and new features are rolling out all the time.

The ease of use – The whole platform is just great to use. And from a design point of view, looks great. Can’t wait to finally see the new portfolio rollout.

But the BEST thing about Bark? Always knowing you have a place to go and find work if there is nothing coming in. There are hundreds of new leads posted every day. You can always seem to get something – that hopefully leads to more.

What are your top tips for success on Bark?

Reviews, get reviews. I know I read them. Especially if I’m about to spend some serious money or I’m looking to form a working relationship.

ALWAYS respond immediately to anyone that has sent you a personal message. Clients won’t do that unless they are very very keen.

ALWAYS where possible respond to emailed leads (Elite Pro only) again if they have reached out to you. That is already your foot in the door. The likelihood of closing a deal with someone who has reached out to you is much much higher. At that point is just a price negotiation issue.

Remember that most of the people you’ll deal with – WILL COME BACK! it will all be repeat business if you deliver what you promise – and a little extra.

How helpful have you found our Customer Success team?

Great customer service team. If you ever ring them it’s a pleasure to speak with them. Every single team member I’ve spoken to in 5 years has been wonderful.

And that’s Simon, Media Monkey’s very own ‘Designamator’, disrupting the design world one motion reel at a time. If you’re looking to bring a new lease of life to your next digital project, head over to Media Monkey’s Bark profile to make an enquiry – check out its stunning 3D animation, read reviews and request a quote, all on Bark today!

You can find Media Monkey on social media too! Search mediamonkeybusiness on Facebook for more examples of its brilliant work.

Meet Quwanie – Owner of Cleaning Go LTD

This week we’re heading to Surrey in the UK to speak with Quwanie – proud owner of Cleaning Go LTD, a 5 star rated domestic and commercial cleaning company.

Hear Quwanie’s story about growing and scaling his cleaning business with Bark.

How long has your business been around for?

I launched Cleaning Go July 2020 on a budget of £405. Due to Covid-19, most commercial premises couldn’t reopen until a professional cleaning company disinfected their property. Businesses had no choice but to remain closed until further notice.

Cleaning Go was launched with the sole purpose of creating a safe, secure environment for businesses and the public. I understand the cleaning sector because I spent at least 10 years in the industry before launching my cleaning company.

What were you doing before you launched your company?

Before launching Cleaning Go I joined the retail industry early January 2020 where I was working as a Kitchen Sales Designer for Magnet Kitchens in Sutton, Surrey. Unfortunately due to the pandemic Magnet Kitchens had no choice but to let me go.

Tell us about your experiences on Bark…

Bark.com has been fantastic so far, I have had a positive experience in such a short time. I had fifteen bookings in one month! Out of those, I was able to secure two commercial cleaning contracts, one in South Kensington and the other in Westminster, worth approximately £24,882 annually. I also secured at least twelve end-of-tenancy domestic cleaning contracts that grossed over £5,000. The leads were coming in like wildfire – at one point I was struggling to manage everything. Most of the Bark.com inquiries converted into business.

What’s the best thing about Bark?

Bark.com is user friendly and easy to use. I tried a few different platforms like Checkatrade, Bidvine,Tradespeople, and to be honest, there wasn’t any comparison to Bark.com in my opinion.

Bark.com is in a league of its own – where else do you find a 24/7 customer service team where you can talk to real humans, not just chatbots? The customer service team is helpful and friendly, too. Bark.com is the Apple of the services marketplace!

What are your top tips for success on Bark?

1. Be coachable and willing to put in the work.
2. Social media is free so use it to your advantage.
3. Read. Every single day I read something from Bloomberg, Financial Times, Market Watch, CNN Money, The Wall Street Journal, The Economist, Money, Wired, Forbes Business, UK Businesses, and UK Parliament.
4. Be willing to work hard. One of my favourite quotes is from Elon Musk, he said “starting a company is like eating broken glass and staring into the abyss.”

And there you have it – the low down on one man’s mission to make workplaces safer during Covid-19. If that doesn’t inspire you, we don’t know what will!

We loved catching up with Quwanie. If you’re in need of a top-rated cleaning service based in London and the South East, head over to the Cleaning Go Bark profile page – you can check out its reviews, request a quote, and see some great examples of past work.

Cleaning Go is also on social media! Find them on Instagram at @cleaninggouk, search them on Facebook at @cleaningouk, or find them on Twitter at @Cleaninggouk.

We’re committed to helping professionals like Quwanie find new opportunities to help grow their business, especially in times of such uncertainty.

Want the next success story to be yours? Sign up as a professional on Bark today.