Dear Andrew,
I am a brand new sitter, too - and am grateful to be planning my first sit at the end of this month. I was nervous about someone accepting me, too. I started reading tips about sitting (like leaving a thank you card and maybe some flowers after cleaning up after myself well) and other things to learn as much as I could. I also filled out my profile and added pictures of my sons and my own dogs and tried to allow my potential homeowners to learn as much about me as I could. I applied for a few “local” sits and some “last minute” sits. And I participated on this forum. That participation is what led to one of the more experienced sitters recommending me for a sit at her daughter’s house and I was accepted!
So, continue doing what you are doing, being as open as possible, contributing to the community, offering to sit last minute and local, and your sits will come.
You did exactly right just by reaching out for help. We are all in this together!
Becky