5 Business Tips I Learned From My Pug
As adoring pet parents, we love to think that our furry companions hold the keys to greater wisdom—if only they could talk. To be honest, when I look into my pug’s eyes, I’m pretty sure most of what goes on inside his head is circus music and images of dancing kibble.
We learn a lot from our pets without needing them to speak to us. Many of their qualities can be successfully applied to our businesses.
- Don’t take anything for granted.
If I leave my pug at home alone for 10 minutes, he makes sure when I return that he does not take me for granted, even for a second.
Likewise, you should never take your business for granted. Find ways to make the people you serve feel valued and appreciated.
Your social media following, that slew of new clients, that amazing writing job: All these can be gone in the blink of an eye, and there’s not a lot you can do about it. Be grateful for your achievements and successes every day, and nurture your business relationships.
- Practice active listening.
I talk to my pug a lot. I trust him with my most honest and crazy thoughts. I share my hopes, sadness, and fears. I’m sure he judges me and is my harshest critic, but he says nothing. He simply listens.
Listening is one of the most vital skills you can master. Your customers need to feel they are being heard and that their needs are being met by you. Practice active listening to strengthen relationships with your business connections.
- Take some time to do nothing.
I can’t help but notice that my pug does a lot of nothing. He is an expert at this.
While you shouldn’t aim to become an expert, try taking 10 minutes out of every day to do… nothing. And I mean nothing. No reading, no watching Netflix, and no checking that alluring ping that came out of your phone.
The art of doing nothing goes against all our human instincts, but it works wonders for improving focus and stress levels.
- Exercise.
I experience overwhelming guilt when I neglect to walk my pug during the day. His tail unfurls, he is restless, and he looks even sadder than your average pug.
Exercise plays a crucial role in keeping energy levels up and anxiety levels down. Your routine doesn’t need to be a huge investment of time or money. Schedule time each day to stretch, lift some weights, or play with your pet. Your business and your body will thank you for it.
- Be consistent.
I depend on my pug for his gentle nature, his instant appearance at the sound of a crinkly wrapper, and his often overwhelming fragrance. These are core values of his brand. My pug doesn’t try to do Labrador or Rottweiler. He only does Pug, and he does it well.
Just as you choose a pet for the traits of its breed, people select your business or blog because your brand has something they prefer over your competitors. Being honest and dependable is one of your most powerful business assets.
Your turn: What has your pet taught you about your business? What lessons has your furry friend imparted to improve your work?
Rachael Pilcher is a copywriter and blogger who writes about all things related to business and marketing. In her spare time, she enjoys hanging out with her pug, Dexter, eating nachos, and traveling. Find her online: www.thecopybee.com.
Image: antoniodiaz/Shutterstock.com
