Ellen Galvin's Blog, page 4

Bella the Boxer's Time Management Tip #3: Finish What You Start

Today, I'm going to share time management tip #3 from my book, Secrets of a Working Dog: Unleash Your Potential and Create Success. (Click on the links to read Tip #1 and Tip #2).

Tip #3: Finish What You Start

If you've ever tried to interrupt a Boxer while she is digging a hole, you know that she'll whine and obsess until she gets to finish the job. That's because Boxers (all dogs, really) get a great sense of accomplishment and empowerment from marking something off as "done," i.e., digging the biggest, widest and deepest hole on Earth.

In other words, we like to finish what we start.

Humans need to learn that an "almost done" takes up valuable mindshare. Working on tasks in fits and starts can also be a highly inefficient use of time, whether you are digging holes or sitting at the computer.

I know some time management gurus who say you should block off specific times of the day to read and respond to e-mail—a half-hour in the morning and another half-hour in the afternoon, for example. The problem is that most people don't take enough time to read and respond carefully in their race against the clock. They skim through the first few sentences and send a hasty, piecemeal response that requires even more back-and-forth. Now they are wasting the time of two people!

It's better to prepare yourself mentally and physically to finish what you start. Clear your desk, organize your papers, shut the door and drop your furry friend off at dog day care for a few hours of supervised fun (don't worry, we'll survive. We might even have a lot of fun!). Break tasks down into pieces and get to work. And if there are tasks that you never seem to finish (or that stand in the way of finishing more important things), then outsource them.

Case in point: My Mom is a neatnik with the superhuman ability to see every single dog hair in the office and house. She finally realized that her time was better spent with clients, not with picking dog hair out of the photocopy machine, and hired a cleaning service.

Finally, if there is something that you really, truly can't seem to finish, then maybe it wasn't meant to be. Take it off your action plan and get rid of the guilt that goes along with.

Now, make some time to go out and play. Woof! Woof!

[image error]

Build Your Pack, Or How to Network Like a Dog

My humans like to think that they are the alpha networkers of the word of mouth marketing agency that we run together in Portland, Oregon.

They are wrong, of course. That distinction clearly belongs to me. In fact, every day I teach them something new about the value of "assembling one's pack," i.e., the network of colleagues, coaches, mentors and friends that are essential to building a successful business and creating a happy life.

(I don't know who coined the expression "every man for himself," but they were sadly mistaken.)

You might wonder about taking business advice from a dog. But dogs in the workplace are hardly a novelty anymore. One in five companies across the U.S. now allows canines, including many large corporations. Yet modern working dogs aren't confided to corporate settings. Millions of Americans enjoy the personal and financial freedom of working as network marketers or in home-based businesses, and many of them have a four-legged friend lying at their feet.

So what can people learn from dogs about becoming better networkers?

Well, according to some surveys, a fraction (10-20%) of people enjoy face-to-face networking. The rest avoid it or hate it altogether.

Language is part of the problem. People think of "networking" as a specific activity where they're expected to dole out literature and ask for something in return. That would be like me showing up at a new dog day care facility, doing a cursory sniff-around and then asking the other dogs to give up their tennis balls. Even if I did have my own fancy business cards to hand out, it would be awkward and unproductive.

The better way—the dogpreneur way—is to think of "connecting." Whereas "networking" is an activity with a beginning and an end, "connecting" is a way of life. Dogs make friends to make friends, not to drum up business or push their own agenda.

Me and my pack of friends & associates

Other ways for becoming a better networker by thinking like a dog include:

Make Others Feel Good

It doesn't matter whether my humans have been gone for one minute or one hour, as soon as they walk in the door I greet them with a series of big, sloppy kisses. Granted, this would be awkward for most people. But if you're nervous about interacting with strangers, why not try giving everyone a big, friendly smile and a warm "hello"? You'll put everyone at ease, including yourself.

Sniff Out a Connection

Humans waste too much time chitchatting about trivial stuff like the weather or American Idol (you think your four-legged friends aren't listening, but we are). In contrast, networking is asking thoughtful questions and making meaningful connections. If you are stuck for words, talk about your dog, your goldfish or—heaven forbid!—your cat. You'd be surprised how many people have pets (62% of U.S. households, or 73 million homes) and love (love) to talk about them. After you've made a genuine connection, it's easy to transition to other topics.

Dig Out What's Different

The key to connecting like a dog is to always be curious. Never pass up an opportunity to meet someone new just because they don't walk, talk or look like you. (Although I don't recommend that you follow my lead in trying to connect with a skunk!) The point is, dogs know that mutually beneficial partnerships come in all shapes and sizes. We have no problem looking past (or searching out) differences that most humans would think were too big to ignore.

Perk Up Your Ears

In the dog world, names are irrelevant. Rover, Fido, Spot—it doesn't matter. Yet Dale Carnegie said that the sweetest sound in the world is the sound of a person's own name, which explains why many people worry less about meeting others than simply forgetting their name. So, whether your ears point like a Doberman pinscher's or flop like a basset hound's, perk them up and listen carefully when people introduce themselves. As busy as you are, take a few seconds to stop and focus. People appreciate it when you are interested in them and go out of their way to remember them by name.

Remember, connecting with people on a genuine level is the key to "building your pack" and succeeding in business and in life.

Read Secrets of a Working Dog: Unleash Your Potential and Create Success for more tips on building your pack, shaking off setbacks and pursuing your dreams, and living fully while balancing work and play. 

What have your pets taught you about networking?

***

Are you a direct selling organization looking for a fun and insightful professional speaker to motivate your sales teams? Bella's co-author and spokesperson is Patrick Galvin, member of the National Speakers Association and creator of "A Dog's View: Savvy Strategies for Unleashing Your Potential and Achieving Success in Network Marketing."

This high-energy presentation tailored for network marketing professionals shows that dogs are much more than great companions. Patrick will share Bella the Boxer's secrets for keeping focused in a multitasking environment, connecting with clients and prospects through clear communications, persisting in the face of rejection, showing appreciation that builds relationships, and making happiness happen in spite of setbacks.

Organizations that pre-purchase copies of Bella's book receive a significant volume discount and an adjustment in speaking fees. Each is copy is "pawtographed" by Bella and signed by the authors and makes a thoughtful gift for attendees, staff, volunteers, sponsors, etc.

For more information, visit Bella's speaking page or contact Patrick via this form.

Bella the Boxer's Time Management Tip #2: Dump the Doggone Distractions

A few weeks ago I shared a time management tip from my book, Secrets of a Working Dog: Unleash Your Potential and Create Success. It was "Plan Your Day." Simple enough, right? Read the blog post right here.

Well, today's tip sounds just as easy—but as we all know, it takes effort for an old dog to learn a new trick (notice that I didn't say it was impossible! Old dogs can indeed learn new tricks, especially if we get snacks.)

Tip #2: Dump the Distractions

Why do dog trainers tell new puppy parents to pick up their socks and underwear? Because if it's in plain sight, it's fair game. (According to Veterinary Pet Insurance, sponsor of the famous "Hambone Award," socks and underwear are the two most common surgically removed items from pets.) But humans are easily distracted, and they forget. And distractions are everywhere.

If you are addicted to email, turn it off. If gossip headlines are your Achilles' heel, close your Internet browser. If you can't let a ringing phone go unanswered, pull the plug. "Easier said than done," you say. Yes, dogs, especially successful dogpreneurs, know firsthand that removing temptation takes a lot of hard work and discipline.

For example, I had to put away my beloved red rubber ball to finish my book. (Well, the truth is I accidentally wedged it underneath the sofa where it stayed stuck for a few weeks. But the result was the same. Distraction gone!)

If you lose focus and don't know why, start taking notes—write down everything you do during the workday. You'll quickly learn that you create your own distractions by making a telephone call or opening your inbox to send "just one more" e-mail.

Here's another idea. For people and dogs who like round, shiny red objects, Francesco Cirillo created a time management technique called The Pomodoro Technique that uses a basic red tomato kitchen timer to break tasks into 25-minute increments called "pomodoros," which means "tomatoes" in Italian.

Boy, do I love tomatoes. Especially the little cherry tomatoes that come straight off the vine…but I digress.

The goal of the technique is to keep you focused and working in increments, one pomodoro at a time, until a task is completed. At the same time, you keep track of every single interruption on a sheet of paper so that you can eliminate them over time. It's simple, clever and "Bella Approved" (check out the "Pomodoro Technique for Dogs?" link to one of my previous blog posts).

Plan your day, dump the distractions….and look for time management tip #3 next week!

Working Dog Wednesday: Meet Samson, Massage Therapist in Training

Welcome to 'Working Dog Wednesday,' where I interview dogs of every shape, size and pedigree. I believe that all dogs are working dogs because we all have something valuable to teach humans (if they listen to us, that is).

Today's post is timely because Mom has an appointment with her massage therapist this afternoon. Frankly, I'm a bit jealous of this relationship. I mean, what can a massage therapist offer that I cannot? I'd be MORE than happy to jump up and down on Mom's back and work out all the kinks.

Well, apparently it takes a bit more training than that. Certification, even. Which is why I decided to interview my new friend Samson for this week's "Working Dog Wednesday." Samson just enrolled at National Holistic Institute (NHI) in California, one of the largest and most respected massage therapy schools in the nation dedicated to helping people have work they love. Read the blog post and then watch the video about his experience:

 

Here's what else Samson has to say about work, life and happiness:

First of all, Bella, I like nothing more than when the world revolves around me—so thank you for having me on your blog!

As for my life story, I don't remember much about the first 3 years.  All I know is that I ended up at the Oakland SPCA, and then one day, someone from the Berkeley East Bay Humane Society (BEBHS) picked me up and took me to their facility.  Well, that was my lucky day because Sharlene, my adopted human mom, was looking for a handsome male Chihuahua, and I fit the bill.  She adopted me on the spot.  Love at first sight if you will.  That was a little over 1 ½ years ago.  My designated birthday is Jan 1, 2007, so I am a little more than 4 ½ years old.  I mature well, don't you think?  No ego here, but then again, I did say I am a Chihuahua! 

Anyway, my mom Sharlene is a graduate of NHI where she is an instructor. About a year ago, she was promoted to Curriculum Coordinator. Needless to say, she gives great massages. I love massages! They calm me down, and put me into a trance. My favorite kind of massage is Shiatsu and acupressure. Of course, I love Swedish too. Fortunately, they teach it all at NHI (check out their student clinics where you can get a great massage at a very affordable price.)

Best of all, everyone at NHI is so nice and welcoming. With a very diverse group of students, staff and faculty, they made me feel right at home—even though I am a dog! (In my opinion, dogs make great massage therapists because it's in our nature to be compassionate and non-judgmental, and to give unconditional universal love. We really care and want to help others.)

As for my extracurricular interests, I love cats. When Sharlene brought me home for the first time, there was this huge gorgeous cat named Jack. He towered over me. At that time I only weighed 5.5 pounds, and Jack weighed 14 pounds. But we made it work. He was cool.  He even shared my crate with me so that I wouldn't feel lonely, especially in the beginning. 

Wasn't it kind of Jack to scoot to the back to make room for me? The lesson is that it doesn't matter where you come from, or what your differences are, friendship is always a good thing. Tolerance!  Compassion!  Yep, that's it! 

That said, I have to admit that I am not particularly fond of other dogs. It wasn't until Bella (my adopted mom's daughter's dog, a terrier mix) came to live with us that I learned to play like a dog. She patiently taught me how to play tug and to be more tolerant. She is my best friend, which goes to show that even old dogs can learn new behaviors (not that I am old, of course). Here is my friend Bella:

As for my other pastimes, when I am not sprinting after squirrels I like to bathe in the sun. I do it every chance I get:

Well, I have more to share but it is getting late and I have a lot more studying to do before becoming one of NHI's certified massage therapists. Remember, it's not the size of the dog that matters but rather the size of his dreams!

Sincerely,

Samson, the handsome dude Chihuahua

 

Ahoy, Me Hearties! It's International Talk Like a Pirate Day

Do ye know what day is today, maties? It's International Talk Like A Pirate Day! I LOOOOVE silly holidays, especially when they were invented right here in Portland. Talking like a pirate is way to make people smile and have a bit of fun...which is good for the human and canine spirit alike.

For all ye landlubbers, here's a dictionary of pirate talk adapted for the canine crew:

Avast! - Stop and pay attention. "Avast! Get a load of that cute Boxer walking by!"

Aye! - Agreement. "Aye, dinner wench, you should feed me more hot dogs and cheese."

Bucko - Familiar term. "Throw my tennis ball, bucko."

Me hearties - Typical way for a pirate leader to address his crew. "Serve me my kibble, me hearties."

Poop deck - The highest deck at the aft (rear) end of a large ship. "Well-trained pups don't poop on the poop deck."

Sink me! - An expression of surprise. "Oh, sink me! The humans are making me take a bath!"

Have fun talking like a pirate (and check out the official Talk Like a Pirate Day website for more fun).

Cap'n Bella

P.S. If you "Like" this post, I won't make you walk the plank!

Bella the Boxer's Back-to-School Time Management Tips

There's something about September that lights a fire under my stubby little tail and gets me thinking about ways to improve my concentration and manage my time (maybe it's all the "back to school" notebooks, rulers, organizers and stuff?).

I know I'm not alone, so over the next few weeks I'm going to dish out some time management tips from my book, Secrets of a Working Dog: Unleash Your Potential and Create Success.

Tip #1: Plan Your Day

Sounds doggone simple, right? Well, I know plenty of people who start their day without a plan of action. It doesn't take long and they find out the meaning of the expression, "the tail that wags the dog." That's because life's small distractions have a way of sneaking up on you.  Before you know it, you are chasing the neighbor's cat and chewing on a pair of expensive Italian leather sandals.

Meanwhile, important and life-changing projects never get off the ground.

The solution is to prioritize the things you need to do and create a daily action plan. Unlike the tired old "to-do" list, which implies a laundry list of errands, an action plan is what it sounds like—a plan that is filled with action. It's ambitious; it breaks tasks down into manageable steps (e.g., teach your dog one new command instead of 10); and it emphasizes progress and results.

I'm not saying that a daily action plan can't include tasks like "buy dog food" (very important), but it should remind you to tackle your most important tasks first. It should also help you identify and get rid of the things you do out of habit, a sense of obligation or because you just can't say no.

Of course, all work and no play makes for a very dull human—so include some fun stuff, too. It can be as simple as enjoying a long walk with your four-legged friend.

I know there are a lot of 'simplicity experts' who say you should dump most of your obligations so you don't need an action plan at all. Well, I don't know too many humans who can afford to do that (or want to, for that matter). Some of us thrive on our active and busy lives! Being involved with a variety of people and activities makes us happy.

A full schedule doesn't have to be stressful if it keeps you motivated and helps you stop wasting time and stay focused.

As the saying goes, "if you want something done, ask a busy person (or dog)."

Lessons in Appreciation, Canine Style (Woo! Woo!)

 

Why is my friend Cosmo saying "thanks"? Doctors removed a suspicious bump on his head that, fortunately, did not require radiation (much to his mom Sandra's relief!). This is Cosmo's charming way of expressing his appreciation.

Like me, Cosmo is a stickler for appreciation. We can't help it, we're dogs—and dogs show appreciation for the most basic things in life, like shelter, food, water and belly rubs.

Humans, on the other hand, sometimes forget that "thank you" is one of the greatest secrets of success. To help them remember, here are a few tips from my book:

Don't just be grateful—show it. Appreciation is gratitude in action, and it makes everyone feel good.

Appreciate the moment. When something good happens, take a moment out of your busy life to kick up your paws and celebrate.

Simplify, streamline and unclutter; focus on what you have instead of whining about what you don't.

Acknowledge other people's efforts and actions; everyone wants to feel like they are making a difference.

By the way, there is no "right" way to say thank you. You can deliver it in person, say it with a smile, write a handwritten note or hire a skywriter. Or, if you are a Boxer, you can wiggle your butt, shake your tail and howl "Woo! Woo!" like my handsome friend Cosmo.

Remember, it doesn't matter HOW you express appreciation, as long as you DO..Woo! Woo!

Why We Need to Push Past Our Comfort Zones: A Guest Post from Go For No!'s Courage the Cat

My relationship with cats runs a bit "hot and cold," shall we say. That doesn't mean I don't respect the crafty felines for their tenacity and their savvy street skills (plus, I'm no dummy. It's not smart to disrespect someone who has claws and isn't afraid to use them!).

One of my sharpest friends is Courage, whose humans Andrea Waltz and Richard Fenton wrote a wildly popular book and created a sales program called Go For No! It's about "failing your way to success" and teaches humans that they shouldn't let the word "no" stop them from their dreams.

Courage recently moved from the rainy Pacific Northwest to sunny Florida and has a lot to say about change and why it's good to get outside our comfort zones. Here's an update from my feline "friend" Courage the Cat:

I recently relocated to a new area of the country. It meant many days and nights in my cat carrier before finally arriving in our new home. As you can see I have made myself very comfortable. 

I will admit, however, that I was initially extremely nervous. I spent a few days under the bed when I first got here and even ignored my scratching post (I know, crazy, right?). But I quickly learned something about comfort. I was comfortable where I was, and then things changed. You can hide for a while, but eventually you've got to come out. And the more you spend time "out of your comfort zone" (from under the bed) you come to learn there is a whole new world to explore even if it makes you nervous at first. 

When you do take the time to embrace your new surroundings, the uncomfortable becomes comfortable. Now I love my home. It's a new, expanded comfort zone.  In fact, I have embraced this philosophy so much that I've even tried running out the front door! They stop me every time. But if you don't have anyone blocking you at the door, there's no excuse. Get out and expand your comfort zone. Who knows what amazing scratching post you may discover when you do?!

You can read more about Courage and the lessons he's taught Andrea and Richard in my book, Secrets of a Working Dog (pp. 79-80). I also recommend Go For No! which is a fun and inspirational read for anyone looking to create their own success. Heck, buy them both and you'll rule (not drool) over the world!

Woofs, wags (and meow),

Bella

Bella the Boxer's Book Club Questions: Secrets of a Working Dog (A Sweet Summer Read)

Good news! The Boxer Lover's Book Club has picked Secrets of a Working Dog as one of its recommended summer reads (hear that whirring sound? It's my little nub tail wagging with delight).

So how do you get your paws on a copy? In exchange for some belly rubs and snacks I'll drive over to your house with a pawtographed copy RIGHT NOW! Operators are STANDING BY!

If that's not convenient, you can order a copy from Amazon (paperback and eBook) or BN.com (eBook). Better yet, you can order a pawtographed copy directly from my website as part of my "Bella Gives Back" program in which I donate 40% to one of a handful of designated non-profits (to date I've donated nearly $1,500).

I've also come up with some book club questions that I think are thought-provoking and fun (I hope you'll agree). Post answers to your favorite questions in the comments section below, or on the Facebook page of the Boxer Lover's Book Club. Let's play!

(If you have a blog, a Facebook page, a radio/TV show, a contest site or a soapbox from which you'd like to deliver your own honest review of Secrets of a Working Dog, drop me a line here. I'll be happy to answer any questions you have and I can send you some Boxeriffic photos, too.)

Bella the Boxer's Book Club Questions

What do think about this book's message?

What makes your life "zoom"? Are you doing it right now?

Do you think this is a book for all dog lovers, or is it for Boxer lovers only? What about people who love cats (or squirrels, or whales, or ferrets)?

What can humans learn from dogs about listening carefully and communicating clearly?

Why is it hard for some humans to search for the positive side of things?

What are some of the things keeping you from focusing on the things that matter?

Do you follow your instincts and go after your goals?

How can humans learn from dogs about building strong relationships?

Has someone shown genuine appreciation for something you did? How did it make you feel?

How can you make more time to laugh and play?

What part of the book inspired you the most? Explain.

Do you think that Bella's humans should give her more cheese snacks for her efforts?

With squirmy, wiggly gratitude - 

Bella the Boxer

When the News is Yuck-O, Breathe Like a Dog

My chauffeur insists on listening to public radio when she drives me to dog daycare. She says it's to stay up to date on what's happening in the world without "enduring the excruciating pain that is the television news." Yes, she's a drama queen.

Unfortunately, this morning's radio news didn't do a lot to boost my canine confidence. The debt crisis, a plunging stock market, fears of a double-dip recession. I'm a little worried about my nest egg. Those squirrels digging up the flower beds to stash their nuts for the winter don't seem so dumb anymore.

In the middle of all the bad news, I did hear one good piece of advice for anyone feeling a sense of panic: "Just Breathe." To which I'd like to add: "Like a Dog."

Why? Because dogs take full, deep and energizing breaths that help us deal with whatever comes our way. In contrast, most humans take short and shallow chest breaths, especially in times of great stress—which only leads to more stress. Pretty soon things are "yuck-o" (this is my 2-legged little sister's new favorite word. It has a certain ring to it, don't you think?).

If you feel like things are turning yuck-o, try calming down with this exercise from my book Secrets of a Working Dog: Unleash Your Potential and Create Success: 

Close your eyes

Inhale from your belly for 3 seconds; pause briefly

Exhale from your belly for 3 seconds; pause briefly

Repeat as necessary

Or, take a cue from your dog: Every time he or she lets out a satisfied sigh, straighten your posture and focus on your breathing for five minutes. Hopefully, it becomes a natural part of your daily routine—or at least gets you through a bumpy week.

Wags and woofs,

Bella 

P.S. I did learn a new piece of trivia today (hey, old dogs can learn new trivia). In 1936, economist John Maynard Keynes used the term "animal spirits" to describe the emotions that influence human behavior and can be measured in terms of consumer confidence. I guess those animal spirits are feeling a little mischievous right now!