Pearl's Business

The most important lessons I've learned about running a small business I learned from how my dog does hers.

That's Pearl in the picture above. She's my Chief Canine Officer. In her role she's responsible for providing snuggles during stressful times, security by way of loud barking, and all things treats. I hired her in 2014 and we'll be celebrating her seventh birthday here in the office on Saturday.

When I hired Pearl I thought I would be the one training her, but in reality she has taught me some of the most valuable lessons I've learned about running my small business.

Here are the top 10 small business management lessons Pearl taught me simply by doing her business.

1. Consistency
   She trained me to be consistent with feeding and potty breaks. Until we hit on a regular schedule the going was rough.
2. Persistence
   She is not afraid to stand in one spot, put her nose to the ground, and sniff until she finds what she's looking for. Or sit in silence and stare at you until you give her what she wants.
3. Strategy
   Being strategic about where you do business is critical. Pearl is strategic about where she does her business, taking time to make sure it's the perfect spot. She sniffs around for the perfect opportunity taking note of who's done business there prior to her.
4. Curiosity
   Pearl is curious, checking out every option, sound, site, and movement as she conducts her business. She allows herself to follow her curiosity without judgment or expectation, letting it lead her where it will.
5. Risk
   A certain amount of risk is part of running a small business. Pearl likes doing business on a steep incline which is risky, however, not a lot of other dogs do business there so she owns the market.
6. Independence
   Pearl has had an independent spirit from an early age. Having said that, she knows when it's best to do things on her own and when to ask for help. She has taught me to ask for help when I need it. There may be some emotional vulnerability involved when asking for help, but that's okay. A sense of vulnerability is necessary for small business owners as it helps to build strong relationships and deepen connections.
7. Leadership
   She let's me believe I'm leading her with the leash, when just the opposite is happening. Pearl is typically leading me around as she gets business done. A good leader puts others first, letting them feel like their leading themselves, finding their own way.
8. Focus
   When she's getting business done, Pearl can't be distracted. No stick, no tennis ball, no treat can steal her attention from the task at hand.
9. Schedule
   She likes to do her important business first thing in the morning because she knows there's a chance she will be distracted later in the day. Each and every day she eats at 7:00, goes out, naps, drinks some water, and then lies down at the top of the stairs to go out again at 9:00. It's like clockwork.
10. Life-Long Learning
    Last but certainly not least she just learned the down command, proving an old dog (okay middle-aged dog) can learn new tricks. There is still hope for me!

When it comes right down to it, it's the wonder and curiosity with which Pearl approaches the world that inspires me. Running my small business with the same sense of wonder and curiosity helps me to be a stronger, more viable business owner with longevity.

Thank you, Pearl. Happy Birthday!