September 2017 archive

5 Lessons My Pup Taught Me about Business!

Business lesson from a puppy?…. Ok, it might be a little tongue in cheek, but as I’ve observed my pup navigate her way through her early days in our household, I’ve come to see how her surprisingly simple approaches work – and they have led me to re-structure some of the ways I work in my business! 

First, meet Ellie – she’s a VERY focussed, 8 month old German Short-Haired Pointer puppy. 

She demonstrates daily how life and business can be so much simpler with some clear rules that set you up for success:

  1. Be very clear about what you want, and stay committed until you get it! Ever heard the phrase “Like a dog with a bone….?” When Ellie wants something, trust me, its made VERY clear – and she doesn’t give up until she gets it. I witness daily, the power of clarity and persistence.
  2. Be resourceful and creative to help you achieve what you desire. If the first way doesn’t lead you to what you want, try something different. There’s more than one way to create the outcome you want. And when you want to go for a walk, if the cute puppy-eyes, don’t do it, then barking or acrobatics and jumping will usually get the message across.
  3. Structure and routines are best for happiness and results. I can set my clocks by the time she heads to her bed each night – and when she thinks its time for others in the house to be up and about in the morning. It’s good to know what’s happening when..at least most of the time, with a little variety and surprise to keep things exciting!
  4. Be responsive and “efficient”. Reactions are always better when the result or outcome is delivered quickly – ideally on the first time of asking! That “come when called” practice is definitely work in progress for Ellie, but I think you’ll get the essence of what I mean…enquiries, requests…how can you delight by delivering with something better or faster than expected?
  5. Finally, Work and Play…there is a rhythm to life that demands BOTH, and it’s never been more apparent to me than raising my pup – how much she puts into her “work” of walks, sniffing, exploring, retrieving…and then, she RESTS…fully and completely before have a heap more fun!. She restores and rejuvenates herself before the next bout of activity or busyness. This is powerful. Sleep is especially essential.

So while it might seem a little “light hearted” there are some powerful messages to be learned from a pup!  She models every day how simplicity and focus create happiness and results!

Dawn Grossart is an FCIM, (Fellow of Chartered Institute of Marketing) Chartered Marketer and Certified Transformational Life Coach helping professional women and entrepreneurs create a calm, confident life and business they love.

 

Effective Decisions for Lifestyle Freedom

Your decisions shape your NOW and your future.

Smart decisions lead you to that much sought after place in life where you have the TIME you want to to relax, socialise, enjoy your hobbies, spend time with loved ones, to have more fun AND  your work and business is in a great shape for you to do this. 

Your ability to make good decisions that are aligned with your values and desires are key to creating the results you want – because it determines where you put your energy and focus. What you say NO to is as important as what you say YES to…

Notice if you are more inclined to make decisions from the head or the heart.

To make powerful decisions that both feel GOOD and support the way you really want to live requires you get very clear on some very important basics:

What do you really WANT in your life and business – how do you want to spending your time each week? With clients, family, friends.

How much money do you require to live the way you want to live – based on present day and future estimation. Is there a gap? How much? (It may help you to get a professional adviser to help you with this.

What is the real value of your time and expertise? Are you optimising it fully?

What are the non-negotiable experiences you want to have daily/weekly/monthly etc

What do you NOT enjoy doing that currently takes up your time? What can you change about this so that you spend less time, or stop doing what you don’t enjoy? 

Who would you love to ideally work with?  Think partnerships, collaborations, team…

Are you aware of your thought processes and beliefs about what you think is possible for you?  Do you notice limitations that you need to work through?

Getting clear on each of these areas shows you where there may be a gap to close, some new structure to implement or conversations to prioritise.

Ask yourself each day “What decision do I need to make today that’s going to take me closer to the results I want in my business and the lifestyle I want for myself, my family and the impact I want to make by helping others.

Create rules for yourself that give you structure so that you can monitor your progress.

Notice where you may be tempted to lower boundaries and let the rules slide.

ASK for support if that will help you! The most effective way to maintain your progress is with accountability.

Professional accountability is the fastest way to create change and accountability will get you where you want to go more effectively than a solo journey.  Let’s connect and explore what will help you the most. Email me at dawn@dawngrossart.com