The Dog Star: Assertiveness
(The Dog Star is a symbol of power, will, and steadfastness of purpose, and exemplifies the One who has succeeded in bridging the lower and higher consciousness. – Astrological Definition)
Bentley has quite a few ways of asserting himself and expressing his desires. He drops a stick on my feet if he wants to play fetch and I’ve neglected to bring his Frisbee with us. He puts his head under my hand and starts to rub if he wants me to begin petting him. If I stop petting him before he’s through, he hits me with his paw. He rubs his back against me if he wants to be massaged. He stands up on a door or hits the knob with his paw if he wants to go through it. He barks when he needs my attention.
You get the idea. I haven’t “taught” him any of this, although I supposed my reactions have reinforced the successful habits. And he keeps learning new ones, like barking at the coffee drive-through window to remind the woman that he’s in the back with Buddy and they should get some free treats.
The worst thing you can do in business is wait by the phone for someone to call. (This is particularly deadly when you have a new book out. F. Scott Fitzgerald’s last royalty check was for about $13.) But you’re also lacking if you simply chat with a prospect without encouraging him or her to do what you need done. Don’t sit there like a bobble-head doll agreeing with everything. Push back, so that the buyer has to rethink, react, and reengage. The equivalent of dropping a stick on the buyer’s feet is, “I can help you. What’s the best way for us to work together? I have a few ideas….”
There’s a reason it’s said that “It’s a dog’s life.”
© Alan Weiss 2015
