TLG needed for lamily members in the business

ffeve You EvER had a dog? Dogs lllove unconditionally and, in return, you show them love. The relationship is very special.

Unfortunately, some people treat their pets better than they do the members of their own families. Why not treat your family members as well as you treat your dog? Families in business can learn some valuable lessons from the way we treat our pets.

1. Pet them frequently. Your dog isn't the only one who needs attention. Some of us express our needs clearly, while others don't. But everyone needs love, affirmation, and time. Your family members are no different. Spend time with them... not just in the business, but interacting as family.

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You say sweet things to your dog. When was the last time you said something sweet to a family member? Tell your family members you love them, appreciate them, and respect them as people. A little TLC earns great dividends in love and loyalty from your dog. You will receive the same effect from your family.

2. Stay in the yard. You don't want your dog to stray from home because you don't want them to get harmed or get into trouble. That's good advice for family members also. Don't make family members "leave the yard" to find the acceptance, fulfillment, or support they want and need.

3. feea them regularly. Are you giving family members just the scraps from your table or do you really feed them? All of us need to be fed, but nourishment and growth don't just come from groceries or paychecks.

Provide opportunities for family members to learn and grow professionally and personally. The more you feed them, the more all of you grow.

4. Th.oto them a bone. From time to time, treat family members to an unexpected bonus. It might be a something as simple as a night on the town, a day off work, or even a getaway trip. Let them know you appreciate them and the roles they play in your family and your business.

5. t isten to their barking. When a dog barks it is because he is afraid or something is not right. When family members "bark," you should pay attention and be responsive. If something is wrong, don't allow it to drag on and on.

You get the point. Your dog deserves time and care. So do members of your family, especially if you work with them. Just as your dog gives you unconditional love in return for your attention, you might be pleasantly surprised by similar results from family members. You can get everything in life you want if you just help enough other people get what they want. And what most of us crave is recognition, care and love.

If this approach works for dogs and for family members, why shouldn't it apply to co-workers, customers, vendors and everyone you know? The analogy may seem simplistic and silly, but the lesson is real. Treat everyone around you like a dog. Not only will they be happier. more productive, and more dedicated, but their responses to you will help you in attaining everything in life you want.

- Wayne Rivers is president of the Building-Products.com

Family Business Institute, Raleigh, N.C. Reach him at wayne.rivers@familybusinessinstitute .com or ( 877 ) 326-2493 Reprinted changes on the news pages ol the next is$ue of The Merchant Magazine. Email to kdebats@building-products.com. ferry Long - x14 .

Michael Parrella - x15

Janet Pimentel - x23 o

Nestor Pimentel - x31 .

Pete Ulloa - x18

George Parden - x26