On a past podcast, I discussed the crazy idea we had of trying to adopt a dog and the lessons learned through the process. Well, a week ago we left downtown Chicago with a new 11-month-old puppy named Layla in the back of my SUV.

We have adopted 5 rescue dogs over the last few years ranging from 3 to 11 years old. They were fairly well trained, housebroken, and generally good dogs. Adopting a puppy is a whole different ballgame.

I get to walk her 3-4 times a day, so I started listening to audiobooks again and pondering business. I have gained quite a few new clients over the last couple of months and that has some parallels with adopting and training a new and energetic puppy.

In both cases, you are trying to learn, working together to develop a beneficial relationship, mutual understanding, and hopefully all for the greater good. It's work and invigorating at the same time, but they do have some commonalities:

* You Have to Build Trust

* You Have to Learn From Each Other

* It Helps To Have Treats

* Watch Like A Hawk

* Each Day Is a New Adventure

In this episode, we will learn while we teach. Puppies can be cute yet a lot of work. Beginning and maintaining new client relationships can be kind of the same!!