Mmmmm, hot dogs. My favorite food group (the ones not made out of plastic, that is!).

Anyway, I digress. This is a post about effective communication…

Dogs don’t question their own instincts. If we believe in something, we go for it; we don’t need to drum up interest or support with what people call dog-and-pony shows (honestly, the terms they use!). And even though I believe in the “less is more” philosophy, I also know that the times they are a-changin’. Sometimes, you just have to put yourself out there and strut your stuff!

Why? Because a degree from puppy kindergarten, even if it’s Ivy League, is not enough to get you noticed anymore. As big companies slash jobs and all the “traditional” places of employment start to disappear, it doesn’t do you any good to be the strong and silent type. In the modern working world, you have to be your own best marketing machine. Nobody can, or will, promote you as well as you promote yourself (unless you are a Beverly Hills Chihuahua, with enough pocket change to hire your own agent).

Please don’t misunderstand. I’m not talking about strutting around town and bragging about being the biggest or fastest dog at the dog park. Instead of talking about your own accomplishments, self-promotion is about letting people know that you love what you do and that you do it better than anyone else. It’s about sharing your ideas so others can learn from you and be inspired to take action.

For instance, animal behaviorist and veterinarian Dr. Ian Dunbar didn’t invent positive reinforcement training, but he was the first to popularize it for most people. His books, videos and training sessions have helped millions of humans turn away from dominance training and communicate with their dogs in a fun and positive way. Dr. Dunbar's dog-friendly methods have influenced many dog trainers—and, through them, people who live with dogs.

The bottom line? You can’t share your message or your ideas with the world if people don’t know who you are or if they take you for granted. People like to be around other talented, confident people because those are the people most likely to recognize and appreciate talent in others. So don’t be afraid to engage in self-promotion when it’s well deserved and appropriate. Just make sure that you have something to say and that you say it well. And follow Franklin D. Roosevelt’s advice and “be sincere; be brief; be seated.”