I just got back from another trip to the vet (and yes, that is why this newsletter is late). We thought that my chocolate lab had pancreatitis but after more tests it is an inflamed bowel. Like most of us when we are not feeling well he is sleeping a lot and as I sit at my computer I miss his habit of nudging my arm until I stroke him.

It is so often those small gestures that make a difference in our day. Last week I received a business related thank you card in the mail. I appreciated the gesture and thoughtfuness in lieu of a quick email. As women we try to remember how important the little things are in our private lives but are we translating this to our professional ones? While looking for ways to cut corners in our work day, have we cut back on even the most basic level of professional courtesy and caring?

When was the last time you reached out to another business woman?

• Did you take the time to welcome and speak to the nervous new member at your last networking meeting?
• Did you answer the question that a colleague emailed you or remember to send her the resource information that you promised?
• Are you avoiding having coffee with the 'feeling a bit overwhelmed' fellow entrepreneur
• How did you thank or even did you thank that someone who went the extra distance for you?

I will leave you with those questions while I make myself a cup of tea and take 15 minutes out of my day to sit with my dog, maybe it will make him feel a little better.