We spend so much of our time, energy and money on attracting and keeping clients that the thought of firing one seems defeatist. But firing clients can be good for business. Here’s why. Bad clients waste out time. One of the annoying elements of a bad relationship is that it tends to take [...]
For some lawyers – especially those with 30+ years of practice under their belt - succession sounds like business speak for “force me out”. And as the senior lawyers in a firm usually wield power, either because they are rainmakers or sit on the executive, they can keep succession off of the agenda until their [...]
My friends and colleagues know me as someone who can get a tremendous amount done in a typical day, week, month or year. My secret is that I’m an efficiency nut. Over the years, I’ve developed a series of strategies that have helped me to remain as productive and organized as possible. I’ve shared these [...]
In 2016 I attended an event that allowed me to hear, for the first time in person, from business writer Tom Peters. My first impression was that he’s reached an age where he really doesn’t care about what people think of him – he just tells it like he sees it, which is refreshing. His [...]
If you were to go on a holiday, would you just jump in your car and start driving? Of course you wouldn’t. You’d determine your destination. You’d figure out the best time to go. You’d book accommodations and make travel arrangements. You’d consider the costs involved, and you’d pack according to the weather and your [...]
Ideally, 2017 planning would be well underway but for those just starting, there’s still time to plan well for 2017. Here's how... Critique 2016. As each year’s plan is intended to get you one year closer to your final destination (the goals in your strategic plan, five or ten years out), you [...]
When a colleague tells you to put on your business face before a meeting, I doubt they mean for you to smile broadly. Yet at least one author is suggesting that in business (and other parts of your life), you’ll be more successful with a smile than a grimace. Neil Pasricha is probably most known [...]
In the Art of Leadership Conference in Vancouver this past September, a number of speakers referenced how the fight to attract and retain employees will be the biggest challenge for employers in the coming ten years. Virginia Brailey, ADP Canada VP of Marketing and Strategy, suggested that this is the beginning of a profound talent [...]
In the olden days we weren’t allowed to say the M word (marketing) within 50 meters of a law firm because it was considered too unprofessional and trendy. Now, Partners throw around the B word (branding) like there’s no tomorrow! Yet in my experience, very few lawyers understand what branding is, why it works, and [...]
The ability to rise in a law firm is – let’s face it – very closely related to productivity. But to move into the real power positions of any organization, including a law firm, you need to show that you can think and act strategically. What would this look like in practice? At a recent [...]