BusinessLawGuy's Blog

“I find it fascinating that most people plan their vacations with better care than they plan their lives. Perhaps that is because escape is easier than change.” — Jim Rohn

My friend Kasten Spethmann recently sent me an email with this quote.  It is a fair generalization. And it definitely is true is business and careers.  How much thought and planning do you put into your career or business?  Short term, each year or bigger picture?

We all know the saying that if you write down goals there is a much better chance you will attain them.  But do you do this?  You should.  At least annually.

And then you need to keep your goals on your desk, your computer desktop or wherever you will actually look at them prior to writing your next year’s goals.  Maybe make a weekly or monthly calendar event to remind you.  Maybe include steps or action plans you will take to try and meet those goals.

The idea is to set goals, review them and work on them.  Yes, work on them.  This is important planning and work. Doesn’t your career or business deserve at least the same time you put into planning your vacations?

Let me know if you want to discuss setting goals, action plans, etc.

In negotiations leverage is everything.  This applies in law, business and your personal life.  Some people think it mainly has to do with money, but it doesn’t.  But the side with the most leverage still controls the negotiation.

In my world my client may have the strongest legal and factual position, which, of course, is great leverage.  But the fact that the other party has no money and probably will file bankruptcy if my client is successful in court is strong leverage too.

And knowing the leverage each party has is important in negotiations or a mediation setting.  Otherwise, how can you strategize and plan for your negotiation or mediation.

That’s right, plan for your negotiation or mediation.  In a lawsuit it’s the most important day other than trial, and you control the outcome, not a judge or jury.  The same is true in other negotiations, such as buying a used car.  Don’t plan your strategy on offers and there is a good chance you will pay more than what earlier was your highest number.

If you want to discuss leverage and mediation, or an important upcoming negotiation, let me know.