There’s an old saying that “strangers are just friends you haven’t met yet,” and after decades of practicing law, I can tell you this isn’t just feel-good philosophy—it’s sound business strategy. Every interaction you have, whether it’s with the barista at your morning coffee shop, a potential client or professional referral source at a networking event, or the person sitting next to you on a flight, represents an opportunity to build your professional network and reputation. The legal world, despite its reputation for adversarial relationships, actually thrives on personal connections and mutual respect. The opposing counsel who treats you with professionalism today might refer a client to you tomorrow, or you might find yourselves on the same side of a deal next month.
In the business realm, kindness isn’t weakness. Instead, it’s intelligence disguised as decency. When you approach every interaction with genuine warmth and respect, you’re making an investment in your future that compounds over time. That person you helped navigate a complex contract negotiation will remember your patience and expertise when their company needs legal counsel for a major acquisition. The associate attorney you mentored will one day become a partner who can send significant business your way. Even the receptionist at a client’s office who you always greet warmly can become an invaluable ally in scheduling meetings and getting your calls returned promptly.
My profession experience has taught me that reputation is everything, and reputation is built one interaction at a time. Word travels fast in business circles, and how you treat people when you have nothing to gain from them speaks volumes about your character. I’ve seen lawyers who were brilliant legal minds struggle to build successful practices because they were dismissive to support staff, condescending to younger attorneys, or unnecessarily aggressive with opposing parties. Meanwhile, attorneys with perhaps less technical skill but genuine kindness and respect for others often find themselves with thriving practices and loyal client bases.
From a purely practical standpoint, being genuinely nice to people makes business transactions smoother and more efficient. When you’ve established goodwill with counterparts, negotiations become collaborative problem-solving sessions rather than hostile standoffs. Deals close faster when all parties trust each other’s intentions. Court proceedings run more smoothly when lawyers maintain professional courtesy even during heated disputes. The time and energy saved by avoiding unnecessary conflict can be redirected toward serving clients and growing your practice.
The most successful business professionals I know understand that success is not a solo endeavor. They recognize that every person they encounter might someday be in a position to help or hinder their goals. By treating everyone with kindness and respect—from the CEO to the maintenance staff—they create a network of goodwill that supports their ambitions. In an increasingly connected world where social media amplifies both positive and negative experiences, your reputation for kindness and professionalism becomes one of your most valuable assets. Remember, that stranger you’re kind to today might just become the friend who opens the door to your biggest opportunity tomorrow.
