A man in a hot air balloon realized he was lost. He reduced altitude and spotted a woman below. He descended a bit more and shouted, “Excuse me, can you help me? I promised a friend I would meet him an hour ago, but I don’t know where I am.” The woman below replied, “You’re in a hot air balloon hovering approximately 30 feet above the ground. You’re between 40...

HOW TO STAY YOUNG  (George Carlin) 1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctor worry about them. That is why you pay him/her. 2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down. 3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. ” An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.” And...

Successful law firms — and actually all professional firms and successful businesses — seem to share many common characteristics regardless of their size, areas of practice or location.  A few months back I posted a“shared characteristics” list for 2009 firm success stories.  I’ve updated and posted below a somewhat updated mini-article and checklist: Seminar...

In a trial, a Southern small-town prosecuting attorney called his first witness, a grandmotherly, elderly woman to the stand. He approached her and asked, “Mrs. Jones, do you know me?” She responded, “Why, yes, I do know you, Mr.  Williams.  I’ve known you since you were a young boy, and frankly, you’ve been a big disappointment to me.  You lie, you cheat on your wife,  you...

To My Darling Husband, Before you return from your overseas trip I just want to email and let you know about the small accident I had with the pick-up truck when I turned into the driveway. Fortunately, it’s not too bad and I really didn’t get hurt, so please don’t worry too much about me. I was coming home from Wal-Mart, and when I turned into the driveway I accidentally...

A nun, badly needing to use to the restroom, walked into a local Hooters. The place was hopping with music and loud conversation and every once in a while the lights would turn off. Each time the lights would go out, the place would erupt into cheer. However, when the revelers saw the nun, the room went dead silent. She walked up to the bartender, and asked, “May I please use the ...

Hold regular, uninterrupted meetings with employees (i.e. We should never multitask during these meetings…employees like clients/customer deserve our full, undivided attention!) Enforce (or ignore!) rules fairly and consistently across the board Treat employees in the same manner you expect them to treat clients/customers & in the same ways you like to be treated Give ongoing feedback...

Have you appropriately and timely thanked everyone who has referred you business? A handwritten thank-you note is always appreciated and becoming a true rarity to receive in our electronic times. Or, if more appropriate, how about taking the time to take them out to one of their favorite restaurants.  And, if that doesn’t seem to “fit,” here are a few more suggestions : a gift certificate...

Make a list of 20 activities that you love to do (can include things you may have never tried but hope to do one day)…ask yourself: “How many of these favorite activities have I made time for in the past year?” If your answer is “Few or none and not often enough!”, then immediately make plans to do at least one of your favorite activities within two weeks or...

(Grab a cup of your favorite beverage because this definitely “ain’t” one of my shorter lists and as usual, it is not intended to be an all-inclusive one…By the way, many thanks for sharing a virtual cup of coffee, tea or whatever with me today!) 1. Contact and choose an attorney sooner than later if you know or think you may need legal representation and/or advice. 2. Heed the tip...