June 5, 2017
As a child, I was painfully shy. And old habits die hard. Fast forward 25 years — I’m not long out of law school, and newly minted as a business owner, having started my own law practice. I had to exert authority in my firm and exude authority to clients and others. But I still felt naïve and vulnerable. I needed a crash course in becoming self-confident – or, at least, in looking the part. I found mine in performing stand-up comedy. Stand-up comedy is like Extreme Public Speaking. It’s not for everyone. Despite my experience giving speeches, teaching classes, leading workshops, and running meetings, comedy calls on a whole different set of skills and resources than those I typically use. It takes a certain intensity (insanity) to pursue it. But it’s not just a bizarre hobby; stand-up comedy has strengthened my business skills. Here’s how: “Riffing”. Preparation is always crucial. But comedy, like business, can’t always be scripted. Your ability to win over an audience, whether of merry-makers or venture capitalists, often hinges…
Continue ReadingYears ago, my business partner and I started our firm together with the happiest and best of intentions: visions of profits, freedom from the tyranny of others’ corporate cultures, and fun in an often dour…
Read MoreAny time you accept money from someone else to help your business grow, you should put that relationship in writing. Many a lawsuit has been brought because of misunderstandings about (1) how much would be…
Read MoreAbout a month ago, I was having coffee with my friend and colleague, Elisa Balabram, founder of WomenandBiz.com, and author of “Ask Others/Trust Yourself.” What started as a general discussion about business soon took a…
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I know first-hand that running a knowledge-based service business has unique challenges. It’s so much easier when you have an advocate in your corner. Over the past 25 years, I’ve worked with thousands of New York business professionals who want a legal advisor to guide and support them as they navigate the business world.
With wide-ranging experience as a business attorney, strategist, and media authority, I bring the added power of a business lens to the legal issues my clients are facing.
And because I’ve been a business owner myself, I’ve lived through the soaring highs and devastating lows – like when my first law firm failed. So I understand what’s involved to serve great clients, detect business risks early and build a true legacy.
I can’t get those 12 years back. That’s why I have made it my mission to ensure that business professionals like you can become wise and discerning leaders, build a solid business, and live your best life.
