Barbara Walters Price

Steve Jobs Can, So Why Can't I?

I am manning an exhibit booth at a tax conference in Nashville.  One of the interesting things about being behind the exhibit table is people watching. (Before you jump all over me for "watching" instead of "engaging," I do plenty of both.  That's just part of the gig.)

The people I am watching are CPAs and/or attorneys.  Some come dressed in suits.  Some come in wrinkly jeans and ill-fitting polo shirts.  And then there is everything in between.  Certain people, by their dress and demeanor, draw others to them.  Some, again by their dress and demeanor, seem to build a wall around themselves. 

Folks, if you are in professional services, dress and act the part.  Even if you are with peers, how you present yourself is important.  For what it's worth, here is my advice:

The Value of Helping People

Every year we exhibit at a large conference of estate planning attorneys.  Last year, I met a young man from my hometown who just recently graduated with his LLM degree.  He called me a few months later after graduation asking if I knew of anyone he might talk to regarding a job.  I put him in touch with an estate planning attorney friend who was very helpful to him.

I saw the young man again today (I am at the conference again this year) and the young man came up to thank me for helping him.  He has started his own practice with the advice of my friend.  Once he has a  need for the services my firm provides, guess who he will call? 

Moral of the story: You never know where business will come from.  Always be nice.  Always be as helpful as you can and not just for business reasons.  It's just the right thing to do.