[Editor’s Note: Original version has been modified on or about February 5, 2007.]
Startups are always asked by prospective investors “who sites on your board,” or “who advises you?” I am extremely fortunate in that we have no Board of Directors, I am my own boss. I am free to work in my crotchless pants at work if I choose to. Of course, I don’t.
But I am extremely fortunate to have a great cast of advisors: from random businesspeople I have known over the years, to some readers of this blog who happen to be quite successful, to a network of lawyers, accountants, programmers, developers, marketers that just seem to take an interest in what I do now, have done in the past, and I hope will do in the future.
One of the most under-rated type of advisor you can get is a good lawyer. We (society) give lawyers a bad name but I have always said: don’t blame lawyers, you don’t blame an undertaker for someone’s death, now do you? Blame the greedy and arrogant losers (GALs) who whisper lies in lawyers’ ears and get them to do their dirty work…
Anyway, I have my own Dream Team of lawyers and the best thing about them is now their win-loss record, snazzy suits or what not, it’s that they know that a real, successful businessman avoids the courts.
If you listen to the average lawyer, act greedy or stupid you will find yourself ridiculed by a laymen in the court of public opinion.
Time Warner Chairman Richard Parsons - a lawyer mind you - always says that when you negotiate a deal, you have to leave something for the other guy because life is short, you will run into them again, and if you took everything away (acted greedy) then that party will hate you for it. It’s sort of the same thing - only amplified - in the court of law. Sometimes the best thing is not to take legal action. Most cases are settled, and when they are, even when you know you have the upper hand, you still need to act like a gentleman and not drive the dagger into the enemy’s heart because indeed life is short and you need to be civil - even if the opponent is a barbarian.
[Editor’s Note: Original version has been modified on or about February 5, 2007.]
Digg this Blog
Share on Facebook
WatchMojo on Twitter
WatchMojo on YouTube
Add to Favorites
WatchMojo Newsletter
