Are you focused on the 10 Percenter's in your life?
You know these people they are the type that would win the winning lottery ticket and still complain about paying taxes. They generally see the cup as half empty and always focus on the trivial instead of the big picture!
You know some of these people maybe even intimately. Some of them are your ex spouses or significant others, some of them are your in-laws or your brothers or sisters and some of them are your colleagues, your boss and your children.
So why do we focus on the few instead of the masses?
When I was actively practicing chiropractic I may have had 100 patients come to my office in a day and 99 of them were thrilled with the service that we provided and one would complain and leave and tell us that they would never come back again! At that time in my life I would focus and obsess about that one client who prevented me from hearing and receiving the love that my other patients were giving me.
How many of you out there have experienced the same scenario in your lives?
Today I was doing my workout in Marco Island Florida. Since there is no boardwalk to skate on things can get a little dicey on the open road even with the speed limit set at 35 mph. I decided to skate against incoming traffic in order to see the cars coming at me and for them in turn to see me. This was a perfect test for my 10 percent rule.
With two oncoming lanes which cars would kindly move over to the open lane and which ones would come directly at me. Also what would my reaction be either way? The good news is that I am happy to be alive and well to report my results and here is how it went on my eight-mile trek!
With just about 200 cars total passing and coming at me only 2 did not move our 10 Percenter's! One happened early on so I decided to salute the drivers and give them a thumbs up in advance of our approaching each other and The Results Were AMAZING!
The driver either smiled, gave me the thumbs up back or saluted! Only two people threw their arms up in disgust and we have to figure that they are in the family of 10 Percenter’s.
The Good News is that it is currently 9:30 am on Saturday July 2, 2011 I got my workout in and made almost 200 people smile!
Have a Safe Holiday!
Dr Rick
Dr. Rick Goodman speaks from real -Life experiences and achieves great results! Dr Rick’s newest book Living a Championship Life "A Game Plan for Success" has been widely acclaimed since its release.
Dr. Rick Goodman is a professional speaker and author who will give your audience specific tools and systems that get great results. Dr. Rick also works with organizations that want to Develop Great Leaders "Through Excellence in Communication and Team Building". For more information on Rick's speaking programs Consulting Programs and Training programs contact (888) 267-6098 or Rick@DrRickGoodman.com or on the web at www.DrRickGoodman.com
Showing posts with label MCLE PROVIDER. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MCLE PROVIDER. Show all posts
Saturday, July 02, 2011
Thursday, August 06, 2009
In transition? Don’t let it bring you down
I just recieved a great article from Michael Moore Esq. and wanted to share it in it's entirety.
Lawyers are facing an unprecedented period of transition. Good lawyers who’ve done everything right are now unemployed. Ambitious, bright law students have no jobs. Many other lawyers face reduced hours, reduced pay, and lateral options appear limited. In these challenging times, every lawyer should know any transition, no matter how difficult, can be turned into an opportunity.
My own career includes transitions from private practice to corporate counsel to legal coach. Certain fundamental tactics give any lawyer the ability to make successful transitions. These tactics may appear disarmingly simple. However, if you execute them on a regular and consistent basis, you can create a positive transition.
First, take a deep breath and focus
In my 25-year career I have been downsized, right-sized and outsourced. In each case, taking the time to make a plan created a successful transition. Assess your skills, work your network, and be creative. Use resources available to you. Stay current in your area of law. Set realistic daily goals for your job search, and do your best to meet them. Develop a rhythm that works for you. Exercise. Enjoy your family. Hang out with friends. Read an absorbing novel. Remind yourself of the things for which you are grateful, your employment status notwithstanding.
Don’t bury your head in the sand
You are not alone. Thousands of lawyers are in the same situation. Avoid the temptation to isolate yourself. In challenging times, personal connections offer the most direct route to discovering opportunities. I personally use LinkedIn and Facebook as well as email and phone calls. Join groups on LinkedIn and contribute to the discussions going on. Use Facebook to keep in touch, locate old contacts, and expand and enhance your network. People prefer to hire and work with those they know, like, and trust. To become known, liked, and trusted, it’s critical to interact with the same people on a continuing basis.
Get smarter
Broaden your skill base, write articles, and seek out speaking engagements. Find CLE seminars or other training opportunities, read books and journals, or consider working with a professional coach. Your first response might be that you don’t want to spend money on education (formal or otherwise) right now, but that’s exactly the wrong response. Be selective, and choose learning opportunities that will give you the skills and knowledge to gain a competitive advantage.
Learn Business 101
Law is a business, and depending on the size of your firm you may need to develop basic business knowledge and management skills. Take charge of your career; learn to think like an owner, and focus on those things you can control. You must also learn about your clients’ businesses. One frequent complaint from clients is that their lawyers don’t always understand the context of a representation or how a certain issue fits into the bigger business picture.
Be a listener
You will be most effective in offering assistance to clients or network sources if you first ask questions and practice effective listening skills. Lawyers often take on the role of the expert too quickly, offering solutions before fully appreciating the depth of the problem or the desired outcome. Pay attention not just to the words but also to tone of voice, word choice, body language, and other nonverbal communication.
90 percent of success is just showing up
Successful lawyers understand the need to network with clients, potential clients, referral sources, and other contacts now more than ever before. They also understand the need to connect with one another. Building strong connections with reliable confidants offers an antidote to many of life’s challenges. My rule of thumb is to always have a full two weeks on your calendar of connections. Include breakfasts, lunches, or just-for-coffee get-togethers. When you show up with the right people in the right way, you become a top-of-mind presence with your contacts.
If you are seeking a new opportunity, joining a group of lawyers with a similar goal can help you keep your focus without becoming discouraged about the inevitable disappointments.
These fundamental tactics will help any lawyer make a successful transition. Trust that all of your efforts will ultimately yield to a positive outcome, the only variable being precisely how long it will take. Present yourself to the market, to clients, and to your network by communicating a message of confidence and optimism. Remember, for those who plan with audacity and execute with vigor, progress is the magnificent byproduct.
Michael Moore, Lewis and Clark 1983, is a professional coach for lawyers and the founder of Moore’s Law, Milwaukee. He specializes in marketing, client development, and leadership coaching for attorneys at all levels of experience. Moore also advises law firms on strategic planning and resource optimization. He has more than 25 years’ experience in private practice, as a general counsel, in law firm management, and in legal recruiting. For more information, visit http://www.moores-law.com/.
For information on Advantage Legal Seminars CLE programs call (888) 267-6097 or go to www.AdvantageLegalSeminars.com
Lawyers are facing an unprecedented period of transition. Good lawyers who’ve done everything right are now unemployed. Ambitious, bright law students have no jobs. Many other lawyers face reduced hours, reduced pay, and lateral options appear limited. In these challenging times, every lawyer should know any transition, no matter how difficult, can be turned into an opportunity.
My own career includes transitions from private practice to corporate counsel to legal coach. Certain fundamental tactics give any lawyer the ability to make successful transitions. These tactics may appear disarmingly simple. However, if you execute them on a regular and consistent basis, you can create a positive transition.
First, take a deep breath and focus
In my 25-year career I have been downsized, right-sized and outsourced. In each case, taking the time to make a plan created a successful transition. Assess your skills, work your network, and be creative. Use resources available to you. Stay current in your area of law. Set realistic daily goals for your job search, and do your best to meet them. Develop a rhythm that works for you. Exercise. Enjoy your family. Hang out with friends. Read an absorbing novel. Remind yourself of the things for which you are grateful, your employment status notwithstanding.
Don’t bury your head in the sand
You are not alone. Thousands of lawyers are in the same situation. Avoid the temptation to isolate yourself. In challenging times, personal connections offer the most direct route to discovering opportunities. I personally use LinkedIn and Facebook as well as email and phone calls. Join groups on LinkedIn and contribute to the discussions going on. Use Facebook to keep in touch, locate old contacts, and expand and enhance your network. People prefer to hire and work with those they know, like, and trust. To become known, liked, and trusted, it’s critical to interact with the same people on a continuing basis.
Get smarter
Broaden your skill base, write articles, and seek out speaking engagements. Find CLE seminars or other training opportunities, read books and journals, or consider working with a professional coach. Your first response might be that you don’t want to spend money on education (formal or otherwise) right now, but that’s exactly the wrong response. Be selective, and choose learning opportunities that will give you the skills and knowledge to gain a competitive advantage.
Learn Business 101
Law is a business, and depending on the size of your firm you may need to develop basic business knowledge and management skills. Take charge of your career; learn to think like an owner, and focus on those things you can control. You must also learn about your clients’ businesses. One frequent complaint from clients is that their lawyers don’t always understand the context of a representation or how a certain issue fits into the bigger business picture.
Be a listener
You will be most effective in offering assistance to clients or network sources if you first ask questions and practice effective listening skills. Lawyers often take on the role of the expert too quickly, offering solutions before fully appreciating the depth of the problem or the desired outcome. Pay attention not just to the words but also to tone of voice, word choice, body language, and other nonverbal communication.
90 percent of success is just showing up
Successful lawyers understand the need to network with clients, potential clients, referral sources, and other contacts now more than ever before. They also understand the need to connect with one another. Building strong connections with reliable confidants offers an antidote to many of life’s challenges. My rule of thumb is to always have a full two weeks on your calendar of connections. Include breakfasts, lunches, or just-for-coffee get-togethers. When you show up with the right people in the right way, you become a top-of-mind presence with your contacts.
If you are seeking a new opportunity, joining a group of lawyers with a similar goal can help you keep your focus without becoming discouraged about the inevitable disappointments.
These fundamental tactics will help any lawyer make a successful transition. Trust that all of your efforts will ultimately yield to a positive outcome, the only variable being precisely how long it will take. Present yourself to the market, to clients, and to your network by communicating a message of confidence and optimism. Remember, for those who plan with audacity and execute with vigor, progress is the magnificent byproduct.
Michael Moore, Lewis and Clark 1983, is a professional coach for lawyers and the founder of Moore’s Law, Milwaukee. He specializes in marketing, client development, and leadership coaching for attorneys at all levels of experience. Moore also advises law firms on strategic planning and resource optimization. He has more than 25 years’ experience in private practice, as a general counsel, in law firm management, and in legal recruiting. For more information, visit http://www.moores-law.com/.
For information on Advantage Legal Seminars CLE programs call (888) 267-6097 or go to www.AdvantageLegalSeminars.com
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Understanding The Annual Federal 529 Gift Tax Exclusion
The annual federal 529 gift tax exclusion is available for parents and grandparents who make contributions to the section 529 plan on behalf of their child or grandchild. The amount is $12,000 (or $24,000 for married joint filers) per year, per child.
Simply stated, you can contribute up to $12,000 without incurring a federal gift tax. Any amount exceeding the 529 gift tax exclusion limit is considered a taxable gift and must be reported on your federal gift tax return.
Ways to Benefit from the 529 gift tax exclusion
There are ways to make large contributions as a 529 gift tax exclusion and avoid paying the gift tax. You can contribute one lump sum that is equal to five times the annual amount, up to $60,000 and still avoid the gift tax. The lump sum payment is treated as if you made the contributions evenly over a five year period. Any amount beyond the $60,000 within the same five year period is subject to the gift tax.
Another benefit to the 529 gift tax exclusion is that you can move assets from your estate that is otherwise taxable and still have ownership and control of those assets.
Misconceptions About the 529 gift tax exclusion
Parents and grandparents are often confused about the tax rules concerning the 529 gift tax exclusion. Some people assume that money given to someone for any purpose is taxable income that must be reported. The annual 529 gift tax exclusion is separate from income reported on your tax return. This income includes wages and profits from a business.
The gift tax is related to estate taxes that the government charges a person who dies with an excessive amount of money. Any person who dies in the United States with more than $2 million is charged a death tax if the excess amount goes to anyone other than their spouse.
The IRS has placed limits on the amount a person can gift to a person in one year. This is to prevent someone from giving away all of their money before they die to avoid paying estate tax. The current amount is $12,000 per recipient, per year. Any amount above the $12,000 is subtracted from the $2 million limit.
Another misconception many have about the 529 gift tax exclusion is that this amount is not taxed. The recipient of the gift amount that exceeds the estate tax exemption is taxed for that amount if you, the donor, are still alive and refuses to pay the gift tax.
Advantage Legal Seminars is one of the leading providrs of continuing legal education in the U.S. for more information on Advantage Legal Seminars CLE programs go to http://www.advantagelegalseminars.com/ or call (888) 267-6097
Simply stated, you can contribute up to $12,000 without incurring a federal gift tax. Any amount exceeding the 529 gift tax exclusion limit is considered a taxable gift and must be reported on your federal gift tax return.
Ways to Benefit from the 529 gift tax exclusion
There are ways to make large contributions as a 529 gift tax exclusion and avoid paying the gift tax. You can contribute one lump sum that is equal to five times the annual amount, up to $60,000 and still avoid the gift tax. The lump sum payment is treated as if you made the contributions evenly over a five year period. Any amount beyond the $60,000 within the same five year period is subject to the gift tax.
Another benefit to the 529 gift tax exclusion is that you can move assets from your estate that is otherwise taxable and still have ownership and control of those assets.
Misconceptions About the 529 gift tax exclusion
Parents and grandparents are often confused about the tax rules concerning the 529 gift tax exclusion. Some people assume that money given to someone for any purpose is taxable income that must be reported. The annual 529 gift tax exclusion is separate from income reported on your tax return. This income includes wages and profits from a business.
The gift tax is related to estate taxes that the government charges a person who dies with an excessive amount of money. Any person who dies in the United States with more than $2 million is charged a death tax if the excess amount goes to anyone other than their spouse.
The IRS has placed limits on the amount a person can gift to a person in one year. This is to prevent someone from giving away all of their money before they die to avoid paying estate tax. The current amount is $12,000 per recipient, per year. Any amount above the $12,000 is subtracted from the $2 million limit.
Another misconception many have about the 529 gift tax exclusion is that this amount is not taxed. The recipient of the gift amount that exceeds the estate tax exemption is taxed for that amount if you, the donor, are still alive and refuses to pay the gift tax.
Advantage Legal Seminars is one of the leading providrs of continuing legal education in the U.S. for more information on Advantage Legal Seminars CLE programs go to http://www.advantagelegalseminars.com/ or call (888) 267-6097
Monday, February 02, 2009
Visa Information Updates
New I-9 (Employment Verification) Rule Effective April 3, 2009
On December 17, 2008, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued an interim final rule changing the acceptable identity documents an employer may accept when verifying their employees’ eligibility to work when filling out Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification. The crux of the new rule is that employers may not accept any unexpired documents, such as passports, permanent resident cards, employment authorization cards or I-94s as proof of verification of an employee’s eligibility to work in the United States. While originally intended to go into effect on February 2, DHS has extended its effective date to April 3, 2009, with the notice and comment period extended to March 4, 2009. This extension is in response to President Obama’s recent request to all federal agencies that pending regulations be subject to the review and approval of his appointees.
Applications for Naturalization Must Be Filed at USCIS Lockbox Facilities
As of January 22, 2009, those seeking to be naturalized (except for military cases) must submit their citizenship applications (N-400) and supporting documents to two USCIS lockbox facilities, one located in Phoenix, Arizona, the other in Lewisville, Texas, depending on the state of residence of the applicant.
Outgoing Attorney General Mukasey Issues Decision on
Right to Counsel in Removal Proceedings
On January 7, 2009, Attorney General Michael Mukasey ruled that aliens in removal proceedings have no constitutional right to counsel, including government-appointed counsel, because such proceedings are civil, not criminal, in nature. Therefore, an alien in removal proceedings has no basis on which to complain about ineffective assistance of counsel. However, the Attorney General also ruled that the Department of Justice may, as a matter of administrative grace, reopen proceedings where an alien shows that he was prejudiced by the actions of private counsel. To show prejudice, an alien seeking to reopen proceedings must show that his lawyer’s failings were egregious, and that it is more likely than not that, but for the lawyer’s failings, the alien would have been entitled to the relief he was seeking. In cases where the alien does not seek to have his case reopened within the applicable time limit (generally, thirty days), he must show he exercised due diligence in discovering and seeking to cure his lawyer’s allegedly deficient performance. Matter of Compean, et al., Interim Decision #3632, 24 I&N Dec. 710, (A.G. 2009).
Did You Know?
DHS to reconsider license provisions of Real ID Act.
New Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said that she will rethink a federal program that would require every state to issue secure driver’s licenses following minimum standards set by the 2005 Real ID Act. Currently, states have until the end of 2009 to issue new licenses that, prior to issuance, would require applicants to prove they are in the country legally under Real ID. Some states, such as Washington, have been offering enhanced licenses on a voluntary basis, requiring proof of citizenship and identity but do not meet the standards of Real ID. Programs such as Washington’s cost less than compliance with the Real ID law.
Source: Thomas Frank, Feds to rethink license mandate, USA Today (January 22, 2009).
U.S. Department of Justice Orders Collection of DNA from Immigrant Detainees. The Department of Justice issued a new regulation allowing for the collection of DNA samples from non-citizen, non-resident persons detained under the authority of the United States, which includes those undocumented persons in immigration detention centers. The final rule went into effect on January 9, 2009.
Advantage Legal Seminars is one of the leading providrs of continuing legal education in the U.S. for more information on Advantage Legal Seminars CLE programs go to http://www.advantagelegalseminars.com/ or call (888) 267-6097
On December 17, 2008, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued an interim final rule changing the acceptable identity documents an employer may accept when verifying their employees’ eligibility to work when filling out Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification. The crux of the new rule is that employers may not accept any unexpired documents, such as passports, permanent resident cards, employment authorization cards or I-94s as proof of verification of an employee’s eligibility to work in the United States. While originally intended to go into effect on February 2, DHS has extended its effective date to April 3, 2009, with the notice and comment period extended to March 4, 2009. This extension is in response to President Obama’s recent request to all federal agencies that pending regulations be subject to the review and approval of his appointees.
Applications for Naturalization Must Be Filed at USCIS Lockbox Facilities
As of January 22, 2009, those seeking to be naturalized (except for military cases) must submit their citizenship applications (N-400) and supporting documents to two USCIS lockbox facilities, one located in Phoenix, Arizona, the other in Lewisville, Texas, depending on the state of residence of the applicant.
Outgoing Attorney General Mukasey Issues Decision on
Right to Counsel in Removal Proceedings
On January 7, 2009, Attorney General Michael Mukasey ruled that aliens in removal proceedings have no constitutional right to counsel, including government-appointed counsel, because such proceedings are civil, not criminal, in nature. Therefore, an alien in removal proceedings has no basis on which to complain about ineffective assistance of counsel. However, the Attorney General also ruled that the Department of Justice may, as a matter of administrative grace, reopen proceedings where an alien shows that he was prejudiced by the actions of private counsel. To show prejudice, an alien seeking to reopen proceedings must show that his lawyer’s failings were egregious, and that it is more likely than not that, but for the lawyer’s failings, the alien would have been entitled to the relief he was seeking. In cases where the alien does not seek to have his case reopened within the applicable time limit (generally, thirty days), he must show he exercised due diligence in discovering and seeking to cure his lawyer’s allegedly deficient performance. Matter of Compean, et al., Interim Decision #3632, 24 I&N Dec. 710, (A.G. 2009).
Did You Know?
DHS to reconsider license provisions of Real ID Act.
New Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said that she will rethink a federal program that would require every state to issue secure driver’s licenses following minimum standards set by the 2005 Real ID Act. Currently, states have until the end of 2009 to issue new licenses that, prior to issuance, would require applicants to prove they are in the country legally under Real ID. Some states, such as Washington, have been offering enhanced licenses on a voluntary basis, requiring proof of citizenship and identity but do not meet the standards of Real ID. Programs such as Washington’s cost less than compliance with the Real ID law.
Source: Thomas Frank, Feds to rethink license mandate, USA Today (January 22, 2009).
U.S. Department of Justice Orders Collection of DNA from Immigrant Detainees. The Department of Justice issued a new regulation allowing for the collection of DNA samples from non-citizen, non-resident persons detained under the authority of the United States, which includes those undocumented persons in immigration detention centers. The final rule went into effect on January 9, 2009.
Advantage Legal Seminars is one of the leading providrs of continuing legal education in the U.S. for more information on Advantage Legal Seminars CLE programs go to http://www.advantagelegalseminars.com/ or call (888) 267-6097
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