It’s been a while. Like you, I’ve been busy. So much is going on and it is great. I’m learning more and more about the things that people like you (business owners and entrepreneurs) need from their lawyers. However, in the last few weeks something has come to my attention. Lawyers are renowned for it but it appears that we have finally passed it on to our clients….ridiculous speech.

What happened to just saying it how it is? Where is all this diplomacy  (by this I mean, indirect, I don’t want to hurt your feelings kind of speech) coming from? In my opinion, there is no room for diplomacy in business. Business must be clear, direct and concise or else there is a risk of miscommunication, and miscommunication can be fatal. When we don’t understand our offers, counter offers and rejections, opportunities are lost. If you want me to make you an offer for a pink car, DON’T ask me “what else can you do for me?” when I make you an offer for a blue car. Just ask me what my best price is for a pink car! Then, we can have an honest negotiation about what you actually want and what I want to give you because hey, its good business for me!

I recently had to agree a fee arrangement with a client. It took months. It wasn’t that they didn’t want to pay. They just wanted to pay in the best possible way for their business. I have to admit that I was impressed. These dudes didn’t just take our usual options a, b or c at face value. They demanded an understanding of each option and an examination of why any of those options would be good for them. The solution, a unique fee arrangement where I get paid and my client is happy paying.

SO, strip away the phoney language that you may have learnt in business school or read in the Financial Times and communicate honestly. Try it today, have a plain English (or whatever language you speak) conversation with your business partners. Come back here and leave your comments below. It felt good right? Like the rain had cleared and the sun had come out!

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