Friday, February 28, 2014

Consult a lawyer

Recently, I was contracted to handle a conference.  The client sent me the agreement and asked me to hurry and get it back to her because they want to start March 1.  It looked pretty reasonable to me but, as a precaution, I had a lawyer review it.

She found a major oversight as the client indicated that the fee included hotel and airfare. That would have required me to pay upwards of $3,000.  It was the client being slick but it was caught.  I talked to her and after going back and forth, they relented and paid it.

So, had I not faxed it to my attorney, I would have absorbed my own airfare and lodging.  The fee I paid her was well worth the mistake that would have cost me thousands.

Thank you, Counselor.

Monday, February 24, 2014

Forget the past - make it right

Many years ago, I worked with a theater company and had a minor tussle with the director, causing me to leave.  I regretted it because we had genuine respect and affection for one another.  But it happened and I left ....but never made it right.

Fast forward 30 years:  She now lords over a beautiful theater built from the ground up. Her theater is a Chicago mainstay and she is truly doing AWESOME things.  Yesterday, I went to the theater and saw a great show as well as saw the new structure -- which is a monument to her tenacity. Luckily, she was there.

We hugged and I complimented her on her success.  Suddenly, 30 years were washed away as we exchanged numbers, pleasantries and vowed to pick up where we left off.  We didn't have to apologize because the vibes were so positive.  The looks we exchanged were genuine.

But, there is a lesson in that:  I was too immature to do the right thing then but I'm poised to make it right now.

Friday, February 21, 2014

Indulge guilty pleasures

I didn't want to... but I kinda like BET's Mary Jane with Gabrielle Union.  It depicts some authentic interplay among characters and it captures real-life situations.

When you've done press releases, pitched and worked hard to get exposure for your client, it is nice to have a guilty pleasure like Mary Jane!

Indulge without guilt!