Business

A friend of mine and I were recently discussing the growth and strategic direction of my law firm.  He asked me, “What do you want to be famous for?”  Wow – great question.  It implies something more than just building a business to collect a pay check.  It pushes an answer that describes the pursuit of excellence – something bigger than yourself – something that makes a true impact on community and culture.

Most people I encounter are perfectly fine with being fine at their job (this includes most attorneys I know).  I wonder if these folks understand the compromise of being fine with being fine.  Our culture teaches people that if you work work hard enough but not too hard , you can do well in life. 

I believe that hard work and being good at your job is a minimum standard.  Being good at one’s craft is merely a barrier of entry into your profession.  If you want to play, you have to at least be good.  If you don't meet this standard you will eventually be forced out.  If you do meet that standard - so what - there are a million others who have also met this standard.  You are now a commodity.  You are on the ball field, but you are an average player.  Nobody knows you or cares (except maybe your mom).  How do you move to the next level?  How do you become famous?

To be famous for something requires people to go beyond being good (or fine).  You must be exceptional.  So what makes someone exceptional at their profession (or at anything)?

There are many ways to answer this, and I have read countless books from countless authors on the topic, but I believe it comes down to infusing diligence, hard work and a pursuit of personal fulfillment.  When these things merge, a person's job ceases to be a job - it becomes part of that person's lifestyle.  At this point a person moves beyond merely trying to complete a project or finish a workday in order to collect a paycheck.  They pursue excellence.  They see their profession as part of their larger lifestyle which ultimately wants to benefit others.


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Alerding Castor is an Indianapolis law firm focusing on business law, information technology law (including SaaS law and legal technology consulting), private equity consulting, probate and business litigation.