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Review Brooks & Crowley
March 2023
781-251-0555
www.brooksandcrowley.com
439 Washington Street Dedham, MA 02026
*Services Throughout Massachusetts
Are You Really Listening to Others? THE IMPORTANCE OF ACTIVE LISTENING
Epictetus, a Greek philosopher, once said, “We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.” This quote still rings true today — especially in my line of work.
how responsive they were to calls and emails, and the type of service their lawyers provided.
But again, the skill of listening comes with experience and insight.
I try to improve my listening skills daily — I want to listen more and talk less when working with clients. By doing so, I can help my clients to the best of my ability. I hear their concerns, why they want to sell or buy a home, and other circumstances. I could miss valuable
“It doesn’t matter how much insight or knowledge you have — clients want to know that you heard them and care about them.”
When Neil and I were new lawyers , we would be in court four or five times a week, working to gain as much trial experience as we could. Over time, we both gained tons of insight into how the court process worked. In some court hearings, I would watch attorneys dig themselves into a hole because they were talking too much — severely affecting their client’s case. Because of this, I quickly learned how essential listening is when conversing with clients and witnesses while appearing before the court. You want to be attentive to what others are saying and how they are saying it. Did their tone change? Are there pauses or drawn-out points throughout their testimony? What can their body language tell you? These are all factors I had to learn as I gained more experience. Now, I make it my top priority to fully understand what my clients are saying, why they are saying it, and what they believe the best outcome should be. The skill of active listening is something we can all incorporate into our lives! No matter who you are speaking to, ensure that you give them a chance to complete their thoughts. I understand how difficult it may be not to multitask by checking your phone, petting your animals, or interrupting when you think you may forget the thought that just came to mind. All it takes is practice! You will be surprised by all the knowledge you obtain and how you can strengthen your relationships with others when they know that you heard them and that their words are of value to you.
information if I don’t listen to what you’re telling me. Why are you selling or buying? What are you looking for? Is there anything you want to avoid? What’s the reason behind putting your home into a trust?
The same goes for Neil when helping personal injury clients. He wants to understand what happened, the pain and suffering you’re experiencing, and anything that can help strengthen your case and settlement. However, the practice of active listening was something I had to learn with time. In law school, you’re taught about the law, how to articulate points verbally and in writing, and all kinds of information on legal subjects. But you don’t learn how to be a great lawyer to your clients — how to actively listen and be empathetic.
While it’s great to be a strong resource and understand tons of information about the law itself, that’s not what clients want to hear. It doesn’t matter how much insight or knowledge you have — clients want to know that you heard them and care about them. If you look at any reviews for a law firm, are previous or current clients writing about how much legal knowledge their lawyers had? Of course not! They are writing about how much their lawyers cared about them,
Happy Listening Awareness Month, everyone!
–Steve Brooks
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DO YOU WANT YOUR BUSINESS TO THRIVE? CONSIDER READING ‘GOOD TO GREAT’ BY JIM COLLINS!
“Good is the enemy of great.” This is how Jim Collins begins his book “Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap... and Others Don’t,” which discusses how a handful of companies perfected their business strategies to create great businesses. If you’ve ever wondered why some businesses only last a season while others last 15–20 years, then “Good to Great” is a must-read. Over the past three decades, Collins has analyzed 28 businesses by studying their leadership skills, practices, and business strategies to understand how these companies skyrocketed past their competitors. After conducting dozens of case studies and analyses, Collins outlines several results that make excellent companies stand out. Here are three takeaways from “Good to Great.” The first key takeaway is determining your “hedgehog concept” — a strategy you can use for many years. This approach is based on Greek philosophy: “The fox knows many things, but the hedgehog knows one big thing.” To find your hedgehog concept, ask yourself these questions: What can your company be the best at? What can you and your colleagues be passionate about? What economic indicator should you focus on?
When creating habits and using technology, you don’t need to use everything on the market. There are millions of platforms, software, tools, and technologies to use within your business, but which one will strengthen your hedgehog concept? Collins suggests only implementing technology that complements your business. He recommends waiting before jumping onto a new trend, platform, media platform, and technology. Be sure it aligns with your values, goals, and hedgehog concept. What do you do when your business is faced with uncomfortable situations, facts, or data? Great companies and business leaders don’t sweep hard facts under the rug and deny them. However, leaders don’t wave the white flag or give up. Instead, great companies and business owners acknowledge hard facts, identify pain points, and implement strategies to help overcome struggles and strengthen abilities. Along with learning tips and strategies from these three lessons, you will also have a chance to learn more about Collins’ case studies, what companies he studied, and the techniques used to create business powerhouses. You can find “Good to Great” online and anywhere books are sold. Happy reading!
Attention Buyers and Sellers! Avoid These Common Mistakes
Spring has sprung, and alongside the blooming flowers, the real estate market is sprouting with new houses for sale and potential buyers looking for new homes. While this is an exciting time for both sellers and buyers, there are common mistakes that you should avoid. What mistakes should buyers avoid? The first error is focusing solely on interest rates when searching for a loan and lender. Although the interest rate is a factor you want to consider when requesting a loan, it shouldn’t be the only thing you look at. While any lender can give you a pre-approval, you want to ensure they can actually close the deal. Additionally, if you do not receive a W-2 from your job, are self- employed, or have a non-traditional career, be sure your lender can still write you a
loan. Furthermore, your lender will evaluate your credit report and debt-to-income ratio, so it’s vital you have all your documents ready. Before meeting with your lender, you will need your tax returns, pay stubs, and financial account statements. Not working with a buyer’s real estate broker is another mistake for many people. Having an experienced agent working solely for you is almost always a good idea, and since the commission is paid by the seller it costs nothing for this representation. What mistakes should sellers avoid? Most buyers who don’t want a fixer-upper would like all the required repairs completed before closing. Therefore, it’s best not to let your repairs and renovations pile up. Be sure to review your property and complete any major and minor repairs needed.
Another mistake to avoid is hiring the wrong agent. Did you know that, according to the National Association of Realtors, 67% of sellers choose their agent without looking at other options? You want an agent to help enhance your home’s value, ensure you work with the right renovators and maintenance people, and assist you with your sale. We are lucky to have relationships with some of the best real estate agents in the business. We will be happy to connect you with them, and assist you with any questions you have.
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Do You Remember the Alamo? It Was More Than a Movie or Song
“Remember the Alamo” is a phrase that almost every American is familiar with, but do you know why? Most of us probably recognize it from Johnny Cash’s hit song, “Remember the Alamo,” while others remember hearing it in John Wayne’s “The Alamo.” But it’s important to remember the historical significance behind the phrase. The Alamo served as a symbol of resistance for Texans opposed to Mexican rule in the 1830s, and “Remember the Alamo” became the rallying cry as they fought for independence. The Alamo was built in 1718 and served as a Catholic mission intent on converting the indigenous population to Christianity and the Spanish way of life. In 1832, Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna gained control of Mexico and established a dictatorship. This prompted Texas, which previously had belonged to Mexico, to declare independence. Santa Anna stationed Mexican troops within the Alamo, but 200 Texas volunteers captured the fort in December 1835.
On Feb. 23, 1836, Santa Anna led a Mexican force of 2,000–6,000 men to reclaim the fort. He ordered his men to take no prisoners and proceeded to lay siege to the Alamo for 13 days until Mar. 6. Most of the 200 volunteers at the Alamo were killed, including Davy Crockett, James Bowie, and William B. Travis. The Mexican forces suffered casualties, too, losing between 600 and 1,600 men. The Battle of the Alamo became a symbol of resistance for Texans fighting for independence. In April of the same year, Sam Houston led 800 Texans to San Jacinto (near present-day Houston), where they defeated 1,500 Mexican soldiers led by Santa Anna. The Texans shouted their rallying cry, “Remember the Alamo,” during the battle. With their victory at San Jacinto, Texas gained its independence, and in 1845, became the 28th state of the United States of America. Without the Alamo, there’s no telling if Texas would be part of the U.S. today.
Have a Laugh!
Irish Pancakes Inspired by TheKitchyKitchen.com
Start your March mornings off with a seasonal flair by making these traditional Irish pancakes! Thick yet crispy, these pancakes are a sweet way to fuel your day.
Ingredients
• 2 cups all-purpose flour • 1/2 tsp baking soda • 1/2 tsp kosher salt • 1 tbsp white sugar
• 1 large egg, beaten • 1 cup buttermilk • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
directions
1. In a bowl, sift the dry ingredients together. Set aside. 2. In a skillet, brown 1 tbsp of butter.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the beaten egg, buttermilk, and browned butter. 4. In a constant stream, add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients while stirring. Do not overbeat! 5. Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Add 1 tbsp of butter, stir until the skillet is coated, and then add a few large dollops of batter (about 3 inches wide) to the pan. Do not overcrowd. 6. Cook 4–5 minutes a side, until golden brown and cooked through. Serve with butter, jam, and syrup.
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
439 Washington St. • Dedham, MA 02026 Inside THIS ISSUE
1 Listen More and Talk Less 2 Have You Found Your Hedgehog Concept?
What Mistakes Should Buyers and Sellers Avoid?
3 Remembering the Alamo
Irish Pancakes 4 Massachusetts is Rich With American History
What’s Going On, Boston? 3 History-Packed Events
Massachusetts is rich with American history — every street and corner you pass is filled with memories from the past. You’re in luck this month because several events are going on that allow you to celebrate our history. Between Boston and Salem, there are plenty of places and events you can explore and learn more about. Here are a few of our favorites. St. Patrick’s Day Parade March 19 Broadway MBTA Stop to Farragut Rd. TheBostonCalendar.com South Boston’s primarily Irish-American community has celebrated St. Patrick’s Day for more than 110 years. Celebrate the holiday with your friends and family by watching various marching bands perform through the city, witnessing police and army contingents, viewing dozens of novelty cars, and seeing everyone’s unique costumes. So, wear your best
green attire as you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! Please visit their website for more information if you want to volunteer at this event. The Salem Witch Trials Walk Weekly on Thursdays - Mondays Peabody Essex Museum 161 Essex Street, Salem, MA BostonUSA.com/Event/The-Salem-Witch- Trials-Walk/73356/ Have you ever wondered what actual events occurred during the Salem Witch Trials? Now is
your chance to walk in the footsteps of the past with this self-guided tour. As you walk through historical Salem, you’ll get to stop at key sites and listen to experts as they share behind-the-scenes stories of events that happened during the trials. You will also get to view authentic documents that were around in 1692. Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame Recurring daily Boch Center 270 Tremont Street BochCenter.org/About/FARHOF Folk music is a staple piece of American history — it allowed millions of musicians and listeners to express themselves through music. Now is your chance to take an exclusive behind-the- scenes tour of Boston’s Music Hall and walk through the Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame. During your visit, you’ll see dozens of displays, artifacts, memorabilia, and more.
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