Why Certified Legal Nurse Consultants Can’t Go Back to 1961
One of my favorite Broadway musicals is Jersey Boys. I’ve seen it five times and have had the pleasure of sharing it with many friends. Two of the lead characters, Frankie Valle and Bob Gaudio strike a deal to collaborate and share everything 50/50. They sealed their deal with a “Jersey Contract” – also known as a handshake. This happened in 1961, early in the group’s history – a time which brought us many, many hit songs including “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You.” Their Jersey Contract thrives today, as does a bond of friendship between these powerful musical talents.
I recently entered into a Jersey Contract with the owner of a company. I’ve known him for a long time and always felt we had a bond that transcended business. I was thinking we’d be like Frankie Valle and Bob Gaudio.
I always joke that I like to break the rules and here I was, violating one of my own, which is to have a contract in every business relationship. Questions and issues that should have been covered in a contract came up and needed to be resolved. It became obvious to both of us that the only way to clear things up was with a contract.
Luckily, we have enough respect for each other and have a strong enough relationship to go back and fix the errors of our ways. We arrived at a contract favorable to both, but along the way there were a few tense discussions and potential for damage to the special relationship we nurtured for more than 20 years.
So as much as I admire Frankie Valle and Bob Gaudio, I have to admit it’s not 1961 and in 2011 I’m resolving not to break my rule about contracts ever again. No more Jersey Contracts for LegalNurse.com.
For Certified Legal Nurse Consultants, negotiating and getting to a contract that is best for both parties can take some time, but it’s worth it. The bottom line for all CLNC® consultants is that you should have a contract for every business relationship. It’s not a matter of trust – it’s business (even if you’re in Jersey).
5 thoughts on “Why Certified Legal Nurse Consultants Can’t Go Back to 1961”
Thanks for reminding all of us why it is so important to have a contract with anyone whom we are doing business. And of all the Four Seasons songs I like Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You is my favorite.
Vickie, I am facing the same situation this evening….even though we are friends for the longest, I foresee a contract as preserving our business and friendship!!!!…We as professionals can do this!!!!….:):):)
I swore I would always use a contract, but found myself in a situation where I didn’t use a contract. I saved the business deal concerning the attorney who wasn’t aware, but I had to eat some humble pie and take a monetary loss concerning the other party. I won’t do that again. I have never had a problem with a contract in place. Lesson learned! Thanks for the reminder Vickie.
Sounds like a good business decision coming from one who is just contemplating becoming a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant and the possibility of starting an independent practice in retirement.
My very favorite Jersey Boys song is Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You and I also loved the musical.
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*The opinions and statements made by Vickie Milazzo, the founder of Medical-Legal Consulting Institute, Inc. are based on her experiences and expertise, should not be applied beyond the specific context provided, and do not guaranty or project actual results. Vickie Milazzo is no longer involved in the operations or management of the business, but is involved as an independent education consultant.
Thanks for reminding all of us why it is so important to have a contract with anyone whom we are doing business. And of all the Four Seasons songs I like Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You is my favorite.
Vickie, I am facing the same situation this evening….even though we are friends for the longest, I foresee a contract as preserving our business and friendship!!!!…We as professionals can do this!!!!….:):):)
Hey,
What a great example !!
I have also seen Jersey Boys several times ~ it is a great trip back in time….
My favorite song is “Oh what a Night !!”
Penny Watkins
I swore I would always use a contract, but found myself in a situation where I didn’t use a contract. I saved the business deal concerning the attorney who wasn’t aware, but I had to eat some humble pie and take a monetary loss concerning the other party. I won’t do that again. I have never had a problem with a contract in place. Lesson learned! Thanks for the reminder Vickie.
Sounds like a good business decision coming from one who is just contemplating becoming a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant and the possibility of starting an independent practice in retirement.
My very favorite Jersey Boys song is Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You and I also loved the musical.