Post by Gustavo Rocha, lawyer and consultant in management, IT and quality for law firms. He’s the author of Gestão.Adv.br (content in Portuguese only):

What is your plan B? Usually we call Plan B to an alternative plan other than the main plan, a back up plan.

What’s your plan A? Searching for alternatives in your market share, rekindling contacts with clients, newer products, and so on, all are part of your present strategy and how you approach the market.

And what’s your plan B? None? No alternative?

Not that we are saying your plan B should be a different businness altogether. Not at all. A plan B may not be used at the present, but may come in useful in the future.

For instance: A firm deals with physical individuals, i.e. consumers in colective suites. This is your plan A. The products range from Brasil Telecom shares to fawlty goods. Great; this firm has got a market, its goals are set and it thrives.

What would be its plan B? Sticking to the same businness core (physical individuals), while broadening the product base (to areas such as labour, social security, family) marketing these new offers and by gathering new clients.

Having a plan B doesn´t mean to give up plan A.

A plan B means that you can get more from your practice.

A plan B means to take a chance on new markets.

A plan B means to be aware of market nuances.

Prepare to glimpse an opportunity in all that you do. Be it a chat with a friend, an hearing or a partnership.

That’s where opportunities are. If they don´t interest you, pass them onto whom they might. Become a business reference rather than a mere lawyer (thus adding value to your profession).

The world of business, more than just a lawyer, demands a professional widely connected to  most walks of life and market, not single minded but with broadened knowledge.

What’s your plan B? Share it with us.