During a couple of decades in professional services business development, I’ve met a handful of individuals that could make it rain in any condition. Cordell Parvin is one of them. When I met Cordell he was a progressive practice group leader for an Am Law 100 law firm. Following great success in that arena, he branched out and built a new business, training and coaching other lawyers in the art of building a thriving practice. He is tireless, tenacious, and he genuinely loves coaching lawyers. His passion for progress is evident in today’s Guest Post. After you’ve enjoyed his contribution here, you can connect and follow him daily, here and here.  Cordell — thanks for this Post.

Einstein once said, You can never solve a problem on the level on which it was created.

When was the last time you tried something new and different?  When was the last time you traveled to a new country or city, or ordered something at a restaurant you had never eaten before?

That is what I did last week in Montreal. I love Montreal, in part because it so different than Dallas. When I travel to Montreal, I enjoy breakfast including Montreal Bagels and the most fluffy and light omelets I have ever eaten.

This is one of my favorite views from one of the offices I visit in Montreal. It is a view of Mount Royal, McGill University and the Royal Victoria Hospital.

When I am on my own dining in Montreal, I like to go to chez Alexandre, an authentic Brasserie. It is casual and friendly. I frequently sit at the bar and strike up a conversation with those around me.

When I was there last Monday night, I was first struck by the music in the background. In a restaurant where most guests were speaking French, they were playing sweet soul music from the 60s.

The first song I heard was Eddie Floyd singing Knock on Wood. The Four Tops followed. Pretty soon, the two other Americans at the bar and I were trying to guess the artist. One American shared an app with the two of us. If you enjoy music, you may already use Shazem to identify a song, artist and the album from which it came.

I have some favorite dishes on the Alexandre Dinner Menu. But, last week I decided to ask my server for her favorites. Take a look at the menu. I doubt you would have ordered what she recommended on your own. I certainly would not have thought of it. She recommended the Cassoulet Toulousain (duck, sausages and white beans). It was awesome. Here is a recipe: Cassoulet in 10 Easy Steps.

I am sure you wonder what Cassoulet at chez Alexandre has to do with your career and client development.

Put simply, if you are like me, it is easy to get in a rut. It is easy to just keep doing what you are comfortable doing. But, think about what you are missing. For me, it was a wonderful dish I would have never tried on my own. I had never even heard of it before.

For you, it might be an opportunity to think creatively and find a new way to become more valuable to clients and potential clients.