Every discussion in a meeting has a diminishing curve of interest. The longer the discussion goes on, the fewer people will be interested in it.

In our business, the windows of opportunity open and close with dazzling rapidity...I constantly have to remind people to seize the moment.

Round numbers beg to be negotiated, usually by counteroffer round numbers. Odd numbers sound harder, firmer, less negotiable.

All things being equal, people will do business with a friend; all things being unequal, people will still do business with a friend.

Today, if someone showed me a five-year plan, I'd toss out the pages detailing Years Three, Four and Five as pure fantasy Anyone who thinks he or she can evaluate business conditions five years from now, flunks.

Concentrate on each task, whether trivial or crucial, as if it's the only thing that matters.

People don't plan to fail. They fail to plan.