I recently had a great conversation with a new connection at an excellent client. Her LinkedIn profile mentioned she is a lover of great quotes. Interestingly enough, so am I. She asked me for a couple of favorites and I opened my Evernote app to share one from Teddy Roosevelt and one from Jeff Immelt. I then noticed on my desk the takeaway from my Mom’s funeral.

On the reverse of her photo were several classics we refer to as “Our Mom-isms.” Here are several that have definite business application:

* If you don’t listen you have to feel.

* If you don’t do it right the first time, when will you have time to do it over.

* If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.

Then there are some personal favorites:

About her never artificially colored hair – “It’s platinum blonde.”

And from the woman who usually had a cup of black coffee or an iced tea (heavy sugar and lemon) in her hand – “Water is for taking a bath, not drinking.”

A belated Happy Mother’s Day and here’s hoping you have as many fond memories and lessons learned from your mother as we have from ours!