A common frustration among lawyers is that their networks are too low caliber to provide access to decision-makers. If you have a business development plan, it is probably too generic to give you a meaningful edge over the competition. You wish ...
David Ackert and Tiffany Yarde - April 2, 2015What lawyer doesn’t like getting a good referral? The potential client’s matter fits your practice, and he’s heard good things about you from the person who sent him over. So what are you doing now to get more of the referrals you want? You ...
Mary Lokensgard - March 18, 2015Question: I'm an inexperienced lawyer, and naturally timid. How can I be expected to thrive in a networking environment? What's the best way to follow up after meeting someone? When should I ask for their business? In this ...
The Editors - September 8, 2014If you’re a law firm owner or partner, you know the drill — when you’re not working in your business, you should be working on your business. For most of us, that includes a lot of networking — attending mixers, going to lunches, interacting ...
Ruth Carter - August 18, 2014Ah, spring is in the air! The flowers are blooming, the birds are chirping and I have just received annual invoices from the two business organizations to which I belong. Between the two, I just paid about $500 for the opportunity to list my ...
Ruth Carter - May 15, 2014Every lawyer needs a good network. With fellow lawyers, yes. But you need lots of other people in your network as well. And not just because it's a source of good new business. Smart lawyers draw on (and give back to) their networks for ideas, ...
Merrilyn Astin Tarlton - May 7, 2014I always emphasize the importance of remaining optimistic when coaching lawyers on the topic of job hunting. And, lawyers being lawyers, I always need to provide some reason why they should remain upbeat. I have a simple answer: The job ...
Roy S. Ginsburg - December 26, 2013Lawyers typically dread attending events like annual bar association fundraisers, CLE conferences — or any gathering where there will be a large number of attendees. In short, they dread the type of event where their "working the room" skills ...
Roy S. Ginsburg - November 25, 2013Let me tell you about my friend Jeremy. He’s the business development manager at an independently owned auto repair and tire shop that has several locations in the Phoenix area. Their competition is car dealerships and national discount tire ...
Ruth Carter - September 10, 2013The recent post here about whether lawyers' paper business cards are obsolete reminded me that, yes, there are important things to be done with all the cards you collect at a conference or meeting. First, let’s talk about business card ...
Theda C. Snyder - April 24, 2013