It's the bottom line that counts. That's the firm's profitability. And maximizing it calls for more than bringing in new business. The keys are several—a plan to follow, a strong managing partner to enforce it, a shrewd client acceptance process, partner compensation that rewards cash in hand, lots of leveraging, and culling out the deadwood clients. Those items are outlined … [Read more...] about Six ways to reach the highest possible prosperity
Marketing
How to execute the single most difficult and valuable marketing tactic at your law firm
By Bob Weiss bio We are often asked what is the single most difficult marketing problem facing local and regional law firms. Our answer: database development and management. What we mean by this is simple—most law firms do not have a reliable and updated system of managing client and other contact information. Software companies call it "client relationship … [Read more...] about How to execute the single most difficult and valuable marketing tactic at your law firm
How to sell your legal services without being a pushy salesperson
By Trey Ryder bio Lawyers often ask me to explain how selling-based marketing differs from education-based marketing. I point out the standard differences about giving prospects what they want—information and advice—and removing what they don't want—a sales pitch. But the fine points of education-based marketing go much deeper. You and I, as consumers, want people to … [Read more...] about How to sell your legal services without being a pushy salesperson
Watch out for federal and state laws when promoting your practice on social media and websites
Social media can be useful for getting a practice's name out there and helping potential clients find you. But there are legal and ethical issues raised by use of social media. Federal and state laws are also implicated when a law office decides to promote its services whether it be through establishing a website or participating in forums such as Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter. … [Read more...] about Watch out for federal and state laws when promoting your practice on social media and websites
An easy way to gauge your client’s satisfaction
with your firm
By Elizabeth M. Miller bio
For many years, I was the consumer who would be the first one to voice my displeasure at goods and services I received if I did not think I was getting value for my money or service, or a product somehow fell short of my expectations.
Over the years, though, I've come to realize that feedback of any kind is important and helps a business to make … [Read more...] about An easy way to gauge your client’s satisfaction
with your firm
Model Client Satisfaction Survey
Why you need this model survey: Clients demand value and, in this competitive market, you need to find out if you are meeting your clients' needs and giving value for the fees you receive. A client survey is a relatively easy way to get this information. How this model survey helps you: The insight that these surveys provide is priceless and can be used to enhance client … [Read more...] about Model Client Satisfaction Survey
How one firm handles its marketing with just one letter a year
A California general practice firm does all its marketing with just one annual letter to clients and business contacts. The letter goes out on the firm's anniversary, says the manager of the five-attorney firm, and carries a simple message—a thank-you for past business and an outline of the firm's other services. And it's only one page long. But it's effective to the point … [Read more...] about How one firm handles its marketing with just one letter a year
National Love Your Lawyer Day
If your clients suddenly start hugging the lawyers in your office, don't be alarmed—but do check your calendar. If it's the first Friday in November, then your clients are just enthusiastically embracing National Love Your Lawyer Day and are letting their favorite legal eagle know how much they love and appreciate them. Yes, there is such a thing as National Love Your Lawyer … [Read more...] about National Love Your Lawyer Day
Why you should consider automating your client screening process
What's your firm's process for dealing with a potential new client? While large law firms may have sophisticated systems of vetting potential new clients that include detailed conflict of interest searches and approval committees, Edie Zimmerman of Legal Software Solutions, suggests your consider automating your screening process. "Some practice management databases allow the … [Read more...] about Why you should consider automating your client screening process
Scarcity marketing: How playing hard to get may win you new clients
Want clients to appreciate the value of the firm's services? "Make the services hard to get but easy to buy." says Trey Ryder, a law firm marketing consultant in Payson, AZ. Give the appearance of being in high demand with limited time available and let people know they are competing for a limited resource. It's called marketing with scarcity, and there's good psychology to … [Read more...] about Scarcity marketing: How playing hard to get may win you new clients