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
Insight
Turn best practices into office policy
By Dr. Steve M. Cohen At first glance, practice and policy may seem similar enough not to warrant investigation. Time is usually a premium in any organization, and what difference does it make if an employee's action strays from office practice or policy? It's the same problem, right? Wrong! Very wrong. Organizations that don't clearly define and disseminate practices and … [Read more...] about Turn best practices into office policy
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
Like a Boss: The High Cost of Bad Management
By Michelle Spencer bio Bosses have the greatest effect on an employee's satisfaction with their job, and employee turnover incurs considerable hard and soft costs. This has great significance for law firms, where many attorneys lead legal teams, and there is a high percentage of bosses. Management in law offices need to be especially mindful of these webs of unofficial … [Read more...] about Like a Boss: The High Cost of Bad Management
How to stop being a “hit and run” supervisor
By Lynne Curry, Ph.D, SPHR bio How many times have you left the scene of a hit and run employee accident? Have you dented any employee fenders this month? What did it cost you? When hit and run supervisors spot problem situations, they race to the scene, take fast action and speed away, not realizing they may have left one or more employee casualties in their … [Read more...] about How to stop being a “hit and run” supervisor
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
A tale of 2 workplace bullies and why they need to be stopped
By Lynne Curry, Ph.D, SPHR bio If you're dealing with a bully in the workplace, you're not alone. According to an Associated Press alert, 29 percent of all U. S. managers and employees deal with workplace bullies, and according to a white paper produced by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), one out of six individuals report being bullied at work at some point … [Read more...] about A tale of 2 workplace bullies and why they need to be stopped
How to hire the right employee for your firm
By Lynne Curry, Ph.D, SPHR bio According to a Gallup poll, thirty percent or less than one-third of American workers describe themselves as "engaged" in their jobs and committed to their employers. A larger number, 54% percent, describe themselves as "disengaged" at work and not committed to their employers. These employees report feeling trapped in dull jobs and admit that … [Read more...] about How to hire the right employee for your firm
Lighten up the office for increased productivity
By Steve M. Cohen bio Let's face it, work is not always fun. As they say, "that's why they call it work." But there is a point where a manager may need to draw a line. Although the problem can take many forms, the issues can often be grouped under the heading of "negativity." An "office complainer" is one example you may know. There are also constant critics, … [Read more...] about Lighten up the office for increased productivity
Want to improve morale? Listen up
By Dr. Steve M. Cohen It's a cheap, but effective cure, for many ailments I've found that most organizations can benefit significantly from a simple, low-cost change in their operations: More two-way communications. For busy law office managers, time can be among their most valuable commodities so I don't make this recommendation lightly. But even a few minutes each day to … [Read more...] about Want to improve morale? Listen up