By Sue-Ella Prodonovich bio How often are we told that the billable hour has had its day? That it's archaic, that it's inefficient, that it makes our clients angry and holds our practices back? Well guess, what? I disagree. In fact, I think the billable hour is wonderful - so wonderful that, for many professionals it should be a default in their business … [Read more...] about Reports of the death of the billable hour are greatly exaggerated
Marketing
How to build your practice when you’re busy
By Sue-Ella Prodonovich bio 'How can I possibly work on business development? I'm flat out doing client work.' It's something I heard at a recent Practice Reboot seminar. And it's something I hear all the time from busy professionals. So, if you're struggling to find the time to build your practice, here are six tips to make it happen. 1. Eat the elephant How do you … [Read more...] about How to build your practice when you’re busy
Why you should notify applicants they didn’t get the job
Open positions, especially those advertised, often generate many applications. If your practice is located in a major metropolitan area or large town, you may receive a huge pile of applications, electronic or otherwise, in response to a job posting. Fortunately, not all job applicants will have the appropriate qualifications—otherwise, interviewing would … [Read more...] about Why you should notify applicants they didn’t get the job
Is your website violating ABA’s ethical guidelines?
A good website is valuable 24-hour marketing. But underneath it lies another web—one of ethical concerns, the main ones being misleading information, unwanted client relationships, and confidentiality breaches. For that reason, the American Bar Association set out guidelines for attorney websites, Formal Opinion 10-457 developed by the ABA's Standing Committee on Ethics and … [Read more...] about Is your website violating ABA’s ethical guidelines?
Why sometimes firms have to say “no”
By Bob Denney bio The Managing Partner of one of our clients once said to me, "The hardest thing in the world for most lawyers is to decline an opportunity for increased business, even when it's because of a conflict or a question of ethics." There's obviously no question about having to say "No" in those situations. But there are other opportunities for … [Read more...] about Why sometimes firms have to say “no”
Law firm giving away free helmets to promote Bike Safety Awareness Month
A law firm in Arkansas is promoting bike safety by giving away helmets to local children. During the week of May 15-19 the Law Offices of Alan LeVar will be giving out 100 helmets to help promote bike safety during National Bike Safety Month. Any child who stops by their Arkadelphia office at 702 Caddo St. can pick up their free helmet. Why are bike helmets important? … [Read more...] about Law firm giving away free helmets to promote Bike Safety Awareness Month
Growing your law firm with a carefully crafted blog
By Brenda A. Barnes bio First, there were firm newsletters. Law firms sent them out as a way to build community among existing and prospective clients. They were a branding tool that also fostered loyalty. Then, the internet accelerated that formula, allowing law firms to not only save money on print and mailing, but also push this content marketing vehicle out … [Read more...] about Growing your law firm with a carefully crafted blog
What do clients really want?
By Brenda A. Barnes bio When you ask clients what they want from law firms, you quickly receive a long list. Expertise Support Practical advice Good relationship Track record Client focus Trust Business outcomes Honesty Quality brand … [Read more...] about What do clients really want?
Are your staff’s poor phone skills destroying your marketing efforts?
By Elizabeth M. Miller, MBA bio Every law firm invests firm profits on client development and marketing, no matter how large or small the firm or the budget might be. The goal of investing those revenues in marketing is to make your law firm phone to ring—with a potential client holding a retainer check on the other end of the line. This phone call in turn generates … [Read more...] about Are your staff’s poor phone skills destroying your marketing efforts?
10 rules for getting good press and new clients along with it
To get new business, your law firm has to be the first place the client calls. To make the call, the client has to know your firm's name. To know your firm's name, the client has to see it over and over in the media. Media coverage is good free marketing, says Pam Lontos, president of Pam Lontos Consulting in Orlando. But to be of any value, it has to be repeated. "Because … [Read more...] about 10 rules for getting good press and new clients along with it