Law.com Subscribers SAVE 30%

Call 855-808-4530 or email [email protected] to receive your discount on a new subscription.

LESS IS MORE - Make the Most of Client Meetings

By allan colman, [email protected]
August 24, 2011

LESS IS MORE – Make the Most of Client Meetings”The more you say, the less any audience is likely to remember.”-David BartlettTo excell at law firm marketing, we're always stressing the importance of listening to your client; but what about speaking? When it comes to speaking with clients, you must focus on keeping it simple. In any meeting with existing or potential clients, there are two things you need to know: your “takeaway” message and the questions you will ask that will show your commitment to the job.A takeaway message is an important tool for an attorney or law marketer to have. Prior to any meeting, develop a concise, memorable statement that you want the client to remember and appreciate. This message should be utilized throughout the meeting to set the pace and direction: Share this message with the other attorneys on your team. Integrate it into your meeting. Repeat the message during the meeting. Close the meeting with the message. Use the message as a bridge back to the main point if you get off topic.This one takeaway message will create continuity within a meeting and hopefully be memorable to the client. There is no need for superfluous details, long-winded speeches and unnecessary tangents. Keep it simple.Similarly, informed questions are an excellent way for attorneys to show clients that you're serious about helping them meet their needs. There are a number of topics that you can address to impress clients and prospects, but don't overlook the power of asking questions that show you've done your homework. Ensure that you and the attorneys on your team go into a meeting with some pre-determined questions that reference the market, the company, the industry, or the client's needs, and you'll be able to prove to the client that you're not just there to win the business. Your law firm is truly committed to the job.Ultimately, closing the deal is about quality rather than quantity. Keep things short and simple and you'll be well on your way to the RED ZONE.Allan Colman, the Closers Group – [email protected]

LESS IS MORE – Make the Most of Client Meetings”The more you say, the less any audience is likely to remember.”-David BartlettTo excell at law firm marketing, we're always stressing the importance of listening to your client; but what about speaking? When it comes to speaking with clients, you must focus on keeping it simple. In any meeting with existing or potential clients, there are two things you need to know: your “takeaway” message and the questions you will ask that will show your commitment to the job.A takeaway message is an important tool for an attorney or law marketer to have. Prior to any meeting, develop a concise, memorable statement that you want the client to remember and appreciate. This message should be utilized throughout the meeting to set the pace and direction: Share this message with the other attorneys on your team. Integrate it into your meeting. Repeat the message during the meeting. Close the meeting with the message. Use the message as a bridge back to the main point if you get off topic.This one takeaway message will create continuity within a meeting and hopefully be memorable to the client. There is no need for superfluous details, long-winded speeches and unnecessary tangents. Keep it simple.Similarly, informed questions are an excellent way for attorneys to show clients that you're serious about helping them meet their needs. There are a number of topics that you can address to impress clients and prospects, but don't overlook the power of asking questions that show you've done your homework. Ensure that you and the attorneys on your team go into a meeting with some pre-determined questions that reference the market, the company, the industry, or the client's needs, and you'll be able to prove to the client that you're not just there to win the business. Your law firm is truly committed to the job.Ultimately, closing the deal is about quality rather than quantity. Keep things short and simple and you'll be well on your way to the RED ZONE.Allan Colman, the Closers Group – [email protected]

Read These Next
Top 5 Strategies for Managing the End-of-Year Collections Frenzy Image

End of year collections are crucial for law firms because they allow them to maximize their revenue for the year, impacting profitability, partner distributions and bonus calculations by ensuring outstanding invoices are paid before the year closes, which is especially important for meeting financial targets and managing cash flow throughout the firm.

The Self-Service Buyer Is On the Rise Image

Law firms and companies in the professional services space must recognize that clients are conducting extensive online research before making contact. Prospective buyers are no longer waiting for meetings with partners or business development professionals to understand the firm's offerings. Instead, they are seeking out information on their own, and they want to do it quickly and efficiently.

Should Large Law Firms Penalize RTO Rebels or Explore Alternatives? Image

Through a balanced approach that combines incentives with accountability, firms can navigate the complexities of returning to the office while maintaining productivity and morale.

Sink or Swim: The Evolving State of Law Firm Administrative Support Image

The paradigm of legal administrative support within law firms has undergone a remarkable transformation over the last decade. But this begs the question: are the changes to administrative support successful, and do law firms feel they are sufficiently prepared to meet future business needs?

Tax Treatment of Judgments and Settlements Image

Counsel should include in its analysis of a case the taxability of the anticipated and sought after damages as the tax effect could be substantial.