Identity Theft
July 13, 2006
Recent high-profile data breaches of online retailers, banks, government agencies, and data brokers have exposed the vast potential for damage to consumers when their personal information is illegally sold or inadvertently released into the public domain. Ironically, these breaches have occurred despite the existence of comprehensive federal and state legislative schemes aimed at safeguarding personal data.
The Power of One
June 29, 2006
Landmark research reveals that having a single individual accountable for firm-wide client service boosts profits per attorney by up to 41.2%. This article discusses the critical success factors that drive this exceptional ROI ' and learn how to define this role at your firm to deliver measurable results with lasting impact.
Alliance Marketing Can Extend Your Firm's Reach
June 29, 2006
Alliance marketing offers law firms a great way to increase their exposure to potential clients while showing off their expertise in the law to other professionals who can be a wellspring of referrals. An alliance-marketing relationship brings together lawyers with accountants, bankers, investment planners, publishers or other professionals who may want to market their services to the same potential clients. These alliances could be formed to run seminars for current and potential clients, to work together to publish articles or for creation of advertising materials.
<b>The Place to Network:</b> Making the Business Case For Gratitude
June 29, 2006
Benjamin Franklin had an odd habit: He would routinely ask for favors of his political adversaries. They were small favors ' borrowing a book, for instance ' but they were favors indeed. Why on earth would he indebt himself in this way to his enemies? Because he knew that getting people to do things for you is one of the fastest ways to get them to like you.
<b>Technology In Marketing: </b> CRM: How Lawyers Can Benefit
June 29, 2006
Lawyers work hard, graduate from law school, and survive the grueling years of being an associate. Over time, they network, build a healthy book of business and a steady flow of referrals. Lawyers who hail from the GenX or GenY tribe are intimately comfortable with technology and probably own a Blackberry or Treo so they can be in touch and stay organized. But unless they plan to practice solo for the rest of their lives, they're likely to run into Client Relationship Management (CRM) technology.
<b>Media & Communication Corner: </b>A 'No Comment' Alternative
June 29, 2006
There is an old adage in the public relations business ' Mark Twain and Voltaire are each said to have coined it ' that goes: 'Never argue with anyone who buys ink by the 500-gallon drum.' The corollary would be: 'Don't ever offer a 'no comment' to the press, either.'<br>Maintaining a productive relationship with the press can, and should, help lawyers in the long run, and in some cases may be crucial to your business goals or those of your client in the future. But the downside to developing open and comfortable relationships with the press is obvious; sooner or later, you will get a call you don't want. Maybe lots of calls. So what do you do when a reporter comes calling, and it's your judgment that an on-the-record response is not in your best interests, or those of your clients?
<b><i>Focus: Canada</b></i> MLF Canadian 10: Two Standouts
June 29, 2006
The original thought behind the MLF Canadian listing was to have 20 Canadian firms that could be ranked on the basis of their marketing and communications programs. For a variety of reasons, it was decided that the final list should consist of 10 firms, and that these firms should not be ranked, but rather listed in alphabetical order.
<b><i>Focus: Canada</b></i> Law Firm Marketing in Canada
June 29, 2006
By many accounts, the leading Canadian law firms have moved from reluctant marketers undertaking a few traditional tactics, to become law firms with a heightened focus toward strategic business development. It is noticeable how many firms have painstakingly sought out the right senior talent, bringing marketing and business development expertise to lead the effort of growing the business and building competitive advantage. Equally as many firms have engaged the services of agencies and marketing consultants to enhance profile and build brands. As a result, we find the majority of firms have dropped ineffective marketing or business development committees, leaving management of the department and activities to the senior marketing professionals. There remains a group of law firms in the country, however, whose prime marketing goal is largely communications, and whose marketing orientation has not yet matured to more tangible, client focussed and measurable priorities.
The 'Big Picture'
June 29, 2006
Let's say you're the firm's chief marketing officer. You're about to sit down with the managing partner to discuss the firm's marketing efforts and how they fit into its overall business strategy. Here are 10 questions you should be prepared to answer clearly and concisely.
