Not Just the Next Abbreviation: With CRM, They Got it Right
April 01, 2003
Over the course of the past 20 years, professional services firms have jumped on the abbreviation bandwagon with a succession of emerging management trends, only to disembark once they discover that the latest three-letter trend doesn't deliver the results they were hoping for. What most firms don't realize is that these trendy MBA or "management by abbreviation" tools ' including total quality management (TQM), management by objectives (MBO), and now, client relationship management (CRM) ' are best viewed simply as ways to operationalize common sense.
On The Job: Furthering Your Career Starts with Your Resume
April 01, 2003
Finding the next step in your career path can be the hardest job you ever tackle. If you are not currently working in a firm with a large marketing function and staff, the chances are you can only advance by leaving.
How To Get Published: Giving Editors What They Need Is Key To Success
April 01, 2003
When a lawyer writes an article, he or she has to interact with the editor of the publication in which it is going to be printed. The better the relationship between the editor and the author, the more likely the process is going to flow smoothly for both. The relationship can be improved when you - or attorneys in your firm - understand what editors provide, recognize that editors are paid professionals with a lot to do every day, and treat them with respect from the initial discussion through publication of the article.
Ask The Coach
April 01, 2003
This month's question:<BR>Q: I struggle to find time to market and sell. With billables, committee assignments, supervisory duties, etc., it seems like the week is over and I'm asking, "why didn't I get out in the game this week?" How can I make time to sell?
Warning: Research Dollars At Risk!
April 01, 2003
Before the clinical trials are run, before the Food and Drug Administration approves, before hope is held out to millions of patients, new drugs start with scientists asking elemental questions about human life. Now, the pipeline that leads from their laboratories through drug development to the FDA may be shut off at the source.
Microsoft SharePoint for the Legal Industry?
April 01, 2003
I am sure that everyone knows the name Microsoft. I am guessing that many of you, however, are not familiar with Microsoft's portal product "SharePoint." SharePoint presents an interesting opportunity for two reasons. First, it is a Microsoft product and chances are that your IT infrastructure and policies embrace Microsoft technology. Second, SharePoint is a relatively inexpensive portal solution. Okay, I know what you are thinking, another article about legal portals and how they will reduce your costs to nothing and increase your revenue by 2000%. I hope to provide something different here. The purpose of this article is to share my experiences working with SharePoint and provide some insight in how it can be used strategically in your law firm or law department.
Planning A Web Site With Some Punch
April 01, 2003
Law firm Web sites have largely converged toward a "standard model" that presents a few implicitly agreed-upon subjects. Consider the analogy to newspapers: Consensus has been achieved that the logical way to organize them is national news, opinion, local news, business, sports, lifestyle, etc. Within this consensus, tremendous variety in paper stock, layout, color, writing style and so forth can all thrive, but the "bone structure" is agreed upon.
Avoiding Extinction in A Turbulent Legal Market: The Other Side of Consolidation
April 01, 2003
The early days of 2003 have brought a stark reminder to the leaders of law firms. While strong law firms have experienced an exceptional level of prosperity and growth in a consolidating market, continued expansion and ever increasing profitability are not the only potential destinies for law firms today. As the high profile closures of long established firms such as Brobeck; Peterson & Ross; Hill & Barlow and others demonstrate anew, firms can fail. And with failure come career interruption, client uncertainty and financial distress for many.
Professional Development Comes of Age
April 01, 2003
As law firms grow in size and complexity, they are increasingly realizing that professional development of their lawyers can no longer be left to the haphazard of on-the-job experience. Competing effectively today requires strategic thinking about cultivation of the law firm's primary business asset: its lawyers.
