Holiday Networking Tips
Many lawyers think of December as a time when people are harder to reach, decisions get postponed and less work gets done. That may be true for some, but it’s also a time filled with opportunities for marketing your practice, looking for new career opportunities, and deepening or expanding your network of useful resources.
No, I am not suggesting that you hawk your wares or pass out your resume at holiday parties. I am suggesting that you take full advantage of this opportunity to meet and reconnect with people who you may not have access to the rest of the year.
Whether you just love socializing or avoid big gatherings whenever possible, here are some tips that can make your holiday networking more productive:
Post Date: December 9, 2008
Building and Enhancing Client Relationships (May 08, 2009)
Debra L. Bruce will be speaking:
Houston Bar Association – Continuing Legal Education
1019 Congress Plaza
Harris County Jury Assembly Room
Houston, TX 77002
Friday, May 08, 2009 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
For more information, go to www.hba.org.
Post Date: December 1, 2008
Send Holiday Greetings That Really Connect
The holidays and year end present many opportunities for enhancing existing client relationships and developing new prospects. Many attorneys don’t take full advantage of the opportunities, however, because they fail to invest a little forethought. Here are some ideas to consider if you engage in the venerable tradition of sending out holiday greetings.
When to Send Out Greetings
Although the number of holiday cards sent out has declined over the last decade, it is still difficult to stand out in the flurry of holiday communication. Some lawyers have migrated to sending Thanksgiving cards. What an excellent opportunity to express gratitude for your clients’ trust and confidence in you, as demonstrated by their business. Alternatively, you might choose to adopt the French tradition of sending New Year’s cards. Either way, at least your card won’t be buried in a stack of other cards. If you want to showcase your firm’s experience in representing clients who do business in China, perhaps you should consider sending out Chinese New Year cards.
Personalize Your Greetings
I urge my clients to find a way to include a personal message in each card, especially if the card is signed with the law firm name. Without a personal touch, the card does not have optimal impact. You risk disappointing the client who had a strong relationship with you, when you obviously treat them like one of the masses. Clients suspect that a staff member prepared the cards from a mailing list, without actual lawyer involvement. Even individually signed cards can conjure up an image of an assembly line signing process.
Post Date: December 1, 2008