Bylined Pieces

I admit it.  I love great service. Whether it’s delivered in a shop, a hotel, a doctor’s office, or even by Amazon, I notice it. Unfortunately, outstanding, truly-memorable service has become a rarity, though when you experience it, it’s a delight and worth noting. In order to gain referrals --- either as a lawyer or as a restauranteur --- your work…

During a recent trip to Milan, I met with an accomplished Italian lawyer who emphasized that for him, in Italy, business development is all about relationships. It’s knowing that the lawyer you hire is someone you can trust and genuinely like.  Once that is proven, the relationship should be a long-lasting one. Just as the way we drink coffee varies between…

I've not followed-up. There are at least ten people I’ve met over the past year that I need to reach out to, to say hello, ask how they are doing, and possibly set up lunch or a coffee. In the fast-paced world of professional services it's easy to get caught up in immediate “must be done asap” tasks. However, one…

Culture is not a “set it and forget it” initiative. It requires consistent effort and communication to stay alive and relevant. But the payoff? A stronger firm, happier employees, and more satisfied clients. We spend an enormous amount of our lives at work  — about one-third, to be exact. For those of us in the legal profession, that time can…

As featured in American Lawyer on July, 19, 2024. Read the article here. Capuchin monkeys. Law firm marketing. Holding on to great people. An editor recently asked me, "Why is it that legal marketers leave 🏃‍♀️ their firms?" While there are several reasons, from lack of advancement to culture to compensation, there are several ways to value and retain your…

I have been thinking a lot about how we tell stories. Whether you pitch a new piece of business or deliver annual results, it’s essential to understand the craft of storytelling. How do you present your ideas, your argument, or your “ask” in a compelling and convincing way? Each good story generally has three elements. 1. A setup, the situation…

Having worked for several law and consulting firms that are often referred to as prestige brands, I've discovered there is no magic to building a strong brand, whether it's one of prestige, innovation or integrity. However, there are important lessons that can help you whether you aim to be Tiffany or Target. 1. Mission and Brain Brand Understanding your firm’s…

“Should I enjoy my summer and take time off or spend time thinking about how to build my practice?” a law firm partner recently asked.  My response, “I think you can do both, just not at the same time.” While time off is vital, 46% of US workers don’t take their paid time off (according to the Pew Research Center), I…

What makes one webinar fail (allowing me to chop carrots while I pretend to watch) while another one, makes me wish it would go on for longer. After watching hundreds of these as a way to learn more on a topic, here are a few  ideas that might be helpful. 1. Only use visuals such as powerpoints if they are CITE…