“Is anybody out there?” Have you ever looked at your social media statistics and wondered if you’re all alone online? It may seem like your online community is active, but is it interactive?
The good news is that you’re not alone. Most of your colleagues have probably asked the same question. The bad news is that you’ll need to move beyond your comfort zone if you want to break away from the silent online majority. Read more →
How many professionals consistently use a checklist of questions to ask clients at the beginning of a client matter? Many customize checklists published by regulators for a particular practice area, client service style or matter management process. The focus is often on quality assurance, risk mitigation and scope of work. Is there a way to include the human element too? Read more →
Last week, I published the first half of my interview with Aneil Mishra, Ph.D.. Mishra is a respected author and business school professor who studies the link between trustworthiness, leadership and organizational performance. He discussed the four main qualities of trustworthy leaders – reliability, openness, competence and compassion – and his latest research regarding which of these qualities might matter most in the current economy. Read more →
What is it about summer that makes us so nostalgic? I spend a lot of time between June and September wishing I was hanging out with friends or family in Saskatchewan (where I grew up), even though I have a perfectly nice life in Vancouver. I’ll respond positively to almost any marketing message reminding me of long, carefree days where my only concern was to have fun.
Nostalgia has a special place in marketing and public relations. It appeals to our need for safety and security. It helps us feel connected to each other. And it reinforces our identity. Read more →
This post was originally published on the Canadian legal blog slaw.ca on March 19, 2104
I’ve been feeling somewhat guilty about my post last week regarding the Edelman Trust Barometer and perceptions about the legal profession. Several lawyers have since asked if I have any advice on how to build trusting relationships within their own firms, never mind on behalf of the profession. I’ve heard laments bemoaning the loss of collegiality, too. Read more →
Client: “Do I really have to do this?”
Me: “No. But…..what do you have to lose?”
Client: “My pride? My reputation? Billable time? I mean…what if people think I don’t have anything better to do?”
If we could build business by letting our work speak for itself, many of us would. Unfortunately, that isn’t an option anymore. Clients need to find you in the places where they’ll look for someone with your expertise. Including social media. Read more →
Legal project management often requires lawyers to change how they work with each other. Given the personalities and cultural dynamics within firms, persuading some people to even consider collaborating can be quite a challenge – even if it’s in the best interest of the client. What’s a project leader to do? Read more →
Trustworthiness permeates almost every aspect of my work with regulated professions. I’ve been on a mission to learn more about how to build, recover and regain organizational trust, and I recently attended the Summit on Building the Trustworthy Organization at Fordham University in New York. It was transformational. Read more →
Almost everyone involved in recruiting students or associates has a nagging fear: have any skeletons snuck out of the firm’s hallowed halls, and into its reputation?
What is said (online or off) about your reputation as an employer may be out of your control. But it isn’t out of your influence. Once people believe something negative to be true, it can take years to persuade them otherwise. You can minimize the chances of this happening by following a few of the guidelines below. Read more →
“What would you charge for helping me with my practice plan?” said the wise client to the wide-eyed consultant. “Ummm….how about $X?”.
“Are you serious?” he laughed. “Add 30 percent to it and you’ll have yourself a deal. Don’t you know what you’re worth?” Read more →