What are the most effective ways to Network & Market to Attorneys/Law Firms?
What are some of the most effective ways to market my expert witness and private investigation business?
Kevin Smith
www.isi-pi.com
Answers (6)
Illona C.
Information Technology and Services Professional, Technical Writer, Business Analyst
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Try joining some of the related clubs here on LI.
Try networking with Attorneys who are also LIONS (LI Open Networkers).
Old fashioned cold calls to offer your services.
Try going to local law firm websites and seeing if there is a general email address to contact.
Put an ad in the paper and online (ie: online classifieds like Craigslist, Careerbuilder, etc.).
Just a few of my ideas. Good luck!
Debra F.
Certified Executive Coach who partners with senior executives and lawyers: www.pinstripecoaching.com
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Kevin:
Locally, I would suggest that you contact the North Carolina Bar Association (http://www.ncbar.org) anc connect with their criminal division. As well, follow up with the North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers (www.ncatl.org). With both, you may want to see if litigation support falls separately.
On a wider scale, you may want to contact the American Bar Association (www.abanet.org), the criminal division and litigation support division.
You also can approach criminal firms directly in your area or wider, depending on the scope that you are going after.
I would also see if any legal conferences or trade shows focusing on the legal industry are occuring this year, so you can get a booth.
Hope this helps.
Best,
Debra
Tamara T.
Private Investigator San Francisco Oakland | Due Diligence | Genealogy Research tamara@tamarathompsoninvestigations.com
Best Answers in: Computers and Software (2), Criminal Law (1)
Read a few marketing newsletters periodically. This will keep you thinking creatively about presenting your assets to your audience. These are directed to attorneys, but they're relevant to a wider market:
http://treyryder.com/
http://www.naderanise.com/
Heather M.
Legal marketing director, specializing in business development, social media, social networking and client service.
Best Answers in: Corporate Law (1)
Buying decisions for any type of professional services are usually based upon being known, liked and trusted. This is especially true with lawyers.
Since lawyers are not the best at getting out the door, you need to go meet them. Are you approved to provide CLE credit within your state? If not, I would become accredited and prepare a program that you can take in-house. There is usually a staff member (office manager, firm administrator, paralegal, CLE coordinator) who is in charge of the firm's CLE programs.
I would also target the paralegals and librarians in the law firms. They are often charged with locating experts.
Local bar association will also be helpful, especially to meet smaller firms, consumer-oriented practices and solo practitioners.
Debra's advice below is spot on.
Best of luck,
Heather
Nina L. I.
Legal Translators eDiscovery Translation Pharma Sci-Tech Translators languagealliance.com www.translationforlawyers.com
Kevin,
Lawyers certainly enjoy doing business with likable, competent and accomplished human beings.
Getting in front of them and speaking at CLE seminars, per Heather’s wonderful advice above, is great- if public speaking is for you.
But what if you’re too shy? Don’t despair! Become a writer.
Consider publishing non-promotional articles on your area of expertise in the legal press.
For additional ideas on more natural ways of marketing professional services, check out Ned Steele book “Awaken The Marketer In You”. You can find him in my network.
Good luck!
Nina
Links:
Nina L. I. also suggests this expert on this topic:
Clarification added March 25, 2008:
Also, get Rosalie Hamilton's book "The Expert Witness Marketing Book: How to Promote Your Forensic Practice in a Professional and Cost-Effective Manner".
Lindsey G.
Attorney with geology background, writing and editing of English technical and legal materials; seeking opportunities
If possible, get involved in trade associations or other community organizations that may put you in contact with lawyers. Lawyers are busy people, so find ways that do not waste their time. For instance, offer informational presentations at their offices during lunch so they do not have to go anywhere.
