Is Your Marketing Stuck Inside the Box?
How are you going to launch the perfect marketing strategy if you can’t get past the simplest pieces of the marketing puzzle? In this issue of Law Practice, we’ve pulled together the common questions lawyers pose to their firms' marketing directors and consultants every day. Tap into this high-level advice and break out of the box!

• I regularly speak at CLE programs, but it doesn't seem to generate any referrals. What am I doing wrong?
  Sally J. Schmidt
• One of my partners thinks we don't spend enough "face time" trying to grow our business. But if we spend good money on our marketing program, shouldn't that accomplish the goal without our sacrificing billable hours?
  Mark Beese
• I'd like to get more business clients, so I guess I should be more targeted in my marketing. How can I get started?
  Bob Weiss
• My partners think the solution to our getting more business is that we simply need to bring in a good rainmaker. Are they right?
  Phyllis Weiss Haserot
• Our firm doesn't seem to have much luck with RFPs. What do we have to do to win these beauty contests?
  Linda Hazelton
• I'm considering investing in listings in various "Who's Who" and Superlawyers" directories. Are these directories worth the money and effort involved?
  Ann Lee Gibson
• I want to launch a new area of practice to attract more clients. How can I do it without investing a lot of marketing dollars?
  Milton W. Zwicker
• Our competition advertises in business publications. We need to advertise in the same publications to get market share, right?
  Diane E. Hamlin
• I advertise in multiple Yellow Pages books, but how do I really know if the investment is worth it?
  Nikki A. Rovito
• Plus: The ABA Law Practice Management Section's Best Marketing Books and Understanding Effective Yellow Pages Advertising

A Lawyer's Step-by-Step Guide to Originating Business
Any lawyer who knows how to build a solid case or a negotiating strategy can apply those same building principles to attracting new business and new clients. A name partner of a thriving firm shares his 12-point strategy.
By R. Michael Wells

Women Marketers: The Difference Between Good and Great
A recent study of the sales and business development issues faced by women lawyers pinpoints the differences between the very best marketers and their peers. What strategic path do the most successful women lawyers follow—and can it provide a road map to riches for the lawyers in your firm?
By Harry Keshet and Catherine Alman MacDonagh

nothing.but.net

How Are You Doing with Your Computing? An A-to-Z Information Technology Audit
Even for the hardiest among us, it’s a challenge to keep track of how we're doing with the technology in our offices. It’s time to learn how.
By Erik J. Heels

Who Is ...

Sharon Nelson and John Simek Q&A
Getting to know the forces behind this successful duo.
By Mark Tamminga

Tips & Tricks

The Wonders and Worries of Wireless: Seven Steps to Being Secure
The ins and outs of installing the security features on your router. Plus: A Tips Sidebar.
By Dan Pinnington

Hot Buttons

Metadata: What You Can't See Can Hurt You
Why do lawyers continue to ignore metadata when it is so perilous? A quick primer on what you should know.
By Sharon Nelson and John Simek

Tips & Tricks

The Wonders and Worries of Wireless: Seven Steps to Being Secure
The ins and outs of installing the security features on your router. Plus: A Tips Sidebar.
By Dan Pinnington

Product Watch

Profitability

The Case for Investing in Employee Engagement: How Turnover Affects Growth Rates
Profits aren’t just about driving down costs. Employee engagement is crucial to competitive advantage.
By David Bilinsky and Laura Calloway

Managing

Bringing Respect Back to the Profession, One Firm at a Time
Yes, we can bring civility back to the profession—starting with your firm.
By Marcia Pennington Shannon

Marketing

Transitioning Your Client Relationships: Key Steps for a Smooth Succession
Advice on how to make the process easier when a lawyer needs to transition clients to others in the firm..
By Sally J. Schmidt