Since law firms draw the majority of their work from personal referrals, becoming active in the community is one of the major tactics an attorney can use to derive business – and, to do some good, to boot.
Now, there are a lot of ways that you can generate business by being active in the local community. But, if you’re having trouble getting started, here are a few options to look at:
Volunteering is one of the most common ways that attorneys work to engender good will in the local community – it’s also a great way to make connections with local legends, all-stars and business owners. And, the great thing is that your volunteering can become aligned with your personal interests, while remaining effective for generating new business. As you’re interested in your children’s schooling – you can join the school committee, and meet lots of community stakeholders. Volunteer to help out with the little league, and you’ll meet lots of parents + sponsors. Joining non-profit boards of directors is another great way to meet the folks you need to know locally.
Making donations yourself can also be a great way to build your brand in your community. Personal injury attorneys will donate bicycle helmets + inevitably get some free press in the local paper, and can also add a logo to those helmets. How about if you’re helping out with the little league and have a sign on the outfield fence? Look at you, getting all ubiquitous.
Now, one of the more under-the-radar local marketing options is putting out content featuring popular local business owners – place yourself in the role of host (in order to put on display your own acumen + intelligence), and grab some of the shine from your guests. This is a really effective brand building strategy; and South Carolina attorney Brooks Derrick has put an amazing spin on it.