We may have had a mild winter (most of us) so far, but let’s be honest, 2020 has been a bit of a slog so far, am I right?

I haven’t talked to anyone who isn’t feeling like we don’t already need a do-over for this year. So much for a fresh decade! (Yes, I know, technically, the new decade starts in 2021, so we’ll revisit this again next year).

But there’s no time like the present to feel like we’re starting over. Who’s to say that today ISN’T the day we start again?

How can we do that? By creating some “WOW” in our relationship development, using these two tips. Continue Reading Two Steps to Create the WOW Factor in Your Relationships

The ILN is proud to announce our latest firm of the month, UdinkSchepel Advocaten, the Netherlands!
UdinkSchepel Attorneys, extraordinary expertise in companies and corporate law.
They know about business—from suits to lawsuits. They use their expertise to assist clients with their matters and companies, the things they face daily, and as leaders of enterprising organisations and corporate legal departments.

Continue Reading ILN Firm of the Month – UdinkSchepel, the Netherlands!

None of us are perfect networkers/relationship builders.

Yes, it seems to come more easily to some than to others, but it’s not an exact science. For the most part, it’s an ever-adapting process that we’re constantly refining based on our current goals and our target’s needs.

But there are a couple of areas that we tend to go astray with building relationships, and that’s where we’re going to focus today. Continue Reading Fixing the Two Biggest Networking Blunders that Lawyers Make

It’s February 4th, and that means it’s International Networking Week (I know you all had it on your calendars already!)

Apparently, January is a prime time for networking burn out, and that makes sense. It follows on a long season of holidays and entertaining, when we’re trying to fit in the last of our CLE requirements, meet up with family and friends, and rush to finish all of our end of the year work. So as we kick off February, who is really feeling fresh enough to network again in a way that’s going to effectively develop business for you and your firm?

Let’s look at four tips that will ease you into some networking in a way that doesn’t feel too overbearing, but will still help you to accomplish your goals.  Continue Reading Four Tips to Recover from Networking Burn Out

Now that it’s 2020, I think (read: I hope) that we’ve all come to the conclusion that it’s important to develop a strong plan that identifies the goals that we have for business development, and the tactics and strategies that we’ll use to develop those goals, right? I have a sneaking suspicion that there are still a few people out there who are throwing various ideas up at the wall with the hope that some of them stick, and this is the year to stop doing that. Really, I mean it.

In my post today, I’m going to talk a lot about content marketing, and yes, I know I’m using both the dreaded words “content” and “marketing” together, but stick with me, because we’re also going to look at how these tips impact the message that you’re sending out regardless of the activities that you’re pursuing. Why is that? Because no matter what you do, you’re offering a message about yourself. Talking to someone in line for coffee about how you help clients? I hate to tell you, but you’re marketing yourself (and by the way, that’s a good thing).  Continue Reading Lawyers: Stop with the Noise & Promote Yourself Specifically & Thoughtfully with these Two Tips

For better or worse, we’re all uber-connected these days, between our desktops and our smart phones and our tablets. While many of us can and do (and probably should) take technological time outs for holidays and weekends and evenings, responsiveness is a key factor in keeping clients, potential clients, and yes, even referral sources happy when reaching out about business. And yet, it is STILL one of the most overlooked (and easiest to fix) complaints that I hear about relationship building.

It’s a rather HUGE pet peeve of mine when people don’t take the time to respond to emails, and I know I’m not alone. Let’s talk about the message that it sends, and why it’s an easy fix.

I know lawyers are busy. I know that their time, literally, is money. So I can be (somewhat) forgiving of the attorneys who may not read and answer all of the emails that I send them.

However.  Continue Reading It’s 2020. Responsiveness is Table Stakes for Good Relationships

The ILN is proud to announce our latest firm of the month, Joseph Shem Tov & Co., Israel!
Joseph Shem Tov & Co. is a one-stop shop business law firm located in Ramat Gan next to the Tel Aviv stock and diamond exchanges, right in the beating heart of Israel’s business center. The firm provides premium legal services for corporate and private clients in Israel and abroad, including many publicly traded companies, well-established private companies, start-ups and entrepreneurs busy developing the new and ingenious ideas and technology that Israel is famous for. The Israeli business environment is one that takes to heart constant innovation, determination and dedication, all of which characterize Joseph Shem Tov & Co. The firm provides a perfect blend of law and business to its roster of clients with whom it builds long lasting, meaningful and perfectly tailored relationships. The firm’s team of lawyers takes pride in delivering exceptional services based on years of professional expertise. The firm is international in its outlook, seeking to establish relationships and cooperation with like-minded firms and service providers around the world.

Continue Reading ILN Firm of the Month – Joseph Shem Tov & Co., Israel!

Among my most popular posts last year were those dedicated to talking about LinkedIn, which tells me that it continues to be the tool that resonates most in the legal industry. I know that it’s in part because it’s become such a robust and useful platform, but I also suspect that it’s in part because some of us are still hoping that there’s a silver bullet out there when it comes to networking and relationship building. I hate to tell you – there isn’t. Even when you’re using social media, which can supersize your efforts, you still need to have goals, develop a plan, and invest time and effort in order for it to pay off for you.  Continue Reading 5 Quick Tips to Leverage Your Use of LinkedIn in the New Year

The ILN is proud to announce our latest firm of the month, McDonald Hopkins LLC, Ohio!
Attorney Insight. Business Foresight.®
As McDonald Hopkins approaches its 90th anniversary in 2020, we are continuing our commitment to providing insight for the challenges at hand, and foresight for the next generation of business. We have thrived as a law firm because of our long-lasting relationships with businesses and individuals who share our entrepreneurial spirit. We work best with people who understand that it takes passion and hard work to build a successful business from the ground up. Our attorneys and professionals continue to help clients navigate some of the most challenging and timely issues affecting their businesses. As the times change and world evolves, we vow to continue to innovate, grow, and embrace new ways of doing business.

Continue Reading ILN Firm of the Month – McDonald Hopkins LLC, Ohio!

Are we feeling that holiday spirit yet??

No matter what you celebrate, or don’t celebrate, this time of year feels like a CRUNCH. We’re all rushing around, trying to finish end of the year projects, and planning for next year is already underway. You probably have seen a lot of “end of the year” posts already, and I’m adding this one to the mix.

As you’re rushing around, take a few minutes to read this post from several years ago on The Bloggess – I promise, it will make you feel good, and remind you what this season is all about.

Continue Reading Relationship Development During the Holidays