any ideas for business lawyer to get new clients in california?
Wednesday, February 10th, 2010 at
10:48 am
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Attracting clients when getting started in any business can be a challenge. In Southern California there is an organization called BNI : Business Networking International. They have groups that meet weekly in different communities with the sole purpose of meeting other professionals and discussing needs and talking about their specific businesses.
I understand that they only have one of each profession in each group, so your challenge would be to find a group local to you that would have an opening for an attorney.
Check the BNI website and then see if there’s a group near you where you can visit or get information.
good luck
Your a "Business" lawyer. Why not send out letters to businesses and introducing yourself. Become associated with one type of businesses. This is called Affinity Marketing. Send out press releases to the newspapers every time someone hires you. Get involved with the Chamber of Commerce. There is a group called Le Tip. This is a networking group of people. Check out the newspapers for other networking breakfasts, lunches, and even young professional get togethers. Do you need a full time marketing professional? Since your in California hire yourself an agent. I am available for consult work.
Just like the mantra "location, location" for real estate your mantra should be ‘network, network, network".
BNI (mentioned above is a networking group, although I believe they charge 1% of your yearly gross).
Chamber of Commerce, also mentioned above is good too. But also look at the little chambers especially the ones you might have some affinity or interest in (Latino Chamber of Commerce if you’re bilingual for instance.). In fact look for any and all business groups and associations in your area and make the rounds. Mark out at least 25% of your time to attend these meetings and functions. In the beginning it may be as high as 50%.
Look especially for groups that might need whatever your specialize in. If for instance you specialize or are even very interested in IP look for the local software associations, or hidden-tech type groups. Many colleges (4 and 2 year) as well as economic development groups have business incubators and associations for start-ups.
Offer to speak at a function, sit on an advisory board, write an article for their newsletter or sponsor a breakfast meeting. Anything to get your name out there and give you an opportunity to shake a lot of hands.
Are you Latino, a woman, a sailboat enthusiast? Look at your own community connections and find business groups that include them in their audience.
To learn more about marketing yourself and to meet folks who know the area business scene find your local SBDC and make an appointment with them. Very helpful and free.
Tell me the city and I bet I can come up with a quick list of business organizations for you to check out. Or just start with the links below and find the specific ones in your area.
Just remember to save all your receipts and if making a signifigant contribution to a non-profit business association ask if you can send them an itemized $0, In-kind invoice so you deduct for your services.