Private\npractice can be feast or famine, but by taking a few simple steps you will\nnever go hungry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Number\none is to always be proactive in seeking \u2013 and creating \u2013 new business\nopportunities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe law firm business model is inherently reactive,\u201d writes David Ackert<\/a>, founder of the Practice Pipeline. \u201cYou wait for a client to call with a problem. Your growth is completely dependent on other people\u2019s issues, and when business is slow you probably just hold out until it picks up again.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n To stop this roller-coaster existence, Ackert suggests<\/a> reaching out to clients with innovative ways to serve them. For example, he helped one lawyer organize a Founder\u2019s Summit for tech clients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201c[The lawyer] hosted a semi-annual event for CEOs to network, brainstorm, and share resources,\u201d Ackert says in this National Law Review piece<\/a>. \u201cThe summit served not only as a forum for better understanding his existing clients\u2019 business challenges, it also attracted prospects who wanted to participate in the group.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another\ntip: when business is slow, call three attorney colleagues and ask for\nreferrals. Who knows? The firm across the street might have overflow work they\u2019d\nbe thrilled to send you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Want more pointers for improving your practice? Become a member of Alta Pro Lawyers RPG. We\u2019ll help keep you safe and successful. Learn how to join here<\/a>.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Think Like a Business Partner, Not a Lawyer<\/strong> \u201cWhen\nyou start with the question, \u2018how can we get in front of more prospective\nclients and demonstrate our expertise?\u2019 you are focused on your own agenda.\nWhen you start with the question, \u2018what would help my client\u2019s business become more\nsuccessful?\u2019 you are thinking less like a law firm and more like a business\npartner who truly understands the things that motivate its core audience.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are two other client-based initiatives Ackert helped design<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4\nOther Ways to Bring Food to the Table<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
As you\u2019ve probably noticed, Ackert is big on creating solutions for needs the client might not even know they have. Too often, marketing takes the opposite approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n