Be that person who encourages everyone’s voice to be heard...

With the current renewed and intensified push towards diversity, inclusion and equality, an increasing opportunity looms large for the women who want to rise up in their profession. Women have always been known to lift each other up and generally be more inclusive in their interactions within their firms and with clients. For those who want to develop a stronger book of business and increase their positions within their firms, as well as in the community, now is the time to consistently step up business development efforts. Women rainmakers typically enjoy higher earnings, have more job control and influence at their firms. And we are generally very natural connectors and promoters of others.

As we move through this pandemic, attorneys and other professional service providers continue to look for new and meaningful ways to not only enhance client relationships, but also to build new ones. These days it’s all about helping clients, referral sources and potential clients to solve their problems. This is not the time to push for new business but rather it is the right time to step up your thinking to find creative ways to help others unscramble their business issues. Not all of their problems may be legal – that is the point. This is the time to put skin in the game and your clients will not forget you.

Be that woman.

Consider being the resource to whom others turn to for guidance and connections. Help amplify the voices of those who are struggling to be heard.

According to Deborah Tannen, bestselling author on communication issues, women tend to be more inclusive and open to hearing other’s viewpoints. This is what inclusivity and diversity is really about. It is not just having faces of many colors within a firm or at the table. Be that person who encourages everyone’s voice to be heard.

• Consider involving clients and targets in your social media engagement. Share their content, make a genuine and meaningful comment about their posts – don’t just “like” it.
• Make frequent short posts adding content and value that your clients are seeking.
• Post about fresh ideas; make new connections about information by synthesizing existing content.
• Consider interviewing others for quotes you can put in social media posts or articles. Then tag them so they will know you included them.
• Be active on social media, especially LinkedIn.
• Make certain your Profile page is completed because LinkedIn is the number one social media platform for business. And according to Forbes, 67% of individuals will check out your LinkedIn Profile before going to your firm’s website.

We learned from the 2008 recession that those who stayed visible and helped others were the ones who recovered the quickest and deepest. Be that woman.

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[Merry Neitlich, Managing Partner of EM Consulting, is located in Irvine, California. We assist law firms with strategic business development, branding, websites, legal operations, and client enhancement programs. Merry can be reached at 949.260.0936 or merry@EMconsults.org]