Whether it’s a bestselling author or your friend down the hall, finding a mentor is easier than ever.
This week we asked: Do you have a marketing mentor?
1. Yes – 25%
2. No – 0%
3. No, but I would like one – 75%
My Thoughts: Good news, 25% of you said you had a definitive mentor when it comes to marketing and business development. The great news? 75% of you said you would like one. But where to look? Here are a few ideas:
The Traditional Route- The easiest way to find a legal marketing mentor is to look around. Who do you know in your firm (or other firms) who has impressive legal marketing skills? Take them to lunch, ask their advice, pick their brain. I would be willing to bet the person in question will be flattered to offer their suggestions.
Gather A Group- They say there’s safety in numbers, but could there also be success? I think so. Look around at your friends and colleagues and make a list of those who might be open to a weekly or monthly marketing roundtable. Share tips and ideas, help each other with referrals, discuss what’s working…and what’s not, and recommend interesting blogs, books and articles.
Go Virtual- Most legal marketing experts (myself included) have blogs and Twitter accounts designed to share advice and strategy on a weekly, if not daily, basis. The key here is finding someone you connect with…even on a virtual level. Subscribe to a few and see which fits best into your own mindset. Then develop a relationship. E-mail questions, comment on blog posts and keep your mentor updated on your successes.
Start Slow- Browse your local bookstore for best-selling marketing and business development books or read Amazon.com reviews to see what author suits you best. No time to read? I have been a longtime fan of books on CD. Keep one in your car, office or home and put in on in the background, the information is bound to sink in!
Joe Gagliardo of Laner Muchin tells us about the mentoring program his firm utilizes:
We have a mentoring program and we require lawyers to work with their mentor to develop individual marketing plans. For instance, I had an opportunity to speak at a diversity conference that was going to involve a number of general counsel from big companies. I brought a number of the women and minority lawyers from the firm with me. I made a commitment to them that if I got any business, rather than just take it, which I could have done, I was going to be willing to share it with them. That’s how a mentoring program should work.
Black Pearl: Here’s an interesting article from The Ladders about the mentor/mentee relationship. It has some great tips for making the most of such an important relationship!