Given the Nature of Legal Services, Being Memorable over Time Is Essential
One of the great pieces of wisdom that I have gotten from ProVisors is the importance of choosing your lane. There are many trusted advisors in ProVisors (lawyers and otherwise) who provide similar services. It is, therefore, very important to define yourself in a way that differentiates you from the competition.
At the same time, you want to be remembered when an opportunity arises.
While people may see their dentist twice a year for a cleaning, they may only reach out for legal advice once every few years (for example, when buying a house, drafting a will, seeking recovery for personal injury, etc.).
Similarly, a business may only need a lawyer when seeking bank financing, negotiating a lease, drafting an employee handbook, or negotiating a consulting agreement. And it may be hard to know when that need will arise.
Therefore, you want to be memorable over time. If you keep your message simple, make it unforgettable, and reinforce it through marketing and business development (i.e., relationship building), you will greatly increase the chances that a potential client or referral source will think of you when the opportunity comes along.
In your marketing, think long and hard about how you want to be known. Perhaps you are a litigator who handles commercial disputes, real estate disputes, personal injury, and a host of other things that may come in the door.
But if you don’t choose your lane, will you really be remembered? You don’t have to limit yourself to one type of work for one kind of client. But if you list five types of work for six types of clients (because you don’t want to miss out on anything), paradoxically, you will muddle your message.
Less is more in marketing. You can’t be known for everything. Come up with a message that clearly defines your lane at networking functions, in one-on-one conversations, or when you produce content about your practice area. You can always take a case that falls outside of your lane. But focusing your message is how you will stand out from the pack.
Other Ways to Differentiate Yourself and Be Memorable
Taglines are often based on a niche, and sometimes they can set you apart. If I encounter someone who is injured and might qualify for SSDI benefits, I immediately think of Tanusha Thuraisingham (see tagline above).
I have a client who serves as an outside general counsel to the restaurant industry. Her clients are award-winning chefs and restauranteurs who are trying to add additional locations.
But intangible qualities can also make you memorable. Perhaps you have a good sense of humor. Maybe you are a real connector (that would be me—I love connecting people in my network, and I like to think of myself as a coach who uses humor to make a point, although not everyone appreciates my stupid dad jokes).
I know an accountant, Dave McLaren, who always shows up in a bowtie. I know a patent lawyer, Tony Laurentano, who calls his networking group “Fun Club.” He held a ProVisors meeting with a “summer fun” theme, and attendees showed up in beach attire.
The differentiator might also be a personal interest of yours.
Do you do standup comedy? Play in a cover band? Volunteer for a dog rescue organization? Collect wine? Hold a leadership role in your church or synagogue? Like to host social gatherings?
Do you like old cars? Baseball?
The differentiator might also be your style as a lawyer.
Are you a collaborator? A tough negotiator? A take-no-prisoners litigator?
Do you have a background or training that separates you from other lawyers? A military background? A family that was in the restaurant business when you were growing up (the client I mentioned above who represents restaurants grew up waiting tables, her father was a chef, and her husband operates a high-end take-out restaurant).
Maybe you had a prior career as a software engineer, as a social worker, as a CPA, or owned your own business after college.
Do you have a strong “why?”
I know a lawyer who enjoys probate litigation because there was a lot of conflict in her family over an estate when she was in high school.
I’m an attorney coach who enjoys working with lawyers because I’m a lawyer myself and I think like a lawyer (and through coaching and therapy, I’ve learned to shut off that part of my personality in order to grow my business).
Authenticity and Consistency Are Key
There are many ways to make yourself memorable. Differentiating yourself from other lawyers who do what you do is a good starting point. In doing so, don’t forget to be authentic. Choose a niche that you enjoy. Pursue personal interests you like. If you are the kind of person who sends birthday cards, pays condolence calls, or likes to share cartoons, do that. In terms of style, just be you! Everyone else is taken.
And don’t forget to keep it up over time. It may be 15 minutes or 15 years before someone may need your services or hear of someone who needs your services.
Even the most memorable lawyer will be forgotten if she doesn’t keep showing up. Stay the course.