Posted by dscaringi on April 4, 2013
I couldn’t begin to tell you what it means to me to have been recognized at the “Your Honor Awards” ceremony in Boston last week. My beloved trade association, the Legal Marketing Association’s New England Chapter, has always been a huge part of my professional life. I first joined in 1998 as a means to learn as much as possible about the industry I had just become a part of. The educational component of LMA is a great asset. Something that I have come to know intimately as I serve my third consecutive term as the programming chair.
But even more than the content I have encountered over the years, I find my connection to the LMANE membership has reached a much deeper level in the past 5 years or so. I developed excellent friendships and business relationships. People who know this industry and what it means to help others do what they fear most, sell their services. There is a kinship that comes along with tackling a difficult job that connects you deeply. This is why the LMA has always been important to me. My experience in this group has made me a firm believer in giving more than you take in order to be successful.
All I can say is thank you. Thank you for giving me more than public recognition. Thank you for helping me build my knowledge, network and friendships. I am incredibly honored and humbled to have been named an LMA New England Chapter Star for service to this chapter. I encourage everyone to find their ‘LMA’ and enjoy the experience!
Posted by dscaringi on March 7, 2013
It is clear that Linked In is an important component to any marketing strategy. There are certainly veteran users of Linked In, but new users are coming in every day. Whether you are new to the tool or not, it never hurts to review a few DO’s and DON’Ts for smart posting. Here are just a few tips for posting status.
DO’s:
- Share links with your network. Examples of good links include helpful and timely articles, useful websites, videos or other news. Use a short link (try bit.ly) and write a brief but compelling intro to what you are posting. Posts with links always get more interest and attention.
- Ask questions. If something is on your mind and you want input on the topic, throw it out there. You will gain interesting perspective from different parts of your network.
- Use it as a broadcast tool for an event or announcement. You don’t always want to just broadcast information but if you use it judiciously, it is an effective way to get the word out.
- Share other people’s status posts and “Like” a post that you think is helpful to a broader audience.
DON’Ts:
- Don’t report on the mundane or personal events in your life. Linked In is truly a professional network so save those updates for Facebook!
- Don’t be a pusher. Don’t be a salesman on Linked In. Think of social networking as an extension of in-person networking. Building relationships and establishing yourself as a knowledgeable problem solver is much more effective.
- Don’t share too much. There is a balance to sharing information. If you share too infrequently you are invisible. If you share too much your are a pest. Try to strike a balance with a few status posts a day. Save the flurry for Twitter where it is expected.
Of course there are many approaches to using Linked In but starting with these very basics should get you in the habit of using the product. Remember that the idea is to build your network and then provide useful information that helps others get their jobs done and look great!
Posted by dscaringi on December 28, 2012
As we usher out 2012 and welcome in the new year, it is the perfect time to take note of what went well and what changes we may want to make in the new year. In reading through some of my notes from over the year, I see a theme running through them. Many of my discussions centered on being memorable. So, what activities can you undertake to help make you memorable? Here is a short sampling:
- Make phone calls to talk directly to people instead of emailing or texting.
- Write personal notes to people for specific reasons such as a thank you note, to share a memory or to just touch base.
- Perform a ‘lunch and learn’ for your peers or a client.
- Join clients in their strategic planning sessions and offer to help them identify and meet goals.
- Speak at conferences and invite your clients to be on the panel with you.
- Write articles and share them through social media or other outlets.
- Attend social events and invite clients and peers to go with you.
- Begin a group that discusses a specific topic regularly.
Whatever you choose to do, always be sincere and helpful. Part of being memorable is being real. Honestly working alongside someone to accomplish a common task will always provide a memorable experience. It is up to you to make it a positive experience.
Happy New Year!
Tags: Building Connections, business development, client relationships, connections, helpful, meaningful, planning to succeed, relationships, service, Tips, touchpoints
