Posts by Bonnie
Law Firm Marketing: It’s Like Working Out (Really)
The Lawyerist has asked me to write guest blogs on marketing for law firms, and my first one is up today! Here’s the first paragraph and a link to the full article. Enjoy and pass it along! I’ve recently had a number of conversations with professional service providers and other marketing consultants on the topic…
Read MoreNo one likes to be managed – but collaborate, absolutely!
CPA firms have been looking for ways to improve their professional’s productivity since the days of the abacus. Technological advancements have certainly helped firms perform engagements in less time. However, no matter what technology is developed or professional standards are issued, the core concern in any professional services firm boils down to the fact that the client frequently throws a wrench in the best laid plans. I recently heard a CPA jokingly say, “If I did not have to deal with clients, I would have plenty of time to get my work done!”
Read MoreWant Exposure? Write Articles.
I can’t tell you the times I’ve heard an accountant or attorney bemoan the fact that their firm isn’t well known in the market. When they mention their employer at a cocktail party, they are met with a blank stare, just another string of last names. I’ve had partners look at me in wonder and…
Read MoreEmployee Turned Entrepreneur – Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk
I was interviewed for this article a few months ago, and frankly had completely forgotten about it. But when it showed up in my Google alert recently, I was pretty pleased. (Do you all have Google alerts set up for your name and your company name? If not, get on that here.) Anyway, I thought I’d post it here for those that want to read “my story.” It’s a bit odd to read about myself this way. But Devesh Dwivedi did a great job of capturing it, and hopefully it can serve as a motivator for others. Enjoy!
Read MoreGetting the most from your networking efforts
Whether you love it or hate it, personal networking is one of the best ways to build your business. But are you getting the most from your efforts? We all have limited time and are being pulled in twenty different directions on a daily basis, so when you actually take the time to go to…
Read MoreHow strong are your client relationships?
Do you really know what your clients think of your firm, staff and services? Would they consider putting their work up for review? Are you meeting all their needs?
Even the best client relationships can be improved. Many times you won’t know when your best clients are unhappy and considering other providers. In a time when clients are looking for the best value for their dollar more than ever, many of your strongest accounts could be at risk, and you won’t know it until it’s too late.
After seeing this happen in the marketplace time and time again, BBR Marketing developed its Client Relationship Check (CRC) program. By engaging your key clients in a meaningful dialogue about the services your firm provides, you walk away with valuable information from which you can make adjustments, offer new services to retain – and improve – your client relationships.
Read MoreManaging Partners Speak about Marketing
I attended a great Legal Marketing Association session today. A panel of managing partners shared their perspective on marketing and business development, and I wanted to share what I heard with you in case you can apply these ideas at your firms.
Read MoreI worked out yesterday, where are my results?
I’ve recently had a number of conversations with professional service providers and other marketing consultants on the topic of marketing spending. Some see it as a worthwhile investment, while others see it as a necessary evil and some even see it as a complete waste of money. And depending on how it’s done, each can…
Read MoreSo You Want to Start Using Social Media…
Many businesses have been reluctant to start using social media, and for good reason. While it can be a powerful medium, it also comes with a lot of legitimate concerns. Accountants and attorneys are especially leery of it, since they have even more regulations on their businesses than most. But if you establish a comprehensive plan up front, you too can be reaping the rewards of jumping on the social media train.
Read MoreOvercoming Social Media Objections
Accountants and attorneys are suddenly starting to show some interest in thephenomenon that is social media, much to the thrill of their marketing personnel. But there is still a lot of confusion about this new medium, and objections abound. Below I take on a few of the most common ones
Read MoreThe Roller Coaster Ride Called Entrepreneurship
My advisors had told me to watch out for certain things as I stared my company, but no one warned me of the extreme ups and downs I’ve experienced in the last six months.
Read MoreFollow-Through is Important…Especially In Business!
I don’t know about you, but to me a promise is a promise is a promise. If you make a commitment to someone to do something, deliver something, or help with something… good business dictates you follow-through and do it.
Read MoreWhen the Pope is on Twitter…Again
When I read an article on the Pope’s Twitter Crusade, I wasn’t sure whether to gape in surprise or be impressed. Either way, when the Pope is on Twitter, and encouraging his priests to reach out to parishioners with tweets, it has definitely hit mainstream.
Read MoreCheck out my Guest Post
Last week I got a return email from someone who wanted to hire me. Then I read the email and laughed so hard I spit coffee out of my nose. The email came from an innocuous sounding group like “the writing guild.” The exciting project they had in mind for me was to write reviews for…wait for it…porn sites. Yes, you read that right, reviews of porn sites.
Read MoreWhen the Pope is on Twitter…
When the Pope is on Twitter, and encouraging his priests to reach out to parishioners with tweets, it has definitely hit mainstream. It’s time for you to join in the fun and start gaining the business advantages that millions of others have found.
Read MoreEmployee Satisfaction – It’s More Important than you Think
Most professional service firms make every effort possible to acquire and maintain healthy client relationships. Are you giving the same sort of attention to your staff so they will be your ambassadors instead of detractors? Do you really know what your employees are saying about your firm amongst themselves and with your clients? It’s time to find out.
Read MoreBusiness Made the Radio Star…
Well, not really a star by any means, but I have been on a few radio shows recently that I wanted to post here. These are all great shows when I’m not on them too, so check them out.
Read MoreDo You Really Know What Your Clients Think of You?
Keeping a client is much less costly than getting a new one. But even the best client relationships can be improved. Many times you won’t know when your best clients are unhappy and considering other providers. In a time when clients are looking for the best value for their dollar more than ever, many of your strongest accounts could be at risk, and you won’t know it until it’s too late.
Read MoreFind your Niche And Stick to It!
This failing foray into baking reminded me of something I tell my clients on a regular basis. Find a niche and stick to it. No one is good at everything, and I certainly learned that while venturing into my bread-making fiasco.
Read MoreDating “Rules” for Business
I’m struck by the similarities new business meetings have to first or blind dates. And with that in mind, I found many of the “rules” in this book apply well to the task of converting and keeping clients. Here are a few that stood out to me.
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