Thanksgiving is over, the malls are more crowded than usual and the holiday party invitations have started coming. Holiday season is officially in full swing! Whether you feel this is “the most wonderful time of the year” or the holidays make you want to hide in bed until January is another discussion, but the month of December does afford some good legal marketing opportunities … if you take advantage of them. Here are some to keep in mind this month.
Holiday party networking opportunities:
- Holiday parties are a great way to reconnect with established contacts, clients and referral sources, and also a good way to meet new people and widen your network. Make sure to listen carefully to those casual conversations to learn something new about your contact and show your interest. Did a new case come in that will require strategic or delicate marketing assistance? Is your client desperately looking for a new email marketing program and in need of recommendations? Listen – and offer to help, if you can. It will only strengthen those relationships.
- Make it a point to meet at least three or four new people at each party or gathering you attend. But how do you go about meeting new people at a party when it seems like everyone else knows each other? Find established contacts who are talking to new people, and introduce yourself (or get introduced) to them through your contact. With your established contact right there, you already something in common.
Media meet-and-greets:
- If your schedule allows, try to research and pitch one or two reporters for an informal coffee or lunch meeting. In your email, explain why you enjoy his or her coverage of particular issues, what your practice area focus is, and whether the reporter would be interested in an informal introductory lunch or coffee meeting. Reporters are often looking for background explanation of complicated topics, as well as reliable, eager, helpful sources when a story deadline is approaching. Plus, in-person introductory meetings make it easier to stay in touch afterward when things get busy.