In the competitive world of legal services, law firms are constantly seeking innovative strategies to enhance the return on investment (ROI) from business development events. Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents a transformative solution, offering ways to streamline event management, personalize networking, and conduct thorough post-event analyses. Here are three ways how AI can redefine business development events to achieve better outcomes and higher ROI.
Streamlined Event Planning and Management AI revolutionizes event planning by utilizing data from past events to predict the most effective dates, times, and formats, significantly boosting attendee numbers and engagement. This predictive capability allows for strategic planning that aligns more closely with potential clients' preferences and schedules, enhancing the appeal of the event. Moreover, AI-driven tools automate critical tasks such as registration, attendee management, and sending personalized reminders. These tools ensure that logistical operations are seamless, reducing the likelihood of errors and freeing up organizers to focus on creating more impactful event content and experiences. Additionally, the use of AI in event management extends to venue selection and format decisions, ensuring that each aspect of the event is optimized for success. By analyzing feedback and outcomes from similar past events, AI can recommend the best venues and setups that have historically led to high engagement and satisfaction. This level of automation and insight not only simplifies the planning process but also enhances the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the event, leading to a better allocation of resources and higher overall ROI. Personalized Networking Opportunities At a recent event in February, KHS People experienced firsthand the benefits of targeted networking, albeit through a time-consuming manual process. Integrating AI can streamline this process significantly by analyzing attendee data to match individuals based on industry, interests, and professional goals. AI enables the creation of personalized networking recommendations, scheduled meetups, and focused discussion groups, making business development events more valuable and likely to result in meaningful connections and potential business opportunities. This AI-driven approach to networking ensures that each participant engages in relevant and fruitful interactions. By facilitating connections that are most likely to result in collaborations or client relationships, AI not only enhances the attendee experience but also directly contributes to the event’s business development goals. This targeted networking facilitated by AI not only saves time but also ensures that every interaction at the event has the potential to contribute positively to the firm's business objectives. Post-Event Analysis and Follow-Up Following the event, AI tools play a crucial role in determining its success and areas for improvement by analyzing feedback and engagement metrics. This data-driven analysis allows for precise adjustments to future strategies, ensuring continuous improvement in event management and marketing tactics. Moreover, AI's capability to automate personalized follow-up communications is invaluable. Sending tailored thank-you notes, recaps of the event, and invitations to future gatherings based on individual interactions and interests helps maintain and strengthen newly formed relationships. The strategic use of AI in post-event analysis and follow-up not only enhances the understanding of what resonates with attendees but also ensures ongoing engagement. This consistent and personalized communication facilitated by AI fosters long-term relationships and loyalty, ultimately contributing to a stronger client base and higher ROI from business development activities. By integrating AI into their event strategies, law firms can significantly streamline operations, reducing overheads and focusing resources on impactful activities. This technology enables the creation of more engaging and personalized events, tailoring experiences to individual attendee interests and needs, which enhances satisfaction and participation rates. Ultimately, these refined and effective business development events facilitated by AI not only promise a higher ROI but also foster deeper and more lasting business relationships, crucial for sustained growth in the competitive legal market. Mastering the remote interview involves keen attention to several often overlooked details that can significantly enhance your performance and impression. In our discussion, we'll focus on three critical points that many interviewees tend to neglect: the importance of technical setup, the strategic positioning of notes, and effective use of body language.
Ensuring that your technical setup is flawless not only prevents disruptive technical issues but also helps maintain a professional demeanor. Meanwhile, conscious control over your body language can convey confidence and engagement, making the interaction more personable and impactful. Additionally, having your notes strategically positioned to be at eye level allows for quick reference without disrupting the flow of conversation. Addressing these aspects thoughtfully prepares you to handle the nuances of a remote interview, setting you apart as a well-prepared and adaptable candidate. 1. Familiarizing Yourself with the Platform Having experience with the platform before your virtual interview is an essential step that many candidates overlook. In today's diverse technological landscape, employers might use a variety of video conferencing tools such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, or others less commonly used like WebEx or BlueJeans. If you've never used the platform specified for your interview, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with it before the day of the interview. Doing so ensures you won’t waste valuable time during the interview navigating the interface or dealing with technical difficulties. Start by downloading the software or app, if necessary, and create an account if you don’t already have one. Spend some time exploring its features. Most platforms offer tutorials or demo videos which can be incredibly helpful. Learn how to mute/unmute your microphone, turn your video on/off, and use any other pertinent features such as screen sharing or entering a virtual waiting room. You might also want to set up a mock meeting with a friend or family member to practice these skills in real-time, which can also help alleviate any anxiety about using new technology during a high-pressure situation. By taking the time to thoroughly understand and navigate your interview platform, you not only boost your confidence but also convey professionalism and attention to detail. Remember, the less you have to worry about technical issues, the more you can focus on presenting your best self and connecting with the interviewer. This preparation demonstrates your initiative and adaptability—qualities that are highly valued in any candidate. 2. Using Notes Effectively Having notes handy during a virtual interview can be a significant advantage, allowing you to reference key points without relying solely on memory. Prior to the interview, prepare a concise document with bullet points that outline your most impactful work. Organize these notes under specific headers with a couple of bullet points. This structured visual approach will help you quickly locate information during the interview and ensure that you are ready to discuss your experiences comprehensively. Consider positioning your notes at eye level during the virtual interview to ensure you can refer to them without having to look down, maintaining better eye contact and engagement with the interviewer. While it’s beneficial to have notes, it is also crucial to use them sparingly. Over-reliance on your notes can disrupt the natural flow of conversation and may give the impression that you are underprepared or unable to speak confidently about your experiences. Instead, familiarize yourself with the content of your notes well enough that a quick glance is all you need to recall detailed information. This preparation allows you to maintain eye contact with the interviewer and engage more genuinely, making the interaction feel more like a conversation than a rehearsed speech. To effectively balance note-checking with engagement, practice with your notes beforehand. Conduct mock interviews where you simulate the interview environment, using your notes only as prompts. This practice will help you become comfortable with when and how to refer to your notes without breaking the rhythm of dialogue. By mastering this skill, you can ensure that your notes enhance your performance rather than hinder it, keeping you composed and responsive throughout the interview. 3. Virtual Engagement Maintaining eye contact during a virtual interview is essential for building rapport and trust with your interviewer. In face-to-face interactions, eye contact plays a vital role in social connectivity, signaling attentiveness, confidence, and sincerity. In a virtual setting, this means looking directly into the webcam, not at the interviewer's image on your screen. Positioning your webcam at eye level and sitting no more than two feet away ensures that you appear engaged and present. Ensure that the camera frames your face and the top of your shoulders prominently. This setup enhances the quality of interaction and also simulates the effect of direct eye contact as if you were in the same room. Looking into the camera when speaking is a common piece of advice but essential for virtual interviews. This practice might feel unnatural at first, as the instinct is to look at the person you're speaking to on the screen. However, to the interviewer, it will appear as if you are making direct eye contact with them, which is far more personal and engaging. Prior to your interview, practice this by conducting mock interviews or even recording yourself speaking to the camera. This preparation helps adjust to where your gaze should be directed and reinforces the habit of maintaining "eye contact" with the webcam, ensuring a more personable and effective communication during the actual interview. Body language remains a pivotal aspect of communication, even in virtual interviews. Just because you're behind a screen doesn't mean your non-verbal cues aren't visible or impactful. Expressive hand gestures can be very effective when emphasizing significant points or expressing enthusiasm about a topic. Conversely, bringing your hands closer to your heart during personal reflections can convey sincerity and depth of feeling. Your overall posture also plays a critical role in how you're perceived: maintaining an open posture and avoiding crossed arms can make you appear more approachable and receptive. This openness not only enhances how you present your responses but also fosters a connection with your interviewer, increasing the likelihood that they will trust and value the information you share. Combining punctuality, technical preparedness, and polished on-screen presence forms a trifecta for a smoother virtual interview experience. Arriving on time, ideally logging in a few minutes early, shows respect for the interviewer's schedule and sets a positive tone. Ensuring there are no technical glitches by testing your equipment and software beforehand eliminates potential disruptions, allowing the interview to flow smoothly without awkward interruptions. Lastly, maintaining a polished on-screen presence through proper camera positioning, effective use of body language, and maintaining eye contact conveys professionalism and confidence. Together, these elements not only minimize stress and uncertainty but also enable you to present yourself as a well-prepared, competent candidate, making a strong impression on your interviewer. Finding the Right Firm for Legal Marketers: A Guide to Aligning Your Career with the Best Fit5/9/2024
As a legal marketer, finding a law firm that not only values your expertise but also aligns with your professional aspirations and personal values can significantly impact your career satisfaction and growth. This blog post explores key factors that legal marketers should consider when searching for the right law firm to call home.
Understand Your Career Goals Before beginning your search, clearly define what you want from your next role. Are you looking for a position that offers room for rapid advancement? Or perhaps you value stability and a firm with a strong, established brand. Knowing your career goals will help you identify firms that can offer the pathways to achieve them. Evaluate the Firm's Culture Culture plays a crucial role in job satisfaction and retention. For legal marketers, working in a firm that fosters a collaborative environment, values creativity, and supports professional development is vital. Consider the following when assessing a firm’s culture:
Scrutinize Their Reputation and Stability A firm’s reputation in the industry can be a double-edged sword. A highly reputable firm may offer prestige and a robust network, but it might also come with high pressure and competition. On the other hand, a smaller or less known firm might offer more significant opportunities to stand out and influence change. Assess the Leadership Team The leadership team's vision and how they treat both clients and staff can tell you a lot about working at the firm. Leaders who are approachable, value marketing, and actively participate in the firm’s marketing efforts can create an environment where marketing professionals thrive. Ask About Client Engagement Strategies Since legal marketers often interact with or influence client engagement strategies, understanding how a firm views and handles client relations is crucial. Look for firms that prioritize client relationships and value the role of marketing in building and maintaining these relationships. Consider Compensation and Benefits Finally, while not the only factor, compensation and benefits are undoubtedly significant. Look for a firm that not only offers competitive pay but also provides benefits that support your long-term financial and personal well-being, such as bonuses, health insurance, and retirement plans. Finding the right firm requires a mix of introspection and external research. By considering these factors, legal marketers can better position themselves to find a firm that not only meets their professional needs but also supports their personal values and lifestyle. The perfect firm is out there, and with the right approach, you can find your match and elevate your career to new heights. Choosing the right firm is a pivotal decision in your career. Take the time to research thoroughly and consider all aspects before making your move. A firm that values your contribution as a legal marketer and aligns with your career goals can provide a strong foundation for continued success and satisfaction. In the competitive landscape of legal marketing, carving out a personal brand can set you apart as an expert and influencer within your industry. For legal marketers working at law firms, developing a personal brand is not just about standing out; it's about creating a narrative that supports your career development and enhances your firm’s reputation. Here are practical steps to build and strengthen your personal brand:
Define Your Unique Value Proposition Start by identifying what makes you unique in the realm of legal marketing. Are you an expert in digital marketing strategies for law firms, or do you specialize in event planning and public relations? Understanding your strengths and how they align with the needs of your firm and the industry at large is crucial. Your unique value proposition should highlight your skills and the distinctive benefits you bring to the table. Establish a Professional Online Presence In today’s digital age, your online presence is often the first impression you make. A polished LinkedIn profile is essential. It should not only list your professional experiences and achievements but also reflect your professional interests through articles you write or share, and groups you are active in. Consider a professional Twitter account or a blog where you can share insights about legal marketing trends and case studies from your work. Network Effectively Networking is fundamental in the legal world. Attend industry conferences, seminars, and workshops to connect with peers and thought leaders. Being visible and vocal in such settings can elevate your profile in the legal marketing community. Additionally, don’t underestimate the power of internal networking within your firm to boost your visibility and influence. Speak and Write Publicly One of the most effective ways to build your personal brand is to share your knowledge. Look for opportunities to speak at industry events or contribute articles to well-known legal marketing publications or blogs. This not only positions you as an expert but also enhances your firm's profile in the industry. Continuously Learn and Adapt The legal and marketing fields are constantly evolving, so staying updated with the latest trends and technologies is crucial. Invest in continuous learning through courses, certifications, and reading. By adapting to new marketing strategies and legal advancements, you demonstrate your commitment to excellence and innovation. Seek Feedback and Mentorship Feedback is invaluable as it helps you understand how others perceive your professional brand. Seek feedback from colleagues and mentors within the firm to refine your approach. Mentorship, whether you are mentoring someone else or being mentored, is a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. Align Your Personal Brand with Your Firm’s Values Ensure that your personal brand does not just shine on its own but also complements your law firm's brand. This alignment helps reinforce the firm’s values and marketing goals, creating a cohesive and powerful marketing front. Building a personal brand takes time and effort, but for legal marketers, the investment is well worth it. By establishing yourself as a knowledgeable and visible professional, you not only advance your career but also contribute significantly to your firm's success. Engage actively, share your insights generously, and watch your personal brand thrive in the legal community. Here are our best tips for performing at your peak during an interview:
As I sit down to write about career development, I can't help but reflect on the recent LMA Conference theme of going "All In." It's a powerful concept, emphasizing the importance of dedication and focus in every aspect of our professional journey. So, let's dive into key areas of career development, exploring how we can go "All In" to maximize our success.
Resume Building: Showcasing Your Best Self Crafting a compelling resume requires going "All In" on highlighting your strengths and accomplishments. Start by clearly defining your career objectives and tailoring your resume to align with the specific job you're targeting. Use strong action verbs to describe your achievements and quantify results whenever possible. Don't shy away from showcasing your unique skills and experiences that set you apart from others in your field. Diversify yourself! Interview Tips: Making a Lasting Impression When it comes to interviews, going "All In" means thorough preparation and confident communication. Research the firm, practice common interview questions, and develop compelling stories that showcase your skills and experiences. Pay attention to your body language, maintain eye contact, and demonstrate enthusiasm for the role. Remember, being authentic and showcasing your passion can leave a lasting impression on interviewers. And it's essential to incorporate pauses strategically during your conversations to provide the interviewer with opportunities to ask questions and engage in meaningful dialogue. Skill Development: Continuous Learning and Growth To excel in your career, embrace the mindset of continuous learning and skill development. Identify areas where you can enhance your expertise and commit to ongoing education or training programs. Whether it's mastering new software, honing leadership skills, or learning a new language, going "All In" means dedicating time and effort to expand your capabilities and stay relevant in your chosen field. Career Transitions: Embracing Change with Confidence Navigating career transitions requires courage and adaptability. Whether you're switching industries, pursuing a new role, or launching a startup, going "All In" means embracing change with confidence. Network proactively, seek mentorship, and leverage transferable skills from your previous experiences. Be open to learning from challenges and view transitions as opportunities for growth and new beginnings. Advancing in Your Chosen Field: Strategic Planning and Execution Advancing in your career requires strategic planning and execution. Set clear short-term and long-term goals and develop a roadmap outlining steps to achieve them. Seek feedback regularly, identify areas for improvement, and take proactive steps to enhance your performance. Network strategically within your industry, seek mentorship from seasoned professionals, and consider opportunities for leadership roles or special projects to demonstrate your capabilities. Reach for the stars! In conclusion, going "All In" on career development means embracing each stage with dedication, focus, and a growth mindset. By prioritizing resume building, mastering interview techniques, continuously developing skills, navigating transitions confidently, and strategically advancing in your chosen field, you can position yourself for long-term success and fulfillment in your career journey. Remember, it's not just about working harder but also working smarter and leveraging opportunities to grow professionally and personally. So, are you ready to go "All In" on your career development journey? The choice is yours, and the possibilities are limitless. Here's to your success! The Dinners
“What are you excited about for the next six months?” I love this question. This was my answer: “Have you met Cheyenne Cupp, the new Executive Recruiter for KHS?” I responded, turning to Cheyenne and inviting her into the conversation. I then shared some exciting news about KHS that is happily consuming me right now:
I cannot wait to share more with you all as these projects fall into place. Keep watching us! LMA Moments Seeing the Midwest Board each month through a computer screen is wonderful. Seeing most of them in person is simply heart-warming. Like so many of us know, the LMA is the work family we all need and seek out. None of us really have the time to volunteer in LMA - our careers are simply too all-encompassing - but we make the time because it fills our cup. I got to enjoy drinks with the Midwest Board, have one on one check in’s with Regional Chairs, introduce new Midwest members to their local and regional leaders, and hear from our International Board about the current state of LMA and all that they are doing (they are really doing a lot!). Candidate Clients Seeing placed candidates of KHS in person at these conferences, and seeing their smiles and hearing their work successes, is something we will never take for granted. Thank you to each and every one of you who accepted our coffee invites, or who sought us out to catch up in person in between the sessions. We are working on even more ways to support you in your firms. Firm Clients We watched you on panels, in fishbowls, and in social settings where your team was alongside you. We watched how they looked up to you and couldn’t be happier to be part of the success. Leading a team is a challenge, managing individuals is a challenge, and hiring and retaining professionals is seemingly never-ending. Know that we are always in your corner and on this journey with you. We have several new initiatives in the works to continue to support you in your roles as first Chair of these hard-working and smart marketing and BD teams. The KHS Team I know better than anyone how having the right people around you is essential to the short and long term success of our firms. I preach about cultural fit to anyone who listens, and I know how hiring exceptional technically proficient people is key. Thank you to Cheyenne Cupp and Allan Nacapuy for your incredible dedication. Your energy, passion, and pride for your work shines through. I see first hand how you fit the KHS brand perfectly and I could not do this without you. My heartfelt thanks and gratitude. The Annual Legal Marketing Conference for 2024 is upon us. Enjoy Kate and Cheyenne’s insights to get the most from your once-a-year experience.
Kate: Aside from the obvious excitement of this in person event in sunny San Diego (yes, this is important to me as I hail from Chicago), there are various professional development and networking strategies to know and have up your sleeve so you are getting the most out of your experience at the conference. Here are my top three pieces of advice to you which cover both scenarios. Professional development:
Networking:
Lastly, I will leave you with this: be present. This is your once-a-year best possible environment to tap into everything you need from the LMA. Put away your phone and soak it all up. It’s not lost on me that there will be times this won’t be possible and you can also manage your team and partners accordingly where it is possible. Subtle phrasing around your professional development goals for the conference and what you’re learning and intend to bring back will get you respect for setting the boundary and leaning into your purpose at the conference. This is your time and your firm has invested money to have you there. Enjoy it and reap the rewards! Cheyenne: I'm excited to embark on my maiden voyage at the LMA conference, ready to glean wisdom from my esteemed mentor, Kate, and fully engage in the experience. With enthusiasm propelling my attendance, I am eager to be fully present and absorb every invaluable insight and opportunity the conference has to offer. Leveraging the resources of continued learning, diverse speakers, and staying attuned to industry trends, I am poised to navigate the ever-changing landscape of business development and annual strategy with confidence and enthusiasm. Here are some of the pieces I am most excited to take home from the conference. Continued Learning Opportunities:
On reflection, as I prepare for my debut at the LMA conference, I'm filled with anticipation and readiness to embrace the wealth of insights and connections it holds. This conference marks the dawn of an exciting journey towards professional advancement, and I eagerly embrace the opportunities. I look forward to seeing you there and meeting you in person! Growing up, the influential women who raised me all worked in the home. My mother, my grandmother’s, they had all dedicated their lives to either the men of the household, or the numerous children that they seemed unquestionably devoted to.
As I came of age and tried to find my career path at the tender age of 16 and 17 - when all these life-changing decisions seem to have to be made - it was my father who impressed upon me the importance of university and where that would take me in my generation. To me, Women’s History Month is a time where I reflect on the relative newness and complexity of having work both inside and outside of the home, and being relied upon heavily in both. I also know that while I, too, am unquestionably a devoted parent, I also am lucky. On one side of my family, university was not offered to the women, only the men. It seems both shocking and lucky that just one generation before me the expectations of others changed drastically, and just like that I could have a career if I wanted. Us Harrys typically don’t do things in halves. My sister chose medical school and I chose law school. Boy, did we change the path. Modeling for our Children Today, our five-year daughter proudly dressed up for “Career Day” at her school. She will never know a world where the choice is not the same for women and men, like it was in my family just one generation before. I frequently think about how our daughter sees my husband and I and what assumptions she might be making and what roles she may or may not associate with gender. I envy her that she simply may not know another way other than both parents work hard at their careers and in the home with her. I dream about what just “will be” for my daughter. How Far We Have Come When I arrived in Chicago over 12 years ago, I joined a Fantasy Football league with some friends I’d made. I wanted to immerse myself into American culture and I arrived at the start of the football season (back when the Bears were kind of, sort of, good). I somehow became the Commissioner of this league and it’s still running strong to this day. I also learned more about football than I perhaps ever cared to. Specifically, I learned of the “dual threat” quarterback, which is essentially a quarterback who can do so much more than “just” get into position and throw the ball to one of their zippy receivers or running backs. Working mothers are, I think, dual threats. We have broken out of a role that was labeled for us, and are surprising everyone by what else we can do and handle. To that extent, I feel like we are just getting started. Each day I amaze myself with what I am capable of. For example, I don’t think I can juggle a work commitment with my daughters' various activities (“is it gymnastics, ballet or swimming day?”), or I think the cross-over of work and parenting seems just too overwhelming, too hard. As dual threats, we have power and poise and unlocked potential. We will tell stories to our children’s children of how the pandemic halted our professional lives and created minimal boundaries in work and life. We will help our children navigate what their generation's “pandemic” will be and we will be amazed by all the things they do and juggle. For our part right now, let’s keep swinging for the fences. I am definitely a “go big or go home” person and I love surprising myself… and my daughter. Let’s see what's possible and keep forging this unknown path that is working mothers in 2024; and I think you’ll be amazed. –Kate Harry Shipham As Women's History Month unfolds, I find myself reflecting on the multifaceted journey of motherhood, a path that I've walked in both the realms of working and stay-at-home motherhood. Each role presents its own set of hurdles and rewards, shaping me into the woman I am today through overcoming challenges and cherishing moments of joy. Working Mothers: Balancing Act Extraordinaire In the realm of working mothers, time becomes a precious commodity, often divided between career aspirations and the desire to be present for our children. The struggle to maintain a clean, organized home while also preparing quality meals can feel like a never-ending juggling act. Yet, amidst the chaos, there are rewards aplenty. The sense of self and purpose derived from pursuing professional goals, the opportunity to socialize beyond the confines of home, and the invaluable contribution to the family's financial well-being all serve as poignant reminders of the strength inherent in working mothers. Stay-at-Home Mothers: Finding Fulfillment in the Everyday Conversely, the journey of stay-at-home motherhood brings its own set of hurdles and rewards. While the uninterrupted time with our children is undeniably precious, the loss of a distinct identity outside of the home and the overwhelming task list can weigh heavily on the spirit. Yet, amidst the challenges, there is solace to be found in the comfort of a well-kept home and the unparalleled joy of witnessing every milestone in our children's lives. The Resilience of Working Single Mothers: Navigating Life's Challenges Solo In acknowledging the strength of working single mothers, we must confront the unique hurdles they face. From shouldering the burden of every task, both at work and at home, to navigating the loneliness of solo parenthood, the challenges can seem insurmountable. Yet, in the face of adversity, working single mothers exemplify resilience and fortitude. Through their unwavering determination, they impart invaluable lessons of strength and perseverance to their children, laying the foundation for a future defined by resilience and self-assurance. As we celebrate Women's History Month, let us honor the diverse experiences of mothers everywhere, recognizing the hurdles they overcome and the rewards they reap along the way. Whether working outside the home, dedicating themselves to the role of stay-at-home parent, or bravely navigating the path of single motherhood, their contributions shape the fabric of our society and inspire future generations to embrace the journey with courage and grace. – Cheyenne Cupp |
AuthorKate Harry Shipham is the Principal of KHS People LLC, an executive search firm for BD and marketing people in professional services firms. Kate has done search and recruiting for 14 years and prior to that was an attorney. She loves what she does, and is always open to continuing the discussion: kate@khspeople.com Categories
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