How Authenticity & Online Presence Keep You Ahead
400,000 is a large number, especially in the context of a field serving over 300 million Americans. That doesn’t mean you’re doomed from the start. There is hope, I promise. Standing out might feel daunting, but at the end of the day, if you build it, they will come (a la Field of Dreams). Some ways to truly shine might seem like common sense, but in a world where that can be lacking, you can stay ahead of the curve by simply being on top of your firm’s image.
Authenticity is free but powerful. Be your true self as an attorney. Don’t try to cosplay Harvey Specter—there is only one Harvey, and he’s a television character. Share your values, community involvement, personal narratives, and honest anecdotes. Potential clients love seeing a real person rather than a mock-up. As we’ve discussed before, this is the age of the savvy consumer. They will be shopping around, so give them exactly who they’ll get today, during the case, and afterward. It’s easy to spot who genuinely cares and who is only pretending.
Society’s perception might be that attorneys lack approachability and care, but that’s not you, right? It’s easy for a potential client to get lost in legalese and jargon. This can put people off and make them less likely to choose you as counsel. Open communication and showing expertise in a digestible manner is a recipe for success. Take a moment to ensure you don’t come off as aloof; give yourself an endearing demeanor.
Where is your online presence? If it took you more than five seconds to think about this, you’re in trouble. Are you active on social media? Where are your reviews? Is all your information up to date? We talk ad nauseam about social media, digital footprints, and staying current. It’s a massive factor in why people will hire you. If they can’t find you online, they won’t look in the yellow pages (dated reference, I’m sorry). Take the time to ensure everything is current and relatable to the world we live in now. If you can’t handle it yourself, hire someone or assemble a team to make sure you shine online.
Sure, you’re one of 400,000, but that isn’t a challenge anymore. Use your common sense, and things will fall into place. At the end of the day, if you outshine the rest, you’ll stay ahead of the pack. Stay there.