Law firms with a story to tell?

For law firms, the legal journal is just one of the many forums for publicity.  At Firm Beliefs, we enjoy reading the latest ‘gossip’ style news of The Lawyer, the detailed analysis of city deals in Legal Week and updates on the Law in The Law Society Gazette.

We particularly enjoy reading about the latest business developments of our clients and contacts as told to Richard Brent and others at Managing Partner.  Those of you who met Richard (the editor) at one of our Firm Elite dinners [http://www.firmbeliefs.co.uk/news.php?postId=21] will recall him as being a good listener who likes to feature the best in law firm thinking and practice.  Indeed, Richard has been a guest blogger on our site: http://www.firmbeliefs.co.uk/news.php?postId=17.  

To learn more about Managing Partner, its history and how it can assist you publicising the positive aspects of your law firm, please go to  our resources page and click on the link to Richard's article.

The less dosh, the more innovative, the more impact?

Certain organisations are harnessing a myriad of media.  Often, it is those with the least resources in terms of cash - but plenty of resources in terms of imaginative use of what else is available...

Take Stop the Traffik for example.  Following the event at which Cherie Booth QC and Antonio Mario Costa (Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime) addressed invited guests, face to face, a webcast extract of the event was placed on their website.  To follow this there is to be a global webcast, directed at the younger market who automatically use the web as a resource and information point. as well as a book (due to launch in March 2009) coauthored by Steve Chalke, with a chapter contributed by Cherie Booth.  

Where has all the passion gone?

"Economic depression cannot be cured by legislative action or executive pronouncement.  Economic wounds must be healed by the actions of the cells of the economic body – the producers and consumers themselves."   The words of Herbert Hoover (US president 1874 – 1964) ring as true today as they did when first spoken.

Wandering from meeting to meeting and social event to social event, one has to wonder where the energy and drive so recently shown over the past few years by many individuals and organisations has gone. Many leaders appear too paralysed to think of the options available to them in terms of the future. They are sticking to business plans which were apt when originally envisaged but which may no longer be appropriate in their entirety, simply because they do not know how to generate alternative options or to ascertain which of their existing plans will remain effective to drive the organisation forward.

Individuals fear for their jobs, for their homes and for their hitherto-dependable lifestyles. They often appear lacklustre where once they were passionate about their jobs and their organisations.

And yet, those organisations and individuals still retain the skills and attributes which have always been there. We simply need to remind ourselves that, whilst the external environment has changed, the internal drive to be successful remains within individuals.  And there are individuals who are in fact still showing passion and energy in their dealings with their customers, clients and stakeholders.  And that is catching. It gives an impression of confidence, ability and future success which others can match in turn.

There can be nothing more frightening than a blank sheet of paper for some. For others, it can represent the beginning of a new script, a new story, a new ending.  Which route an individual takes depends on their personality. But it also depends on the encouragement and drive and dare I say passion of those around them.   So which are you? And how catching is your passion?

Eliters range wide...

The 1st Firm Elite dinner of 09 and of a new presidency in the US brought together a truly international determined dozen.

Why determined? Firm Eliters have a firm belief that commitment to innovation, communication and offering to help their colleagues and clients is the path to success - downturn or boom!

The discussion was, of course, both inspiring and wide ranging. The state of various nations and their economies (Spain, the US and South Africa)  the rise of Obama ( an insight from our glamorous and relocated Californian guest) and the growth of niche online networking but some of the topics.

Firm Elite continues to evolve- as a knowledge sharing platform; as a business generation tool;as an ideas forum; and as a growing group of business leaders and directors.

What did this member think? When a dinner discussion starts with a health and fitness discussion, migrates to the world economy and new political era, moves on to
competing in a challenging new market place then gets down to key sectors and the fortunes of various economies - you know you are in the company of a true elite.

To borrow  inspiration from a former president "Ask not what Firm Elite can do for you. Ask what you can do for your Firm Elite."

20th Jan 09, Firm Elite member.

Truth and consequences - the media game