Update your profile and get the right word out.

“When lacking water, People will drink the sand” The internet allows people to know something about everyone. The problem is you have little control about what others post so you must make sure your version is more prevalent. There is information about you out there. Make sure it is the information you want people to read and representative of who you truly are. Even if the potential client is a referral they will Google your name. Current clients of 20 years most likely will as well. I know I research everyone I deal with because it is so easy. Sometimes the background check is intentional, sometimes there is just a free moment in front of a computer. With your site and FindLaw profile you can insure the information that is found is putting your best foot forward.
A lot of work goes into a FindLaw website. Thought and planning go into the design, the writing, the technical aspects. We work hard to make sure not only is the site really great looking but it works as well. Then we collaborate get people there and get them to know what the firm is about.
Regardless, there are countless options when choosing a firm if someone digs deep enough. Even if you are found on FindLaw.com, there has to be a compelling reason to call you. The design and content keep them there. More often than not, the profile is the clincher. (Come for the pretty colors, stay for the profile) Attorneys must make sure that they not only have their experience and background but a narrative as well. Despite what we think, most people do not know many or even one lawyer. Very rarely are they looking for an attorney during a happy event. This said the potential clients must relate on certain level to an atotrney. Yes, they are looking for experience, but most of the degrees and accolades mean very little to the layperson seeking counseling. Credentials are great but must be translated into value to your client. A good narrative about an attorney will translate, personalize, and transform the professional into a person who can not only perform the task but understand the client’s needs on a deeper level.
I am not saying write a deep existential essay, but do let your guard down a little when discussing who you are as an attorney and what you do. Pretend you are writing to a friend you have not seen since high school, or trying to explain what you do at a family reunion. Do not be afraid to speak highly of your accomplishments, as long as you think a majority of the populous will understand the ramifications of them. Explain what they mean to someone who would (or has) retain you.
Ways to improve your profile
Add Photos
Get recommendations
Add/update your Narrative
Write why you became an attorney, as long as it was not to get rich and take over the world.
Site cases but in lay terms
What make s you standout?
Add value to your credentials example “I sit on the Father Right’s committee of my bar organization so I have the ideas and input from a variety of attorneys. This allows me to….”
Checkout MySpace or Face book pages. Get some creative ideas. Make it a little fun. You can be professional while being accessible, personable and fun. (I think they go hand in hand)

. Check out some other good profiles to get ideas. Here are some examples
Matt Greenblatt, Real Estate Attorney
Donald Neumann, New York Insurance Defense Attorney
Jasleen Anand, New York Real Estate Attorney
Scott Agulnick, New York Litigation Attorney
Louis Stober, New York Litigation Attorney
Law Offices Of Louis Stober (Great Firm overview)

Get creative. Image becomes more important everyday and your profile allows you to have more control over it. Take action on this immediately and regularly. Your image is integrated with your reputation. Without your reputation, where is your business?

New FindLaw Portal up and running!

The new site design for Findlaw.com proves not only a great commitment to staying on the cutting edge of online legal service but also provides FindLaw customers with greatly increased value. I believe the design will attract many new visitors and truly encourage repeat users. Growing adoption of this powerful portal will lead to greater visibility and more clients for all firms found on FindLaw.com. Some of the tools firms can use to further maximize these results include:
Enhanced Profiles
Video Links on Topspots and Spotlights
Enhanced visibility of Knowledgebase
Recommendations from past clients
If you don’t want to wait to learn more about these features feel free to call or email me.
The look itself is great. Clean lines and easy navigation make it very appealing. (I know I get a headache when there is too much going on other sites and seldom return to them) This synergized with all of the new enhancements puts the site leaps and bounds among competitors while truly making it an integrated tool for all of those in need of legal services.