Over the years, we have seen, that the most successful marketing tool for generating new family law clients over the short-term, has without question, been the seminar.
And it’s not even close.
That is not to say that seminars are the be-all and end-all when it comes to marketing the family law practice. Far from it. When it comes to legal marketing, there are a lot of things that seminars cannot accomplish, most of which fall under the headings of “long-term” or branding. But if I needed to pick up a handful of new clients, in just a few weeks, and had limited financial resources, implementation of a seminar would be the basket in which I would put my eggs.
There are a number of reasons for this, the most important of which is the fact that seminars offer the opportunity to connect with potential clients before, during and after the actual event.
Let’s take a look at each of these in turn:
Promoting the Seminar
Family law firms and attorneys should understand that the benefits of a seminar for the public are not limited to the interaction such events allow. Promotion of the seminar itself has value - - even on those occasions when it does not attract a large number of attendees. That is because publicizing the event still generates awareness of the firm. That a potential client elects not to attend can be a function of anything from apathy or fear, to simple logistical conflicts. But regardless, even in not attending, there’ll be viewers, readers, site visitors and listeners who will be exposed to the firm name nonetheless.
That’s just one reason. There are a number of others. Unlike image-oriented marketing, promoting a seminar is time-sensitive. This means that you will probably only have to be “out there” for a relatively short period of time (translation: less financial outlay). Our experience has been that such events can be successfully publicized from 2-3 weeks prior to the actual date. Seminars also lend themselves to a myriad of ways in which to reach the individual contemplating or involved in a divorce. These include advertising, press releases, email blasts, announcements via social media, pay-per-click and an announcement on the firm web site itself. Finally, depending on the content of the seminar, the event may be a good way to publicize the firm’s special knowledge or interest in a particular segment of family law (e.g., Gay and Lesbian domestic partnerships).
The Seminar Itself
Seminars provide a combination of benefits that most other marketing tools cannot. They offer the opportunity for a potential client to actually begin a relationship with the attorney. The “immediacy” of the moment is second only to a one-on-one consult. The information the attorney provides is invaluable to the individual most often hungry for anything that will help him or her get through the process more painlessly. Seminars create a non-threatening environment. (Remember, all of this is ‘old hat’ for you, but usually quite intimidating for the potential client). And finally, seminars offer the attorney and the firm a forum for touting their “expertise” in particular areas of the law.
Clearly, the single most important variable in determining whether your seminar is successful in attracting new clients will be the actual event itself. In planning this, aside from preparing the actual content, there are three questions one must invariably ask:
What kind of a client do you wish to attract?
There are many family law practices that seek out any and all kinds of clients. There are others however, that focus on attracting specific segments of the overall population. For example, a firm may emphasize serving mostly those with a high net worth. Or it may have particular success in attracting clients of one gender or another - - or of one sexual orientation or another. Whatever the target market may be, the determination of the target audience will have significant impact on the content of the seminar itself.
Where should you hold the seminar?
Keeping with the example noted above, a determination to seek out high net worth individuals may suggest charging for the seminar, thereby screening out those whom the firm may not wish to represent. Similarly, one should have a good understanding as to the types of clients the firm is most likely to attract and to the geographical locations to which such prospects will be most comfortable traveling.
When should the seminar be held?
Finally, your choice as to the date and time of the seminar will have some bearing as to who does and does not show up. The middle of the day probably will not be an attractive time for most working professionals. It may be however be exactly that, for non-working mothers of school aged children. Be aware of holidays – not just national holidays that impact everyone, but also those holidays that have special significance to religious or ethnic segments of the population.
After the Seminar
Opportunities for promoting the firm both before and during the seminar are a plenty. But there are also opportunities to do likewise after the event as well.
“Keepsakes,” in the form of brochures, Case Information Statements, summaries of relevant state statutes, articles, (even the proverbial refrigerator door magnet), etc., all lend themselves to being maintained by the prospect or passed along to others also seeking family law counsel.
Seminars can be publicized following the event as well, especially if you’ve provided a little “twist.” For example, if you had decided to charge for the event, you might have also elected to allocate all or a certain percentage of the proceeds to a relevant cause – perhaps a women’s shelter, or a special program for children of divorce. Handing over that check to the non-profit becomes an event unto itself, replete with press releases and photo opportunities. If you’ve thought ahead, you can have your seminar video recorded and archive it on your web site, thereby extending the presentation’s life still further and potentially reaching other prospects who had been unable to attend. Finally, depending on the nature of your event and the situation of each attendee, seminars can be a way to build on the firm’s database of prospects.
Obviously, the importance of creating a seminar that’s informative, captivating and that sheds the attorney/firm in the best light possible cannot be overstated. That being said, the greatest opportunity for maximum success comes in a careful planning of not just the event itself, but of all pre and post-event activities as well. Done right, seminars can often be a great way to jump-start the family law practice.
Lindsay Lohan signed a deal worth 2.1 million pounds
Lindsay Lohan has signed a deal with American photographer Terry Richardson which is worth 2.1 million pounds to appear in the publication, which will pertains "full frontal nudity" and "graphic" shots.
One source told the Daily Mirror newspaper, "Lindsay is struggling to get another break in Hollywood. There's a stigma attached to working with her and she is determined to change this -- starting with the photographic book."
"Terry Richardson has persuaded Lindsay and James to get involved. He has assured them it will be provocative but tasteful. There will be a lot of nakedness -- some of it graphic and suggestive -- but it will be a real statement book.
"Obviously there will be comparisons to Madonna's 1992 'Sex' book. But James and Lindsay believe theirs will be classier."
Source
Lindsay Lohan went to record Creative Coalition PSA
Lindsay Lohan was spotted leaving the Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills yesterday and she was in a private room to record a Creative Coalition PSA. The shooting was to support of military families.
Source
Lindsay Lohan will still need to go to jail even if she plea
Who says celebrities will not end up in in jail even if found guilty. The judge who is currently handling Lindsay Lohan's case told her if she found guilty, she will still need to go to jail eventhough she plea.
Judge Schwartz said, "One of the things about me is that I treat everyone the same. I don't care you are Lindsay Lohan versus John Doe or Jane Doe."
"This case does involve jail time. Period. If this case is resolved in front of me, you are going to jail. Period. But if it settles here I don't want you under any apprehension, you will be going to jail."
"If the case does not settle in my court it will be set for preliminary hearing in front of Judge Sautner who will also be doing the probation violation at the same time as the preliminary hearing. If you are held to answer, if you are in violation then Judge Sautner will impose sentence. But there is going to be jail time in this case," said the judge."
Source
Source
Tara Reid has advice for Lindsay Lohan
Tara Reid has advice for Lindsay Lohan. Tara herself was a mess before, going to parties and getting herself drunk.
She told reporters at TheWrap's pre-Oscar party Wednesday night, "It's really tough. I've never gotten in trouble like that. I never got arrested. My biggest crime was dancing on a table. So I can't really compare the two. I just wish her good luck."
"I don't go out as much and I don't need to go to the clubs. I'm older now. I'm not as hyper as I used to be."
Source
Is Demi Lovato dating with Lindsay Lohan's ex beau
There are rumors saying that Demi Lovato is dating with Lindsay Lohan's ex beau, Wilmer Valderrama.
They were spotted being affectionate in public according to
Perez Hilton.
Are they really lovers?
Source
Lindsay Lohan will act in 'Escaping The Game'
According to reports, Lindsay Lohan will act in 'Escaping The Game'.
The movie is about celebrities who can't handle the pressures of fame and they went to a remote island to have a new life.
Nathan Folks, producer of the film, "It's about celebs who become very famous and can't take it. She wants to do it."
"We can get her insured if she is with someone who is keeping an eye on her 24X7. Lindsay and I've discussed it and she's already agreed to the condition. She's doing great and we're going to prove to the world that she's back."
Source
Lindsay Lohan's estranged father gives support to Miley Cyrus's dad
Lindsay Lohan's estranged father gives his support to Miley Cyrus's dad Billy Ray by writing a letter.
He wrote, "As hard and frustrating as it is, believe me when I say, it's a road worth travelled. Even if it may have its bumps and grinds along the way. As I was raised, there is nothing like the love a man has for his family nor is there any length he will go to save or protect them.
"The hardest part is, experiencing the pain that comes from the resistance of the very one you are trying to save (sic)... When I look at what you are going through, I am forced to see myself. Two men who know what divorce and alienation, have done to our families.
"Why I ask, is it so hard for our wives, children and even the public, to see that all we are trying to do, is to be there for our family and try to make things right? Isn't it clear that the answer is so easy but the people who don't matter, make it so hard? While all we want is our family and normal lives back.
"I want to say, that I know what you are going through, I feel your pain and frustration, and I also admire your strength, dedication and love, for your family in the name of God."
Source
He wrote, "As hard and frustrating as it is, believe me when I say, it's a road worth travelled. Even if it may have its bumps and grinds along the way. As I was raised, there is nothing like the love a man has for his family nor is there any length he will go to save or protect them.
"The hardest part is, experiencing the pain that comes from the resistance of the very one you are trying to save (sic)... When I look at what you are going through, I am forced to see myself. Two men who know what divorce and alienation, have done to our families.
"Why I ask, is it so hard for our wives, children and even the public, to see that all we are trying to do, is to be there for our family and try to make things right? Isn't it clear that the answer is so easy but the people who don't matter, make it so hard? While all we want is our family and normal lives back.
"I want to say, that I know what you are going through, I feel your pain and frustration, and I also admire your strength, dedication and love, for your family in the name of God."
Source
Did Lindsay Lohan go to Teddy's nightclub ?
Lindsay Lohan is currently under probation and if she is caught with drinking , she will end up in jail. There rumors saying that she was spotted at Teddy's nightclub late Thursday night.
Lindsay denied that she was there.
She wrote this in her Twitter, "The reports i was at teddys are inaccurate...I was just at roosevelt to meet Samantha and say happy birthday to a friend, i take my sobriety seriously. please dont believe this accusations. i know the rules and i wouldnt risk probation. xoxo L"
Source
Lindsay Lohan appreciate Charlie Sheen's support
According sources to TMZ, Lindsay Lohan was listening when Charlie Sheen called in to the "Dan Patrick Show" and gave some advice to her.
But there is one advice that Lindsay does not agree which is "work on her impulse control".
Nevertheless, she "appreciates Charlie giving her his support."
Source
Charlie Sheen has advice for Lindsay Lohan
Eventhough Charlie Sheen is in rehab but he still care for Lindsay Lohan. He has advice for her.
He said, "I've got some things I'd recommend she consider. Work on your impulse control. Just try to think things through a little bit before you do 'em."
Source
Lindsay Lohan celebrate Valentine with Samantha
Lindsay Lohan was spotted sneaking out from her former girlfriend Samantha Ronson's house. Why she needs to sneaked out anyway?
Source
Source
Lindsay Lohan gets new judge
According to RadarOnline reports, Lindsay Lohan will not appear in front of Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Elden Fox in Beverly Hills, CA. for a probation violation hearing but to another new judge, Judge Keith Schwartz).
Source
David Letterman jokes about Lindsay Lohan at the Grammy Awards
At the Grammy Awards which was held on Sunday night, David Letterman jokes about Lindsay Lohan.
He said, "No. 10?Lindsay Lohan seen leaving the Staples Center with a Grammy-shaped bulge."
Source
Will Lindsay Lohan escape from jail?
Lindsay Lohan may no need to go jail after all. This is what L.A. criminal defense attorney Steve Sitkoff have to say.
He said, "This is far from a slam-dunk case. All her attorney has to do is convince one juror it was an innocent misunderstanding and she could walk, unless they decide to retry her again."
Then L.A. criminal defense attorney Harland Braun continues "Even if she's convicted, I doubt she'll get state prison time because she's not a physical threat to the public. Prison is generally regarded as a place for hardened criminals, not someone who clearly has mental issues. She has a defensible case."
Source
Lindsay Lohan gets her hair done before going court
Girls are always girls. Eventhough Lindsay may or not be charged for theft, her hair is most priority.
She went to Byron & Tracy salon in LA to get her hair done before going to court around 1:30pm Wednesday.
An X17 photographer who was there said,“Lindsay looked like she didn’t have a care in the world. Either she’s sure she’s going to get off tomorrow, and not go to jail, or she’s just a really good actress. I honestly think she knows she’s not going to go to jail.”
Source
She went to Byron & Tracy salon in LA to get her hair done before going to court around 1:30pm Wednesday.
An X17 photographer who was there said,“Lindsay looked like she didn’t have a care in the world. Either she’s sure she’s going to get off tomorrow, and not go to jail, or she’s just a really good actress. I honestly think she knows she’s not going to go to jail.”
Source
Lindsay Lohan pleads not guilty
Lindsay Lohan is currently charged for necklace theft but Lindsay Lohan told
her friends that she is not guilty.
She said privately, "I'm pleading not guilty because I'm NOT!"
Source
Lindsay Lohan has unpaid tanning bills
Lindsay Lohan is currently charged of theft necklace and now, she has another lawsuit. She has not paid tanning bills.
According to TMZ reports, tanning salon owner, Lorit Simon said that Lindsay Lohan didn't pay her tanning bills which costs $41,031.60 between 2007 and 2009.
Source
According to TMZ reports, tanning salon owner, Lorit Simon said that Lindsay Lohan didn't pay her tanning bills which costs $41,031.60 between 2007 and 2009.
Source
Wilder relieved Lindsay Lohan not in his movie
Wilder relieved Lindsay Lohan is not part of his movie. This is because Lindsay Lohan is facing legal actions non stop and will delayed his projects if she is in it.
He told RadarOnline.com, "To tell you the truth I have a total sense of relief because the reality is we would never have got our movie made if Lindsay Lohan was still attached to it."
"We are now due to start filming in New Orleans in April with Malin Akerman instead of Lindsay Lohan and everybody cannot wait."
"Despite everything that happened with Lindsay I would be horrified if she went to jail and to tell you the truth I just feel sorry for her because sadly she has some real issues to deal with."
"It was funny because the paparazzi followed Malin recently but it was a completely different vibe to Lindsay because she is such a different person."
"I can now just look forward to making our movie without any distractions and that just couldn''t happen when we were involved with Lindsay Lohan."
"I''m not sure if I was surprised or not that she got into trouble again I just wish she could get her life together at some point despite everything she put me through."
Source
Lindsay Lohan may go to jail if found guilty
Lindsay Lohan may sentenced to jail if found guilty of stealing a necklace worth $2,500 from California-based jewellery store Kamofie & Company.
However, legal expert Susan F. Filan believes Lindsay could also be in violation of the terms of her DUI probation.
She told HollywoodLife.com: "She is automatically in violation of her probation if she gets arrested. She would face up to six months in state prison or county jail."
Source
2011 update Wills and Estate Planning Seminar
2011 update Wills and Estate Planning Seminar
WHEN: Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:15-1:00 PM
WHERE: Law Office of Kenneth Vercammen, 2053 Woodbridge Ave, 2nd floor, Edison, NJ 08817
Invited: Seniors, Club Presidents, Accountants, CPA's, Financial Planners, Insurance Producers, Nursing Home Administrators, Hospital and Nursing Home Social Workers, Medicaid Workers, Office on Aging Personnel,
COST: Free if you pre-register. Please bring a canned food donation, which will be given to the St. James Food Bank located on Woodbridge Avenue in Edison, NJ. Please email us if you plan on attending or if you would like us to email the materials. Complimentary Sandwiches and materials provided at 12:00 sharp. We previously held this seminar for the Metuchen and Edison Adult schools. This program is limited to 15 people. Re-scheduled from the January 12 snow cancellation.
SPEAKER: Kenneth Vercammen, Esq.
(Author- Answers to Questions About Probate)
The new NJ Probate Law made a number of substantial changes in Probate and the administration of estates and trusts in New Jersey.
Main Topics:
1. The New Probate Law and preparation of Wills
2. 2011 changes in Federal Estate and Gift Tax exemption
3. NJ Inheritance tax $675,000
4. Power of Attorney
5. Living Will
6. Administering the Estate/ Probate/Surrogate
7. Question and Answer
COMPLIMENTARY MATERIAL: Brochures on Wills, "Answers to Questions about Probate" and Administration of an Estate, Power of Attorney, Living Wills, Real Estate Sales for Seniors, and Trusts.
Co-Sponsor: Middlesex County Estate Planning Council
To attend or for Information: Mike McDonald 732-572-0500
or email VercammenLaw@Njlaws.com
Can’t attend? We can email you materials
Send email to VercammenLaw@Njlaws.com
http://www.kennethvercammen.com/2011.update.Wills.html
Lindsay Lohan posed photo with Kanye West
According to RadarOnline, Lindsay Lohan went to the opening of the Giuseppe Zanotti Design store on Friday night.
She posed pics with Kanye as well as other celebrities.
Source
She posed pics with Kanye as well as other celebrities.
Source
Lindsay Lohan does not fill out paperwork
When Lindsay Lohan took out expensive necklaces from jewelry stores, she does not fill up form. She leave the paper work to her people.
Source
Lindsay Lohan claims she is not the necklace's thief
Lindsay Lohan claims that she is not the person who steal the necklace and she only borrowed it according to TMZ. She gave it back to a stylist but the stylist neglected to return it on time.
According to sources, Lindsay said, "I didn't have any part in the non-returning on time."
Source
According to sources, Lindsay said, "I didn't have any part in the non-returning on time."
Source
IRS targets S corporation tax savings
The Wall Street Journal reports on a recent court case, David E. Watson P.C. v. U.S., in which the IRS took on an accountant-taxpayer for not paying himself enough salary as an employee of the subchapter S corporation he co-owned:
Read more about S corporation tax savings.
For Sub-S owners, this issue isn't going away. Last year it even turned up in legislation, when the House passed a provision that would have subjected all profits of shareholder/employees of personal-service firms—such as accounting, law and consulting firms—to payroll taxes. The measure died in the Senate, but the IRS would likely welcome its return. Cases like Mr. Watson's are expensive for the agency to litigate because each turns on individual circumstances.
Recent IRS statistics suggest why the agency might focus on Sub-S pay. Over the past decade and a half, when executive paychecks exploded, the salaries of Sub-S owners declined as a percentage of total income, from 52% in 1995 to 39% in 2007, according to the latest data available. (The remaining income is taxable to the owners as well, but doesn't incur payroll taxes.) During the same 12-year period, Sub-S income doubled, while salaries increased only 26%. The average pay for a Sub-S owner was recently was $38,400, according to Martin Sullivan, an expert with Tax Analysts, a nonprofit publisher near Washington.
Tom Ochsenschlager, former head of tax for the American Institute of CPAs, says pay and payroll tax issues are a frequent source of friction with clients: "Sometimes you have to take them to the woodshed and say, 'You need to report more income as pay for personal services."'
What is a fair ratio of profits to pay? There isn't one answer, experts say. A company with substantial capital or assets, such as a manufacturer, often is able to justify lower pay than one selling personal services like a law or accounting firm. Says Mr. Willens: "I would tell a client that for personal services, 70% would be the absolute floor and might not get the job done," he says.
Read more about S corporation tax savings.
Lindsay Lohan's father Michael is hospitalised
Lindsay Lohan's father Michael is hospitalised because of chest pains according to TMZ reports. He was sent there on Monday afternoon.
Before he was sent there, he was at a doctor's office for a consultation about getting his nose fixed.
Source
Before he was sent there, he was at a doctor's office for a consultation about getting his nose fixed.
Source
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)