Legal Marketing Can Be Fun – Karasma Media Co-Hosts ‘Pajamas and a Movie in the Park’

At a Meet-up I attended recently hosted by Adrian Dayton @adriendayton asked what I thought about the online platform FourSquare and its viability and value for legal marketers. At the time, I’d only done some minimal dabbling with it so I said, “The jury’s still out on this one…”

Over the last 8-days though, I’ve been using it and am very impressed with the added interaction, both business and personal, it’s been providing.

The platform works via GPS, and I can see it added value already when it comes to doing what we say we’re doing and actually showing “Proof with The Pudding’! It’s an entirely new level of authenticity!

four2_2

The SanFrancisco Chronicle reported that FourSquare “Check-Ins” grew more than 50% in the last month…

That’s up 50% from 600,000 just a month ago, and more than double the 400,000 checkins per day it was doing in March, just three months ago.

I’m interested in hearing your thoughts on this!

Other articles you may be interested in:

Update to Legal Marketers – Tweets are Embeddable as of May 4th 2010

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and the Influence of Legal Marketers

Facebook’s “LIKE” Button – Are you a pro or con legal pro?

A Real-Time Social Web Clock Watcher for Curious Legal Marketers

Legal Marketers: Responding to social media inquiries is more important than you think

Kara works with legal marketers to create a more clearly defined focus and distinctive business strategy that will provide them with a competitive advantage for new business, higher reputation recognition, and enhance their ability to attract, win, and retain the clients they really want.

You can reach her at 917-856-5410

Technorati Tags: FourSquare, Kara Smith, Legal Marketing Tips, Legal Marketing Tools, Legal Marketing Trends, Social Media, Writing

Tags: FourSquare, Kara Smith, Legal Marketing Tips, Legal Marketing Tools, Legal Marketing Trends, Social Media, Writing

Posted in FourSquare, Public Relations, Social Media • No Comments »

Creativity and the Legal Marketing Mindset

Friday, May 21st, 2010

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Thinking about being a leader in legal marketing community, in New York City, in my my life — is daunting at times to say the least.

For the last few days, I’ve been in the midst of being overwhelmed by “the thinking about” of the responsibilities I’ve taken on in my community, my family and myself… There were days when I can hardly breath, let alone write!

It’s all occurring to me like — There’s no time to feel like this. This is Horrible!

But what if that’s not “The Truth”. What if occasionally I just need a “pick-me-up”? What if all that I’m going through is simply a human phenomena, rather than there being something wrong. Ahhhh — I just exhaled…

For the next year, I’m in Landmark’s Wisdom Course, and incorporating fun into my life.

This is a photo of my “Community Circle” as a work in progress, illustrating the groups of people or “Communities” I interact with on a daily basis.

wisdom

With all of the pressure I constantly put on myself, no wonder I’m so exhausted some days that I don’t want to get up and moving, let alone write…

There are times when the thoughts I have about hearing a “No”, or not getting a response, or getting negative feedback — keep me from being very enthusiastic about taking any more actions at all that could actually be positive or result in an affirmative.

You know the craziest thing… I always feel awful when I get “bogged down” . Inevitably, inactivity for self business generation will show up in my Google Analytics and the results I produce at the end of the week. See, I’m a terrible person! And Oh! Let’s not forget — People are watching!

No wonder I’m so tired all the time!!!

All this being said, I think it’s time to shift my daily writing and morning routine from a “Have To” to a reward I give myself? I’m also shifting what I call my daily exercise from “Working out” to “Going Out to Play.”

No wonder life was so much fun as a kid! Look what us adults end-up calling the things we need to do!

Writing for me is extremely therapeutic, as is the completion of most things I frequently avoid responsibility for. So I have some catch-up to do, but only because I made up that there’s somewhere else I’m supposed to be.

The goals we set for ourselves are great inspirational / motivational tools, but when they start to take the joy out of living — It’s definitely time for some reinvention!

I’ll keep you posted about the results of my Self Generation of Business is Fun — and playing more.

Should European in-house lawyers be allowed to be members of the bar – Legal pros using social connect internationally

Tuesday, May 11th, 2010

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I am excited and enthusiastic about a conversation happening among barristers practicing international law.

European Parliment; Strasbourg, France

On the Martindale-Hubbell Connected German Law Group Blog, a London based journalist who specializes on the European legal market commented,

“There is no privilege for in-house lawyers in Europe. As it stands now, any lawyer who wants to benefit from legal privilege has to be completely independent of the client they are taking instructions from…

Attorneys need to… re-focus their efforts on trying to persuade their local bar associations to allow them to join their organizations on equal term with private practice lawyers. Only once a significant minority of European countries treat in-house lawyers as just as “independent” as their private practice colleagues is the ECJ ever likely to change its opinion on corporate counsel privilege.

A scenaro which makes this situation worse, is often in-house counsel based in the United States is granted privilege by a European judge due to their US origin, in accordance with the standard practice here.

See the Poll on Martindale Hubbell Connected’s German Law Group Forum asking:
Should (German) in-house lawyers be allowed to be members of their bar?

It occurred to me that this situation is exemplary of the kinds of imbalances within the international legal community that attorneys using social media platforms designed specifically for them, will have the ability to bring to light and alleviate. Martindale Hubbell Connected’s closed community on is ideal for this, due to the scrutiny, reputation, and expertise of the firm; while other newer platforms may not be as oriented in the needs the international legal service provider.

Many law firms and individual practitioners alike work to resolve their areas of concern and skepticism about social media, from a strictly theoretical perspective. However, those who are actively embracing the nuances online social media interaction are going to be far out in front in there ROI as a result of using it masterfully over time. Legal organizations working globally are going to more subject to this than any other practitioners.

Log -in here to read and contribute to this discussion on Martindale Hubbell Connected
Joining Martindale Hubbell Connected is free of charge, the only requirement is that you are a legal professional.

Creativity and Play Intertwined in Legal Marketing and in Life

Sunday, May 9th, 2010

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If you’ve ever been to Pearl Paint on Canal Street in China Town New York, then you know what it’s like to be surrounded by every conceivable artist tool necessary to stimulate your creative muse. I went there yesterday, and hadn’t been there since I was an undergrad at Pratt Institute almost 15-years ago.

crayons

I went shopping to pick up some supplies for a display of my “Originating Circle”, ie: the people I have regular interactions with, either via conversation or exchanges of goods and services. (I’m sure I’ll have some of the people reading this blog pictured, which is just way too much fun)

I’ll have to post a photo of it when it’s complete, which will be in the next week or so. Why am I doing all this extra work for you may ask…

I was clear that I wasn’t having much fun, and needed a “boost” to push myself to the next level professionally and personally. So, I enrolled in Landmark Education’s Wisdom Unlimited, a year long program, spread over 5-weekends. The participants are professionals from all over the world, and a very exciting group of folk.

The cornerstone of the Wisdom Course is Play — the sheer enjoyment of “being” I the give and take of daily life — with no other motive or agenda…

The course is available to people who are seasoned in the work of Landmark Education and have a fully developed grasp of what it is t to create new possibilities for themselves and others. It is designed for those who value growth and development as a way of living, rather than as a particular experience or one time phenomenon.
The Landmark Education Wisdom Course Brochure

After attending our first weekend last week I realized that somehow, over the last few years of having my own company, I’d gotten slightly resigned, cynical and sarcastic. How’d that happen I wonder?

What I already see is much I love having my own business, working with lawyers and the legal marketing community; joining you in your commitments and aligning with what you believe in. I absolutely adore waking up each morning and interacting with and learning from you , all day — every day and am completely committed your and my success.

The joy I get from working with Alain L. Locke Elementary couldn’t be clearer, and how much I love my family is stronger than ever, and I’m getting more exercise daily and having a good time doing it. ; ie; there’s no “Burden of Have to” present, and needless to say, I’m feeling … LIGHTER…

More progress is to come as I work on my display and continue to play. I’ll keep you posted to creative developments happening with Karasma Media and my life.

The Virtual Law Office Debate on Twitter

Friday, May 7th, 2010

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Once again, @Lisa Solomon has proven herself to be an invaluable information resource…

This afternoon she sent out an note regarding Lance Goddard of 22Tweets moderation of a Twitter debate hosted by ABA Journal about virtual law offices.

legaldebate

It was featuring VLO (Virtual Law Office) expert Stephanie Kimbro and Legal Rebel Richard Granat (in favor) and outspoken Florida Lawyer Brian Tannebaum in opposition; with of course a litany of comments provided by all those tuning in.

You can see and add to the Tweetstream here:

Watch this space for the link to the archive of today’s debate (at @ABAJournal), then add your thoughts to the ongoing conversation #22TwDbless than a minute ago via TweetDeckLance Godard
22twts

In the event you’re not on Twitter, and you should be… You can view the debate at http://tinyurl.com/2csdtm6. (The Tweets are in reverse chronological order, keep clicking “older” to get to the beginning.)

Legal Marketers – Director Tigre Hill’s Anti-MOVE movie “Barrel of a Gun” in Philly Magazine

Saturday, May 1st, 2010

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The last post I wrote about my friend, Philadelphia filmmaker Tigre Hill’s feature documentary “Barrel of a Gun” received some terrific feedback from my legal marketing audience. I’m thrilled to find the Karasma Media Legal Marketing Blog readers find his work as intriguing as I do!

His most recent coverage comes from Philadelphia Magazine writer, Don Steinberg in the article,

The Gospel According to Tigre

The film’s take on the matter is that Mumia is guilty as charged — and convicted — in the 1981 killing of Philadelphia police officer Daniel Faulkner. Hill released an incendiary three-minute trailer for Barrel in September, and the global outrage arrived on cue. Abu-Jamal supporters began labeling it an “anti-Mumia lynch-mob movie” and Hill an Uncle Tom. Protest-tourists from around the world started printing up signs to wave at the film’s premiere, which may be in Philadelphia, maybe this month or next, at least according to the last time Hill pushed back the timetable.

The Barrel of a Gun Trailer

Alain L. Locke Elementary School – P.S. 208 Featured in Brazilian Newspaper

Friday, April 30th, 2010

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As a volunteer with PENCIL, I provide pro-bono public relations services to the Alain L. Locke Elementary School – PS 208 in Harlem. Principal Susan Green and her staff are some of the most dedicated, diligent people I’ve ever had the privilege of working with.

This year, fifth-grade teacher, Monica Burns, has done an exemplary job of keeping the school’s blog updated, providing the teachers, parents and community with important and exciting information about Alain L. Locke Elementary.

They’ve received coverage in the New York Times , and featured in a segment of NY1’s New Yorker of the Week, Andrea Wenner founder of the non-profit Out 2 Play.

MS. Burnes ensures a post goes up every day. sometimes twice in a day and weekends.

Kudos to Ms. Burns!!

: Jacqueline Colon, Vice Principal; Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, Andrea Wenner, Out to Play, Principal Susan Green

Brazilian reporter Antonio Gois, working on a special article about New York City’s reforms in public education, made a stop at PS 208. An education correspondent for Brazil’s largest newspaper, Folha de S. Paulo, Mr. Gois interviewed administrators, teachers, parents and students to learn about Alain L. Locke Elementary.

PS 208 Featured in Brazilian Newspaper – Alain L. Locke Elementary School – P.S. 208.

A bleak higher education forecast & how legal marketer’s can cause a shift

Thursday, April 29th, 2010

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Seth Godin, is pretty pessimistic about the future of higher education in the United States. On of the key factors he holds responsible for it’s demise is Accredation:

Accreditation isn’t the solution, it’s the problem. A lot of these ills are the result of uniform accreditation programs that have pushed high-cost, low-reward policies on institutions and rewarded schools that churn out young wanna-be professors instead of experiences that turn out leaders and problem-solvers…

…The solutions are obvious… there are tons of ways to get a cheap, liberal education, one that exposes you to the world, permits you to have significant interactions with people who matter and to learn to make a difference.

Seth’s Blog: The coming melt-down in higher education as seen by a marketer

Fortunately, The City College of New York is one of those schools staffed with many college professors who are committed to putting a shift in this vicious cycle. One of the ways they do that is with guest lectures and I’m extremely happy to say that I’ll be speaking there this evening.

I will be a guest lecturer in the Black Studies Program – Entrepreneur class at City College of New York, CUNY. Using the business model the class is currently working with for the semester, I’ll be reviewing: How social media works, the platforms available, expense involved, and how to generate new business by using these tools effectively.

Dr. Charles Townsend, the professor, also requested that I include a section on ethics and emphasize the importance of ethical business practices to his students, which I’m only too happy to do.

The American Bar Association has also taken on an active roll in shifting the path of American education. They’ve started the development of the American Bar Academy, with a faculty consisting of the organizations 400,000 bar members. Conceptually, they’re going to go into every high school and provide a curriculum that teaches Civics. They’ll be working with 11th graders (50% women & minorities), in turn they’ll be taking that knowledge back to classrooms.

Legal Marketers: Responding to social media inquiries is more important than you think

Friday, April 23rd, 2010

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We all receive inquiry calls from people seemingly interested in the services we offer. Would you ever not respond to a phone call because you don’t recognize the telephone number?

hello

I received this e-mail today:

I found you on Twitter and wanted to just take a moment of your time to reach out to you in hopes you or someone you may know can help me, you never know and I am taking a leap of faith.

Long story short, I left my ex nearly 3 years ago, divorce was final in May of 2009, and I got the worst divorce. We receive zero money for child support, zero alimony, and zero for the business (restaurant) we had. I had very bad representation and I have been looking for pro bono help since the second week of May 2009 after I realized that I had been had. I have 2 amazing kids and want to file a motion to overturn the final judgment (which I have one year to do-year is literally around the corner) based on fraud (my ex did not disclose his true financials at the mediation).

I have been given various different advise from attorneys that I have had free consults with but because of the economy, I have yet to meet a family law attorney willing to help me for free. I have gone to every legal aid and resources and still no help. I know you’re in New York, but if you know anyone that might be able to help me, I live in Tampa Bay Florida, I would be very greatful, thankful, and appreciative.

Thank you in advance.

Initially I responded by saying that I did not know of any one who could assist her directly and suggested she research via Avvo.

Her response:

Thank you for the quick response! Wow, I really didn’t even expect to get a response at all! I will check out the link and you never know right! Thank you again for your kindness!

Fortunately, I participated a webinar on Martindale Hubbell Connected conducted by Pro-Bono Net later the same afternoon. I forwarded her the link to their consumer site, www.lawhelp.org, an online resource that helps low and moderate-income people find free legal aid programs in their communities, answers to questions about their legal rights, court information, links to social service agencies, and more.

The point is, I feel it’s important that Twitter not be disregarded as a source for viable client leads or people reaching out for your assistance.

I sent the contact information of 4-criminal defense attorneys to a human resource director in the mid-west inquiring for one of his colleagues. He and I initially connected from his following me on Twitter, he connected to me on Linked In and we’ve had subsequent conversations regarding business generation for minority owned law firms.

As of January, Twitter had more than 30-miillion users in the U.S. alone, so it’s far from being “useless”.

It may be true that some communication via online platforms from anonymous sources need to be taken “with a grain of salt”. However, with more than 30 million Americans communicating on Twitter, and millions more on LinkedIn and Facebook the time has long past that legal marketers can ignore initial service inquires or requests for assistance.

Additionally, while we may not be able to assist people directly, it’s equally important that we’re savvy enough with our community to be able to direct them to sources who can.

Pro Bono Net is a national non-profit organization dedicated to increasing access to justice for the disadvantaged. Their website for lawyers, www.probono.net, promotes collaboration and makes it easier for pro-bono attorneys to get involved, saving time and connecting them with opportunities, training events, mentors, and searchable libraries of practice resources.

If you’re an attorney and would like to learn more about how to get involved at www.probono.net