When the COVID-19 pandemic took over the world, large conventions and public speaking events as a whole ceased to exist. While there are still considerable reasons to remain cautious when interacting with others, the state and nationwide restrictions surrounding these types of events have begun to ease.
More and more people are fed up with online conventions, webinars, and digital events. They want to meet you in person and engage with you on a more personal level. You’ll have to do your part to keep yourself and the public safe, but it’s time to get back into the swing of public speaking so you can grow your law firm. Unsure of where to start? Here’s what you need to know!
The Importance of Public Speaking for Your Law Firm
Public speaking events are essential for law firms. The industry is incredibly competitive, and you have to do your part to stand out from the competition. Potential clients are going to want to choose the law firm they need to win their case. You can gain the type of authority you need to be recognized in this way by participating in public speaking engagements. They give you an opportunity to speak on matters you may be considered an expert in.
They are the perfect chance to build and grow your network as well. You can share your public speaking engagement on social media— maybe it will even be live-streamed for those who are still being extra-cautious in the age of COVID. You have the chance to make an impression on your peers and maybe even use the speaking engagement as a mentoring opportunity if you work with up-and-coming attorneys in a mentorship program.
In any case, when you’re featured as a public speaker at any type of event, it can do wonders for your law firm. Are you ready to get back out there? Here’s how to start.
Embrace the New Normal
First, it’s important to remember that we are still living in times where the coronavirus is still very much a health concern. Every state has different restrictions in case which may increase or decrease depending on how the number of COVID cases fluctuate.
With that being said, you need to be flexible and embrace the new normal. In the past, you might have stood up on stage, passing a microphone back and forth. Now, you should reasonably expect to have your own microphone. Some venues may require people to wear masks. Others may even require proof of vaccination. You should also expect to give people their space. Seats may be spaced further apart than you have seen at speaking engagements in a pre-COVID era.
It is important to know what to expect from the venue and the host of your speaking engagement. It’s the only way you can be adequately prepared. The last thing you need is to wind up having your speaking engagement cancelled because you weren’t in compliance with whatever regulations may or may not be in place.
Attend Local Speaking Events
When you want to start public speaking again but aren’t sure where to start, go with what you know. Local speaking engagements are the perfect way to get back out there. If you’re a member of your local bar association, and you should be if you aren’t already, start there.
See if there may be any events to attend or opportunities to be featured. You can also look for opportunities to do in person speaking events that you couldn’t do online. Maybe you can hand out physical prizes for a contest or host a charity dinner, for example.
This is a great chance for you to get your law firm’s name out there, with the people you hope to take on as clients, the members of your community.
Network at National and Regional Conferences
Once you’ve spoken at a few local engagements, look to regional and national conferences. There is something to be said for in-person connections. Not only will you have the chance to connect with people and gain credibility in your field, but you’ll be able to travel and actively participate in legal updates and conversation about your practice area.
Make sure your name remains front and center. When clients are looking for an experienced professional, you want them to think of you and your law firm.
Public speaking is an excellent way to claim expertise and to network with other people. Along the way, you’ll also build your credibility and get more experience, which can open doors. Finally, being recognized as an expert speaker is a great way to share your experiences on social media where potential clients can see it.
Meranda M. Vieyra is the owner of Denver Legal Marketing LLC. She is one of the most visible legal professionals in Colorado law with over 20 years of service in the Denver legal community. Her award-winning marketing firm has earned a strong reputation as the go-to for impactful, cost-effective legal marketing strategies. She has helped her clients secure coverage by well-known publications and has obtained local, national, and international awards on their behalf. Meranda enjoys working with solo practitioners and small law firms helping them attract recognition, promotion, and visibility to their practices. She also advises medium-sized and national law firms on business development and marketing strategy. Meranda is a lecturer and author on issues related to marketing including how lawyers can use LinkedIn effectively, how to develop a personal brand, and the promotion of legal services through community service. In 2018, she was honored to be named to the 40 Under 40 list by the Denver Business Journal and to be given the 10 Under 10 Award by the Metropolitan State University of Denver Alumni Association (top 10 alum of the decade). In 2019, Meranda was named in the Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Business by the Colorado Women's Chamber of Commerce and in the Top 100 young professionals in Colorado through the Gen XYZ Awards published by ColoradoBiz Magazine.
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