There are a couple of conversations taking place on different listservs that are all discussing the same issue: common marketing mistakes in the legal industry. Of course, there is nothing new here, but it is surprising the disconnect that exists between knowing what one should be doing in one's legal practice and actually doing it.
Here are a few of the most common marketing mistakes I've come across when talking to attorneys: 

• Failing to plan. You don’t have to draw out a huge, elaborate plan, but outlining what you need to accomplish and the steps to getting there are basic elements of good legal marketing.
• Failure to execute the plan. Even when attorneys prepare marketing plans, they sometimes fall off the map when trying to execute the objectives. Who is responsible for implementing? What sort of benchmarks are in place to monitor progress? Who’s in charge of measuring progress?
• Failure to get professional help for the firm. Whether it be in a consultant for marketing, public relations or sales training, or an organizer to get those files and systems in order.
• Not enough face time with clients. Client testimonials are your most effective form of marketing, so the more positive face time you have with clients, the better reputation you will build.
• Focusing in the business rather than on the business. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day business, but stay invested in the grand scheme of the business and if it’s progressing.
• Failing to understand that lawyers are in the business of people, NOT law. The legal industry is a business that survives on quality customer service, so do not forget the importance of client relationships and satisfaction.

Action Item: Do any of these mistakes sound familiar? If so, what action steps will you take? What is your deadline for taking the step? What will you do after taking that step?

Finally, remember that Rome was not created in a day, but after a culmination of lots of planning, organizing and implementation. So don't get overwhelmed. Start with something small and build on that gradually.

About SCG Legal PR Network
SCG Legal PR Network is a global network that connects lawyers as expert sources with reporters and features a 24/7-accessible database of legal experts from a variety of areas. Its team is comprised of former award-winning journalists whose experience spans over three continents and 30-plus years of experience in the field of journalism and public relations. The network was started by a former journalist, Paramjit Mahli, who has worked within news outlets like the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), Financial Post, CNN, CNNfn and The Journal of Commerce. For more information about the SCG Legal PR Network, please call 212-661-9137 or visit SCG Legal PR Network’s Web site at http://www.scglegalprnetwork.com.