Summer is almost here and it is time to think about a summer reading list. I recently finished teaching a couple of courses on marketing and business development at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. Here are a few of the books I used as resources for the classes:
"Solo by Choice: How to Be the Lawyer You Always Wanted to Be"
Carolyn Elefant (Decision Books)
Carolyn Elefant shares a great deal of practical insight and experience in how to build a solo practice, from markting to how to find work quickly. You can also read her posts at www.myshingle.com
"Rainmaking Made Simple"
Mark Maraia
Mark is a long time BD coach who has put his ideas and weekly email suggestings into this book. Very practical, Mark helps the reader develop business development into a sustainable habit.
"The Lawyers Field Guide to Effective Business Development"
William J. Flannery
Small book packed with practical tips on consultative selling from Bill's famous seminars.
"Business Development for Lawyers: Strategies for Getting and Keeping Clients"
Sally Schmidt
I used Sally's book as my main text for both business development classes. Great examples, forms and insights.
Strategy Books
"Strategy and the Fat Smoker"
David Maister
I used both this book and some great videos on Maister's site in my Master's class. Both are honest and insightful resources on what it takes to drive change in law firms.
"The Successful Lawyer: Powerful Strategies for Transforming Your Practice"
Gerald Riskin
Gerry Riskin's work is a handbook for survival and for growing a legal practice. I used both the book and the extensive articles found on their website, www.edge.ai.
Social Media
"Social.Lawyers: Transforming Business Development"
Jayne Navarre
Jayne gets social media for lawyers, and writes about it frequently at www.virtualmarketingofficer.com.
"Social Media for Lawyers: The Next Frontier"
Carolyn Elefant and Nicole Black
Another very practical resource for lawyers who want to learn all about social media before they start 'a twittering.
And don't forget to subscribe to attorneyatwork.com for great marketing and practice management tips. They also offer several online books of tips that I've found very helpful. Happy reading!
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