I don’t know if you know this but, uh, you’re not perfect. You can’t do everything, nor do you do everything equally well. Instead of trying to hide your weaknesses and risk sounding defensive when they are inevitably discovered, you’ll do better admitting them up front.
You know this is true in the courtroom. You tell the jury about the weaknesses in your case before your opposition does it. You know that this not only deflates their power over you, your transparency makes the jury more likely to believe you when you tell them about your case’s strengths.
Admitting your weaknesses also helps build trust in marketing.
Tell prospective clients the types of cases or matters you don’t handle, but let them know you can recommend someone who does.
When I went from a general practice to a 100% personal injury practice, I turned down or referred everything that wasn’t PI and watched my PI practice quickly grow.
Today, I freely acknowledge that I am not an expert in social media marketing. Far from it. In fact, in just about every interview I give, I make a point of telling the interviewer this, early in the conversation. When most other marketing ex-purts are telling lawyers they have to get on board the social media train, my position gives me a point of differentiation. (It also gives me an advantage among lawyers who don’t like social media and would rather not do it.)
Tell the world what you do, and also what you don’t do. Admit your weaknesses, turn down work that isn’t a strength, and watch your practice grow.
How to choose the right specialty for you
