Legal Marketing Association

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I’ve been working on a series featuring women who have “wowed” me. You’ll be seeing their profiles on the blog throughout March in honor of Women’s History Month, as well as throughout the year, because there are so many amazing women doing amazing things.

In this installment, learn more about Chicago-based Holly Barocio, a senior consultant at GrowthPlay.

Holly has wowed me since I first met her at a Legal Marketing Association Conference several years ago. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to interview her about the LMA’s diversity and inclusion efforts as part of my live reporting duties for the LMA Conference. I was impressed with her poise, intelligence and enthusiasm for advancing this important initiative. Since then, I’ve run into Holly at many industry events and seen her speak often, and have learned many things from her. She’s a leader in her field and an advocate for our industry. Learn more about her.

In this installment of Women Who Wow, meet Wilmington-based Jennifer Smuts, the Chief Marketing Officer at Connolly Gallagher. Jenn has been a longtime volunteer of the Legal Marketing Association and has held various leadership roles in the organization. I met Jennifer through the LMA, and we clicked right away. I admire her for many reasons, including the fact that she truly is supportive to other women in the industry and is one of those people who gives to others without expecting anything in return.

Recently, Jennifer joined 2020 Women On Boards, whose overall goal is to educate women about how they can navigate their own contacts to get on corporate boards and be a part of the larger national conversation, an incredibly worthwhile cause to give women a seat at the table (you can read more about her work with them below).

Jahna Barbar is a Woman Who Wows for many reasons – she has a successful career as the regional Marketing & Business Development Manager at Seyfarth Shaw LLP, she dedicates her time to volunteering for the Legal Marketing Association, where she has held multiple leadership roles, and she is a role model for women in many ways.

I met Jahna though our mutual work for the LMA, and I was immediately impressed with her – she was not only smart, but she was kind and she has the wholehearted enthusiasm for what she does – whether in the office or in her volunteer work that I recognize in myself. She is the kind of person who gives 200% to everything she does. I’ve seen her support other women and be an advocate for future leaders, and that’s a trait that we need more than ever today. Learn more about Jahna.

I’m often asked how do you know if your social media efforts are working, and other than resulting in new business, which may take time to materialize, there are other…

Throughout the month of March and beyond, I will be spotlighting “women who wow” me on the blog– these are women I’ve met through my professional and personal lives. They are leaders who inspire and awe me, and push me to be a better version of myself. They are role models for the future generation of women. I think we can all learn from them.

Today I’m highlighting Carolyn Sandano, who I have known for many years through the Legal Marketing Association. Carolyn is a seasoned legal marketer who is always calm under pressure and offers wise advice. I can think of many occasions where she has supported not only me but other women and been generous with her time and counsel. Get to know more about Carolyn.

Using social media to support your firm’s and lawyers’ business development efforts should be at forefront of everything you do on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, etc. If the post doesn’t support your firm’s strategic goals, take a time out to think about why you are even doing this and rethink your strategy.

Don’t use your social channels to only focus on your firm’s work and its substantive news, events and publications – that can make your firm seem dry, a little boastful and devoid of personality and heart.

Firms should also showcase their “softer” side, which can support their business development efforts, because clients want to peek behind the curtains on the firms on which they rely.

Showcasing the softer side of your law firm humanizes your firm and makes your lawyers more relatable. Include posts about firm life, pro bono and community service, upcoming holidays, as well as profiles on lawyers and alumni, and photos from firm events.

Here’s how to do it at any size firm.

Here’s a client alert/article tip. Write about what’s hot right now and be first to market on the topic.

For example, the coronavirus is of major to concerns to businesses…