An RPF contains many different types of questions. Recently, we were invited to submit a proposal to a firm and their RFP had many interesting and thought-provoking questions. However, there was one in particular that struck a chord with us: “In your opinion, what should be the lifespan of a website?”

Any branding agency knows that this is not an easy question to answer. Is it a trick question or does the firm truly want to know a distinct number for the lifespan of a website? Do you give a simple answer or do you give an answer and elaborate on your reasoning? 

I have been pretty “hot” on infographs as of late. As a visual learner, the graphical essence of an infograph helps, in many cases, illustrate an idea and/or a point. Not to mention it is a unique and interactive way to present information. I have seen many infographs, from research driven ones to ones that have a purely humorous angle with no education purpose at all. Yet, they are both considered infographs and both have a distinct purpose or objective.

GUEST BLOGGER: Debra Baker, Principal - Legal Vertical Strategies

My first job in legal marketing was as a “writer” for Heller Ehrman. They wanted someone with a law degree who could work with the attorneys to strengthen their messaging. At the time I was a senior writer for the ABA Journal and was doing pro bono work on the side. The fit seemed perfect.

GUEST BLOGGER: Amanda Acevedo, Director of Marketing and Business Development - Niles Barton

Over six months ago, I moved from a global law firm with a marketing department of 20+ professionals to a midsized regional firm with a marketing department of just one: me.

Agency: Thank you for thinking of us for your project. Is there an RFP that we can work from to provide you with the best possible answer to your needs?

Client: I am sorry, no, we do not have an RFP.

Agency: Ok, no problem, We have a few questions for you about the project that will help us answer your needs. Do you have some time to chat further?

Client: Yes, of course.

Cook your way to the top with wireframes

GUEST BLOGGER: Kimberly Alford Rice, President - KLA Marketing Associates

How wise would it be to leave on a road trip without programming your GPS first with the “end location” or without Google driving directions? Not very wise, but that is essentially what law firms do when they spend on marketing without a written plan and annual budget.

We hear it all the time in blogs, white papers, newspaper articles and from industry experts. “….marketing budgets continue to be slashed, programs are being dropped and marketing staff are being laid-off.” This creates the challenge of strategically choosing the marketing tactics that make the most sense for your firm and your brand.

I was playing Scrabble the other day and it dawned on me that the same strategies I used while playing are applicable to the development of a marketing strategy for a client. In Scrabble, you have to create words with letters selected at random. You have to manage them carefully and decide which placement gives you the best competitive advantage. You might not always start out with the letters you want, and sometimes realize you are short one letter needed for the perfect word, but, in the end, your goal is to earn the most points with the tiles you have.

GUEST BLOGGER: Jonathan R. Fitzgarrald, Director of Marketing - Greenberg Glusker

Five tips for turning introductions into opportunities

It is 7:45 a.m. Cup of coffee in hand, you find a seat and wait for the networking meeting to begin—you are visiting for the first time. The group leader welcomes everyone and says, “With so many new faces today, I thought it would be a good idea to go around the table and have everyone take a few moments to introduce themselves and what they do.”