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.

On January 28 I moderated an innovative virtual panel discussion examining three of the first efforts at law firms to implement integrated social media campaigns. Kelly Hoey from 85Broads, Russell Lawson from Sands Anderson Marks & Miller, PC, Andrea K. Stimmel from Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP and I explored our social networks in real time while participants connected, shared their thoughts and posed questions on twitter using the hastag #ISMC.

It’s that time of year again. Your desk and inbox are flooded with holiday cards. I know there are folks who have very strong feelings about whether or not print or digital is the best medium to send thanks and best wishes at holiday time. Personally, I feel like both can be done well. The problem is few ARE actually done well. The majority of cards I see—be they paper or pixil—are utterly generic and impersonal. And what does that say about how you view your relationship with the recipient?

Last week a couple friends and I played a friendly round of golf. As we walked the 18 holes, we chatted about our jobs, our personal lives and, of all things, pop culture. I was quickly reminded that while we all communicate and interact with each other over social media platforms, the in-person interaction is essential in sustaining and building upon our already strong relationships.