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Q: How can I improve my public image as a freelance lawyer? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A:<\/strong> With the public perception of legal professionals on somewhat shaky ground, your success relies on your ability to build trust with potential clients. This can be particularly difficult as a freelancer, as you have a host of other things to worry about. Luckily, there\u2019s one simple business decision that can completely revamp your public image. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Public image has long been a cornerstone of any successful business. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Regardless of the industry you\u2019re in, being likeable is a crucial part of connecting with potential customers, running successful marketing campaigns, and ultimately, making a profit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s why some companies spend enormous sums on their branding<\/a> and PR. They understand its importance as the bedrock of their growth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As a freelance lawyer, this is all the more important. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Legal professionals work in an industry that revolves around highly personal matters. Whether you\u2019re a freelance patent lawyer, or you\u2019re in family, trademark, or any other field of law, people seeking legal counsel need to feel safe with the person they hire. <\/p>\n\n\n But this can be a hard sell, especially if you\u2019re trying to build your image while handling a host of other business duties<\/a>. According to Pew Research Center, 64% of Americans believe our trust in one another is declining<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n How can freelance lawyers turn the tide and build a better public image? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Luckily, there\u2019s a simple, often overlooked solution. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While all businesses benefit from a positive public image, for legal professionals, it\u2019s absolutely vital. <\/p>\n\n\n\n People hiring legal professionals do so because they can\u2019t handle their legal business on their own. They turn to lawyers and attorneys because they need their expertise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As a consequence, trust is an integral component to a lawyer\u2019s success. Clients are actively admitting they know less than their legal professionals on whatever they hired them for. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If the client doesn\u2019t trust their lawyer, they aren\u2019t going to hand things over to them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This would be the case even if the issues lawyers dealt with were trivial. But they aren\u2019t. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Most legal issues people turn to lawyers and attorneys for are very important. Whether you\u2019re a freelance trademark lawyer, or representing families, the stakes, be it jail time, custody, the fate of a small business<\/a>, or large sums of money, are very high. <\/p>\n\n\n\n All that is to say, if people don\u2019t trust a legal professional, they\u2019re probably not going to hire them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When a lawyer strikes out on their own, they have to build their public image from scratch. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Freelancers can\u2019t rely on the credibility of a big firm to garner public trust. They need to build their public image in a direct, personal manner. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The personal aspect of freelancing makes your public image more important than ever. People are seeing you as a singular human being, meaning your business is intimately linked with how your clientele sees you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This can be an advantage if approached properly. Unfortunately, many freelance lawyers struggle to cultivate a positive public image. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Freelance lawyers have a hard time marketing themselves as likeable and trustworthy. There are a few reasons for this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For starters, many freelance lawyers simply lack the time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Freelancers are responsible for handling every aspect of their business on their own. The list of jobs a freelance lawyer has to do is endless. <\/p>\n\n\n\n From handling legal work to filing taxes, many freelance legal professionals are completely burnt out just keeping the business going. They don\u2019t have the time and energy to build a positive public image through things like social media marketing<\/a> and PR. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Further complicating things, this overwhelming workload can make freelance lawyers highly stressed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When stressed, not only is it harder to get your work done, but you\u2019re also likely to be irritable, keeping you from putting your best foot forward when interacting with the public. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You might be fantastic at your job, but your clients might not recommend you if they feel you were cold or distant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, there\u2019s the difficulty of answering incoming calls. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When you\u2019re stressed, it\u2019s harder to be mindful at work<\/a>. You may answer the phone distracted, not giving the caller your full attention. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While being stressed out is understandable, it doesn\u2019t change the damage a bad first impression can do. A potential client may not hire you just because they didn\u2019t feel properly cared for during your first interaction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you\u2019re a freelance family lawyer, or you\u2019re in trademark, patent, or any other area of law, these hurdles can make it hard for you to build a positive image and land new clients. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But there\u2019s a solution. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Hiring a virtual receptionist<\/a> is an affordable, flexible, and simple way to build a better public image for yourself, regardless of your platform or area of expertise. <\/p>\n\n\n Virtual receptionists are professionally trained receptionists who operate remotely\u2014a perfect fit for businesses running remotely<\/a>. When you purchase a virtual receptionist plan, you also receive a virtual phone number you can list for your business. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When a caller dials the number, they\u2019re automatically connected with your receptionist. This helps you build a better public image in a few important ways. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When you\u2019re answering your own calls, it\u2019s easy to get overwhelmed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can\u2019t let the phone go unanswered. Each missed call is a potential missed client. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But those calls often hit when you\u2019re in the middle of important projects. They interrupt your workflow and eat up your most valuable resource: time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When you hire a virtual receptionist, you\u2019re freed from the endless onslaught of incoming calls. You can then use that reclaimed time to build stronger branding and plan out strategic marketing campaigns. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This can do wonders for your public image, and ultimately your business. You can get strategic about your ideal client and align your image with their values and needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Virtual receptionist plans include a built-in scheduling process. Receptionists use calendar software displaying your real-time availability to set call-backs and bookings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By allowing you to plan your client calls in advance, you can ensure your interactions are well-researched, focused, and friendly. This helps you build a positive connection with your callers, making them more likely to hire you or recommend your services. <\/p>\n\n\n\n No more flustered calls, no more distractions, just better customer service. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Virtual receptionists are professionally trained to handle each call with grace and attention. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A client\u2019s first impression of your practice will be both professional and personable. This helps set them at ease, allowing you the chance to build trust while also keeping your business\u2019s outward image pristine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When a potential client calls inquiring about your services, you can rest assured their first interaction with your business will be a positive one. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Public image is a critical component of any successful legal service. As a freelance lawyer, it becomes absolutely vital. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While being a freelance lawyer has its public image challenges, you can overcome them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With a virtual receptionist, you\u2019ll free up time to build your brand and marketing, set yourself up for more positive client interactions, and ensure each caller has a great first impression of your practice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Further Reading<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alliance Virtual Offices<\/a> live receptionist plans<\/a> are here to help you succeed. You\u2019ll receive access to friendly, professional receptionists who handle your calls for you.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s a flexible and cost-effective way to free yourself from stress, strengthen business relationships, and build your practice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nWhy Do Legal Professionals Need a Strong Public Image? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nWhy This is Even More Important for Freelance Lawyers <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe Public Image Struggles of the Freelancer <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nHow Do Virtual Receptionists Help Build Your Public Image? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nFree Up Time to Focus on Branding <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Reduce Stress When Interacting with Clients <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Make a Great First Impression <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nConclusion <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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