Most of the work gained by barristers starts with solicitors calling with a new instruction. This means that the growth of your business is controlled by third parties; not a secure strategy in this ever-competitive age. Could you align your business development activity to the way baby chicks in the nest survive?
The main challenge facing your profession is the necessity to adapt to increased competition from solicitors and any other body offering legal services.
The Legal Services Bill with its introduction of alternative business structures will alter the very framework in which legal services can be provided. The impact this will have on the self-employed Bar in particular remains to be seen but surely will not be for the better. This will include the provision of much more flexible and wide-ranging services, generally a good thing for consumers since it increases competition.
Leaving it just to a handful of clerks and waiting for the phone to continue to ring seems a zero option now. You need to become more proactive. It’s called networking, an activity striking fear into the most terrifying courtroom advocate. But, like anything in life when you understand what to do, it’s easy. The key networking skills barristers are taught, asking questions and listening carefully will simply be transferred to the cocktail party or the seminar room.
Check out this on how not to get past the receptionist after meeting a prospect
