As fellow law blogger Tom Kane discusses, now is the time to think about getting client feedback. Ask your clients for feedback in early 2007; they probably won’t volunteer the information otherwise. And, what better way to jumpstart a new year than with some feedback about what’s right–and what’s not?
This can be very helpful with clients from different cultures. If you have inadvertently committed a cultural gaffe and a foreign client has been offended, he or she may be too polite to let you know. By graciously asking for feedback in early 2007, and explaining that you are soliciting advice to improve service and client communication, you may uncover some otherwise hidden discontent. Then take the feedback and read between the lines, given the client’s cultural perspective. Again, the client may express discontent more subtly and indirectly than an American client would. Better to discover a problem and remedy it than to lose a client.
Yesterday The Wall Street Journal Law Blog posted a “12-Step Program” with tips to help lawyers curb their BlackBerry addictions–and reduce stress.
The internet can be deceptively effective. Many lawyers wanting new jobs, including international law jobs, rely on the internet (or remote head hunters) to find new positions.
However, if you’re having trouble finding a job abroad, or if you are interested in a non-traditional law job abroad, buy a plane ticket and get going. A Trip Abroad Can Help You Win a Job by The Wall Street Journal’s CareerJournal.com points out many advantages of job hunting in person in a foreign location including: the kindness of strangers, more powerful networking, understanding local markets (and acceptable salaries), and even “dumb luck”.
And, don’t give up easily. As the article points out, patience–and perhaps multiple trips abroad–are often required.
