The LAW of Attracting Referrals

Tell us about your practice:

I have been a licensed attorney in Michigan since 2009. McNamara Law focuses on estate planning. I enjoy helping people and assisting them meet their goals. My goal is to help my clients when they are in the most need. I provide assistance on a wide variety of services such as wills, trusts and power of attorney. I also work with the elderly, Medicaid, Medicare, guardianship, family issues, property and gifts. Estate planning is a large umbrella that encompasses many aspects of the law. One of my passions in life centers on social issues such as veterans, homelessness, and civil rights. So while I do not directly work with social justice issues in my practice, I am able to assist people when they require it most.

As you prioritized networking time, why did you decide to make CaerusNet a focus?

I chose Caerusnet because it is a well-structured program with the main focus on learning about other businesses and referrals from those businesses. I like the Caerusnet structure because I know that the meeting will focus on referrals, time is well-spent, and the other business owners lend support to members.

What is it about the CaerusNet model that you like most?

At every opportunity I tell people about Caersunet and how the group is a vast source for referrals and exchange between business owners. Visitors are a vital part of the group, including those in my own field, because you never know where a referral is going to come from! Working with the Caerusnet model has not been difficult for me and seamlessly became a part of my daily networking.

Words of advice for someone just getting started or members who haven’t realized the same level of success as you have?

Don’t give up! It may seem like you’re spinning your wheels at the beginning, coming to the meetings every week and saying the same thing again and again, but after a while all of that investment will pay off. Like with anything else – working out, dieting, or investing your money – you can’t automatically start at the top. You have to invest your time and you have to listen to what the model says. Growth takes time and you have to be patient. The other thing to remember is that everyone in the group wants to help you succeed – you just need to reach out to people.

What is your strategy with your member minute and your spotlight presentation?

For me, the 60 seconds I have each week to present my business to the networking group is part repetition and part education. Most people do not wake up in the morning and think “Hey, I really should speak with an attorney today.” As a result, it is important for me to repeat and educate why the services of an attorney are important.

What is your approach to positioning yourself as a resource in the community?

In Brighton there is a concentrated group of CaerusNet members. I run into CaerusNet members all the time! Keep in mind that every time you see someone from CaerusNet it is another touch – another reminder of your connection and what you do. The base level of networking is to get people to think about you all the time. – The more often we connect, the better!

In addition to CaerusNet, I network quite consistently in the community. I am a part of the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce and I volunteer at a number of local non-profit organizations. There is no such thing as spreading yourself too thin on networking opportunities. The more people I know, the more referrals and networking I am able to achieve. I really believe the more connected I am, the better help I can be to my clients and my business connections.

Note:  Erika is a Member of the Brighton Wednesday 1PM team.  You can email her at [email protected] or call 734-476-0739.