"It is the confidence and resourcefulness of a can-do attitude that will assist today’s legal marketing professional in the face of a challenge."
Some people judge a book by its cover; I judge a book by its notes, table of contents and related resources. If you aren't thorough as an author, I won't waste my time as a reader. So when the positive New York Times book review endorsing Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg came out after I had already read the critical Op Ed by Maureen Dowd I thought, "maybe Maureen was just in a bad mood; I should at least read Lean In before I automatically agree with a slick argument against it."
After reading the book and attending first-rate programming during the 2013 Legal Marketing Association Annual Conference from April 8-10, I now see that Sheryl’s can-do attitude illustrated in Lean In should be applied to the law firm structure. More importantly, it is that confidence and resourcefulness in the face of a challenge that can assist today’s legal marketing professional.
The YouTube video "4 Year Old Girl Questions Marketing Strategies" where a child in a toy store questions gender roles in the advertising campaign of today’s marketplace was my favorite citation in the book. That passionate video reminds us all of the power of the persistent, persuasive personality to effect change. It doesn't matter what gender you are, you simply need to believe in that small voice and lead the way to your involvement in the world around you.
Don’t underestimate the power of a can-do attitude.
After you have identified what you want, the first thing to do is to tell yourself that it can be done. It may not happen overnight, like it appears it did for Sheryl, but it will happen. As she says, "Some of the most important contributions to our world are made by caring for one person at a time. We each have to chart our own unique course and define which goals fit our lives, values, and dreams."
Not enough smiles at your firm?
Smile first.
Wish you had a familiar face for the next LMA event?
Join our Ambassador Program or contact Sam McKenna, our membership chair at Samantha.McKenna@on24.com.
You want volunteer opportunities as an LMA member?
Join a committee by reaching out to any board member or simply contact us.
Are you looking for a mentor to improve your career?
Ask the person you admire.
Lean In to LMA to help make this year the start of the stories that you will share with future grandchildren, nieces, nephews and neighbors.
Marguerite G. Downey is the 2013 President of the Capital Chapter and may be reached at downey@adduci.com or 202.407.8664. LeanIn.Org offers short instructional videos, resources for managers and employees alike. If you are interested in the Chapter hosting brownbag events to watch and discuss the instructional videos, please let Marguerite know.