If you’ve ever thought about being an entrepreneur, there has never been an easier time to do it. The technological advances in the last 15 years has opened up quick and easy access to information, and unprecedented opportunities to reach your target audience.
As the founder of Divorce With Dignity, I have had 20 years of experience running a successful divorce legal services business. I’ve developed a business system model for starting up and managing an independent Divorce With Dignity business, which I use for training legal professionals who become part of the Divorce With Dignity Network. Based on my expertise in this area, I’d like to share some helpful tips for new entrepreneurs on starting a legal services business.
6 Rules to Start Out Right
1) Discover your niche.
Many new entrepreneurs believe they can capture more business by casting their net wide and not limiting themselves to just one area in their field. I once saw an ad for an attorney that stated, “Accidents, Injuries, Family Law, Trusts – whatever legal situation you have – we can help.” It struck me that they probably didn’t do any of those services justice. If I’m looking for a resolution of my legal problem, you can bet I’ll be looking for a legal service that specializes in my legal issue. The lesson is: do one thing and do it very well. Using this approach, you can become a market leader in your legal niche, become known as the go-to expert, and increase your business.
2) Create a well-thought-out business plan.
Any successful business starts with planning, and an essential part of that is developing a well-formulated business plan. I’m not talking about a long, complicated document in a big binder. When I first started my divorce legal services business, I hired someone to write a fancy multi-page traditional business plan – which sat on the shelf because I couldn’t figure out how to use it. I have since developed a much simpler and shorter business plan that is useable and helpful in keeping me focused on advancing my business. A good plan will help you to see the big picture and clarify your thinking so you can channel your energy into the most productive avenues. It will help you define your goals and priorities, develop effective marketing strategies, and set benchmarks to track performance. It’s your roadmap to get you where you want to go.
3) You need an internet presence.
Even if you are not selling anything online, you need to have a website. In this day and age, it’s not a “nice-to-have” thing, it’s essential. It can be a valuable tool for promoting yourself and letting people know you are there.
4) Start it up as a side business.
Because it takes a while (usually 6 months to a year) to get a business going and get clients, you might consider starting your business part-time while you continue working your current job that brings in a steady income. As your business grows, you can make a financial plan that will enable you to take your business to a full-time level.
5) Get a mentor.
Business people don’t succeed all on their own. They have plenty of people supporting them in one way or another. One very valuable type of support is mentoring. Getting advice from people who have navigated the waters in your industry can save you from making costly mistakes (both in time and money), and can provide you with the encouragement you need to take the next steps on your path.
If you are a legal professional looking for a niche that is always in demand, and would like to get the mentoring you need to set up your business properly and learn how to manage it well, why not investigate opening your own Divorce With Dignity office? Divorce support and assistance is a solid niche where you can help people go through the divorce process, provide information that will help them obtain an amicable divorce settlement, and assist them in filing the divorce papers.
Becoming a licensed partner in this growing enterprise has many benefits. You’ll receive one-on-one training with me to learn how to set up and run your business, and I’ll help you create a customized business plan and teach you how to make good use of it. Plus, you will have your own page on the Divorce With Dignity website where prospective clients can learn about you and how to get in touch with you.
6) Don’t give up!
Many of the most successful entrepreneurs (such as Bill Gates and Donald Trump) have failed repeatedly in their business ventures, but they kept on going and eventually came up with their “winning hand”. There is nothing wrong with failure, as long as you learn from it and move on. Successful entrepreneurs have a determination that fuels their refusal to give up, as they use their creativity, optimism and drive to impel themselves through the difficult times. They look discouragement in the eye and say, “Get out of my way!” – and so can you.
If you are considering starting your own divorce legal services business, why not get a head start by becoming part of the Divorce With Dignity Network? Let us help you to develop your successful business. Learn more by visiting our website.
The author of this blog is not an attorney and the information contained in these blogs should not be considered legal advice. The information provided here is based on the experience of the author and some of her clients whose actual names are not mentioned. Do not hesitate to seek the advice of an attorney if you have any legal questions.
