Back in January I sent out my first press release, which garnered the attention of the general counsel for a large, nationally-known insurance company. I sent him my e-materials, and then had a meeting with their local regional counsel. We had a great consultation and identified possible areas where I can assist their practice. Ostensibly, they want to partner with me to start a pilot program for outsourcing some of their paralegal work.

I was next to meet with their office manager. We were supposed to have a meeting the week of 3/7, and I followed up with an email on 3/9. Her response was that she did not have time yet to read my materials, but would do so in the next day or two. As of today, I have not heard from her.

She's in charge of 5 offices in Texas and Oklahoma, so I can only imagine how busy she is. Today I wrote her a hand written card to follow up to see if she's had the chance to review my materials, and to reaffirm my availability to answer questions at her disposal.

I would like to send a similar card to the regional counsel, but don't want to step on the office manager's toes.

Any suggestions on what to do next?

Hello,

I would wait a week to see if you receive a response from your handwritten note.

If after one week you have not received a reply from the office manager in response to your handwritten note, consider writing a note to the general counsel thanking them for their time and express your interest in working with them to start a pilot program. Reiterate briefly the services you provide and the solutions you offer.

I would state in the counsel note that you have contacted the office manager in March, per their recommendation. I wouldn't say that you haven't heard back or that she has not had the time to read your materials. This way, by being matter-of-fact the general counsel knows you have followed through from your end as was discussed in the meeting.

Really at that point, if you have not heard back from anyone, IMO there is no other recourse. I'm sure you don't want to hear that given that there was such a tremendous interest in your services from the counsel along with all the time you have put into nurturing this account but if the decision is not made at the counsel end to work with you, then that may mean the office manager is not interested.

If after a few weeks you have not heard from anyone (counsel and office manager) you could follow up with an email thanking them for their time and realize that there is no interest in your services. However, if something should change, you would be willing to revisit the opportunity.

Make sure these people are in your newsletter list and connected with you on the social sites. If they don't need you now, they may need you at a later date.

Not to be a 'downer', though, you may receive a reply from your handwritten card...

PS - Please sign your posts with your name. It is always nice to know who I am responding to! Thanks!

Good luck!

Janine

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Thank you very much for your input. You've been very helpful.

To clarify, the regional counsel expressed interest in working with me and we actually identified what I would probably be doing. He instructed the office manager to contact me, which she did. I sent her my information, but she has not reviewed it yet. From there, I was to meet with her to discuss my services and logistical issues.

Yes, I realize this could be dead in the water, but this woman is also responsible for five offices. I had emailed her three weeks ago, and she responded within minutes apologizing for the delay. Hopefully the note will be impetus for her to move along.

I'll give her a week or two to respond (since the note is going via snail mail). Then I'll send thank you cards to both the regional counsel here and the general counsel in Chicago (the big cheese who first saw my press release).

I like the suggestion of connecting via social networking, but a lot of attorneys are reticient with that for some reason. None of these people are on Linkedin, Facebook, etc.

Again, I appreciate all your input.

Michelle
Houston Virtual Paralegals

Attorneys are notoriously difficult to connect with - you accomplished a great deal just garnering attention from the regional counsel!

IMHO: Let them know you followed up as they recommended and that you can't wait until the review process is completed so you can start working together. Maybe the reason the office manager is so busy is that she needs help (from you!).

Take care,
Joy

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Joy Wilder
Wilder Office Approach

I followed up again with another email to the office manager this past Thursday. I now have an appointment with her tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. Starting preparations for the meeting now.

Fantastic news!

Gentle reminders and follow-ups can really help to keep a good lead alive. Sometimes it's just down to the right timing for a prospective client to be ready to move forward.

Wishing you the best of success with your meeting tomorrow.

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Linda
Clockwise Virtual Assistance