As we transition into the second part of our series, “The Strategic Value of Presenting a CLE,” we shift our focus from the mechanics of crafting a CLE to the broader, strategic advantages that come with presenting one.
The foundational work done in Part 1 — carefully selecting your topic, structuring your content, and engaging your audience — now serves as the springboard for leveraging CLEs for strategic gains.
This new series will delve into how CLEs can serve as powerful tools not just for education, but for advancing your career, expanding your network, and growing your practice. Each article in this series will explore a different facet of the strategic benefits CLEs offer, from building your professional reputation to leveraging networking opportunities and client development.
By the end of this series, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of how to maximize the impact of your CLE presentations far beyond a conference.
In this first article, we’ll explore how leveraging CLEs can elevate your professional reputation, paving the way from the podium to meaningful partnerships.
Establishing Authority and Expertise
When you step up to deliver a CLE, you’re doing more than just teaching a class — you’re positioning yourself as an authority in your field. The podium is a powerful symbol of leadership and expertise, and the way you handle your presentation can significantly impact how others perceive you.
Why Authority Matters:
• Perception as a Leader: Leading a CLE positions you as someone who not only understands the nuances of your practice area but also has the confidence and capability to educate others. This perception can lead to greater trust from peers, clients, and industry leaders.
• Credibility: By discussing complex topics and providing actionable insights, you reinforce your credibility. Attendees will leave with the impression that you are a go-to expert in your area of law.
The ultimate goal of any CLE should go beyond education—it should be about building relationships. The knowledge you share during a CLE is just the beginning of a conversation that can lead to long-term partnerships.
Transforming Education into Trust:
• Becoming a Trusted Advisor: CLEs give you the platform to demonstrate not just your knowledge but your ability to provide strategic advice. This positions you as a trusted advisor, someone clients and peers can turn to when they need guidance.
• Starting Relationships: After a CLE, attendees often reach out with follow-up questions or comments. These interactions are the seeds of potential client relationships, collaborations, and partnerships. By being approachable and responsive, you can turn a one-time presentation into ongoing professional relationships.
Leveraging Your Marketing Team
Presenting at CLEs doesn’t just help you build your reputation; it also opens doors to new opportunities. Visibility within your professional community can lead to invitations to speak at other events, contribute to publications, or even lead industry initiatives.
While presenting a CLE offers immediate benefits in terms of authority and networking, the visibility of your efforts shouldn’t end once the CLE concludes. By strategically collaborating with your firm’s marketing department, you can significantly amplify the impact of your presentation, reaching a broader audience and reinforcing your reputation as a thought leader.
• Announce Your CLE: Work with your marketing team to create a buzz around your upcoming CLE. Promote it on LinkedIn, Twitter, and other social media platforms where your professional network is active. This not only increases attendance but also positions you as an active, engaged leader in your field.
• Email Campaigns: Utilize your firm’s mailing list to send out invitations or reminders about the CLE. Personalizing these emails to specific client segments can make your outreach even more effective.
• Create a Post-CLE Summary: After the event, coordinate with marketing to craft a summary or blog post that highlights the key takeaways from your CLE. This content can be shared on your firm’s website, LinkedIn, and other channels to keep the conversation going and reach those who couldn’t attend the live session.
• Highlight Reel or Video Recap: If the CLE was recorded, consider creating a highlight reel or a short video recap. Your marketing team can help edit and distribute this content, showcasing your presentation skills and the value you provided. These videos can be powerful tools for increasing your visibility and attracting future speaking engagements.
• Client Follow-Up: Collaborate on a follow-up email campaign that includes links to the summary or video, along with an invitation to connect for further discussions. This keeps the momentum going and opens the door for deeper client relationships.
Maximizing Long-Term Impact
By engaging your marketing department before and after your CLE, you ensure that your efforts reach the widest possible audience. This collaboration not only enhances your immediate visibility but also helps establish a long-term presence as a thought leader in your field.
As you prepare to present your next CLE, think beyond the immediate goal of delivering a successful presentation. Consider how each aspect of your CLE—from the content you create to the way you engage with your audience—can serve as a stepping stone toward building long-term partnerships and growing your practice.
In the next article, we’ll delve into how you can leverage the networking opportunities that CLEs provide, turning those initial connections into lasting professional relationships.
Checklist for Part 2, Article 1:
Establishing Authority:
✔️ Ensure your CLE content is well-researched and provides actionable insights.
✔️ Present confidently, positioning yourself as a leader and expert in your field.
Building Relationships:
✔️ Engage with your audience during and after the CLE to start building trust.
✔️ Be approachable and responsive to follow-up questions or comments.
Maximizing Visibility:
Pre-CLE Promotion:
✔️ Announce your CLE on LinkedIn, Twitter, and other social media platforms to generate buzz.
✔️ Use your firm’s mailing list to send targeted invitations or reminders about the CLE.
Post-CLE Amplification:
✔️ Create a post-CLE summary or blog post with key takeaways to share on your firm’s website and social media channels.
✔️ Consider producing a highlight reel or video recap of your CLE to showcase your presentation skills and content.
✔️ Collaborate with marketing on a follow-up email campaign, including links to the summary or video, to continue engaging with attendees.
With the right approach, your CLE can be a powerful tool not just for education but for transforming your practice by building strong, lasting partnerships.
Sejal Bhasker Patel is a Rainmaking Consultant and Author of Rainmaker: Unleashed — a sharp, strategic playbook for attorneys who don’t fit the traditional mold. She’s the founder of Sage Ivy, a consulting firm that works directly with law firms and attorneys to turn relationships into revenue — without selling their soul. Her work is blunt, tailored, and built on one core belief: Authenticity isn’t a liability — it’s your strongest competitive edge.
www.sageivyconsulting.com
The post Leveraging CLEs To Build Your Professional Reputation appeared first on Above the Law.