10 November 2020

As the holiday season draws near, you may be thinking about the months ahead. Are you looking to expand your services into different states in 2021, to stay profitable, but don’t currently have the expertise on board? Or will you wind back your property lodgment and settlement services in order to enjoy a well-deserved break? These are two of the challenges that property lawyers and conveyancers face in the time leading up until Christmas.

While traditionally the summer is a slow period for many professional services and b2b businesses, it doesn’t have to be this way. Here are three strategies that you can implement to stay open for business these holidays, maintain profit, set your direction for 2021 and earn a well-deserved break.

1. Keep your brand presence front and centre while you rest

While you might be looking to hibernate, it’s important that your firm does not. It is important to stay viable to stay at the forefront of your client’s minds. So while you may not be working with them on a particular matter, when it comes to servicing them in the future, it is important that you are front of mind so they know where to come.

This is a successful way to increase profitability through referral business. A current client may not need your services, but by staying front of mind, there is opportunity to refer you to a friend, colleague or family member who does need your services more immediately.

You can use marketing platforms and strategies like social media and PR to stay visible. There are many software platforms available that allow you to schedule social media posts, so you don’t have to be active every day.

In addition, you can use industry media publications to pre-book PR opportunities like emails and articles to be sent to audiences far larger than your own client base. Once the content you are sharing is prepared and scheduled, you simply action new leads as they come in.

2. Outsource property matters while you rest

If you’re looking to expand your lodgment and settlement services to other states, but don’t currently have the required expertise on board, you can use technology and outsource your requirements.

SettleIT is smart technology that allows you to outsource any upcoming lodgments and property settlements – both manual and electronic. This means if you have never completed an electronic settlement before, or you can’t meet the relevant people face to face to complete a manual settlement, you can rely on the Australian-based team at SettleIT to act under your instructions, post unconditional contract exchange.

SettleIT can help maintain profitability throughout the holiday period as the team will be working throughout December and January, so you don’t have to. With over 100 years of combined experience, SettleIT can help your firm handle more volume and can assist when times are busy or when cover is needed.

If you’re looking to expand your services to interstate lodgments and settlements, you can do so without registering with an ELNO. The SettleIT team are registered and can use their own accounts to do this for you.

Smart technology like SettleIT can help you get ahead during the holiday period and help your firm to grow and thrive in the new year.

3. Connect with your clients for ongoing success

The holiday season is all about connectedness and showing appreciation for those in our lives. The same goes for your clients. As the year draws to a close, take the time to show your clients how you appreciate working with them. A simple, personalised email thanking them and offering your services in the New Year shows that you value their contributions to your firm. It also opens the door to repeat business in 2021. For clients you have worked more closely with or for a long time, it may be useful to send a gift, if budget allows.

But developing strong client relationships doesn’t always have to be about gift giving. Making sure you’re staying in contact, settling their properties on time and really listening to your client’s needs goes a long way in ensuring you can continue to be successful in 2021.

These holidays, remember that your firm’s profitability doesn’t have to take a break simply because you would like to. There are easy ways to ensure your firm stays visible and moves property matters forward without you being heavily involved. These strategies can also serve you well into 2021.

Dan Petrucci

Daniel has been a Licensed Conveyancer for over 15 years working for top tier law firms as well as smaller boutique firms. Within these firms he has held various roles across commercial and residential conveyancing, commercial Banking & Finance and Intellectual Property law. In 2011, he joined the associated ATI Group of companies including LEAP and InfoTrack where he has held several executive roles. Daniel has a passion for property and conveyancing. He has combined this passion with his experience in delivering exceptional client service and has helped thousands of firms across Australia embrace technology to drive efficiencies and increase profits.

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