Marketing lawyers like toothpaste? Not so much.

As a professional communicator, I should have no problem explaining the difference between marketing products and services. And yet, I struggle with it every time I encounter a prospective client who expects the phone to ring off the hook with new business if he hires me.

You only need a lawyer when you need a lawyer. You only need a doctor when you need a doctor. You only need an architect when you need an architect. I cannot create the situations, I can only work to build name recognition, reputation, and illustrate differences – all within the confines of the rules and guidelines of professional ethics.

Bruce Marcus shares his thoughts in this article, Professional Services Marketing — What Works and What Doesn’t, where he makes clear distinctions between marketing lawyers and toothpaste.

I’ll be sending this link to the next potential client with unreasonable expectations.

Tampa Bay public relations