North East Digital Awards - call for help - only 1 day to go!

charleyBook
Originally uploaded by Hackintosh

After the 28 March, entries into the North East Digital Awards will be judged. The entries with the most votes will be shortlisted – and a winner selected from that shortlist by the judges.

Both Judith's Divorce Blog and Social Networking Guineapig were entered a couple of weeks ago into the Digital Users, Best Use of Blogging category.

We are responsible for "getting votes" for our blogs. So much for being shy - we've got to get out there and shout about what we're doing!

So, this is our last call for help, our last stand! - take a look at our entries and if you like what you see, please take the time to vote.

We'll keep you updated with our progress. Apparently it may take up to a month before the winners are announced.

The Charity Ball is "drifting" on

Madame Tussauds - X Factor
Originally uploaded by emertont

I've finally managed to book a band - what a carry on!
Guests will consist of local high net worth businesses/banks etc so i was looking for a sophisticated, great sounding band/group.

The agencies very kindly sent CD's to help with the decision process. One particular agency The Dixon Agency provided a DVD which was a great help as you can see how the band perform, and of course, what they look like!

Our Boardroom on Wednesday morning was similar to Simon Cowell's X Factor with our Marketing Partner, Anne Elliott and our postroom staff (Louise, Lisa and Maureen) the judges (and very harsh judges at that!). Anne very easily morphed into the role of Simon - some of her quotes consisted of "...outfits far too sexy, could give someone a heart attack", "look just like all the other boy bands"... and on and on.

Eventually votes were cast and the winners were...Young Drifters -they sound great and look even better, especially with their co-ordinated dance moves.

That's one more job ticked off the Charity Ball list... now time to concentrate on getting people there!

North East Digital Awards - 2nd Entry!

Not to be left out, Social Networking Guineapig decided to submit an entry to the North East Digital Awards in the Digital Users/Best Use of Blogging section

Here's the blurb from their site:

The North East Digital Awards celebrate high-quality innovation, media professionalism and technical excellence in the digital world. Want to know what that really means? Our easy to navigate web site will provide you with all you need to know about the awards and their categories.
Its easy to browse, won’t give you convulsions, isn’t mission impossible and, fingers crossed, won’t self-destruct in five seconds! You can vote, interact, submit an entry or source a supplier.

Latimer Hinks now have two blogs in the running with only 10 days to go. Why not take a look, and if you like what you see - make a vote!
Social Networking Guineapig and Judith's Divorce Blog - Thanks

We've Entered the North East Digital Awards!

Way back in November 2007 I attended a Stilletto Bootcamp, just for ladies. It was a digital awareness presentation.

As the session drew to a close and as I was asked if Latimer Hinks would be interested in publicity for our blogs/digital presence. Apparently for a law firm in the UK we are quite forward thinking and progressive! I said we would be VERY happy to.

I finally have acted on this advice and entered Judith's Divorce Blog into the North East Digital Awards. The section is Digital Users/Marketing Awards/Best Use of Blogging.

At the moment there are only 4 entries and only 11 days to go, so we have left it a little late. But, with the help of some useful blogging and social networking skills we may still be in the running.

So, if you feel inclined to cast a vote, please do. Obviously the more voters the better - it will also encourage the North East Digital Awards organisers to consider the same awards for 2009.

Legal Blogs - Why are they undervalued?

Charley With iBook
Originally uploaded by Hackintosh

Judith Middleton (partner at Latimer Hinks Solcitors), Anne Elliott (partner) and myself write blogs. All are very different.

Social Networking Guineapig follows the success of Judith's Divorce Blog and Anne's Tax Planning Blog as well as providing the opportunity to flag up events, press stories which Latimer Hinks publish.

We are a 9 partner firm and so far I have only managed to recruit 2 partners in this blogging experiment.

I recently came across an article from KMSpace - Why are legal blogs undervalued? It's well worth reading, there are also links to other articles of interest.

Here is my blog on Why Blog - the advantages

The reasons that Latimer Hinks have developed blogs as an added marketing initiative are given below in a quote from KMSpace (we seem to be on the same wavelength!)

Blogging, like any marketing or networking activity is about building your brand. With lawyers and other professionals that means showing your expertise, engaging in conversations about your expertise and publishing your expertise. Blogs allow all of these. And certainly do a better job than most firm's rather static websites.

Once you start a blog it's interesting (and addictive) to monitor how much traffic is directed to the firm's website. Traffic that would not have arrived there probably by any other means.

All you need to do is "give it a try". It's free and your marketing budget will stretch further!

Latimer Hinks Summer Ball Charity Ball Launch

Charity Ball Shoot Event Shot 2
Originally uploaded by fiveto8priestgate

Monday was the "get together" for Latimer Hinks Charity Ball photoshoot. We all met at Wynyard Hall on a beautiful bright sunny day. One could almost imagine sunbathing in Wynyard's private gardens.. until you stepped out of the car and realised it was FREEEZING!

So cold in fact that the photo shoot was moved indoors.

Attending the photoshoot was Jeff Winter, an ex premiership football referee and Graham Mack, radio show host for TFM radio.

The idea was that Jeff would be taking "bookings" for the ball. Yes, I know... cliche/been done before etc etc. It's alot better than the last shoot where on an extremely windy day I had to stand with a plate of salad with mozzarella sprinkled on top.

The mozarella did not stay on top for long!

The Charity Ball is in aid of three very worthy charities.

Here's the main story Local Charities to Benefit from Law Ball

Make A Child Smile (the TFM/Magic Radio charity), County Durham Foundation and Great North Air Ambulance.

Photo, left to right: Jeff Winter, Me and Anne Elliott (Latimer Hinks), Graham Mack (TFM), Kate Brown (County Durham Foundation) and Lynne Simmons (Great North Air Ambulance)

Here are other posts about the Ball

Summer Charity Ball & Relationship Building , Knowledge Sharing Through Social Networking

We have our very own Imelda Marcos

Clinkard deal 08
Originally uploaded by fiveto8priestgate

I recently sent Neil Stevenson (on the right, Jonathon Mankin, Clinkards on the left) to a photo shoot at Clinkards (an extemely nice footwear store). Neil and Nick Poole (both partners at Latimer Hinks ) worked on an acquisition matter which they turned around in double quick time!

I met Neil returning from the photoshoot clasping three very large Clinkard bags. Little did I know - there was a sale on!

He seemed extremely happy with his purchases and not in the slightest bothered that he had to take time out of the office to attend the shoot...I wonder why??