I am an attorney at Alford & Burkhart LLC located in Suwanee, Georgia. Our law practice is concentrated in the areas of family law, probate court, civil litigation and estate/business planning. I joined The Suwanee Network in Fall 2016. When I joined The Suwanee Network, my primary objective was to grow my law practice by getting new referrals and leads from inside the networking group and from the members’ outside connections. Undoubtedly, the other members of The Suwanee Network attend these meetings with the same goal: grow your business’ bottom-line through networking. I achieved my goal and my business has grown, thanks to new referrals and leads generated by The Suwanee Network’s members. However, what I did not expect in the beginning was that my Suwanee law firm would benefit tremendously in the following three ways:
1. Unique Marketing Opportunities
Traditional law firm marketing includes billboards, television spots, and print ads. However, more and more science points out the effectiveness of personal exposure with audiences for growing a business and nurturing relationships with clients, i.e., let the world know who you really are and connect with the people. The Suwanee Network provided the most unique opportunity to do this by connecting me with member Julie Perdue of Suwanee Magazine. 
In early 2018, I was selected to participate in Suwanee Magazine’s Get Fit Challenge. During this 3-month workout competition, Suwanee Magazine published several print and online stories about me, my experience, and my progress. At the end of the Challenge, I was named the Overall Winner and was featured on the cover of the May/June of Suwanee Magazine. The exposure this has provided for me personally and professionally has been extraordinary. I have The Suwanee Network to thank for the opportunity.
2. Access to Experts in Other Fields
As an attorney, I am considered an expert on the law; however, to competently practice law, I often must educate myself on various topics unrelated to the law itself. The diversity of professions and fields in The Suwanee Network has given me a pool of trusted professionals to use as a resource for questions that come up in my practice. Whether its a question about commercial insurance policies fielded by Alan Pope of Aj Pope and Company Insurance, information provided on Medicare by Paul Faile of Affordable Medicare Solutions , ideas and solutions suggested by Brenda Dozier of Moneywise Divorce, or any number of other topics related to our members’ businesses, this networking group works together to help its members. One way I have been helped is by having these people available to educate me.
3. Improved Experience for Clients
I wear many hats at my law firm, in addition to lawyer. As a business owner, I concern myself with the experience of the client at the office… the office must be clean, nicely-decorated with signage, and safe and secure. The Suwanee Network has given my business the resources to meet the office’s needs and improve the client experience. We employ the services of Alison Regis’ Angel Cleaning Services who keeps our office clean and tidy. Our office signage has been created and installed by Denise Meng’s Signarama of Buford. Our office is safe and secure thanks to Tim Penick of ADT Security. Joining and participating in The Suwanee Network has given me access to a number of businesses that have helped me improve our office and the experience of our clients.
I am proud to be a member of The Suwanee Network, and I am thankful for its part in the development of my Suwanee law firm. While we are all looking to grow our business’ revenue through networking, there are many more benefits of joining and participating in a disciplined and dedicated networking group like The Suwanee Network.