Commentary: Business development strategies.

Byline: Edward Poll

You have money, offices and a computer. Now how can you manage the inevitable (and often steep) time curve that it takes to build up the business for your new firm? The best business development strategies are common-sense ones:

* Pick up the phone and call friends, family, business associates, past clients. Tell them that you have some spare time and would be happy to help them with any problems.

* Chat with the sales folk and other people in your office building. Always have a written summary of your services and a business card handy for them. You'll be surprised how fast they can spread the good word about you.

* Communicate with your law school friends to discuss cases, clients and war stories. Other lawyers are often excellent referral sources.

* Get out into the public eye by writing articles and attending lunch or bar association functions.

* Check the local bar referral services, which advertise with a broader reach than you have.