Would this influence you? Opinions please...

Log in to reply
U

UK Solicitors

  • #1
    We're about to begin a new scheme (thinking of a catchy name...) where we plant a tree for every new file we open:

    Here's a video about it (which might influence our choice of name - maybe "Using Harvey McKibbin Really Gives You Wood" or something... ideas welcome:))...

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5Yk1B9iXqI

    It means we can claim (with some room to spare) that we are a Carbon Neutral firm because each tree saves approx 1 tonne of carbon during its life. In fact we might even claim to be a Carbon-Positive firm (is there such a thing/term?)...

    Anyway... my question is:

    "Would such a scheme influence your choice of solicitor?"

    and if so, how do you think we should best publicise this...?
     
    U

    UK Solicitors

  • #4
    They're planted in the UK by a 3rd party company (and come with a certificate or something I think)...

    I believe we could even offer a choice of geographical spots to clients...Why'd you ask? Does it have a bearing on whether it would make you choose us, all other things being equal?:)
     
    Upvote 0

  • #5
    Do you think your clients are bothered about you being a Carbon-Positive firm.?

    Think they may be more interested in you being a tad cheaper offering a good service or better still saving them money.

    I suspect the carbon footprint/pay a native to make your mess thing has about been uncovered as a get rich quick scam.

    " if you want to get thinner diminish your dinner" only foolproof way I know to save the planet.

    Earl
     
    Last edited:
    • Like
    Reactions: UK Solicitors
    Upvote 0
    U

    UK Solicitors

  • #6
    14A

    Many thanks for the opinion. I think this vid on reflection assumes some knowledge of my wife (it was kind of knocked up for friends/existing clients) as it is trying to poke some fun at her initials (HM), but it may be much too in-joke (or even no-joke, I guess)! :D

    Leaving the vid aside, do you think planting a tree is a good idea...?

    (And do you think 'juvenille' slogans for such a scheme - let's say playing on the "get wood" idea - are too silly for a law firm... do people expect us to be staid and boring...? My thinking was that doing the contrarian thing would stand out...)

    Thanks again for contributing!
     
    Upvote 0
    U

    UK Solicitors

  • #7
    I know what you mean Earl...

    But these trees only cost us a tenner I think, and I like trees!:)

    And I think you're also right about the "mainstream", but then again I was thinking that some people do care deeply about the issue...

    Anyway as I say, I was also thinking the worst that can happen is we plant hundreds or thousands of trees which can only be good - even if you're neutral on the warmist/scepetic arguements... who doesn't like trees... (man!) :D
     
    Upvote 0
    S

    Sharpy

    Free Member
    Feb 23, 2010
    98
    17
  • #8
    In my humble opinion, I think the "get wood" slogan isn't appropriate for this kind of business and it would put me off using you. At very best, I'd expect a slogan like that from a production business or some other creative branch of business where you can carry it off. It doesn't sit well in your line of work in my eyes.

    I think the planting a tree idea wouldn't interest me in the slightest. I'd just want to know why your service is better than your competitors and what your pricing structure is like. Then make a decision.

    Some people are interested in trees and the carbon foot prints etc, but when it comes to making a business decision I'd be surprised if many would see it as a USP and base a decision on it.
     
    • Like
    Reactions: UK Solicitors
    Upvote 0
    D

    Dawg

  • #9
    It would influence my choice, yes.

    I'd think 'jeez, they're pretty late jumping onto the Greenwash Express'.

    As a marketing tool for legal services it doesn't advise me of any benefits of using you, apart from a vague and nebulous feel-good. I'd prefer the benefits of winning, speed, effectiveness and price before this.
    Planting trees as a method of burnishing green cred was debunked in the Guardian some years ago I believe, altho' I don't have a link.

    Sorry.
     
    • Like
    Reactions: UK Solicitors
    Upvote 0

  • #10
    UK Solicitors said:
    I know what you mean Earl...

    But these trees only cost us a tenner I think, and I like trees!:)

    And I think you're also right about the "mainstream", but then again I was thinking that some people do care deeply about the issue...

    Anyway as I say, I was also thinking the worst that can happen is we plant hundreds or thousands of trees which can only be good - even if you're neutral on the warmist/scepetic arguements... who doesn't like trees... (man!) :D
    Click to expand...

    First rule of business what you like don't count.

    What your public like may be significant.

    And people who's neighbours have leylandii ain't that keen on them so I hear.:)

    Earl
     
    • Like
    Reactions: UK Solicitors
    Upvote 0
    U

    UK Solicitors

  • #11
    Thanks all...

    Hmmm - interesting stuff!

    Well we do our work very well (although, naturally I would say that - but in my defence (no pun) we offer every client a 110% satisfaction guarantee which tells you how confident we are that we'll deliver everything you expect)...

    Perhaps the guarantee is the more boring, but effective way to go then...

    So if I'm reading this correctly it would seem like y'all think that it has tinges of "scammy" or at best "gimmicky" and is therefore actually counterproductive...?

    How would you feel about it if we told you we do this after you had instructed us... would you think "God have I made the right choice?" or would it be something more positive at that stage... or is it just a crap idea? :)
     
    Upvote 0
    L

    Leyla

  • #12
    sirearl said:
    " if you want to get thinner diminish your dinner" only foolproof way I know to save the planet.
    Earl
    Click to expand...

    Hi All, Earl & UK Solicitors

    Love the quote, thanks.

    Always wondered where these trees were planted.

    I think planting a tree for any reason is a good idea, also courtrooms are covered with the stuff.

    Please don't charge me for planting it.

    And no, geographical spot wouldn't do it for me.

    As for the name, how about 'Good Wood Will?'

    :) x
     
    • Like
    Reactions: UK Solicitors
    Upvote 0
    U

    UK Solicitors

  • #14
    Oh, Leyla, I forgot to say...

    When I said "these trees only cost tenner", that would be coming out of our end - it wouldn't be an addition/tax on the bill (plenty of taxes around as it is)...

    But I can almost hear Earl say something like "Spare me the tree... and give me a tenner off instead..."

    Maybe people are too cynical about lawyers as a breed... :(
     
    Upvote 0
    C

    Chris Ashdown

    Free Member
    • Dec 7, 2003
    13,389
    3,006
    Norfolk
  • #15
    If you were to plant 1000 trees somewhere that would be a nice idea

    If you then ran a promotion saying look all solicitors are not just interested in money but also the environment, we planted 1000 trees to grow something for the future to prove we also care about the world

    Then corny but better doing it first and then winning bragging rights etc
     
    • Like
    Reactions: UK Solicitors
    Upvote 0
    D

    Dawg

  • #17
    If, as a brief glance at your web site seems to indicate, you are after a mostly business clientele you might want to explore that angle more.

    Sponsoring a mentor for start ups locally, something that resonates with the business community rather than a generalized feel good might be more effective. I'd imagine you'd get a better flow of good PR stories out of it too: there are only so many stories the local and trade press want on trees growing...
     
    • Like
    Reactions: UK Solicitors
    Upvote 0

  • #18
    UK Solicitors said:
    How would you feel about it if we told you we do this after you had instructed us... would you think "God have I made the right choice?" or would it be something more positive at that stage... or is it just a crap idea? :)
    Click to expand...

    If I needed a tree and you planted it in my garden.

    I might be interested.

    Direct benefit.

    Planting a tree in the highland of Scotland on Paul mcartney's estate will not do it for me.;)

    Earl
     
    Upvote 0
    U

    UK Solicitors

  • #19
    Thanks Dawg

    That's actually a very good idea... I have another thing I wanted an opinion on but I don't want to bombard everyone, so I might leave that until next week - but this idea could fit into that and give it a good deal more value as well...
     
    Upvote 0
    U

    UK Solicitors

  • #20
    Earl

    Dawg's post reminded me of something I think we could do (that can be monetised and sit within the HMS site). His mentoring idea can even add a little something to it too...

    Hey! I LIKE this forum! :)

    Thanks eveyone - much appreciated!
     
    Upvote 0
    U

    UK Solicitors

  • #23
    Chris thanks - those are some very good ideas... and in fact I might even incorporate them in this other thing I will put to you - the jury - maybe next week...

    Oasis - many thanks. It's pretty much as simple as you use us for something, we do a good job, then we ask which forest you want your tree to go in...

    I haven't got the name of the company that does the actual planting to hand...

    With the "wood" thing, you are not alone in thinking the schoolboy humour isn't in keeping with the stiff (oops, there I go again) reputation of a law firm. But I was trying to be different. (Not very successfully, it seems!):)

    Thanks again, all.

    I have to meet some people now for a bit, but I shall reply to anyone who is kind eneough to give me their tuppenceworth a wee bit later - cheers! :D
     
    Upvote 0
    U

    UK Solicitors

  • #25
    Thanks Geoff

    Yes - not wedded to the carry-on aspect! :)

    I guess there's just a little Finbar Saunders in me trying to get out...

    To be honest I'm not so sure it is worth the effort (might still do it, but not in an overt way) because I think the consensus is "it's a gimmick" (or even worse a scam of some kind)...

    But I am very grateful for the "customer clinic" - and thanks to everyone once again.

    I may put another idea up next week to ascertain opinion on that if y'all don't mind (well I guess if you do you can just ignore it, actually!) :)

    Have a splendid Easter weekend all.
     
    Upvote 0
    papverpoppies

    papverpoppies

    Free Member
    Apr 8, 2009
    6,754
    2,208
    Fields, roadsides, gardens!
  • #26
    Does it matter what your clients think - go ahead and plant them, we ALL need trees, never mind saving the planet.

    Not for business reaons, but when we first bought this house we planted 700 trees some 15 years ago - they are stunning now!

    If you can make it work for the business then great - there usedto be grants available for large scale planting.

    Try the foresty commission - or any other local nature preseveration society in your area.

    Good Luck

    Poppy
     
    • Like
    Reactions: UK Solicitors
    Upvote 0
    An Oasis

    An Oasis

    Free Member
    Oct 3, 2006
    9,876
    1,682
    Weaverham, Northwich, Cheshire
  • #27
    UK Solicitors said:
    Oasis - many thanks. It's pretty much as simple as you use us for something, we do a good job, then we ask which forest you want your tree to go in...
    Click to expand...

    Not much to go on but stick with indigenous species to be safe and also use a reputable organisation or there is the potential for what is a nice gesture to come back and nibble away at yer corporate arse!:D
     
    • Like
    Reactions: UK Solicitors
    Upvote 0
    Log in to reply

    Latest Articles

    Top Bottom
    Community
    Articles
    Menu