How to Create an Effective Mediator Profile?
You never get a second chance to make a first impression
In today’s world, the internet is the first place that people look when they are in search of… just about anything, really, including a skilled mediator.
Will a potential client find you when they look for a mediator online? If they find you, what will they see?
An online profile is likely to be the first place that a potential client “meets” you, so it is imperative that you spend a substantial amount of time preparing it. You want to present your skills and personality in such a way that the client’s first impression of you is an influential one.
What should be included in an online profile?
An effective online profile should include as many of these items as possible:
Photo
A photo is the first feature that a potential client will look for; without a photo, your chances of getting hired plummet. Spend the time and money to get a high-quality photograph that presents you as competent, trustworthy, and professional. Ensure good lighting and a minimal – but not bare – background. This is literally your face in the digital world; use the same photo on all of your professional online accounts (Facebook, website, MediatorSelect.com, etc.).
Video
A photo is essential, and a video is highly recommended. A 30- to 60-second introductory video will provide an interactive experience with you that a photograph cannot. Let clients see and hear how confident, compassionate, and easy to talk to you are. In 30 seconds, you will have made a big impression and formed a connection.
Practice areas
Explain exactly which areas you practice in. Save everyone from a lot of wasted time by being upfront about the work you perform.
Mediation approach and philosophy
Describe your approach to mediation and your philosophy about what mediation can and should accomplish. Talk about how you apply this in your practice – how does it affect your interactions with clients? What is your goal for each mediation case?
Mediation experience
How many years have you worked in mediation? Full-time or part-time? Talk about the mediation organizations that you are a member of, relevant boards you serve on, conferences you have presented at, and awards you have won.
Mediation training
At what school or organization were you trained? What degrees or certificates have you earned? What classes or workshops have you taken?
Cases
Briefly describe the cases you have handled, including:
What kind of cases they were (e.g., divorce, landlord/tenant, workplace)
How many cases of each kind
How many had more than two parties involved
What percentage of these cases were settled in mediation
Professional Background
Offer a brief summary of other professions in which you have worked, if any. Your other professional experience may prove appealing to some clients, especially if it’s in the area in which you now practice mediation (e.g., healthcare, entertainment).
General experience
If you like, add a very brief section about your general experiences and personal interests – do you coach kids’ sports? Do you have an interesting hobby, or did you minor in something unusual? This is a chance to add some humanity and personality to your profile, as well as provide other avenues for making connections with potential clients. “Hey, I coached Little League when my kids were little, too!”
Languages
Which languages do you speak? Being multilingual is a huge asset for a meditator, as multilingual parties may prefer to mediate in a different language.
Testimonials
Collect testimonials from previous clients who were impressed with your work. The best references are specific about what most impressed the client about you. “She was very nice to work with” is not nearly as effective as “She was able to solve our complicated problem with some very creative suggestions. We were both very satisfied with the outcome.”
An important beginning
A complete mediator profile is your first step toward building a strong online presence.
MediatorSelectmakes it easy to create a complete profile; simply complete each section, upload your professional photo and engaging video, and you are all set! Set up your profile now to be included in our database of the best mediators from across the United States.
