Downturn in economy, upturn in mediation use?
April 25, 2008 ·
LegalZoom is suggesting that mediation is one of the Top Businesses to Start in a Sluggish Economy. It comes in at #4 in the list of ten.
Their reasoning is, “In tough economic times, many people turn to mediators rather than attorneys to settle disputes simply because they are less expensive. If you’re skilled at negotiating this may be the business opportunity you are looking for.”
The full list looks like this:
- Debt collection
- Healthcare products
- Job search agency
- Mediator
- Security firm
- Computer repair
- Internet marketing
- Web entrepreneur
- Pawn broker
- Cosmetic sales
What do you think…is LegalZoom’s reasoning sound?
Found via Sproutwire.
Copyright © 2008 by Tammy Lenski. All rights reserved.
Tammy:
Is Legal Zoom’s reasoning correct? Yes and No. It makes reasonable sense in that conflicts increase when tough economic times occur. And, it would also make reasonable sense that resolving conflict in the most cost efficient way while preserving ongoing relationships through Mediation would be the action of choice. But, “No”, if people aren’t exactly aware of Mediation and what can be accomplished through Mediation. The other issue is, it takes both parties in conflict to agree to Mediation. One may want to Mediate, the other may not.
I have spent literally several thousand dollars advertising mediation as an alternative to Litigation. When I advertise, I receive inquiries. However, the Mediations that result from the inquiries are not enough to justify the dollars spent on advertising. I am now beginning to write articles for local newspapers that talk about Mediation. I will be pleased if there is
an “uptick” in interest in Mediation. It truly is “A Better Way to Go!”
Best regards,
Mark
Hi, Mark -
Thanks for taking the time to comment!
I agree with your thinking. LegalZoom’s premise seems generally correct, yet may be failing to take into account the steep climb in the public’s understanding of mediation that is needed for it to reach a real tipping point.