How Marcus Harris Turns Legal Complexity into Clear, Practical Advice
In the latest episode of "The Favorite Teacher," I had the pleasure of sitting down with Marcus Harris, a seasoned attorney specializing in the ERP software space.
Marcus has spent over 20 years focusing on drafting and negotiating software-related contracts and litigating large ERP digital transformation failures. He is currently a partner at Taft, Stettinius & Hollister in Chicago.
Tackling Complex B2B Challenges
Marcus's audience is diverse, ranging from law students to large companies seeking new software systems or facing challenges with their ERP implementations. He primarily works with businesses generating at least $50 million in revenue. These companies turn to Marcus for guidance on navigating the intricacies of ERP contracts and dealing with problematic software implementations.
What makes Marcus unique is his skill in simplifying these complex B2B challenges. For example, instead of diving into the legal weeds, Marcus focuses on practical advice that helps companies understand when to throw in the towel on a troubled ERP project and what their options are moving forward. This ability to distill complicated concepts into actionable insights is what sets him apart as a favorite teacher in his field.
Educating Through Video
Marcus has found that video is an ideal medium for his content. In our conversation, he explained that video forces him to take difficult legal concepts and break them down to their base components. This approach ensures that even those without a deep understanding of legal jargon can grasp the practical advice he offers. For instance, when discussing the litigation risks associated with ERP contracts, Marcus uses video to explain these risks in straightforward terms, helping his audience avoid common pitfalls.
He also highlighted the importance of keeping content at a high level, especially in a field as complex as law. By focusing on the essential points and avoiding overly technical details, Marcus makes his content accessible to a broad audience, including business owners and legal professionals who may not have specialized knowledge in software law.
The Business Impact of Content Creation
The impact of Marcus's content on his law practice has been profound. He noted that his video content, in particular, has a direct relationship with business development. While not every video generates immediate client inquiries, there’s often a noticeable increase in business activity after a video is released.
Marcus shared that his videos do more than just generate leads—they enhance his online presence and build trust with potential clients.
This “halo effect” means that people not only find him through search engines but also feel like they know and trust him before ever reaching out. As Marcus put it, video content takes him from being a "one-dimensional brochure on a website" to a dynamic, living person that clients can relate to and trust.
Tips for Aspiring Content Creators
For those looking to create educational content in complex B2B industries, Marcus offers two key pieces of advice:
- Know Your Audience: Understanding who you are speaking to is crucial. Marcus advises focusing on the specific challenges and interests of your ideal clients. For instance, in his work, this means addressing the concerns of companies dealing with ERP contracts and providing them with the practical information they need to make informed decisions.
- Keep It Conversational: Marcus recommends a conversational approach to content creation. Rather than relying on detailed scripts, he suggests using a basic outline with key points to guide the discussion. This method not only makes the content feel more natural but also allows your personality to shine through. For example, Marcus mentioned that his early videos were more formal, but as he became more comfortable, he adopted a conversational tone that resonated better with his audience.
Marcus Harris’s ability to simplify complex legal concepts and present them in an approachable way has not only positioned him as a favorite teacher in the legal field but has also significantly contributed to the growth of his practice. His authentic, conversational style in video content turns intricate legal topics into valuable lessons that are easy to understand.
If you're interested in learning more about Marcus's work or checking out his content, you can find him on LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, or visit his firm's website at taftlaw.com.