As Collaborative Professionals, we wear many hats. We’re problem-solvers, peacemakers, educators, and advocates for a healthier approach to resolving family conflict. One role that often gets overlooked, and sometimes even avoided, is that of marketer.

The truth is, no matter how skilled we are in the Collaborative Process, clients won’t find us unless we put time and intention into sharing what we do and why it matters. That begs the question, how much time should Collaborative Professionals spend on marketing?

The answer depends on your comfort level, your goals, and how you define “marketing.” Let’s look at several levels of engagement from the minimal to the all-encompassing.

The Minimalist: A Few Minutes a Week

If your time and energy are stretched thin, start small. Even five to ten minutes a week can make an impact. Simple actions include liking, sharing, or commenting on posts from your local practice group or related to the Collaborative Process. Sending a note to a potential referral source. Make sure your website or social media profiles include information about Collaborative Divorce

Small actions keep your presence alive in your professional and community network and that consistency adds up over time.

The Intentional Marketer: A Focused Hour a Week

Spending just one focused hour per week can help you develop a sustainable rhythm.

Here’s what that might look like. Posting once a week on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram about the benefits of the Collaborative Process. Writing a short blog or sharing an article that educates your audience. Attending one local networking or professional group meeting per month and making a point to mention Collaborative Practice in conversation.

This level of engagement keeps you visible, helps you refine your message, and reminds people that you are passionate about helping families stay out of court.

The Active Advocate: A Few Hours a Month

For professionals who want to build stronger referral relationships and elevate their visibility, a few hours each month dedicated to marketing can make a noticeable difference. Volunteering for your local Collaborative group’s outreach or social media committee. Hosting an informational lunch-and-learn with other professionals in your community. Creating videos or short posts that share success stories, are just a few examples of marketing actions you can take.

At this level, marketing becomes part of your professional identity. You’re not just doing it for yourself, but for the Collaborative community as a whole.

The Natural Marketer: Marketing as Part of Everything You Do

Here’s the secret many Collaborative Professionals eventually discover, everything you do is marketing.

When you attend a professional conference, speak with compassion during a team debrief, or share a success story with a colleague, you’re marketing. Every conversation, every presentation, and every genuine connection builds awareness and trust.

At this level, marketing stops feeling like an obligation and becomes an organic part of your work. You embody the values of the Collaborative Process in every interaction, and people are drawn to that authenticity.

There’s no single right answer for how much time you should spend on marketing. The key is consistency and authenticity.

Start where you are. Do what feels manageable and meaningful. As your comfort grows, so will your visibility and so will the number of families you help find a better way forward.

Remember that marketing doesn’t have to be loud, pushy, or time-consuming. It just needs to reflect who you are and why you believe in the Collaborative Process.