Here is the latest of my 2 – 3 minute read articles for lawyers – “The Silent Client Killer of a Lawyer’s Practice: Procrastination in Business Development”… For many lawyers, business development is an essential but often delayed aspect of practice management. The demands of client work and administrative tasks frequently take priority, leaving little […]
Storytelling as a Business Development Tool for Lawyers
In the legal profession, where technical expertise is a baseline expectation, storytelling becomes a powerful tool to stand out and connect on a deeper level. By sharing compelling narratives, lawyers can bridge the gap between complex legal concepts and the personal or professional goals of their clients. Storytelling fosters trust, builds rapport, and humanizes the […]
Is Business Development Coaching Right for your Firm?
Business development coaching can be transformative for lawyers, providing insights and accountability that supports personal growth, business growth and firm-wide objectives. One-on-one coaching provides personalized guidance, ideal for lawyers seeking to refine specific skills and receive ongoing support for real-world situations they face. In contrast, group coaching fosters collaborative learning, where shared experiences enhance motivation […]
A Lawyer’s Dilemma: Deciding When and How to Request Referrals
Many law firm leaders fail to highlight to their teams the significant impact referrals can have in reducing marketing and client acquisition costs. Traditional marketing and business development strategies can be expensive and often lack the personal touch that referrals inherently provide. In my work coaching lawyers on business development, I’m frequently surprised by how […]
Avoid Being a Business Development Stalker
In the early stages of my coaching process with lawyers, I delve deeply into their business development (BD) activities, honing in on the specific individuals they are targeting and attempting to build a relationship with. It’s a common scenario that, despite persistently focusing on the same names, they see minimal returns on their time and […]
Enhancing Legal Services and Revenue Generation through Financial Collaboration
In the professional services sector, collaboration is crucial for providing comprehensive and integrated solutions to clients. For instance, lawyers who build relationships with accountants and Chartered Business Valuators (CBVs) can significantly enhance their ability to give well-rounded advice, particularly in complex financial and valuation scenarios. Additionally, these relationships open up business development opportunities through cross-referrals. […]
Networking for Lawyers: Overcoming Insecurity and Building Strong Connections
I advise the lawyers I coach that the cornerstone of business development, beyond providing exceptional service to current clients, lies in meeting people and fostering relationships. They understand this concept. However, when I inquire about their greatest challenge or fear, they often admit it’s the prospect of attending events or cocktail parties and meeting new […]
The importance of lawyers actively pursuing business development while safeguarding their mental health well-being
In my coaching sessions with lawyers, a frequently mentioned reason for their reluctance to dedicate time to business development is the scarcity of available time. This hesitancy is especially understandable given their focus on meeting client demands and achieving chargeable time targets, whether as an associate or partner. At partner level, time becomes even scarcer […]
Beyond Brilliance: Image will also impact on a young lawyer’s career
Throughout my years as a business development coach for lawyers, I have encountered various challenges related to image issues that I have had to address before a plan for business development goes any further. Additionally, while serving as a member of my former firm’s leadership, I have addressed many concerns such as body odor, bad […]
Transforming Networking Challenges into Strengths
Networking is essential for lawyers seeking business expansion. When executed proficiently, it fosters relationships and enhances business prospects.