Crushing Chaos with Law Firm Mentor

The Decision Math: Why Hiring Too Late Is Your Most Expensive Mistake

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 08:43:04 +0000

Most law firm owners wait until they are drowning in work to start looking for talent—a reactive strategy that Allison Williams argues is actually the most expensive mistake you can make. This episode provides a tactical roadmap for shifting from "gut-based" hiring to a quantitative, finance-based perspective on team growth.

Allison breaks down the "Invisible Profit Killer" of understaffing, where overworked teams sacrifice client communication and missed opportunities for expansion. The conversation explores the profound difference between a Restriction Policy (controlling expenses) and a Growth Policy (investing in talent), proving that stability is a massive financial advantage. By understanding the psychological impact of turnover on firm community and using capacity numbers derived from service SKUs, owners can build a firm that scales predictably rather than frantically.

What You'll Learn:

The Investment Mindset: Why treating employees as assets rather than expenses is essential for professional services firms.
The True Cost of Turnover: How to calculate the loss of productivity, institutional knowledge, and client confidence.
Capacity Calculation: How to use your service SKU to determine exactly when a team member is at "full utility."
The Understaffing Trap: Why lawyers in overworked firms often meet minimal metrics but miss maximum profitability.
Community Erosion: The hidden financial risk of losing "peer friendships" within the firm, and how it triggers a mass exodus.

Helpful Links:

Law Firm Menton on LinkedIn
Allison Williams on LinkedIn

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] Intro: The true cost of turnover and the investment mindset.
[08:31] Snippet 1: Why Capacity Calculations Beat Gut Feelings.
[12:45] The Invisible Profit Killer: How understaffing leads to missed revenue.
[19:10] Client Confidence Bank: How personnel shifts impact referrals and lifetime value.
[23:30] Snippet 2: Investing vs. Restricting Expenses.
[25:40] Snippet 3: The Psychological Cost of Turnover to the Team Community.
[28:15] Institutional Knowledge: The financial danger of information staying "in heads" rather than systems.

Unlock 230+ episodes of proven law firm growth strategies, instantly access the exact tools you need to break past the $1M and $10M revenue barriers at https://crushingchaos.lawfirmmentor.net/vault

Notable Guests Include:

Danielle Hendon, Ted DeBettencourt, Pam Meissner, Steve Fretzin and other industry experts in legal marketing, leadership, and law firm growth.

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

It Has To Be Me and Other Myths in Law Firms
From Tire Kickers to High-Quality Clients: The Power of Targeted Messaging
Why Your Law Firm Still Feels Chaotic (And How to Fix It)

Always Be Recruiting: How to Build a "Work Here" Content Engine

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 10:54:18 +0000

Most law firms only go to market when they have an immediate vacancy, a reactive approach that often leads to settling for "bodies" rather than "top talent". Allison Williams argues that sustainable growth requires a permanent recruiting pipeline, a "talent bench" that is nurtured even when you aren't actively hiring.

This episode provides a tactical roadmap for building an employer brand that performs as well as your client-facing marketing. Allison breaks down how to rotate through specific content types, from "day in the life" videos to professional development milestones, to signal to the marketplace that your firm is a destination for high performers. By treating candidates like prospects and using tools like dedicated careers pages and career-specific drip campaigns, owners can eliminate the "ground zero" hiring struggle and build a firm that people are excited to join before they even pick up the phone.

What You'll Learn:

The "Work Here" Content Engine: How to move beyond "we're hiring" posts to a repeatable system that showcases your unique culture.
Talent Bench Strategy: Why you should stay in front of previous candidates to shortcut future hiring and avoid high recruiter fees.
The Careers Page Overhaul: Why your website needs more than a list of openings to truly market the "experience" of your workplace.
Internal Recruiters: How to incentivize your existing team to become your most credible brand advocates.
Recruiting as Intake: Reframing the screening process as a sales role to "warm up" candidates and increase your hiring conversion.

Helpful Links:

Law Firm Menton on LinkedIn
Allison Williams on LinkedIn

Episode Highlights:

[05:40] Showcasing the USP: Why virtual workplaces or annual charity events are critical signals for attracting "your kind of people".
[07:20] Promoting Team Wins: Why celebrating judgments, settlements, and even 90-day anniversaries builds a narrative of success.
[10:25] The Careers Page Pivot: Moving from a "sterile" list of jobs to a video-driven experience of how your firm actually works.
[15:10] The Peer Credibility Factor: Why a candidate is more likely to believe a peer about PTO and culture than an owner's sales pitch.
[22:52] The Career Drip Campaign: Using newsletters to keep silver-medalist candidates warm and excited about your firm's growth.
[27:13] The Narrative of Excitement: Engineering every touchpoint to make candidates "want you" before the first interview.

Unlock 230+ episodes of proven law firm growth strategies, instantly access the exact tools you need to break past the $1M and $10M revenue barriers at https://crushingchaos.lawfirmmentor.net/vault

Notable Guests Include:

Danielle Hendon, Ted DeBettencourt, Pam Meissner, Steve Fretzin and other industry experts in legal marketing, leadership, and law firm growth.

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

It Has To Be Me and Other Myths in Law Firms
BEST OF: The 3 Biggest Law Firm Myths Debunked
Why Your Law Firm Still Feels Chaotic (And How to Fix It)

Mission vs. Paycheck: How to Attract High-Performing Law Firm Talent

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 09:37:26 +0000

Many law firm owners struggle with the concept of "selling," often falling back on resumes and reputations. Allison Williams argues that in person-to-person services, people aren't just buying legal tasks; they are buying into a trajectory. This episode serves as a strategic guide for law firm owners to align their firm's future with the personal goals of their clients and employees.

Allison explores the dangers of "information gaps," where a lack of explicit communication leads candidates to invent their own—often negative—narratives about their job security and growth. By reframing consultations as a reflection of culture and job descriptions as mission-driven invitations, owners can eliminate "transactional" behavior and build a team of high-performers who are bought into the long-term vision.

What You'll Learn:

The Vision as an Asset: Why your firm’s future casting is more valuable than your years of experience.
Consultation Culture: How the "seamlessness" of your client intake predicts the client’s confidence in your legal outcome.
Mission vs. Task: The secret to attracting employees who want to contribute to something bigger than a paycheck.
Codifying Success: Why every person in your firm must be able to articulate how to grow and earn more within your walls.

Helpful Links:

Law Firm Menton on LinkedIn
Allison Williams on LinkedIn

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] The Vision Trap: If you don’t sell the vision, your candidates will invent one, and it’s usually the wrong one.
[05:25] The Interview Signal: How your questions about weekend work or output signal your true expectations to top talent.
[12:40] The "Mad Dog" Mistake: A case study on why hiring for technical "bite" can destroy a peaceful office culture.
[19:05] Transactional vs. Mission-Driven: Why task-based job ads only attract "box-checkers".
[25:15] The French Hotel Lesson: How missing information leads to false assumptions and "cultural faux pas" in business.
[33:39] The Path to Success: Why transparency in career trajectory is the only way to prevent poaching by recruiters.

Unlock 230+ episodes of proven law firm growth strategies, instantly access the exact tools you need to break past the $1M and $10M revenue barriers at https://crushingchaos.lawfirmmentor.net/vault

Notable Guests Include:

Danielle Hendon, Ted DeBettencourt, Pam Meissner, Steve Fretzin and other industry experts in legal marketing, leadership, and law firm growth.

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

It Has To Be Me and Other Myths in Law Firms
BEST OF: The 3 Biggest Law Firm Myths Debunked
Why Your Law Firm Still Feels Chaotic (And How to Fix It)

Systematic Delegation: Building an Engine That Runs Without the Founder

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 16:17:40 +0000

Many law firm owners struggle to scale because they are trapped in the role of the primary operator. While they may love the craft of lawyering, Allison Williams argues that the "founder-as-bottleneck" mindset is the single greatest hindrance to growth. This episode serves as a guide for transitioning into the role of a CEO who engineers outcomes rather than just performing tasks.

Allison breaks down the "People Problem" inherent in professional services, reframing the firm as a "body shop" where success is defined by the optimization of human behavior toward a profitable core outcome. She warns against "abdication", the act of dropping the keys to the kingdom without providing metrics, and explains how to build bumper lanes between roles to prevent the ambiguity that breeds drama. By the end of the episode, owners will understand how to implement data-driven accountability systems that allow them to let go of control without losing their standards.

What You'll Learn:

The Architect Mindset: Why your primary, non-delegable job is to be the systems architect of your business engine.
Identifying the Bottleneck: How being the "smartest person in the room" prevents your team from rising to their highest use.
Bumper Lane Engineering: How to define role boundaries to eliminate the ambiguity and friction that lead to workplace drama.
Delegation vs. Abdication: The critical difference between giving away a task and engineering a repeatable, successful outcome.
Systematized Accountability: Why accountability is a formal system, not a personality trait, and how to build one with "teeth".

Helpful Links:

Law Firm Menton on LinkedIn
Allison Williams on LinkedIn

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] Your Job is Getting Things Done: Shifting from the "doer" to the person who ensures results.
[02:45] The Body Shop Reality: Optimizing people’s performance to a core outcome profitably.
[06:48] The Smartest Person Bottleneck: Why doing it "faster yourself" is a hindrance to scaling.
[09:08] Ambiguity and Drama: How overlapping roles create friction and "bleed over" authority.
[18:25] Engineering Outcomes: Why individual success is luck, but engineered success is a system.
[30:50] The Billable Hour Struggle: A case study on why vague accountability schedules fail.
[45:30] Leadership Maturity: Letting go of micromanagement and excessive control.

Unlock 230+ episodes of proven law firm growth strategies, instantly access the exact tools you need to break past the $1M and $10M revenue barriers at https://crushingchaos.lawfirmmentor.net/vault

Notable Guests Include:

Danielle Hendon, Ted DeBettencourt, Pam Meissner, Steve Fretzin and other industry experts in legal marketing, leadership, and law firm growth.

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

It Has To Be Me and Other Myths in Law Firms
BEST OF: The 3 Biggest Law Firm Myths Debunked
Why Your Law Firm Still Feels Chaotic (And How to Fix It)

Every Expense Must Have a Job: The Discipline of Strategic Budgeting

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 13:36:41 +0000

Many law firm owners fear looking at their numbers, equating poor financial data with personal failure. Allison Williams dispels this fear by reframing financial management as a scaling framework rather than a source of stress. This episode serves as a blueprint for firm owners to shift from "vanity" metrics like top-line revenue to the "power" of margin discipline. Allison explains that growth inherently creates financial pressure, but without a plan to engineer profit, scaling will only lead to inefficiency and "quarterly surprises".

Allison introduces the concept of "profitizing" roles, ensuring every expense—from malpractice insurance to high-end stationery—is treated as an investment with a measurable return. By building dashboards that provide weekly visibility into productivity and cash flow, owners can move beyond "gut-based" hiring and impulse spending. The episode concludes with a deep dive into ROI as leverage, particularly for firms scaling toward the $5,000,000+ range, where indirect revenue contributors like C-suite executives must be holistically integrated into the firm’s profit model to avoid eating away at the bottom line.

What You'll Learn:

Revenue vs. Margin: Why top-line revenue is vanity, while bottom-line margin is the true source of business power.
Engineering Profit: How to plan for expanding and contracting margins as a managed part of the growth cycle.
The Job-Based Budget: Assigning every dollar a purpose before it arrives to avoid impulse buying and " Santa-mode" over-generosity.
Operational ROI Strategy: Understanding how operational efficiency acts as a profit strategy by "profitizing" every new hire.
Weekly Visibility: Why margin discipline requires weekly dashboard monitoring rather than waiting for quarterly financial reviews.
Leveraging Indirect ROI: How to quantify the return on indirect revenue contributors like COOs, CMOs, and even office stationery.

Helpful Links:

Law Firm Menton on LinkedIn
Allison Williams on LinkedIn

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] Broke is an Identity: Why perpetual financial struggle is a discipline problem, not a character flaw.
[02:45] Revenue is Vanity: Distinguishing between the ego of high revenue and the power of high profit.
[12:15] Planning the Cycle: Understanding your firm's unique business cycles, surges, and variable expenses.
[24:30] Every Dollar Has a Job: Using tools like "You Need a Budget" (YNAB) principles to manage law firm cash flow.
[38:10] Hiring Beyond Your Gut: Why your business will eventually outgrow your "gut instinct" and require a data-driven dashboard.
[45:50] Weekly Visibility: The importance of real-time pivoting to solve sales and operational problems.
[55:00] ROI as Leverage: How even "indirect" expenses like coaching and C-suite infrastructure stack profit.

Unlock 230+ episodes of proven law firm growth strategies—instantly access the exact tools you need to break past $1M and $10M at https://crushingchaos.lawfirmmentor.net/vault

Notable Guests Include:

Danielle Hendon, Ted DeBettencourt, Pam Meissner, Steve Fretzin and other industry experts in legal marketing, leadership, and law firm growth.

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

It Has To Be Me and Other Myths in Law Firms
BEST OF: The 3 Biggest Law Firm Myths Debunked
Why Your Law Firm Still Feels Chaotic (And How to Fix It)

From Tire Kickers to High-Quality Clients: The Power of Targeted Messaging

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 12:07:27 +0000

When growth plateaus, many law firm owners instinctively increase their lead generation spend, but Allison Williams warns that dumping more leads into a flawed marketing system only results in "glut or trash". This episode of Crushing Chaos serves as a blueprint for shifting from a volume-based marketing approach to a value-based messaging system. Allison explains that generic, "vague" messaging attracts price-shoppers and "tire kickers" because it fails to differentiate the firm from the legal commodity market.

The episode introduces "Authority Messaging," a strategic approach that moves beyond universal clichés like "we fight" or "we win". Instead, Allison shows how to use specific frameworks, statistical success rates, and repeatable processes to validate expertise and build trust upfront. Furthermore, she explores how messaging acts as a "presale" tool, creating an "omnipresent" brand that educates passive consumers long before they contact the firm. By treating marketing as a rigorous, measurable business system rather than a creative exercise, law firm owners can scale their practice with precision, ensuring that their internal and external communications work together to enhance both lead quality and client satisfaction.

What You'll Learn:

The Lead Volume Trap: Increasing lead volume is often the wrong first step; growth starts by fixing your message to avoid wasting money on low-quality "glut or trash".
Escaping the Commodity Category: Generic messaging like "we fight" or "we win" turns your firm into a commodity, attracting price-shoppers and tire-kickers.
The Clarity Principle: Effective marketing must be specific enough to repel the wrong prospects while attracting the ideal ones to save your team’s time.
Authority Messaging: Validate your expertise by sharing specific frameworks and "showing your work" rather than using universal clichés.
Marketing as a Presale Tool: Use consistent messaging across platforms to educate and qualify passive consumers before they ever call your firm.
Systems vs. Creativity: Messaging should be a measurable, data-driven business system rather than a creative outlet that changes based on energy or whim.
Internal Messaging Systems: Systematic communication with existing clients is essential to prevent under-communication, which is a leading cause of client grievances.

Helpful Links:

Law Firm Menton on LinkedIn
Allison Williams on LinkedIn

Episode Highlights:

[01:30] Stop Buying Leads: Why you should evaluate your current messaging before spending more on marketing volume.

[08:45] Repelling the Wrong Clients: How clarity in who you are not for improves the quality of your leads.

[13:00] The "Where Do I Sign" Attitude: How pre-selling through messaging simplifies the intake process.

[19:30] Systems vs. Creativity: Why viewing marketing solely as a creative outlet hinders optimization.

[35:10] Internal Messaging: Using systematic communication to prevent client frustration and grievances.

Notable Guests Include:

Danielle Hendon, Ted DeBettencourt, Pam Meissner, Steve Fretzin and other industry experts in legal marketing, leadership, and law firm growth.

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

It Has To Be Me and Other Myths in Law Firms
BEST OF: The 3 Biggest Law Firm Myths Debunked
Why Your Law Firm Still Feels Chaotic (And How to Fix It)

Stop Being the Closer: How to Build a Sales Machine in Your Law Firm

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 13:53:48 +0000

Many law firm owners believe they are the best person to close clients, but when sales depend entirely on the owner, growth becomes limited by that owner’s time, energy, and availability. In this episode of Crushing Chaos, Allison Williams challenges attorneys to stop viewing sales as a personal strength and start treating it as a system. If your systems do not run without you, you do not have a scalable business, you have a bottleneck. Building a sales machine means designing processes that operate consistently whether or not the owner is present.

Allison explains how sales should move through a clearly defined conveyor belt of reception, intake, sales, and legal delivery. When those handoffs are sloppy, friction builds and clients lose confidence. When the closing process lacks structure, results fluctuate based on personality instead of predictability. Scripting the sales conversation with precision ensures that every prospect moves through defined stages from rapport to problem clarification to authority positioning and investment discussion, creating measurable and repeatable outcomes.

She also emphasizes the importance of defining what “qualified” truly means before ever discussing conversion rates and measuring the right metrics to drive growth. Revenue alone is a lagging indicator. Firms must track leading indicators such as qualification, scheduling, and conversion percentages in order to forecast accurately and improve performance. Ultimately, sales is the lifeblood of a law firm, and building a system that runs without you is the fastest and most reliable way to achieve consistent, scalable growth.

What You'll Learn:

Why owner-led sales limit scalability
The four-part lead-to-client conveyor belt
How sloppy handoffs create friction
Why scripting improves predictability
The difference between qualification and conversion
How to measure leading indicators for growth
Why sales systems must outperform individual talent

Helpful Links:

Law Firm Mentor on LinkedIn
Allison Williams on LinkedIn

Episode Highlights:

[01:40] You Are the Bottleneck Why sales dependent on the owner prevent true scalability.

[12:47] Script with Precision How structured conversations create consistent conversion.

[32:50] Sales Is Survival Why systemizing sales is essential to long-term law firm growth.

Notable Guests Include:

Danielle Hendon, Ted DeBettencourt, Pam Meissner, Steve Fretzin and other industry experts in legal marketing, leadership, and law firm growth.

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

It Has To Be Me and Other Myths in Law Firms
BEST OF: The 3 Biggest Law Firm Myths Debunked
Why Your Law Firm Still Feels Chaotic (And How to Fix It)

Law Firm Intake Mastery: Turn Sales DNA Into Six-Figure Revenue Growth

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 09:48:42 +0000

Many law firm owners assume slow growth is a marketing problem.

In this episode of Crushing Chaos with Law Firm Mentor, Allison Williams challenges that assumption and points to a more common issue: conversion.

When the owner is the only person capable of closing, revenue becomes dependent on their time, bandwidth, and energy. Growth stalls because sales capacity is capped.

Allison reframes intake as a revenue function not an administrative one. Hiring for friendliness isn’t enough. Firms need “sales DNA”: the ability to discuss money confidently, manage objections, control the conversation, and guide prospects toward decisions.

She also outlines the structure of a high-performing consult and explains why scripting creates consistency, not rigidity. Without structure, results fluctuate. With structure, conversion becomes predictable.

The episode closes with two critical levers for improvement: consistent training and behavior-based accountability. Tracking data, refining scripts, and incentivizing the right actions are what turn intake into a scalable growth engine.

What You'll Learn:

Why most law firm growth issues are conversion problems — not marketing problems
The risk of being the only person who can close
What to look for when hiring intake professionals
The essential components of a structured consult
Why emotional drivers influence buying decisions
How weekly training improves long-term conversion
The impact of small percentage increases in closing rates
Why behavior-based compensation improves performance

Helpful Links:

Law Firm Menton on LinkedIn
Allison Williams on LinkedIn

Episode Highlights:

[02:15] The Sales Bottleneck in Small Firms Why owner-led sales models limit scalability and create inconsistent revenue.

[09:30] Hiring for Sales DNA The difference between hiring for personality and hiring for performance.

[17:45] Structuring the Consult for Consistency How scripting key touchpoints improves clarity, confidence, and outcomes.

[28:10] Diagnosing Emotional DriversWhy authority, shame, and identity themes influence buying decisions.

[39:20] Training Beyond Onboarding How weekly refinement and CRM tracking improve conversion over time.

[47:00] Incentivizing the Right Behaviors How to reward actions that lead to revenue while staying compliant.

Notable Guests Include:

Danielle Hendon, Ted DeBettencourt, Pam Meissner, Steve Fretzin and other industry experts in legal marketing, leadership, and law firm growth.

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

It Has To Be Me and Other Myths in Law Firms
BEST OF: The 3 Biggest Law Firm Myths Debunked
Why Your Law Firm Still Feels Chaotic (And How to Fix It)

The Law Firm Owner’s Guide to Cash Flow Mastery

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 11:00:57 +0000

Many law firm owners start their businesses highly skilled in legal work but deeply underprepared to manage cashflow, projections, and financial systems. In this episode of Crushing Chaos with Law Firm Mentor, Allison Williams welcomes Ben Hockema to explore why money feels overwhelming for so many attorneys and how financial maturity changes everything.

Ben explains that most owners unintentionally put themselves last financially, prioritizing operating expenses, staff, and clients while avoiding paying themselves. He introduces the idea that law firm owners wear two hats: employee and owner, and deserve compensation for both. This mindset shift becomes the foundation for building sustainable firms.

The conversation dives into Profit First principles and the power of allocating money intentionally across multiple accounts. Ben breaks down how separating funds for payroll, taxes, profit, and owner compensation creates visibility and forces smarter spending decisions. Instead of relying on a single operating account, owners gain clarity by giving each dollar a defined job.

Allison expands on this by addressing a common trap: making decisions based solely on current bank balances. She explains how this short-term thinking ignores future obligations like insurance, bonuses, and quarterly expenses, creating constant financial scrambling.

From there, Ben introduces rolling 12-month projections, KPIs, and leading indicators as essential tools for proactive business management. Rather than reacting to lagging indicators like revenue or client volume, owners learn to track upstream activities that drive future results, such as marketing consistency and pipeline development.

The discussion also highlights the value of fractional and virtual CFO support. Ben shares how third-party perspective helps owners gain objectivity, build systems aligned with their goals, and translate business success into personal financial impact.

Finally, Allison brings the conversation back to mindset, noting how upbringing and cultural conditioning cause many law firm owners to deprioritize themselves financially. Together, they emphasize that businesses should serve their owners — not consume them — and that intentional money systems create both professional growth and personal sustainability.

This episode provides law firm owners with a practical roadmap for moving beyond survival mode and building financially mature, system-driven firms.

What You'll Learn:

Why most attorneys struggle with cashflow despite strong revenue
How Profit First–style systems bring clarity to spending
Why law firm owners must pay themselves as both employee and owner
How multiple bank accounts improve financial decision-making
The difference between leading and lagging indicators
Why projections matter more than balances
How virtual CFO support accelerates business maturity
The role mindset plays in financial sustainability

Helpful Links:

Law Firm Menton on LinkedIn
Allison Williams on LinkedIn
Ben Hockema on LinkedIn

Episode Highlights:

[03:00] Paying Yourself as Owner and Employee Ben explains why law firm owners must compensate themselves for both their labor and ownership, and how skipping this step stalls growth.

[07:00] The Power of Multiple Accounts Why assigning specific purposes to money forces smarter spending and creates financial clarity.

[10:57] Monthly Financial Check-Ins Ben outlines a simple cadence for reviewing business and personal finances to spot trends early.

[13:16] Leading vs Lagging Indicators How tracking upstream activities gives owners control over future revenue instead of reacting too late.

[16:46] Stepping Into the CFO Role Allison explains why financial maturity requires owners to move from reactive to proactive money management.

[21:45] The Human Side of Money A powerful discussion on how mindset and upbringing influence financial behavior.

How to Qualify Your Law Firm Leads Without Buying More

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 10:20:19 +0000

Many law firm owners believe their biggest marketing challenge is generating more leads. In this episode of Crushing Chaos with Law Firm Mentor, Allison Williams reframes that assumption and explains why lead quality, not lead quantity, is often the real driver of revenue and operational stability.

Allison begins by explaining how unqualified prospects quietly clog the sales pipeline. Intake teams spend time with people who are unlikely to convert, follow-ups with strong prospects get delayed, and attorneys lose valuable hours that could be spent serving aligned clients. Simply adding more leads to this system only increases friction.

From there, Allison breaks down what true lead qualification looks like. It goes far beyond whether someone can pay. She explores urgency, values alignment, and practice fit, explaining how these factors determine whether a client relationship will be productive or draining.

The conversation then turns to marketing language and how firms often attract the wrong clients unintentionally. Words like “affordable” or “aggressive” create expectations that may not match how the firm actually operates. Allison explains how this disconnect leads to frustration on both sides and why intentional messaging matters.

Next, Allison walks listeners through why demand generation starts long before the intake call. Reviews, educational content, reputation, and FAQs shape expectations before prospects ever pick up the phone. When these systems are aligned, intake becomes a confirmation process rather than a full sales presentation.

She also addresses a common breakdown inside law firms: intake teams being forced to carry marketing responsibilities. Without proper pre-qualification, intake becomes emotional triage and extended education, which leads to burnout and missed opportunities. Allison shares how aligning marketing with intake creates consistency and relieves pressure on staff.

Finally, Allison explains how qualified demand creates ease, not just revenue. Better-fit clients reduce friction across legal teams, improve retention, and support a healthier firm culture. Through a personal example, she illustrates why systems must be designed not only for payment but also for the type of client experience a firm truly wants to deliver.

This episode of Crushing Chaos with Law Firm Mentor provides a clear roadmap for law firm owners who are ready to stop chasing volume and start building aligned, sustainable growth.

What You'll Learn:

Why most law firms struggle with lead qualification, not lead volume
How unqualified prospects slow revenue and overwhelm intake
How marketing language shapes client expectations
Why demand generation starts before intake
How educational content attracts better clients
Why intake should confirm fit, not carry marketing
How qualified demand improves operations, morale, and retention

Helpful Links:

Law Firm Menton on LinkedIn
Allison Williams on LinkedIn

Episode Highlights:

[05:10] Lead Volume vs Lead Quality Allison explains why adding more leads often creates more chaos instead of more revenue and how unqualified prospects quietly clog your intake pipeline.

[14:45] Marketing Promises and Client Expectations How words like “affordable” and “aggressive” attract the wrong prospects and create misaligned expectations before clients ever call.

[25:30] Demand Starts Before the Call Allison breaks down why reviews, educational content, and reputation shape client readiness long before intake ever happens.

[36:20] When Intake Does Marketing’s Job Why intake teams burn out when they are forced to educate prospects from scratch, and how aligned marketing creates smoother conversions.

[48:40] Qualified Demand Creates Ease Allison shares why better-fit clients reduce friction across your firm and how qualification improves retention, morale, and long-term growth.

Law Firm Financial Planning That Actually Works

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 09:49:51 +0000

Law firms are cyclical businesses, yet many firm owners still plan finances as if revenue arrives evenly every month. In this episode, Allison Williams challenges that assumption and introduces a more sophisticated approach to financial planning, one built on cash timing, intentional expense management, and leadership systems.

Allison begins by explaining why understanding when cash comes in is just as important as knowing how much comes in. She emphasizes that paying bills simply because they arrive rather than when cash is available creates unnecessary cash crunches. Listeners learn why mapping revenue cycles before expenses is foundational to financial clarity.

The conversation then turns to expense timing and vendor relationships. Allison dispels the myth that payment schedules are fixed, explaining why vendors are often willing to adjust payment timing, and why failing to ask is one of the most common financial mistakes law firm owners make.

Finally, Allison reframes the familiar leadership phrase “leaders eat last.” Without intentional systems, she explains, leaders don’t eat last, they don’t eat at all. This segment highlights how financial leadership requires engineering profit into the business, rather than relying on personal sacrifice.

The episode equips law firm owners with practical insights to move from white-knuckle money management to confident, system-driven financial leadership.

What You'll Learn:

Why cash flow amount matters less than cash flow timing
How paying bills based on habit—not availability—creates financial stress
Why vendor payment schedules are often negotiable
How to reduce cash crunches by aligning expenses with revenue cycles
Why leadership sacrifice without systems leads to resentment

Helpful Links:

Law Firm Menton on LinkedIn
Allison Williams on LinkedIn

Episode Highlights:

[04:47] Cash Flow vs. Expense Timing Allison explains why law firm owners must understand when cash enters the business—and why paying bills only when cash is available is a critical mindset shift.

[21:12] Negotiating Payment Timing with Vendors Allison breaks down why vendors are often willing to adjust payment timing and why not asking is the biggest mistake law firm owners make.

[28:25] Leaders Eat Last, The Real Meaning Allison reframes leadership sacrifice, warning that without engineered systems, leaders don’t eat last—they don’t eat at all.

BEST OF: The 3 Biggest Law Firm Myths Debunked

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 10:00:03 +0000

Think you need three months' worth of savings before launching your law firm?

In this episode of Crushing Chaos with Law Firm Mentor, I debunk three of the biggest myths that keep law firm owners stuck. These all-too-common misconceptions lead to chaos, wasted time, and missed opportunities.

You’ll learn how to:

Stop falling for “universal” rules that don’t serve your business
Stop relying on savings and focus on profit planning
Hire the right people for the right roles
Keep your law firm profitable and cash flowing

Tune in now and start building a law firm that can withstand the test of time.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Intro

00:36 The brutal truth about savings

06:33 When to hire people like you (and when NOT to do that)

15:26 Why people quit

23:41 Outro

Additional Resources:

⚡ Register now to unlock your FREE training series: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

✨ Unlock your firm’s full potential with our Law Firm Mentor membership: https://lawfirmmentor.net/membership/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor is a podcast aimed to help lawyers and law firm owners scale their business, make more money, and escape the 60-hour week grind for a life they love. Follow us wherever you get your podcasts so you don’t miss a thing!

BEST OF: 3 Law Firm Mistakes Repelling High-Paying Clients

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 10:00:06 +0000

Are your current clients repelling the clients you actually want to serve?

In this episode of Crushing Chaos with Law Firm Mentor, I break down the three ways your current clients are driving away high-value clients, and what you can do to fix it.

You’ll learn how to:

Create a law firm atmosphere that attracts your ideal clients
Craft intentional messaging that draws in the right audience
Manage energy and workflow so chaos doesn’t drive clients away
Identify client behaviors that signal they aren’t a good fit
Shift your firm’s ecosystem to attract high-paying clients consistently

Stop letting the wrong clients hold you back!

Tune in now.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Intro

02:07 Who is your ideal client?

04:15 How your current clients are repelling your ideal clients

12:26 Why messaging is so important

17:46 It’s all about energy

27:27 Outro

Additional Resources:

⚡ Register now to unlock your FREE training series: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

✨ Unlock your firm’s full potential with our Law Firm Mentor membership: https://lawfirmmentor.net/membership/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

BEST OF: 3 Simple Strategies to Get More Law Firm Clients (Without More Work)

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 10:00:31 +0000

Tired of feeling like your law firm is always chasing clients?

It doesn’t have to be this way. With the right strategies, you can turn visibility into a limitless supply of clients… without adding more hours to your workday.

In this week’s episode of Crushing Chaos with Law Firm Mentor, I share three simple strategies for achieving omnipresence and having clients consistently come to you without doubling your workload.

You will learn how to:

Repurpose one piece of content across multiple platforms
Use video to build trust and showcase your expertise
Break content into sequences to keep clients engaged
Create a consistent client pipeline
Achieve omnipresence without extra work

Tune in now and take your law firm to the next level!

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Intro

01:55 Big picture strategy

03:43 How to leverage AI for omnipresence

07:14 Get caught in the act of your expertise

15:29 Sequence your content

19:43 Outro

Additional Resources:

⚡ Register now to unlock your FREE training series: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

✨ Unlock your firm’s full potential with our Law Firm Mentor membership: https://lawfirmmentor.net/membership/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

How to Conduct a Law Firm SWOT Analysis for Faster Growth in 2026

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 10:00:11 +0000

What’s standing between you and the growth your law firm deserves?

Without a proper evaluation, you could be missing key insights about your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. In this episode of Crushing Chaos with Law Firm Mentor, I’ll show you how to do a year-end SWOT analysis that sets you up for 2026.

You’ll learn how to:

Leverage your strengths
Fix weaknesses and remove bottlenecks
Spot opportunities in your team and systems
Protect against threats to next year’s goals
Become the leader your team actually needs

End 2025 with clarity, not chaos.

Tune in now!

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Intro

00:50 The importance of strong leadership

04:07 Becoming a better leader through SWOT analysis

05:47 Evaluating your strengths

11:03 Evaluating your weaknesses

21:33 Exploring opportunities

34:58 Assessing threats

45:37 Outro

Additional Resources:

⚡ Register now to unlock your FREE training series: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

✨ Unlock your firm’s full potential with our Law Firm Mentor membership: https://lawfirmmentor.net/membership/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

5 Critical Year-End Financial Moves Every Law Firm Must Do Before 2026

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 10:00:31 +0000

Most law firm owners grossly underestimate the impact of strategic financial planning.

They focus on bringing in more revenue, yet ignore the part of the business that actually drives lasting results: how you use and manage the money you already have. In this episode, I show you how to conduct a year-end audit so you can do more with what you have and be ready to seize every opportunity in 2026.

You’ll learn how to:

Conduct a retrospective spending audit
Free up cash and streamline your expenses
Reconcile your revenue drivers
Audit your vendor and contractor spend
Build a 2026 spending blueprint

If you want to escape reactive mode and start making strategic decisions, this episode is for you.

Tune in!

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Intro

01:03 The importance of financial planning

03:46 Conducting a retrospective spending audit

09:33 Canceling unused or redundant subscriptions

13:42 Reconciling your revenue drivers

23:03 Auditing your vendor and contractor spend

28:09 Building a 2026 spending blueprint

33:18 Outro

Additional Resources:

⚡ Register now to unlock your FREE training series: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

✨ Unlock your firm’s full potential with our Law Firm Mentor membership: https://lawfirmmentor.net/membership/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

BEST OF: DIY Bookkeeping Is Killing Your Law Firm’s Growth

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 10:00:19 +0000

Still doing your own bookkeeping?

You’re costing your law firm time, money, and growth opportunities without even realizing it. In this episode, I break down the real cost of doing your own bookkeeping, why accurate financial data is essential for the health of your business, how to find the right bookkeeper for you, and how to automate your bookkeeping process for maximum efficiency.

You’ll learn how to:

Recognize the hidden costs of handling your own bookkeeping
Make confident business decisions with accurate financial data
Hire a bookkeeper who adds strategic value, not just data entry
Set up automations to save time and reduce chaos
Analyze trends to optimize profit and growth

If you want to grow your law firm and make smarter decisions, this episode is for you.

Tune in!

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Intro

02:13 Cost-benefit analysis of DIY bookkeeping

03:56 The importance of accurate financial data

06:50 Interviewing and evaluating bookkeepers

11:40 The value of historical financial analysis

14:01 Prioritizing automation for efficiency

17:27 Strategic planning

21:17 Outro

Additional Resources:

⚡ Register now to unlock your FREE training series: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

✨ Unlock your firm’s full potential with our Law Firm Mentor membership: https://lawfirmmentor.net/membership/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

Law Firm Growth Strategies That Actually Work with Steve Fretzin

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 10:00:57 +0000

If you’re serious about scaling your law firm in 2026, you need to start building better growth systems today.

In this episode, I sit down with Steve Fretzin, author of the best-selling book Legal Business Development Isn’t Rocket Science, to explore law firm growth strategies that actually work. He explains how lawyers can take control of their business development, structure their practice for efficiency, and grow their book of business without spinning their wheels.

You’ll learn how to:

Build a law firm growth strategy that works for you
Master time management and systems to focus your energy
Drive business development through relationships, not pitching
Target the right clients and decision-makers
Turn actionable strategies from Steve’s book into real-world outcomes

This episode will completely change how you approach business development, so don’t miss out!

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Intro

01:49 Steve’s background and transition to the legal industry

07:43 What Steve’s best-selling book offers to lawyers

12:21 Business development is a skill

13:30 Common challenges in legal business development

20:22 Steve’s legacy and future goals

23:19 Outro

Additional Resources:

⚡ Learn more about Steve Fretzin: https://fretzin.com/

⭐ Connect with Steve on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevefretzin/

⚡ Register now to unlock your FREE training series: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

✨ Unlock your firm’s full potential with our Law Firm Mentor membership: https://lawfirmmentor.net/membership/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

The #1 Mistake Law Firms Make When Hiring

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 10:00:13 +0000

Many law firm owners are stuck in a broken hiring cycle. They post the job, pray for applicants, settle for a candidate out of desperation, and then repeat.

It’s passive, it's reactive, and worst of all, it’s keeping your firm from growing.

The truth is that the best people are already working somewhere else.

The best people are already working somewhere. It's time to GOYA (Get Off Your Ass) and aggressively recruit them.

In today’s episode, I’m breaking down:

How not to be passive in tight markets
How to build a careers page that sells your firm
How to write ads that speak to what top candidates really want
How to use LinkedIn, ZipRecruiter, and Indeed like a hiring pro
Why “always be hiring” is a strategy

🎧 Tune in now and let’s start hiring smarter.

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Law firm hiring strategies in a tight market (01:09)

Creating a careers page on your website (05:28)

Running ads to your careers page (08:36)

Proactive use of job platforms (12:09)

Additional Resources:

⚡ Register now to unlock your FREE training series: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

✨ Unlock your firm’s full potential with our Law Firm Mentor membership: https://lawfirmmentor.net/membership/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

The Pattern Holding You Back as a Law Firm Leader (And How to Overcome It)

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 10:00:37 +0000

Do you feel like no one else can do your work as well as you?

Many law firm leaders are convinced that as soon as they let go of control (or let someone else shine in their place), their business and reputation will suffer.

Here’s the brutal truth. This mindset drives you to act from ego rather than strategy, all under the guise of maintaining control. Left unchecked, it can stall your growth and keep your law firm dependent on you.

That’s why today, I’ll show you:

How to spot the inferior superior in yourself
How ego-driven choices limit your law firm’s growth
Why learning from others (even less experienced people) can be your advantage
How to build a firm that thrives even without you

If you’re ready to let go of limiting beliefs and become a stronger law firm leader, this episode is for you.

Tune in now!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Let’s talk about self-sabotage (02:59)

Strengths, but weaknesses too (09:40)

Why you need to overcome your ego (15:41)

How to recognize the ‘inferior superior’ (22:34)

Additional Resources:

⚡ Register now to unlock your FREE training series: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

✨ Unlock your firm’s full potential with our Law Firm Mentor membership: https://lawfirmmentor.net/membership/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

The Money Mindset Every Lawyer Needs to Dominate 2026

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 10:00:14 +0000

Running a law firm isn’t just about cases… It’s about making your numbers work for you.

In this episode, I sit down with Danielle Hendon, the founder of 4 Corners CFO, to explore how law firm owners can take control of their finances, build profitable systems, and make confident money decisions without feeling judged.

You’ll learn how to:

Read your numbers and the story behind them
Build a budget and cash flow plan that sets clear expectations
Structure compensation and incentives to protect profit and retain talent
Shift your money mindset so that taking what you earn feels right
Position your firm to thrive in 2026

This episode will change how you approach finances and how you see your firm, so don’t miss out.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Intro

04:06 What are your numbers saying?

08:55 The money mindset shift you need

11:10 Long-term perspective, budgeting, and the law of thirds

14:49 Marketing, profitability, and effective compensation models

21:53 Delegation and optimizing workflow

22:50 Cash flow management

28:04 How to be a financially successful business in 2026

29:19 Outro

Additional Resources:

✨ The 4 Corners CFO: https://4cornerscfo.com/

⚡ Register now to unlock your FREE training series: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

✨ Unlock your firm’s full potential with our Law Firm Mentor membership: https://lawfirmmentor.net/membership/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

The BEST Authentic Personal Branding Tips for Lawyers w/ Steve Fretzin

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 10:00:51 +0000

How can you promote yourself when you’re not a natural self-promoter?

This is the question I ask my guest on this week’s episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor, Steve Fretzin.

Steve is the premier business development coach for lawyers as well as the founder of FRETZIN, Inc. and host of the podcast Be That Lawyer. He has spent nearly two decades helping attorneys master business development.

Through his work, Steve offers lawyers like you strategic, relationship-driven, and refreshingly non-salesy approaches to growing their practices.

In this episode, Steve and I break down what it takes to promote yourself authentically and the power of great personal branding. We also talk about how to leverage LinkedIn for promotion, the importance of connecting hobbies to practice areas, and how AI can help even the most hesitant attorneys get started.

If you’re ready to scale your law firm, this episode is for you!

Tune in now.

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Meet Steve (01:09)

Climbing both sides of the business development mountain (02:53)

Personal branding for lawyers (06:05)

Where to start? (08:46)

AI for personal branding (13:36)

Networking when you’re not a natural (17:04)

Outro (22:23)

Additional Resources:

✨ Connect with Steve LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevefretzin/

✨ Learn more about Steve’s work: https://fretzin.com/

⚡ Register now to unlock your FREE training series: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

✨ Unlock your firm’s full potential with our Law Firm Mentor membership: https://lawfirmmentor.net/membership/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

RERUN: The Top 3 Mistakes That Are KILLING Your Law Firm’s Intake System

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 10:00:19 +0000

You could be killing your intake system and you might not even know it! I know, this is a pretty scary thought, and even worse: you might not even understand why it’s happening.

Lucky for you, this is exactly why I’m here! In this week’s episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor, I break down the top three mistakes that are killing your law firm’s intake.

Your intake system is the lifeblood of your law firm, and you might be unknowingly undermining it with simple, easily avoidable mistakes.

Listen in to learn the importance of having dedicated intake professionals on hand, why client distress management training is vital, how legal-friendly incentives motivate intake personnel to meet their goals, and so much more.

It’s time for you to stop bleeding leads and grow your law firm, so don’t miss this episode!

Tune in now for more.

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Why you need a dedicated intake person (03:14)

Are you having regular sales meetings? (09:13)

Don’t forget about follow-up! (17:51)

Additional Resources:

⚡ Register now to unlock your FREE training series: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

✨ Unlock your firm’s full potential with our Law Firm Mentor membership: https://lawfirmmentor.net/membership/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

The Secret to Turning Website Visitors Into Clients w/ Ted DeBettencourt

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 10:00:12 +0000

Most law firm owners are still relying on outdated intake systems and it’s costing them real cases. But what if the fix wasn’t more automation, but more humanity?

In this episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor, I sit down with Ted DeBettencourt, co-founder of Juvo Leads, a legal marketing company that’s revolutionizing the world of chat services.

Together, Ted and I talk about how AI is evolving (and where it falls short), why response time is now the biggest factor in getting leads through Google’s Local Services Ads, and how law firms can use chat to book consults, sign retainers, and stop prospects from shopping around.

We also break down what really makes a potential client feel heard in those critical first five minutes and why the firms that figure that out are the ones winning in today’s market.

If you’ve been wondering how to bring more leads in the door (and actually sign them), this is the episode for you!

Tune in now.

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Meet Ted (01:06)

What makes a bad chat? (05:01)

Website conversion (07:34)

Let’s talk about LSAs (12:51)

What about quality control? (16:48)

The future of legal intake (20:46)

Additional Resources:

✨ Learn more about Juvo Leads: https://juvoleads.com/

⚡ [Free Training] 5 steps to never stop growing: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

The Exit Plan Every Lawyer Needs w/ Pam Meissner

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 10:00:06 +0000

Most law firm owners wait way too long to think about exit planning. But planning your exit isn’t something you do at the end, it’s something you bake into your business from the beginning.

In this episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor, I sat down with Pam Meissner of Cathcap, a company that provides fractional CFO services to law firms.

And let me tell you, this conversation went way beyond balance sheets and spreadsheets. Pam shares deep insights on how to build a law firm that’s not just profitable, but actually sellable.

We talk about how to create enterprise goodwill, why your firm should function without you, and how systems, structure, and mindset all contribute to the value of your business. We also dive into money psychology, including how the way you grew up shapes how you run your firm today (spoiler: your financial thermostat was probably set at your childhood dinner table).

Whether you’re years away from exiting or just tired of being the only one holding your business together, this episode is packed with gold that will help you think (and act) like a real CEO.

Tune in now!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Meet Pam! (00:55)

All about Pam’s book (03:15)

The major shifts before an exit (07:40)

Leading vs lagging indicators (11:30)

Let’s talk about your financial thermostat (16:01)

Why you need to start investing in systems and processes (22:47)

Additional Resources:

✨ Learn more about Cathcap:

Website: https://cathcap.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cathcap/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CathcapCFO/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cathcapCFO

⚡ [Free Training] 5 steps to never stop growing: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

TikTok Can Help You Grow Your Law Firm, Here’s How

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 10:00:35 +0000

TikTok is all the rage these days, everyone is on it… yes, even your competitors! So if you think TikTok is only for Gen Z and not for you, this is a sign to change your mind.

In this episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor, I rest my case: you need to start a TikTok account AND be active on it, because that’s one of the best (and cheapest) ways to not only attract new clients, but also actively engage with your already existing audience.

I’ll also be sharing with you everything you need to know to thrive on TikTok, from the types of content that actually perform well (and no, you don’t have to dance), to how to create a powerful hook in the first two seconds, to how to show up consistently in a way that feels natural, and a lot more.

Ready to take TikTok by storm?

Then tune in now!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Hook your audience in the first two seconds (02:39)

Focus on storytelling (05:08)

Be consistent (10:20)

Leverage TikTok’s features and trends (12:51)

Have a strong CTA (15:03)

Additional Resources:

⚡ [Free Training] 5 steps to never stop growing: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

5 Golden Cashflow Fixes Every Law Firm Needs (And Why Your Firm Is Leaking Cash)

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 10:00:23 +0000

Just because there's money in the bank doesn’t mean your firm is financially healthy.

And that’s exactly why learning to project your cash flow isn't a luxury, it’s a non-negotiable skill if you want to grow your firm without constantly stressing about money.

In this episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor, I share five powerful strategies to help you create accurate, reliable, and dynamic financial projections. These are the same tools we use with clients to ensure their growth plans don’t lead to a cash crunch.

You’ll hear real stories from the trenches, like the firm owner who relied on an associate’s “gut feeling” about seasonality and nearly tanked their bonus strategy. I’ll also explain how to forecast based on your firm’s actual capacity, why historical data is your best friend, and how to time your revenue and expenses so you’re never caught off guard.

If you’ve ever looked at your finances and thought, “Where did all the money go?” this episode is for you.

Tune in now!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Use historical data (03:43)

Always account for seasonality (08:49)

Forecast revenue by capacity (15:07)

Tie expense projections to growth levers (22:27)

Build dynamic cash flow projections (25:52)

Additional Resources:

⚡ [Free Training] 5 steps to never stop growing: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

Why Your Law Firm Needs a Mission, Vision, and Values (Part 4/4)

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 09:00:53 +0000

This is part four out of four of my series about your law firm’s mission, vision, and values.

Your law firm values are not just a word on a poster, they are what guide your work and your firm towards a better future.

And this is exactly why living your law firm’s values isn’t optional, it’s a must if you want to achieve true, sustainable growth without letting go of who you are or what you believe in.

In this episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor, I wrap up my four-part series on mission, vision, and values by discussing what values really are and how you can use them to shape behavior, culture, and outcomes across your entire firm.

Listen now and discover my very own five-step process to help you identify, define, and implement your law firm’s values in a way that’s practical, repeatable, and powerful enough to guide everything from who you hire to how you recognize and review your team.

If you’re serious about building a law firm that runs smoothly without you having to do everything yourself, this is the episode you don’t want to skip.

Tune in now!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Why you need to define your values (02:36)

Who are your best people? (09:20)

Identify patterns (12:05)

Turn your values into action statements (13:49)

Test for distinctiveness (17:08)

Integrate your values into your operations (18:39)

Additional Resources:

⚡ [Free Training] 5 steps to never stop growing: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

Why Your Law Firm Needs a Mission, Vision, and Values (Part 3/4)

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 09:00:55 +0000

This is part three out of four of my series about your law firm’s mission, vision, and values.

What would your law firm look like if you gave yourself permission to dream big, really big?

In this episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor (which is part three in my four-part series on mission, vision, and values), I delve into the vision statement.

And let me just say: if you’ve ever felt stuck in the day-to-day of your firm and wondered how to build something bigger than yourself, this one’s for you.

Listen in as I walk you through the five-step process to craft a vision statement that’s not only clear and measurable, but powerful enough to pull your entire firm forward.

Tune in now and learn:

Why most law firm owners find vision harder than mission
How to think 5 to 10 years ahead, even when you’re buried in the now
What “emotional aspiration” is and why your vision needs it
How to write a vision that is time-bound but still future-proof
What separates a fluffy statement from one that actually drives action

…and a whole lot more.

Are you ready?

Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

What’s your vision of the future? (05:08)

Don’t forget measurable outcomes (10:43)

Include emotional aspiration (13:40)

Make it time-bound but timeless (17:19)

Refine, refine, refine (22:24)

Additional Resources:

⚡ [Free Training] 5 steps to never stop growing: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

Why Your Law Firm Needs a Mission, Vision, and Values (Part 2/4)

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 09:00:00 +0000

This is part two out of four of my series about your law firm’s mission, vision, and values.

Running your law firm without a mission statement is like driving without a destination. Sure, you’re moving, but are you going where you actually want to go?

In this episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor (which is also part two of my four-part series on mission, vision, and values), I break down the mission statement.

I discuss why it matters, how to craft it, and how it can become the foundation for both your internal alignment and your external growth.

Listen now and learn all about:

Why your mission is about transformation, not transactions
How to identify your core audience
Why your mission is a powerful sales tool, not just an internal slogan
What to include (and what to leave out) in your mission statement
How to test and refine it so it actually inspires action

… and so much more.

Well then, what are you waiting for?

Run, don't walk, and tune in now!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Identify your core audience (04:06)

Clarify the outcome you create (07:20)

Define your unique approach (10:21)

Combine it all into one strong sentence (12:56)

Test for clarity and emotion (16:13)

Additional Resources:

⚡ [Free Training] 5 steps to never stop growing: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

Why Your Law Firm Needs a Mission, Vision, and Values (Part 1/4)

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 09:00:33 +0000

This is part one out of four of my series about your law firm’s mission, vision, and values.

Running a law firm can often feel like you’re constantly putting out fires, juggling decisions, and managing chaos.

But what if I told you that one of the biggest reasons for this chaos is not having a clearly defined mission, vision, and values?

In this week’s episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor, I discuss these three elements and why they are absolutely essential to creating a firm that is always growing!

Listen now and learn:

Why having a mission is more than just a statement
What vision really means
Why values are more than just nice words
How lack of structure and unclear values can make it harder to grow
How to align your team around a shared purpose

… and so much more!

Tune in now and start creating a law firm that works for you, not the other way around.

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Define your mission (02:45)

Create a vision (13:31)

Establish your core values (26:10)

Additional Resources:

⚡ [Free Training] 5 steps to never stop growing: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

What Law Firm CEOs Do to Avoid Burnout

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Burnout doesn’t always look like collapsing or giving up. Sometimes it looks like overachieving, even when you need the rest.

In this week's episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor, I discuss what it really feels like to burn out as a law firm CEO, and more importantly, how to stop it before it starts.

Listen in as I share my five-part burnout avoidance plan and the exact strategies I use to keep going, even through the massive demands of running a law firm.

Tune in now and learn:

Why burnout hits differently when you’re the CEO
What real delegation looks like
The boundaries that protect your time and your sanity
How to make self-care non-negotiable
Why accountability isn’t about pressure, it’s about power

… and a lot more!

This is for every single CEO who's found themselves stretched thin and exhausted by their day-to-day responsibilities; it's your sign to truly start caring for yourself.

Tune in now for more.

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Systemize and delegate (07:19)

Set boundaries around your time (12:58)

Prioritize revenue-driving activities (18:57)

Invest in your well-being (21:30)

Build a support network (27:16)

Additional Resources:

⚡ [Free Training] 5 steps to never stop growing: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

Why Your New Hire Quit Before Starting (Part 2/2)

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 09:00:03 +0000

This is part two of our series on candidates who quit before day one, keep reading for more.

—

Last week, I shared with you why some prospective employees will accept a job offer then back down at the last second.

In this week’s episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor, I break down what exactly you can do about it. I share with you seven strategies you can implement right now to reduce the number of people who vanish after saying yes.

Listen now and learn:

How to probe for real motivation
The dangers of long lead times between offer and start
Why asking directly about counter-offers is a power move
How to create emotional “stickiness” that keeps people from backing out
What to do when someone ghosts you

… and so much more.

If you are looking to build a team with integrity, resilience, and commitment, then this is the way to do it!

Tune in now.

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Probe motivation early (03:40)

Shorten the gap between offer and start date (09:29)

Create stickiness before the starting date (13:06)

Be direct about counter-offers (15:03)

Accept a certain rate of attrition (23:34)

Strengthen your employer brand (27:17)

Don’t forget to circle back (32:38)

Additional Resources:

⚡ [Free Training] 5 steps to never stop growing: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

ENCORE: The BEST AI Tools Every Law Firm Needs to Thrive

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 09:00:47 +0000

Most law firm owners are stuck in the grind, drowning in legal research, buried under billing headaches, and constantly putting out fires with client intake. Instead of steering the ship, they’re stuck rowing, exhausted and overwhelmed.

But the truth is, it doesn’t have to stay that way. One tool can change everything: AI.

I know, I know! A lot of people roll their eyes at AI. But here’s the thing: when used right, it’s not just a trend, it’s a game-changer.

AI platforms like ChatGPT and Gemini work great as virtual collaborators, they can’t do your job, but they can help make it easier.

If you’re drowning in endless research, unsure how to price your services profitably, or constantly troubleshooting problems after they arise, then this is the episode for you.

In it, I’ll be breaking down three game-changing ways AI can help you save time, boost profits, and solve problems before they even happen.

Listen in and learn:

How AI can save you time (and money)
Why AI-powered efficiency makes flat fee billing actually profitable
The hidden power of AI-driven data to troubleshoot intake and conversion issues fast

Are you ready to take your law firm to the next level with AI?

Then tune in now!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Why lawyers are using AI (00:52)

How to use AI to save time with legal research (04:31)

Moving from billable hour to flat fee (11:17)

Use AI predictive coding to troubleshoot issues (17:27)

Additional Resources:

⚡ Register now to unlock your FREE training series: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

✨ Unlock your firm’s full potential with our Law Firm Mentor membership: https://lawfirmmentor.net/membership/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

Why Your New Hire Quit Before Starting (Part 1/2)

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 09:00:01 +0000

Have you ever had someone accept your job offer, then bail before day one? Yeah, me too.

It’s one of the most frustrating things I’ve experienced as a law firm owner, and lately, it’s been happening more and more. I used to think it was something I was doing wrong. But when I started reaching out to other law firm owners, from solos to mid-size firms to folks managing entire departments in Big Law, I realized this is a trend that's not just affecting me.

In this episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor, I discuss why candidates are backing out after signing offers. I also talk about the emotional, cultural, and psychological shifts that are changing how people think about work, and what it means for those of us doing the hiring.

You’ll hear about:

Why counter-offers are exploding right now
The rise of fear, overcommitment, and last-minute FOMO
How ego, identity, and employee disconnection play into your hiring challenges
The generational changes no one wants to talk about
How quiet quitting has been affecting law firms everywhere

… and a lot more.

This is part one of a two-part series, so stay tuned for the second part, coming in a few days.

For now, tune in!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

There’s a new trend on the market (02:24)

How counter-offers are changing everything (12:33)

What does job anxiety have to do with this? (16:53)

Let’s talk about FOMO (18:52)

The shift in workplace mentality (24:18)

Generational and cultural shifts (28:28)

People are overselling their dissatisfaction (32:54)

Additional Resources:

⚡ [Free Training] 5 steps to never stop growing: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

ENCORE: The Money System

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 09:00:29 +0000

Have you ever felt like the more money your law firm makes, the more stressful it becomes?

I’ve been there, and I remember the panic I felt whenever our bank balance dropped below a certain number; that one simple thing would send me into full-blown anxiety. Even worse, I didn’t know what I was doing when it came to managing money.

A financial plan would have kept me from spiralling (and spiral I did, sometimes), and this is exactly why, in this episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor, I decided to share with you the financial system that helped me go from terrified to in control.

Listen now and learn:

The one number every law firm owner should always have at their fingertips
Why cutting expenses isn’t the answer
How to plan for income just like you plan for expenses
Why financial anxiety creeps in even when there’s money in the bank (and how to overcome it)
How focusing on producing more revenue leads to true financial freedom

… and so much more!

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by money or don’t know where to start when it comes to managing your law firm's finances, this episode is for you.

Tune in now!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Know your “one” number (04:03)

Create a plan (08:25)

Manage your expenses (11:42)

Make more, don’t spend less (20:38)

Additional Resources:

⚡ [Free Training] 5 steps to never stop growing: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

ENCORE: Seven Overlooked Strategies In Negotiating Your Commercial Lease

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 09:00:20 +0000

You opened your law firm to build something lasting, and let’s be honest, working from a closet probably wasn’t part of that vision.

But that’s exactly where I ended up when we outgrew our space. Literally. A supply closet.

This is why, in this episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor, I share with you the seven most commonly overlooked strategies lawyers miss when signing for office space, and how to avoid those costly missteps (so you don't end up in the same situation I ended up in).

Whether you’re stepping into your first brick-and-mortar or leveling up to support a growing team, this episode will show you how to negotiate like the savvy lawyer (and business owner) you are.

Listen now and learn:

Why a commercial broker is your secret weapon
The math behind your total lease cost (spoiler: it’s not just rent)
How to negotiate free rent and other hidden benefits
What a competition clause is
The critical clause that gives you room to grow and room to leave

If you’re thinking of signing a lease now, then this is the episode for you, so don't miss it!

Tune in now.

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Use a broker (03:55)

Do your market research (07:12)

Calculate the total cost of the lease (08:49)

Negotiate tenant inducements (11:53)

Add a competition clause (15:26)

Plan for growth (18:48)

Don’t forget an exit clause! (22:25)

Additional Resources:

⚡ [Free Training] 5 steps to never stop growing: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

ENCORE: Taking Prospect Calls After Hours

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 09:00:20 +0000

You started your law firm for freedom, so why does it feel like you're always on call?

That’s the question one of our clients asked, and it sparked a conversation we had to bring to the podcast.

In this episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor, I discuss one of the most debated questions for law firm owners: should you be taking client calls on nights and weekends?

Here's the short answer: There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. But there is a smart, strategic way to make the decision that supports both your business goals and your life.

Listen now and learn:

What “season of hustle” you're in
How to protect your quality of life without sabotaging your growth
What your financial footing tells you about your flexibility
And how to build a business that feeds your life, not the other way around

… and much more!

Tune in now to take control of your life AND your firm.

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Understand what “season” you’re in (05:14)

What about your quality of life? (10:09)

Will this impact your bottom line? (13:46)

Additional Resources:

⚡ [Free Training] 5 steps to never stop growing: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

Why Your Law Firm’s Social Media Strategy Isn’t Working

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 09:00:59 +0000

"Just post consistently and the clients will come."

How many times have you heard that? I used to believe it too, until I realized I was spending way too much time on social media and getting very little to show for it.

In this episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor, I break down what actually works when it comes to social media for law firms.

I also share my tips to create a strategy that gives you real, measurable results that will help you scale your business.

Listen now and learn:

Why engagement matters more than consistency
How to use questions to activate your audience
What social media platforms really reward
How to track the numbers that actually lead to dollars
Why “winging it” won’t cut it anymore in 2025

… and a whole lot more!

If you've been feeling like you're shouting into the void with your social posts, this episode is for you.

Tune in now.

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Stop random posting (03:01)

Use engagement-driven tactics (06:30)

Master your keywords (08:57)

Study your competitors’ social media (11:58)

Stop winging it (15:29)

Additional Resources:

⚡ [Free Training] 5 steps to never stop growing: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

Reddit Marketing for Law Firms & Lawyers

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 09:00:42 +0000

Reddit? For law firm marketing? Surely not.

I thought the same thing, until a trusted digital marketer challenged my thinking.

We’re all told to market where our clients are, but what if they’re hanging out in unexpected space?

In this episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor, I discuss why Reddit is becoming a game-changing platform for lawyers to build authority and how to use that to your law firm's advantage.

Listen now and learn:

How to efficiently market on Reddit
The importance of staying within ethical boundaries when using Reddit as a lawyer
Why you need to understand Reddit's culture before you start posting on the platform

… and so much more!

Listen to the full episode now and discover how to crush it at Reddit marketing.

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

How NOT to advertise on Reddit (05:18)

Ethical considerations (08:20)

Understand your audience (10:23)

Reputational risk (12:18)

Reddit’s potential payoff (14:29)

Additional Resources:

⚡ [Free Training] 5 steps to never stop growing: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

Stop Wasting Your Law Firm Leads (How to Track What Really Works)

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 09:00:49 +0000

Lead source tracking isn’t exactly the sexiest topic, but it might be the one thing standing between your law firm and next-level growth.

If you’ve ever looked at your marketing reports and thought, “Where are these leads even coming from?” or “Why aren’t we closing more of them?”, then this episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor is the one for you.

In it, I break down five simple but powerful strategies to close the gap between marketing and sales, so you can stop wasting good leads and start converting the right clients.

Listen in now and learn:

The one intake question that changes everything
Why your CRM is only as useful as your data consistency
How to avoid falling for vanity metrics
What AI is doing to your lead flow
How to turn raw data into actual strategy

… and so much more!

Tune in now.

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Ask leads how they found you (02:24)

Bridge the marketing-sales gap (05:19)

Ensure data consistency (08:05)

Stop relying on the wrong metrics (10:33)

Turn insights into real strategy (17:55)

Additional Resources:

⚡ [Free Training] 5 steps to never stop growing: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

AI, Billable Hours, and the Future of Law Firm Profitability

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 09:00:35 +0000

AI has taken the legal world by storm, and while it presents incredible opportunities, it also comes with its own set of risks, especially when it comes to how you bill your clients.

How do you explain your bill to a client who thinks ChatGPT wrote their legal brief?

In this episode, I'll discuss the shift in client perception in your legal work, how they are becoming more aware of AI's presence in business, and how that's going to affect how they perceive your bills.

While AI is here to stay, your reputation still depends on the perceived value of what you deliver.

Tune in to learn how to future-proof your billing strategy before your clients start questioning it.

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

AI in the legal industry (03:03)

Can lawyers use AI tools? (10:19)

The cost of creating AI gen models for smaller firms (12:36)

Clients are becoming more sophisticated (14:51)

How the uneven adoption of AI is affecting your law firm (17:57)

Additional Resources:

⚡ [Free Training] 5 steps to never stop growing: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

When to Bring Law Firm Marketing In-House?

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 09:00:25 +0000

Marketing agencies can be extremely helpful… until they aren't.

If you’ve ever hired an agency that dazzled you at the start, only to provide you with subpar work, then this episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor is for you.

In it, I walk you through when it's time to stop outsourcing your marketing and start building an in-house team that truly understands your firm, your clients, and your goals.

Listen in now and learn:

Why cost alone isn’t the real question
How in-house talent gets closer to your brand voice
The hidden advantage small law firms have over big law when it comes to pivoting fast
What skills to look for (and what’s safe to outsource)
How to know when marketing becomes a core business function not just a vendor task

Whether you’re scaling up or just tired of feeling like a low-priority client, this episode will help you make a smarter, more strategic marketing move.

Well then, what are you waiting for?

Don't miss this episode, tune in now!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Cost vs value (01:21)

Alignment with firm culture (10:25)

Speed is a must! (13:37)

Expertise vs skills? (21:32)

Let’s talk scalability (27:17)

Additional Resources:

⚡ [Free Training] 5 steps to never stop growing: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

Google's 2025 Algorithm Updates & How They Affect Your Law Firm

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 09:00:54 +0000

Google has just changed the game and law firms everywhere are trying to keep up (and feeling the impact of not doing so).

If your website traffic has dipped or your Google ranking has dropped you’re not imagining things. In the last few months, Google rolled out major updates that are already reshaping how law firm websites get found (or get buried).

In this episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor, I break down exactly what these updates mean for your firm, why old SEO tactics are officially no longer useful, and how Google is now rewarding websites that reflect real legal experience.

Listen now and learn all about:

The new standards for EEAT (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trust)
Why your shiny awards don’t matter as much as your CLEs
What to do if your site is filled with thin or AI-generated content

… and more!

I also share with you five simple but powerful changes you can make today to strengthen your online presence, improve your user experience, and actually work with Google’s algorithm.

Tune in now for more!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

What is YMYL? (03:00)

How Google emphasizes EEAT (07:01)

Focus on good content (09:16)

Audit your website! (20:53)

Additional Resources:

⚡ [Free Training] 5 steps to never stop growing: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

Google Now Owns Your Intake Calls, Here’s What You Can Do About It

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 09:00:36 +0000

Have you ever wondered what really happens when someone calls your law firm through a Google Local Service Ad?

Here’s the truth: as of June 5th, 2025, Google now owns those calls. Every intake conversation, every message, even the details your clients thought were private, Google now has the right to record, keep, and use that information however they want.

If you’re asking yourself how this is even possible, and most importantly, how to work around it, then don’t miss this week’s episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor.

In it, I break down what this means for you, your clients, and your ethical responsibilities as a lawyer.

I also share what you can do about it, including how to:

Protect prospective client information during intake
Reroute calls off risky LSA lines
Avoid agencies opting you in without your knowledge
Diversify your lead sources so you’re never at the mercy of one platform

Want to learn more about this?

Then tune in now!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Let’s talk about LSAs (01:27)

Google’s policy change (05:54)

Your data is not safe (10:29)

Your client’s confidentiality is a must! (13:06)

Google’s one-sided control (17:02)

This is what you can do to protect your clients (21:51)

Additional Resources:

⚡ [Free Training] 5 steps to never stop growing: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

ENCORE: The Structure of Flexibility

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 09:00:05 +0000

If you’ve ever told your staff, “I trust you, just get the work done,” only to find yourself dealing with missed deadlines, weird tension, or team members side-eying each other, then you know exactly what I’m talking about.

I’ve been there. I thought being flexible would make me AND my team happier. And it did… until it didn’t.

In this episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor, I share what it really takes to create a flexible work environment that actually works.

I also discuss what went wrong in my own firm when we grew from a tight-knit team to a full-blown business and how I had to rethink what flexibility meant if I wanted to keep my team happy and my business thriving.

Listen now and learn:

Why “just trust your people” doesn’t scale
How structure actually gives you more freedom
The three questions to ask before changing any workplace policy
What to do when someone’s taking advantage of flexibility
How clear expectations and KPIs can save your sanity

… and a lot more!

Well then, what are you waiting for?

Run, don’t walk, and listen to this episode now!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Quick story time (05:36)

Always communicate (11:34)

Manage by metrics (14:04)

Retain the right to revoke flexibility (16:39)

Additional Resources:

⚡ [Free Training] 5 steps to never stop growing: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

ENCORE: Stop the Vanity Networking

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 09:00:39 +0000

Let’s talk about a trap I see way too many lawyers fall into: networking without a purpose.

If you've ever walked out of an event feeling like you did something but still ended up with no real business to show for it, then this episode is for you. It's not that you're doing it wrong, it's that you're probably doing it without a plan. And that’s what I call vanity networking.

In this week’s episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor, I break down what vanity networking actually looks like, why it doesn’t get results, and most importantly, how to network like a real business owner with a real strategy.

Listen now and learn:

The biggest mistake lawyers make when they network (and how to avoid it)
How to walk into any event with a simple, effective plan
Who you should actually be talking to (hint: not just other lawyers)
The one thing most people forget to do after events that kills their ROI
How to follow up without it feeling awkward or forced

Networking doesn’t have to be a waste of time, and it definitely doesn’t have to be awkward. When you show up with intention, the results will follow.

Tune in now for more.

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Go to every event with a plan (02:52)

Target people with purpose (05:34)

Don’t waste your time (07:29)

Additional Resources:

⚡ [Free Training] 5 steps to never stop growing: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

ENCORE: Why Do So Many Professionals Think SEO Is A Hoax?

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 09:00:51 +0000

Have you ever wondered if SEO is just a fancy scam?

If so, you’re not alone. I’ve had more than a few clients ask me if SEO is really worth it, especially when results feel slow, unclear, or just plain nonexistent.

So in this week’s episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor, I decided to dive into the truth behind search engine optimization: what it is, what it isn’t, and why so many lawyers feel like they’re throwing money into a black hole.

Spoiler alert: SEO isn’t a hoax. But it can feel like one if no one’s ever broken it down for you in plain English.

In this episode, I’m discussing:

Why SEO takes time (and what’s actually happening behind the scenes)
How to tell if your marketing company is delivering real value
What makes a website rank well and what tanks it
How your firm’s growth goals should shape your SEO strategy
The one simple thing you can do today to get clarity on your results

If you’ve ever felt confused or frustrated with SEO, this episode is going to give you the answers (and confidence) you need.

Tune in now for more.

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

What you need to know first (04:21)

How long does it actually take? (06:13)

A digital marketing agency’s first job is… (08:21)

What is adaptation? (15:41)

When should you get a second opinion? (22:45)

Let’s talk strategy (25:17)

Additional Resources:

⚡ [Free Training] 5 steps to never stop growing: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

ENCORE: Defining Roles in Your Law Firm

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 09:00:32 +0000

Lawyers, I have a question for you: Are you hiring for the role you need today or the role you’ll need tomorrow?

It’s a question many law firm owners don’t stop to ask, and it’s one of the biggest reasons they struggle with high turnover, stagnant growth, and constant “emergency hires.”

In this week’s episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor, I break down the difference between a task list and a job description and why that difference could be the key to building a law firm that grows without you doing all the work.

Listen in and learn:

How a growth-focused job description keeps your team loyal and motivated
Why even “static” roles can be designed for advancement
The hidden cost of business gaps and how to turn them into profit
Why a CEO’s job is to grow work for others, not themselves

If you want to stop hiring reactively and start building a business that runs profitably without you, this is the episode for you.

Tune in now!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Task list vs job description (04:05)

Hire for tomorrow (07:19)

Cover your gaps (09:58)

Allocate resources like a CEO (17:35)

Additional Resources:

⚡ [Free Training] 5 steps to never stop growing: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

ENCORE: How to Shift Your Law Firm Culture

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Are you struggling to align your team with your law firm’s culture, even though they’re great at their jobs?

You’re not alone.

This something many law firm owners face, especially as their practice grows and they bring in new employees.

In this week’s episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor, I dive into the critical steps you need to take to shift your law firm culture. From handling employees who just don’t seem to fit in, to making sure new hires align with your firm’s values, I’m covering it all.

Changing your firm’s culture isn’t easy, but it’s necessary if you want to foster a positive, productive, and unified workplace.

Tune in now and learn:

Why a “reset conversation” is the first step in shifting your culture and how to have it
How to establish and enforce new rules that stick, even when old habits die hard
The importance of hiring employees who embody the culture you want, not just the skills you need
How to ensure that your new hires integrate smoothly into your culture

If you’ve been thinking about how to transform your firm’s culture, this episode is a must-listen.

Tune in now to learn more!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Have a reset conversation (02:57)

Establish new rules (04:40)

Hire for your culture (06:18)

Additional Resources:

⚡ [Free Training] 5 steps to never stop growing: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

3 Key Strategies to Make Your Google Business Profile Work for Your Law Firm

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 09:00:17 +0000

Have you set up your Google Business Profile and thought, "That’s good enough"? Well then, you're definitely missing out on a ton of opportunities to attract the right clients.

In this week’s episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor, I discuss how optimizing your Google Business Profile can be a game-changer for your law firm, whether you’re relying on digital marketing or not.

Even if online advertising isn’t your primary source of clients, your Google Business Profile is often the first thing people see when they search for you. And in today’s hyper-connected world, your online presence is everything, and getting it right can make a huge difference in how you show up to potential clients.

Tune in now to learn:

How to fully complete your Google Business Profile for maximum impact
Why reviews (good and bad) are crucial for building trust
The importance of location-based keywords in getting local clients
Why posting offers can be a great way to boost engagement
How to use reviews and feedback to improve your firm’s online reputation

Let’s make sure your Google Business Profile is working as hard as you do!

Tune in now to learn more.

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Fully complete your profile (06:47)

Consistently respond to reviews (10:24)

Don’t forget to use the right keywords (17:51)

Additional Resources:

⚡ [Free Training] 5 steps to never stop growing: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

Short Videos, Big Results for Law Firm Growth

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 09:00:32 +0000

If you’re struggling to get noticed online, chances are your video content might be the problem… AND the solution.

In this week’s episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor, I discuss how short-form video can become your most powerful marketing tool, even if you’re camera shy or tech-challenged.

We’re living in a bite-sized content world, and those quick 60-second videos are often the first thing potential clients see before they ever visit your website.

That’s why it’s not just about posting video, it’s about posting optimized video.

Today, I’ll show you exactly how to hook your audience in the first THREE seconds, how to layer in captions and branding to boost recognition, and how to use hashtags strategically so your content works harder for you over time.

Tune in now and learn:

Why the first 3 seconds of video are everything
The free tools that make your content look pro
What makes a hashtag actually work for your brand
How to overcome perfectionism and just start
When to systematize your video process and why

Tune in now to learn how to use short videos to convert leads and grow your law firm!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Hook your viewers in the first three seconds (06:01)

Good branding is a must! (11:24)

Be consistent with your hashtags (15:00)

Additional Resources:

⚡ [Free Training] 5 steps to never stop growing: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

AI Referral Secrets for Law Firms and Solo Lawyers

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 09:00:32 +0000

Think AI can’t impact your law firm’s growth? Think again; your next client might be asking ChatGPT instead of Google for legal help right now.

In this episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor, I dive into the world of AI discovery, more specifically how law firm owners can position themselves to get found and recommended by tools like ChatGPT.

And the secret to that is simpler than you might think: It’s about understanding how AI reads your content, interprets your intent, and connects users with the services they’re actually looking for.

Whether you’re a solo attorney or running a growing firm, your online presence is more important than ever, and not just for Google anymore!

This is exactly why today I’ll be showing you how to align your messaging so AI tools don’t overlook you when your next client comes searching.

Listen in now and learn:

Why intent and attributes matter more than ever
How ChatGPT actually decides who to recommend
The biggest messaging mistakes law firms make online
How to write your bio so AI can actually understand what you do
Quick updates you can make today to be more discoverable

Well then, what are you waiting for?

Run, don’t walk, and tune in now!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Let’s talk about AI (01:16)

How AI relies on structured public data (06:47)

Make sure to use natural language (08:40)

How AI assesses your relevance (14:15)

Remember multimodal source integration (19:28)

How AI simulates human decision making (23:13)

Additional Resources:

⚡ [Free Training] 5 steps to never stop growing: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

5 Game-Changing Video Marketing Tips for Law Firm Owners

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 09:00:03 +0000

You know video marketing is important, but every time you think about doing it, you freeze—what should you say, how do you look, what actually works?

In this episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor, I break down exactly how law firm owners can stop overthinking video marketing and start using it strategically to build trust and convert more leads.

This isn’t about being perfect on camera, it’s about being real, being seen, and becoming the lawyer your future clients already feel they know.

From FAQ videos that answer burning client questions to behind-the-scenes clips that humanize your team, today I’m giving you five video strategies that help potential clients go from “just browsing” to “I want to work with you.”

Listen in now and learn:

Why FAQ videos are the easiest way to build authority fast
How to make your law firm stand out with “day in the life” content
What makes video testimonials more powerful than written reviews
Why your mission and values should be part of your hiring strategy
How to stay consistent with content, even when life gets chaotic

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to get on camera, this is your sign.

Tune in now to learn how to use video to build trust, perfect your marketing strategy, and scale your law firm to the next level!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

FAQ videos (05:59)

Day-in-the-life videos (09:53)

Client testimonial videos (14:48)

Video for recruiting (20:20)

Batch record for efficiency! (23:45)

Additional Resources:

⚡ [Free Training] 5 steps to never stop growing: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

Hiring a Non-Attorney Salesperson (Part 4/4): Build a Culture That Converts Leads to Clients

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 09:00:00 +0000

You’ve found the right non-attorney salesperson for your firm, hired them, trained them, and now they’re ready to go; but how do you make sure they’re fully integrated into your culture?

This is the question I aim to answer in the last part of my non-attorney salesperson series.

In this episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor, I share with you how you can create a culture that makes your non-attorney salesperson feel like a valued part of the team. Because if the culture isn’t right, things can get messy, and believe me, no one wants that.

From my years of experience running a law firm with a dedicated salesperson, I’ve learned that it’s not just about finding the right person for the job. It’s about making sure they fit into your team and feel just as important as the lawyers. When you nail this, everything else falls into place.

Listen in now and learn:

Why building a solid culture between your salesperson and legal team is key to making everything run smoothly
How to set clear expectations and avoid friction from the start
The importance of making your salesperson feel like a true team member, right from day one
How to manage egos between lawyers and salespeople so everyone works well together

… and a lot more!

Are you ready?

Tune in now to learn how to build a culture that helps both your non-attorney salesperson and legal team succeed.

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Do your onboarding right (20:52)

Create clear role boundaries (27:37)

Accountability for everyone (36:47)

Additional Resources:

💫 Our September retreat, Lead Flow to Cash Flow: Turning Clicks into Clients and Conversations into Contracts, is coming—don’t miss it, get your ticket now: https://events.lawfirmmentor.net/

⚡ [Free Training] 5 steps to never stop growing: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

Hiring a Non-Attorney Salesperson (Part 3/4): How to Train Your Salesperson to Close

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 09:00:52 +0000

Have you ever hired a non-attorney salesperson and then realized you had no clue how to train them?

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a new hire thinking, “Now what?”, this episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor is exactly what you need.

In it, I dive into the wild west of training non-attorney salespeople—because hiring them is only half the battle. The real magic (and challenge) lies in getting them ready to sell legal services ethically, effectively, and in your voice.

I share everything I’ve learned from nearly a decade of running a law firm with a dedicated sales rep, from what to teach, to how to teach it, to what happens when you skip the hard parts (spoiler: chaos).

Listen in and learn:

Why giving legal advice is off-limits (and how to train your team around it)
The right way to use scripts
How to build understanding behind every “line” of your process
The role of shadowing, feedback, and objection handling in building confidence and consistency

Tune in now to learn more!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

How to train your non-attorney salesperson (01:15)

Start with a script (10:17)

Let’s talk about the training process (21:29)

Train for objections (27:28)

Additional Resources:

💫 Our September retreat, Lead Flow to Cash Flow: Turning Clicks into Clients and Conversations into Contracts, is coming—don’t miss it, get your ticket now: https://events.lawfirmmentor.net/

⚡ [Free Training] 5 steps to never stop growing: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

Hiring a Non-Attorney Salesperson (Part 2/4): Compensation WITHOUT Fee-Splitting

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 09:00:39 +0000

I thought hiring a salesperson would make me money… until I realized I had no idea how to pay them without breaking the rules.

If you’ve ever wondered how to compensate a non-attorney salesperson ethically and profitably, this episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor is a must-listen.

In it, I break down exactly how to pay a non-attorney salesperson in a way that’s smart, strategic, and 100% above board.

I’ll be discussing real numbers, firm-friendly structures, and how to stay on the right side of ethics rules.

You’ll learn why traditional “base + commission” models won’t fly in most jurisdictions and how “base + bonus tied to collected revenue” is the way to go.

I’ll also cover:

How to calculate target compensation
What behaviors to incentivize (spoiler: it’s not just closing deals)
Why tracking conversion metrics matters more than you think

… and so much more!

Well then, what are you waiting for?

Tune in now!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Let’s talk about compensation (04:48)

The ethics rule (06:02)

Bonus instead of commission (10:46)

Are you incentivizing the right things? (22:39)

Additional Resources:

💫 Our September retreat, Lead Flow to Cash Flow: Turning Clicks into Clients and Conversations into Contracts, is coming—don’t miss it, get your ticket now: https://events.lawfirmmentor.net/

⚡ [Free Training] 5 steps to never stop growing: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

Hiring a Non-Attorney Salesperson (Part 1/4): How to Attract the BEST Talent for Your Law Firm

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 09:00:38 +0000

If you've been toying with the idea of hiring a non-attorney salesperson for your law firm but feel a little lost on where to start, this episode is for you!

In today’s Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor episode, I break down everything you need to know about finding the right person to help grow your firm.

I know it can feel like a big decision, but don’t worry, I’ve got you.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

The difference between a legal consultation and a sales conversation (yup, they’re not the same thing, and it’s important to know why!)
How to write a job ad that will actually attract the right candidates
Why emotional intelligence and listening skills matter way more than legal expertise
Why a good screening process is crucial
What intake vs. sales actually means for your law firm and how to structure it

If you’re ready to bring someone on board to help with sales but are unsure how to do it the right way (ethically and efficiently), this episode is going to give you the clarity you need.

Tune in now to learn more.

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Sales conversations ≠ legal conversations (07:03)

Write the perfect ad (11:47)

Hire for EQ (17:59)

Why you need a multi-step screening process (23:05)

Additional Resources:

💫 Our September retreat, Lead Flow to Cash Flow: Turning Clicks into Clients and Conversations into Contracts, is coming—don’t miss it, get your ticket now: https://events.lawfirmmentor.net/

⚡ [Free Training] 5 steps to never stop growing: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

ENCORE: How to Find Comfort and Efficiency in Delegation

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 09:00:02 +0000

Delegation is the key to scaling your law firm, and yet, so many law firm owners struggle to let go of tasks.

We all know that the busier we get, the more overwhelmed we feel. But here’s the catch: if you're trying to do it all, you're likely not giving your best work where it matters most.

In this week’s episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor, I dive deep into why delegation is so critical to your success and growth.

I’ll walk you through how letting go of the little things can free you up to focus on what actually drives your business forward.

Listen in and learn:

Why delegation isn’t about losing control
The mindset shift you need to make to start trusting others with important tasks
How to identify which tasks should be delegated
The systems you need to have in place to make delegation seamless
How to train your team to take ownership and responsibility for their tasks

…and a lot more!

If you’ve been overwhelmed with all the hats you’re wearing and are ready to get out from under the chaos, this episode is for you.

Tune in now.

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Quick story time (01:52)

The problem with delegation (04:00)

Explain the ‘why’ (07:15)

Plan ahead (13:51)

Empower others (15:33)

Additional Resources:

⚡ [Free Training] 5 steps to never stop growing: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

Turning Clicks Into Clients: Law Firm Sales Success Strategy

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 09:00:48 +0000

We all know that getting leads is one of the most exciting parts of growing your law firm—your marketing is working, and your phone is ringing! But here’s the problem: just because you’ve got leads doesn’t mean you’ve got clients.

So many law firms struggle with the next step: converting those leads into paying clients. You might have the best marketing in the world, but if you don’t know how to take that initial interest and turn it into a “Yes!” from the client, you’re missing out on real growth.

In this week’s episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor, I explain exactly what needs to happen to turn your leads into paying clients.

I’ll be covering:

Why sales is a completely different game from marketing—and why you need to understand that difference
The importance of the five-minute rule and how responding quickly could dramatically increase your conversion rates
The system you need to have in place to follow up with leads (because let’s face it, if you don’t have a system, things slip through the cracks)
How to train your team to handle objections and close deals

… and so much more.

If you’re frustrated with leads that never turn into clients, this episode is for you!

Tune in now, and let’s get your leads from “maybe” to “yes!”

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

The 5-minute rule (02:55)

A systematized follow-up process (13:53)

Continuous training (19:32)

Additional Resources:

⚡ [Free Training] 5 steps to never stop growing: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

Social Media Marketing for Law Firms 101

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 09:00:58 +0000

We’ve all heard that social media marketing can make or break a brand—and this is even more accurate in today’s virality-obsessed society.

This is why finding the right balance between interesting and informative content is a must for most companies… yes, even law firms.

So if you think social media marketing is not for you, let me break it to you: you’re wrong.

You need it (that is, if you want your law firm to thrive), and if you have no idea where to start, you’ve come to the right place. In this week’s episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor, I break down how to turn social media into an effective marketing tool for your law firm.

Social media has the potential to work wonders, but only if you use it the right way.

Listen in and learn:

Why it's so important to understand the platform you're using
How to create content that speaks to your audience
The power of consistent posting and why it makes a difference
Why social media marketing isn’t something you can just "set and forget"
Simple ways to make social media marketing work for your busy schedule

Great social media marketing is all about understanding your audience and your platforms, so if you’d like to learn more about it, don’t miss this episode!

Tune in now for more.

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

You need to understand your social media platforms (03:41)

The difference uses of social media (14:23)

Consistency is a MUST (22:18)

Additional Resources:

⚡ [Free Training] 5 steps to never stop growing: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

Google Ads vs. SEO for Law Firms: Which One Delivers the Best ROI?

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 09:00:07 +0000

Are you struggling to decide between Google Ads and SEO for your law firm’s marketing? Which is better? The answer isn’t as simple as you might think.

In today’s episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor, I tackle one of the most common questions I hear from law firm owners: which of these marketing strategies will give me the best ROI?

I get it—marketing can feel like a gamble, especially when money is tight and you need results fast. But the truth is, understanding the right place to spend your marketing dollars can make all the difference between attracting clients and wasting money.

If you’ve been wondering where to focus your marketing efforts, this episode will clear up the confusion. In it, break down the pros and cons of both SEO and Google Ads, explaining when each one is the right choice for your firm.

Listen in and learn:

Why Google Ads are great for quick traction but might not build long-term value
How SEO can work wonders for your brand but requires patience and strategy
The hidden costs that come with both SEO and Google Ads and how to plan for them
Why you should never “set it and forget it” when it comes to your marketing
How to track your ROI (and avoid costly marketing mistakes)

If you’re tired of tossing money into marketing strategies that don’t work, this is the episode for you.

Well then, what are you waiting for?

Run, don’t walk, and tune in now!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Why you need to understand the cost structure first (04:30)

Choose your marketing agency wisely (14:57)

The biggest difference between Google Ads and SEO (21:49)

Additional Resources:

⚡ [Free Training] 5 steps to never stop growing: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

The WORST 5 Website Mistakes Every Law Firm Must Avoid

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 09:00:07 +0000

Did you know? Your law firm website is probably the reason you're not converting visitors into clients.

I get it, you're spending time and money driving traffic to your site, but if it’s not working for you, that’s a problem.

Like a lot of other law firms, you might be making simple but costly mistakes on your website—and they are losing you clients without you even realizing it.

In this week’s episode on Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor, I break down the common mistakes law firms make with their websites and share with you how to fix them. If you’ve been wondering why your site isn’t delivering, this is the episode you need.

Listen in and learn:

Why slow website load times are turning potential clients away
The real reason your call to action might be confusing visitors
How outdated content is hurting your credibility and trust
Why your SEO strategy might not be working as well as it should
How to make client reviews work for you, not against you

If you're ready to stop losing clients because of a website that’s not pulling its weight, this episode is packed with actionable steps you can take right now.

Tune in and get ready to turn your website into a client-generating machine!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

You need a better load time (05:10)

Is your CTA good enough? (10:17)

Don’t forget about outdated content (16:04)

How to use SEO efficiently (20:00)

Client reviews are a must! (26:08)

Additional Resources:

⚡ [Free Training] 5 steps to never stop growing: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

ENCORE: How To Plan Ahead for Summer Productivity

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 09:00:00 +0000

School is out for a lot of you that are parents and for a lot of people, the warm months are the time of the year when they like to get away.

They like to lawyer at the beach, they like to do a lot of things that will support overall mental health, and they want to rejuvenate so that they can be their best selves.

And this is exactly why we want to make sure that you are planning your law firm in a way that allows you to be able to not just take time off and have your teams take time off, but to do that in a way that does not negatively affect your profits.

In this week’s episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor, I will give you three easy strategies to plan for a successful summer, knowing that you're going to meet your numbers and hit your targets and also making sure that you are ahead of the curve for the fall ahead.

Listen in and learn:

How to communicate and give realistic expectations on how the work this year is going to look like
Why you need to stop and pause and remind your employees the metrics expected throughout the year
The importance of planning around the ebb and flow of your work
Why you need to share strategies that are conducive to the individuals that you work with

Tune in now!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

It’s summertime! (00:49)

Always communicate (01:38)

Be adaptable (06:43)

Plan around the productivity (11:31)

Additional Resources:

⚡ [Free Training] 5 steps to never stop growing: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

3 Tactics for Better Reference Calls to Up-Level Your Legal Hiring Process

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Most law firm owners treat reference calls as a formality. Something you do at the end of the process, not something that actually matters. But you're missing a massive opportunity to get the real story behind your candidates if you do so.

In this episode of Crushing Chaos with Law Firm Mentor, I break down exactly why most reference checks fall flat and how to fix them. You’ll learn:

The right way to ask questions that cut through the fluff
How to extract useful feedback even the negative stuff
The "Red Flag Funnel" technique that gets people to open up
Why off-list references might be your secret hiring weapon
How to assess whether someone will truly fit your firm’s culture

If you’ve ever been burned by a hire who looked great on paper but bombed in the role, this episode is a must-listen.

Don’t let another smooth-talking candidate skate by. Equip yourself with the tools to dig deeper, ask smarter, and hire better. Tune in!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Common misconceptions about reference checks (01:51)

Be specific in reference questions (04:19)

The Red Flag Funnel (06:37)

Ask how the candidate will work for you (22:13)

How to handle reluctant references and off-grid references (25:41)

Additional Resources:

⚡ [Free Training] 5 steps to never stop growing: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

Hiring for Hustle: 3 Tips to Hire Law Firm Employees Who Get Things Done

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Ever wondered why hiring the right people feels like an endless struggle?

It’s not just about finding someone who can do the job—it’s about finding someone who can hustle when the going gets tough. Someone who can think on their feet, solve problems without constant direction, and, most importantly, get things done.

If you’ve ever struggled with building a team that delivers results without handholding or felt like the hiring process just isn’t working, then this episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor is for you.

In it, I share key strategies for hiring employees who can thrive in your law firm without the need for constant supervision. You'll learn:

How to create realistic job simulations that test candidates' true abilities
The importance of testing for resourcefulness and a "figure it out" attitude
Why vulnerability and candor in your candidates can save you from costly mistakes
The critical role of hiring for hustle in a small law firm setting

… and much more!

If you're ready to take control of your hiring process and stop wasting time on the wrong candidates, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you hire the best people for your team.

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Want to hire for hustle? (01:01)

Trust in simulations (04:00)

Look for resourcefulness (15:20)

Don’t forget about candor and vulnerability (22:28)

Additional Resources:

⚡ [Free Training] 5 steps to never stop growing: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

3 Strategies to Sustain Law Firm Growth

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 09:00:00 +0000

I once thought that growing a law firm was just about working harder and hitting the next revenue milestone.

But after reaching that lifestyle law firm level, I found myself asking: “What now? What comes after success?”

If you’ve ever hit a growth plateau and felt stuck, or wondered why the momentum just isn’t there anymore, then you don’t want to miss this episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor.

In it, I dive into the real challenges lawyers face when their firm runs smoothly without them—and why that can trigger an identity crisis and self-sabotage.

Listen in and learn:

Why growth for growth’s sake isn’t enough to keep you motivated
How tying your goals to what truly matters—like family or legacy—fuels sustained success
The surprising role of human connection in pushing through tough business moments
Why dreaming your “next level” goals is essential once you’ve hit your first big milestones

… and a lot more!

Whether you’re approaching that finish line or already there wondering what’s next, this episode will help you find clarity, purpose, and fresh energy to keep your firm thriving.

Tune in now to learn more.

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

So you’ve hit an identity crisis? (05:01)

The self-sabotage pattern (14:06)

How to sustain growth (21:24)

Additional Resources:

⚡ [Free Training] 5 steps to never stop growing: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

How to Design Your Law Firm’s Compensation System

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 09:00:00 +0000

I used to think compensation was simple: pay people fairly and keep it moving.

But the more my law firm grew, the more I realized that compensation can make or break your business.

If you've ever felt unsure about how to pay your team, or asked yourself, “Am I rewarding the right behavior?” or “Is this structure going to hurt me down the line?” then you don’t want to miss this episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor.

In it, I pull back the curtain on what really goes into building a smart, sustainable compensation system for your law firm.

It’s all about aligning your pay structure with your actual business needs and making sure you're not accidentally creating problems with how you're compensating your people.

Listen in and learn all about:

The three components every law firm compensation system needs
Why “eat what you kill” might be killing your firm’s culture
The truth about origination credit—and how to define it clearly
How to design incentives that actually drive performance

… and a whole lot more.

Whether you're hiring your first associate or rethinking your entire team structure, this episode is packed with insights to help you build a firm that’s built to last.

Tune in now for more.

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Compensation fundamentals (03:20)

Type of law firm compensation structures (08:48)

Origination credit (25:07)

Additional Resources:

⚡ [Free Training] 5 steps to never stop growing: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

The Best Tips for Remote Law Firms (They ACTUALLY Work!)

Thu, 29 May 2025 09:00:00 +0000

I never thought that trusting my team would be harder than building the business.

But when I took my law firm remote, that’s exactly what happened.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Can I really trust my people to work from home?” or “How do I recreate our office culture without an actual office?” then this episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor is for you.

In it, I get real about what it actually takes to run a successful remote law firm.

No techy jargon or snarky soundbites—just the raw, unfiltered truth about what holds most lawyers back from embracing remote work, and how you can lead a team that’s just as connected, productive, and accountable as they would be in the office.

Listen in and learn:

How to build a genuine community without a water cooler
Why trust issues don’t go away just because you check in on Slack
How to design expectations around professionalism that make sense for a home-based workforce

… and a lot more!

If you’ve gone remote and it’s not going well—or if you’re just not sure where and how to begin—then don’t miss this episode.

Tune in now.

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Transitioning to a remote law firm (01:02)

How to build community (09:05)

All about communication (13:28)

How to keep it professional, even when remote (20:33)

Additional Resources:

⚡ [Free Training] 5 steps to never stop growing: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

How I Built a $3M Law Firm in 3 Years

Mon, 26 May 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Running on caffeine, adrenaline, and the dream of “just pushing through,” I thought hard work alone would build the business I wanted.

Instead, it nearly broke me.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your law firm is growing you or just draining you, this episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor is what you need.

In it, I share the real, raw story of how burnout forced me to rethink everything—and how I turned that wake-up call into a $3 million law firm in just three years.

This isn’t a list of magical hacks or three-step shortcuts. It’s a deep dive into the uncomfortable but essential changes that lead to true, sustainable growth.

Listen in as I discuss how to escape chaos and reclaim your time, the best ways to shift from “being the star” to building a brand that sells itself, how to hire—and hold onto—the right people, even when it’s hard, and a lot more.

If you’re stuck between being indispensable and being exhausted, it’s time to build a firm that runs without you.

Tune in now to learn what it really takes to scale without losing yourself along the way.

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

How I founded my law firm (00:59)

Crush chaos through systemization (18:48)

Master your marketing and sales (20:52)

How to hire better people (for you) (28:00)

Additional Resources:

⚡ [Free Training] 5 steps to never stop growing: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

Is Law Firm Revenue a Vanity Metric?

Thu, 22 May 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Do you ever feel like you’re doing everything right… but the numbers still don’t add up?

You’re bringing in clients. The work’s flowing. But somehow, your bank account and your peace of mind don’t reflect your daily hustle.

If you’ve been questioning whether you’re building something that’s truly sustainable or just keeping up appearances, then this episode is exactly what you need to hear.

In today’s episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor, we unpack the age-old debate: is revenue just a vanity number, or is it the backbone of a growing law firm?

Spoiler: it’s not either/or. It’s both/and.

I’ll walk you through how revenue and profit play different but equally critical roles in law firm success.

You’ll also learn why compressed margins are often a sign you’re actually on the right track, how to avoid the “scarcity trap” of staying small for comfort, and how strategic investments in your people, systems, and culture pave the way for real freedom.

Listen in and learn:

How smaller firms may be more profitable but not always more peaceful
The truth behind why growth feels scary (and why that’s a good thing)
What CFOs and financial experts often get wrong about law firm scaling
Why having high revenue—even with lower margins—can still put more money in your pocket

If you’re tired of oversimplified advice that pits revenue against profit, this episode is for you.

Tune in now!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Quick backstory (01:53)

You need revenue to fuel growth (13:44)

Forget about big margins (21:45)

Higher revenue at lower margins is NOT bad (30:22)

Additional Resources:

⚡ [Free Training] 5 steps to never stop growing: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

The Secret to Managing Law Firm Growth Without Burnout

Mon, 19 May 2025 09:00:00 +0000

So many lawyers find themselves overwhelmed by the amount of new clients they’re getting—but they don’t want to turn anyone away.

If you’re in the same boat, struggling to balance growth with capacity, then this is THE episode for you! Trust me, you don’t want to miss it.

So often, growing law firms face a tricky dilemma: they’re finally getting the right leads, but their teams aren’t staffed enough to handle the volume; and saying “no” feels like risking everything.

However, this doesn’t have to be the case.

In fact, here’s the thing most lawyers don’t realize: being “too busy” can actually be your biggest marketing advantage.

I explain exactly what this means in this week’s episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor. I also dive into how to master your marketing messaging when your firm is at capacity.

Today, you’ll learn why positioning yourself as a “hot commodity” creates desire and respect, how your intake team can become powerful gatekeepers, and why offering limited, premium consultation times makes clients feel valued—not rejected.

But that’s not all. I’ll also be discussing:

Why telling clients you’re in high demand actually attracts more business
How to use your intake process to build client excitement and exclusivity
The art of being “out of reach but not out of touch” to manage expectations
Why overpromising hurts your firm and what to say instead
Simple strategies to protect your sanity while growing your practice

… and a lot more!

Are you ready to scale your firm—without the stress and burnout of juggling clients?

Then tune in now!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Don’t be afraid to say no (01:06)

How to position yourself as high in demand (07:38)

The best marketing messaging to manage your growth (13:47)

Avoid overpromising (30:04)

Additional Resources:

⚡ [Free Training] 5 steps to never stop growing: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

Unusual Hiring Strategy Top Law Firms Are Using in 2025

Mon, 12 May 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Should you spin the block on past potential hires?

We’re not talking about bringing back legal paraprofessionals or interns. We’re talking about the “ungettable gets”—lawyers with 15+ years of experience, rock-solid reputations, and a sizable book of business.

If you haven’t revisited those old resumes sitting in your system…it’s time.

The legal hiring market is shifting—and fast. With firms across the country struggling to find top-tier talent, now is the moment to reevaluate the potential hires you’ve passed on before.

In this week’s episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor, we’re diving into the world of legal hiring and why revisiting past candidates could be the smartest growth strategy your firm hasn’t tapped into yet.

Listen in as I discuss:

When it’s worth spinning the block on past candidates
How to re-engage high-quality lawyers you previously passed on
What to do when timing—not talent—was the issue
Why your hiring pipeline should never collect dust

…and so much more!

So, stop overthinking it.

Tune in now!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

What is circling the block? (01:07)

Why candidates should be revisited (06:25)

The value of high-level hires (10:13)

Better talent requires better systems (15:28)

Talking points for reengaging past candidates (16:52)

Why candidates choose to stay out of fear (20:16)

Life events as hiring disruptors (24:17)

When your firm is now offering more (31:42)

Creating a win-win when circling back (36:11)

Additional Resources:

⚡ [Free Training] 5 steps to never stop growing: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

What Makes a Great Managing Attorney? (It’s NOT What You Think)

Thu, 08 May 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Your best lawyer shouldn’t run your firm.

Yes, they’re brilliant. Clients love them. They win cases.

But here’s the hard truth: being great at law doesn’t mean they’re great at leadership.

Too many law firm owners make the mistake of promoting their top-performing attorney into a leadership role, assuming that intelligence and drive will naturally translate into management success.

It doesn’t.

Because managing attorneys need more than sharp legal skills—they need the ability to lead people, build systems, and drive growth.

So, what should you be looking for instead?

In this week’s episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor, we’ll unpack the nine critical attributes every managing attorney must possess to truly move your firm forward.

You’ll hear:

Why great lawyers often struggle as managers
The difference between responsibility to your team vs. for your team
Why delegation isn’t optional if you want to scale
How managing attorneys handle tough conversations without the drama
Why a managing attorney who wants to be “the star” is a major red flag

Ready to hire a leader who builds your business instead of bottlenecking it?

Then tune in now!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Why great lawyers don’t always make great managers (01:01)

The #1 mindset a managing attorney must have (07:21)

Being willing to coach, train, and correct (10:21)

Effective delegation of tasks and systems (13:06)

Holding your team accountable (15:45)

Leading with rules and compliance (18:13)

Having a strong money mindset (21:20)

Putting clients first (23:29)

Leading with integrity and ethics (25:18)

Don’t promote someone who wants to be a star (26:36)

Additional Resources:

⚡ [Free Training] 5 steps to never stop growing: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

Mastering B2B vs B2C Marketing for Law Firms (PART 2)

Mon, 05 May 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Are you putting your entire ad budget into Facebook or Instagram?

When it comes to law firm marketing, many lawyers think that the best way to get their names out there is through Facebook or Instagram.

But here’s the truth: LinkedIn is the only platform that is indexable by search engines. If you’re relying solely on Facebook or Instagram, your visibility stops where the algorithm ends.

Let’s also be clear: choosing a marketing channel is just one piece of the puzzle.

In this week’s episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor, we continue our deep dive into the key differences between B2B (business-to-business) and B2C (business-to-consumer) marketing and why confusing the two can cost your law firm real results.

Listen in now and learn:

Why urgency drives B2C and how long-term trust rules B2B
How social media usage changes across both models
What kind of content resonates with each audience
How to properly track conversion metrics for each of these models

Whether you’re looking to capture quick wins or nurture corporate relationships, understanding these distinctions can make or break your law firm marketing’s ROI.

Tune in now and learn how to fine-tune your marketing strategy!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

A quick recap of part 1 (01:07)

Choosing marketing channels (03:08)

B2B vs. B2C content strategies (14:51)

Differences in lead nurturing cycles (19:29)

Conversion metrics breakdown (22:24)

Additional Resources:

⚡ [Free Training] 5 steps to never stop growing: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

Mastering B2B vs B2C Marketing for Law Firms (PART 1)

Thu, 01 May 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Is your marketing strategy not working for you? Then don’t skip this episode!

Many law firm owners find themselves feeling frustrated, stuck, and unsure why their marketing efforts aren’t delivering the results they want.

But here’s what they often forget: marketing a law firm isn’t one-size-fits-all. The way you market to a business is very different from how you connect with individual clients.

And if you’re thinking about expanding your practice into new areas or just want to fine-tune your marketing, understanding the difference between B2B and B2C marketing is a must—that is, if you actually want to scale.

Not sure where to start?

No worries, I’ve got you covered.

In this week’s episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor, I kick off a two-part series that breaks down exactly how B2B (business-to-business) and B2C (business-to-consumer) marketing strategies differ and why this matters for your law firm’s growth.

Listen in now and learn:

Why B2B marketing requires a longer relationship-building process compared to B2C
How your target audience should shape your entire marketing message and tone
The differences in sales cycles and buyer journeys that can make or break your success in either space
Why building authority and trust looks very different when speaking to an executive board versus an individual client
How to tailor your messaging to connect with multiple decision-makers (and why that’s so important in B2B)

Are you ready to build a marketing strategy that actually works?

Then tune in now!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

B2B vs. B2C marketing (00:53)

Understanding target audiences (03:18)

Differences in buyer journeys (08:58)

Variations in sales cycle (12:11)

Distinct marketing goals for B2B and B2C (14:55)

Adapting marketing tones accordingly (17:04)

Quick recap (18:56)

Additional Resources:

⚡ [Free Training] 5 steps to never stop growing: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

3 Proven Strategies to Optimize Your Law Firm’s Intake Department

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 09:00:00 +0000

If your law firm’s intake process feels chaotic or unpredictable, you’re not alone.

Many law firm owners struggle with turning leads into paying clients, and without the right systems in place, it’s hard to get consistent results.

A great lead conversion strategy is essential for your firm’s growth, and as long as you don’t have one (or have the wrong one), you won’t be able to scale effectively.

But it’s not all doom and gloom! I have some good news too: mastering your intake strategy doesn’t require dramatic changes or more spending—it just takes a little fine-tuning and a shift in focus.

In this week’s episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor, I walk you through three key intake strategies that can streamline your sales and make your client conversion process more reliable and predictable.

I also share with you:

Why your intake professional needs to be seen as a true salesperson and how to set them up for success
The crucial role that metrics play in making your intake process more effective
Why you need to test, tweak, and revisit your intake systems regularly to avoid stagnation
A real-life example of a firm that doubled their revenue by refining their intake process
How to address objections like price and ensure clients feel confident in your value

Are you ready to boost your law firm’s growth?

Then tune in now!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Your intake professional is in a sales role (03:54)

Don’t forget about data (08:36)

Try, test, and revisit (14:50)

Additional Resources:

⚡ [Free Training] 5 steps to never stop growing: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

The Best Strategies to Build a Positive Money Culture in Your Law Firm

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 09:00:00 +0000

When lawyers think about building a successful law firm, they mainly focus on client acquisition, case wins, and expanding their team.

But there’s something many of us often overlook: money. Not just the money we earn, but the culture surrounding money in our firms.

Yes, I know—money is a loaded topic, especially in today’s economic climate. And this is even more true when it comes to discussing money with your employees.

However, if you want to build a thriving law firm, then you HAVE to address the elephant in the room: your firm’s money mindset.

In this week’s episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor, I share with you the best strategies to create a money-positive culture in your law firm—one that’s not just about paying your team well, but aligning everyone’s financial goals with the firm’s success.

I also discuss:

Why avoiding money conversations is hurting your firm’s growth
The secret to aligning firm goals with employee incentives for better results
How to create a culture where everyone cares about the bottom line
Why a positive money mindset can actually improve client service
The simple mindset shifts that lead to better financial outcomes

Well then, what are you waiting for?

Run, don’t walk, and tune in now!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

How to have the right discussions around money (01:34)

Don’t forget about your firm’s culture (08:34)

How your firm’s mission can help you achieve financial growth (15:16)

Tying success to mission fulfillment (32:24)

Additional Resources:

⚡ [Free Training] 5 steps to never stop growing: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

Why Lawyer Mills Are Killing It at Marketing (Here’s What You Can Learn From Them)

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 09:00:00 +0000

When I first heard the term "lawyer mill," I winced. It conjured images of mediocre lawyers, burned-out staff, and assembly-line legal services.

No one likes the thought of “fast-food style” legal services—and yet, lawyer mills are making a killing. And like it or not, you can learn a few things from them.

That type of law firm is successful for a reason: while their legal services might be questionable, their marketing is masterful.

In this week’s episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor, I break down how high-volume firms market better, faster, and more consistently than most solo and small firm attorneys ever do—and what you can ethically steal from their playbook.

Listen in now and learn:

Why your referral strategy is putting your business at risk
The real reason lawyer mills scale while others stall
What your future clients actually want to hear from you
How to build systems that sell your services while you sleep
The marketing mindset shift that separates seven-figure firms from the rest

… and a lot more!

If you’re ready to start marketing right, then don’t miss this episode.

Tune in now.

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

What are lawyer mills (01:01)

Let’s talk about the marketing strategies of lawyer mills (06:21)

Here’s what you can learn from lawyer mills (23:35)

Additional Resources:

⚡ Register now to unlock your FREE training series: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

✨ Unlock your firm’s full potential with our Law Firm Mentor membership: https://lawfirmmentor.net/membership/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

What About Trump? (What Today’s Political Chaos Means for Your Law Firm)

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 09:00:00 +0000

The political landscape is in chaos after the 2024 elections—and the ripple effects are already hitting closer to home than you think.

This isn’t just about government drama. It’s about your law firm. Your income. Your future.

Here’s what I want you to know: You cannot afford to sit still while the country’s (and world’s) economy shifts beneath you.

Like it or not, changes are coming, and the best way to survive them is to adapt.

I usually steer clear of politics, but today I’m making an exception. Because this isn’t about left or right—it’s about survival.

In this week’s episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor, I’ll be discussing the real economic consequences of Donald Trump’s approach to governing—and how it’s already impacting your practice whether you realize it or not.

Listen in now and learn:

Why passivity is your biggest liability in these uncertain times
The true cost of gutting government agencies
What happens when your clients (or their parents) lose Social Security
How to recession-proof your practice
The urgent mindset shift every law firm owner needs to make

… and more.

If today’s political chaos is making you nervous, then this is your sign to take the right measures to keep your law firm thriving—even in these uncertain times.

Tune in now to learn more.

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

What about Trump? (01:18)

We are on the verge of a recession (07:06)

What’s going on now? (16:36)

Let’s talk taxes (31:53)

Additional Resources:

⚡ Register now to unlock your FREE training series: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

✨ Unlock your firm’s full potential with our Law Firm Mentor membership: https://lawfirmmentor.net/membership/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

No F*cks Given: Why Lawyers Stop Growing & How to Change That

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Are you feeling stuck because you care too much about what other people think? You’re not alone.

Many of us find ourselves beholden to other people’s opinions—we want them to think we’re a good person, we’re great at our job, we’re fair, kind, generous, humble. All the things.

However, the day you free yourself of this mindset is the day you’ll truly be able to grow as a lawyer and law firm owner.

In this episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor, I dive deep into the hard truth that the need to be liked is often the silent killer of law firm growth.

I talk about the emotional landmines we step on—like when a team member leaves and takes clients, badmouths you, or just plain ghosts—and how that triggers the part of us that wants to control how we’re perceived.

Most importantly, I share with you my secret strategy to move on from that toxic mindset: the “no f*cks given” mindset.

Listen in now and learn all about this as well as:

Why emotionally charged exits hit harder than we admit
How the “toxic employee” reveals our deepest growth gaps
Why people-pleasing is the real business killer
The shift that happens when you stop needing to be liked
What truly unlocks sustainable, seven-figure law firm growth

… and a lot more!

Are you ready to set yourself apart from your competition?

Then tune in now!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Quick story time (03:51)

How to deal with frustrating employees (11:23)

I have some questions for you (13:15)

Why you need to look within yourself (20:14)

Self-prioritization is crucial (23:27)

Additional Resources:

⚡ Register now to unlock your FREE training series: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

✨ Unlock your firm’s full potential with our Law Firm Mentor membership: https://lawfirmmentor.net/membership/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

The #1 Hiring Mistake Law Firms Make: Lessons from Love Is Blind

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Would you marry someone after just one conversation?

Sounds absurd, right? Yet, many law firm owners do the same when hiring—basing decisions on surface-level impressions.

Sure, that lawyer’s 20 years of experience looked great on paper, but how much of it actually aligns with your firm’s needs?

Maybe you hired someone just because they aced the interview, but will they proactively bring in clients or just do the bare minimum?

In this week’s episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor, I’ll share with you the #1 hiring lesson you can learn from the reality dating show Love Is Blind.

I’ll be discussing:

Why true alignment is the key to hiring lawyers who will thrive in your firm
Practical strategies to assess alignment during the interview process
The power of clear, honest communication
Why compensation should match real experience and goals

… and so much more!

If you’ve ever struggled to find the “right fit” for your law firm, this episode will give you a powerful new lens for hiring.

Tune in now!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

How Love is Blind relates to law firm hiring (01:26)

Behind-the-scenes stories (04:31)

Why alignment is critical in hiring (14:58)

Key hiring factors (21:51)

Final thoughts (25:40)

Additional Resources:

⚡ Register now to unlock your FREE training series: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

✨ Unlock your firm’s full potential with our Law Firm Mentor membership: https://lawfirmmentor.net/membership/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

How to Price Your Legal Services Without Selling Yourself Short

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 09:00:00 +0000

When was the last time you raised your rates?

Many lawyers and law firm owners hesitate to charge more, often waiting until they’ve handled enough cases or built a certain reputation.

Others simply follow market rates based on what others around them with comparable years of experience are charging.

Let me tell you this: That’s an immature way to price your services.

To charge what you're truly worth, you must detach yourself from your pricing and stop letting others define your value.

In this week’s episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor, I’m breaking down the reasons why lawyers undercharge and how you can break free from it.

Listen in now to learn:

Why pricing triggers internal insecurities
How perception shapes pricing
How branding creates value
Why presentation and scarcity can unlock higher fees
What Toyota and Lexus can teach you about pricing

…and so much more!

Are you ready to rethink your pricing model?

Tune in now!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Why pricing triggers emotional discomfort (01:04)

Self-worth as a pricing determinant (04:28)

How objections reflect internal value conflicts (07:49)

Three mindset shifts to charge higher fees (12:17)

The pricing workshop (20:47)

Additional Resources:

⚡ Register now to unlock your FREE training series: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

✨ Unlock your firm’s full potential with our Law Firm Mentor membership: https://lawfirmmentor.net/membership/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

This Dangerous Mindset Is Keeping Your Law Firm Stuck

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Do you secretly feel like no one else can do the work as well as you do? I know, we’ve all been there, and suffice to say, it’s not a fun feeling to deal with.

Many law firm owners are convinced that as soon as they let go of control (or let someone else shine in their place), their business and reputation will suffer.

Sure, none of us want to risk the quality of our work, but let me ask you a question: is this truly because the quality suffers if someone else does your job? Or is it because you’re dealing with a little case of what I like to call the ‘inferior superior’?

For those not familiar with this expression, the ‘inferior superior’ is a mindset that drives law firm owners to act from ego instead of strategy. It's that sneaky urge (we all feel) to constantly compare ourselves to others, focus on our strengths while ignoring our weaknesses, and avoid vulnerability, all under the guise of maintaining control.

When left unchecked, this mindset can lead to self-sabotage and hold us back from creating a business that can thrive without us.

I discuss all of this in more detail in this week’s episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor, as well as:

How to recognize the inferior superior mindset in yourself
Why comparison often masks a deep fear of not being good enough
How ego-driven decisions stall your law firm’s growth
Why learning from others (even less experienced ones) can be your greatest strength
How to finally build a business that doesn’t revolve around you

… and so much more!

Are you ready to let go of this toxic mindset and finally build the law firm you deserve?

Then tune in now.

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Let’s talk about self sabotage (02:59)

Strengths, but weaknesses too (09:40)

Why you need to overcome your ego (15:41)

How to recognize the ‘inferior superior’ (22:34)

Additional Resources:

⚡ Register now to unlock your FREE training series: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

✨ Unlock your firm’s full potential with our Law Firm Mentor membership: https://lawfirmmentor.net/membership/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

SEO for Lawyers: How to Make It Work for Your Law Firm

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Many lawyers and law firm owners feel that SEO is simply not worth the time, money, or effort it takes to set up properly.

In fact, many lawyers would go as far as to call it a hoax; they are simply too skeptical about the impact of SEO on their business to give it a chance.

If you’re one of these people, then I’m here to change your mind.

A great SEO strategy can be an amazing addition to your law firm’s marketing efforts—that is, if you’re actually serious about attracting the right clients.

SEO is a long-term strategy that requires careful attention, time, and collaboration with the right experts. And when done correctly, it can significantly increase your law firm’s visibility, help you attract ideal clients, and eventually boost your profit.

In this week’s episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor, I’ll be sharing with you exactly why SEO is NOT (and has never been) a hoax.

I’ll also be discussing:

Why SEO takes time (and why that’s totally normal)
How to collaborate with your digital marketing agency to see real results
The biggest mistakes law firms make when approaching SEO
Why content is king in SEO (and how to use it to your advantage)
How to assess whether your SEO strategy is actually working

… and so much more!

If you’ve been thinking about adding an SEO strategy to your overall marketing plans, then this is the episode for you, so don’t miss it!

Tune in now for more.

P.S: Book your **FREE** SEO strategy session now: https://lawfirmmentor.net/appointment-booking/

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Let’s talk about SEO! (00:59)

Why you need to hire a professional (04:08)

Working with digital marketing agencies (10:14)

Why you need to be proactive (22:03)

Additional Resources:

⚡ Register now to unlock your FREE training series: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

✨ Unlock your firm’s full potential with our Law Firm Mentor membership: https://lawfirmmentor.net/membership/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

How to Overcome Objections in Legal Sales With Three Simple Words

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Are you struggling to close clients? I want you to know you’re not alone.

Many lawyers find it difficult to sell to potential clients—not because they can’t close deals, but because they don’t want to be pushy or aggressive.

When you’re uncomfortable with sales, objections feel like roadblocks instead of opportunities. When this happens, potential clients hesitate or even end up walking away entirely.

And that’s definitely not what you want!

I’ve got good news for you though: there’s a proven way to handle objections smoothly and confidently, and most importantly, without feeling like a salesperson.

It all comes down to three words: feel, felt, found.

These three simple words can help you close deals and guide potential clients from a reticent “no” to a confident “yes”.

This approach is all about connection, and when you master it, your sales conversations will start to feel effortless.

In this episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor, I’ll break down the “Feel, Felt, Found” method and show you how to use it to close more deals easily and without feeling pushy.

Listen now and learn:

The biggest mistake lawyers make when handling objections
How to make potential clients feel heard and understood
The psychology behind the “Feel, Felt, Found” method
Why confidence is the key to more conversions
How to start using this method in your law firm today

… and so much more!

Are you ready to transform the way you sell your services?

Then tune in now!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Why you need to learn how to sell (00:56)

Three words to sell (06:47)

“Others have felt the same way” (12:03)

How to use the “found” part (17:47)

Additional Resources:

⚡ Register now to unlock your FREE training series: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

✨ Unlock your firm’s full potential with our Law Firm Mentor membership: https://lawfirmmentor.net/membership/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

The #1 Mistake Law Firm Owners Make in Marketing (And How to Correct It)

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 10:00:00 +0000

A/B testing is not just for tech companies—law firms can also learn from it, especially if they want to get the most out of their marketing efforts.

Many law firm owners make one critical mistake: they rely on personal preference instead of data when making their marketing decisions. And when this happens, you can never know what works—and most importantly, what doesn’t.

Too often, lawyers pick images, colors, and copy based on what they like rather than what actually works. The result? Missed opportunities, wasted marketing dollars, and potential clients slipping through the cracks.

A/B testing is the answer to this issue. It’s the perfect way to know, with certainty, which website design, ad, or branding choices would actually bring in more clients, and which ones you need to forget about.

In this week’s episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor, I will be discussing the power of A/B testing and how you can use it to optimize your marketing strategy and get the results you want.

Listen now to learn:

Why data matters more than your personal opinion
The simple testing strategy that helped one law firm grow from $175K to nearly $1M
How to set up an effective A/B test (without overcomplicating it)
The #1 mistake law firm owners make when trying to improve their marketing
Why ongoing testing is key to staying ahead of the competition

Are you ready to start making proven marketing decisions that attract more of the right clients?

Then run, don’t walk, and listen to this episode now!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Why you need to test for success (01:09)

Always start with a hypothesis (09:27)

Always test one variable at a time (11:38)

Repeat your A/B test periodically (15:16)

Additional Resources:

⚡ Register now to unlock your FREE training series: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

✨ Unlock your firm’s full potential with our Law Firm Mentor membership: https://lawfirmmentor.net/membership/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

The 3 Myths That Could Be Sinking Your Law Firm

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Bad business advice could be holding your firm back and you might not even know it!

The internet is rife with cookie-cutter tips that can actually lead your business to fail—yet, we treat this blanket advice like it’s beyond reproach.

Many law firm owners feel stuck, following generic business advice that seems logical but often leads to stagnation or even failure. From financial preparation to hiring strategies and managing employee turnover, the path to success is filled with misleading "truisms" that might be doing you more harm than good.

So if you’ve ever felt like you’re spinning your wheels trying to keep your business alive and thriving, then this episode is for you.

In it, I will be debunking three of the most common myths that could be holding your law firm back.

Tune in now to learn:

Why savings before launching can actually create a false sense of security
The power of client acquisition and profit planning over cash reserves
When hiring people like you is a good strategy (and when it’s not)
The truth behind employee turnover in the legal industry
How to assess if an employee departure is really about your management or something else entirely

Are you ready to learn what really works for law firm success?

Then tune in now!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Should you save before launching your law firm? (02:48)

When to hire people like you (and when NOT to do that) (09:19)

Why people quit (18:33)

Additional Resources:

⚡ Register now to unlock your FREE training series: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

✨ Unlock your firm’s full potential with our Law Firm Mentor membership: https://lawfirmmentor.net/membership/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

The BEST AI Tools Every Law Firm Needs to Thrive

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Most law firm owners often struggle with juggling everything from legal research to billing challenges to client intake issues. They are overwhelmed, stretched thin, and too overworked to work ON their firm instead of IN it.

But all of this can change with the help of one single tool—AI.

I know, I know, many people are still skeptical about AI. And yet, I am here to tell you that it can be an amazing tool when used right.

AI platforms like ChatGPT and Gemini work great as virtual collaborators—they can’t do your job, but they can help make it easier.

If you’re drowning in endless research, unsure how to price your services profitably, or constantly troubleshooting problems after they arise, then this is the episode for you.

In it, I’ll be breaking down three game-changing ways AI can help you save time, boost profits, and solve problems before they even happen.

Listen in and learn:

How AI can save you time (and money)
Why AI-powered efficiency makes flat fee billing actually profitable
The hidden power of AI-driven data to troubleshoot intake and conversion issues fast

Are you ready to take your law firm to the next level with AI?

Then tune in now!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Why lawyers are using AI (00:52)

How to use AI to save time with legal research (04:31)

Moving from billable hour to flat fee (11:17)

Use AI predictive coding to troubleshoot issues (17:27)

Additional Resources:

⚡ Register now to unlock your FREE training series: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

✨ Unlock your firm’s full potential with our Law Firm Mentor membership: https://lawfirmmentor.net/membership/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

3 Key Mindset Shifts to Become a Law Firm CEO

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Are you running your law firm… or just working in it?

Most law firm owners find themselves stuck in a vicious cycle—instead of leading their firm, they’re simply doing the work.

If you’re still regularly handling client cases, putting out daily fires, or micromanaging (which is different to managing) your team, then you’re not a CEO, you’re just an overworked lawyer.

Making that jump from lawyer to leader (or owner to CEO) can seem complicated, but it’s not impossible—as long as you have the right tools.

In this episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor, I’ll be sharing with you the three essential mindset shifts you need to make in order to transition from lawyer to law firm CEO.

Listen in to learn:

How to get the work done (WITHOUT doing the work)
The importance of balancing being the most and least important person in the firm
The ONE word that can help you tremendously scale your business

I’ll also be discussing some personal insights from my own journey as a lawyer and CEO, so make sure not to miss this episode!

Are you ready to build a law firm that thrives?

Then tune in now.

3 Ways Your Current Clients Are Repelling Your Ideal Clients

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Did you know that your law firm’s current clients could be unintentionally driving your ideal clients away?

It sounds unlikely—how could this possibly happen? And yet, it’s more common than you might think, and it’s exactly what I’ll be discussing in this episode of Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor.

From mismatched office aesthetics to chaotic messaging and even fluctuating energy levels, these hidden factors can make your dream clients turn around and walk out the door.

In this episode, I’ll be breaking down exactly the three ways your current client list is keeping you from your dream clients.

I’ll also be discussing the importance of curating the perfect atmosphere for your law firm, why working on intentional brand communication is a must, and how to maintain a productive and less chaotic workflow.

If you’re ready to stop pushing away your best clients and start attracting them, this episode is for you.

Tune in now!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Who is your ideal client? (00:55)

How your current clients are repelling your ideal clients (05:28)

Why messaging is so important (13:52)

It’s all about energy (19:35)

Additional Resources:

⚡ Register now to unlock your FREE training series: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

✨ Unlock your firm’s full potential with our Law Firm Mentor membership: https://lawfirmmentor.net/membership/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

The Top 3 Mistakes That Are KILLING Your Law Firm’s Intake System

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Did you know that you might be unintentionally killing your intake system? I know, it’s pretty scary—and the worst thing is that you might not even know why it’s happening.

Lucky for you, this is exactly what I discuss today in the Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor podcast.

Your intake system is the lifeblood of your law firm, but you might be unknowingly undermining it with simple, easily avoidable mistakes.

In this episode, I break down the top three things you could be doing that are killing your law firm’s intake.

It’s time for you to stop bleeding leads and grow your law firm, so don’t miss this episode!

Tune in now for more.

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Why you need a dedicated intake person (03:14)

Are you having regular sales meetings? (09:13)

Don’t forget about follow-up! (17:51)

Additional Resources:

⚡ Register now to unlock your FREE training series: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

✨ Unlock your firm’s full potential with our Law Firm Mentor membership: https://lawfirmmentor.net/membership/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

Unlock UNLIMITED Clients for Your Law Firm With Omnipresence

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Do you want to unlock your law firm’s potential and reach new heights? Then you DON’T want to miss this week’s episode of the podcast!

In it, I break down everything you need to do to achieve omnipresence—or how to be everywhere by using only one piece of content.

Creating a limitless stream of clients for your law firm might sound impossible, but this is only because you don’t know how to build omnipresence yet.

Listen in as I share the exact strategies you need to follow to help you be seen everywhere without spending all your time (or effort) on marketing.

Whether you’re new to digital marketing or just looking to scale your efforts, this episode has something for you.

Are you ready to take your law firm to the next level?

Then tune in now.

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Use AI (04:36)

Get caught in the act (08:25)

Sequence your content (16:52)

Additional Resources:

⚡ Register now to unlock your FREE training series: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

✨ Unlock your firm’s full potential with our Law Firm Mentor membership: https://lawfirmmentor.net/membership/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

We're Back! Live Coaching for Lawyers and More on the Way!

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 10:05:00 +0000

Friends, the wait is over, and the Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor podcast is FINALLY back!

After a long two-year hiatus (more on that in this episode), we are now back and ready to kick things off with a bang.

In this first episode back, I’ll be sharing with you why I stepped away (and why this is the PERFECT time for me to be back), how Law Firm Mentor has leveled up to serve you better, and a fun behind-the-scenes look at what actually changed.

I’ll also be discussing what it takes for law firm owners like you to grow their revenue, systemize their firm, and most importantly, create a life they truly love—because really, why do all this if you’re just going to be miserable?

Plus, I’ll be sharing with you ALL the fun new features we’ve added to make the podcast even more exciting, from live coaching sessions with listeners to deep dives into topics that actually affect how your law firm runs (and creates profit).

I am so excited to be back, and I know you are too!

If you’re ready to grow your revenue, streamline your systems, and reclaim your freedom, then this episode is the perfect way to kick off 2025.

Tune in now for more.

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

What it means to crush chaos (01:16)

Why we restructured (08:37)

What’s going on in my career (and my life)? (15:36)

What’s new with the podcast? (23:27)

Additional Resources:

⚡ Register now to unlock your FREE training series: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

✨ Unlock your firm’s full potential with our Law Firm Mentor membership: https://lawfirmmentor.net/membership/

⭐ Connect with us on socials:

—

Key Levers To Drive Profit Margin -- Featuring Danielle Hendon

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 07:01:00 +0000

A lot of times, we’re told that the way to grow a business is by growing your revenue or cutting your expenses. And while those are both key components, there are ways to generate greater health for your business by increasing the amount on the bottom line - in ways we’re not taught to think about.

My guest today is someone who thinks and focuses her practice on helping small law firms scale their businesses using sound financial policies. Her name is Danielle Hendon, and she is the founder and CEO of 4 Corners CFO, LLC. With more than a decade of experience working in corporate finance and accounting, and a passion for people that rivals her love of numbers, Danielle brings the benefit of big business financial analysis to entrepreneurs on a scale that fits both their company AND their budget.

In this episode, we discuss:

Ways to generate greater health for your business by increasing the amount on the bottom line
How to plan - and ultimately fund - your growth before you get there
Your time is worth more for your growth than you’d like to pay a bookkeeper
Looking at the bottom line is going to be the key indicator of the health of your business.

Contacts - Social Media

Danielle Hendon Website: https://4cornerscfo.com/

Snip-Its

00:14:48 (36 Seconds)

So there's a couple of different types of profit margin, one being that net profit margin, which just like we talked about earlier, net income is going to drive your net profit margin. That is, after all the expenses, you want that number to be 10 to 15%. That's the ideal range for a business to run a net profit. And that gives you what you need to put back into the business to continue to grow and scale the way that you want to. The gross profit margin that I mentioned just a minute ago is going to be your revenue minus the costs that go into providing that Revenue service.

Allison Bio:

Allison C. Williams, Esq., is the Founder and Owner of the Williams Law Group, LLC, with offices in Short Hills and Freehold, New Jersey. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, is Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Matrimonial Law Attorney, and is the first attorney in New Jersey to become Board-Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in the field of Family Law.

Ms. Williams is an accomplished businesswoman. In 2017, the Williams Law Group won the LawFirm500 award, ranking 14th of the fastest-growing law firms in the nation, as Ms. Williams grew the firm by 581% in three years. Ms. Williams won the Silver Stevie Award for Female Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017. In 2018, Ms. Williams was voted as NJBIZ’s Top 50 Women in Business and was designated one of the Top 25 Leading Women Entrepreneurs and Business Owners. In 2019, Ms. Williams won the Seminole 100 Award for founding one of the fastest-growing companies among graduates of Florida State University.

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining, and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications, and money management in law firms.

Contacts

https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/speak-with-a-growth-strategist

Podcasting For Lawyers -- Featuring Robert Ingalls

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 07:01:00 +0000

I'm a huge proponent of welcoming guests who don’t just sell a service but are tailored to the small law firm experience.

And as a recovering attorney, speaker, and Founder and Chief Podcast Strategist of LawPods — Robert Ingalls fits the mold.

Having worked with premier law firms including McGuire Woods, Blank Rome and The Law Offices of John T. Orcutt, LawPods helps busy attorneys create world-class podcast content that boosts SEO, builds relationships and drives revenue.

In this episode we discuss:

Challenges lawyers face in a highly regulated profession.
How we might be resistant to putting ourselves out there if we have not been a public speaker.
How can we deal with the potential conflicts that arise from having your message out there.
Speaking to your ideal clients.
How to cross-market various clips that you will create from a podcast.
The three P's of podcasting that are helpful when you want to start a podcast.

Contacts – Social Media

Website: https://www.lawpods.com

robert@lawpods.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/lawpods

Instagram: www.instagram.com/lawpods

About Robert Ingalls

Robert Ingalls is a recovering attorney, professional speaker and the founder of LawPods, one of the first podcast production agencies for law firms. At LawPods, Robert and his team help some of the premier law firms in the world launch and grow branded podcasts that build relationships and drive revenue.

Robert's path to Podcast Producer to the Am Law 100 was anything but direct. For years he battles anxiety from the pressure, long hours and constant conflict of a litigation career. When he was finally ready to throw in the towel, he had no idea what to do next. With no business/marketing background and only a love for podcasts he discovered while creating a podcast for his law firm, Robert decided to see if lawyers would pay him to help them launch podcasts. With very few takers in the early days, Robert spent two years in a corporate banking gig, grinding nights and weekends to finally bring LawPods to life.

Snip-Its

00:19:36 (36 Seconds)

So you referenced earlier this, this idea of using the podcast in different places and you just hearken back to it. So when someone is kind of thinking through a podcast as a portion of their marketing plan, right, they're going to have the podcast as kind of the pillar content, and then that content is going to go out to different places. How do you take it and alter it so it fits different platforms so you know where it's going to get the most bang for your buck? Like where is it in the line of, of, of a, I guess, nurturing from point of initial awareness to the point of sale where you're really getting your most bang for your buck.

Allison Bio:

Contacts

https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/speak-with-a-growth-strategist

The Risk Of Comfort

Fri, 07 Oct 2022 07:01:00 +0000

This is one of those topics that comes straight from the well of what I do here at Law Firm Mentor; coaching lawyers on how to look at things from a different perspective.

Oftentimes, it’s a little tweak in the way we approach something that can bring traction.

Other times, we have to do something grandiose; something far different than what we were doing before. Because the most power tends to come when we are being ourselves and doing what we already know — just a little bit differently — that can make a dramatic change.

In this episode we discuss:

3 key strategies for how to get out of your comfort zone that will lead you to grow.
The risk of comfort is the notion that growth feeds itself.
The main goal is what will compel you to do the work that will lead to growth.
How your lifestyle will grow and evolve with inflation.
Staying in your comfort zone will never satisfy your true purpose.

Allison Bio:

Contacts – Social Media

https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/speak-with-a-growth-strategist

Snip-Its

00:08:36 (30 Seconds)

But growing doesn't mean growing your body count. Growing can mean growing your revenue. It can mean growing your free time. It can mean growing both. Usually, for lawyers, it is growing both. It can mean growing your reach, right? You could be taking on clients all across the United States, even all across the world, depending on what you do for a living. So growing just means that you want more of something than you currently have. And that is a very real human instinct.

Managing Your Mind In Law -- Featuring Heather Moulder

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 16:54:00 +0000

Heather Moulder is a lawyer leadership and business coach, and she helps lawyers ditch stress, overthinking and imposter syndrome.

You’re probably thinking, “My goodness, that’s a lot,” but… it really isn’t.

It’s about learning how to manage your mind and emotions, and create a successful pathway toward the life you desire.

As a former big law partner, public speaker and host of the Life and Law podcast, Heather helps lawyers to become happily successful in law - and in life.

And today, she joins me to talk about mindset blocks; how to manage your mind and a way to think about what you’re doing in a way that eliminates stress.

In this episode we discuss:

How to low stress to be more effective in your life and in your business.
Having a successful mindset is empowering yourself to make better choices for yourself.
How to stop overanalyzing, start making decisions and take action.
There are processes like exercises that you can use to get your mind back in control.

Heather's Contact:

https://www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathermoulder/
Life and Law Podcast

Snip-Its

00:31:11 (34 Seconds)

"And I, and I ask myself, okay, what can I do? What do I want to do? How do I choose, how do I choose to believe, you know, in moving forward in this moment? Do I, do I know I can handle it if the worst happens? Yes. I may not know all the answers, but I'll figure it out. I figured stuff out like this before. I mean, there are ways you can approach it. That massively take that stress down. And so it's not that you, I guess 100% ditch stress, but you kind of do because you view it so differently that it doesn't impact you in the same way in such a negative way."

Why You Need Automation In Your Law Firm | Feat. Matt Spiegel C.E.O Of Lawmatics

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 17:34:48 +0000

We are joined today by entrepreneur, attorney, C.E.O, and innovator Matt Spiegel. Matt is an attorney, founder, and CEO of Lawmatics. Matt shares how a bar grievance filed against him is what led to founding Lawmatics. Matt also shares why automation is necessary for your law firm's growth and providing star treatment for your clients. This is a great episode you don't want to miss.

In this episode we discuss:

The areas of aspects of practice management software and legal automation.
How to get a better client experience with automation software.
Asking yourself as a law firm owner the right questions about how and what to automate.
How to get into the numbers of your law firm with Lawmatics.
The only way to get analytics and good reporting on where your leads are coming from are to have some automation.

About Matt Spiegel:

Matt Spiegel is an attorney and serial entrepreneur in the legal-tech space. He is Founder and CEO of Lawmatics, the #1 automation platform for law firms, offering legal client intake, CRM, marketing automation, billing, and much more, all in one easy-to-use software. With Lawmatics, law firms streamline their operations, impress clients, and win more business. Prior to Lawmatics, Matt worked as a criminal defense attorney for six years and founded MyCase, a legal practice management software company that has grown into one of the most widely used cloud-based law practice management systems. It was then acquired by AppFolio in 2012, where he remained as a General Manager for three more years.

In 2015, Spiegel founded ExpoGuru, an event marketing management software. Later in 2015 he became the CEO of Cammy, a global consumer tech company with headquarters in Sydney, Australia. In 2017, he decided that it was the right time to go back in the legal software industry with Lawmatics.

He is a golf enthusiast and passionate about making an impact on advancing the practice of law. He can't wait to continue reaching audiences in all consumer-driven practice areas; legal professionals wanting to build and scale a profitable law firm!

Contacts – Social Media

Matt Spiegel’s Contact:
Matt@lawmatics.com

www.lawmatics.com

Allison Bio:

Contacts – Social Media

https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/speak-with-a-growth-strategist

Snip-Its

00:07:57 (32 Seconds)

But, but the catalyst was, it was actually, to be honest with you, Allison, it was a bar complaint. I got a bar complaint and it was like it was stupid. It wasn't like, that I was a bad lawyer. It wasn't that, you know, I got a bad outcome or that I was malpractice or ineffective assistance of counsel or anything. It was quite literally, I didn't call you back quick off. It was attorney-client communication. And so then I went down. That which was the number was that it was the number one complaint in 2009, and it's still the number one complaint. And it's, it's ridiculous and actually embarrassing that that is still the number one issue that we have as lawyers

Effective Use of Credit in Law Firms

Fri, 16 Sep 2022 10:01:31 +0000

A lot of business owners have misconceptions around lines of credit and debt. Credit and debit are a necessary part of growing a business. Once debt has been accumulated, it is important to create a system to repay your debt. I will be going over all the ins and outs of taking accumulating debt to grow your business in this episode.

In today's episode we discuss:

Debt is an advance that affords an opportunity to invest in your business that will give you a greater return.
How to use debt and learn how to use it effectively.
Recognizing that there is a great distinction between credit card debt and a line of credit.
Creating a schedule of repayment as soon as there is any money on the credit card.

Allison Bio:

Contacts – Social Media

https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/speak-with-a-growth-strategist

Snip-Its

00:06:56 (32 Seconds)

Now, increasing the line of credit gives you a benefit of decreasing your income to debt ratio, right? So if I have a card and it has a 9000 credit limit and I have spent $3,000, I've used 33% of my credit. However, if I get them to increase that credit limit to 10,000, my credit utilization rate goes down to only 30%. So I've done nothing other than secure more credit, but that will typically trigger an increase in my FICO score, my credit score.

Seven Overlooked Strategies In Negotiating Your Commercial Lease

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 17:18:46 +0000

When it comes time to find a commercial rental for your office space, many lawyers are overlooking key strategies in their negotiation. In today's episode I will teach you the seven most overlooked strategies in order to prepare you for your next negotiation as well as get you the best deal and space for your business to grow.

In today's episode:

Why you should consult a commercial broker and not a real estate attorney.
Why professionals are desirable to commercial landlords and how to leverage that in your negotiations.
What to look for when renting out a commercial rental property.
Longer term space needs and what to do if your landlord can't accommodate them.

Allison Bio:

Contacts – Social Media

https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/speak-with-a-growth-strategist

Snip-Its

00:11:41 (25 Seconds)

When you think about coming into a space, the landlord doesn't just have a vested interest in renting the space today, he or she is creating a relationship with you as the business owner, and professionals, professional practices tend to be one of the most stable lessees, less orders lessees, less orders, tenants, we tend to be really great tenants, right? We don't throw large parties, we don't do a lot of damage, we obviously want to keep the space looking professional. And so when a landlord is looking to create a relationship with a business owner, we are desirable, know that going in. Not only are we desirable because of our status as professionals, because we don't just have legal responsibilities under our lease, we have professional responsibilities as licensed attorneys.

The Money System

Fri, 09 Sep 2022 10:01:49 +0000

There is a myth in business that managing your expenses means simply cutting costs. On today's episode, I will dispel that myth and teach you how to create a money system for your money coming in and going out so you can continue to grow your business.

In this episode we discuss:

How to create a plan for your money to know where it’s coming in and going out.
Managing your expenses does not mean cutting your expenses.
The way that you can create financial freedom through your business.
How important it is to have an effective money managing system.

Allison Bio:

Contacts – Social Media

https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/speak-with-a-growth-strategist

Snip-Its

00:12:25 (36 Seconds)

The way that we create financial freedom through a business, through a law firm, is we create more money. And more importantly, we create an understanding of money in a way that we can produce it when we need it, as we need it. Instead of, I'm going to live like a pauper today so that eventually I will have enough to stop working, right? That's kind of the middle-class mindset that says save for a rainy day and save for retirement, and then one day you'll be able to stop working. Well, here's the thing. I don't want to have a poultry existence today so that I can have a somewhat less poultry existence tomorrow.

The Structure of Flexibility

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 19:36:47 +0000

In today's market, in order to recruit new and retain existing employees, offering a flexible work environment is a great way. When your employees have flexibility in their schedule to achieve a work life balance they are happier and more productive. In today's episode I am going to teach you how to create systems for you to implement flexibility into your work environment.

In this episode we discuss:

How to structure a flexible work environment that will make your employees happier.
3-step query to ask of yourself to create a structure of flexibility in your workplace.
Effective communication is necessary to make clear the goals that need to be achieved.
How to manage your business by metrics.

Allison Bio:

Contacts – Social Media

https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/speak-with-a-growth-strategist

Snip-Its

00:07:59 (32 Seconds)

Well, when I started adding people and I had that same general attitude, right, you give to me, I give to you, this is a relationship. I want you to be happy. I want your life to fit with your work and share that ethos pretty freely with people. We had one paralegal that just didn't work that way. This person would ask to come in late or leave early, and by this time I had gotten very clear guidance from an employment attorney that we needed to be keeping time records. So we were maintaining time records

Why You Need An In-House Marketing Team For Your Law Firm

Fri, 02 Sep 2022 10:01:08 +0000

The goal of marketing is to keep your message content clear and consistent across all platforms. Regardless if you outsource your marketing, having an in-house marketing team is important in order to achieve your goals and receive your return on investment. In this episode, I will give you three reasons why you want to invest in an in-house marketing team.

In this episode we discuss:

How the in-house marketing team has to look like.
3 Characteristics that will justify making an investment in your in-house marketing team.
You require someone who is the eyes and ears of your company.
Have someone on your team who is looking for the next opportunity for your business to expand into marketing.

Allison Bio:

Contacts – Social Media

https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/speak-with-a-growth-strategist

Snip-Its

00:11:01 (38 Seconds)

Now, this doesn't mean that if you have different people in your company marketing, that you all have to copy and paste each other's style. We do want you to be authentic in your marketing, but even as you are working toward authenticity, your goal is to make sure that there is consistency of your message and that when you are communicating in different places, that that data, if it is multipurpose, if you're cross-marketing, what you put on, what you what you say in a public speaking engagement to what you put in your newsletter or on your blog, you want to make sure that what people are consuming says we say the same thing, even if we say it in different ways because we are about this value.

Why Do So Many Professionals Think SEO Is A Hoax?

Tue, 30 Aug 2022 10:01:56 +0000

If You Are Reading This, Then SEO Is NOT A Hoax.

Key questions you need to ask when you hire a marketing company to manage your SEO.
Clean-up work needs to be done on your website when a marketing company starts to work with you.
How to communicate appropriately with search engines.
You have to partner with your marketing company and provide the right information to succeed.
Which is the best marketing strategy that will work best for your law firm.

Allison Bio:

Contacts – Social Media

https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/speak-with-a-growth-strategist

Snip-Its

00:04:53 (38 Seconds)

And the more information that there is on your website, the easier it is for the search engine to say, yes, this is exactly what the searching party is looking for when this person's content comes into our awareness. So the more content that a person has generated over a course of time, the more likely that they are to show up when they are doing things like altering keywords on their website, because they already have authority. They already have a reputation, if you will, with Google, or Bing, or whatever search engine that says this is a reputable source that is highly connected with the service that people are searching for.

3 Questions You Need To Ask BEFORE You Institute Your Associate Bonus Compensation Plan

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 15:30:59 +0000

Associate bonus compensation is vital in retaining top talent at your law firm and motivating your employees. In order to create a bonus incentive plan, however, you need to have an answer to three specific questions:

What does your business need? 2. What will motivate your associates? 3. What is your M.V.P.?

In this episode, we discuss:

The 3 questions to start the process of configuring the bonus compensation plan.

Allison Bio:

Contacts – Social Media

https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/speak-with-a-growth-strategist

Snip-Its

00:16:57 (36 Seconds)

As your company grows, you might not want to differentiate the types of benefits that you give from person to person, but you might, right? You might want to have a structured bonus plan whereby people get to elect at the beginning of the year what bonus they're going to be pursuing. You can build out your entire budget around if a person hits a budget, a goal so that they are entitled to bonus compensation that it's already paid for by virtue of you starting at the beginning of the year, setting aside the funds that are going to be necessary for that. But the worst thing that you can do is presuppose that the only thing people care about is money.

Try to create parity between what's expected and what's delivered.
How much should be going to the base compensation based on the market.
Be sure what will motivate your associates so you can create the right incentive plan.
What you are going to create in the future so you have the balance of your profit and your expenses in appropriate ratios

How To Onboard A Star Performer In Your Law Firm

Tue, 23 Aug 2022 10:01:02 +0000

Onboarding is necessary, but it is one of the things most people do not want to do. Learning the basics of onboarding can be the difference between hiring someone who works out miraculously or hiring someone who can’t get the job done. These five key strategies will help you onboard your star performer.

In this episode we discuss:

5 Key Strategies you can use to be more effective at onboarding new members of your team.
How important it is to be organized so your employees can make associations in their minds of the content that's covered.
Breaking down the big picture into key components in each onboarding.
Create a repeat pattern of the key points that you want the person to understand.
The value of taking handwritten notes creates a connection with the memory.

Allison Bio:

Contacts – Social Media

https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/speak-with-a-growth-strategist

Snip-Its

00:14:54 (34 Seconds)

It's really important that they get into the habit of taking your words and translating it into their words. And then the final strategy ultimately is going to show you why that's so critically important as a part of further reinforcing what they've learned. But for purposes of number four, super important that you emphasize and require that notes be taken and that you make sure that you check in periodically to make sure that those notes are really the person's reiteration of key points and not the person's kind of brain dump if you will, or recording of what you've had to say.

How To Properly Integrate Your Marketing Team Into The Operations Of Your Law Firm

Fri, 19 Aug 2022 10:01:17 +0000

Let’s chat about integrating your marketing, and more specifically, connecting your front end and your back end. As the owner of the company, you can never truly be hands-off to the success of your business. You need to be able to connect what is going on for their end with what is going on for your end. That way if there's a problem, you can troubleshoot it effectively.

In this episode we discuss:

How to connect your front end and your back end effectively.
Make sure your website is working correctly so your leads will be directed to the right links.
How important is it to track all the possible leads that go into your webpage.
Consider the use of tracking charts consistently for your data.

Allison Bio:

How To Lead Your Business To Success | feat. Steph Tuss

Tue, 16 Aug 2022 10:01:00 +0000

Steph Tuss is an extraordinary woman who took advantage of every opportunity she was given because she was able to live by the mantra, “just say yes.” She has a vast knowledge of business even though she didn’t come from an entrepreneurial background, and didn’t even major in business courses. Yet, she is now the CEO of a hugely successful company, Life Is Now, Inc.

In this episode we discuss:

How people will be smooth when they have an agreement.
Being able and open to experience whatever you need to experience knowing that whatever happens, you're going to be okay.

The importance of beginning with a framework to face difficult conversations.
How to manage vulnerability as a leader

About Steph Tuss:

Steph Tuss is the CEO of the multimillion-dollar global coaching company Life Is Now, Inc, helping thousands of entrepreneurs, experts and self-employed professionals gain the confidence and find the right mindset to increase their revenue, turning their endeavors into seven- and eight-figure ventures.

Prior to her work with Life Is Now, Steph was a school teacher turned entrepreneur, who built and sold her first business by the age of 33.

She has a passion for helping others create their vision mixed with the nuts and bolts of solid business strategy.

Allison Bio:

Take The Bookkeeping OUT Of Your Hands

Fri, 12 Aug 2022 10:01:32 +0000

There are many benefits to having a bookkeeper and using automation in your business. They save you time, money and energy that can be put back into your lawfrim. How will you know when it is time to hire a bookkeeper?

In this episode we discuss:

How doing your own bookkeeping is taking time, money, and energy that could be going into your law firm.

What are the benefits of choosing the right bookkeeper.
Bookkeeping will save you time and energy while you run your business.
What your numbers are telling you about the health of your business to be able to hire.
Asking the right questions when interviewing a bookkeeper as he/she will act as an advisor.
How automation is an important and essential component of law firm management.

Allison Bio:

Contacts – Social Media

https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/speak-with-a-growth-strategist

Book: Simple Numbers Big Profits! By Greg Crabtree

Snip-Its

00:11:49 (35 Seconds)

The more we fear things that seem to be harming us, the more action we take to secure them to, to resolve those issues. And the problem with that is that as we are looking to resolve those issues, because we are in a state of fear, we are oftentimes making knee-jerk reactions, knee-jerk responses today without a long-term plan. We are deciding in a state of lack a lack mindset rather than an abundance mindset. So we are restricting, we are limiting, we are forcing rather than allowing and fostering and supporting.

Defining Roles in Your Law Firm

Tue, 09 Aug 2022 10:01:13 +0000

When we are talking about role description, we are actually talking about role differentiation. What are the key differences between a task list and a job description?

In this episode we discuss:

What is the difference between a task list and a job description.
How to make sure that the content you are defining for a job description is not a static idea.
When you create a job description add a growth path for the person's future.
Be aware that all the gaps or activities should be covered in advance to grow your business.

Allison Bio:

Contact Info:

https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/speak-with-a-growth-strategist

My favorite excerpt from the episode:

00:10:33 (34 Seconds)

Now, for a lot of lawyers, there is resistance around even asking the question of what's not being done, because we fear that if something's not being done, that means that I'm putting my business at risk, I'm putting my license at risk, I'm committing malpractice, I'm going to have clients that are upset. And those are not the gaps that we're talking about. I mean, obviously, if you are servicing legal clients, you have to do so ethically. You have to meet the requirements of serving the client

How To Plan Ahead for Summer Productivity

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 18:22:18 +0000

School is out for a lot of you that are parents and for a lot of people, the warm months are the time of the year where they like to get away. They like to lawyer at the beach, they like to do a lot of things that will support overall mental health, but of course, rejuvenation so that they can be their best selves. So, of course, we want to make sure that you are planning your law firm in a way that allows you to be able to not just take time off and to have your teams take time off, but to do that in a way that does not take your profits. I want to give you three strategies today as to how you can do that, how you can plan for a successful summer, knowing that you're going to meet your numbers, knowing that you're going to hit your targets, but also making sure that you are ahead of the curve for the fall ahead.

In this episode we discuss:

Communicate and give realistic expectations how the work this year is going to look like.
Stop and pause and remind your employees the metrics expected throughout the year.
Plan around what is the ebb and flow of your work.
Sharing strategies that are conducive to the individuals that you work with.

Allison Bio:

Contact info

https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/speak-with-a-growth-strategist

Snip-Its

00:12:29 (28 Seconds)

But when you think about where work is coming in and when you are going to be at your most busy, that might be at a time where people really want to go on vacation. So how do you accommodate that? Well, what you have to do is you have to plan for staggering of time that people are going to be taking time out of the office so that sometimes we are hard-hitting, heavy charging, working hard, and other times we are off and we are truly off. Now, what I mean by that is I'm a big proponent of allowing people to take vacation and encouraging them to do so without interruption from an office.

REPLAY - Creating Your Virtual Community

Fri, 24 Jun 2022 09:00:00 +0000

A virtual community is about how we stay connected as people, despite the fact that we're not physically working with each other. What's important is how to master your work communications in a way that builds a strong collective culture in your law firm, even when it's virtual or a hybrid of brick and mortar and virtual.

In this episode we discuss:

How to master your work communications in a way that builds a strong collective culture.
3 Key Strategies to create your Virtual Community at work.
Encouraging people to engage in light chatter through an app, helping you to start the day in a positive way.
Helping your employees be successful at home, encouraging them to have their own workspace in a specific location.
The importance of regular check-in meetings with someone in the management of the business.
Sustaining a quality business while working virtually.
How important is it to create engagement with and between your team.
Encouraging your employees to take time off will reduce stress and make them happier.

Contacts – Social Media

Facebook, Linkden, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube

Snip-Its

00:09:22 (38 Seconds)

Remember, we learned about llamas through talking to this employee, right? So like, there's little things that you don't really think matter. And they might seem kind of like, why does that why, why take additional time for that? But it really does create cohesion between people. They feel closer to each other, actually, when they are intentional about communicating with each other, and communicating about something positive sets the tone so that over the course of time, everyone's message has gotten increasingly more positive and everyone has gotten more excited about the things that we are learning about each other and sharing with each other through that channel.

Allison Bio:

REPLAY - Never Too Late for Succes

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 19:21:54 +0000

We set business goals at the beginning of the year with every intention of meeting them. But life can get messy and this year things got VERY messy. In today’s episode I am going to teach you three strategies you can use to get your business back on track. These are concrete strategies that you can not only use right away but you can work on RIGHT NOW as I outline them for you.

In this episode we discuss:

What to do when you find yourself off course from making your goals due to unplanned challenges out of your control, such as covid.
The importance of knowing your numbers when evaluating your business.
How your reaction to unplanned challenges can impact business outcomes.
Taking personal responsibility for your choices as they influence and contribute to outcomes going forward.
Owning control over the things that you can control.
Taking stock of your mental health and mindset.
Asking yourself how you have maintained or changed your standards to adjust to a changed workplace.
The impact PPP loans may have on your tax bill due to be paid next year.
How there’s still time for an amazing fourth quarter with the right course corrections.

Bio:

Allison C. Williams, Esq., is Founder and Owner of the Williams Law Group, LLC, with offices in Short Hills and Wall Township, New Jersey. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, is Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Matrimonial Law Attorney, and is the first attorney in New Jersey to become Board-Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in the field of Family Law. Ms. Williams is a member of the New Jersey Board on Attorney Certification (NJBAC) – Matrimonial Committee, a New Jersey Supreme Court committee that determines eligibility of candidates to be certified as a recognized practitioner in the field of matrimonial law.

Ms. Williams has been named a Rising Star Attorney by the New Jersey Super Lawyers franchise continuously from 2008 – 2013, and has been named a Super Lawyer by that organization for 2014 – 2019. In 2016, she was featured in the Super Lawyers publication (Williams v. The Rubber Stamp), she has been named one of the Top 50 Women Super Lawyers in New Jersey from 2017-2019 and in 2019, was voted in the Top 100 Super Lawyers in the State of New Jersey.

Ms. Williams is an accomplished businesswoman. In 2017, the Williams Law Group won the LawFirm500 award, ranking 14^th of the fastest growing law firms in the nation, as Ms. Williams grew the firm 581% in three years. Ms. Williams won the Silver Stevie Award for Female Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017. In 2018, Ms. Williams was voted as NJBIZ’s Top 50 Women in Business and was designated one of the Top 25 Leading Women Entrepreneurs and Business Owners. In 2019, Ms. Williams won the Seminole 100 Award for founding one of the fastest growing companies among graduates of Florida State University.

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

She received her B.S., magna cum laude, and her M.S., summa cum laude, from Florida State University. She received her J.D., cum laude, from Syracuse University College of Law.

Snip-Its:

00:17:21 (47 Seconds)

Almost instinctually, we go to the mindset of if something is happening in the external world, we have no choice but to accept the ramifications of that in our law firm. And many times that is not true. Many times we are making choices that have adverse consequences for our business and if we were to make a different choice, the consequence would be different. And so you have to start thinking about what exactly is the cause of the current circumstance that you're experiencing in your business, whether it's an uptick or a downward slide in business. Where did that come from and what are all the pieces that contributed to that so that you can start making different choices to change the outcome that you're experiencing.

00:35:57 (43 Seconds)

There are ways for you to keep the standard the same in terms of production, but allow for some modification of what will actually be produced, meaning if I don't have the work to give to a client, I could give the work into a marketing initiative or I could give the work into a system for the firm, or I could give the work into, you know, pouring into the cultural morale, depending on how high your standards are. Ultimately, that will dictate whether or not your standards should be modified. But if there's a modification, the modification should be a revamping of your structure and it ought to have very clearly defined parameters around it. It should not be simply a wholesale walking away from the standards that you created.

00:41:31 (19 Seconds)

But your goal is to be fully educated and to make decisions that are best for your business based on your business metrics and separating your emotional connection to those decisions from the analysis. And this is where taking stock of yourself and why you are doing what you were doing is very important.

Stop the Vanity Networking

Thu, 16 Jun 2022 09:00:40 +0000

There's a great skill set that comes with being a people person who knows how to make connections, who knows how to drive engagement, and get people interested in your message. Vanity Marketing, however, is done by those who go into a networking opportunity as an experience of being social and making friends instead of finding a way to get business in the door.

In this episode, we discuss:

Vanity networking means those people that don't network with intentionality.
How important is it to have a map of the people that are attending the networking event.
Focus on the idea of who you're going to speak to.
Spending your time effectively before and after the event.

Allison Bio:

Contact Info:

https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/speak-with-a-growth-strategist

My favorite excerpt from the episode:

TIME: 00:08:55 (25 Seconds)

You want to be the person that's proactively taking the bull by the horns and inviting that prospect or that prospective referral relationship partner out for some type of contact. Right. That and buy out, by the way, I don't mean you don't necessarily have to go out. You can invite them to a Zoom meeting, you can invite them to coffee. You could just stop by their office. Right. But you want to have a planned event where you two are going to be intentional about discussing business.

How To Implement Process And Structure And Use Your Time Efficiently w/ Steve Fretzin

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 09:00:13 +0000

Whether you are a big firm, a solo practice, or something in between - you need process and structure. Today I chat with Steve Fretzin about how he helps his clients by understanding their personalities and leverages that to create processes and structures that give them the best chance to succeed in efficiency. No one has to be terrified of winging it, or feeling like they are flying by the seat of their pants with a proper structure in place.

In this episode we discuss:

How important is developing your time management skills.
Learn how you are spending the time doing business development.
Spending your time efficiently

Steve Fretzin Podcast: Be That Lawyer

Books:

Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science

Sales Free Selling

Legal Business Development

Website URL: https://fretzin.com

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Allison Bio:

Finding Comfort And Efficiency In Delegation

Fri, 10 Jun 2022 09:00:26 +0000

The major problem with delegation is that you have to develop a rhythm for how you delegate, the same way that you develop a rhythm for how you pay your bills or a rhythm for how you hire your staff or how you market your law firm. If you just kind of pinch-hit and do it here and there, you get pinch-hit results.

In this episode we discuss:

- Develop a rhythm for how you delegate.
- Practice intentionality around delegating so you can trust your team members.
- Explain to your team the why behind your system in your law firm.
- Empower others to be a force for your delegation benefit.

SEE THE FULL TRANSCRIPT BELOW

Allison Williams: [00:00:05] Hi, everybody. It's Allison Williams here, your host of The Crushing Chaos with Law Firm Mentor podcast. Law Firm Mentor is a business coaching service for solo and small law firm attorneys. We help you to grow your revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money.

Allison Williams: [00:00:26] Welcome, my dear Steve Fretzin to the Crushing Chaos with Law Firm Mentor podcast.

Steven Fretzin: [00:00:31] Hey, Alison, how are you doing?

Allison Williams: [00:00:32] Hey, I'm doing well. You know, I'm excited to have you on. We've had you on before. Every once in a while, you get a really great guest. We have a great conversation and a lot of value to the audience. So you're definitely one of those people I wanted to have come back, but even after I made the decision I was going to invite you back, I saw that once again. You're at it in this, in this author biz that you're in. And I wanted to talk to you specifically about your book, because I know that it is starting to get a lot of buzz in the legal industry.

Steven Fretzin: [00:01:03] Yeah, it was a, it was a blast to do. And I got a really big kick-off even without doing like a book launch party, which I would normally do. Non-covid I got a really big international bestseller status in four countries and I was just so excited about it. And it's six years of work into this book, so really thrilled about it and I appreciate you having me back.

Allison Williams: [00:01:24] Yeah. So congratulations on the international bestseller status. For those that are watching us on YouTube, you can actually see the title of the book over Steve's right, right Shoulder. But for those of you that are listening on the podcast platforms, the name of the book is Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science 250 plus easy and actionable ways to grow your book of business in less time and with greater results. So I know that was a, that was a mouthful, but it tells you everything you need to know about why this is going to be such a great resource for those of you that really want to expand your legal career and generate more business. So let's talk about the book and let's start first by giving some people that have not been introduced to you before or have not heard you on this podcast before. Learn a little bit about you. Right? The fact that you are not a lawyer, but you play one on TV, I think is remarkable because you blend right in with us. But tell us about you, Steve.

Steven Fretzin: [00:02:20] Yeah, so I'm someone who got pulled into the legal industry in 2008, never realizing or even considering that lawyers needed help with business development. My father is a retired attorney now, but he always, as a solo, had plenty of business, plenty of work, he made plenty of money. There was all, he was the total package, not having to network, not having to do. It just was natural that relationships would happen for him. So he didn't really have to think about it. He never wrote a plan. He never considered time management or any delegation skills or anything that we're teaching lawyers on a daily basis just wasn't a part of his makeup in the seventies, eighties, and nineties. And so I got pulled into this in 2008, working with an individual attorney in the real estate space. And what he loved about working with me is that I actually Teach Sales Free Selling, which is one, which is the name of my first book. I love to work with lawyers to teach them, you don't have to pitch, you don't have to convince, you don't have to sell. It's all about relationships. It's all about being consultative and understanding and walking people through a buying decision to see essentially if it's a fit.

Steven Fretzin: [00:03:26] So one lawyer turned into two, two and a three, then a firm, then another, and it just took off. And within about a year and a half to two years, Allison, I looked at my numbers. I was like, Wait a second. I think 80% of my total business this year are attorneys. And I didn't even oh my God. So I had been teaching lawyers about specialization and all that. I said, you know, maybe I need to practice what I preach a little. So I pushed my chips in, changed my name from a very salesy name. Sales Results Inc Which lawyers go you to Frets and Inc, which they were like, okay, that's just his name. We're used to that, right? So that's how I got going in. Even recently, I've adapted even more where I've, I've stopped working with law firms a couple of years ago. I only work with highly motivated and ambitious individual attorneys at all levels and all practice areas. And I also run peer advisory groups to help them win their successful to maintain and continue to develop even after they've become a great, be that lawyer type of lawyer.

Allison Williams: [00:04:25] Yeah. Well, since you mentioned be that lawyer, for those of you that don't know, Steve has an amazing podcast affectionately known as Be That Lawyer. And so a lot of your work actually does stem from some of the major concepts that I always learn about as a, as an avid follower of your podcast. So talk to us a little bit about the podcast and then we're going to shift back into the book. So I really want to get some of those, those meaty topics covered in your book talked about today.

Steven Fretzin: [00:04:52] Yeah. So the show, you know, jeez, you know, it's one of those situations I think you can you can understand where I'm coming from or I wish I had started at five years ago, not two years ago, but we're coming up on 200 episodes at the end of this month. And I'm doing two a week right now. And the reason is, is I keep meeting so many amazing people like you, Allison, and others that have so much to share and so much to give to the legal community that it allows me to get to three or four takeaways from every single show because I'm drilling down similar to you to get to the, the nuts and bolts tactical stuff. How does, how does this actually work? So it could be anything from time management to health and wellness to marketing, branding, and of course, business development, networking, and developing that book, that almighty book of business, which we all know is so important. So that's the podcast and I just love doing it similar to like you and I just we enjoy it. We enjoy meeting people, we enjoy interviewing people, and having these fun conversations. And sure enough, if we can get sort of like to the middle of that onion from peeling away some layers, it ends up being a really interesting show with lots, again, takeaways for the audience.

Allison Williams: [00:06:01] Yeah, yeah. So and you are such a great interviewer, Steve. I had the pleasure of not just being on your podcast, but also you did a celebration for Women's History Month and you brought together an amazing panel. And we talked about a lot of different topics relative to business development in the law. And I just I wanted to make a special nod to you for that program because I don't think a lot of people really refine the art of being a good interviewer, and I think that you really excel at that exceptionally.

Steven Fretzin: [00:06:29] I appreciate that. And it's funny because if I'm going to do a 200 episode special and if you go back and listen and I've done this a couple of times to like the first ten or 20 episodes, they're very different than the last 20 or even the last 100 because as you know, it's, it's one of these skills that you have to keep refining. You have to keep considering how am I getting more out of the guest? How am I getting so I might ask someone to explain something to me and then I'll say, Hey, do you have a specific example of how you did that? And then they talk about how they worked with the client to get a result. Well, that's going to resonate with people more than just an explanation of something. So that's the kind of stuff that Howard Stern and Oprah and some of the best interviewers on the planet do. And I, and I'm just trying to emulate what I'm, what I what I'm hearing from others, and what I'm what I know will resonate with my audience.

Allison Williams: [00:07:21] Yeah, well, we definitely want people to check that out because we have I have had the pleasure recently of some of my clients saying, oh, yeah, you know, you have gotten better at this. And I say, God, well, how bad was I? And said, Well, it wasn't that it was bad, but it has gotten better. And so I love getting that feedback and I know that it's something that it's kind of the universal experience of people that do what they love and love what they do and really lean into it. So let's now shift back to the book because, you know, when when you think about the idea of a legal business development book, I am sure lawyers have thoughts about what that means, what that could be. But why don't you kind of in a nutshell encapsulate for us, what does the book offer to someone who wants to learn about legal business development and why is it a resource that you recommend that people check out.

Steven Fretzin: [00:08:09] I would say in the most important part of the book is that you can read it cover to cover, but it's not a book you have to read cover to cover if you're in a solo practice and it's really important for you to get out in network, well then there's some chapters on networking and you can just read those chapters as a starting point to kind of start get your skills together, your mind together, your plan together as it relates to networking, best practices. And what I do when I write, and I write articles for the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, I write for impact lawyers out of, out of the UK and stuff like that is I try to write in a very simple tactical, here's what you do, here's what you say. And it's not that I have all the answers, but it's evolved over time where I'm, I'm getting feedback from clients, what's working, what's not, what I do, what that's working, and what's not. So that when I put together an article or a book or a chapter, it's going to, it's going to be something that people don't just, Oh, that was a great idea but I don't know how to execute on that. No, no. Here's what you do and here's what you say. And just do what I'm saying and tweak it for your own personality, tweak it for your own practice area, whatever you want to do. But I try to write in that, in that type of here's three bullet points that you can follow, and here's the actual quote of what you would ask or say so that it's going to hit home for the people that read it.

Allison Williams: [00:09:30] And so when you say 250 plus examples, I mean that, that is a lot. So you're calling this information where, where are these examples or these strategies coming from?

Steven Fretzin: [00:09:42] So what I try to do, and this is in every chapter, but most chapters I try to pull from an experience in my life. So this one isn't in the book, but I'll give it is because it's such an easy one for me to pick on. I'm dealing with a teenager at home. All right? And I was a teenager and I was difficult. And guess what? I'm getting it back. It's coming back to me now. So my teenagers up here, moody and Dad, come on, I want to talk about it. And then he's down here where he's like, Hey, you want to hang out and want to do this? And then the other. I don't necessarily always know what teenager I'm going to get from day to day, from hour to hour. So I'm like, Where's the support group for this? So I decided, you know what? I had like an experience with him recently where I was like, You know what? I'm just at the end of my wits. Here I am. Teaching lawyers, building $1000 plus an hour how to build a successful law practice.

Steven Fretzin: [00:10:30] They're listening to every word I have to say. They're at the edge of their seats, but my teenager thinks I'm a moron. My teenager thinks that everything I say is just the dumbest thing, one after the other. So it's like, All right, there's an article here and there are some takeaways here from this so that I think the article is like, are lawyers really just moody teenagers? And then, of course they're not, but I make a goof about it, and then I give like, here are some things that we need to consider as it relates to how to how to do legal business development and keep a straight mind about it. So then I'll break it down and give some bullet points on that, on that topic. So it could be fishing, it could be a sport I'm playing, being competitive. It could be swinging a golf club. It could you know, there's all different ways to create content. And I just try to use my own life experience as a way to make it a little more interesting for the reader.

Allison Williams: [00:11:19] Well, and I think that that's just really the key point there, right? Because as soon as you say teenager, you know, you heard me sigh childfree by choice and revolves around the idea that teenagers are not something I ever experience intentionally. But as, as somebody who is a father, and a business person, and somebody who works with lawyers, you know, you have a lot of, of your unique personality that comes through in what you read and what you write and what you say. And I think that bringing that to the legal marketplace, it's just going to make for an entertaining read. And if not just the immense value that, of course, I know you bring from your years of experience doing this.

Steven Fretzin: [00:11:58] Yeah, I mean, think about business development for lawyers. So they're not taught in law school. They're generally not taught at the law firm level. And you know this because you're in that you're in the space that it's a learned skill. But then the question is how many attorneys are interested in learning the skill or putting time into this skill? 5% of the population, maybe. So this is a book that if you're going to learn business development and you're interested in business development, you need a place to start or you need a place to kind of like, I'm doing it, but I want to just kind of check how I'm doing and see if there are maybe some additional ways to do things better or more efficiently, etc. Well, that's what I'm doing. I'm not giving ideas that aren't going to move the needle. I mean, I'm working with attorneys, you know, 8 to 10 hours a day, every day, five days a week. So I'm in the weeds with the lawyers. It's just a matter of, of what can, what can we all keep improving? We all need to keep improving. And so why not learn from someone who's been in the, in the in that, you know, in the weeds with attorneys as long as I have. And see if there's nuggets that you can pull out of it that, that you can use that are going to improve your game or make it more fun or interesting to do business development. Not such a drug, such drudgery.

Allison Williams: [00:13:08] Yeah. Well, so I love that you put the phrase put fun together with business development, because I don't think that most people, when they hear that, especially most attorneys, are going to think of fun and business development. But that's really your approach to it. So talk to us about when you say you're kind of been in the weeds with the lawyers, you know, you've been in the struggle with us. What are some of the things that lawyers really struggle with that you help with? And how do you help them to ultimately over overcome those struggles so that they can get to the success that they desire?

Steven Fretzin: [00:13:40] Yeah. So what I do is I sit down with an attorney that I meet through a presentation, through referral, through whatever, and I always do like a 30 to 40 minute evaluation. And it's interesting to go through these evaluations every week, multiple times, and hear the same things over and over again. So I'll give you the top three and then if we can go from there. But number one, poor time management, they're not really they never learn time and so again, learn skill time management to learn skill. I am the perfect example because I'm a feather on the wind. I am the least organized person you would have met 15, 16 years ago. And it took really learning and dedicating time and energy. And now I don't have an open email. At the end of the day, everything's been been handled. There's no paper on my desk. Everything's done through my remarkable two, through Dropbox, through whatever. So organization is something that's number one on the list. Number two is how are they spending their time doing business development? And in most cases, it's not being done in the most efficient way. They're not in the right place with the right people. They're out spinning their wheels, presenting all over. They're networking haphazardly. There's no plan in place of how to go after low-hanging fruit, how to go after where the business is. So I say this to attorneys all the time. You realize there's a table right in front of you with a pile of money on it, and you're walking around it all day and they go, What? I go, Yeah. Like all the business you ever need and will ever need is right in front of you and you're not taking it. They go, Well, why? Well, okay, so you have 250 clients that think you're the greatest thing since sliced bread and you're not asking them for introductions to people they know to get new business. Well, I'm not comfortable with that. Well, there you go. There you go. So where's the gap? Well, the gap. Is the lack of process and lack of language to make it comfortable, to make it easy. So that's where we're in the weeds, that's where we're working every day, and most importantly, getting in front of decision-makers and, and having a process to walk them through a buying decision. So most lawyers call it a pitch meeting. Hey, we're going on a pitch meeting. Right. And I hate it. I hate pitch, I hate convince. I hate sell. I'm very anti-sell. My first book is Sales Free Selling. Why? Because I'm teaching lawyers, you don't have to go out and be a salesman. All right? You can do it through relationships, consultative, questioning. You can do it through empathy, listening, and most importantly, qualifying. They go qualifying. What do you mean? Well, you're presenting and giving solutions to people that aren't qualified and they go, What do you mean? I go, Well, they're not the right decision maker. They're not committed to sign up with you. If, if they, if they, even if they wanted to and they don't have any money to pay you, but yet you're spending a year chasing after this person that's never going to work with you. So how quickly can we figure out that someone's real or not is a huge part of where lawyers spin their wheels and spend their time inefficiently.

Allison Williams: [00:16:32] Yeah. So a lot, a lot there that you just shared with us. And the thing that I think that of all that you just describe that really resonated with me is the idea that it sounds like just having a system and an approach to doing things can take away the stress of the unknown, right? It can give you a certain level of you might not immediately feel comfortable, but it can at least give you the bravery to get out there and do it. Scared, right?

Steven Fretzin: [00:16:57] Yeah. Yeah.

Allison Williams: [00:16:58] And then the other piece of it is having someone like you to actually not just hold them accountable, but to actually guide them through what to say, where to go, how to be, what to, what not to overlook. Because, you know, there are so many things in this that are self-evident when you're looking from the outside in. But, you know, when you are in the center, right, when you're the epicenter of your own life, you oftentimes can't see what you're missing. So we just go right past it without help.

Steven Fretzin: [00:17:24] And it's interesting because I'm not only working with lawyers in every practice area, but I'm working with the most extroverted lampshade on the head at the party fund lawyers. And what are they lacking? Well, they're lacking process and structure, similar to what I was lacking because I was that person. So I need to bring them into process and structure so they can leverage their personality and their energy in a way that's going to be efficient with their time. Now, on the other side of it, I work with some of the most introverted like IP attorneys and people that don't want to go anywhere, do anything. They don't want to be in front of anybody. But they also recognize that the key to freedom and success and control in a career, whether you're at a big firm or a solo, is having more of your own business, selecting your clients and having that. And so they love the fact that I'm giving them the structure, the language, the process to follow because they are scared and terrified of winging it and failing, or they've already tried winging it and failed. And now it's like, well, why bother? Well, so the structure works for everyone that's willing to put the time in to learn it and execute on it, internalize it. It's all there. They just have to have they have to draw a line. I mean, literally, I need people to kind of convince me that they're going to work with me. It's not just about me saying convincing them to work. They need to convince me that they're going to put the time in and they're going to follow the structure to get the results. Because if they're not, then I don't have the time to spend with them or want to spend with them because I'm only as good as my players, right Allison? That's what it comes down to. We need to find the right players. That's how we win.

Allison Williams: [00:18:57] Yeah. And it sounds like no matter what type of lawyer you are, no matter what type of personality you have, whether you are an introvert, extrovert, and I would dare say andover, right, those folks in the middle that kind of go both ways. You know, there's a strategy for you and it really just takes finding someone who has the dedication and the talent to be able to guide you to the right strategy for who you are.

Steven Fretzin: [00:19:16] Yeah. And the best part is and I don't if you find this too, I work with the best, smartest, most enjoyable attorneys that exist. Now, why is that? Well, think about who wants to learn. Think about who wants to achieve. Think about who can get their ego in a place where they can take advice and they can take coaching. Those aren't the crazy people at the law firms that everyone's afraid of. Right. These are people that are humble, and open, and modest, and interested in developing, and that makes them the best people for me. I just every day I get to enjoy my job and enjoy my career helping these attorneys take it to the next level. So it's just like I wake up every morning just excited to go to work.

Allison Williams: [00:19:59] Yeah, well, I think that that is really the difference between someone who chooses a path where you chose lawyers. Right. So it's one thing to be a lawyer and to experience the different shades of our personalities and the different types of lawyers that there are. But for somebody who's on the outside, right, you start to experience what it is to work with lawyers and you start to see the complexity and the wide diversity of people that we are. The same way you find in every other profession and you chose to stick around. So I think, yeah.

Steven Fretzin: [00:20:27] I'm not going anywhere. I'm not going anywhere. So, you know, my my legacy is, look, I'm only a one man band. I'm not going to work with more than maybe 30 lawyers in a year for my main like coaching and training program. However, when I as I go through this industry and as I eventually leave the industry and when I'm 100 years old or whatever it's going to be, I want there to be a legacy. And the legacy is that I'm helping lawyers all over the world figure out something that they were denied in law school and they were denied at the law firm level. And that is a proper education and proper motivation to build the future and the life that they dreamed about when they went to law school. And it isn't always happening. As you know, for most lawyers, they're not always happy. They're in there, in, you know, in the crap dealing with multiple partners, yelling at them, and forcing work on them. They're in a bad culture environment. I mean, the great resignation is obviously helping to kind of weed, weed out the bad firms or weed out the, the egomaniacs that no one wants to work for anymore. Happiness has come to the forefront and I want to be a part of that future.

Allison Williams: [00:21:35] Yeah, well, you're absolutely taking the right steps to let people know who you are, how you are, and what immense value that you add. I mean, I have I've exposed quite a few of our audience, obviously have have heard you on our previous podcast. You were somebody that got a lot of favorable ratings and I got a lot of very good feedback from the show before. And of course, I know that you offer immense, immense value in the books that you read that you write. So, Steve, thank you so much for being on. Thank you for sharing with us about your book, Legal Business Development. I want everyone that's listening to check that out. It's a great resource. And Steve, I would like you to let everyone know if they are interested in learning more about you, not just the array of your library, but also how they could work with you to please let them know where they can find you.

Steven Fretzin: [00:22:21] Yeah. So the easiest way is, is one of two places. One is my website, which is essentially my last name. So Fretzin and F, R, E, T, Z, I, N dot com. And that's going to give you the information on my programs, videos of my clients talking about the programs I run and how they kind of viewed it from before they joined and after they went through it. And then, of course, I'm a big LinkedIn guy, so if you want to connect with me on LinkedIn, just type in Steve Fretzin on LinkedIn and give me a little message saying you heard me on The Crushing Chaos in Allison show and that would be fantastic and happy to connect with lawyers all over the world and I do and again, then then you're able to see all my content real-time.

Allison Williams: [00:22:59] Yeah. All right. Thank you so much, Steve Fretzin. You have always been a friend of the show and a great guest. And once again, we, we delivered on our great promise to offer you to the world. Everyone, all of Steve's information is going to be in the show notes, so please do check that out. You are watching The Crushing Chaos with Law Firm Mentor podcast. I'm Allison Williams. Everyone have a wonderful rest of your day.

Allison Williams: [00:23:28] Thank you for tuning in to the Crushing Chaos with Law Firm Mentor podcast. To learn more about today's show and take advantage of the resources mentioned, check out our show notes. And if you enjoy today's episode, take a moment to follow the podcast wherever you get your podcast and leave us a rating and review. This helps us to reach even more law firm owners from around the country who want to crush chaos in business and make more money. I'm Allison Williams, your Law Firm Mentor everyone. Have a great day.

Allison Bio:

Contact Info:

My favorite excerpt from the episode:

TIME:

Crush Your Email Chaos

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 09:00:18 +0000

Email really does require a level of maintenance and I wanted to share the rules that I actually created around email, the email inbox, and why I constantly struggle with email.

In this episode, we discuss:

The email requires a level of maintenance.
Setting rules and boundaries around communication through emails will help you to prioritize.
How to use the tools that are available electronically to manage what is getting in your inbox.
Making time to check and deal with email and how to stick to it

Allison Bio:

Contact Info:

Meeting Billable Hours Training

My favorite excerpt from the episode:

TIME: 00:20:36 (38 Seconds)

So we talked about email management as a strategy, and then I asked the person, How are you currently dealing with email? And the person told me, Well, every morning I get up, I wake up at 6 a.m., go to the bathroom, come back, lay in the bed for another 10 minutes and during that time period, I am usually checking social media, checking my email, checking my calendar for the day, kind of kickstarting the day. And so they've already taken in ten, 12 to 15 communications that have come in since they left the office the night before. And they're absorbing all of the problems of the day before they even get out of bed in the morning.

Presentation Skills 101

Fri, 03 Jun 2022 09:00:05 +0000

What are the things that you have to work on in order to get to a place where you are magnetic on stage, where you draw people in, and where you’re able to cultivate either referral relationships or new clients from being in front of people? I have three major strategies for you…

In this episode, we discuss:

How amazing your life can be when you learn the skill of being decisive.
Creating what you desire when you have a thought that continues to come to your mind.
Allowing yourself to feel and think what you desire without judging.
Give yourself permission to speak out loud.
Making decisions no matter if they are good or bad those will take you to learn a lesson.
Writing it down is a process that solidifies in your mind that you are creating something.
Getting the right people could show you what you need to materialize your desires.
Trusting your instincts and your inner voice.

Allison Bio:

Contact Info:

https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/speak-with-a-growth-strategist

What if it’s possible? Crushing Chaos with Law Firm Mentor Podcast
How to be decisive? Crushing Chaos with Law Firm Mentor Podcast
Four Transplants and a Microphone Podcast

My favorite excerpt from the episode:

TIME: 00:07:09 (33 Seconds)

But because I didn't have society's definition of a family, I didn't feel entitled to a house. So honestly, I was kind of waiting for me to just magically arrive at a family and there's a whole host of reasons why that's not happening, either, which we're not going to talk about today. But I said, finally, you know, I can't delay making the best financial decision for myself because I don't have the appearance of the family that society says I'm supposed to have in order to buy my house. So I just went out and said, Yeah, now's the time, and I decided what I wanted and I ultimately bought a house.

There Is No Such Thing As One And Done In Networking

Tue, 31 May 2022 09:00:08 +0000

Are you making the most out of your network? Make sure that every opportunity, every speaking engagement, every networking event, every referral partnership is one that can produce a snowball effect of opportunity. This episode will include three things that you have to do in order to ensure that your activity and your marketing events are never one and done.

In this episode, we discuss:

Every time you go out, you represent your business.
When you're speaking on a stage, you might be in front of your ideal client.
The mindset has to be that every opportunity produces multiple opportunities.
How to perfect your follow-up and engage with potential clients or opportunities.

Allison Bio:

Contact Info:

https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/speak-with-a-growth-strategist

My favorite excerpt from the episode:

TIME: 00:07:28 (34 Seconds)

So that means you should never, never, never, never go to a marketing event, marketing event of any sort with the idea that it is going to be done when it's done, it's not done until you have the next one scheduled. So again, never one and done. You always have to be thinking when I'm leaving this event, what is my next opportunity? Who is the next person that I'm going to speak to? Who is the next potential client I'm going to have a connection with? Who is the next stage I am going to visit? Right. Where am I going to find my next opportunity? Marketing should be snowballing.

How To Add Two Zeros To Your Income

Fri, 27 May 2022 09:00:33 +0000

What would life look like if we added two zeros to our personal income? I want you to go with me on a journey to contemplate that for a moment. If you are a law firm owner and you have ever contemplated the idea of adding more money into your business and more money into your personal income, I'm sure you've thought about having more, right? That's kind of the first place that we all start. I don't like what I have because I want more. In other words, if I have X more dollars - I’d be happy. Fine. How do we get there?

In this episode, we discuss:

Every time you go out, you represent your business.
When you're speaking on a stage, you might be in front of your ideal client.
The mindset has to be that every opportunity produces multiple opportunities.
How to perfect your follow-up and engage with potential clients or opportunities.

Allison Bio:

Contact Info:

https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/speak-with-a-growth-strategist

My favorite excerpt from the episode:

TIME: 00:02:58 (31 Seconds)

So we were taking this yacht trip and we were looking out at all of the celebrity homes that are right on the water with their own individual yachts in each slip. And I just thought, Wow, this is really inspiration for what we want to create. Some people are really moved by the idea of having $100 million house other people, not so much. But whatever your vision is, ultimately, at some point we had to think about where these people started before they acquired the multimillion-dollar residence.

How To Shift Your Law Firm Culture

Tue, 24 May 2022 09:00:44 +0000

Shifting culture takes time. It's not as simple as kind of going in, firing everybody and starting over again because, frankly, most of us can't afford to do that. So, how do you shift the culture? Here’s what to do, and, especially, what NOT to do.

In this episode, we discuss:

Having a reset conversation and following through with new rules.
The importance of enforcing the new rules.
Hiring people that will fit your culture and know the rules from the start.

Allison Bio:

Contact Info:

https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/speak-with-a-growth-strategist

My favorite excerpt from the episode:

TIME: 00:04:18 (40 Seconds)

You have to induce people to follow your rules. Right. Just simply saying, hey, I know we've been doing it this way for the past five years, but now new rule. And hope that they simply follow the new rule. Some people will, right. Some people by virtue of you stopping and having a conversation with them, it's going to jar them into a new course of behavior. But for most people, the vast majority of people are creatures of habit, right? So they have been pretty automatically engaging in behavior in a certain way, not because they wanted to do something to you or even for you, but because they fell into a modus operandi. To change that, it is going to take some time.

Law Firm Hiring in a Tight Market

Fri, 20 May 2022 09:00:56 +0000

What do you do when it’s a tight market, but you need people now? Here’s what it comes down to: you have to be more aggressive about going after talent. How do you do that? Get Off Your Ass and get into action.

In this episode, we discuss:

G.O.Y.A. and what it stands for in the context of this podcast.
Breaking the habit of waiting for good people to respond to your boring ads.
The importance of creating a careers page on your website.
How to get the right people looking at your careers page by using ads.
The secret to writing more powerful ads.
Making use of database information on key resume sites.

Allison Bio:

Contact Info:

https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/speak-with-a-growth-strategist

To request a link to the Law Firm Hiring in a Tight Market Webinar, email info@lawfirmmentor.net

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_EhtMmRCQQi6SDW1a9w1Kyg?utm_medium=email&_hsmi=213035137&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_0HTPISyysAF98hfjCPjJJo5a4c-mPqUuiueRAXeCtUl7aUXk_DPfIk7_XtL6YBQx9rLI40cQ7xy_NTH1XoARFZED8oX4QAk5Vje0bV3SSs67k2Cg&utm_content=213035137&utm_source=hs_email

My favorite excerpt from the episode:

TIME: 00:04:58 (40 Seconds)

And one of the things that you should do in your careers page is not just describe the job, right? You don't want to just take the ad that you would post on Indeed or on Craigslist and put it on to your website. You want to go really, really deep into your ideal employee avatar, right? Who is that person that is perfect for the role, perfect for your culture? And how does that person fit with the rest of the team, i.e. you want to introduce that person to the rest of the team and the easiest way to do that is on the website so you can do things on your careers page, like embed links to other pages of the website so that you can draw someone's eye to things that really matter.

Taking Prospect Calls After Hours

Tue, 17 May 2022 09:30:00 +0000

In this episode, we cover a topic fueled by a question posed to me recently by one of our clients here at Law Firm Mentor. The question was, should I be taking calls from prospective new clients on nights and weekends? I always love when this topic comes up because there are a lot of strong opinions out there about the right way to build a law firm and whether or not you should be taking calls during hours that are not your typical business hours. I want to give you both of the competing views on it and then a framework for making that decision for yourself.

In this episode, we discuss:

The virtual law firm movement and how to create the lifestyle you choose
How quality of life is determined by your season in life, and how to make the decision that fits your life about after-hours prospect calls
Ways to assess your financial situation before deciding on after-hours prospecting

Allison Bio:

Contact Info:

https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/speak-with-a-growth-strategist

My favorite excerpt from the episode:

TIME: 00:16:02 (30 Seconds)

When making that choice, you have to say what is most important to me as a value proposition if what's most important to you is your goal. Whatever your goal is, right? Your goal could be to have a $5 million law firm in five years; your goal could be to have $200,000 of personal income; your goal could be to set up a savings plan that affords you to save a certain amount of money for your children's education. Whatever your goal is, the goal is not to judge your goal. But you do need to be clear on what that goal is. And then think about the timeframe that you're going to want to achieve that goal.

REPLAY - Best Practices For A Small Law Firm (Feat. Elizabeth Miller)

Fri, 13 May 2022 09:55:09 +0000

In this episode, we speak with Elizabeth Miller, MBA, Independent Law Firm Administrator and Best Selling Author of “From Lawyer to Law Firm-How to Manage a Successful Law Business”. Liz is the Owner and Founder of Managing the Business of Practicing Law(R), which helps solo, small and mid-size law firms handle administrative matters, including billing time, collection procedures and a host of other business functions.

In this episode we discuss:

How delay in billing creates calamity
Ways to structure effective retainer agreements
Smoothing out the “billing edges”
Automating retainer replenishments in software
Flexibility in client billing
Ethical and expedient ways to raise hourly rates
Testing the waters to ensure clients have the ability to pay
Running interference between clients and attorneys when collecting fees
Extracting lawyers from billing to improve the collections process

and much, MUCH more!

Guest Bio:

Elizabeth Miller. MBA is an independent law firm administrator and best-selling co-author of “From Lawyer to Law Firm - How to Manage a Successful Law Business”. Her book was published on May 11, 2017 and was #4 on the best seller list by May 23, 2017.

Elizabeth Miller has been working with the legal profession for over 40 years. She started her career in NYC as a paralegal and relocated to Tampa, Florida with her husband in 1985. After working a few years as a paralegal, she opened a paralegal business contracting paralegal work with attorneys, especially trial attorneys.

In 1994 she transitioned her career into law office administration when one of her clients from her paralegal business needed an on-staff office manager. She subsequently earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Eckerd College in 2007, with a major in business administration and a minor in finance. She earned her 4 year degree in 2 years and 4 months with no prior college credit while working full-time and taking care of her disabled husband. She immediately pursued in an MBA with a specialty in finance which she earned in June 2009.

She continued working as a law firm administrator for several years, before opening her business named after her bestseller - From Lawyer to Law Firm. Since December 2015, Liz has been working as an independent law firm administrator for solo, small and a few medium-sized firms on a retainer basis providing them with the administrative services they need but cannot afford to pay a full-time on-staff administrator to handle. This includes everything from vetting, hiring, staff management, performance reviews, systematizing processes, billing, collections, trust account management and reconciliation in accordance with Bar guidelines, financial analysis, and management of cash flow, including annual and monthly budgeting, client development and marketing among other duties.

Guest Contact Info:

Email – liz.managementconsultant@gmail.com

Website – https:// www.fromlawyertolawfirm.com

Telephone – 813-340-9569

To learn more about From Lawyer to Law Firm, visit Liz’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lawfirmadmin/

Allison Bio:

Allison Contact Info:

To check out the FREE training on law firm collections hosted by Law Firm Mentor, download the video training here: https://williams-law-group.lpages.co/collections/

Long Term Contracts

Tue, 10 May 2022 09:00:00 +0000

When to sign a long-term contract, and when not to? Society enters into long-term contracts all the time. But we rarely recognize that it could very easily span a period of time where we might change our position. Yet, somehow, we don't feel that we are somehow being taken advantage of by having a long-term contract.

In this episode we discuss:

Ways you can spot when a long-term contract is appropriate.
What is the deliverable and what is my projected return on my investment?
If you're considering a long-term contract, verify if there has been a history of non-delivery of the service.
How important are the reasons why the provider wants to have a long-term contract.

Allison Bio:

Contact Info:

https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/speak-with-a-growth-strategist

My favorite excerpt from the episode:

TIME: 00:22:40 (34 Seconds)

So once you get to a year or longer and you put the categorization of the contract into that long-term status, the question is why? Well, if a company provides you with a glossed-over kind of half-assed reasoning as to why they want a long-term contract, oh, we think it's in your best interest, or we can't really start to get any results until seven or eight months in. That is going to be a red flag, right? Because that company is really giving you their justification, kind of turned around for you.

Growing with Contract Attorneys

Fri, 06 May 2022 09:00:57 +0000

How do you grow with a contract attorney? There are times when you need help with your workload. You can actually monetize getting help with the work if you get some initial help from a contract attorney! By doing so, you can dial in some of your delegation systems, so more revenue comes in the door faster.

In this episode we discuss:

What type of work do you want your contract attorney to do?
Make sure that you build your communications ecosystem on your law firm.
A contract attorney is helpful when you need to have short-term help.
Before starting the relationship, monetize the role with a contract attorney.

Allison Bio:

Contact Info:

https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/speak-with-a-growth-strategist

My favorite excerpt from the episode:

TIME: 00:16:07 (33 Seconds)

So one thing that we talk about a lot here at Law Firm Mentor is systematizing your legal work, ensuring that you have a range of appropriate time parameters around how long it takes for work to be delivered. Because if you have an hourly-based system, you want to be able to project out how many hours it is going to take so you can project your revenue. And if you have a flat fee-based system, you want to ensure that you are not spending more on the labor to produce the work within a flat fee than would be appropriate based on the fee that you're charging.

How to Use Free Marketing to Build Your Law Firm

Tue, 03 May 2022 09:00:06 +0000

I'm a big proponent of investing in the right marketing strategy, and including having a digital marketing company on your team at some point. But, if you build your law firm solely through one marketing avenue and focus on-page strategies, or you're throwing your money behind SEO/ pay per click marketing, you are going to be far more vulnerable when there are economic changes.

In this episode we discuss:

Low-cost and free marketing tools to expand your opportunities in marketing.
How important is having a topic of interest to educate your ideal clients.
Having a free piece of follow-up content to the initial communication will draw attention.
By having 5 to 10 touch points about one and only one topic will engage people easily.
One of the most effective ways that we leverage free marketing is by talking to people.

Allison Bio:

Contact Info:

Lawfirmmentor.net

My favorite excerpt from the episode:

TIME: 00:10:33(35Seconds)

The indecision that a lot of people persevere in oftentimes comes from the fact that there is somuch information that people believe that they have to go out and seek 15 different pieces ofinformation in orderto consume it all and create a strategy for themselves. And that oftentimescomes from the fact that dealing with the problem feels like a much bigger burden than simplyallowing the inertia to continue. So you have to give a pattern interrupt of that inertia by invitingpeople to have a conversation with you, by asking them to do something about their problem.

People Produce Profit

Fri, 29 Apr 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Do you get the money and then hire the person? Or do I hire the person to make the money? Choose the former.

Hiring the person to make the money is not just going to support your economic needs in the present, it is also going to fuel the growth of your law firm if you adopt this method. See people as profit in your business and you will have a much better business because you will not be working more than you desire to work in your law firm, and you can have the best of both worlds regarding time and money.

In this episode we discuss:

Considerations to get to a profit-producing plan around the people in your law firm.
Increase the amount of that revenue by having a profit plan.
The key strategy is hiring a person that is more experienced than you.
Creating a certain level of value intrinsic in who you are to drive people to your law firm.

Allison Bio:

Contact Info:

https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/speak-with-a-growth-strategist

My favorite excerpt from the episode:

TIME: 00:07:38 (30 Seconds)

And the question became, how do I staff up when I'm only making, you know, a couple hundred thousand dollars? Not even. Right. I got to I still got to support myself. I still have to support my kids. I still have a lifestyle to maintain and people cost money. Right. That's the first thought that everyone has. People cost money. So I acquainted her with the people produce profit mindset. And the first thing that we did was come up with a profit plan for how she was going to be able to increase her income, not just her revenue, her income.

Marketing Your Law Firm Associates

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Are you supposed to market your associate?

Many have expressed concerns about marketing other lawyers because it takes time to market and there is a risk the lawyer could eventually leave with all of their clients. In the grand scheme though, while it does exist, the risk is nowhere near as omnipresent as people believe. Here’s why…

In this episode we discuss:

Three major considerations to figure out the right strategy for marketing.
Consider the turn rate of the average employee attorney.
Whether or not it is economically worth it to invest in having your team members marketed.
The compensation plan could be universal.

Allison Bio:

Contact Info:

https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/speak-with-a-growth-strategist

My favorite excerpt from the episode:

TIME: 00:04:20 (27 Seconds)

So for a lot of lawyers that have that fear that they are going to be producing their next best competitor by virtue of training and developing and cultivating a rainmaking attorney in their law firm, they very much are short-sighted in this belief. They are oftentimes catastrophizing and not really looking at the essence of the employee. And by the way, you can have lawyers that have not yet learned how to be rainmakers who very much have that entrepreneurial spirit.

Confronting Fear, High Functioning Anxiety and Insecurity For A Better Law Firm

Fri, 22 Apr 2022 09:00:00 +0000

What happens when you are faced with fear and high anxiety?

Attorneys are used to being highly powered and powerful and empowered and in control. So when something happens in their sphere of experience that feels a bit out of control, they try to just push it down or push it to the side or ignore it. So I find that this is a group because they have a lot of their esteem based on their skills and how they show up in the world. They oftentimes feel very, very insecure about even admitting to insecurity.

Let’s discuss a better way to approach these triggers…

In this episode we discuss:

How to manage anxiety in front of groups.
Deeper mindset skills around how we are showing up in our profession.
How to manage emotions and feelings effectively.
If we're not moving our bodies our mental health suffers.

Guest Bio:

Ingela Onstad is a Performance Anxiety Coach for performing artists and professionals who are in the public eye.

Her coaching business, Courageous Artistry, supports high-performing individuals in their quest to perform at the top of their abilities when in front of the public by working on skills to target voice, body, anxiety management, and mindset.

Ms. Onstad is a board-certified coach, a licensed psychotherapist, and a professional opera singer who has enjoyed a varied international career in opera, concert work, and contemporary music. In addition to her coaching, she maintains an active performing career.

Guest Contact Info:

www.courageousartistry.com.

Facebook: Courageous Artistry

Instagram: @Courageous Artistry

Tik-Tok: Courageous Artistry

LinkedIn: Ingela Onstead

Allison Bio:

Allison Contact Info:

Podcast: Intake Training Strategies

https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/podcast/2022/04/01/intake-training-strategies

My favorite excerpt from the episode:

TIME: 00:30:39 (37 Seconds)

We fear that if we're not seen as hardworking or that we're not in our desk as long as other people take a lunch break forbid that we will be judged, that we will no longer be successful, that we won't be welcomed into the group. It's so important for us humans, whether we like this or not. It's very important from a biological level to be embedded within community. And this hearkens back to our earliest days in evolution of survival, and we were running with smaller groups or tribes, and had we been kicked out from our group or our tribe that we were with, that could have meant death for us.

Who Defines Your Worth

Tue, 19 Apr 2022 09:00:32 +0000

What is your worth to this world? I want to give you a five-step process for how to shift your own thoughts around how someone else may be defining your worth and how to segregate what their feelings are of your worth from your feelings of your worth.

In this episode we discuss:

Five-Step process for how to shift your own thoughts around how someone else may be
defining your worth.
Set high expectations of yourself by developing the ability to acquire any aptitude or
knowledge.
Do not ask others unless their expectations of you exceed your own.
Surround yourself with those who have surpassed your goals.
The importance of recognizing your worth.

Allison Bio:

Contact Info:

Podcast: Intake Training Strategies

https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/podcast/2022/04/01/intake-training-strategies

My favorite excerpt from the episode:

TIME: 00:22:54 (39 Seconds)

If your coach does not believe in you, you need a new coach. Because frankly, if you could on your own set low expectations and achieve on your own the use of product of those low expectations. Why do you need someone else in your, in your ear that you're paying to help keep you at your low expectations? You don't need help to do that, you can do bad by yourself. So it's really important that you not ask other people that you're not involved, other people in your story. Unless they expect more of you than you expect of yourself.

What is Your Law Firm's Perceived Value?

Fri, 15 Apr 2022 09:00:55 +0000

When you offer premium pricing in your law firm, are you including the basics that everyone has come to expect? Raising your prices can elevate you in a whole host of ways. When you raise your prices, there are some people that will simply say, that's not for me, I can't afford it. They will have a belief system that says it's a waste for me to spend a certain amount of money on this product or service.

In this episode we discuss:

It’s important to know what your own rules of professional conduct are going to require and exclude.
You don't have to price consistent with what other people in your industry are doing.
Focus on the idea that you have power in how you communicate that impacts the experience.
What are you saying to your prospects and clients about your business?

Allison Bio:

Contact Info:

Podcast: Intake Training Strategies

https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/podcast/2022/04/01/intake-training-strategies

My favorite excerpt from the episode:

TIME: 00:17:51 (38 Seconds)

So when I don't receive value, when the value that I am anticipating does not come to me and someone says, Oh yeah, we're going to require you to pay for that, even though at this point I do believe free coffee in a lobby at a hotel is industry standard. You are going to have a perceptual disconnect, right? You're going to give an experience to your, to your client that says we value you except with something that is small and minor and less of an inconvenience and cost to us. We're going to pass it along to you for our own benefit.

REPLAY - Always Be Selling

Tue, 12 Apr 2022 09:00:10 +0000

Is it odd to always feel like yourself? Absolutely not. While many people do not like the word selling, it is time to reframe our conversation around the word “selling”. I want you to think about this as a purely loving act, something that you're doing for another person. This is going to be the way in which we make money and opportunity moves. You are selling your value to someone who desperately needs it - so sell it to them!

In this episode we discuss:

Living in a state of selling.
Sales as a very powerful part of the way that human beings exchange value for themselves.
The reality that your employees don't have the same incentive that you do for selling.
Strategies around shifting yourself and your organization into a perpetual sales organization.
How benefits from generating new business are more than just sales

Allison Bio:

Contact Info:

Text Us at 908 292 3524

Text Retreat to know more about the upcoming one.

Book a Session with our Growth Strategists

https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/speak-with-a-growth-strategist

My favorite excerpt from the episode:

TIME: 00:14:16 (36 Seconds)

At a legal conference I attended where someone said, you know, always be billing was kind of the mindset of the law firm where she worked. That's why she didn't work there anymore. And, and when we asked the question, Well, what does always be billing mean in terms of just every time you sit down, you should, you know, be billing the file, but that doesn't seem problematic. She said, no, no, no. There was breathing for billing or billing for breathing, right? If you're breathing in the vicinity of the file, you should be billing somewhere. If you're breathing in the vicinity of the file, you should be billing somewhere. And you know, obviously, that doesn't comport with my values or, or frankly, the rules of professional conduct in any jurisdiction that I'm aware of.

REPLAY - Deserve The Best

Fri, 08 Apr 2022 09:00:54 +0000

I've seen commentary on social media lately where people are presupposing that they deserve the best in terms of acquiring employees and resentment about the fact that they're getting what they feel to be less than what they deserve.

When there's any type of distress in the marketplace is- there's almost always an inherent lack of mindset that goes into that level of business development. But if the problem around you is lacking, the solution is abundance.

When there's not enough, how do you create more than enough? Tune in and I’ll show you!

In this episode we discuss:

Creating abundance versus falling into a lack mindset in times of economic retraction.
Setting the standard for how you show up.
Three questions to ask yourself to determine if you deserve the best.
The importance of committing yourself to achieve your desired outcome.
Taking responsibility and controlling your attitude when life happens.
The impact you're going to create by honoring your commitments.

Allison Bio:

Contact Info:

The Four Agreements book - by Don Miguel Ruiz

Text CONNECT at 908 292 3524

https://lawfirmmentor.net/speak-with-a-growth-strategist/

My favorite excerpt from the episode:

1. TIME: 00:09:35 (36 Seconds)

Are you saying to your team, I want you here in business casual and then you're showing up looking raggedy? You know, think about that. Think about how you are showing up for your clients. Are your clients getting the best version of you? Are your clients getting the version of you that that's prim and proper? Are, are your clients getting the version of you, that’s smart and tenacious, that's zealous, that's engaged, or are you kind of half assing it or phoning it in? Right? Are you, are you just kind of doing the minimum to get people in the door?

2. TIME: 00:17:43 (38 Seconds)

So there's a whole lot that goes into the idea of honoring commitments. Your commitments are not just your commitments to, to agreements that you make, but it's also to really the agreement that you make with yourself as to who you're going to be in this world and what you're going to achieve in this world, how much you're going to accomplish, how many people you're going to help. What is the impact you're going to create, right? When we think about that, when we think about am I creating the impact that I want to in this world? Then it becomes a lot easier for you to say to another person, you made a commitment that you were going to show up in this office in a certain way.

Master Your Firm Authority

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 09:00:20 +0000

Sometimes there are instances when we need to understand the authority we yield in our business as it relates to clients. But how do we use those communication strategies to manage your clients more effectively?

I'm going to share the top three ways that a proactive attorney can use communication and effectively manage communication in order to get to a better attorney-client relationship.

In this episode we discuss:

How to improve the attorney-client relationship.
Three Key strategies to effectively manage client communications.
How you can elevate your status by being unavailable.
The importance of communicating that you are in high demand.
Speaking the language which reflects a high-status person.

Allison Bio:

Contact Info:

Facebook: Law Firm Mentor Movement

Law Firm Mentor LLC

Book a Session with our Growth Strategists

https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/speak-with-a-growth-strategist

My favorite excerpt from the episode:

TIME: 00:15:24 (29 Seconds)

And I know a lot of lawyers don't understand pricing strategies, don't understand how to make every hire a profitable hire. And so they're afraid that when they had when they hire someone, they're going to run out of money to pay them because they're going to be hiring for convenience rather than hiring for profit. And that is a very realistic truth. You must get to the point where you are hiring for a profit, not just hiring because it feels good, but if you structure it in the right way and this is literally a 15-minute conversation.

Soul Guided Meditation For Entrepreneurs With Allyson Scammell

Sun, 03 Apr 2022 09:24:35 +0000

Lawyers need an awareness of the different ways that you can integrate your whole self

into the business of law. Today my guest is Allyson Scammell, a master intuitive business coach, a psychic medium, and an energy healer. Let’s discuss amplifying your spiritual gifts, activating your big soul mission, and releasing the energy box tethering you down.

In this episode we discuss:

The four intuitive gifts and how to start using them
Awareness of different ways that you can integrate these gifts into the businesses of law
How to use your intuition to get more clients
How to build trust in your gut
How activating the right side of the brain by enjoying different activities, helps you to connect to your intuition

Guest Bio:

Allyson Scammell is a master intuitive business coach, psychic medium, and energy healer. Her mission is to help soul-guided leaders, influencers, and entrepreneurs get sold out with soul clients by amplifying their spiritual gifts, activating their big soul mission, and releasing the energy blocks tethering them down.

Across the world, Allyson has helped thousands of leaders and
lightworkers to earn more, serve more, and grow spiritually along the way using the Soul Prosperity Pathway - a proven 5-part framework to help soul-guided entrepreneurs create soul client alchemy.

Allyson is the founder of the Soul Guide Academy and well versed in the complexity of discovering one’s soul mission. Using her genuinely unique perspective of the world, she shares priceless wisdom and insight regularly on Soul Guide Radio, a podcast for soul-guided influencers ready to unlock massive soul-aligned success.

Guest Contact Info:

Company name: Allyson Scammell International, LLC

Website URL: www.allysonscammell.com

Email: hello@allysonscammell.com

Phone number: +31(63)886-2142

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulguidecircle/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allysonscammell/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allysonscammell/

Allison Bio:

Allison C. Williams, Esq., is the Founder and Owner of the Williams Law Group, LLC, with offices in Short Hills and Freehold, New Jersey. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, is Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Matrimonial Law Attorney, and is the first attorney in New Jersey to become Board-Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in the field of Family Law.

Ms. Williams is an accomplished businesswoman. In 2017, the Williams Law Group won the LawFirm500 award, ranking 14th of the fastest-growing law firms in the nation, as Ms. Williams grew the firm 581% in three years. Ms. Williams won the Silver Stevie Award for Female Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017. In 2018, Ms. Williams was voted as NJBIZ’s Top 50 Women in Business and was designated one of the Top 25 Leading Women Entrepreneurs and Business Owners. In 2019, Ms. Williams won the Seminole 100 Award for founding one of the fastest-growing companies among graduates of Florida State University.

Contacts - Social Media

LFM Client Avatar Worksheet: https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/avatar

https://AllysonScammell.com

Download the free meditation: https://allysonscammell.com/meditation/

My favorite excerpt from the episode:

TIME: 00:25:19 (32 Seconds)

But I tell people all the time being in business is about solving problems. If you're not solving a problem in your business, you're either abdicating or ignoring it or your business is dying because you aren't creating new problems. So we're always in a state of solving problems, and when we are in that state, we have to enjoy the process of solving the problems. But we can't get there when we're in that stressed, overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, you know, foggy kind of energy. We really do have to learn the joy and then live the joy through all of the journey.

Intake Training Strategies

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 09:00:30 +0000

When we hire someone, we need to train them to fit our system - what is the best way to make sure they are at the level we need them to be? There are five different components of your intake training. Additionally, you need to listen to your intake professional to ensure that they are ultimately getting the job done.

In this episode we discuss:

Five Key-Strategies for training your intake professional.
Structuring your intake onboarding.
Being prepared to discuss the recordings with your intake professional.
How having a multi-tonal voice affects how you present in a conversation.
Engaging on the phone with your future client by sounding empathic.
How to close the sale.

My favorite excerpt from the episode:

TIME: 00:21:48 (40 Seconds)

And at some point in time when you as the owner of your firm, handoff to an office administrator, or a lead paralegal, or a managing attorney, or whomever else is going to be overseeing this particular part of your law firm, it's really important that they recognize the incentive that's there for really mastering the pitch. And here's the thing mastering the pitch is only a part of the process. If you don't get to urgency, if you don't ask the right questions and you don't set up your sales conversation in the right way, then when it is time for you to pitch, that pitch is not going to be aligned with the urgency point for that particular prospect.

Contacts - Social Media

LawFirmMentor.net/Intake-Mastery

Book a Session with our Growth Strategists

https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/speak-with-a-growth-strategist

Allison Bio:

Allison C. Williams, Esq., is the Founder and Owner of the Williams Law Group, LLC, with offices in Short Hills and Freehold, New Jersey. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, is Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Matrimonial Law Attorney, and is the first attorney in New Jersey to become Board-Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in the field of Family Law.

Ms. Williams is an accomplished businesswoman. In 2017, the Williams Law Group won the LawFirm500 award, ranking 14th of the fastest-growing law firms in the nation, as Ms. Williams grew the firm 581% in three years. Ms. Williams won the Silver Stevie Award for Female Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017. In 2018, Ms. Williams was voted as NJBIZ’s Top 50 Women in Business and was designated one of the Top 25 Leading Women Entrepreneurs and Business Owners. In 2019, Ms. Williams won the Seminole 100 Award for founding one of the fastest-growing companies among graduates of Florida State University.

When Lawyers Disappoint

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 09:00:57 +0000

Lawyers, despite their best efforts, do disappoint. But how do you handle that disappointment as it relates to your business? Disappointment can push us into reaction mode, and by failing to delegate the people who are supposed to handle certain tasks because we don't trust them, we are capping our ability to grow. We are restricting ourselves from the next iteration of our business, which requires that we perform at our highest level all the time. And we don't get there when we are holding on to things that are frankly below our pay grade.

In this episode we discuss:

Three-Steps to handle disappointment.
Acknowledging the difference between right and wrong.
Allowing yourself to process your emotions and the grief of loss you feel in disappointment.
How every challenge in your life is an opportunity to seek the next opportunity.

My favorite excerpt from the episode:

TIME: 00:31:11 (24 Seconds)

I want to allow my mind to just kind of sit with all the opportunities right now. And when you allow yourself to acknowledge the right and wrong of a situation, you develop empathy. Frankly, for other people, that tends to lessen the feeling of disappointment when you allow yourself to process your emotions, process the grief of loss that you feel that you didn't get what you wanted in a moment, but you are going to move forward from that by doing the third thing, which is seeking opportunity.

Contacts - Social Media

Book a Session with our Growth Strategists

https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/speak-with-a-growth-strategist

Allison Bio:

Allison C. Williams, Esq., is the Founder and Owner of the Williams Law Group, LLC, with offices in Short Hills and Freehold, New Jersey. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, is Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Matrimonial Law Attorney, and is the first attorney in New Jersey to become Board-Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in the field of Family Law.

Ms. Williams is an accomplished businesswoman. In 2017, the Williams Law Group won the LawFirm500 award, ranking 14th of the fastest-growing law firms in the nation, as Ms. Williams grew the firm 581% in three years. Ms. Williams won the Silver Stevie Award for Female Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017. In 2018, Ms. Williams was voted as NJBIZ’s Top 50 Women in Business and was designated one of the Top 25 Leading Women Entrepreneurs and Business Owners. In 2019, Ms. Williams won the Seminole 100 Award for founding one of the fastest-growing companies among graduates of Florida State University.

REPLAY - How To Be Decisive

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 09:00:42 +0000

Being decisive is easy, right? Absolutely not, and it takes a lot of effort to decide what is best for you and for your company. Let’s chat about why being decisive is so important, and the framework for actually how to be truly decisive. We must recognize that the power is in the decision because decision is what moves things forward in life, always.

In this episode we discuss:

The importance of being decisive.
A three-step process for creating a framework for being decisive in your life.
Considering who you are and what fits you when making a decision.
How to prevent the problem of information overload.
Accepting the possibility of being wrong when decision-making.
The educational value of making a wrong decision.

My favorite excerpt from the episode:

TIME: 00: 01: 21 (30 Seconds)

So the first thing is recognizing that the power is in the decision because a decision is what moves things forward in life, always, right? We, we don't, we don't get the goals accomplished that we have set for ourselves without making a choice. We don't create the relationship that we desire, we don't create the business that we desire, we don't make the money that we require, we don't move ourselves forward in life until we decide to do something.

Contacts - Social Media

Crushing Chaos Master Class Register Here: https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/masterclass

How to be Decisive Podcast - https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/podcast/2021/08/20/how-to-be-decisive

Book a Session with our Growth Strategists

https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/speak-with-a-growth-strategist

Allison Bio:

Allison C. Williams, Esq., is the Founder and Owner of the Williams Law Group, LLC, with offices in Short Hills and Freehold, New Jersey. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, is Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Matrimonial Law Attorney, and is the first attorney in New Jersey to become Board-Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in the field of Family Law.

Ms. Williams is an accomplished businesswoman. In 2017, the Williams Law Group won the LawFirm500 award, ranking 14th of the fastest-growing law firms in the nation, as Ms. Williams grew the firm 581% in three years. Ms. Williams won the Silver Stevie Award for Female Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017. In 2018, Ms. Williams was voted as NJBIZ’s Top 50 Women in Business and was designated one of the Top 25 Leading Women Entrepreneurs and Business Owners. In 2019, Ms. Williams won the Seminole 100 Award for founding one of the fastest-growing companies among graduates of Florida State University.

Three Questions to Define Success

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 09:00:10 +0000

How do we define success in our business? There are many different ways through all the different coaching programs I have studied that help define success. But, the way that I coach our clients here at Law Firm Mentor, is to use this process intentionally to create what you desire faster, easier, and better.

In this episode we discuss:

A process to define your success and ultimately create the outcomes that you desire in your law firm.
Starting your process of success by redefining yourself.
Becoming successful with intentional thoughts, feelings, actions, and results.
Engaging in activity that leads you to your current circumstances.
Positive emotions helping us to stay committed

My favorite excerpt from the episode:

TIME: 00:10:33 (30 Seconds)

So we know that the difficulty comes when we go back and forth, right, we know that when we are wishy-washy, when we are not decisive, when we have not made up our mind, when we have told someone yes, but in our mind we've said, Yeah, but I'm still thinking about it, you know? Yeah, I want to. But my mom, my dog, my, my, my dog, groomers, best friends, ex-girlfriends, ex-lover has something to say about it, and I think I just need to lean on that a little bit more or to that today is not the right time, right? It's not the right time, it's not the right moment.

Contacts - Social Media

Crushing Chaos Master Class Register Here: https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/masterclass

How to be Decisive Podcast - https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/podcast/2021/08/20/how-to-be-decisive

Power Hour - LFM Movement Group on Facebook every Monday morning.

Book a Session with our Growth Strategists

https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/speak-with-a-growth-strategist

Allison Bio:

Allison C. Williams, Esq., is the Founder and Owner of the Williams Law Group, LLC, with offices in Short Hills and Freehold, New Jersey. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, is Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Matrimonial Law Attorney, and is the first attorney in New Jersey to become Board-Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in the field of Family Law.

Ms. Williams is an accomplished businesswoman. In 2017, the Williams Law Group won the LawFirm500 award, ranking 14th of the fastest-growing law firms in the nation, as Ms. Williams grew the firm 581% in three years. Ms. Williams won the Silver Stevie Award for Female Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017. In 2018, Ms. Williams was voted as NJBIZ’s Top 50 Women in Business and was designated one of the Top 25 Leading Women Entrepreneurs and Business Owners. In 2019, Ms. Williams won the Seminole 100 Award for founding one of the fastest-growing companies among graduates of Florida State University.

Create Your Own Platform

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 09:00:41 +0000

What is the value of creating a virtual space that is just yours? What if, instead of relying on other people’s platforms to reach prospective clients, you made your own? Don’t rely on someone else’s infrastructure to grow. Here’s how:

In this episode we discuss:

Creating your own platform so you can start the practice of generating clients.
How having your own platform helps you speak directly to your audience.
Getting referrals by drawing people into a funnel, collecting their information, and marketing to them.
The inexpensive cost of virtual platforms making it possible to start virtually.
Assembling your own audience.
Preparing what you're going to say as you grow your audience and establish your venue.

My favorite excerpt from the episode:

TIME: 00:11:37 (36 Seconds)

So it's super important that by virtue of knowing what it is that you desire, that you can put something out that is going to increase the likelihood of a sale or a series of sales, and you have far more control over that when you are on your own platform, then when you are on someone else's platform, because oftentimes when people invite you onto their platform, it is because they want your audience to follow you over to their platform and then they want your audience to take action on their offer, right? Not your offer.

Contacts - Social Media

Crushing Chaos Master Class Register Here: https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/masterclass

https://meetup.com

Book a Session with our Growth Strategists

https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/speak-with-a-growth-strategist

Allison Bio:

Allison C. Williams, Esq., is the Founder and Owner of the Williams Law Group, LLC, with offices in Short Hills and Freehold, New Jersey. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, is Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Matrimonial Law Attorney, and is the first attorney in New Jersey to become Board-Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in the field of Family Law.

Ms. Williams is an accomplished businesswoman. In 2017, the Williams Law Group won the LawFirm500 award, ranking 14th of the fastest-growing law firms in the nation, as Ms. Williams grew the firm 581% in three years. Ms. Williams won the Silver Stevie Award for Female Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017. In 2018, Ms. Williams was voted as NJBIZ’s Top 50 Women in Business and was designated one of the Top 25 Leading Women Entrepreneurs and Business Owners. In 2019, Ms. Williams won the Seminole 100 Award for founding one of the fastest-growing companies among graduates of Florida State University.

ABA Tech Show KPI’s

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 09:00:24 +0000

What are the KPIs we need to hit for our business? Today’s episode is a small overview of the presentation I shared at the ABA Tech Show in early March. In that talk, I discussed how we need to think about different questions we ask to optimize our business. We often dive into solving problems without creating a comprehensive list of items we really have to master. As such, we often fix marginal problems while leaving greater problems, which present much greater opportunities for business growth, on the table. Let’s find the right solution to the problems which are facing your business.

In This Episode We Discuss:

Questions we need ask ourselves to optimize our business.
The benefit of diving in a little bit deeper to find the right solutions to the problems that are facing your business.
Becoming so fixated on solving today's problems that we oftentimes miss opportunities.
How to shift our focus into an area where we can make more money and create more free time

My Favorite Excerpt From The Episode:

TIME: 00:11:17 (38 Seconds)

Well, almost invariably we want you to first start with what is causing the most friction in the business because where you have the greatest amount of friction is typically going to be where your time, your energy, your effort, and your stamina is going. And we don't want you exhausting yourself on today's problem because you're spinning around it rather than just going ahead and solving it. However, a very close second, especially for people who say I've got problems everywhere and I don't know where to start. We tell you you should start where the money is, because the more money you make, the faster in your law firm, the easier you're going to be able to buy yourself solutions.

Contacts - Social Media

Crushing Chaos Master Class Register Here: https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/masterclass

Book a Session with our Growth Strategists

https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/speak-with-a-growth-strategist

Allison Bio:

Allison C. Williams, Esq., is the Founder and Owner of the Williams Law Group, LLC, with offices in Short Hills and Freehold, New Jersey. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, is Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Matrimonial Law Attorney, and is the first attorney in New Jersey to become Board-Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in the field of Family Law.

Ms. Williams is an accomplished businesswoman. In 2017, the Williams Law Group won the LawFirm500 award, ranking 14th of the fastest-growing law firms in the nation, as Ms. Williams grew the firm 581% in three years. Ms. Williams won the Silver Stevie Award for Female Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017. In 2018, Ms. Williams was voted as NJBIZ’s Top 50 Women in Business and was designated one of the Top 25 Leading Women Entrepreneurs and Business Owners. In 2019, Ms. Williams won the Seminole 100 Award for founding one of the fastest-growing companies among graduates of Florida State University.

Law Firm Enterprise Goodwill

Fri, 11 Mar 2022 10:00:28 +0000

Many of you think that you can’t sell a law firm because it is so reliant on talent. But the reality is that successful law firms continue to provide amazing value.

Let’s discuss the concept of enterprise goodwill and the repeatable processes that will make your business ready to sell.

In This Episode We Discuss:

What you need to be creating for your law firm for it to have value and make it sellable.
Creating the greatest value in your law firm by having justifiable, quantifiable, recurring revenue.
How the more systematized your business, the easier it is for you to hand over your law firm.

My Favorite Excerpt From The Episode:

TIME: 00:01:46 (35 Seconds)

So there's personal reputation, which is your personal goodwill, i.e. that someone would pay value to have you think about personal goodwill being what you bank upon when you change law firms. So if you're working at John Doe's Law Firm and you want to go to Susie's Smith Law Firm, when you interview with Susie Smith, you're going to be selling yourself right. The person becomes the entity value. When you are selling a law firm, your reputation may be a part of the ultimate value that's being purchased.

Contacts - Social Media

Text us Retreat at 908 292 3524

Crushing Chaos Master Class Register Here: https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/masterclass

Book a Session with our Growth Strategists

https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/speak-with-a-growth-strategist

Allison Bio:

Allison C. Williams, Esq., is the Founder and Owner of the Williams Law Group, LLC, with offices in Short Hills and Freehold, New Jersey. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, is Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Matrimonial Law Attorney, and is the first attorney in New Jersey to become Board-Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in the field of Family Law.

Ms. Williams is an accomplished businesswoman. In 2017, the Williams Law Group won the LawFirm500 award, ranking 14th of the fastest-growing law firms in the nation, as Ms. Williams grew the firm 581% in three years. Ms. Williams won the Silver Stevie Award for Female Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017. In 2018, Ms. Williams was voted as NJBIZ’s Top 50 Women in Business and was designated one of the Top 25 Leading Women Entrepreneurs and Business Owners. In 2019, Ms. Williams won the Seminole 100 Award for founding one of the fastest-growing companies among graduates of Florida State University.

Batching Law Firm Content

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 10:00:43 +0000

There’s nothing more important than consistency in your marketing, and when it comes down to it, that’s just not something that we as lawyers enjoy. Today I’m going to show you how you can use batching techniques to keep your content production quick and consistent.

Let’s discuss 3 key strategies for easily batching your content and creating a marketing bank for your business.

In this episode we discussed:

Batching and how to use it to your benefit.
How batching is really just creating a lot of content at once on a schedule.
The importance of consistency in your marketing.
Creating a marketing bank for your business.
3 key strategies for more easily batching your content.

My Favorite Excerpt From The Episode:

TIME: 00:01:28 (34 Seconds)

Now, there are some of you who enjoy marketing, but even as you enjoy it, you know that there are other things. Or at least you perceive that there are other things that are pulling at you as more important. So we need to make sure that when you are thinking about your law firm marketing strategy, you are approaching it from the perspective of creating the outcome that you desire, not simply marketing because you enjoy marketing and not simply choosing to market when it's convenient, but really making a process around your marketing.

Contacts - Social Media

Text us Marketing at 908 292 3524

Book a Session with our Growth Strategists

https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/speak-with-a-growth-strategist

Allison Bio:

Allison C. Williams, Esq., is the Founder and Owner of the Williams Law Group, LLC, with offices in Short Hills and Freehold, New Jersey. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, is Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Matrimonial Law Attorney, and is the first attorney in New Jersey to become Board-Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in the field of Family Law.

Ms. Williams is an accomplished businesswoman. In 2017, the Williams Law Group won the LawFirm500 award, ranking 14th of the fastest-growing law firms in the nation, as Ms. Williams grew the firm 581% in three years. Ms. Williams won the Silver Stevie Award for Female Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017. In 2018, Ms. Williams was voted as NJBIZ’s Top 50 Women in Business and was designated one of the Top 25 Leading Women Entrepreneurs and Business Owners. In 2019, Ms. Williams won the Seminole 100 Award for founding one of the fastest-growing companies among graduates of Florida State University.

Law Firm Multipliers

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 10:00:36 +0000

What is a multiplier? (And I’m not talking about math) I mean someone who attracts talent, liberates employees to do their best to make decisions and a leader who invests in human capital. I want you to think about how you engage with other people on your team. Let’s discuss how your leadership qualities either contribute to or detract from your team's ability to excel and become their best selves.

In This Episode We Discuss:

The difference between being a multiplier or a diminisher as a leader
How your leadership qualities contribute to or detract from your team's abilities
3 Key strategies to become a multiplier and create additional opportunities for growth or expansion in your team
Ways you can publically criticize without necessarily having that type of brutish behavior

My Favorite Excerpt From The Episode:

00:23:44 (41 Seconds)

The public criticism comes in the form of things like publicly rolling your eyes when someone says something, or if someone asks you a question that you think is a stupid question or you're tired that you have to answer it over again because you've already had this conversation with them and you kind of give the heavy sigh the, all right. This is what the answer is, right? Even though you're not directly criticizing the person, your actions, your words, your body posture, all of that communicates that you are not pleased with the person who's communicating with you.

Book: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter by Liz Wiseman

Text us CONNECT at 908 292 3524

Allison Bio:

Allison C. Williams, Esq., is the Founder and Owner of the Williams Law Group, LLC, with offices in Short Hills and Freehold, New Jersey. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, is Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Matrimonial Law Attorney, and is the first attorney in New Jersey to become Board-Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in the field of Family Law.

Ms. Williams is an accomplished businesswoman. In 2017, the Williams Law Group won the LawFirm500 award, ranking 14th of the fastest-growing law firms in the nation, as Ms. Williams grew the firm 581% in three years. Ms. Williams won the Silver Stevie Award for Female Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017. In 2018, Ms. Williams was voted as NJBIZ’s Top 50 Women in Business and was designated one of the Top 25 Leading Women Entrepreneurs and Business Owners. In 2019, Ms. Williams won the Seminole 100 Award for founding one of the fastest-growing companies among graduates of Florida State University.

Virtual Law Firm Hacks

Fri, 25 Feb 2022 10:00:36 +0000

Many people are struggling with how to create and sustain a positive culture in a virtual law firm. Today I want to give you some clear strategies you can use to create and sustain an intentional culture within your firm that will thrive within a virtual business. Let’s discuss how you can nurture effective communication and become a better leader. In this episode we discussed:

Clear strategies for intentional communication.
Institutionalizing a culture around your virtual law firm that will make you more effective as a business leader.
Installing some form of communication.
How connecting daily, creates stronger interpersonal communication and engagement.

My Favorite Excerpt From The Episode:

TIME: 00:20:00 (32 Seconds)

What daily connects are, is you should, we've talked about having defined communication strategies and policies in your law firm, you need to have defined time for people to stop and talk about their work. So that delegation is not something that happens kind of on the fly when I'm running from thing to thing and I got to get it off my desk. But instead, you stop and you have meetings with your team to delegate work. You have time where you are meeting with people in the office to talk about big-picture strategy in your department.

Contacts - Social Media

Text us CONNECT - 908 292 3524

Book a Session with our Growth Strategists

https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/speak-with-a-growth-strategist

Allison Bio:

Allison C. Williams, Esq., is the Founder and Owner of the Williams Law Group, LLC, with offices in Short Hills and Freehold, New Jersey. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, is Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Matrimonial Law Attorney, and is the first attorney in New Jersey to become Board-Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in the field of Family Law.

Ms. Williams is an accomplished businesswoman. In 2017, the Williams Law Group won the LawFirm500 award, ranking 14th of the fastest-growing law firms in the nation, as Ms. Williams grew the firm 581% in three years. Ms. Williams won the Silver Stevie Award for Female Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017. In 2018, Ms. Williams was voted as NJBIZ’s Top 50 Women in Business and was designated one of the Top 25 Leading Women Entrepreneurs and Business Owners. In 2019, Ms. Williams won the Seminole 100 Award for founding one of the fastest-growing companies among graduates of Florida State University.

Law Firm Burnout

Tue, 22 Feb 2022 10:00:28 +0000

Have you ever felt ineffective and burnt out? It can be difficult for anyone, and lawyers especially, to wrap our minds around the difference between burnout and stress. And it can be incredibly tricky to find a solution to either when we receive so much praise for how much stress and work we can take on. It is our job to take on part of the client's burden.

Let’s discuss how to frame the job of being a lawyer in a positive manner so that you can stay effective.

In this episode we discussed:

The differences between burnout versus stress.
Some of the ways to deal with and avoid burnout.
How to deal with those feelings of being ineffective.
Seeking structure around your work allowing you to reclaim a sense of control.
How setting a schedule can help to avoid burnout.

My Favorite Excerpt From The Episode:

TIME: 00:07:04 (32 Seconds)

I knew that I was experiencing burnout in my law practice many years ago when a client called me and we had a scheduled call, but she called me and we ended up talking about pick up and drop off. I'm a family law attorney, pick up and drop off of her child and where the location was going to be. And I handled the matter and spoke with the client, but I remember getting off the phone and thinking, who gives a shit? And that was a very unfeeling, unkind thought that I had.

Contacts - Social Media

Text us CONNECT - 908 292 3524

Book a Session with our Growth Strategists

https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/speak-with-a-growth-strategist

Allison Bio:

Allison C. Williams, Esq., is the Founder and Owner of the Williams Law Group, LLC, with offices in Short Hills and Freehold, New Jersey. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, is Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Matrimonial Law Attorney, and is the first attorney in New Jersey to become Board-Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in the field of Family Law.

Ms. Williams is an accomplished businesswoman. In 2017, the Williams Law Group won the LawFirm500 award, ranking 14th of the fastest-growing law firms in the nation, as Ms. Williams grew the firm 581% in three years. Ms. Williams won the Silver Stevie Award for Female Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017. In 2018, Ms. Williams was voted as NJBIZ’s Top 50 Women in Business and was designated one of the Top 25 Leading Women Entrepreneurs and Business Owners. In 2019, Ms. Williams won the Seminole 100 Award for founding one of the fastest-growing companies among graduates of Florida State University.

Imposter Syndrome

Fri, 18 Feb 2022 10:00:40 +0000

Do you deserve your success? When we first heard of imposter syndrome, it was associated with the overachieving woman who joined the workforce when it was a hostile environment for women. But, if we extrapolate out the issue, we find that today, this issue affects both men and women equally and is very common in lawyers. So, let’s discuss the characteristics that could be stemming from your imposter syndrome and how you can overcome them.

In this episode we discussed:

Five primary ways that we see imposter syndrome and how it tends to impact your law firm.
How people who overwork tend to define success through doing.
Imposter syndrome showing up through excessive goal setting.
How perfectionists tend to be people who require perfection in themselves.
Ways that imposter syndrome harms your law firm when looking at your unrealistic assessment of others.
Putting a stop to undervaluing yourself.
Identifying the failure to delegate

My Favorite Excerpt From The Episode:

TIME: 00:35:44 (35 Seconds)

And so oftentimes what's underneath the surface of people that can't see that, is this idea of luck. And what I tell people is there's no luck in business, right? I know that. I know that people like to hold on to the idea that some of us just get lucky. No, I didn't get lucky. I worked hard. But it isn't even that I just worked hard it's that I worked hard at the right things. That's really the key, the formula, right? It's working hard at the right things, and it's not landing at success. It's not arriving at success or happening upon success.

Contacts - Social Media

Weekly LIVE Show every Thursday at Noon in Law Firm Mentor Movement on Facebook and Law Firm Mentor Movement on LinkedIn.

How to Be Decisive Podcast

https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/podcast/2021/08/20/how-to-be-decisive

Manifesting like a Motherf**ker Podcast https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/podcast/2021/09/24/manifesting-like-a-motherfker

Book a Session with our Growth Strategists

https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/speak-with-a-growth-strategist

Allison Bio:

Allison C. Williams, Esq., is the Founder and Owner of the Williams Law Group, LLC, with offices in Short Hills and Freehold, New Jersey. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, is Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Matrimonial Law Attorney, and is the first attorney in New Jersey to become Board-Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in the field of Family Law.

Ms. Williams is an accomplished businesswoman. In 2017, the Williams Law Group won the LawFirm500 award, ranking 14th of the fastest-growing law firms in the nation, as Ms. Williams grew the firm 581% in three years. Ms. Williams won the Silver Stevie Award for Female Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017. In 2018, Ms. Williams was voted as NJBIZ’s Top 50 Women in Business and was designated one of the Top 25 Leading Women Entrepreneurs and Business Owners. In 2019, Ms. Williams won the Seminole 100 Award for founding one of the fastest-growing companies among graduates of Florida State University.

Law Firm KPIs Inviting in More Work l Part Three

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 10:00:44 +0000

Do you want to invite in more work? Welcome back to part three of Law Firm KPIs where I’ll show you how to improve the ways you serve your clients. Here are three straightforward methods to optimize how you expand your work.

In this episode we discussed:

How creating an SKU will help you to not underprice your services.
Tracking every client conversation in the past, present, and future.
Keeping your clients seeking you out for more opportunities to serve them, as a future goal.
How staying connected with your clients correlates with generating more organic referrals.

My Favorite Excerpt From The Episode:

TIME: 00:23:18 (33 Seconds)

So sometimes the way that we would involve a client was simply to tell them, You know, this is what my plan is for court. Are you on board with that? And the client says I'd rather pay you to spend time with me, talk me through, etc. Or even there's got to be some compromise. I don't want to just be seen, greeted, and then have you disappear. You can actually start to finagle some, some better results there.

Contacts - Social Media

The Crushing Chaos Master Class-

To sign up and get more information about our Legal Sales for Lawyers and Non-Lawyers Online Course Text SALES at 908 292 3524.

Book a Session with our Growth Strategists

https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/speak-with-a-growth-strategist

Allison Bio:

Allison C. Williams, Esq., is the Founder and Owner of the Williams Law Group, LLC, with offices in Short Hills and Freehold, New Jersey. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, is Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Matrimonial Law Attorney, and is the first attorney in New Jersey to become Board-Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in the field of Family Law.

Ms. Williams is an accomplished businesswoman. In 2017, the Williams Law Group won the LawFirm500 award, ranking 14th of the fastest-growing law firms in the nation, as Ms. Williams grew the firm 581% in three years. Ms. Williams won the Silver Stevie Award for Female Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017. In 2018, Ms. Williams was voted as NJBIZ’s Top 50 Women in Business and was designated one of the Top 25 Leading Women Entrepreneurs and Business Owners. In 2019, Ms. Williams won the Seminole 100 Award for founding one of the fastest-growing companies among graduates of Florida State University.

Law Firm KPIs Doing the Work l Part Two

Fri, 11 Feb 2022 10:00:29 +0000

Are you really doing the work? Welcome back to part two of Law Firm KPIs, where I'll show you how tracking your metrics will optimize and automate your business. To ensure that you are moving a case from start to finish as efficiently and profitably as possible.

In this episode we discussed:

How to make sure you’re doing the work, and the metrics you need to do so.
How to automate your workload.
Monitoring the average hours per case and by subtype
Knowing the level of cost per case and case type
How to use the utilization rate to fix how much time you really spend doing the work.

My Favorite Excerpt From The Episode:

TIME: 00:23:18 (33 Seconds)

What a lot of people do, however, is they completely disregard that metric altogether, and they simply go with gut and they say, Well, right now I feel really busy. Sometimes feeling really busy is as a result of being really mentally disorganized and having a lot of thoughts running through your head and a lot of obligations that you don't have effectively managed on a calendar or a task management system or a CRM. And so you're in somewhat of an inner chaos that now makes you feel that you are overloaded on work. And it's times like that that people will go out and hire.

Contacts - Social Media

Book: Simple Numbers by Greg Crabtree

To sign up and get more information about our Legal Sales for Lawyers and Non-Lawyers Online Course Text SALES at 908 292 3524.

Book a Session with our Growth Strategists

https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/speak-with-a-growth-strategist

Allison Bio:

Allison C. Williams, Esq., is the Founder and Owner of the Williams Law Group, LLC, with offices in Short Hills and Freehold, New Jersey. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, is Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Matrimonial Law Attorney, and is the first attorney in New Jersey to become Board-Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in the field of Family Law.

Ms. Williams is an accomplished businesswoman. In 2017, the Williams Law Group won the LawFirm500 award, ranking 14th of the fastest-growing law firms in the nation, as Ms. Williams grew the firm 581% in three years. Ms. Williams won the Silver Stevie Award for Female Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017. In 2018, Ms. Williams was voted as NJBIZ’s Top 50 Women in Business and was designated one of the Top 25 Leading Women Entrepreneurs and Business Owners. In 2019, Ms. Williams won the Seminole 100 Award for founding one of the fastest-growing companies among graduates of Florida State University.

Law Firm KPIs Getting the Work | Part One

Tue, 08 Feb 2022 10:00:43 +0000

Do you want to break free of the revenue rollercoaster that holds back so many law firms? It's a challenging task for those of us who are concerned about the quality of care we can provide for our clients and employees—often neglecting many things that would make the business and everyone's experience with it much better. Here are three categories of KPIs that will help you overcome just that!

In this episode we discussed:

Restructuring your thinking around different metrics in order to have recurring revenue in your law firm.
Getting out of that feast or famine mindset by creating a series of funnels.
Ways of looking at and differentiating leads.
Cost per lead versus cost of client acquisition.
Operationalizing and optimizing performance in the area of sales in your law firm.
How to avoid appointment no-shows.

My Favorite Excerpt From The Episode:

TIME: 00:24:26 (33 Seconds)

Well, people fail to show up for a lot of reasons. Sometimes it's about how comfortable they are with the person on the phone. Sometimes it's about the fact that they paid or did not pay for the consult. Ding, ding ding. By the way, if you are giving away free consultations, I urge you to stop. I know that there are a couple of practice areas where you are by statute, required to, or by industry, you feel compelled to. However, you tend to get a much higher show-up rate on people that are paying to actually come to the Consult.

Contacts - Social Media

Our website: www.lawfirmmentor.net

To sign up and get more information about our Legal Sales for Lawyers and Non-Lawyers Online Course Text SALES at 908 292 3524.

Text Us at 908 292 3524

Text Retreat to know more about the upcoming retreat.

Book a Session with our Growth Strategists

https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/speak-with-a-growth-strategist

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Allison Bio:

Allison C. Williams, Esq., is the Founder and Owner of the Williams Law Group, LLC, with offices in Short Hills and Freehold, New Jersey. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, is Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Matrimonial Law Attorney, and is the first attorney in New Jersey to become Board-Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in the field of Family Law.

Ms. Williams is an accomplished businesswoman. In 2017, the Williams Law Group won the LawFirm500 award, ranking 14th of the fastest-growing law firms in the nation, as Ms. Williams grew the firm 581% in three years. Ms. Williams won the Silver Stevie Award for Female Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017. In 2018, Ms. Williams was voted as NJBIZ’s Top 50 Women in Business and was designated one of the Top 25 Leading Women Entrepreneurs and Business Owners. In 2019, Ms. Williams won the Seminole 100 Award for founding one of the fastest-growing companies among graduates of Florida State University.

LinkedIn For Lawyers

Fri, 04 Feb 2022 10:00:11 +0000

LinkedIn is a golden opportunity for lawyers seeking to uplevel your clientele. Today I'm going to show you that LinkedIn is not just somewhere to find a job or public speaking gigs. You can find clients there, but the way that most lawyers use LinkedIn is counterproductive. Let's discuss some strategies to uplevel your social media performance.

In this episode we discussed:

3 Key Strategies You Can Use To Dramatically Improve Your Results On This Platform
How To Optimize Your Profile For Search Engines
Optimizing Content With Video Marketing
How Significant A Page Can Be For You On LinkedIn.

My Favorite Excerpt From The Episode:

TIME: 00:12:15 (31 Seconds)

Now, I highly recommend results marketing no matter what right? A client, a prospect is going to be much more excited by reading that you were, that you have one more than a dozen trials with verdicts over a million dollars. That's much more impressive than we've represented hundreds of people with great results, right? The more specific the outcome and the more desirable the outcome, the more clarity that a person has that your outcome is also the same as their desired outcome.

Social Media

Register for the Immediate Cash Injection Webinar on February 10, 2022!

https://bit.ly/LFM-CashNow

Video Marketing: The Dawn of Lead Generation Podcast:

https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/podcast/2020/05/12/video-marketing-the-dawn-of-lead-generation

Simon Sinek TED Talk: Start with the Why.

Simon Sinek TED Talk: Find your Why.

Text MARKETING at 908 292 3524 to sign up for the Online Accelerator Course.

Contact Me:

Text Us at 908 292 3524

Text Retreat to know more about the upcoming one.

Book a Session with our Growth Strategists

https://lawfirmmentor.net/speak-with-a-growth-strategist/

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Allison Bio:

Allison C. Williams, Esq., is the Founder and Owner of the Williams Law Group, LLC, with offices in Short Hills and Freehold, New Jersey. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, is Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Matrimonial Law Attorney, and is the first attorney in New Jersey to become Board-Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in the field of Family Law.

Ms. Williams is an accomplished businesswoman. In 2017, the Williams Law Group won the LawFirm500 award, ranking 14th of the fastest-growing law firms in the nation, as Ms. Williams grew the firm 581% in three years. Ms. Williams won the Silver Stevie Award for Female Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017. In 2018, Ms. Williams was voted as NJBIZ’s Top 50 Women in Business and was designated one of the Top 25 Leading Women Entrepreneurs and Business Owners. In 2019, Ms. Williams won the Seminole 100 Award for founding one of the fastest-growing companies among graduates of Florida State University.

Cold Hard Truths About Owning A Law Firm

Tue, 01 Feb 2022 10:00:45 +0000

There are a lot of misconceptions that people have about owning a law firm as a business because they focus on just doing well in their practice. The lawyering part you know already, but owning a law firm and knowing the cold hard truths of what it takes to be successful takes an entirely new perspective. Many people will give you the wrong advice because they don't want to shock you with reality, but not me. In this episode, I want to talk about the cold hard truths of being the owner of a law firm and the journey of transcending the business to become the CEO you envision.

In this episode we discuss:

Four hard, cold truths about owning a law firm
How broke is a state of being, more than it is a reality
Why you can’t save your way out of being broke
The positive results of evolving your thinking and your patterns
Why you can’t punish your employees that are screwing up
The mindset of the employee versus the entrepreneur versus the CEO
Why you can’t expect the mediocre to evolve into rock stars
The value of using an assessment when hiring
A common tie between lawyering and self-esteem
How committing to being the CEO will mean having to redefine yourself
Balancing the energy of being a manager and the energy of being a leader
Leadership versus management

Social Media

www.LawFirmMentor.net

Contact Me:

Text Us at 908 292 3524

Text Retreat to know more about the upcoming one.

Book a Session with our Growth Strategists

https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/speak-with-a-growth-strategist

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Allison Bio:

Allison C. Williams, Esq., is the Founder and Owner of the Williams Law Group, LLC, with offices in Short Hills and Freehold, New Jersey. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, is Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Matrimonial Law Attorney, and is the first attorney in New Jersey to become Board-Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in the field of Family Law.

Ms. Williams is an accomplished businesswoman. In 2017, the Williams Law Group won the LawFirm500 award, ranking 14th of the fastest-growing law firms in the nation, as Ms. Williams grew the firm 581% in three years. Ms. Williams won the Silver Stevie Award for Female Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017. In 2018, Ms. Williams was voted as NJBIZ’s Top 50 Women in Business and was designated one of the Top 25 Leading Women Entrepreneurs and Business Owners. In 2019, Ms. Williams won the Seminole 100 Award for founding one of the fastest-growing companies among graduates of Florida State University.

Four Quadrants To Crush Your Work Chaos

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 10:00:39 +0000

Owning a business is chaos (I’ve been there). As a CEO without a full team or the resources to build one, the work can just seem to pile up. Let’s chat about my 4-quadrant system that will put your work into the right context so you can get more done, and find a team that connects with you.

In this episode I discuss:

Using a Four Quadrant System that helps you understand how to put your work in the proper context
Identifying which category each task belongs in by asking yourself 3 key questions.
How to find the easiest method of organization to avoid dealing with overwhelm.
Getting into the habit of training yourself how to use the four-quadrant system.
Making sure that time to complete, urgent Category A item is added to your calendar.
Building in buffer time on your calendar to take a deep breath, eat and relax for a moment.

My Favorite Excerpt From The Episode:

TIME: 00:30:23 (31 Seconds)

I'm a big proponent of cleaning off our desk at the end of the week so that all that stuff that's accumulated can go into the categorization, and do so in a way that gives you a release of the stress of, Oh my God, look at all this stuff on my desk. But, assuming that you didn't even get to it, the category D stuff is probably not going to blow up, even if you didn't look at it, right? The category A stuff is the stuff you always want to be, you know, insight and in mind. Right? You don't want to be stressed over it, but you do want to be aware of it.

Social Media

www.LawFirmMentor.net

Contact Me:

Text Us at 908 292 3524

Text Retreat to know more about the upcoming one.

Book a Session with our Growth Strategists

https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/speak-with-a-growth-strategist

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Allison Bio:

Allison C. Williams, Esq., is the Founder and Owner of the Williams Law Group, LLC, with offices in Short Hills and Freehold, New Jersey. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, is Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Matrimonial Law Attorney, and is the first attorney in New Jersey to become Board-Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in the field of Family Law.

Ms. Williams is an accomplished businesswoman. In 2017, the Williams Law Group won the LawFirm500 award, ranking 14th of the fastest-growing law firms in the nation, as Ms. Williams grew the firm 581% in three years. Ms. Williams won the Silver Stevie Award for Female Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017. In 2018, Ms. Williams was voted as NJBIZ’s Top 50 Women in Business and was designated one of the Top 25 Leading Women Entrepreneurs and Business Owners. In 2019, Ms. Williams won the Seminole 100 Award for founding one of the fastest-growing companies among graduates of Florida State University.

The Perfect Time To Solve Problems

Tue, 25 Jan 2022 10:00:18 +0000

You have probably heard the saying, “the best time to plant a tree was 50 years ago. The second best time is today.” There is so much truth in this proverb and it applies perfectly to how we handle delays, and negative mindsets in our law firm. Let’s chat about how you can approach problem-solving in your business.

In this episode I discuss:

Three things to think about when you are approaching problem-solving in your law firm.
Developing strategies for how to solve problems.
Additional problems caused by delaying solutions.
How delay tends to beget more delay.
Breaking the habit of hiring with a negative mindset.
Recognizing the power that we give to our own ineptitude.

My Favorite Excerpt From The Episode:

TIME: 00:08:16 (34 Seconds)

So if you start creating rules that you don't enforce, the next thing that happens is people learn from you. Ah, when she says there's a new rule, it really is a conditional rule. It's a rule that exists if I feel like following it, or it's a rule that exists if there's no exigent circumstance or it's a rule that exists, but I can override it if something really important comes up. So the delay in your choice to address that problem has allowed those seeds of miseducation to seep into your team.

Social Media

How to Be Decisive Podcast:

https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/podcast/2021/08/20/how-to-be-decisive

The Seven Strategies to Achieve Rapid Growth in Your Law

Firm in 2022.

https://fb.me/e/4Seq24lvW

Contact Me:

Text Us at 908 292 3524

Text Retreat to know more about the upcoming one.

Book a Session with our Growth Strategists

https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/speak-with-a-growth-strategist

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Allison Bio:

Allison C. Williams, Esq., is the Founder and Owner of the Williams Law Group, LLC, with offices in Short Hills and Freehold, New Jersey. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, is Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Matrimonial Law Attorney, and is the first attorney in New Jersey to become Board-Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in the field of Family Law.
Ms. Williams is an accomplished businesswoman. In 2017, the Williams Law Group won the LawFirm500 award, ranking 14th of the fastest-growing law firms in the nation, as Ms. Williams grew the firm 581% in three years. Ms. Williams won the Silver Stevie Award for Female Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017. In 2018, Ms. Williams was voted as NJBIZ’s Top 50 Women in Business and was designated one of the Top 25 Leading Women Entrepreneurs and Business Owners. In 2019, Ms. Williams won the Seminole 100 Award for founding one of the fastest-growing companies among graduates of Florida State University.

Always Be Selling

Fri, 21 Jan 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Don't think you have a sales job? Think again. You are ALWAYS selling. You're selling yourself to your clients, your employees, and everyone else around you all the time. Let's chat about how to leverage this mindset to maximize your benefit.

In this episode I discuss:

Living in a state of selling.
Sales as a very powerful part of the way that human beings exchange value for themselves.
The reality that your employees don't have the same incentive that you do for selling.
Strategies around shifting yourself and your organization into a perpetual sales organization.
How benefits from generating new business are more than just sales.

My Favorite Excerpt From The Episode:

TIME: 00:14:16 (36 Seconds)

Contact Me:

Text Us at 908 292 3524

Text Retreat to know more about the upcoming one.

Book a Session with our Growth Strategists

https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/speak-with-a-growth-strategist

Rebounding From Bad Hires

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 22:43:34 +0000

What do you do when you hire a person that does not fit your needs? Don’t fret - it happens! Let’s figure out how to fix it and review actions you can take to avoid this pitfall in the future.

In this episode I discuss:

Getting the right people on your team.
Transforming your business through the people you hire.
Having the right mind frame around what to do when you have made a poor choice.
Three key strategies for rebounding from a bad hire.
Elevating your leadership as you hire.

My Favorite Excerpt From The Episode

TIME: 00:14:54 (41 Seconds)

Debriefing is not from a place of beating yourself up. It's not about making you wrong or making them wrong. It's simply asking the question Why did this person work well here? Why did this person not work well here? And sometimes those answers are going to be self-evident, right? Sometimes there were some huge red flags that you saw that you just chose to ignore because you were desperate. But a lot of times there are things that you didn't even know that you needed until that person came into your company and you saw, Oh yes, we absolutely have to have someone who has X. And when a person does not have X, that person is not going to be effective for us in the business.

Book To Reference:

The Four Agreements

by: Don Miguel Ruiz

Contact Me:

Text Us at 908 292 3524

Text Retreat to know more about the upcoming one.

Book a Session with our Growth Strategists

https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/speak-with-a-growth-strategist

Allison Bio:

Ms. Williams is an accomplished businesswoman. In 2017, the Williams Law Group won the LawFirm500 award, ranking 14th of the fastest growing law firms in the nation, as Ms. Williams grew the firm 581% in three years. Ms. Williams won the Silver Stevie Award for Female Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017. In 2018, Ms. Williams was voted as NJBIZ’s Top 50 Women in Business and was designated one of the Top 25 Leading Women Entrepreneurs and Business Owners. In 2019, Ms. Williams won the Seminole 100 Award for founding one of the fastest growing companies among graduates of Florida State University.

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Don't Abandon Ship

Tue, 11 Jan 2022 16:34:49 +0000

Do you have problems maintaining a positive culture in a rapidly growing company? Unfortunately, there can be a lot of dysfunction in a business that expands quickly, especially in situations where the owner is not physically present with the team.

In this week's episode of the Law Firm Mentor Podcast, I want to give you some positive cultural idioms that you can use to structure your business. Allowing you to work from anywhere at any time and still give your employees their lane.

It's an incredible thing to embolden and empower your team, and by the end of this episode, you'll see how you can even have them performing above and beyond their expectations. Let's eliminate these problems before you feel the need to abandon ship.

In this episode we discuss:

Creating a positive law firm culture.
The importance of including respect and a lack of abdication in the anatomy of your team.
Making sure all your employees meet the Attitude, Aptitude, and Fit criteria of your company.
Having a person who filters the incoming information.
Cultural problems deriving from not having adequate supportive communication.

Allison Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contact Info:

The LFM Scorecard

https://www.dropbox.com/s/wz5xhyu7awogpet/Culture%20Score%20Card.docx?dl=0

Webinar on January 13th - Seven Strategies to Achieve Rapid Growth in Your Law Firm in 2022: https://bit.ly/LFM-7Strategies

Text Us at 908 292 3524
Book a Session with our Growth Strategists

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snippets

00: 31:09 (36 Seconds)

And if you want to be away from your office, whether it's not working or working, you have to create an environment where you as the leader, if you're still going to own the entity and be anything more than a silent shareholder, you as the leader have to be intentional about leadership. So that means while you are off somewhere, you need to have someone on somewhere in your business, and if you're not going to have someone on somewhere, you have to be strategic about placing yourself in different places in order to make sure that your presence is felt.

Welcome To 2022!

Fri, 07 Jan 2022 23:07:22 +0000

The beautiful thing is that with a new year, we get new opportunities to change the way that we're looking at the world, change what we are doing to bring about new opportunities in the world. I wanted to share with you some of the things that we have coming up here at Law Firm Mentor that is going to help you to do just that. Actually, look at your business differently and create better results than you have already created for yourself.

So our first webinar of the year is going to be on Thursday, January 13th, and you're going to find that webinar information in the show notes. You can click on the link to it in our show notes, but it is Seven strategies to Achieve Rapid Growth in your Law Firm in 2022.

You have heard me say before, more money, more free time, right? More money comes from marketing and sales, the more free time comes from people and systems. So here at Law Firm Mentor, we help lawyers with marketing, sales, people, and systems.

In this episode we discuss:

3 Success principles we’ve learned from doubling our revenue in a year at Law Firm Mentor.
How the quality of the team correlates with the quality of the company.
The fact that not every client is your client.
Making decisions quickly to get to rapid growth.

Allison Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contact Info:

The Crushing Chaos Podcast: Why your Facebook Ads may not be working.

https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/podcast/2021/08/13/why-your-facebook-ads-may-not-be-working

The Crushing Chaos Podcast: How to Be Decisive. https://www.lawfirmmentor.net/podcast/2021/08/20/how-to-be-decisive

Video: How Law Firm Mentor DOUBLED in One Year. https://youtu.be/GQ52LiDuxt4

Webinar on January 27th - Seven Strategies to Achieve Rapid Growth in Your Law Firm in 2022: https://bit.ly/LFM-7Strategies

Text Us at 908 292 3524
Book a Session with our Growth Strategists

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snippets

00: 09: 21 (33 Seconds)

So teaching is something that I naturally feel I have a gift for. I've been told I have a gift for it and it's something that I personally enjoy. So I want to fill my life, fill my business, fill my time with things that I enjoy, and I also want to be able to use the information that I have, the information that helps lawyers in my own community, my existing clients, as well as lawyers who find Law Firm Mentor and say, Yeah, I want some of that. I want you to have the ability to consume the content in a way that I think is going to be most powerful and effective for you to implement.

Deserve the Best

Tue, 23 Nov 2021 10:00:00 +0000

When there's any type of distress in the marketplace is- there's almost always an inherent lack mindset that goes into that level of business development. But if the problem around you is lack, the solution is abundance.

When there's not enough, how do you create more than enough? Tune in and I’ll show you!

In this episode we discuss:

Creating abundance versus falling into a lack mindset in times of economic retraction.
Setting the standard for how you show up.
Three questions to ask yourself to determine if you deserve the best.
The importance of committing yourself to achieve your desired outcome.
Taking responsibility and controlling your attitude when life happens.
The impact you're going to create by honoring your commitments.

Allison Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contact Info:

The Four Agreements book - by Don Miguel Ruiz

Text CONNECT at 908 292 3524

https://lawfirmmentor.net/speak-with-a-growth-strategist/

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snippets

00: 09: 35 (36 Seconds)

00:17:43 (38 Seconds)

Who Does What in Your Law Firm?

Fri, 19 Nov 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Who does what in your law firm? There are many different roles in law firms, and I think most people conceptually understand the distinction between a lawyer and a paralegal and a legal assistant and a file clerk.

There are three categories of behavior required in every law firm, finders, minders and grinders. I’m sure you’ve heard of these before, but I wanted to give a perceptual frame for them that might be a little different than what you've heard before.

It’s so important as a solo law firm owner that you divorce yourself from at least some of these roles.

Tune in to learn how!

In this episode we discuss:

The roles in a law firm and the three categories that you require, being Grinders, Minders and Finders.
Recognizing the characteristics from each category.
How solo law firm owners also require some degree of compliance for themselves.
The importance of creating enterprise goodwill that will carry your business forward.
Being a solo lawyer and its challenges.
Considering the time you are spending in each of these categories.

Allison Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contact Info:

MasterClass December 8th

Text CONNECT at 908 292 3524

https://lawfirmmentor.net/speak-with-a-growth-strategist/

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snippets

00: 19: 02 (38 Seconds)

So I remember I recently had a conversation. Very good friend of mine decided that she was going to phase out of practicing law in the way that she is. She doesn't, she no longer has her law firm open, and we had a lot of conversations about what she wanted to do with it. Did she want to sell it? Did you just want to close it? Like, what? What is the process? And so just kind of being alongside her as she was going through that process, I learned a lot about valuation of law firms. Now, as a matrimonial attorney and family law attorney for many years, I of course knew about valuations of businesses and periodically we would have a client who owned a law firm.

Replay: Why Employees Fail

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 10:00:00 +0000

With the holiday season quickly approaching, we here at the Law Firm Mentor have been very busy preparing for a new year! Enjoy this Replay of one of my most favorite, thought provoking episodes.

I have seen quite a bit of commentary in the Law Firm Mentor movement about hiring lately and mental blocks to hiring. I feel many develop those mental blocks to hiring because of the problems that they encounter with employees once they are on-board. So, today I wanted to give you a framework for thinking about the failure of your employees.

We know that getting the wrong people in in the first place is almost always going to ensure that you won't be successful with your employees. But do you have someone who you can remediate or do you need to start the process over again? This framework will help you remove all of the guesswork and make a clear plan.

Tune in!

In this episode we discuss:

Three reasons that employees fail.
The challenge of understanding an employee’s job when you haven’t performed that job.
How attitude influences the ability to fit into a position role and office environment.
Understanding the reasons an employee may not comply with your directions without jumping to your own immediate conclusions.
How systems can help set the framework for employee success.
The importance of training and following up to verify that there is understanding.

Allison Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contact Info:

Please note this recording references the Crushing Chaos Masterclass the week of May 10th. 00:20:12

Need a link to the next set of classes December 6-14, 2021 https://lawfirmmentor.net/masterclass

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snippets

00:16:16 (48 Seconds)

Don't take it personally that they're not complying with the rule, because when you go into your feelings and make it about how you're being disrespected or how you're not getting what you desire or how you have told this person over and over again and the person's not doing it, when you start making those stories real in your mind, what tends to happen is you shut down in your problem solving ability and you stop looking for what is the real reason and start assuming that your thoughts about the situation are the real reason why the employee is not complying. So that means you could very easily sternly punish or ultimately terminate someone who is not complying for reasons that could easily have been ameliorated if you had been willing to be open to have a conversation.

00:18:12 (43 Seconds)

They haven't learned from you that the way you want it done is non-negotiable. So I don't say this to mean that you need to have a stern corrective conversation where you get your finger out and stick it at them and say this is non-negotiable because I'm the boss. I'm talking about an error of how we systematize. OK, so what is really, really important when we talk about employees is that there be a cultural imperative for how we do things. Even if you have not set that tone, had that conversation reorganized activity around that conversation, your employees are still picking up from the ether how things are happening in this business.

Four Quadrants to Crush Your Work Chaos

Fri, 12 Nov 2021 10:00:00 +0000

How do you do all of the work that is mounting on your desk when you don't have a full team or lack the resources to be able to assemble a team?

Many lawyers often say to themselves, “I have too much and I'm not yet at the place where I can hire.” Almost invariably that's the wrong assumption, but that's the belief system at that moment.

So I wanted to share with you all a four-quadrant system that I created that helps people to understand how to put their work in the proper context while they have too much work to do.

Tune in to learn more!

In this episode we discuss:

Using a Four Quadrant System that helps you understand how to put your work in the proper context.
Identifying which category each task belongs in by asking yourself 3 key questions.
How to find the easiest method of organization to avoid dealing with overwhelm.
Getting into the habit of training yourself how to use the four-quadrant system.
Making sure that time to complete urgent, Category A items is added to your calendar.
Building in buffer time on your calendar to take a deep breath, eat and relax a moment.

Allison Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contact Info:

www.LawFirmMentor.net

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snippets

00: 30: 23 (31 Seconds)

I'm a big proponent of cleaning off our desk at the end of the week so that all that stuff that's accumulated can go into the categorization, and do so in a way that gives you a release of the stress of, Oh my God, look at all this stuff on my desk. But, assuming that you didn't even get to it, the category D stuff is probably not going to blow up, even if you didn't look at it, right? The category A stuff is the stuff you always want to be, you know, in sight and in mind. Right? You don't want to be stressed over it, but you do want to be aware of it.

Crush the Chaos of Your Law Firm Scholarship Award

Tue, 09 Nov 2021 10:00:00 +0000

In today’s episode I talk about law firm scholarships. Recently, I remember seeing a post where someone raised the question about how to create a law firm scholarship. This individual had seen a lot about them and thought, “Hey, this seems like a really cool idea, and I want to help our local high school community.” So, in essence this scholarship would be a philanthropic tool used to help this person’s small town. I loved that idea!

I’d like to share with that person and then ultimately share with you guys some of the thoughts around these scholarships and how to use them for the greatest good in your law firm.

Tune in to learn more about creating impactful law firm scholarships!

In this episode we discuss:

Creating a law firm scholarship.
How creating a scholarship can impact SEO, driving traffic to your website.
Partnering with local high schools and community colleges to promote your scholarship.
The benefit of being highlighted as a provider of an asset to the local or national community.
Considering the rules for your scholarship and the demographic profile required for applicants.
Determining how to verify compliance to the guidelines for spending the scholarship money.
Sharing your presentation of the scholarship on social media and everywhere possible.

Allison Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contact Info:

www.LawFirmMentor.net

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snippets

00: 08: 45 (36 Seconds)

Now, unfortunately, higher education is notoriously bad at promoting all the different available options or scholarships for students. In fact, I remember at one point in time I was helping my cousin. She's now a young woman in her late 20s, but I remember I was helping her to apply to go to college. And one of the things that was astounding to me was the fact that there was an entire service dedicated to helping high school students learn what scholarships were available. And I said, well, wouldn't we get that information when she gets into the different colleges? And the answer was yes and no.

Crushing the Chaos in Client Communications

Fri, 05 Nov 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Today I am talking about crushing the chaos in your client communications. I want to direct your attention to the idea of automating as many of your client communications as possible. I realize that automating client communications can be a cringe-worthy topic for many lawyers. There is a belief system that says, “Hey, I can't automate communications! There's a relationship component that's really where those increased referrals come from.”

Yes, client communication gives you an opportunity to be a rock star, but lawyers are learning that there's a differentiation that comes from having a really solid communications process for your clients.

Tune in to find out exactly what the difference is.

In this episode we discuss:

Automating as many of your client communications as possible.
How creating a drip campaign is an opportunity for you to eliminate confusion for your clients.
Instilling more confidence in your clients by building processes, systems, and structure.
Adding personal connection in a way that doesn't require personal activity.
Ensuring that you are communicating with your client.
Adding value by overdelivering through additional support materials and education to possibly generate additional or future work.

Allison Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contact Info:

www.LawFirmMentor.net

Client Avatar Podcast – Who Are Your Clients? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4l7MI7JUL_4

How To Deal with Difficult Clients Podcast – Keep Your Difficult Clients?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dx8kqWXE3cI

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snippets

00: 21: 27 (31 Seconds)

You know, whatever it is that you do, I want you to be thinking about your communications with your client as a way of doing three things. One, helping them to feel so supported by the level of education, information, guidance, and support you're offering that you're offering something in excess of what is minimally required by your retainer agreement. OK? You should always be looking to overdeliver for the value you're charging a client. Second, think about it as a way to generate more work from the existing client, right?

Firing Your Family from Your Law Firm

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 09:00:00 +0000

In today’s episode, I’m talking about firing your family from your law firm. I know I have talked about the need for us to really have very clear boundaries with those that we employ so that we can get optimal performance out of our team, and how that is particularly necessary when you have family members in your law firm. Today, I want to expound upon that a little bit because I know that there are several people out there who started off their law firm not having a whole lot of revenue, not having a whole lot of clients. As a result, they had their spouse, or another family member, come into their law firm to provide some much-needed assistance.

I don't want to say that working with family never works. There is definitely a positive element to having family members in your law firm. But I want to talk about, in particular, the challenge of firing your family because so many people I know are contemplating that, and/or have already gone down that road- and there have been ripple effects.

In this episode we discuss:

The challenge associated with having family work in your law firm.
Setting boundaries when you add another person to your culture.
Risking a claim if you treat employees differently.
How different circumstances can determine the manner in which you fire someone.
Remaining in the context of the employer when terminating a relative.

Allison Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contact Info:

www.LawFirmMentor.net

https://lawfirmmentor.net/speak-with-a-growth-strategist/

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snippets

00: 03:00 (48 Seconds)

The reality is, if your mom screws something up, it is going to be more challenging for another employee who might be inclined normally to come to you as the saving grace and say, Hey boss, I wanted to let you know that the new girl in aisle four has just messed up X, Y, Z. She's probably not going to say that if the new girl is your mom right, or if it is, if the relationship is the other way around. If you have had mom here for years and someone comes in, that person is going to have a different attitude toward your relatives than they might have toward just any other employee. And this doesn't have to be inherently bad, but it tends to be... not universal. But it tends to be that when somebody comes into a workplace, they are always looking for the hierarchy, right?

Law Firm Retreats

Fri, 29 Oct 2021 09:00:00 +0000

In today’s episode I talk about law firm retreats. For me, this is a fun topic because I love talking about what we can do to up-level our law firms.

Even though I spend a lot of time talking about solving the problems of our law firms, I know that there are plenty of people who listen to this podcast and already have a fully systematized law firm. These firms aren’t necessarily perfect or running at top speed, but they’re established enough for law firm owners to feel comfortable enough to begin planning how to take their firms to the next level.

I've been asked recently how to create a law firm retreat, who should be involved, and how to make it a great experience. So, that's what I'll cover today.

In this episode we discuss:

How retreats can up-level your firm.
Being very clear on the purpose of your retreat.
Make your retreat an experience to re-energizing of themselves and their community.
Choosing wisely a location for your team to have a nice experience.
How important is it to keep people engaged, active, and participating during the retreat.
The facilitator you are going to bring depends on what you choose to convey.

Allison Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contact Info:

www.LawFirmMentor.net

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snippets

00: 09: 44 (38 Seconds)

But one of the challenges that we encountered as of March of 2020 when we could no longer have live retreats at least immediately, we were legally barred from having live retreats. Now there's some logistical challenges with us having live retreats is that we had to move ourselves on to having a virtual experience. And a lot of people, after they started using Zoom for the first time, a lot of lawyers were not using Zoom, except for the occasional meeting here or there, but they certainly didn't live on Zoom. It became a real struggle to try to tell someone that you're going to have a good experience when you sit on a virtual platform for hours, and hours, and hours on end.

The Easiest Way to Create Success - Replay from May 2021

Tue, 26 Oct 2021 09:00:00 +0000

This episode is dedicated to the topic of success. It was originally recorded and published in May 2021, so if you’re new to my podcast, I’m bringing this one back just for you.

Several of us as solo and small law firm attorneys want success, and we all have these grandiose thoughts about what success looks like. But then, we see people that we perceive to be successful who are not living that for themselves. Instead, they are working 80-90 hours a week. They're exhausted, moody, or may even have health problems. They may have just a negative disposition about life. We begin to think that you can’t experience both success and freedom.

Sometimes we're pursuing success and sometimes we're pursuing rest and relaxation, as if those two things run counter to each other. But I want to give you a framework today to actually see success very differently so that you'll be able to create success easier, faster and with more ease along the path.

In this episode we discuss:

The power of envisioning success to create what your very own success looks like for you.
How success looks different for different people.
Planning for the reality of your successful dream life.
How ‘Acting As If’ embodies being, doing and having the lifestyle you desire.
Identifying what you can change in your belief cycle to help focus on desired outcomes.
Agreeing not to stop the process when you hit your terror barrier.

Allison Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contact Info:

https://lawfirmmentor.net/speak-with-a-growth-strategist/

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snippets

00:02:45 (49 Seconds)

So what does it mean to get to that easy way of creating success? Well, this is going to sound really, really, really offensive. So please promise me that you're going to stick around for a couple of minutes after I say this. Don't tune me out right away. But the easiest way to create success is simply to create the vision. Now, whenever I tell lawyers that all you have to do is envision what your success will look like, I get a lot of eye rolls, I get a lot of tuning out. I get kind of the blank stare. So I want to tell you what I mean by that, and why it's so important that that's where we start.

00:09:13 (36 Seconds)

You start creating all of the excuses, all of the rationalizations as to why you can't have what you want before you actually seek what you want. So it's important that you actually seek what you want first and hold firm to that vision and let your energy go behind what you want so that that's what expands in your life. OK, after you've created the vision, the next thing is, the part that's not so sexy is creating the plan. You have to plan the eventuality that you're going to have this life.

The Necessity of Growth - Replay from March 2021

Fri, 22 Oct 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Today we are sharing a previously recorded episode that is just as timely as it was when it was first recorded. In it I wanted to talk about the need for growth and how it ties into the subject of intake.

You want more clients and more money, which means you need to grow.

However, growth is often destabilizing.

How can you and your law firm successfully work through the ‘growing pains’? Stay tuned to find out!

In this episode we discuss:

How growth can be destabilizing, yet necessary.
5 principles of why we need to grow.
The necessity of having a CEO and the CEO’s responsibilities.
How opportunity is the fuel that propels a business forward.
The money math of growing and investing in your business while experiencing inflation.
How clearing clutter removes energy, making room for new energy.
Why growth can trigger a fear of abandonment.
How growth can help to overcome entrepreneurial burnout.

Allison Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contact Info:

Allison references that the scheduler will be in the show notes to reach out and schedule time to speak with a member of our team.

https://go.oncehub.com/LawFirmMentor

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snippets

00:43:44 Allison Williams (50 Seconds)

The fifth reason why growth is a necessity in business is that most entrepreneurs do not burn out from doing more. They burn out from accomplishing less. Ok, hear me when I say this, I'm going to say it again, because I think it's one of the most profound things that you can come to terms with as a law firm owner. Most entrepreneurs don't burn out from doing more. They burn out from accomplishing less. Ok, think about that for a moment. It's not really that we are tired, that we are kind of chasing our tails, if you will. A lot of people don't mind putting in the work if they're getting somewhere. It's that emotionally deflating feeling of putting in the work year over year over year without having that return on the investment of your time, that you're putting in, and what you're getting out is a few pennies more.

Take Control! Give Your Money a Job!

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Today I had the pleasure of speaking with Melissa Houston, chartered professional accountant, a CPA, a financial strategist for CEOs, columnist for Forbes.com, and the host of the Business Society Podcast.

Melissa helps successful business owners increase their profit margins without having to increase revenue so that they keep more money in their pocket while increasing their personal wealth.

As business owners, we have to be very mindful of getting the information that we need from a source that we trust, but also in a way that we are able to use it. We're expected to be badass in business the way that we are badass in law. But the reality is finance is an entire industry and none of us should feel bad about ourselves because we don't know what we don't know, right?

Melissa Houston is a reliable source to inform, tune in to learn more!

In this episode we discuss:

The importance of knowing your numbers as a law firm owner.
The value of financial coaching.
Why profit is far more important than revenue.
How as a business owner, having more control over the wealth that you're creating.
Understanding your money mindset and creating financial goals.
Getting clear on what you want your money to do for you.
A five-step money framework.
Your responsibility to check in on the financial health of your business.

Guest Bio:

Melissa Houston is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA). a Financial Strategist for CEOs, a columnist at Forbes.com, and the host of The Business Society podcast. Melissa helps successful business owners increase their profit margins without having to increase revenue so that they keep more money in their pocket while increasing their personal wealth.

Melissa has over 20 years of business experience with large and small

corporations, government, and not-for-profit industries while specializing in Internal Controls, corporate accounting, budgets, financial reporting, corporate & personal tax, audit, and SR&ED. Melissa enjoys helping business owners build their businesses by increasing their financial management skills. Your numbers are telling you a story - make sure you are listening to it.

Melissa's passion is helping business owners go from 6-figure to 7-figure businesses and achieving their personal financial dreams.

When Melissa isn't helping entrepreneurs become better CEO's of their business, she can be found at the cottage with her husband Jamie, two teen children, and three dogs.

Contact info:

Five-Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom is available on the Website

Website: www.melissahoustoncpa.com

Forbes Contributions: www.forbes.com/sites/melissahouston/ ?sh=4de028d25ee8

Email: info@)melissahoustoncpa.com

Twitter: /melissahcpa

Facebook: /melissa.houston.1420354

lnstagram: /melissahoustoncpa/

Linkedln: /melissahcpa

Allison Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contact Info:

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snippets

00: 20: 14 (30. Seconds)

And I especially see it with my clients that are lawyers as well is that when they come to me, there's a lot of shame and a lot of, you know, just feeling bad about themselves because they're like, I'm such a smart person. How do I not understand how to manage my money, right? And it's not that you're not smart. It's because, you know, your life centered around becoming a lawyer. I'm pretty sure nobody taught you how to run a business when you're trying to study for the bar exam, right?

How to Go On Law Firm Sabbatical without Checking In - Replay from December 2020

Fri, 15 Oct 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Is it October already? Seeing as the holidays are quickly approaching, it seemed appropriate to replay an episode from December 2020.

This episode is one that I think you're going to get plenty of value out of because even though the topic is sabbatical, and you may or may not have even thought about the possibility, let alone the desire of taking a sabbatical.

Freedom to be able to take a sabbatical implicates a lot of different moving pieces in a law firm. I want to go over some of the key things that you have to do in order to achieve that sabbatical so that whether you want to have one for yourself or not, you can step freely away from your business for an extended amount of time knowing that the business will still run without you.

In this episode we discuss:

Contemplating the possibility of being able to take time away from your law firm.

A list of specific things you absolutely need in place to be able to have your firm run without you and continue to generate income.
Understanding your marketing approach and your client avatar.
Having a successful intake process in place.
The importance of having clearly defined roles for who does what.
Managing money and reporting systems.

Allison Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contact Info:

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snippets

00:39:43

Now, if you personally are struggling with taking time away from your law firm and you really want to get to a place where you can even just take an extended vacation more than a week away, you have to get these things lined up. And there's a very specific way that you can do this that does not involve stress or agita. It involves directing your attention to different activity than those that you're currently doing. Because at the end of the day, we are the product of our choices. You don't like the result you have in your law firm, you can make a different choice and we can help you do that.

The Biggest Problem with Marketing and How to Fix It with John Hinson

Tue, 12 Oct 2021 09:00:00 +0000

In today’s episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with John Hinson of Spotlight Branding. We had a really great conversation about marketing, but not from your usual perspective.

I think a lot of times when we, as law firm owners, want to solve a problem, we literally want to press a button and poof our marketing works, or we want to hire someone that we can just hand them a check and say, here, you go do the marketing thing while I go practice law - and that's how my business will grow. But John actually teaches and promotes a way of being more strategic with your marketing, fixing things that are kinks in your funnel.

I can’t wait for you to apply some of these gems to your own business! Stay tuned!

In this episode we discuss:

Marketing, but not from the usual perspective.
Fixing the problems in your marketing funnels.
Ways of being more strategic with your marketing to save more time and money.
Getting people from cold to warm and finally be interested in your business.
Generating business from current and past clients by nurturing the relationship.
Creating a consistent marketing ecosystem that does much more to generate leads.

Guest Bio:

John Hinson is an author, podcast host, and Marketing Manager at Spotlight Branding and has spent the last several years helping law firms grow by maximizing their referrals and attracting the right kind of clients. He is the host of The Law Firm Marketing Minute and Center Stage, two popular podcasts dedicated to helping lawyers and other white-collar professionals overcome marketing and business development challenges that they face while running their own firm.

He is passionate about helping entrepreneurs and small business owners build marketing systems and internal processes that help their businesses run smoothly and achieve their growth goals.

John received his Master’s degree from East Carolina University. In his free time, he has written and published more than 15 books on lesser known historical events and built a website documenting over 200 waterfalls along the Appalachian Mountains.

Contact info:

John Hinson - SpotlightBranding.com/solo – Free Resources

Website URL: www.spotlightbranding.com

Email: john@spotlightbranding.com

Phone Number: 17046432238

Facebook url: https://www.facebook.com/spotlightbranding

Twitter Username: @SpotlightLawyer

LinkedIn url: https://www.linkedin.com/company/2379244/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPWwPRr0bqxZgflPgkgcebg

Instagram username: @SpotlightLawyer

Allison Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contact Info:

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snippets

00:17:59 (43 Seconds)

John Hinson: And just, it makes it so that people understand, OK, this you're the lawyer for the job. This is what you cover. This is how you can help. And we've seen that just doing that, that simple little strategy right there. You know, our clients come back to us. Every email they send out multiple requests for new business or repeat business or referrals or anything like that every single month.

Allison Williams: Yeah. Well, I think what you're saying right here is just pure gold because I think a lot of lawyers don't start the process of content marketing because they think, OK, great. Now I have to sit down and download my brain and write a legal treatise, and they want to put five thousand details in. And I always say less is more here, right? You're not, you're not speaking to a judge, you're speaking to a person who just needs to know that you know what you're talking about.

Law Firm PTSD?

Fri, 08 Oct 2021 09:00:00 +0000

In today’s episode I’m talking about law firm PTSD - which can be defined as that very tricky, undiagnosed mental health disorder that is seen when we are dealing with a new employee who's come into our company and is still suffering the effects of their residuals from their previous employer.

Now I know a lot of you have had experiences where you bring in a new employee and you're really excited to work with them as soon as they come in. But pretty soon in the process, you start to see some pretty unnerving behaviors, right? You start to see that the person is really jumpy or highly defensive, or the person seems to be terrified of doing anything without asking 15 different ways if they're doing the right thing.

I want you to consider that there are a lot of things that can cause that level of distress in a person. We're going to talk about what some of those are. But for the most part, I want you to just give yourselves the gift of saying that how these people move in the world, what their experience is when they first come into your business is something that you can respond to in a way that gives them a better experience and increases the likelihood that they will stay with you as an employee.

In this episode we discuss:

Strategies to deal with a new employee who's come into your company still suffering the effects of their residuals from a previous employer.
Shifting some of those feelings of PTSD.
Giving your new employee time to adapt and heal.
The importance of not taking anything personally.
How having a positive mindset will help you work with any PTSD law firm employee.

Allison Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contact Info:

Book The Four Agreements- Don Miguel Ruiz

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snippets

00: 15: 30 (38 Seconds)

Well, the one thing you would never want to do is to break that person's spirit, if you will, by becoming Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, right? You don't want to be one person all day, every day, and then as soon as that one person is tired of it and frustrated with whatever the employee did, you snap and you become someone else. Because that lack of consistency is going to say to them that the problem is much worse than they believed it to be, that whatever they have going on, they're now at greater risk.

Who Are Your Clients?

Tue, 05 Oct 2021 09:00:00 +0000

In today’s episode I’m asking you all “who are your clients”?

I've gotten a lot of questions recently about how to serve clients, take care of oneself and family, while creating financial wealth? It's almost like the idea of helping people who are poor is so foreign to the legal profession that people who want to do that work also assume that what comes along with the legal profession is affluence, abundance, financial success. It's not true, but that's the perception.

This leads to the thought that, “if I do anything outside of what's customarily done in the legal profession, if I go outside of serving the rich, I really can't make myself money,” and that is absolutely false.

Tune in and I’ll explain why.

In this episode we discuss:

Differences selling to the affluent versus those that on the face of it can’t afford your services.
Strategies to be financially successful while still giving back to your community.
Putting your mask on first while building your success.
How the obligation to give as a condition of your receiving, is emotional manipulation.
The Universal Law of Reciprocity and having expectations for something in return when giving to others.
Systematizing your business to be more efficient to be able to reach your financial goals.

Allison Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contact Info:

LawFirmMentor.net/Avatar

LawFirmMentor.net/Masterclass

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snippets

00: 22: 02 (36 Seconds)

I wanted the person to see how the belief system was not a healthy one. Right. So we talked about self-interest in the fact that all people are driven to help other people out of self-motivation, right? Even when you are genuinely thinking about other people as you are standing at the soup kitchen or as you are leaving an extra-generous tip or as you are dropping off clothes to the Goodwill right. You're doing that for someone else, but do not believe that you are not also doing it for yourself.

"It Has To Be Me" and Other Myths in Law Firms

Fri, 01 Oct 2021 09:00:00 +0000

As we continue coming off of the high of our one-hundredth episode, today I’m bringing you a throwback to one of our most popular episodes.

This episode is entitled “It Has to Be Me and Other Myths in Law Firms”. This is definitely one of my favorite episodes, and obviously you guys share the same sentiment because this is our most downloaded episode!

I think this episode continues to get more traction because the message really resonates with lawyers that believe that they started off in business with the mindset of ‘it has to be me, I have to be the smartest, I have to be the most capable, I have to be the most diligent, the most on top of things’. And then at some point, most importantly, in that evolution of growing from practice owner to business owner, the law firm owner recognizes that in order to create a sustainable business that isn't built on the back of the owner, it really does require expertise beyond the owner.

Enjoy this flashback and let us know if any of your favorite myths were busted in today’s episode!

In this episode we discuss:

Adjusting your belief system about who is supposed to do what in your law firm.

Clients hiring you as the lawyer versus hiring the law firm.
How your marketing message can be shifted to direct a client to a better or different option.
How ego can drive how you decide to create and structure your business.
How hiring additional attorneys can enhance your law firm’s skill set and strengths.
Letting go of the fear of having another person do some of the work.

Allison Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contact Info:

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snippets

00:15:42 - About 50 Seconds

OK, what I said to her was this, I believe lawyer that you believe this, that people come for you, and I believe that many people do come to a law firm for you. But I also believe that because you believe this, that you structure your business in a certain way. You communicate about your law firm in a certain way. Your marketing messages are characterized in this certain way. You speak to your clients about their cases in a certain way. You hire people to facilitate work in your law firm with this certain way in mind. Listen, people want what they want, until you show them that there is something better for them to want. So here's an example of that.

00:15:45 – About 57 Seconds

If you have a desire for something greater than yourself and you are driven toward that ego gratifying activity, that's what makes brilliant trial lawyers. Right? I don't know any of them that do it for their health or do it for... Some of them do it for the contribution, but right there, there's also a very real ego component that goes along with it. So you have that desire to create. And as you create in your business and as you create in your profession, your ego is stroked. Ok. The ego stroking that comes from being the lawyer is a certain amount. It is a much bigger ego stroke to have a large entity of other people who are also exceptional, doing things alongside you, and only have that opportunity because you created what you created.

Replay of Very First Episode: SEO, Branding and Law Firm Intake Toolkit with Seth Price

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Having just come off of the high of our 100th episode, I thought it would be fun to share a quick throwback to our very first episode.

I want you to recognize that we have always been committed to bringing you top quality information and strategies that you can use in your law firm right now to grow from a solopreneur to a company that ultimately can run without you.

My very first episode was really a raw, uncut version of me, unfiltered with one of my favorite people in the world who owns Blue Shark Digital, which is a marketing company specific to lawyers created by a very successful lawyer - Mr. Seth Price.

I hope you enjoy taking this trip down memory lane with me!

In this episode we discuss:

What is Search Engine Optimization (SEO)?
How the novice marketing lawyer can vet an SEO company
SEO as the backbone of business branding
What is content marketing
Google’s shifting algorithm as relates to blogging basics for law firms
Intake processes that increase conversions in law firms
Differentiating intake talent attributes for contingency-based practices verses revenue-based practices
Sustaining energy and enthusiasm in intake personnel
The “right” customer service mindset and experience for powerful intake conversations

Guest Bio:

An accomplished attorney and transformational thought leader, Seth Price is a founding partner and the business backbone of Price Benowitz LLP as well as the founder and CEO of BluShark Digital. Seth took a two-person law firm and scaled to 36 lawyers in less than a decade. Now Seth has taken the same digital power that built the firm to create a best in class digital agency focused on the legal sector in BluShark Digital.

Seth has been a frequent lecturer and moderator at some of the largest and most influential law

conferences in the United States, speaking on the tools and strategies law firms can use to align their

business development with changing consumer habits. He has spoken on topics including but not limited

to, how to build a firm, ethics, best practices for firm operations, search engine optimization (SEO), and

digital marketing as a whole.

Contact info:

Email – Seth@BluSharkDigital.com

Website – https://blusharkdigital.com/

To learn more about Blu Shark Digital, like/follow/share at https://www.facebook.com/blusharkdigital/

For a Free Consultation with Seth’s Team, call (202) 871-1554

To speak directly with Seth, call his cell phone at (347) 661-9999

Allison Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contact Info:

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snippets

[00:02:56] And I also knew that he would give top quality information, not only because his marketing company services my law firm, but in particular because the information that I find he shares is easily digestible. It's something that you can use even before you hire your own digital marketing company if your budget is not yet at that place where you're ready to hire one. And I also feel that he's very relatable because like me, he has also gone through the process of using the strategies that he teaches in his own business. So there's a little bit more authenticity tried and tested truth to what he's sharing because he's done it before.

“Manifesting Like a Motherf**ker”

Fri, 24 Sep 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Today is our 100th podcast episode! I am so excited about this milestone and I wanted to mark this occasion by talking about manifestation.

Unfortunately for so many people, what stops them from making real strides and scalable growth in a law firm is the fact that they are often mired down in decisions.

There's so many things coming at you, so when your energy, your time, your attention, your focus is stratified over a lot of different activities, it is really challenging to not fall prey to decision fatigue.

Recently, I talked about how to be decisive. I wanted to share with you a prime example of what being decisive means, and how critically important and valuable this life-changing skill is.

Thank you to all our listeners for being with us on this amazing journey. I hope you enjoy this 100th episode!

In this episode we discuss:

How amazing your life can be when you learn the skill of being decisive.
Creating what you desire when you have a thought that continues to come to your mind.
Allowing yourself to feel and think what you desire without judgment.
Giving yourself permission to speak your desire out loud.
Recognizing that you can recover from a bad decision.
Solidifying in your mind that you are creating something by writing it down.
Getting the right team assembled to assist and advise in the process of materializing your desires.
Trusting your instincts and your inner voice.

Allison Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contact Info:

What If It’s Possible? Crushing Chaos with Law Firm Mentor Podcast

https://lawfirmmentor.net/2021/06/25/what-if-its-possible/

How To Be Decisive? Crushing Chaos with Law Firm Mentor Podcast

https://lawfirmmentor.net/2021/08/20/how-to-be-decisive/

Four Transplants and a Microphone Podcast

https://player.fm/series/4-transplants-and-a-microphone

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snippets

00:07:09 (33 Seconds)

Lessons From Hurricane Ida

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 09:00:00 +0000

In today’s episode, I talk about a recent weather event that we experienced. Hurricane Ida ravaged New Orleans. Our thoughts and our prayers are with Louisiana and everyone that was affected in the South. But Hurricane Ida also made its way up to the East Coast.

As a result of massive change in our climate, we have seen a significant uptick in weather events across the country. When Hurricane Ida became Tropical Storm Ida and hit New Jersey, many people that I am personally connected to were adversely affected.

So, I wanted to record this episode to really talk about some of the higher-level strategic thoughts that a CEO of a law firm should really have in their mind for these types of events. Stay tuned for more!

In this episode we discuss:

Higher-level strategic planning around natural disasters in your business.
Developing the mindset of a law firm owner.
Considering the care that your team members need during weather events.
Checking in on everyone's physical and emotional wellness.
Knowing your business numbers and your business insurance policies in order to maintain your business and financial security.
Having a recovery plan for potential decreased productivity and declining sales.

Allison Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contact Info:

Send a screenshot from the review to this phone number: 908 292 3524

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snippets

00: 15: 25 (34 Seconds)

Because again, as a leader, like as, as a person, of course, you want to know that they're OK because you care about them as a person, but as a leader, you want to make sure that they are OK to ensure that, that they are really functioning the way that you want them to function, right? So this is not so that this is not a situation where someone is not expressing that they're not OK. And then you're thinking, OK, everything's hunky-dory and we're going to go back to business as usual and then that person just can't perform.

Your Budget is NOT Your Bible

Fri, 17 Sep 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Today I talk about one of my favorite topics, Your Budget is NOT your Bible. Now, I know the title alone may be triggering for some people. So, I'm going to explain to you what I mean by this topic. I'm also going to give a shout out to all of our financial people out there in the world that keep us financially stable through budgeting and sound financial decision-making - no matter whether we are investing it or whether we are saving it.

Oftentimes, not universally, financial people tend to be somewhat of an anomaly in terms of the financial evolution and growth of a law firm. And that's not because financial people don't know how to manage money, but because they often think inside the box.

Tune in to see how I can shift your perspective!

In this episode we discuss:

Having a healthy respect for your numbers while your firm is growing.
3 – key critical thoughts to create freedom, success and a highly scalable law firm.
How good decision making based on a financial plan will help you create a successful business.
Better planning by knowing the very basics of where your money is spent.
The differentiation between investment and expense, and different types of ROI.
Identifying shiny object syndrome while at the same time being open to opportunities.
Creating a life that you will enjoy by conscientiously investing in yourself.
Cultivating faith in yourself is key.

Allison Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contact Info:

Textphone number: 908 292 3524

How to Be Decisive – The Crushing Chaos with Law Firm Mentor Podcast

https://lawfirmmentor.net/2021/08/20/how-to-be-decisive/

Moshe Amsel - The Crushing Chaos with Law Firm Mentor Podcast

https://lawfirmmentor.net/2021/01/12/crushing-the-challenge-of-change-in-the-legal-industry-with-moshe-amsel/

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snippets

00: 07: 24 (32 Seconds)

But I do want you to consider that you need to have a financial plan as a part of your business so that you can make decisions in the future. One of the things that we talked about in a recent podcast episode, we talked about the idea of how to become decisive. And one of the real challenges with being decisive is lack of information. Right? So if you don't know what information is going to educate your decision and you don't know the information that you need to know, and typically information comes at you and you don't have a way of categorizing that in your mind.

Let Others Fail

Tue, 14 Sep 2021 09:00:00 +0000

In today's episode, I’m talking about letting others fail. This is my favorite topic, actually, of all the things that we talk about involving people- the idea of training and cultivating a culture of people that know how to do things without you. It's such a challenging topic for most law firm owners, current/former clients, and even for people that have approached me online.

Many believe there's no freedom in owning a law firm because there's so much stress and agita that's involved in actually having people work for you. Countless law firm owners decide they don't want to grow because in the past their employees did not perform the way that they wanted. As a result, they have made up their minds that there is no way for them to have a law firm that runs without them because they always either get the wrong employee, or they just don't know how to train and manage and cultivate high performance in their teams.

I have solutions for you, stay tuned!

In this episode we discuss:

High performance from the perspective of failure.
How to be a safety net for someone who is learning without taking over the task.
Changing your mindset of trying for perfection.
Learning lessons from the failures in your journey to success.
The idea that you can enhance your law firm’s reputation by hiring someone that is better at lawyering than you, rather than being intimidated to do so.
Being supportive, believing in your employees and delegating responsibility to them.
Being ok with letting a person fail.
Allowing people to demonstrate their value.

Allison Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contact Info:

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Textphone number: 908 292 3524

Podcast: Parenting Your Baby Lawyers. https://lawfirmmentor.net/2021/08/31/parenting-your-baby-lawyers/

Snippets

00:01:42 (38 seconds)

Now, I know a lot of people are triggered by the idea of failure, and a lot of times we associate failure as a personal failing, meaning there's something wrong about me, either I'm wrong or I'm not good enough or there's something about me that is broken that led to this failure, even when all circumstances outside of yourself are pointing to your just not having mastered the different strategies that are involved in whatever it was that you failed at. But we take it personally when we fail and then as a result, we embed in our DNA a mindset that says failure is bad. Failure is wrong.

Squash Stress and Increase Productivity

Fri, 10 Sep 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Today’s episode is dedicated to the topic of efficiency. Now, before you tune out and say, “Oh, my God, she talks about Crushing Chaos all the time! Do we really have to go there again?”I'm not going to go there on my own.

I brought in a special guest who is a productivity coach. I learned about the role of a Productivity Coach some time ago. When Mridu, our special guest, approached me and we talked about her coming on the show, I was really intrigued by her particular perspective! Stay tuned because she has a simple and easy framework that we're going to end the show with!

In this episode we discuss:

Seeing positive changes by taking control of demands and distractions at home and at work.
Recognizing that willpower alone as a superpower isn’t enough to get it all done.
Developing the non-negotiable habit of a Professional Power Hour to begin your day.
Building back your confidence by being organized and productive in small chunks of time.
Putting timeframes and being realistic about what can get done on the To-Do List each day.
The power in controlling your thoughts.
Intentionally scheduling buffer time to prepare or de-stress before or after a meeting.
Applying a 4-Step framework to successfully identify, schedule, systematize and complete a task or project.

Guest Bio:

Ready to get control of all your demands? Then you need Mridu Parikh on speed dial.

Mridu (Mri-thu) is The Stress Squasher. As a productivity coach, speaker, and founder of Life Is Organized, she has taught thousands of women business owners simple ways to wake up with a plan… take control of their distractions… and drop overwhelm with ease. Results include a 300% increase in billable time, 10 hours a week saved on emails, and multiple pant sizes shed through new routines.

Mridu is the author of the Amazon bestseller, Accomplish It, and the host of the Productivity on Purpose podcast. Her techniques on mastering tasks and habits have been featured in The Huffington Post, US News & World Report, and Real Simple, as well as her own column in The Tennessean.

When she’s not wrangling a list or schedule, you can usually find this former professional organizer turned productivity pro with her two teens and one husband in Nashville enjoying a Malbec. Get Mridu’s FREE resources on beating distractions, procrastination, and stress - www.lifeisorganized.com/resources

Contact info:

Company name: Life Is Organized

Website URL: www.lifeisorganized.com

Email: mridu@lifeisorganized.com

Phone number: 19176995495

Facebook url: https://www.facebook.com/LifeIsOrganized

Twitter Username: lifeisorganized

LinkedIn url: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mridu-parikh/

Instagram username: lifeisorganizsed

Allison Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contact Info:

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snippets

(00.10:38) (55 seconds)

Allison Williams:

And, you know, when you, when you start talking about the idea of training your brain, I think that's one of the things we talk about a lot when we start going into thought work and the fact that our thoughts are something that we can control. And I don't think a lot of people realize that. So we kind of go into that it must be this way because I thought that way before not realizing that we actually have control over that.

Mridu Parikh:

Absolutely. Now, I think if there was one takeaway, I would say for all entrepreneurs is we have fallen into this, this belief that, that we have no control. Right? That we live in a world that we're always on the receiving end, where we’re always reacting. And the truth is, you have the ability to retrain yourself. And when you do, your perception in your industry, in your business, by your clients, by your family members is going to be so much more empowered and strong and positive when you are in control, right? Like both at work and at home.

Buying Attorney Awards

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Today I’m talking about buying attorney awards. Many of us are familiar with some of the big organizations that give out “awards” to attorneys. We know about Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers of America, and the growing cottage industry around different types of awards. Some awards can be bought while others cannot.

So, I’ve decided to give you some frame of reference for thinking about attorney awards and whether or not it's worth your investment to get them. If you do choose to get them, I'll show you how you can use them effectively in your business.

In this episode we discuss:

Different types of awards available to purchase.
How our need for connectivity can be used effectively in marketing.
Using awards effectively in your marketing efforts to promote your business.
Using your website as a home base and driving people there through your marketing activity.
Sharing news of the award whether it was purchase or bestowed upon you.

Allison Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contact Info:

Youtube video: Should you buy yourself an award?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qApbIOJg_Vw

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snippets

00: 03: 10 (36 Seconds)

Now, what's interesting about it is that the criteria for selection are usually very vague. It's usually like you have to have been nominated by someone in your community and you have to have the trial skills or the verdicts or the settlements or the reputation in the community or something like that that would justify you being chosen. And my very best friend, as she was in a partnership with two older gentlemen, both of whom are now deceased, and she shared with me that both of them had actually gotten the awards after they had died.

The Gift of Constant Feedback

Fri, 03 Sep 2021 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode I talk about constant feedback. Constant feedback refers to being in a state of giving people your perspective on how they are doing on an ongoing basis.

A few of you may remember when I requested your feedback in an episode called “Pivot The Annual Review”. In that episode I remember explaining that when you give the annual review, the annual review is a reciprocal process - You are reviewing your employee, and your employee is reviewing you- and how that should not be your only time to give them feedback. An employee should not be hearing for the first time in an annual review that their performance is less than satisfactory in some critical area. But then one might ask, "well, then how frequently should I be giving negative feedback? Do I meet with them once a month or do I pull them aside once a quarter? How do I do this?"

Tune in to find out what I recommend!

In this episode we discuss:

In this episode we discuss:
Being in a state of persistent negative feedback.
Differentiating feedback about the behavior versus it being about the person.
People’s different reactions to negative feedback based on past experiences and related punishments.
How creating a culture of constant feedback helps people to improve and can also provide validation that they’re doing a good job.
Developing a new framework for the delivery of feedback.
Presenting negative feedback as a growth opportunity.

Allison Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contact Info:

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snippets

00: 12: 29 (31 Seconds)

And one of the areas where it's really challenging for business owners not to take things personally is when we have to give negative feedback. Because most of us don't like inflicting pain for a living. Even our most aggressive litigators, Right? We might have a kill... Kill the opponent type of attitude when we're in the courtroom. We're going for the jugular. Most of us don't want to bring that back to our office.

Parenting Your Baby Lawyers

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode, I’m going to be talking about parenting your baby lawyers. Yes, I know that the term "Baby Lawyers” can be considered controversial, even offensive to some new lawyers. And if you are offended by that term, please know that I use the term, not with any level of condescension.

A baby lawyer simply means the individual does not yet have the knowledge, skill, or context that a seasoned practitioner naturally acquires over years of practicing law. There's a lot that goes into lawyering! Part of the reason why I think the term baby lawyer is so accurate is that if you think about the lifespan of an infant, when you give birth or when you or your spouse gives birth to a child, a new infant comes into your household and that child is being developed, cultivated, it's soaking up everything that you have to give him or her so that they can become a member of society.

In this episode we discuss:

Having “baby lawyers” learn as quickly as possible.
Training and developing an associate.
How you are experiencing the perceived shortcomings of your young attorney.
The challenge of teaching nuance to a young attorney.
Risks associated with developing “baby lawyers” in your firm.
Levels of guidance, structure, and responsibility that you will have to have toward a younger attorney.
Allowing space for being themselves and how it will help their growth.
Challenges faced when parenting a “baby lawyer”.

Allison Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contact Info:

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snippets

00: 09: 02 (46 Seconds)

I'm not a big proponent of kind of drowning the baby on the first day or letting the baby sit in the corner sheltered in a bubble for years before you start giving them things to do. There needs to be a balance there. But what tends to happen is that the lawyer who owns the law firm, and has hired on the baby lawyer, starts to get triggered by the baby lawyer being, frankly, a baby. So what do I mean by that? What I mean is that when we hire people for our businesses, there is often a significant fear that the person we hired is not going to be good enough, not going to do justice for our clients, not going to get good results, not going to make us look good.

When Your Bills Are Paid

Fri, 27 Aug 2021 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we're going to talk about when your bills are paid. Yes, you read that correctly. What do you do when all of your bills are paid and you have a comfortable life? How do you keep yourself motivated?

This topic is actually coming up because I've talked to a couple of lawyers recently who have been interested in joining the Law Firm Mentor community. We are always looking for the right type of client for this community but, there is a certain type of solo and small law firm attorney we're looking for. In essence, it includes people who are looking to grow their businesses. There can be several end goals achieved when you are looking to grow your business, but in order to get there having a solid growth strategy is key.

In this episode we discuss:

Keeping yourself motivated when money isn’t the main goal.
Struggling to push yourself to achieve economic goals.
Precepts about the idea of being financially satiated.
How it is healthy to have multiple streams of motivation.
The difference between extrinsic motivation and intrinsic motivation.

Allison Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contact Info:

LAW FIRM MENTOR MOVEMENT FREE GROUP ON FACEBOOK

https://www.facebook.com/groups/LawFirmMentorMovement

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snippets

00: 01: 52 (38 Seconds)

So the first thing I always ask people when I have a growth strategy call with them is what is it that you want? And if the first thing that comes up is I want to triple the number of people that I serve or I want to be able to open offices in the central and southern part of my state because I want to have a much bigger reach and a greater impact. Those things are just as valid as I want to make an extra five hundred thousand dollars this year. I want to put an extra million dollars in my pocket. I want to dramatically increase my retirement investments, right? So everybody has a slightly different purpose and a slightly different aim. And that's OK.

Tapping Into Inspiration

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Today I’m going to talk about how to tap into inspiration. I wanted to cover this topic because I know many people are wondering “Is this all there is?”. There is confusion about where we stand in life and a lot of that really does derive from a lack of inspiration. Therefore, I am going to give you three strategies for how to tap into your inspiration - because at the heart of your inspiration you will find your purpose in life.

In this episode we discuss:

Three strategies for how to tap into your inspiration.
Being intentional in your search for inspiration.
How doing things that are unusual for you can help you see new possibilities in your life.
The importance of mental health in every lawyer’s life.
Accepting that it’s ok to not be ok.
Allowing yourself to dream out loud.

Allison Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contact Info:

The Crush Chaos Podcast- What if it’s Possible?

https://buff.ly/3deiido

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snippets

00:20:14 (32 seconds)

We start to pull back and we start to pull away and so a lot of that is inconsistent. I'm all in, I can't believe this is wonderful, and then, oh, wait. I'm falling back and we see the fall back as that it's a sign that we shouldn't be doing it in the first place or that it is a sign that we weren't capable enough in the first place and what it really is, is that it is a sign that you are exactly where you should be, right. When you are in your happy, in your zone, moving forward, making advancements, that's where you are designed to be, right.

How To Be Decisive

Fri, 20 Aug 2021 09:00:00 +0000

In today's episode, we're going to talk about the importance of being decisive. More than a few of our guests recognize the power of decision, but I think many lawyers struggle with knowing how to be decisive. Therefore, I’d like to provide a framework to help you to learn how to be decisive in your day-to-day lives.

In this episode we discuss:

The importance of being decisive.
A three-step process for creating a framework for being decisive in your life.
Considering who you are and what fits you when making a decision.
How to prevent the problem of information overload.
Accepting the possibility of being wrong when decision making.
The educational value of making a wrong decision.

Allison Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contact Info:

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snippets

00: 01: 21 (30 Seconds)

Work Without You

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Description:

Today we're going to talk about work without you. The idea that you don't have to be the focal point at the work of your business may be a hard concept for some lawyers to grasp.

You may love lawyering so much that you might want to stay in the actual doing of the work. However, there are many lawyers that possess the desire to have more for themselves. That desire often leads to wanting more than just day-to-day practice of law. Wanting more than day-to-day practice of law evolves into a management role, which then leads to something else that may not include you working in your law firm at all.

So today, I want to share some strategies that will help you to get out of doing the work in your law firm so that you can actually create a business that does not require you.

In this episode we discuss:

How you don't have to be the focal point at the work of your business.
Strategies that will help you design a system to assign work to others.
Using technology to automate work tasks.
The art of delegation.
How building a workflow allows people to work independently.
Getting your team to own their role in your business.
Having a key question for when decision fatigue happens.
Encouraging employees to think for themselves.

Allison Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contact Info:

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Choosing your Practice Management Software Podcast

https://buff.ly/3wz3bSx

Snippets

00: 40 (42 Seconds)

It's all about the idea that you don't have to be the focal point at the work of your business and I know a lot of lawyers struggle with that concept. They think that because they are the one that started the business and you started as a practicing lawyer, that your role, your highest and best use is as a lawyer. And for some of you, that may be what you want to create, right? You might love lawyering so much that you might want to stay in the actual doing of the work. But for a lot of lawyers, there is a desire to not just have more for themselves. That's often why they left someone else's law firm and started on their own. Or they knew they never wanted to work for someone, so they hung a shingle right out of law school.

Why Your Facebook Ads May Not Be Working

Fri, 13 Aug 2021 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode, I talk about why your Facebook ads may not be working anymore. I’ve had a lot of questions about Facebook ads lately, because in our community in particular, we are a proponent of both online and offline strategies for growing your law firm. Many people have an audience on Facebook already - either because they started a page when they first opened their law firm, or because they're just familiar there so they have other lawyer contacts who referred them cases from having met them on social media. It's a comfortable place to get started and a lot of people are asking “How do I decide what is ‘good spend’, a good investment of time, energy, and resources, on Facebook?”

Tune in to learn more!

In this episode we discuss:

New evolving changes in the online marketing landscape.
The iOS updates requiring opt-in for data sharing when using Facebook.
How first-party data works and how it helps.
Using lead magnets to gather first-party data.
The impact of technological challenges we’ll be facing with data privacy.
Reverse engineering your funnel from the bottoms up to know how many clients you need.

Allison Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contact Info:

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

How to choose your online marketing provider

https://lawfirmmentor.net/online-marketing-companies/

https://bit.ly/LFM-SEOvet

Snippets

00: 02:15 (26 Seconds)

So, I wanted to share with you some, some new developments, new-ish, the marketing world has been dealing with it for a little bit of time now, that may have impacted the success of your Facebook ads so that you show a little bit of grace to your providers if they are not delivering the same types of results, the same cost per click, the same cost per-lead that they were able to deliver even this time last year.

Pivot The Annual Review

Fri, 06 Aug 2021 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode, I talk about annual reviews. This topic might be cringy to many people because the idea reminds lawyers of sitting down to be evaluated or critiqued. While that is undoubtedly the customary way of doing an annual review, I want to give you a framework for actually thinking about annual reviews differently.

Law firm owners are not only trying to create the right culture and create sustainability in business, but they are also trying to create a value proposition for retaining promising talents. And a big part of employee retention is about meeting the needs of employees and the firm's needs contemporaneously.

Tune in to today's episode to learn more.

In this episode we discuss:

Meeting the needs of both the employee and the firm.
Building a culture in your law firm.
The importance of changing our point of view regarding the annual review.
9 Questions to ask in an annual review that will get the best qualitative answers.
How every time you approach your employees, you’re having a sales conversation.
Differentiating needs over opportunities while communicating with your employees.
Building employee loyalty by meeting their needs.
Reaffirming that value systems are in alignment with what your law firm has as a value system that will give you both a win-win.

Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contacts

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Free resource: https://lawfirmmentor.net/getting-prospects-to-yes/

Snip-Its

32:32 (26 sec)

I don't want you to think about that as a loss, like, oh my God. I just found out that my employees are not happy. They don't want to do what we're practicing here. I'm going to lose this person even though this person is good at what they do. Because the reality is, if someone is not satisfied in the work that they do, they're a risk. They're a risk to the quality that they will bring to your law firm. They're a risk to the clients that they will serve. They're a risk to you. And that's the last thing that you want, right? You want to free that person, not fire that person.

Dealing With Data Overwhelm

Tue, 03 Aug 2021 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode, I cover the topic of dealing with data overwhelm. Many people struggle with being productive and not being overwhelmed. However, when the business starts to grow, the very first experience many law firm owners experience is a feeling of overwhelm.

Data overwhelm feeling occurs when firm owners have to fit too many work tasks and detail in a confined schedule. The surface never goes away even when they tack on more hours and work more on their jobs.

Tune in to today’s episode to learn more about strategies that law firm owners can employ to deal with data overwhelm.

In this episode we discuss:

Strategies to manage the data that comes into your mind.
Reducing the number of distractions by addressing your work environment.
Making your mind more effective and thus making your energy, your emotions, and your success in business more effective.
How to organize and structure your email.
Training yourself to use your calendar to block scheduled work time.

Allison’s Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contact Info:

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snip-Its

00: 04:05 (45 Seconds)

OK, so the thing that we have to be thinking about is that when we have too much information in our mind and our mind is kind of bouncing around from thought to thought, activity to activity, plan to plan. Our mind gets tired, but also our emotions get tired. So we start to not have enough energy at the end of the day, not because we were out doing backbreaking work, it might have been sitting at a desk all day but if your mind was overextended and thus it was expending energy all day, every day for the purpose of getting you to a place, of working through whatever is in your mind. Then what tends to happen is there's stress that builds up from having all of those things on your list of things to do.

Creating your Virtual Community

Fri, 30 Jul 2021 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode, I talk about creating a virtual community for your law firm. Many individuals have made adaptations to go virtual during the pandemic. This fact proposes various positive benefits for law firm owners.

Virtual communities present how we stay connected as people, although we're not physically working with each other. Many lawyers are interested in the idea of creating virtual law firms. Therefore, it's essential for law firm owners to learn how to master their work communications in a way that builds a solid collective culture in their businesses, even when it's virtual or a hybrid of office and virtual.

Tune in to today's episode to find out!

In this episode we discuss:

How to master your work communications in a way that builds a strong collective culture.
3 Key Strategies to create your Virtual Community at work.
Encouraging people to engage in light chatter through an app, helping you to start the day in a positive way.
Helping your employees be successful at home, encouraging them to have their own workspace in a specific location.
The importance of regular check-in meetings with someone in the management of the business.
Sustaining a quality business while working virtually.
How important is it to create engagement with and between your team.
Encouraging your employees to take time off will reduce stress and make them happier.

Allison’s Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contact Info:

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snip-Its

00:09:22 (38 Seconds)

Leave Your Ego At Court

Tue, 27 Jul 2021 09:00:00 +0000

In today’s episode, I talk about leaving one's ego at the courthouse. It is an essential topic for law firm owners who desire to expand their business. Many lawyers decide to become solo law firm owners due to the poor management from their previous law firm.

Therefore, I'm excited to share exclusive insight into the difference between being an adversarial lawyer and a managerial role in a law firm. There is a different personality, a different set of skills and a different set of communication strategies that you're going to use as a litigator versus a manager. The same principle could apply to transactional attorneys.

A positive work environment can help to maximize your profit by having highly engaged and highly successful employees on your team.

Tune in to learn more!

In this episode we discuss:

The discord of the adversarial lawyer position versus the different energy of the managerial role.
The shift in perspective between being a manager and being a CEO.
How strong egos can be a necessity in the practice of law and can get a bad rap.
Having the ability to shift fluidly between the energy stances of lawyer, manager and CEO.
Releasing the attachment to being right.

Allison’s Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contact Info:

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snip-Its

00:03:57 (50 Seconds)

There are a lot of people that flee bad bosses and not just bad bosses, but they flee the type of bossing, the type of managing that they receive in the majority of law firms. Because so many lawyers haven't learned the strategy. they just kind of stay in the tepid experience of managing from the perspective of just a lighter version of the adversarial posture that they have outside the office. Or worse, there are some lawyers that recognize that they have to be highly adversarial when they're dealing with adverse parties outside of the office. And so when they come to the office, they just kind of become these weak shrimps if you will. Kind of like roll over and say, yeah, yeah, yeah, whatever. I'm not having any more difficult conversations. I have to do that all day, every day. I don't want to do that when I get to the office.

Meetings That Matter

Fri, 23 Jul 2021 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode, I talk about meetings that matter. Many lawyers are anti-meetings, including my past-self. I wasn't too fond of the idea of having meetings unless they were necessary. I firmly believed that a meeting was a waste of time and productivity.

However, in the present, I see meetings as opportunities for teams to collaborate, preventing future issues in businesses. It doesn't mean that you will need to have a meeting anytime your team wants to communicate something.

Tune in to today's episode to find out how you can have high productivity meetings that can help you sustain the business's forward movement and avoid potential chaos.

In this episode we discuss:

Having meetings to get the work of the business done and propel the business forward.
The impact building a work community has on work satisfaction.
Using a weekly meeting to discuss the big issues and to reassess.
Having less frequent all-firm meetings to inspire and share a company vision.
How problem-solving meetings should be a group effort to identify & improve on the issue without any finger pointing or casting blame.
Conducting a weekly MICS meeting with department heads and what MICS stands for.

Allison’s Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contact Info:

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snip-Its

00:05:37 (31 Seconds)

People who are members of the team can be just as strong an incentive, if not an even stronger incentive for a person to stay, than whatever lack of management, skill and prowess that you may have at this time as you're growing and learning. So there are three strategies I want to give you. Three meetings that you need to have in order to make sure that you are preventing problems in the future and at the same time cohesively building your office culture.

00:14:34 (27 Seconds)

Problem solving together without blame. Right. So this is very, very important. Typically, when you bring the whole firm together, you do not want to start asking questions of people who screwed up the such and such. And how is this going to get better in the future? You want problem solving to be from a place of how are we all going to be in this together? Right. How are we going to make this better? How are we going to solve this issue? And typically, these would be issues where there isn't an identifiable problem person. Right?

Too Fragile for Law?

Tue, 20 Jul 2021 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode, I cover the topic of whether or not some personalities are too fragile to work in a law firm. In other words, I want to help you hire employees with suitable personalities for your organization. After my conversation with a client who raised an issue about a particularly sensitive employee in their law firm, this topic came to me.

I describe various types of personalities that I often see in a law firm as Employee Avatars. The big issue here is how to train your employees effectively while allowing them to be their best selves in your law firm.

Tune in to today’s episode to find out more.

In this episode we discuss:

Are some personalities too sensitive to work in a law firm?
The scattered, the moody and the church mouse employee avatars.
Thinking about which type you are most like and your response to each type.
An interesting exercise that may cast a reflection of your own behavior.
How our past experiences help to trigger our responses to these different types of employees.

Allison’s Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contact Info:

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snip-Its

00:14:59 (36 Seconds)

So when you see that behavior, you recognize those strains deep, deep inside you and you say, I would have loved to have someone show me grace when I was scattered. I would have loved to have somebody understand when I was in a bad mood. But you weren't allowed that. And so first, because you're not consciously aware of this, I should have noted that earlier, when we see these behaviors and we see them as reflected in ourselves, we oftentimes are not seeing that at a conscious level. We're seeing that at a subconscious level. So we oftentimes are not aware that this is a behavior that we have within us that's actually triggering us in the first place.

It can be done! Reducing Client Work to Under 5 Hours a Month with Joey Vitale

Fri, 16 Jul 2021 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode, I share a conversation with an extraordinary guest, Joey Vitale. Joey is a trademark attorney, and he’s also known as the brand legitimizer for online entrepreneurs, emerging thought leaders and creators. His approach to systematize a law firm is unique and highly valuable to learn from. He successfully cut down the client work to five hours a month or less.

We cover several topics in this episode, including lawyer mental health, business systemization, and Joey's great lessons along his journey from a litigating attorney to a business owner.

Tune in to find out!

In this episode we discuss:

Taking time to think about and seek a vision for what type of lawyer you want to be.
The need for setting specific goals and understanding what meeting them looks like.
The value in systematizing and dialing in the focus on the type of work your firm does.
Getting to the point of letting go of being involved in everything.
The power of entrusting members of your team to take ownership of their work.
Accepting the fact that mistakes will be made, and mistakes can be fixed.
Learning to stay out of the way and allowing your team to function without you.

Guest Bio:

Joey Vitale is a trademark attorney (also known as a “brand legitimizer”) for online entrepreneurs, emerging thought leaders, and course creators. With his law firm and his courses, Joey helps online business owners call legal dibs on their brand name and signature methods so they never have to worry about losing their brand overnight. Joey has helped thousands of entrepreneurs and has spoken all over the country to help business owners stay safe and thriving.

Company name: Indie Law

Website: www.indielaw.com

Email: joey@indielaw.com

Phone number: +13143301470

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joeycvitale

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeycvitale/

Twitter Username: @joeycvitale

Instagram username: @joeycvitale

Allison Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contact Info:

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snip-Its

00:27:27 (56 Seconds)

Joey Vitale: But it's so much more to me than just like I value time because that gives me time back. I really do think that the. And I heard someone say this, especially in a law firm setting, the the more your law firm depends on you, the less your law firm is worth. Yeah.

Allison Williams: Yeah, absolutely,

Joey Vitale: And I have really taken that to heart because it's it's not just bragging rights about, oh, I only work this much for my business. It's no, this is a really good sign that my business is in good shape. If I can if I can step away from it, if certain people in my team can step away from it for weeks at a time and everything is still running.

Allison Williams: Yeah. And the interesting thing about that is that the fact that we talk about CEOs and when we talk about CEOs in the context of a law firm, I think a lot of lawyers think of that is, I'm the head manager. They don't, they don't really distinguish that. There's a layer on top of being a manager, like a true CEO is not managing. A true CEO is leading.

Choosing Your Practice Management Software

Tue, 13 Jul 2021 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode, I introduce the guidance on choosing suitable practice management software for law firm owners. Technology affords us privileges, and we want to use it effectively. But many lawyers get so overwhelmed when choosing a practice management software due to their personal preference and a large quantity of available software in the market. They often encounter loss of income, time and frustration.

Tune in to learn more about the process of choosing effective practice management software for law firm owners.

In this episode we discuss:

Choosing the right software when it takes so much time to review and decide.
Knowing your priorities and what is needed in your particular law firm.
Considering 3 main areas and what features are needed for each.
The importance of calendar integration for both scheduling and billing.
Accepting that one piece of software may not be able to meet all your needs.
Having your practice management and accounting software integrate to avoid double data entry.
The importance of having a plan for introducing and adopting new software.
Knowing your firm’s tolerance for change and the anticipated level of resistance.
Making sure you know who is responsible for exporting data out of the old software and importing into the new, and in a manner that will minimize downtime.

Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contacts – Social Media

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snip-Its

00:19:10 (51 Seconds)

Most small firms have a multitude of different software, and sometimes the assumption is that you just don't know all the things that your software can do. But the reality is, even when you know what they can do, sometimes you just don't like it. Right? You love everything about the software except the task management or you love everything about the software except the financial accounting side. It's OK to find a good enough solution, and with software, almost invariably the solutions will be good enough. There are some people that will say, Oh yeah, I love everything about this piece of software. It does everything that I need. I have no questions. I have no needs outside of this. But typically, when a person says that, that is an indication that they have less sophistication and knowledge about all the things that are possible with all the software that they could be looking into.

No Tithing No Title

Fri, 09 Jul 2021 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode, I cover the topic of advancing your law firm through acquiring a partner. Many law firm owners start solo. Their goal is to own their law firm, chart a path, and be the one in control. However, when the business grows to the point where firm owners want to either expand the business by adding a partner or step up a partner.

Tune in to today’s episode to learn about the reality of partnership and considerations that firm owners must have to add partners to their firm successfully.

In this episode we discuss:

Considering the differentiation between a partner and a CEO.
Clarifying in writing the terms and understanding of the partnership.
Understanding the sense of value each have for what they bring to the firm.
The benefit in the blending of strengths and weaknesses.
The danger of setting a path and criteria within your firm to becoming a partner.

Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contacts – Social Media

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snip-Its

00:27:54 (31 Seconds)

…Before we consider reducing to writing the criteria that we have for partnership, we want to make sure that we build in a subjective component so that no one ends up feeling that they are absolutely entitled to be a partner when they meet certain criteria, and that when we check the box of those criteria that they are presumed to be entitled to be made partner because we know that oftentimes our desires change or circumstances change and we don't want anyone to be left with that negative feeling.

Considerations For Adding a New Practice Area

Tue, 06 Jul 2021 09:00:00 +0000

In today’s episode, I cover the topic of adding a new practice area to your law firm. Covid-19 had various impacts on law firms, both positive and negative. Many legal professions were in retraction. However, many legal firms exploded in growth as a result of the legal ramification of quarantine. So a significant number of lawyers are contemplating seizing upon those opportunities by adding different practice areas, but they simply don’t know where to start.

Tune in and find out about three criteria that law firm owners need to consider before adding a new practice area!

In this episode we discuss:

The impact covid has had on the legal profession and society, both positive and negative.
Considering the investment of time, education and dollars necessary when adding a new practice area.
If and when it’s appropriate to bring in someone else to help cultivate a new practice area.
Why you want a rising star if you hire someone for your new department.
The importance of talking about money up front when bringing a person on.

Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contacts – Social Media

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Reference:

The Science of Getting Rich (Wallace D. Wattles, 2016)

Snip-Its

00:16:46 (38 Seconds)

There are some highly, highly entrepreneurial lawyers out there that are on a wing and a prayer will bring in a person, bring in a department and make it work. Right. So I'm not saying that it can't happen, but what tends to happen is if you don't know the practice area and the metrics and the numbers, you're often relying upon this new person and whatever their skill set is and whatever their knowledge base is in order to get you there. And so if talking to the person yields you numbers that don't make sense or don't leave you enough profit to really be able to monetize and grow the department, then what ends up happening is you bring in struggle to your business.

00:22:54 (30 Seconds)

But when you're adding a new practice area, just by way of summary, we always want to make sure that unless it's your passion and you've got plenty of time and money, that you're not the one doing the work, that you're going to add a rising star to your practice in order to get that work done. And most importantly, that you're going to have conversations with people about joining your firm, talking about money first so you don't waste your time, you don't waste their time. And ultimately, you can get to a place of saying this is a viable solution before you start getting into the weeds of what it looks like.

No I Don't Lawyer for Free

Fri, 02 Jul 2021 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode, I cover the topic of giving free legal advice. I’m sure we all have received the felicitation that we roll our eyes at but somehow feel compelled to address. This request can come in many different forms from various sources. It could be from an old friend who is hardly keeping in touch with you or even from family members.

We all know the frustration that arises when the question occurs since we are put into a position where we have to choose: either risk harming a relationship if we decline to answer, or we decide to accept and bear with the feeling of resentful ourselves. So today, I’d love to share four response strategies to the free legal advice request.

Tune in and find out how you can respond when people ask you to lawyer for free!

In this episode we discuss:

Different approaches to telling someone you don’t give free legal advice.
The legality of giving advise outside of your practice area.
Overcoming the fear of declining to give free advice.
How providing free advice once, can set an unwanted precedence for the future.

Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contacts – Social Media

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snip-Its

00:21:18 (24 Seconds PLUS 29 Seconds)

When you bastardize your service and you reduce your value to nothing more than something that can easily be given away at any given time without any level of investment from another person, you're not just saying to the person to whom you give the free legal advice that it's not worth much, that you're not worth much, but you're telling the universe you're not worth much. …….

00:22:16 So our goal is to get you into a place where you can with firmness, with confidence, with a level of certainty that defies any level of question mark in your mind, say to any person who asks, you know, I give legal advice for a living. That is how I make my earnings. If you would like to come back to my office for a consultation, I'm more than happy to engage in that type of business transaction with you in my office.

TikTok For Lawyers

Tue, 29 Jun 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Today’s episode is all about TikTok, one of those social media platforms that have become ever-elusive and popular. A lot of us have been enjoying it, especially since quarantine. However, many lawyers have been asking the question of whether TikTok is the right platform for them. It might seem inappropriate for many of us, who consider ourselves a little bit older, a little bit wiser, maybe even a little bit conservative regarding how we present ourselves to the world.

However, since TikTok is one of the fastest-growing social media platforms out there, I think we would be remiss if we didn't consider whether or not it can benefit us from a marketing perspective in our law firms. So I want to give you today four things to think about as to why it might be something that you want to get into.

Tune in and find out more!

In this episode, we discuss:

Why you might consider getting into TikTok.

The accelerated pace of change created by the pandemic and the proliferation of video.
Consumer trends towards consuming shorter snippets of content.
How quick and easy TikTok is to share a lot of information in small bites.
The much better ROI that can be achieved on TikTok.
How TikTok is a perfect place to reach millennials if they are your target market.
That TikTok makes it easy to drive traffic to your website to learn more about you.
Designing your marketing to stand out in a way that works for you.

Allison's Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contacts – Social Media

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Link to Mark Bullock’s podcast episode – Mentioned at 00:03:05

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/video-marketing-the-dawn-of-lead-generation/id1497474051?i=1000474306488

Referenced:

https://videosocials.net/

Snip-Its

00:09:23 (46 Seconds)

But the more that you can start to proliferate your digital imprint with information, the more you can get yourself out there to be consumed by other people without spending money for that, the greater likelihood that when you do start spending money, the marketers will be able to drive people to your website and to be able to make you more well known in the digital space by virtue of what you have already created. Right. So they're actually going to market something. They're not just marketing you, the human, you, the lawyer, but they're going to market what you have already started to create. So with places like TikTok, you are at an advantage in that you can start where a lot of law firms are probably too afraid to go at this point.

What If It’s Possible

Fri, 25 Jun 2021 09:00:00 +0000

This week, I'm going to talk about a question of what stops people from stepping into the changes that they know they need to make. Many of us don't even try as we are so mired in the notion that we haven't figured out how, that we fear that we're going to start and that we're going to fail. The fear of failure is a genuine human fear. But it also is a fear that is disproportionately found in success-oriented people.

"What If It's Possible?" - tune in now to find out how to overcome the fear of failure!

In this episode, we discuss:

The fear of failure commonly found in success-oriented people.
Asking ‘Can I?’ followed by “Should I?” But what about “What If It’s Possible?’
Concerns over appearing selfish when success becomes a benefit to you.
Knowing that if you made it to becoming a lawyer, you can absolutely grow your law firm.

Allison’s Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contact Info:

Contact Law Firm Mentor

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snippets:

00:21:41

OK, now that's my particular story. We all have a story. We all at some point went through some iteration of that story in order to get where we are right now. But here's the thing. The beautiful thing about being a lawyer and starting a law firm is that if you have the balls to start a law firm, you have the balls to grow it into something amazing. So I want you to ask yourself the question. What if it's possible for me? And then I'm going to answer the question for you.

Stop Hiding Behind Ethics

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 09:00:00 +0000

When I talk about ethics, I am talking about not just the existence of ethics, but the fact that lawyers hide behind their ethics as a means of staying small. We all know who those people are. There are those skeptical lawyers out there with an assumptive belief that other lawyers who are finding success are doing something wrong and inappropriate, rather than ask themselves the hard question of, if it's working for you, could it work for me too?

A lot of times lawyers hide behind their ethics and this episode is dedicated to the topic of stop hiding behind your ethics.

There are several ways that this happens, tune in now to hear them!

In this episode we discuss:

How common it is for lawyers to attribute someone else’s success to unethical behavior.
Just because you fail at something doesn’t mean you can’t figure it out and master it.
Recognizing when ethics is used as a scapegoat for what actually is fear.
How instinct is not valid for lawyers when talking about ethics.
How some rules of professional conduct must be reconsidered and changed with the times.

Allison Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contact Info:

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snippets

00:21:59 (47 Seconds)

Because whenever we default to something not being allowed instead of asking ourselves how we get to it being permissible, how we get to the way we can do this so it is permissible, so it is ethical. When we allow ourselves to stop with a knee jerk reaction of something being an instinctual no for us. When we live in the instinctual no, we cut off the opportunities to make our lives better. We cut off the opportunities to grow as a business and as a person. We cut off the opportunities to create more economic abundance, more freedom of time, more pleasure in the work we do, to serve different and better clients in order to be better lawyers that ultimately will be better for society.

Optimizing the Value of Your Law Firm with Jennifer Katrulya

Fri, 18 Jun 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Jennifer Katrulya, is a Partner at Citrin Cooperman and is considered a pioneer of the outsourced/virtual CFO, advisory, and accounting services space. She is credited with helping hundreds of companies in all phases of growth implement best practices and position themselves for profitable and successful ROI at exit. Jennifer is a nationally recognized strategic and operations advisor for high-growth technology, service-based, and healthcare companies who are committed to choosing to achieve results over making excuses. In today's episode, Jenifer talks about exit strategy for law firms that the owners do not want to own anymore, whether that’s because they want to retire or they want to sell the firm and recoup all of that value that they put in by building their highly systematized law firm. Even if you are at the start of your journey of owning a business, it is important to plan what you need to do in order to maximise your economic value so that when you leave, you don’t leave with nothing.

Tune in for a lot of interesting stories, strategic planning and exit strategy tips for the firm owners that you can implement right away.

In this episode we discuss:

The importance of billing processes and making it easy for your clients to pay.
Consistency being king in marketing.
The advantage firms had that were prepared to go digital and embrace technology when covid presented the challenge of having to work remotely.
Addressing the pros and cons of the new hybrid workplace as things begin to normalize.
The necessity of looking into the future as you plan to grow or exit your business.
The added value of a business not dependent on the owner for its continued success.
What’s involved in the valuation of a law firm and preparing to sell.
The transition scenario once the sales transaction is completed.

Guest Bio:

Jennifer Katrulya has spent the last 20+ years helping clients create and execute the strategic and operational plans needed to scale quickly, secure funding, provide critical reporting and communications to company stakeholders, increase market share, and position for a successful exit. Also nationally recognized as a “pioneer” and thought leader in the areas of outsourced accounting and technology services, Jennifer helps companies leverage Citrin Cooperman’s rapidly growing BPO services group of exceptional controllers, bookkeepers, and technology specialists. The team at Citrin Cooperman takes on the day-to-day accounting functions for clients, allowing them to focus on growing the company.

Jennifer has often been called a “power connector,” based on her proven track record of bringing the right people and companies together to help drive business growth and success, both in specific business deals and in the formation of winning strategic alliances. Her experience ranges from bringing early-stage companies and funding sources together, to connecting C-Level executives in Fortune 500 companies.

Allison Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Guest contact information:

Company name: Citrin Cooperman and Company
Website URL: https://www.citrincooperman.com/
Email: jkatrulya@citrincooperman.com
Phone number: 12034176440
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/649637742295820
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JenKatSocial
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenkat/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenkatsocial/

Snippets

00:18:14 (53 Seconds)

Allison: Yeah. So if we're looking at trying to find the buyer, you know, one of the things that you have to talk about with potential sources, potential purchasers, is how you have maximized the value. So if you're working with a law firm client and they really want to maximize the value of their law firm, where do you tell them to start?

Jennifer: First, I want to document it. So we actually work to create a pitch. This is, this is what we do. This is our team. This is how we handle each of the best practice areas of our firm. It makes us an ironclad business to purchase and a really secure and successful purchase you as a buyer could make. And it's making sure that you can then again have meetings with and date the potential buyer of your firm, do your presentation. Make sure that in ongoing relationships, you have to just be polished and bring your A game to each of those relationships and make them super excited.

Keep Your Difficult Clients?

Tue, 15 Jun 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Today we're going to talk about keeping difficult clients. This is probably somewhat outside of the normal thought process, because a lot of people talk about firing the difficult client and keeping your sanity.

I certainly am a proponent of defining what constitutes what you will and won't accept from your clients, but I do think that there is often not enough attention paid to the aspect of keeping difficult clients. That is something that can actually make you more successful in business and in life.

Tune in to learn more!

In this episode we discuss:

Remembering that a difficult client isn’t about us, but what’s going on inside them.
Learning not to take it personally when a client acts out.
How difficult clients can help us become more effective leaders more able to manage crises.
How the ability to work with difficult clients expands the number of people you can service.
The power of reframing a situation to provide a client a different way of thinking about their issue.
The importance of having a plan to share that gives a client a sense of confidence.
The fact that a difficult, demanding client that requires more attention can be more lucrative.

Allison Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contact Info:

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Episode 47 with Elise Buie: https://buff.ly/3jIJRxD

Snippets

00:23:33 (33 Seconds)

Now, there are definitely times where you should let people go when they are a high risk for grievance or malpractice. But that doesn't mean that if somebody is difficult, your first and only instinct should be to let them go because there's opportunity with your difficult people in your growth, as a leader, as a person, with your standing in the challenge to make more. And if you have that as a backdrop and you understand that, then helping your clients with a reframe and with planning ahead becomes a lot easier.

Successful Terminations

Fri, 11 Jun 2021 09:00:00 +0000

On this episode I talk about the undesirable of letting people go. I don’t go into all the logistics of how to let people go, because one of the things that I always recommend is that you need to have an employment lawyer on your team of advisers for your law firm.

Lawyers are not cheap. But here's the thing, even if you just start a relationship with an employment lawyer where they're not on retainer, per say, but they give you some initial guidance about what to do to get yourself structured and get yourself consistently implementing procedures that are going to reduce risk. It takes so much stress out of the process of making the decision to let someone go in a way that reduces risk.

Tune in to learn more!

In this episode we discuss:

Forming a relationship with an employment attorney for peace of mind and risk reduction.
How having to fire someone is not a personal failure.
The different needs of a business based on its specific culture and stage of growth.
Preparing rights and responsibilities of the termination in writing.
The importance of being aware of the laws that pertain in your specific state.
Hiring and firing people of a protected class.

Allison Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contact Info:

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snippets

00:04:22 (42 Seconds)

And I put myself through so much torture trying to hold on to someone because I cared more about the way that I was going to feel about myself when I let this person go, then I cared about what was ultimately best for my business. So I rationalized not terminating someone. And I know that I'm not alone in engaging in that behavior because I hear it from you guys all the time that you don't like to fire people. You see it as a personal failure when you have to, and as a result, you don't elect to. So the very first thing, the very first mindset strategy we're going to talk about when we talk about successful termination is that bad employees fire themselves.

Stop Lying to Yourself

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 09:00:00 +0000

This episode is about one of my favorite topics, which is money. Money is such a wonderful gift that we have that we can create in our businesses. We as business owners don't fully appreciate all that money opens us up to. One of the things that recently spurred me to record this podcast was that I was watching an exchange on Facebook. I was in a Facebook group, and the question was posed, how do you compensate associates? And there were probably 70 or so responses on the thread by the time I saw it. Of those 70, there had to be at least 50 different ways of attorney compensation. I always hate to see those questions to some degree, because, when you cherry pick, this is how I compensate a particular person. There's a lot that's left out of that discussion, including things such as how you compensate other people in your office.

Tune in to hear my thoughts on this and more!

In this episode we discuss:

Difficult business decisions regarding compensation.
The value of money and ways that it makes life better in law firms.
Weighing the cost benefit of buying experience.
Money as a great stress reliever.
How reliable and sufficient cash flow can help avoid temptation of trust account violations.
The impact of persistent economic distress on the attorney client relationship.

Allison Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contact Info:

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snippets

00:20:31 (73 Seconds)

OK, so the more that we focus on bringing money into not just our possession but into a systematic way of consistently generating predictable recurring revenue in our business, the less stress we have. Right. If I know I'm going to have a thousand dollars next week, I can make plans with that thousand dollars. If I know I'm going to have fifty thousand dollars next week, I can make plans for that fifty thousand dollars. If I have no idea whether it's going to be a one thousand dollar week or a fifty thousand dollar week, all that I can do is hope and pray and opt not to spend money and make sure I have as much available credit as possible while I'm biting my fingernails, praying for the fifty thousand dollar week. And that over time creates emotional, physical, psychological and intellectual stress that erodes your energy, your creativity and your ability to show up as your best self for your clients. You are a better lawyer when you are reducing stress in your life in all areas. And money is one of those great, great stress reducers.

00:17:32 (45 Seconds)

So one of the things that you have to think about with buying better talent is what are you buying? Right. You're not just buying more legal work, you're buying contribution toward your culture. And if you are designing a law firm in a way that is sustainable, you need people who can deal with ethical challenges and who can deal with challenging clients and who can deal with emotionally laden problems in a way that someone with 10 years of life experience from adulthood or from from when they became a practicing attorney really doesn't have. So in other words, there's a place for all of it. But you get to actually afford that talent when you have the money generated in your business in order to create it.

The Company That We Keep

Fri, 04 Jun 2021 09:00:00 +0000

I know a lot of people have struggled with the idea of growing in a business, not so much because they personally don't want to grow or see the benefits of it, but because they know it's going to cause interpersonal issues either in their romantic relationship or in their friendships.

So I wanted to talk to you about that topic and share some strategies that you can use to have success both professionally and personally. I also share a little story about what prompted my personal interaction with this topic so that you know that this is something that most people will encounter on their journey to growing the law firm of their desires.

Tune in now!

In this episode we discuss:

Trusted friends and advisors that may not fully understand the changes occurring in you and your business as you grow.
How the paycheck mindset and lack mindset holds you back from growth and scalability.
Coming to the realization that money is not a finite resource.
The power the spousal relationship can have over financial decisions.
The artificial ceiling on your business you may have created.
The risk of staying in mediocrity versus the motivation created by taking a risk outside of your comfort level.

Allison Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contact Info:

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snippets

00:15:33 (51 Seconds)

So that's the first thing that you have to understand conceptually. And when you talk to people outside of your immediate world, if you if you talk to your spouse, your friends, your business colleagues, your employees, when you start talking about the ways that money is not a finite resource that is depleted by spending it, but rather is increased by investing it, when you start to move your mindset into the thinking of earning capacity rather than the paycheck, that's where the foundation of everything that you need to do, in order to create a sustainably high quality, profitable business that can run without you. That then becomes the educational piece that is typically missing.

Why Employees Fail

Tue, 25 May 2021 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode we're going to talk about employees. I have seen so much commentary in the Law Firm Mentor Movement about hiring lately and mental blocks to hiring. I think a lot of people develop mental blocks to hiring because of the problems they encounter with employees once they are on board.

So I wanted to give you a framework for thinking about the failure of your employees, the people that you have brought in that have been what you consider to be nightmares.

I talk through some of the things that will correlate with an employee failing so that when you think about once somebody is in your office, once you've hired them, do you have someone who you can remediate or do you need to start the process over again? A lot of people have a hard time firing, not necessarily even because of how distasteful or uncomfortable it is to fire someone, but because they are so uncertain about whether they're making the right decision that they perseverate over all of the things that they could have done, should have done, would have done, would have liked to do in the, in the role of managing that employee.

Tune in to learn more!

In this episode we discuss:

Three reasons that employees fail.
The challenge of understanding an employee’s job when you haven’t performed that job.
How attitude influences the ability to fit into a position role and office environment.
Understanding the reasons an employee may not comply with your directions without jumping to your own immediate conclusions.
How systems can help set the framework for employee success.
The importance of training and following up to verify that there is understanding.

Allison Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

https://lawfirmmentor.net/masterclass

Contact Info:

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snippets

00:16:16 (48 Seconds)

00:18:12 (43 Seconds)

The Easiest Way to Create Success

Fri, 21 May 2021 09:00:00 +0000

We all want success. We visualize the life that we'll have when we are making enough money and are spending ample amounts of free time, whether it's on a beach or at our kids school or just relaxing. We all have these grandiose thoughts about what success looks like. Then we see people we perceive to be successful who are not living that for themselves. They are working 80 hours a week. They're exhausted. They may have health problems. We think we can either be a great parent or successful, creating these binary choices around the idea that we can only have so much of a good thing. What we really desire is antithetical to what we truly want for ourselves.

Sometimes we're pursuing success and sometimes we're pursuing rest and relaxation, as if those two things run counter to each other. Today, however, I want to give you a framework to actually see success very differently so that you'll be able to create success easier, faster and with more ease along the path.

In this episode we discuss:

The power of envisioning success to create what your very own success looks like for you.
How success looks different for different people.
Planning for the reality of your successful dream life.
How ‘Acting As If’ embodies being, doing and having the lifestyle you desire.
Identifying what you can change in your belief cycle to help focus on desired outcomes.
Agreeing not to stop the process when you hit your terror barrier.

Allison Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contact Info:

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snippets

00:02:45 (49 Seconds)

00:09:13 (36 Seconds)

Marketing Your Personal Story

Tue, 18 May 2021 09:00:00 +0000

A lot of us have had compelling events in our lives that have caused us to become the people that we are today. Sometimes those stories are replete with positive, exciting, really engaging stories. Other times they are downright scary. Things that we don't like to talk about. There are also aspects of our story that we know could inspire someone, but we're just not ready yet to go full throttle and market our story. Some people believe that you are exploiting your tragedy or your family by virtue of disclosing things that could very much be your drivers for success.

This episode is dedicated to the topic of marketing your story. I give you an example from my personal life, because this is something that I personally had to grapple with. I ultimately made the decision not to use my story to market my law firm, but not so much because I am now resistant to doing that. I've kind of gotten to a place where I'm actually very much at peace with my story.

There's five strategies I want you to consider before you decide whether or not you're going to market your story and how.

Tune in now!

In this episode we discuss:

Coming to terms with your own personal story.
Deciding if you’re going to market your story.
Giving thought to knowing your story.
Determining your boundaries in advance to avoid any negative or unintended outcomes.
How if this opens unhealed wounds for you, don’t resist considering therapy to help heal.
The usefulness of seeking out resources to help identify, understand and come to terms with your story.
Telling your story in a manner that is relatable and touches on a human need.

Allison Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contact Info:

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snippets

00:18:35 (37 seconds)

So you want to make sure that you're not just picking a story, i.e. I had something happen and now X, without that causal link in between. Because it's often the causal link that is the most powerful part of your story. That's the part of your story where people say, huh. Oh, wow, I didn't know that. OK, so that part of your story that really gets people to understand, because something happened, now you're in this place. That is oftentimes where people will draw the greatest connectivity to you because they went through something similar.

Branding the We

Fri, 14 May 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Description:

This week's episode is dedicated to the topic of branding the ‘we’. What do I mean by branding the we? When entrepreneurial lawyers first hire an attorney, they often encounter the problem of having their clients actually want to work with the attorney. Your clients come to you because they know, like and trust you. They don’t want your associate doing the work. It has to be you.

Oftentimes the first hire that the lawyer makes in the law firm of their associate attorney is someone younger, typically at the start of their career. A client who is accustomed to a certain level of expertise, knowledge and a level of comfort with you, then ‘handed off’ to someone who does not have the same finesse, is not going to be happy. So I’m going to talk about a strategy to avoid that happening, starting with some of the ways that you can prevent that, even before the client gets to your office.

In this episode we discuss:

How to avoid client confusion or disappointment by tailoring the continuity of your marketing, intake and assigned representation communication.
Hiring a seasoned lawyer versus hiring a baby lawyer.
Introducing a client to an associate without devaluing your associate in the process.
The importance of using the pronoun ‘we’ when referring to your firm.
Things that can be done to provide confidence to your clients throughout the process.
How branding the ‘we’ makes your business more valuable and helps with business growth.

Allison Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contact Info:

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snippets

00:03:24 (47 Seconds)

So what then happens is the client having had a certain level of expertise, a certain level of knowledge, a certain level of skill, a certain level of comfort with you, is then quote unquote handed off to someone who does not have the same level of experience. And that is what normally creates the level of dissension and hostility in clients when they feel that you just picked their file up and dumped it off on some kid down the hall. So we're going to talk about a strategy to actually avoid that happening and then avoid the level of discomfort that that causes you and the level of dissatisfaction that causes your clients. But I want to start talking about some of the ways that we can prevent that even before the client gets to your office.

You Are In Your Own Way

Tue, 11 May 2021 09:00:00 +0000

How can I be successful? I get this question a lot from lawyers when they have a call with us, or a breakthrough session with our office. They assume that what they really need is the tactic, the strategy, the know how. But what most people will encounter when they realize that there's a lot more to building a business than just what you do, in fact, what you do is far less important for the most part than the actual who you become and how you show up. So In this episode I wanted to talk about a couple of strategies and reasons that people are not successful and it involves you being in your own way.

Tune in now to learn more!

In this episode we discuss:

How the fear of failure is commonly learned at an early age.
The different ways fear of failure might be taught to us.
How the fear of success can be just as difficult to overcome as fear of failure.
The dilemmas of becoming successful and the impact it can have on relationships.
How these fears impact our goals and business planning.
Procrastination and its different manifestations.

Allison Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Law Firm Mentor Master Class: https://lawfirmmentor.net/masterclass

Contact Info:

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snippets

00:02:57

Fear of failure is a real thing. It's a major thing. And it's something that a lot of people have. And the fear of failure derives often from growing up in an atmosphere where we were not allowed to fail. So I want you to think about how you grew up. OK, everyone grew up a little bit differently, whether you had both parents at home or you were raised by a single parent or perhaps by a grandparent. Whether you had a very singular household, meaning two parents, a kid and a dog, or you had a multi family household where you had cousins and aunts and uncles living in the same dwelling. However you grew up.

00:23:14

And that comes from the fact that when she created a goal, she had someone looking at her and saying, I see more for you than you see for yourself. Right. So that modest goal, we understand where it comes from. It comes from wanting to baby step and having a little bit of fear of what's going to happen when you blow up your whole world and become an eight or nine or 10 or 15 times wage earner. What you're used to having, right. When you start mass producing your wages instead of stair stepping and baby stepping them forward, you can create a lot. And there's often a fear of what's going to happen when you arrive there.

You Must DECIDE What You Want

Fri, 07 May 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Today I’m talking about the fact that you must decide what you want. What you want to create in terms of how big a profile you want to have, what types of accomplishments you want for your career, all of those things are a matter of intentionality. We don't create those things in our lives without some level of intentionality. And the more intentional that you are, the easier time you're going to have creating what you want and most importantly, sustaining it. You should be thinking about what you want to create in terms of who the people are that you work with, what you want to create in terms of what type of cases you want to handle, what you want to create in terms of how you want your adversary relationships to be.

Tune in to learn more!

In this episode we discuss:

Being intentional about what you want to create in your business.
How the process of systematizing should help free you up from the day to day.
Setting measurable goals with a target timeframe.
Determining the necessary case load to meet your goals by doing simple math.
Knowing your conversion rate to know how many sales conversations must be scheduled.
Knowing your current scheduling rate.
The importance of meticulous tracking.

Allison Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Law Firm Mentor Master Class: https://lawfirmmentor.net/masterclass

Contact Info:

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snippets

00:07:17 (52 Seconds)

So you have to think about it from the perspective of, if you just want something better than what you have and you're not creating with an intentionality of how much better it needs to be, how much more you need to have, how much less you need to be working. If you don't quantify that and get crystal clear on what it is that you want to create, you can very easily create a little more and still be measurable. Because what tends to happen is a little bit more today and a little bit more tomorrow and a little bit more next month and a little bit more next week and a little bit more next quarter and next year and next century. All of that. That stair stepping yourself into the next opportunity is tiring. It actually is easier to grow by leaps and bounds than it is to stairstep.

Taking the Mystery Out of Social Media Marketing with Ann Brennan

Tue, 04 May 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Ann Brennan is the owner of ASMM Digital Marketing and host of the Small Business Connections podcast and has a passion for marketing. Ann has her own show ASMM Digital Marketing, and it's a wonderful resource of information about marketing. I had a lot of fun talking to Ann because her marketing is different than what you usually would expect from a marketer. We talk about some of the highlights of social media marketing, in particular.

Here at Law Firm Mentor, we always recommend that you choose the best strategy, not just any strategy, for your goals. However, if there's any reason why you have resistance around hiring an agency. This is something that you can learn how to do to actually get traction in your business.

Listen in to learn more!

In this episode we discuss:

The immenseness of the social media audience.
Turning your podcasts or blogs into a content distribution system by breaking up content into smaller pieces.
The importance of consistently posting to avoid having to re-build.
Determining what your brand is and who your audience is.
The effectiveness of being authentic in your messaging and knowing the core values your business is built upon.
A shift to being ‘more human’ and what that actually means.

Guest Bio:

Ann Brennan is the owner of ASMM Digital Marketing and the host of the Small Business Connections Podcast. Ann has a passion for marketing but she lives with the purpose of stopping suicide. It was this purpose that lead Ann to create Burgers and Bands for Suicide Prevention, a nonprofit that is to opening the conversation about mental illness and erasing the stigma that surrounds it.

Company name: ASMM Digital Marketing
Website: https://asmmdigital.com or annmarkets.com

Email: ann@asmmdigital.com

Facebook: https://facebook.com/BrennanAnnie

Twitter Username: https://twitter.com/BrennanAnnie

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brennanannie/

YouTube Channel: http://youtube.com/BrennanAnnie

Instagram: https://Instagram.com/asmmdigital

Allison Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Law Firm Mentor Master Class: https://lawfirmmentor.net/masterclass

Contact Info:

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snippets

00:05:13 (37 Seconds)

Allison Williams:

Because I don't want to talk in soundbites or, you know, I'm not sure if I want to, like, start reducing myself down to like, you know, just that teachable moment. I really want to focus on the big picture of of what I offer in my business.

Ann Brennan:

Well, so what I would say is that it's you're right, you don't want to talk in soundbites, but you have to have a place to put your content, right? So you create this beautiful podcast. I do the same thing. I create a podcast. Well, am I just going to put it out there that one time and hope people come and listen to it? No. I'm going to take it, I'm going to break it into bits and I'm going to share those bits on social media.

00:24:17 (41 Seconds)

Allison Williams:

Yeah. So there is so much to integrate. And this is like a, this is one of those areas that we could literally riff on, like all day every day for probably a week and not and not even scratch the surface of all there is to cover with the way to effectively handle digital marketing. But I do want to ask you if you had to encapsulate what would be the most important thing about digital marketing? What would it be?

Ann Brennan:

I'm going to be one hundred percent honest. Consistency. If you can only post, if you're like, I don't, I'm not going to hire an agency. I don't have the money. I don't have the time. I just don't want to hire an agency yet. Then at least post. And post every day.

To Recruit or Not to Recruit

Fri, 30 Apr 2021 09:00:00 +0000

A lot of you may be thinking, I can't afford a recruiter. That's far too much money. I always use the traditional pathway of writing an ad, posting it on the usual places, seeing who applies, maybe asking around, and hopefully I'll find the right person for the role.

In this week’s episode I share my thoughts on why I think that may or may not be the right perspective for you and another perspective to consider. I'm going to give you some actual strategies for evaluating recruiters so that if you do decide to work with one, you can make the right choice of recruiter and increase the likelihood of getting the outcome that you desire.

Listen in now to learn more and start getting better results in your business,

In this episode we discuss:

The fact that every expense is an investment in your business.
Taking into consideration your ROI (Return On Investment) when paying for a recruiter.
That all recruiters are not alike and how to determine the distinction between them.
Understanding how recruiters charge and what kind of guarantee they might offer.
The benefits of working with someone that knows the job role and the attributes best to excel in that role.
Pitfalls to avoid when hiring a recruiter.

Allison Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Law Firm Mentor Master Class: https://lawfirmmentor.net/masterclass

Contact Info:

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snippets

00:01:36 (43 Seconds)

And frankly, a lot of you may be thinking, I can't afford a recruiter. That's far too much money. I'm just going to use the usual pathway, the traditional pathway of writing an ad, posting it on the usual places, seeing who applies, maybe asking around, and hopefully I'll find the right person for the role. And let me tell you just first a little perspective on why I think that may or may not be the right perspective for you and another perspective to consider. And then I'm going to give you some actual strategies for evaluating recruiters so that if you do decide to work with one, you can make the right choice of recruiter and increase the likelihood of getting the outcome that you desire.

00:03:17 (56 Seconds)

But now when I'm of the mindset that something costs too much, right, if my visceral reaction is, wow, that's too much money, I always stop myself from acting on that thought and asking about the return on investment. Because as I've said before, everything in your business is an investment. Everything that you're spending money on, invests in something. Right. You're, when you hire, when you when you purchase engraved letterhead, you are investing in the reputation or the branding of your firm. When you invest in nice office furniture, you are investing in the comfort of your employees and the professional feel of your office. When you are investing in a certain hire, you are investing in the quality of the service that you are providing to the public so that you increase the likelihood that they have a good outcome and hence are more likely to pay your bills, refer more people and increase your positive goodwill in your neighborhood. So there is always an investment that you are making.

The 7 Essential Questions of Great Marketing with Jordan Ostroff

Tue, 27 Apr 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Jordan Ostroff is a visionary entrepreneur, the president of Legal Marketing, the managing partner and CEO of Jordan Law in Florida and host of the Exhibit A Attorneys, and Let's Get Up to Business podcast. His firm uses the latest technology and automation to provide top level legal work with a low volume of cases, but a high touch level of care and compassion.

When he started out he was ignorant of marketing and just bought what he thought he could afford. Then he realized he had spent tens of thousands of dollars on marketing that didn't get him anywhere. So he went about the business of actually learning it for himself and then took that expertise and started LegalEase Marketing and LegalEase Marketing. Jordan approaches his marketing business as a holistic lawyer focused on a marketing company, which is both a full service marketing company as well as a business consulting firm. Jordan prides LegalEase on treating his marketing clients the same way those lawyers treat their clients.

I really take pride in bringing you resources that I myself have confidence in and I just know you’ll find value in what he has to say.

Tune in now!

In this episode we discuss:

Identifying your ideal client avatar.
Determining the best way to communicate to reach your ideal client.
Reaching your ideal clients by being on the social media platforms they are using.
Communicating what you are actually selling and/or what problem you are solving.
The difference in marketing for a reactive need versus a proactive need.
Marketing as a science blending with marketing as an art.
Quality leads versus quantity of leads.
Knowing the call to action outcome desired for every piece of marketing you invest in.

Guest Bio:

Jordan Ostroff is a visionary entrepreneur, President of LegalEase Marketing, Managing Partner and CEO of Jordan Law Fl, Host of the Exhibit A(attorneys and Let's Get Up To Business Podcasts and Chair of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Florida.

He manages Jordan Law Fl, a law firm focused on business law, personal injury and civil litigation. His firm utilizes the latest technology and automation to provide top level legal work, with a low volume of cases but a high touch level of care and compassion. The son of a postal employee and a substitute teacher, he is the first lawyer in his family, and with no business experience his first few years of running a firm were incredibly difficult.

He was consistently taken advantage of by other marketing companies, because he didn’t get it and didn’t know what to ask for or what to look for. Having been faced with the prospect of learning how to run a successful business or close his firm and file for bankruptcy, he chose the latter.

This new path culminated in Jordan starting LegalEase Marketing, a holistic lawyer focused marketing company. Part full service marketing company, part business consulting firm. Jordan prides LegalEase on treating its marketing clients the same way those lawyers treat their clients - they come first, they own their "file," no conflicts of interest, etc.

Additionally, Jordan is currently the host of Let’s Get Up to Business a podcast that helps business owners build, grow and protect their companies, as well as the Chair of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Florida a non-profit that pairs hundreds of underserved children with professionals who mentor them for most of their lives and help them achieve success.

Jordan’s life motto is that High Seas Raise All Boats - we are stronger together and we can make the world a better place.

Company name: LegalEase Marketing

Website: https://legaleasemarketing.com/

Email: jordan@legaleasemarketing.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=legalease%20facebook

Twitter: lawyerwithalife

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/legaleasemarketing/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrO8tHOcVcHLiulu8ogYM7A

Instagram: legaleasemarketing

Allison Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Law Firm Mentor Master Class: https://lawfirmmentor.net/masterclass

Contact Info:

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snippets

00:11:06 (1 Minute 9 Seconds)

Jordan Ostroff:

So I'm a huge fan of video and or but one of those to the benefit of video is you can pull audio from the video, you can pull images from video. You can't do the reverse. And so, like, when we do our, I don't do a podcast, I start as a Facebook live show and then we go to a podcast, because that way I have a video, I have the audio, and I can give people the way that they want to go forward to listen to us or watch us. But from the standpoint of marketing, you, I'm not going to pay to push the audio version of it. I'm going to pay to push the video version of it or or vice versa, depending upon who I'm trying to target. And so you really have to think about what makes the most sense to that ideal client. Are you pushing them to a podcast or are you pushing them to a written newsletter or are you pushing them to a YouTube channel? Are you pushing them to, whatever it's going to be? Because that's going to impact how you spend your money in marketing.

Allison Williams:

Yeah, so there's some gold in that. I love the idea that if you start with video, you have the image and the audio versus if you start with audio, you just have the audio. And I think there is definitely value to that that perspective.

00:15:34 (37 Seconds)

Allison Williams:

And I think a lot of people are kind of of the mindset of where let me go to a place where I'm comfortable. But you really have to think about where your people are and go for, go where your people are. Right. If the people are on Clubhouse, that's where you need to be versus, you know, I like to be on Facebook, so that's where I'll stay.

Jordan Ostroff:

And I'm OK with splitting the difference. Like take where they're going to be and take what you're comfortable with and then try to find ideally some sort of an overlap there. I think the most interesting one is business attorneys. So you're a business attorney, you're working with business owners and business owners are going to be in a couple of different places depending upon what your niche is.

Why Reputation Marketing Will Serve You Better than Reputation Management with Shawn Hill

Fri, 23 Apr 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Shawn Hill is the community marketing director for Nice Job, a reputation marketing company and host of the Nice Job podcast. He is an expert in community engagement and activation and is passionate about connecting people and protecting their reputations. Shawn and I talk about the distinctions between reputation management and reputation marketing and why you need to have a strategy for both. We touched on several topics related to online marketing such as lawyers getting reviews, responding to reviews, how to avoid the negative review, as well as how to deal with it. Tune in to learn a whole lot of strategies to grow your online reputation.

In this episode we discuss:

Reputation management versus reputation marketing.
The importance of online reviews and how to proactively collect them.
The value people place on realism.
Overcoming fear of negative reviews and how they can actually be an advantage.
Why you should respond to all reviews, good and bad.
How bad reviews can help you to improve your business.
Learning to non-defensively respond to negative reviews.
Addressing the quality of reviews received and how to prepare a client to think about leaving a meaningful review.

Guest Bio:

Shawn Hill is the Community Marketing Director for NiceJob Inc. and host of The NiceJob Podcast. Previously, he has held roles in marketing and engagement for globally known organizations such as Comcast-Spectacor, World Team Tennis, and USASevens Rugby. He also is a certified Fun Delivery Specialist and once gave a keystone speech to Wells Fargo without even knowing it! Shawn is an expert in community engagement and activation and is passionate about connecting people and protecting reputations.

Website: https://get.nicejob.com

Email: shawn@nicejob.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicejobapp

Twitter: @nicejobapp

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nicejob-inc./

YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/nicejobdotco

Instagram: @NiceJobApp

Allison Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Law Firm Mentor Master Class: https://lawfirmmentor.net/masterclass

Contact Info:

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snippets

00:05:59

Allison Williams

So me going onto a platform and saying, hey, everybody pick me. I'm the best criminal defense lawyer or I'm the best family lawyer or I'm the best bankruptcy lawyer. Not the same as my clients who have actually consumed my service from the perspective of my prospective client, looking at me, evaluating me, having a relationship with me and saying I do a good job for my client. So, can you talk a little bit about kind of the cachet, if you will, of actually having other people be your raving fans versus you yourself saying how great you are?

Shawn Hill

Yeah, I mean, it's always an uncomfortable position to have to brag about yourself, right? You even if you're the most confident person, even if you will admit that you have a little bit of an ego, it never quite feels right, because I feel like a lot of people in a variety of different industries are doing it, because of this passion, not necessarily the result of selling. There was a recent study came out and said that 90 percent that yeah. That high that think reviews are more important than anything that you could even say to a prospective client during the initial consultation,

Law Firm SEO or Social Media DIY? With Annette Choti

Tue, 20 Apr 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Annette Choti is the CEO and owner of Law Quill, a legal digital marketing agency focused on solo and small law firms. Law Quill is the only legal digital marketing agency that provides unique SEO optimized content videos, SEO audits, backlink strategies, prepackaged content and courses for lawyers to learn themselves through Law Quill Academy. Annette is the host of the Legal Marketing Lounge podcast and a weekly contributor to Above The Law. I'm really excited to talk to Annette, because she offers something that I think a lot of lawyers look for, which is a do-it-yourself solution, before they invest in a full service digital marketing agency.

Tune in for a lot of interesting stories, guidance and marketing tips for the solo and small firm owners that you can implement right away.

In this episode we discuss:

The jigsaw puzzle of Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Pay Per Click (PPC) versus organic influence on search rankings
Where do you start marketing online without becoming overwhelmed?
Understanding the difference in writing skills necessary to be understood by a Google Bot
Determining when it’s time to outsource your social media marketing
A scheduling tool that posts to multiple social media platforms using the same content in multiple ways
How to determine a budget that will meet your goals and make business sense
Setting out a roadmap to beginning an online presence that is manageable

Guest Bio:

Annette Choti graduated from law school 20 years ago and is now the CEO & Owner of Law Quill, a legal digital marketing agency focused on small and solo law firms. Law Quill is the only legal digital marketing agency that provides unique, SEO-optimized content, videos, SEO-audits, backlink strategies, pre-packaged content, and courses for lawyers to learn SEO themselves through Law Quill Academy. Annette is the host of the Legal Marketing Lounge podcast, and a weekly contributor to Above The Law. Annette used to do theatre and professional comedy, which is not so different from the legal field if we are all being honest. Annette can be found on LinkedIn, Twitter, @annettechoti on Clubhouse, or at annette@lawquill.com

annette@lawquill.com

Clubhouse: @annettechoti

https://lawquill.com

https://www.facebook.com/LawQuillInk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/annettechoti

https://twitter.com/law_quill

Legal Marketing Lounge Podcast: https://lawquill.com/apple

SmarterQueue (Social Media Posting Tool): https://smarterqueue.com/

Allison Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contact Info:

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snippets

00:12:20 (53 Seconds)

Allison Williams:

Wow, so that sounds very strategic, it's kind of like you know, you're creating, like you said, that home base and whatever goes out needs to ultimately come back to that home base so that Google finds you more often and signals to other people that you're a source for that particular piece of information.

Annette Choti:

Yes. (Yeah.) So and and there's a couple of reasons why that's so important. The first is, is that if you have content on your website, there is something for potential clients to read and then see you as an expert in this area. You know, maybe you're answering their questions or maybe you're answering questions they didn't even know they have. Maybe they found you from other areas on social media and they come to your website, they read one or two blogs, and then they see three or four more that they're very interested in.

00:29:24 (53 Seconds)

Annette Choti:

I do that often. I'll write a blog post and then I'll make a podcast about it as well. A few months later, there's so many ways you can take one piece of content and frankly carve it up so that you have I think I think I ended up with near is like eighty seven or something different ways to carve up one article. So.

Allison Williams:

Wow. So I mean we actually ironically I didn't know that we were going to go here today, but this is one of the things that we actually teach lawyers at Marketing for the Masters how to take one thing and mass produce it in multiple different places. We always brainstorm, like if you have, if you have a great article, what can you do with that? And by the time that we get done, we're usually like in the fifties of all the different ways that we can take that one thing and make it into something else, making it that omnipresent marketing that we talked about.

Making More Money with a Unique Twist on Payment Processing

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Many of us struggle with whether or not to use credit cards in our business. We say, why pay the processing fee? I can just wait a couple of extra days and get the check. But as I love to say, and I said during this podcast episode, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. So, how do we use it effectively? And how do we consider having as many options as possible for our clients in a way that is profitable as well as in a way that improves our relationships with our clients relative to money?

Dan Lear is the head of marketing and partnerships at Gravity Legal, an electronic payments and money management firm built specifically for lawyers and law firms. He has a unique approach to make getting paid easier and faster for you. I love that he's a new player in this space, is making waves and getting some serious traction.

Tune in to this week’s episode for this valuable resource.

In this episode we discuss:

Why spending money to collect money makes financial sense.
The culture you create regarding money and your communication about payment methods you accept.
Determining how to incorporate processing fee costs into your fee structure within legal guidelines.
Researching different payment product costs to strategically determine what payment options you offer to your clients.
How subscriptions can help even out your revenue stream creating predictability.
Resources to determine what is allowable in your state.

Guest Bio:

Dan Lear is head of marketing and partnerships at Gravity Legal, an electronic payments and money management firm built specifically for lawyers and law firms. Prior to Gravity Legal, Dan worked as director of industry relations for the legal market place Avvo and, before that , as a technology attorney with both Fortune 500 and startup clients. He has a JD and an MBA from Seattle University. He is based in Seattle, Washington.

Website: https://www.gravity-legal.com/

Financially Legal Blog & Podcast: https://www.gravity-legal.com/financiallylegal

Email: dlear@gravity-legal.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GravityLegal/

Twitter: @rightbrainlaw

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danlear/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEravxZKM7M4irjk8ZCYojg/featured

Allison Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contact Info:

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snippets

00:37:01 Dan Lear (36 Seconds)

I think that firms can be strategic about how they deploy these types of methods in order to bolster the economic and kind of financial health of their firms.

00:37:15 Allison Williams

Yeah, and I think it's all about having flexibility, like you said, because there may be some firms that are used to having a per transaction amount of somewhere between five and ten thousand dollars. And maybe they have that one big fish that walks in and it's like, OK, this is a fifty thousand dollar case and I'm taking it up front, putting the money in trust and and the client, you know, you don't want to have that kind of payment on a credit card,

Finagling Flat Fees in Law Firms with Brita Long

Tue, 13 Apr 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Brita Long is the creator and founder of The Happier Attorney, LLC. She is an attorney, author, coach, entrepreneur and all around happy person. She has completely revolutionized the business of law in the firm that she owns, as well as helping lawyers across the country to do the same. Brita has practiced law for over twenty two years and she saw how happy people's lives, including other attorneys, became when they ultimately adopted her business model. She also saw how happy people were negatively affected by the complexity, a lack of purpose and a mismatch between what they said was important in their life versus what their behavior showed was important in their life. Brita brings to us valuable resources, great perspective and some of the how-to of transitioning over to flat fees. In this episode we discuss some of the limiting beliefs that we have around that, like getting stuck in cases or managing communications and all of those things that would stop someone from adopting this particular business model.

Listen in to learn more!

In this episode we discuss:

Billing hourly versus billing a flat fee and the process of shifting from one to the other.
The mindset work needed for most attorneys to make a shift to flat fees.
How clients react to a flat fee structure.
Setting a flat fee based on previous cases that were billed hourly and the accuracy of tracking billable hours.
Reaching an outcome more quickly and easily than expected.
Fears of an ethics complaint to the bar for overcharging.
Managing the client that needs more hand holding than anticipated.

Are you Addicted to the Status Quo?

Fri, 09 Apr 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Today our special guest guest is Kathryn Burmeister, a personal injury lawyer with an interesting perspective. Kathryn started a virtual law firm before virtual law firms were a thing.

Kathryn never anticipated starting her own business, but after a number of tumultuous events and what she describes as “having the rug yanked out from underneath her for the third time”, she opened her own law firm in 2018 and has never stopped growing ever since. She focuses exclusively on personal injury by giving a voice to those who have been hurt by someone else and that's something that she has personal experience with.

Tune in to hear her unique insight and story, I know you’ll enjoy it.

In this episode we discuss:

The benefits of a virtual workplace on expenses and workforce.
What finally drove the decision to go virtual.
Dealing with the stress of overwork, depression and addictions that are prevalent within the law profession.
The pressure and challenges of breaking away from the status quo.
Discovering what makes you happy and creating happiness for yourself.

The Business Analyst and Your Law Firm

Tue, 06 Apr 2021 09:00:00 +0000

As the owner of Pineapple Consulting Firm, Jack Tompkins helps leaders to analyze and visualize their financial and marketing data and interactive charts, graphs and dashboards. They don't have to deal with the annoying data gathering and manipulation of it all and can quickly see the full picture.

Jack and I explored several topics during our conversation, including some of the nuts and bolts, basic starter places that you can go as a solo law firm owner to understand financial data at a higher level. Before you assemble that full financial team, you need to know your numbers first. Just by easy, simple data understanding of Excel, you can really start to make progress in understanding your numbers and making better financial decisions in business. Tune in and learn more!

In this episode we discuss:

Using accounting software to keep track of everything.
The importance of learning to use data collected as a guide in decision making.
Tracking revenue sources to help identify the most successful profit generators.
Using a Statement of Cash Flows to assist in budgeting upcoming expenses.
Automating but at the same time staying involved in the process.
Growing your top line revenues versus growing your bottom-line profits.

How to Use the Revenue Roadmap to Attract Clients

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Dave Lorenzo is the guy that can share all the business insider success secrets. Want to close the deal in 60 seconds? Dave's the guy. Want to open the door to a Fortune 500 CEO? Dave's the guy. Want to make more money and get home on time for dinner? Dave is definitely the guy. And that's the reason why I was so excited to have Dave on Crushing Chaos this week. Dave has a wealth of knowledge about sales and has personally worked with lawyers. The beautiful thing about my conversation with him is that he was actually able to give me a framework for how we can be more successful at selling legal services without the negative connotation that comes with selling. Tune in now!

In this episode we discuss:

Taking the negative connotation out of the S word. (Sales)
How everyone you know needs to know what you do and what makes you different.
Networking, especially for non-people persons.
Making it all about the other person.
The importance of identifying your ideal client.
Focusing on a narrow area of your expertise… your magic.

Building a Winning Team

Tue, 23 Mar 2021 09:00:00 +0000

This week I had a phenomenal conversation with Mia Hewett, the founder and CEO of Allied Intelligence. She is the best selling author of Meant For More and an expert on the topic of human potential. She helps entrepreneurs, of which some are lawyers, stop secretly struggling and make six and seven figure leaps in their business using her aligned intelligence method. This methodology works consistently and predictably, to allow her clients the ability to coach themselves through any obstacles, build their dream businesses and feel fulfilled in their purposes. Tune in to hear this powerful conversation and read her book if you haven’t already!

In this episode we discuss:

Employing the universal law of cause and effect
The difference between power and force
How you are in power but without control
Action in alignment with your intention
How your mess becomes your message
Uncovering verses finding your purpose

The Necessity of Growth

Tue, 16 Mar 2021 09:00:00 +0000

In this week’s episode I talk about the need for growth. You may think you don't really need to grow your law firm, which is fine. But I want to invite you to join the conversation about the need for growth, because it isn't necessarily about scaling your law firm. There are certain things that you have to do in order to continually keep a healthy business. These involve growth not only in your revenue, but also in the structure and in the opportunities that you create in your business. Tune in for my five principles that go to the heart of why we need to grow.

In this episode we discuss:

How growth can be destabilizing, yet necessary.
5 principles of why we need to grow.
The necessity of having a CEO and the CEO’s responsibilities.
How opportunity is the fuel that propels a business forward.
The money math of growing and investing in your business while experiencing inflation.
How clearing clutter removes energy, making room for new energy.
Why growth can trigger a fear of abandonment.
How growth can help to overcome entrepreneurial burnout.

Are You Living Up To Your Own Standards?

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, I discuss a disturbing pattern of behavior that I often see in the solo and small firm attorneys community and it's always been there. A lot of us create standards for how we want other people to engage in the world, how we want other people to show up in our lives, how we want other people to behave in our businesses, yet we do not meet our own standards. I wanted to share with you some of my reflections on this topic because I know that the inability to see this pattern is keeping a lot of lawyers stuck where they are.

In this episode we discuss:

The incompatibility between how you are showing up and what you are expecting from others.
5 categories of behavior that influence how we interact in our businesses.
How an economic cost must be associated with value, for you to make that expenditure.
How when you shift your pattern of behavior, it will influence your prospect to do the same.
The need to take time off to recharge just as you encourage or require your employees to take their PTO.
Making your marketing message about the prospect, not all about you, the lawyer.
Identifying cognitive dissonance between your marketing message and your actual feelings about your business.
How systems can make the difference between having a job and running a business.
Guiding a prospect to the understanding that you are the valuable expert that can solve their problem.

Generating Buzz For Your Law Firm

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Amanda Berlin believes she was born to make sure we all are heard and seen and appreciated for our unique genius. And she does just that as a publicity strategist and content consultant. After studying journalism at George Washington University, she interned at CNN, wrote for a local paper, and ultimately became an expert in the creation of publicity strategy and content writing products and programs. For a decade, she has written media pitches for companies like Disney and Dove, Brawney, Baskin Robbins, Colgate and Gamble. And now as a communications consultant, she's the host of the Empowered Publicity Podcast, which is devoted to delivering publicity, AHA's insider secrets and the dish on what it really takes to build buzz, become a trusted authority and get the media to say yes.

In this episode we discuss:

The term public relations and what that encompasses.
Honing your story for the public to hear and get to know you.
The perceived boundaries between being professional versus being personal.
How a powerful story is memorable and can set you apart in the marketplace.
The importance of mindset in achieving what we desire.
Key roadblocks that hinder the effort to seek publicity.
Getting past the tendency toward over-preparation.
Preparing your story and tailoring your message to your audience and goals.

Sales-Free Selling: The Art of Developing Legal Business Without Pitching, Convincing or Selling

Tue, 16 Feb 2021 10:00:00 +0000

As the host of Be That Lawyer Podcast, Steve Fretzin acts as a kind of business development therapist. He coaches and trains lawyers on the most modern day business development skills, providing precise tips, fresh ideas and actionable tasks that drive tangible results. In today’s episode we discuss sales free selling. Many lawyers have an aversion to selling, Steve offers great insight, as well as a book on the very topic.

In this episode we discuss:

The approach of sales free selling as opposed to selling by convincing.
How it’s ok if someone isn’t a good fit for your services.
The steps to qualifying a prospective client.
Developing a relationship based on trust and likability.
The importance of the diagnosis preceding the prescription.
Building questioning skills versus using solution oriented answering skills.
Debriefing after meetings to identify and learn from missteps.

Mom, Lawyer, Entrepreneur - The Trifecta of Law Firm Triumph

Tue, 09 Feb 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Elise Buie, Esq., is a family law attorney who creates solutions, not obstacles. Her practice involves all aspects of family law, guided by a collaborative philosophy and her deep understanding of complex parenting issues. In this episode, Elise talks with us about her podcast, which is dedicated to the trifecta of three of the most challenging statuses that any person can have in our life; being a lawyer, being a law firm owner, and being a mom. She guides others through the process of coming into a greater sense of appreciation for the difficulty of the trifecta and the ways that she handles it as an individual and a person who has dealt with a lot of trauma and significant experiences in each of those areas, all at the same time.

In this episode we discuss:

How the Maximum Mom podcast came about.
The real trifecta of role responsibilities: Mother, Lawyer and Entrepreneur.
The importance of being coached and doing mindset work.
Knowing that not everything has to be perfect.
Learning the art of delegation through teaching children their responsibilities.
The different roles of parent vs. employer.
Recognizing your zone of genius vs. your weak areas where you may want to hire help.
Knowing what’s important and setting your priorities and boundaries without apology.

Managing Crisis in Law Firms with Bill Coletti

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 15:05:55 +0000

Bill Coletti is an impressive leader in the space of crisis management, with more than 25 years of global experience managing high-stakes crises for both Fortune 500 companies and winning global political campaigns. You might think that a crisis for a Fortune 500 company differs from a crisis for a solo or small law firm and certainly, there are differences - but a crisis is still a crisis. Bill has a wealth of knowledge in this business area that lawyers need, but don’t always know that they need.

In this episode we discuss:

Managing your business reputation during times of crisis.
Being a generalist versus a specialist and the importance of networking to know other specialists to delegate to.
The definition of a crisis.
Owning your brand versus owning your reputation.
What mindsets make good leaders in a crisis.
Types of risk and the new emerging Social Risk.
The importance of a clear chain of command in a crisis situation.
How preparation is key to a speedy and effective crisis response.
How you need to be always communicating.

Guest Bio:

Bill Coletti is a reputation management, crisis communications and professional development expert. Additionally, he is a keynote speaker, Wall Street Journal Risk and Compliance panelist and bestselling author of Critical Moments, The New Mindset of Reputation Management. He has more than 25 years of global experience managing high-stakes crises, issues management and media relations challenges for both Fortune 500 companies and winning global political campaigns.

Website https://kith.co/

Email Address - rgomez@kith.co

Phone Number - (512) 934-7719

Facebook url https://www.facebook.com/kithconsult

Twitter Handle https://twitter.com/kith_co

YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmLAgAF2cjeRDP_hfchWWrg

Allison Bio:

Ms. Williams is an accomplished businesswoman. In 2017, the Williams Law Group won the LawFirm500 award, ranking 14th of the fastest-growing law firms in the nation, as Ms. Williams grew the firm 581% in three years. Ms. Williams won the Silver Stevie Award for Female Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017. In 2018, Ms. Williams was voted as NJBIZ’s Top 50 Women in Business and was designated one of the Top 25 Leading Women Entrepreneurs and Business Owners. In 2019, Ms. Williams won the Seminole 100 Award for founding one of the fastest-growing companies among graduates of Florida State University.

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contact Info:

Contact Law Firm Mentor:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Snippets

00:20:05 Allison (Total 30 Seconds)

But I'm getting the sense that there are some keys to success in these circumstances that one could really turn to. What would you recommend?

00:20:11 Bill Coletti

So planning and preparation is key. You need to plan and prepare. And the simple tactic I give to big companies, small companies, is as you are and you're the law firms that you work with can do this either for their companies or for themselves, for their clients, is pull out The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, your local paper, whatever. Pull out a major publication and say, what if this had happened to us? How would we respond if this was us?

How to be the best reviewed lawyer with Andrew Stickel

Tue, 26 Jan 2021 11:45:05 +0000

Lawyers who have ventured online to market their businesses are often surprised at how powerful it is to have clients and colleagues review their services. The online review has quickly become the staple of impactful online marketing. Of course, with every positive phenomenon, we also encounter the flip side - the dreaded negative review. What can be done about them? Should we address them, and if so, how?

In this episode we discuss:

The importance of online reviews in building your law firm business.
A good approach for asking clients to leave a review.
Advice on duplicating reviews to different platforms.
How to be prepared for negative reviews and using them to improve your business.
Resources to help in managing online reviews.

Bio:

Andy Stickel has helped thousands of lawyers all over the world build thriving law firms with simple proven strategies that any lawyer can use. His agency, Social Firestarter was started in 2012 and helps lawyers worldwide transform their law firms. If you’ve ever seen any of his ads on Facebook, you know that he’s an expert in Facebook ads and has helped hundreds of lawyers grow their firms with his Social Media For Lawyers Masterclass.

Andy enjoys spending time with his wife and 3 kids.

Allison Williams

Allison C. Williams, Esq., is Founder and Owner of the Williams Law Group, LLC, with offices in Short Hills and Freehold, New Jersey. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, is Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Matrimonial Law Attorney, and is the first attorney in New Jersey to become Board-Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in the field of Family Law. Ms. Williams is a member of the New Jersey Board on Attorney Certification (NJBAC) – Matrimonial Committee, a New Jersey Supreme Court committee that determines eligibility of candidates to be certified as a recognized practitioner in the field of matrimonial law.

Ms. Williams has been named a Rising Star Attorney by the New Jersey Super Lawyers franchise continuously from 2008 – 2013, and has been named a Super Lawyer by that organization for 2014 – 2021. In 2016, she was featured in the Super Lawyers publication (Williams v. The Rubber Stamp), she has been named one of the Top 50 Women Super Lawyers in New Jersey from 2017-2021 and was voted in the Top 100 Super Lawyers in the State of New Jersey in 2019-2021.

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

Contact Andy:

Website - https://www.andrewstickel.com/

Social Firestarter site - https://www.socialfirestarter.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/andystickel

Instagram - andrew.stickel

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewstickel/

Lawyer Marketing Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/marketingforlawyers

Free Resources:

5-Star Attorney Book Waitlist - https://www.getlawfirmreviews.com/waitinglist-1

Free Training! How to Get More Law Clients from Social Media - www.lawfirmmasterclass.com

Free Training! How We Helped One Lawyer Sell His Law Firm & Retire in Hawaii - https://casestudy.socialfirestarter.com/sfs-webinar-registration-1

Free Book for Lawyers - https://freebookforlawyers.com/test-drive-1

Pivoting Performance Post-Pandemic with Heinan Landa

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 20:25:58 +0000

In this episode we discuss:

The uncertain future of continuing to work from home, post-pandemic.
The time and energy savings of working from home.
How connecting with people is more difficult with only Zoom call interactions.
Opportunities for hiring talent from all over the world when geography is no longer a dictating factor.
Making a conscious effort to maintain and continue to develop your company culture.
The possibility of pivoting to a mixed environment of working virtually from home and working at the office.
The acceleration in the adoption of technologies spurred by the start of the pandemic.
Keeping the client experience front and center when choosing your technology tools.
Preparing for staying ahead of the curve in a post-pandemic world.

Contact Info:

SOCIAL LINKS & Contact Info -

Book – https://www.modernlawfirmbook.com

Website	https://www.optimalnetworks.com/
Email Address	hlanda@optimalnetworks.com
Facebook url	https://www.facebook.com/optimalnetworks
Twitter Handle	https://twitter.com/optimalnetworks
YouTube Channel	https://www.youtube.com/user/OptimalNetworksVideo

Optimal Networks

www.optimalnetworks.com

240-499-7900

info@optimalnetworks.com

Bio:

Heinan Landa is the Founder and CEO of Optimal Networks, Inc., a globally ranked IT services firm. After earning his B.S. and M.S. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from Johns Hopkins University, Heinan went on to receive his MBA from The Wharton School of Business. Featured in Legal Management, Legal Times, Chief Executive, Inc. Magazine, Forbes, CIO, and with regular appearances on WJLA-TV, WTTG-TV, and WUSA9, Heinan is a trusted leader in the legal, technology, and business spaces.

Here is a description of Optimal to supplement Heinan's bio that you already have: Founded in 1991, Optimal Networks, Inc. provides comprehensive IT support services, including full or partial IT outsourcing, backup and disaster recovery, strategic consulting, and preeminent, enterprise-class cloud computing solutions to law firms, associations, and SMBs. For 25 years, Optimal has helped thousands of clients navigate the ever-increasing changes in technology to make sure their technology drives their organization’s success.

Snip-Its:

00:34:27 (34 Seconds) Allison Williams

A lot of people are struggling to put themselves into a virtual environment because they think it is a copy and paste version of a brick and mortar environment. And the way that our brains adjust to blue light, the way that our bodies relate to being sedentary and having a certain level of sensory deprivation by virtue of flat screen versus a more kinesthetic experience. All of that plays into how well your clients are going to experience working with you. And just doing what you did in person on screen is not going to cut it.

Crushing the Challenge of Change in the Legal Industry with Moshe Amsel

Tue, 12 Jan 2021 08:00:00 +0000

When it comes to progress you can either get ahead of it, embrace it, or stand in its way and ultimately get run over by it. In today’s episode my guest Moshe Amsel and I look at how you can embrace technology and the changes that occurred in 2020 to encourage growth in your law firm.

In this episode we discuss:

The acceleration of change in the legal industry because of working virtual.
Setting yourself up for success by embracing change.
The potential of a new app called Clubhouse.
Why lawyers tend to be risk averse when presented with new technologies.
Managing blocks of work time in the home/work environment to become more efficient.
The pros and cons of successful online conferences.
The question of how our young people will be seeking legal services in the future.

Bio:

Moshe Amsel

Moshe Amsel is the host of the Profit with Law Podcast and the Law Firm Growth Summit. He helps law firm owners grow their practice with a focus on creating generational wealth.

As a married loving husband and father of 5 children ranging from 21 to 3 years, he is very familiar with the struggles of running a successful business and still prioritizing his family.

Moshe has 20 years experience in the IT industry as a business executive. He has extensive experience in Sales and Marketing, having closed over $30 million in sales in a single year. In addition to Profit with Law, Moshe also owns an accounting practice, DreamBuilder Financial, where he helps clients with business advisory and tax strategy services.

Allison Williams

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

She received her B.S., magna cum laude, and her M.S., summa cum laude, from Florida State University. She received her J.D., cum laude, from Syracuse University College of Law.

Contacts – Social Media

Moshe Amsel’s Contacts

https://www.lawfirmgrowthsummit.com/LFM

Name

Moshe Amsel

Law Firm Name

Profit with Law

Website

https://www.profitwithlaw.com/

Email Address

mamsel@dreambuilderfinancial.com

Phone Number

(845) 504-0910

Facebook url

https://www.facebook.com/profitwithlaw

Twitter Handle

@moshe_amsel

Instagram Handle

moshe_amsel

Snip-Its

00:10:35 – 34 Seconds - Moshe

So how do you get your law firm to be the next Netflix of law and not the next Blockbuster of law? And that's where we need to focus the conversation. That's where we need to start looking as we grow our businesses, as we develop our systems, our processes, the technology we use. We should always be looking from a lens of what does the future look like and how do I set myself up for the future instead of thinking about what's available to me today and how is business done today? Always be future thinking. And when you do that, you're going to start seeing opportunities.

00:16:30 - 32 seconds - Allison

one of the things that I love that you mentioned was the idea of you got the, you got the little tickle like somebody said, hey, there, there's this thing, then you float in the direction of that. You just said, let me try, test, see. And then opportunity sprung open. And we know that in the legal industry we tend to be laggards, right? We tend to be on the low end of the early adoption phase. We don't like to just jump without seeing. We like to test the waters. We like to make sure that there's a lot of people that are born into something before we do it.

"It Has To Be Me" and Other Myths in Law Firms

Tue, 29 Dec 2020 13:00:00 +0000

If you want to grow your law firm and be able to step away from it when you want or only handle the cases you want to handle then you need to change the way you think about your law firm. In today’s episode we are going to look at how to change your mindset about what your law firm has to be in order to allow it to transform into what you need it to be.

In this episode we discuss:

Adjusting your belief system about who is supposed to do what in your law firm.
Clients hiring you as the lawyer versus hiring the law firm.
How your marketing message can be shifted to direct a client to a better or different option.
How ego can drive how you decide to create and structure your business.
How hiring additional attorneys can enhance your law firm’s skill set and strengths.
Letting go of the fear of having another person do some of the work.

Contact Info:

SOCIAL LINKS & Contact Info -

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

She received her B.S., magna cum laude, and her M.S., summa cum laude, from Florida State University. She received her J.D., cum laude, from Syracuse University College of Law.

Snip-Its:

00:15:42 - About 50 Seconds

00:15:45 – About 57 Seconds

How to Go On Law Firm Sabbatical without Checking In

Tue, 22 Dec 2020 08:00:00 +0000

Can your law firm run without you if you were to go on sabbatical or just take time off? In today’s episode we talk about what you need to do to make sure you can step away from your firm without everything falling apart.

In this episode we discuss:

Contemplating the possibility of being able to take time away from your law firm.

A list of specific things you absolutely need in place to be able to have your firm run without you and continue to generate income.
Understanding your marketing approach and your client avatar.
Having a successful intake process in place.
The importance of having clearly defined roles for who does what.
Managing money and reporting systems.

Contact Info:

SOCIAL LINKS & Contact Info -

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

She received her B.S., magna cum laude, and her M.S., summa cum laude, from Florida State University. She received her J.D., cum laude, from Syracuse University College of Law.

Snip-Its:

00:39:43

Creating Your Law Firm Marketing Plan

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 08:00:00 +0000

Many law firm owners think that they don’t have time to serve existing clients and perform marketing activities to generate new clients. In this episode not only are we going to talk about how to do both sustainably but also how to set up your marketing so that it generates recurring revenue.

In this episode we discuss:

How do you create a marketing plan and what is it?

The smoothing out of the marketing cycle to bring in consistent recurring revenue.
Identifying your ideal client avatar and where to find them.
Marketing funnels; from an impression to a closed sale.
Determining marketing cost of each funnel vs. economic value.
How knowing your numbers is vital in planning your marketing funnels.
Creating your own opportunities to make an impression.
Looking at marketing not as an expense, but as an investment.

Contact Info:

SOCIAL LINKS & Contact Info -

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Avatar Worksheet: https://lawfirmmentor.net/avatar/

Check Out My Latest Interview on SalesPop Podcast: https://salespop.net/sales-marketing-alignment/effective-intake-phone-sales-for-law-firms/?fbclid=IwAR1ZSeJx8bXjwCylB5b3wX3w6W5W1odEguhfIr5ev5ULtLIcj8SfvPabb8E

Link to More Money, More Free Time Course:

https://law-firm-mentor.teachable.com/p/webinar-package/

Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

She received her B.S., magna cum laude, and her M.S., summa cum laude, from Florida State University. She received her J.D., cum laude, from Syracuse University College of Law.

Snip-Its:

00:34:19 (50 Seconds)

When you when you lump it all together, it becomes very, very challenging for you to target your message using that ideal client avatar. And it becomes very challenging for you to make accurate projections. Because what you can expect off of search engine optimization, very different than what you can expect off a person to person marketing or person to person networking. OK, so I want you to envision that series of funnels, right? This is what our marketing plan is. You're going to have that series of funnels for each marketing activity that you do, and then you're going to start applying some numbers. OK. So the first number that you have to apply to this is the number of clients that you project from each of those activities. Right? Top of the funnel, you're going to have a really big number. Bottom of the funnel, not so much.

00:42:07 (59 Seconds)

Now, I would never recommend that you build your law firm on one funnel. You have to know again the impressions of a particular funnel leading down to the clients. And you're going to be hypothesizing, at least at the beginning, until you have done the marketing activity with regularity and consistency, enough to know that on the balance you can project reasonably. This particular funnel leads to a certain amount of clients and you need to know what types of cases are being generated from each funnel so that you can do that math as well. Right. So the example I gave you earlier, public speaking, one stage equals thirty thousand dollars. That thirty thousand dollars wasn't one thirty thousand dollar case. It might be on average six five thousand cases or it might be twelve twenty five hundred dollar cases. But if you don't know the difference, you don't know how to prepare for the work that's going to come in from your marketing.

To Holiday Bonus or NOT to Holiday Bonus

Tue, 08 Dec 2020 08:00:00 +0000

No one likes to be seen as a Scrooge, but with everything that’s happened this year how do law firm owners approach the idea of Holiday bonuses? In today’s episode we are going to look at how to answer this question not from an emotional perspective but from a financial management perspective.

In this episode we discuss:

The mindset of giving a holiday bonus.

Basing your decision by the metrics of financial well management.

The feelings of guilt and shame that can be associated with not giving a bonus.

Making it about them, not about you.
Distinguishing between a holiday bonus, an incentive and a gift.
The danger of prioritizing others to the detriment of your business.
How your own feelings of self-worth can influence your business decisions.
The importance of helping your team to understand how money works in your business culture.

Contact Info:

SOCIAL LINKS & Contact Info -

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

She received her B.S., magna cum laude, and her M.S., summa cum laude, from Florida State University. She received her J.D., cum laude, from Syracuse University College of Law.

Snip-Its:

00:30:05

And so when the owner realizes that they have set up this mismatch of expectations. Right. Employee expects to get it because they're employed and owner expects that you will get it only if the firm is producing a certain amount of money and only if you do certain things, then oftentimes there's a triggering of guilt and shame, particularly guilt, because the owner perceives that he or she did not lead the employee to a reasonable expectation.

00:34:06

If you are prioritizing others to the detriment of your business, meaning you don't have it, but you're going to pay it out by virtue of taking a loan or you're going to pay it out by virtue of not taking the salary, or you're going to pay it out by virtue of not making an investment in the future. What you are really doing is saying that my need as the business owner to feel good about myself supersedes your needs as the employees to have a fiscally sound employment, you know, experience.

Choose Wisely When You Hire

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 08:00:00 +0000

When it comes to hiring for your law firm there are three elements you need to consider: when to hire, who to hire and how to hire. Today we are going to be looking at all three elements and some ways you can take the chaos out of the hiring process.

In this episode we discuss:

Considering your business model before you hire.

Knowing when it makes sense for your business to hire.
Weighing monetizing versus convenience when making your hiring decision.
How your mindset about money will dictate your level of comfort dealing with it.
The importance of systems and having someone to run those systems.
Removing yourself from the epicenter of your business.
Optimizing the performance of key team members and empowering them.
Knowing that bringing on a new hire takes an investment, an expense in training.
Recognizing your zone of genius and spending your time there.

Contact Info:

SOCIAL LINKS & Contact Info -

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Thrive Tribe Tactics January 2021: http://lawfirmmentor.net/thrive-tribe-tactics/

Bio:

Allison Williams Bio

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

She received her B.S., magna cum laude, and her M.S., summa cum laude, from Florida State University. She received her J.D., cum laude, from Syracuse University College of Law.

Snip-Its:

00:11:36

How much do we expect this person to bring into the business based on the work that they do and then, of that stream of revenue, a certain portion goes to the lawyer. So if you think about it, there are three primary expenses that you're going to have in a law firm. You're going to have compensation to the person doing the work. You're going to have the overhead to do the work. And that's the stuff of the files, right. The the ink, the paper, the machines, the licenses, all of the stuff of running the business. And then you're going to have the profit. And you need to have profit, even if you're not planning to take that profit and stick it in your pocket. You need to have profit in order to reinvest in the business and also to weather the economic storms of unexpected expenses, downturns and market.

00:18:21

We either get convenience over money too soon, i.e. we're tired of working so hard. So we work harder to the point where we feel like we can't work any harder. And then we go out and get an employee, whether we have properly monetized that person or not or whether we can actually afford that person or not. And then we have added to our stress, because now we've taken away the stress of having too much do. But we've added the stress of hustling to pay somebody. That is not a wise choice.

00:31:10

But the goal is to look at how you can monetize work upward. OK. That means from the bottom up, you want every person that comes into the business to create more billing opportunity or more collecting opportunity or more monetizing opportunity or more selling opportunity for people that are higher up the food chain. So that may very well mean that when you hire someone that that person isn't going to be a biller. They're not going to be directly working with clients, that they're going to create economic space for others that are.

The #1 Way to Double Your Revenue in ONE YEAR!

Tue, 24 Nov 2020 08:00:00 +0000

If you want your law firm to generate more revenue where do you start? Many lawyers try to work harder to generate more leads in the hopes that generating more leads will turn into more clients, which will turn into more money. In today’s episode we're going to talk about how that’s the worst approach to making more money and what the one approach you need to take to double your revenue in one year.

In this episode we discuss:

Four things you need to stop doing and one thing you need to start doing in order to grow your revenue.

Why working harder doesn’t necessarily produce more and better results.

How more leads won’t help if you don’t know how to sell.

That selling is not about you, but about the client.

How stepping and fetching for your client does not build respect.
Billing more work to make more money and how the math doesn’t work.
The importance of consistency in…

Contact Info:

Scheduler: https://meetme.so/LawFirmMentor

Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

She received her B.S., magna cum laude, and her M.S., summa cum laude, from Florida State University. She received her J.D., cum laude, from Syracuse University College of Law.

Snip-Its:

00:08:53 – 42 Seconds

So working harder does have its limits, even for those of us that can put in 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 hours a week, there will be a cap to that. And the problem is we don't often know where that cap is. So when you create a strategy that says I'm going to work harder in order to get myself to that next place, you are always going to have a question mark as to how far you can go because your body and your mind require rest and rejuvenation to work at your best. And if you deprive either your mind or your body or likely both, of that rest, you are going to see not only diminishing returns, but you're going to hit a cap at some point. And let me tell you, the cap is not necessarily what we think it is, right.

00:18:07 – 40 Seconds

So a lot of those people that you would refer to the marketing company as bad leads are really not bad leads. They're just the subject of bad selling because you don't know how to sell, OK? And if you don't know how to sell and if you think of yourself as just a professional and not a salesperson, I hate to break it to you. If you own a business, you are in the business of sales. If you don't sell anything in your business, you don't have a business, you have a hobby. You have to sell people on the idea of working with you. And that does not mean convincing them or tricking them or persuading them. That means getting in touch with what their problem is and offering them a solution and doing it in a way that it's all about the client.

How to Scale a Law Firm

Tue, 10 Nov 2020 08:00:00 +0000

Too many lawyers stand in their own way of making their law firm a success. In today’s episode, my guest Ken Hardison and I will talk about what you are doing to impede your firm’s success and what you can do about it starting today.

In this episode we discuss:

The top 3 barriers to growing a law firm.

The key to hiring and retaining your team.

The cost of making a bad hiring decision.

The responsibility to train that comes with hiring a new employee.
Key reasons people leave a law firm and the first reason isn’t money!
The seven levers of cash flow needed to have a successful law business.
How small changes to expenses and fees can make large increases to profit.
Staying compliant and dealing with complaints.
Differentiating your law business from all the others without competing on price.

Contact Info:

Ken@pilmma.org

https://www.pilmma.org

800-497-1890

Bio:

Ken Hardison

From Website: https://www.lawyernc.com

After completing his undergraduate work at Campbell University, where he graduated with honors, Mr. Hardison enrolled in Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law at Campbell University. Upon receiving his Juris Doctorate in 1982, he quickly went into practice in Dunn, North Carolina.

In 27 years of practice, Mr. Hardison has acquired many accolades, which he attributes to his focused attention to each and every client he represents.

Mr. Hardison’s ethics, integrity and standards have set the path for which the Firm operates on a daily basis. He is described by attorneys and staff as someone who puts the client first, is very experienced and is always willing to help no matter the problem.

Allison Williams

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

She received her B.S., magna cum laude, and her M.S., summa cum laude, from Florida State University. She received her J.D., cum laude, from Syracuse University College of Law.

Snip-Its:

00:22:14 – (40 Seconds) Ken Hardison

I just think that you've got to hire people that are stronger than you are, that complement your weaknesses. And what you need to do is take your strengths and leverage them. (Yeah.) And I think that's the way you're going to be happier. Because whatever you're good at but you've got a passion for, right, or you wouldn't be good at it. (Right.) And that's what makes you happy. So do the stuff that makes you happy and you've got a passion for, when you can afford to. I mean, I know sometimes when you're starting out, you gotta do, you gotta where, you gotta do some stuff you don't really like to do. And that's just part of life. You know. You got to crawl before you can walk, walk before you can run. You know, things like that. But the sooner you can get there, the more happy you're going to be. And I'll be honest with you. You'll make loads more money.

Getting Your Financial House in Order

Tue, 03 Nov 2020 08:00:00 +0000

In 2021 law firm finances will be the new sexy, or at least they should be after everything that happened in 2020. In today’s episode I have invited my guest Shawnna Weber to talk about ways you can crush chaos in the areas of bookkeeping and billing.

In this episode we discuss:

How to know it’s time to outsource some of the billing and bookkeeping.
Recognizing the value of your time and determining its best use.
Determining when a bookkeeper should be brought in-house.
Understanding your tax obligations and the different ways taxes are paid into the system along with identifying legitimate business expenses that can be deducted.
The differences between your Accountant and Bookkeeper and why you need both.

The importance of reviewing your reports for correct expense categories and charges for items no longer used or needed.

Key financial reports to review on a regular basis.
Using trend reports to anticipate income and determine marketing decisions.
The importance of staying proactively involved in your finances.
Tips for maximizing your funds as the year comes to a close.

Contact Info:

Contact Information for Shawna

SOCIAL LINKS

https://www.edgewoodbusinesssolutions.com/

https://www.edgewoodbusinesssolutions.com/faces-of-finance

https://www.facebook.com/edgybusinesssolutions

https://www.instagram.com/edgysolutions/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnnaweber/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/edgewood-business-solutions

success@edgysolutions.com

OFFER

We are offering a Financial Deep Dive for $999 which includes reviewing your 2020 year to date bookkeeping and making recommendations for classification and any strategies you can implement now or discuss with your CPA. To sign up for a complimentary 15 minute call about the offer go to edgewood business solutions.as.me/financialdeepdiveintrocall or email us at success@edgysolutions.com

Bio:

Shawna Weber Bio:

Shawnna Weber is the host of the Faces of Finance podcast and the CEO of California based Edgeworth Business Solutions, a business consulting and bookkeeping firm that challenges the traditionally transactional model of financial management. Shawnna founded the company in 2011 with a goal of developing long lasting consultative relationships with clients that allow them to decrease their expenses while driving profitability. And in doing so, Shawnna and her team have managed over 60 million dollars in assets across their client base and have negotiated and implemented strategies saving companies over one million dollars over the past seven years.

Allison Williams Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

She received her B.S., magna cum laude, and her M.S., summa cum laude, from Florida State University. She received her J.D., cum laude, from Syracuse University College of Law.

Snip-Its:

00:19:45 (33 Seconds) - Shawnna

I would say meeting with your CPA is really equally as important and that can be less frequent. But I would say at least twice a year. And a lot of people think, oh, I just need it during tax time, but sometimes by tax time, it can be a little late to take advantage of any strategies. So we say please meet once towards the end of the year and then another at tax time. And, really you want to reach out when there's any changes in your business. I mean, maybe you're looking to purchase an office space or you're adding another partner. Any major changes should be communicated so you don't get to tax time, and your CPA is like, oh, if you told me that last year, I could have helped you with that. So.

00:21:12 (50 Seconds) – Allison

My accountant, so my accountant can shoot me a message and say, hey, I know that you just added three new team members and I know that you've got bonuses coming up at the end of the year or I know you're going to be doing some some gifting through the company. Let's figure out the best way to do that so that we can maximize your tax benefit. And if you have those two different professionals that don't ever communicate, the bookkeeper is on one place, the accounting team is on another place, then you as the business owner have to really be intentional about bringing your financial team together to give you advice periodically. And it doesn't take a whole lot to do that. I mean, it literally is just schedule yourself a quarterly meeting and invite them both to come and have everybody have access to the reports so that you can have those strategy sessions. Don't be passive in trying to get advice for your business. You have to be intentional about seeking that.

Law Firm Hiring 101: The Three Key Needs

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 07:00:00 +0000

One area that many lawyers struggle in is hiring the right person for the right position for your firm. Often this struggle stems from focusing solely on aptitude and not considering key characteristics you need to look at for every position you fill in your firm. Today we are going to explore these three characteristics and what you can do to hire rock stars for your firm.

In this episode we discuss:

The three characteristics important for every hire no matter for what position.
The importance of asking for examples and an impromptu demonstration of aptitude.
Being aware of what aptitudes and attitudes fit best into your company culture.
The different meanings of ‘team player’ and how that can impact a hiring outcome.
How a hiring decision can impact company culture or even be used to change and/or advance your current company culture.

Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

She received her B.S., magna cum laude, and her M.S., summa cum laude, from Florida State University. She received her J.D., cum laude, from Syracuse University College of Law.

Snip-Its:

00:15:54 (35 Seconds)

And what I have found since we have started implementing a practical skills component of our interview process is that people oftentimes will report that they have the ability to do something. And then when they are asked to show it, when they're asked to demonstrate it, when they're asked even just to give you a concrete example, they oftentimes cannot do that. And when they can't do that, you know that they either are not confident in their ability or if they are, that they just simply don't have the skill that they allege that they did.

00:34:45 (45 Seconds)

When you hire a misfit, you are also creating an opportunity for yourself. So in every lost opportunity, in every struggle, in every strife and every discord, there is the opportunity for greatness that comes with that. And if you bring somebody into your business who does not fit the culture that's here, is that an opportunity to reform your culture? Positive and negative. Right. So sometimes you may be looking to keep exactly what you have, in which case you want to hire somebody who's exactly like the people that are already here. And other times you might want to step out of your existing culture because you want to reform your culture. You want your culture to advance.

Who's Handling Your Client Intake?

Tue, 20 Oct 2020 16:00:00 +0000

One of the questions I’m asked frequently is how do you create an efficient and effective client intake system? And how do you hire someone who can handle this so that you can convert more of your client intake calls? Today we’re going to talk about client intake and what you need to do to improve your sales process.

In this episode we discuss:

The three components of the ideal person to do your intake.
Acknowledging the importance of the intake person’s effectiveness for the success of your business.
Training the right intake person through demonstration to optimize their performance.
Setting goals based on metrics to continually increase production.
Using recordings (if you are allowed in your state) to provide feedback for both praise and improvement.
Overcoming the discomfort of knowing you are being recorded.
The influence that pace, volume, tone and the ability to listen have on your intake conversations.
Balancing the conversation of scheduling a consultation with the sincere expression of empathy.

Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

She received her B.S., magna cum laude, and her M.S., summa cum laude, from Florida State University. She received her J.D., cum laude, from Syracuse University College of Law.

Snip-Its:

00:03:52 (35 Seconds)

It is not sufficient that you get a really likable person who's kind of just going through the motions of doing whatever it is that you ask them to do. Not saying that this person has to be someone who's going to set the world on fire. But you have to expect that a person who is in this role, who's going to be front facing forward, client facing most of their time, they have to be the kind of person that enjoys talking to people. They need to have the type of personality that engages through the phone because most of our sensory information comes in through our eyes.

00:07:31 (40 Seconds)

But before you even get to the point of getting them to selling, you have to have the right mindset for what they're doing on the phone. And one of the things that we found in the industry of looking at people that are successful with intake is they are naturally inquisitive people. That means they are going to naturally be oriented toward asking questions and figuring out what's going on and digging deeper beyond the surface of what they're told, because if they take at face value everything that a person says on the phone before that person gets into your office, you will oftentimes have a glut of people to meet with who are just not appropriate prospects for your office whatsoever.

Never Too Late for Success

Tue, 13 Oct 2020 07:00:00 +0000

We set business goals at the beginning of the year with every intention of meeting them. But life can get messy and this year things got VERY messy. In today's episode I am going to teach you 3 strategies you can use to get your business back on track. These are concrete strategies that you can not only use right away but that you can work on RIGHT NOW as I outline them for you.

In this episode we discuss:

What to do when you find yourself off course from making your goals due to unplanned challenges out of your control, such as covid.
The importance of knowing your numbers when evaluating your business.
How your reaction to unplanned challenges can impact business outcomes.
Taking personal responsibility for your choices as they influence and contribute to outcomes going forward.
Owning control over the things that you can control.
Taking stock of your mental health and mindset.
Asking yourself how you have maintained or changed your standards to adjust to a changed workplace.
The impact PPP loans may have on your tax bill due to be paid next year.
How there’s still time for an amazing fourth quarter with the right course corrections.

Bio:

In 2018, Ms. Williams created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. She helps solo and small law firm attorneys grow their business revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

She received her B.S., magna cum laude, and her M.S., summa cum laude, from Florida State University. She received her J.D., cum laude, from Syracuse University College of Law.

Snip-Its:

00:17:21 (47 Seconds)

00:35:57 (43 Seconds)

00:41:31 (19 Seconds)

"Busy" is the Enemy of "Productive"

Tue, 06 Oct 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Are you busy or are you productive? There is a difference between the two and while being productive can help you to be successful and generate revenue, being busy can actually hamper growth.

In this episode we discuss:

Focusing on being productive, not just busy.
Being intentional in all the work that you do.
The acronym FOCUS: First define, Organize, Communicate, Use your discretion, Systematize
First defining specific goals that are measurable, and how to reach them.
Organizing and controlling your calendar at the macro level and then at the micro level.
Communicating your schedule to others firmly and having ‘teeth’ in your rules.
Using your discretion if deviation from a rule is required to handle a one-time situation.
Systematizing to ensure a smooth work process even when uncontrollable situations arise, such as covid.
How FOCUS can free you, giving you the ability to be productive and plan your productivity.

Snip-Its

00:02:18

So whether you're actually getting what you want or not, the feeling that you are moving toward what you want is almost like an addictive sort of internal feeling. And if you're not careful and you're not very intentional about it, you can be working really hard and feel like you're getting a lot done when in fact you're not. And you look up one day and you say, I have been working so hard for so long, but I'm only making one hundred thousand dollars or I've been working so hard for so long, but I only have two hundred and fifty thousand dollars in revenue. And I'm frustrated and I'm exhausted.

00:09:44

You go into all the ways that you can't because you haven't committed to whatever the goal is, because the reality is if you create a goal and you put it firmly in front of you, you write it down and you commit to it, then whatever comes into your mind as a way of achieving that goal, at least on the surface, has some level of ability to help you reach your goal. It doesn't mean that every thought you have is going to be one that you follow from thought to completion. But it has some ability. And that's because as soon as we start to direct our mind toward what we desire, the ways and means for us to achieve that goal is there.

00:51:38 – A bit long at 1 minute

When those types of major events happen, systems give you a level of continuity and a level of ease to be able to solve problems that you don't have when you are flying by the seat of your pants. And most lawyers instinctively know that, which is the reason why most law firm owners don't want to grow. They desire to grow. Right. They, and in their heart of hearts, they say, I want more. I know that I can help more people. I know that I can make a bigger impact. I know that I can make more money. I know that I can have a better existence. I can work nine to five Monday through Friday if I structure my business to be that. But it can't be that. If I want it to be that, I could be nine to five Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and I take Tuesday and Thursday off with my young kids, or to just give myself thought work time, or to be with my family or to be creative working in another business. But I can't do that. I can't have that. I have all of the story wrapped in the I can't. I won't.

Making Decisions When Resources Are Scarce

Tue, 29 Sep 2020 07:00:00 +0000

What could you accomplish if there were no limits? As lawyers we tend to be grounded in reality, which can actually limit what we can achieve in our practice and in our lives. Today I want to show you how a different thought framework will allow you to make decisions which can help you achieve growth in any economic climate.

In this episode we discuss:

Having a fixed mindset versus a growth mindset.
What is the scarcity mindset and why is it toxic?
Changing the power of a feeling through thought work.
A framework for using your desire to materialize what you want:
- What is it that you want?
- Do you believe you can have it now?
- Do you believe that you can have it more than you believe you may fail?
- Do you believe that if you fail, you’ll recover better off than if you had not tried?

How failures can set you free and make you better off.

Contact Info:

To contact Allison:

Website – https://lawfirmmentor.net/

Facebook – https://facebook.com/LawFirmMentor

Instagram – https://instagram.com/Law_Firm_Mentor

Twitter – https://twitter.com/Law_Firm_Mentor

Email – law.firm.mentor@gmail.com

Bio:

About Allison:

Allison C. Williams, Esq., is The Law Firm Mentor. Law Firm Mentor is a Business Coaching service for solo and small law firm attorneys. It helps lawyers to grow their revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. Law Firm Mentor was born out of Allison’s experience starting a law firm and scaling its revenues into a multi-million dollar business in only three years. She shares her extensive knowledge of business, mindset coaching and entrepreneurship alongside her team in Law Firm Mentor.

Allison is also Founder and Owner of the Williams Law Group, LLC, with offices in Short Hills and Freehold, New Jersey. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, is Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Matrimonial Law Attorney, and is the first attorney in New Jersey to become Board-Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in the field of Family Law. Allison is a member of the New Jersey Board on Attorney Certification (NJBAC) – Matrimonial Committee, a New Jersey Supreme Court committee that determines eligibility of candidates to be certified as a recognized practitioner in the field of matrimonial law.

Allison has been named a Rising Star Attorney by the New Jersey Super Lawyers franchise continuously from 2008 – 2013, and has been named a Super Lawyer by that organization for 2014 – present. In 2016, she was featured in the Super Lawyers publication (Williams v. The Rubber Stamp), she has been named one of the Top 50 Women Super Lawyers in New Jersey from 2017-2020 and in 2019-2020, was voted in the Top 100 Super Lawyers and Top 50 Women Super Lawyers in the State of New Jersey.

Allison is an accomplished businesswoman. In 2017, the Williams Law Group won the LawFirm500 award, ranking 14th of the fastest growing law firms in the nation, as Ms. Williams grew the firm 581% in three years. She won the Silver Stevie Award for Female Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017. In 2018, Allison was voted as NJBIZ’s Top 50 Women in Business and was designated one of the Top 25 Leading Women Entrepreneurs and Business Owners. In 2019, Allison won the Seminole 100 Award for founding one of the fastest growing companies among graduates of Florida State University.

In 2018, Allison created Law Firm Mentor, a business coaching service for lawyers. Through multi-day intensive business retreats, group and one-to-one coaching, and strategic planning sessions, Ms. Williams advises lawyers on all aspects of creating, sustaining and scaling a law firm business – and specifically, she teaches them the core foundational principles of marketing, sales, personnel management, communications and money management in law firms.

She received her B.S., magna cum laude, and her M.S., summa cum laude, from Florida State University. She received her J.D., cum laude, from Syracuse University College of Law.

Snip-Its

00:03:11

So a lot of people will believe that they are restricted by their race, their gender, their region of the world, their economic circumstances, their parentage, ancestry, their political beliefs. They'll believe that there is only so much that can be done and they will only achieve up to the height of that possibility. And when you start to hear someone talk about what is not possible, oftentimes it is because they are focusing on the how and not focusing on a framework that we're going to talk about today that's actually going to give you the ability to start to see possibilities where you don't currently see them.

00:12:07

And thought work is a framework for how to look at problem solving, that does not start with the tactic or the strategy. It starts with understanding that your circumstance is what it is. So we have to accept the circumstance. And if we cannot immediately change the circumstance, we have to then think about how we are thinking about our circumstances. Because our thoughts about a circumstance are going to cause us to have a certain feeling. And the power of that feeling is going to dictate what action or inaction we take that will lead to a result.

00:27:00

00:44:59

But if you don't want to wait 10, 15, 20 years to get to a place where you are happy with the life that you are living after, you are too old to enjoy it. Or frankly, don't have the stage of life where you're able to physically or emotionally or financially enjoy it because you have other priorities, and you want your success today, then it's time to get out of the scarcity mindset so that you can ultimately get yourself to the place that you want.

Adapting to Change with Surge Staffing

Tue, 22 Sep 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Law firms have been behind the curve when it comes to adapting to the idea of remote staffing. But with the onset of COVID, we’ve had no choice but embrace this concept. Now we are faced with the question “How do we make this work?”

In this episode we discuss:

Creating community in an entirely virtual firm
Article – what to do in a pandemic
The impact of economic downturn on the legal industry
Business interruption and bankruptcy – planning for what’s to come
Why it’s essential to have a curated network of legal professionals
Hire for talent, but place the rock stars where they are exceptional
The chicken or the egg of staffing
Strategies for remote teams – per diem or per project?
Batch working versus batch billing – kill the interruption
The benefits of an “impressions memo”
Basic, Advanced or Advanced – plus –

Contact information for Genny and De Novo:

786-251-5814 - Direct

305-925-0229 - Company

genny@denovoreview.com

https://denovoreview.com/

Bio:

Genny Castellanos

Genny Castellanos is an experienced civil litigator and appellate lawyer. Genny is the founder and CEO of De Novo Review, a national provider of managed attorneys aimed at supporting and helping law firms and legal departments throughout the United States to scale their law practice. De Novo Review is a dynamic legal staffing company dedicated to providing high quality, experienced attorneys for complex litigation and appellate research, drafting, and courtroom work. Before De Novo Review, Genny practiced law at top regional law firms in the areas of commercial litigation and appeals.

Genny graduated in the top 15% of her law school class and was a judicial clerk for the Honorable Robert M. Gross, Florida Fourth District Court of Appeal.

De Novo Review is the first and most trusted national curated network connecting law firms with attorneys and legal staff. De Novo hand selects the right law team for you at the right price, and can also improve your processes and workflows. De Novo's network gives you litigation and appellate support for your current cases as well as capacity to take on cases in other areas of law and expand to other jurisdictions without limits.

Contact De Novo today for a free consultation and get your first 5-hour project done for just $249.

The top 5% of world class legal talent on-demand, vetted, and matched to your needs--De Novo Review handles the hard part of hiring so you don't have to.

www.denovoreview.com

Snip-Its

18:06 Genny Castellanos

So I thought, well, this isn't the most efficient way to manage a workforce. And kind of that's what birthed De Novo Review. I also saw that technology was enabling us to work from wherever, and I couldn't imagine why firms were using, spending so much money on overhead costs. So I thought, wait a second, I can eliminate this overhead cost. All it takes is a computer and knowing how to hire the right person for the right price, for the right place.

18:39 Allison Williams

The right person, for the right price, for the right place. So that's kind of like the the key catch phrase there. And I think so many solo and small law firms really compete to or struggle to grow, because of this issue of getting the right people. Right. So there's like a a limiting belief we have if there are no good people or all the good people work for big law or if you have good people and they don't work for big law and they're willing to come work for you. You're not going to be able to afford them. They're going to create mistakes. They're going to become a problem for you. There's a lot of risk associated with that.

24:26 Genny Castellanos

When hiring, so one of the key things that I do and it's one of my secrets is that when I hire, I hire somebody. But I don't necessarily keep them in that position. I put people to do what they're good at. And so the sooner you find out what the person is good at, even if you hired them for something else. If they've got a good work ethic, they like working with you, you like working with them, find the right position in your company to put them because you have gold there. You just might have them in the wrong place in your company.

Your Practice as Your Most Valuable Asset

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 07:00:00 +0000

As attorneys, we don't always think of our practice as a business but it is, in fact, the most valuable asset we have. It is important to understand the value of a practice and the right way to exit your business if you feel it is time for a change.

In this episode we discuss:

Creating enterprise value while planning an exit strategy
What is enterprise goodwill
How it’s all about cash flow
The three ways to exit a business
How a business is valued
The importance of mindset
The retirement income gap
Financial tools for estimating the worth of your business
Capturing growth and investing it for the future
Security in knowing you can create more
The importance of Buy-Sell Agreements

Bio:

Michael’s mission is to help associations, business owners, executives and their families make prudent financial decisions to avoid financial failure. Michael coaches his clients on the academics of investing, based upon Nobel Prize economist’s investment strategies and theories.

During the exit planning process, Michael help his business owner clients discover their exit objectives. These objectives include identifying how much money they need to receive from the sale of their business to maintain their lifestyle during retirement, identify the most effective way to transfer their business and to whom do they wish to transfer the business.

Michael joined Strategies for Wealth in 2004, after personally experiencing their uncommon planning process as a client since 2000. Prior to Strategies for Wealth, he was a partner with Let’s Talk Business Network, an entrepreneurial support community. He began his professional career at Deloitte & Touche and BDO Seidman.

Michael received is Bachelors’ of Science in Accounting from State University at Albany and his Masters of Business Administration at New York University Stern School of Business. Michael has been a board member of Marlboro Jewish Center, Special Strides Riding Academy and NIPD/NJ (National Institute for People with Disabilities of New Jersey. Michael and his family work closely with 3Hearts4Paws, a dog rescue in Marlboro, NJ. They have fostered over 100 dogs over the last few years and have 6 rescue dogs of their own.

Snip-Its

00:20:11 - (Michael Ringel) How much is your portion of that business worth? And will that be enough money? Plus your personal balance sheet to be able to produce the cash flow for you in retirement, to enjoy the lifestyle that you worked so hard to achieve? And if it is, that's great to know and that gives you the ability to leave at any time. And if you don't, then you need to do one of two things, you need to save more money. You really need to grow the business to produce that enterprise value such that when you sell your portion of the business that is going to fulfill the gap or you have to reduce the amount of money that you're going to require in retirement.

00:31:37 (Allison) And I wanted the same thing that just about every small law firm owner that I know wanted. I wanted security. I wanted I'm going to I'm going to grind it out for a little while and then I'm going to land at having arrived and it will be easy. And that's the myth that we all reach for. Right. So I had to outgrow that myth. And that only came through working with coaches to really get into my head space and say, wait a minute, you know, the security doesn't come from money in the bank. The security comes from the ability to generate more money when you need it as you need it. And so that is what we ultimately help lawyers to create. And that that, you know, getting out of that that pattern of thinking, you know, X dollars is going to create safety for me is empowering so that they can create that economic safety, that safety net. But recognizing that if that safety net goes away, you're still secure because you can create more.

00:40:04 (Allison) The power is in the plan that comes before the fall because there is always going to be the shit happens moment. And we don't know that it's going to be in the dissolution of the partnership. But much more often than not, partnerships dissolve. So all of you that hear that stat of businesses fail within the first five years in professional practices, it's not often that the lawyer that owns the firm is suddenly not able to own the firm anymore. It's often that there is a business dissolution.

Become Your Law Firm's Referral Ninja

Tue, 08 Sep 2020 07:00:00 +0000

We all know that closing new business can be challenging in the best of times - especially for those who do not consider themselves to be engaged in "selling" during the new prospect consultation process. We want to seize upon every possible advantage in helping prospects to choose to hire us. For that reason, most business owners understand the value of generating referrals.

But what exactly IS a referral? How can a lawyer build a sustainable practice that generates continuous referrals without spending all day every day "pound the pavement" to secure them? Should we be paying for referrals? If not, where should our referrals come from? We discuss this and more with today's guest, Stacey Brown Randall.

Specifically, in this episode we discuss:

Two things most prospects don’t have
Personally connecting to a human
Connection via email
Needs identification to make proper referrals

The difference between a referral, recommendation, testimonial, etc.

Why paid referrals aborts consistency
Having your client experience locked and loaded
The three stages of client development and building referrals strategically through each process
Your client “alumni” connection
Knowing your referral sources- and making the most of them

How referrals can help you stop selling

Why waiting for referrals is NOT “the way” to generate referrals

The biggest lies lawyers tell themselves about getting referrals

The Growth By Referrals program - one on one and online

To reach Stacey, check out:

Phone: (704) 363-7151

Email: Stacey@StaceyBRandall.com

LinkedIn: /in/staceybrandall

Twitter: @staceybrandall

Facebook: /StaceyBrownRandall

Skype: StaceyBRandall

To learn more about Stacey's program, Growth By Referrals, visit https://www.staceybrownrandall.com/growthbyreferrals

Snip-Its

00:22:50

Stacey Brown Randall: Being intentional with the people who've already referred you to nurture a relationship with them and use the right language. Plant those referral seeds so they continue to refer you.

00:23:02

Stacey Brown Randall: What people don't realize is that someone who referred you once before actually shows a propensity maybe to refer you again in the future.

00:23:11

Stacey Brown Randall: There's lots of times it's one and done. They'll never refer you, again, but many, many times when they've done it once it's something they would be willing to do a second time. We just need to create the right environment for them.

Solo Success Strategies: The First Attorney Hire

Tue, 01 Sep 2020 12:35:49 +0000

Today on the podcast you can catch Allison appear on Maximum Growth Live with hosts Seth Price and Jay Ruane, with special guest Nalini Prasad!

Seth and Jay interviewed the Law Firm Mentor, and we "talked shop" about business growth for law firms. The Law Firm Mentor provides business coaching to help law firm owners stop the chaos and get to a level of efficiency that will give them a dramatically more successful firm as well as a life with more free time. Allison weighs in on the struggles and benefits of hiring your very first associate.

In this episode we discuss:

Determining the right time to hire that first associate attorney
Hiring a “baby” lawyer versus an experienced lawyer
The importance of marketing, networking, asking, just getting out there
Using your marketing materials in multiple different ways
Compensation as a mechanism to fuel high-value growth in your team
Reminding associates of the value being provided
If being a solo lawyer can be “enough” for lawyers
And much, MUCH more!

FREE OFFER for listeners of the podcast

For this episode, Jay is offering a free 30-day trial of his program GetFirmFlex - here it is: https://www.getfirmflex.com/lp/law-firm-mentor/.

https://www.getfirmflex.com/

Allison’s Contact Information

https://Lawfirmmentor.net

Jay’s Contact Information

jay@ruaneattorneys.com
https://RuaneAttorneys.com

Seth’s Contact Information

https://booking.blusharkdigital.com

https://blusharkdigital.com

#CrushChaos #LawFirmMentor #NeverStopGrowing

Avoiding the Revolving Door of Associates

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 14:50:03 +0000

Most law firm owners fear growth. Or, more accurately stated, they fear growing their law firms because of the looming "RISK" they perceive inherent in adding bodies to the building. They fear the risk of losing time. The risk of losing clients. The risk of losing money. The risk of losing their reputations. And, most certainly, they fear the risk of malpractice, grievance or BOTH.

What most law firm owners have not figured out yet is that there IS a way to grow while mitigating risk. We cannot - CANNOT - eliminate all risk in business. Doing it all yourself presents a risk. Doing most of the work ourselves presents risk. Having the work done through others presents risk - the question is merely how best to mitigate that risk.

And, investing the time and energy in learning how to hire well limits the risk while expanding the opportunity to enjoy owning a business. In this episode, we cover the keys to finding that happy medium, including:

How to keep good team members
Why hiring a "baby lawyer" is almost never the best option
Why "cheaper" is almost universally WORSE when hiring lawyers
How to structure your law firm compensation to attract winners
Why compensation is more than just money
How business owners can communicate value in the role for which they are hiring
The need to accept what is and act accordingly
Whether to add rainmakers to your law firm
Understanding that people leave law firms ... and how to make peace with this reality
Why the maxim "People don't quit jobs; they quit managers" is not always accurate
and much MUCH more!

#CrushChaos #LawFirmMentor #NeverStopGrowing

Collect More Money in Your Law Firm

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 03:59:00 +0000

The issue of collecting money from clients plagues many small or solo law firms. The intricacies of protecting your attorney/client relationship while ensuring your firm stays afloat are difficult to navigate. In this episode of the Crushing Chaos with Law Firm Mentor podcast, I break down three tactics to help your law firm collect money.

From engaging in tough conversations with clients to evergreen retainers, this episode goes into the hard-core strategies needed to help you collect money in your law firm and helps you focus on what will move the needle in your business.

In this episode we discuss:

Having the money conversation without creating antagonism
The importance of explaining to your client what it is you are doing for them
Billing on a regular basis
Believing in your value and are deserving of being paid.
Not taking a client’s attitude or reactions about money personally
Separating the money relationship from the lawyering relationship
Learning to speak of money in a more positive context
Empowering your clients through educating them about the cost of legal transactions and litigation
Considering the use of evergreen retainers

Collections Training Recording // Collections Training Transcript

Be sure to download the webinar and save it to reference!

The Quick and Dirty Business Plan for Law Firms

Tue, 28 Jul 2020 03:59:00 +0000

Did you know that many business owners do not have a business plan? The complexities and nuances that go into building a firm and business planning in general are more important than you might think. In this episode of the Crushing Chaos with Law Firm Mentor podcast, executive coach and business consultant, Kathy D'Agostino, shares her knowledge and 25 years of experience to help you grow and invest in your business.

Whether or not you've prepared a basic business plan that you revisit once a year or you have not taken the time to plan yet, this episode will take actionable and relatively quick steps to hone in on your mission, values and vision.

In this episode we discuss:

Key components of a business plan
Mission statement and Values - the roadmap to get us there
Why personal values and business values are not dissimilar
Values - what matters to you
Generic and true values by industry
SWOT analysis - what is it?
Pre-work for SWOT analysis
Frugal, agile, efficiency - integrating these components in business in light of COVID
Finding out what others think about you ... by asking!
What stands out about me as a professional?
What can I do to have a stronger brand?
Internal and external threats
Narrowing down the goals - what needs to be tracked
Deciding what to measure
The downside of chasing too many squirrels
How to derail your distractions

Boss Moves: Quintupling Leads During COVID with Bridgette Bennett

Tue, 21 Jul 2020 03:59:00 +0000

In the time of COVID-19, countless business owners have pivoted from operating their businesses out of traditional brick and mortar locations to operating primarily online. While many businesses have made this transition to best serve their customers during these uncertain times, Law Firm Mentor client Bridgette Bennett excelled by following our advice by implementing very specific and strategic tactics online. These systems allowed Bridgette to continuing operating her business and gain more leads using non-traditional marketing strategy. Many of these strategies have been outlined in our LFM Accelerator Course.

In this episode, Bridgette and I discuss what she did to 5X her law firm leads in ONE WEEK through use of these non-conventional strategies.

In this episode we discuss:

Being inspired to lawyer from your own personal life experience
The realization that your law firm isn’t about you, but about the people in your future waiting for you.
Recognizing the need for mentorship to follow through and take action
Adapting to a new way of doing business when COVID-19 forced working from home
Staying connected with your team and the weight of responsibility you feel for them
Facing the challenges of speaking with PNCs on-line or by telephone
Accept that you can be scared of the uncertainty and be kind to yourself
The importance of exercise and enjoyable activities to reduce stress levels
Discovering solutions that are already there to be found
Overcoming insecurities and realizing the audience appreciates authentic, real people
How Facebook Lives immediately increased leads
The importance of letting go and trying different ways of doing things
Letting go of the good to get to the better!

Boss Moves: Business Success with Nicole Hull, Esq.

Tue, 14 Jul 2020 03:59:00 +0000

When you start a law firm, the hurdles and challenges of running a business and surrounding yourself with a team that can support you can be overwhelming. Sometimes the most important step you can take is asking for help and investing in your business. I am joined by Nicole Hull, Esq., a former Law Firm Mentor client, who applied a few basic steps to her business to create more money and more free time in a relatively short period of time.

In this episode, Nicole and I discuss how this act of investing in yourself and your business can make all the difference in your firm and in your life.

In this episode we discuss:

Some of the common hurdles faced when starting up a law firm business
Finding clients when you are the new attorney
The importance of finding resources and people for support and guidance
Surrounding yourself with smarter and more successful people than yourself
Being open to listen to honest feedback and the willingness to take action
The challenges of working with a partner or spouse
How developing systems can change everything
The importance of having a ‘Why’
How learning to let go and delegate can empower your team to excel
Investing in your new hires expecting a positive return
Losing the fear of letting a bad fit employee go to excel elsewhere
Finding and keeping the best employees to grow your team and maintain your company culture
The power and benefits of being coached

Cold Hard Truths about Owning a Law Firm

Tue, 07 Jul 2020 03:59:00 +0000

You may or may not know this already, but there are a lot of misconceptions that people have about owning a law firm as a business rather than just doing well in your practice. There is a lot that goes into lawyering and there is a lot that goes into owning a law firm. The lawyering part you know already, but owning a law firm and knowing the cold hard truths of what it really takes to be successful is a whole new realm with which you may be unfamiliar. Lots of people will give you advice, most likely leaving out the cold harsh truths, but not me.

In this episode, I want to talk about the cold hard truths of being the owner of a law firm and the journey of transcending the business to becoming the CEO of the business.

In this episode, I’ll discuss:

Four hard, cold truths about owning a law firm
How broke is a state of being, more than it is a reality
Why you can’t save your way out of being “broke”
The positive results of evolving your thinking and your patterns
Why you can’t punish your employees that are screwing up
The mindset of the employee versus the entrepreneur versus the CEO
Why you can’t expect the mediocre to evolve into rock stars
The value of using an assessment when hiring
A common tie between lawyering and self-esteem
How committing to being the CEO will mean having to redefine yourself
Balancing the energy of being a manager and the energy of being a leader
Leadership versus management

What Makes A Law Firm A Business?

Tue, 30 Jun 2020 03:59:00 +0000

Someone asked me the question, “how can I determine if my law firm is a real business?” You might be thinking, well, of course, if my doors are open and I’m selling legal services, I’m a business. But there really are some very fundamental differences between a law firm that can be very professional, providing services with the expectation of payment in some manner and a real business.

In this episode, I want to talk about what I consider to be the top three business indicators that define a sustainable business. Being able to identify these attributes in your law practice will give you greater insight into whether or not your law practice really constitutes a business.

In this episode, I’ll discuss:

The top 3 indicators of having a sustainable law firm business vs. a law practice
How the owner mindset determines what actions are being avoided
The hesitation to trust and train a new team member
The fear of how you may be perceived if you let someone go from your team
The resistance to following up with a prospect until you get to close or no
The importance of setting the expectations and leading by example
What sustainability means for you and your business
The chaos due to everyday workload versus lack of systems
The lawyers’ inherent struggle to delegate to and empower their team
The number one reason lawyers will stall in their growth
The benefits of achieving consistency in revenue besides just the money
The importance of having a framework for and understanding of how your money is spent
Planning for a less than 100% payment/collection rate

Innovation in a Post-Pandemic Era

Tue, 23 Jun 2020 03:59:00 +0000

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of lawyers are having a hard time adjusting to life in this post-pandemic era. The pandemic has leveled the playing field leaving solo attorneys and law firm business owners of all sizes in the same boat of economic uncertainty. As a solo attorney or business owner, nothing can be left to fate if you want your business to thrive. Now is the time to adapt and find innovative solutions as you move forward in an evolving post-pandemic landscape.

In this episode, we speak with Michael Whelan. Mike has worked in logistics, solo law practice, and legal media. Through his speaking, consulting, and writing, Mike aims to improve the lives of solo attorneys.

If you are looking for an innovative way to navigate the uncharted waters of our current post-pandemic era, then you won't want to miss this episode.

In this episode, Mike and I discuss:

Innovation as a life mantra
How starting law school in the 2008 recession created an innovator’s mindset
How to use Google my Business with NO website
Book recommendation: Business Model Generation
Book recommendation: Different by Young Mae Moon
The Lawyer Forward movement - what it is and how it helps lawyers
Book recommendation: The Business of Expertise, David Baker
The Availability of Substitutes in the marketplace
Story Grid book - and how it helps to create messaging
The ultimate book recommendation: Lawyer Forward: finding your place in the future of law
Breaking the cycle of being only as good as your next hour
How to STOP building a business model for others!
Why Lawyers are on Facebook, while their Service providers are on Twitter (and vice versa)

Hiring Virtual Assistants for Your Law Firm

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 03:59:00 +0000

As most law firm owners are making the shift from a partially or fully integrated virtual firm, most come to a halt when it comes to hiring virtual employees. If you have never experienced working with a virtual assistant then many questions may arise, such as: how much should you pay, what expectations are acceptable, or how to evaluate the performance for someone who isn’t physically present. When hiring virtual assistants expect a learning curve that will require your patience and time. The pay off will be worth it. Trust me.

In this episode, we speak with Brett Trembly, a former President of the South Miami Kendall Bar Association and former Vice-Chair of the Florida Bar 11th Circuit Grievance Committee 11 “I.” Brett has also been named a Super Lawyers Rising Star in Florida for the past three years.

Brett is well known for his outstanding law firm and how he created a whole business model around working with virtual assistants.

In this episode, Brett and I discuss:

The accelerated acceptance of hiring a virtual assistant fueled by the pandemic
Migrating from a VA for projects to a full-time VA that becomes an integral part of the team and the culture of your company
The importance of identifying all job responsibilities that can be delegated to a VA.
The recommendation that a VA be a full time
The learning curve to managing a virtual employee
The distinctions between an in-house employee and a VA
The pros and cons of going international for skilled Vas
Anticipating a boom in the need for bankruptcy attorneys and bankruptcy training
Maintaining confidentiality and security working with international VAs versus domestic Vas
The ability to hire high-end talent for less than U.S. wages while helping society as a whole
The benefits of managing your time and interruptions when structuring your interactions with your VA

How George Floyd's Murder Impacts Your Law Firm Communications

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 03:59:00 +0000

I wanted to take some time to address the issue that I think a lot of law firm owners are struggling with right now in light of what's going on in our country. And that's the issue of communications and in particular communications around touchy subjects.

There are a lot of ways that we can address traumatic events that happened but how can you communicate these events both externally to the public as well as internally among your teams and between the owner and others that work in the firm?

In this episode, I will discuss how law firm owners can systematize their communications during times of controversial and devastating events.

In this episode, we discuss:

Addressing sensitive, emotionally charged issues as leaders within our businesses
The fear of expressing genuine support when any and all attempts get unintended responses or consequences
The struggle to show support for the cause and do something meaningful that can affect change
Moving past the fear of judgment
Having the mindset to think strategically and smart about your approach
The importance of determining the scope of your communications
Deciding the frequency and consistency of your communications
Putting in place a process to measure the success of your messages
How core values contribute to the culture of your business and affect internal communications
Determining how much to share when both under sharing and oversharing can be detrimental
Considering how often you are going to communicate with your team and schedule

Show Me The Money: How to Get More Money In

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 03:59:00 +0000

Tough times lay ahead for a lot of business owners and their clients. Some clients may be behind on payments due to the current economic situation, leaving business owners struggling with billing collections. These last few months have posed a burden on us all. How can you and your business survive?

In this episode, we speak with Elizabeth Miller, Owner and Founder of Managing the Business of Practicing Law(R), which helps solo, small and mid-size law firms handle administrative matters, including billing time, collection procedures and a host of other business functions.

If you are looking for a solution to help streamline your billing processes and get paid, then this is the episode for you.

In this episode, Elizabeth and I discuss:

How delay in billing creates calamity
Ways to structure effective retainer agreements
Smoothing out the “billing edges”
Automating retainer replenishments in software
Flexibility in client billing
Ethical and expedient ways to raise hourly rates
Testing the waters to ensure clients have the ability to pay
Running interference between clients and attorneys when collecting fees
Extracting lawyers from billing to improve the collections process

Hiring Rock Stars: How To Get The Right People Doing The Right Things To Make Your Business Thrive

Tue, 26 May 2020 03:59:00 +0000

As we all move into motion with the economy slowly making its way to re-opening, now more than ever is the time to round up your All-Star Team so your business can continue to grow and thrive. In this episode we speak with Molly McGrath, the owner and founder of the company, Hiring and Empowering Solutions, the only team of management consultants offering hiring and training support to boutique law firms and solopreneur attorneys throughout the United States.

If you are ready to bring your A-Game and recoup what you’ve lost these last few months during the lockdown, then this is the episode you need to inspire and drive you forward.

In this episode, Molly and I discuss:

Writing an ad versus a job description
The resume: Skill set versus emotional intelligence
The hiring process – money mind-set and making the process transparent
The human need for time, attention and connection
Setting specific, measurable goals for the first 30 days of employment
The importance of communication when setting standards and expectations
Using Daily Huddles to follow-up and onboard
Growth Time: Dedicated and intentional time for training
Tracking ROI on time and cost of training
Transforming employees into future leaders

Your Online Business Card: Designing Your Firm's Website

Tue, 19 May 2020 03:59:00 +0000

For every lawyer your website is your home base, it’s where people find you and check you out even if they were personally referred to you. How do you define what a website is and what it is really designed to accomplish?

In this episode, we speak with Steve Ryan, Founder and CEO of RyTech LLC, a full-service digital marketing agency working with clients across the US at all stages of growth. Steve and I discuss one of my favorite topics of marketing, which is the online business card, i.e. the website.

In this episode, Steve and I discuss:

Website: Your place to convert
Story, Key Differentiator, Why Choose You
What are Key Differentiators
Creating a URL/landing page/ web address, to at least get your place online.
Websites as validation of your Credibility
Why controlling your message is KEY
Powerful Calls to Action
Content that answers questions - FAQs
Free tools to research key word - trend value over time
Optimizing your website to rank higher organically on key words
Live chat; chat bots - just bells and whistles? Measuring ROI?
Converting clients when your firm is not open
Content is King - Focus on Quality over quantity
Use of landing pages with video to increase conversion
Variables that impact the ROI for websites
The importance of Intake Tracking to validate the success of your website
Powerful use of Google My Business
Pacing the Google Algorithm

Video Marketing: The Dawn of Lead Generation

Tue, 12 May 2020 03:59:00 +0000

Content marketing is everywhere, it has saturated every outlet and has seen the most success within the realm of Social Media. Consumers gravitate towards video content more than anything else. If you are unsure where to allocate your marketing budget, Video Content is the first place to start and is where you can expect the most return. In this episode, I am joined with Mark Bullock, Co-Founder of Videosocials a video blogging platform for attorneys and other professionals.

In this episode, Mark and I discuss:

The power of video marketing for lead generation
Using video to enhance the know, like, and trust factor
Overcoming the resistance to how we look and sound on video
Practice makes perfect-enough!
Choosing content that connects
The synergy between email and video marketing
Double your email open rates through use of video
Building your content library

In The Age of Virtual Law: What Lawyers Can and Should Be Doing to Protect Client Information

Tue, 05 May 2020 09:00:00 +0000

As more firms are going virtual increased risks pose a threat to privacy security. When it comes to technology we as lawyers can tend to be laggards, but this can come at a cost that we can’t afford. In this episode Heinan and I discuss the importance of staying abreast technological advances necessary to preserve the privacy of client information in a virtual era and the challenges law firm owners face when it comes to these changes.

In this episode, Heinan and I discuss:

The exponential growth of technology
The emergence of AI (Artificial Intelligence)
Staying technologically current to compete and provide exceptional customer service
Using technology for risk mitigation
Using AI for transcription
Managing how you house your data and your clients’ data.
Overcoming the obstacle that is fear of change
Adapting to practice management systems
The myth of the paperless office
The importance of training and leading by example
A way to benchmark technology use called the Technology Operational Maturity Level (Self) Assessment, included in Heinan’s book
The importance of choosing an IT firm that understands your business and what you need technology to do for you

Going Solo: Benefits of Transitioning from Big Law to a Solo Attorney

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 09:00:00 +0000

Have you been thinking about making the leap from Big Law to having a practice of your own? It can be scary especially when there are so many unknowns to account for. In this episode, we speak with Carolyn Elefant, a law firm owner in Washington DC and a long time advocate of solo and small firm practice and lawyer entrepreneurship. Since 2002, Carolyn’s blog MyShingle.com has helped support thousands of lawyers with launching a practice. She is also author of Solo by Choice, the most comprehensive guide on starting a modern 21st century law practice.

Both Carolyn and I can attest that once you do make the leap the opportunities become clearer. Carolyn’s best advice is to stop over analyzing and JUST DO IT, once you start you can never lose.

In this episode, Carolyn and I discuss:

Transitioning from big law over to becoming a solo attorney as an energy lawyer.
The advantage of being a front runner to step out ahead of opportunity
The control and autonomy of being a solo attorney
How technology has dramatically improved accessibility to resources and information
Maintaining professionalism as a solo or small firm lawyer
Adapting to a changing marketplace and staying relevant
Gender diversity in the solo practice arena
Moving beyond the analysis and planning, to just going out and making it happen

Booking More Clients: Breaking the Price Shopper Paradigm

Fri, 24 Apr 2020 09:00:00 +0000

The method in which prospects seek information has resulted in Amazon-ified search results making it difficult to have a conversation that doesn’t just begin and stop at price dropping.

In this episode I am joined with Jan Roos, bestselling author of The Legal Marketing Fastland and CEO of CaseFuel, a marketing platform that helps law firm owners gain greater visibility into their pipelines, generate more leads, and close more deals.

In this episode, Jan and I will discuss:

Amazonify-ing your online search results
Going “niche” with your content
Being top of a list verses being the ONLY one on the list
Niching the “Normal”
Marketing metrics that matter
Creating association with groups to connect with Potential New Clients

Part 2: Business as UN-usual? Law Business in the Face of the Corona Virus.

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 09:00:00 +0000

Part 2 dives deep into proactive measures law firm owners can begin implementing to help adapt their business models during the current evolving landscape. A lot of owners are beginning to come to terms with the fact that they will need to virtualize their practice, and in response some may panic. The transition won’t be an easy feat, but it is possible. In this episode I stress the importance of setting standards, fine-tuning systems, and most importantly how to refrain from negative thoughts while you transform your business in the wake of the Corona Virus pandemic.

In this episode, I will discuss:

Typical responses to being confronted with a new or unknown circumstance
Dealing with data overload provided by the media
Adapting to the challenges of managing people remotely and maintaining a feeling of control
Resistance to a change in office culture
How new working environments will impact work performance in different ways
See the opportunities to evolve your workplace and identify your top performers
How these dramatic changes can improve your personal growth and leadership skills
Maintaining accountability and expectations while acknowledging difficult circumstances
Setting the standard as the leader and reducing the anxiety you feel inside yourself
The importance of using a visual communication process (such as Zoom) to create energy transfer
How to reframe negative thoughts
Making changes carefully and thoughtfully and how this is a good time to assess your business in 4 key areas: Marketing, Sales, Systems and People

Going Virtual: Benefits of Shifting to a Virtual Law Firm

Tue, 14 Apr 2020 09:00:00 +0000

The idea of going virtual is an increasing thought among many law firm owners, especially in the times we are going through with the COVID-19 pandemic. Increased productivity, accessibility, and cost savings is just some of the many benefits of going virtual. The process of transferring to a virtual firm however is where the real challenge lies. In this episode I am joined with Melanie Leonard, owner of Streamlined Legal, a consulting service that offers personalized consulting services, training, and education to law firms who are looking to create efficiencies with the use of practice management software.

In this episode, Melanie and I will discuss:

Moving from brick and mortar to virtual law office
Overcoming the challenges of physical things - faxes; mail; phone lines; etc.
Overcoming the resistance to creating a virtual law office
Implementing out of office activity from our in-office activity
Tech needs
Video conferencing to manage remote teams
Creating a work-space in the home
KPIs for remote employees

Content Is Still King: What Lawyers Can and Should Be Doing with Their Content

Tue, 07 Apr 2020 09:00:00 +0000

In the marketing world we are living at the height of content consumption and the landscape is competitive. Yes, content is still King and it is essential for the success of your marketing strategy. In this episode I am joined with Law Firm Entrepreneur Marc Cerniglia, founder of Spotlight Branding, a marketing firm committed to helping lawyers become unforgettable. Marc has a passion for helping professionals understand the truths and myths about internet marketing and educating them on how to get the most out of their marketing efforts.

In this episode, Marc and I will discuss:

Why content creation is important
How to formulate a marketing strategy
Why it’s impossible for every small law firm to succeed on SEO
Why law firms are only getting ⅓ of the referrals
The 3 ways content is consumed
Critical marketing systems all law firms should have
How to create a quick blog post in 20-30 minutes

Business as UN-usual? Law Business in the Face of the Corona Virus.

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 23:45:18 +0000

During the ordinance of Shelter in Place most of us are working remotely and engaging with clients in a way we are not used to. This is especially problematic for lawyers as our brains tend to go into the darkest of places when a problem arises. It’s not that we are negative thinkers, it’s just the way we are conditioned as lawyers. As soon as a problem arises the first place our mind goes is what could go wrong, then we proceed on how to solve it. It is important as business owners that we not only understand what’s happening, but also be proactive to avoid the toxic impact on your clients and your staff. In this episode I will present four things you can do now to stay emotionally and psychologically healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In this episode, I will discuss:

What does social distancing mean for our businesses?
The challenges of working remotely and engaging with people in a way you're not used to
Understanding what’s happening and being proactive to avoid a toxic impact
How we are hardwired from our subconscious evolution to believe things in one way or another
Thoughts brought on by circumstances and the feelings associated with those thoughts
How the conglomeration of negative thoughts is what leads to catastrophe
The idea that anxiety is something that is a thought about a future circumstance
How negative thoughts have a negative impact on the people who are doing the work with you and for you
Avoiding catastrophic thinking by getting into the habit of thinking about the neutrality of circumstances
The energy in stepping forward and showing up
Four things you can do now to keep yourselves emotionally and psychologically healthy through this process

Communications: How AI Can Help Achieve Happier Clients and Create More Qualified Leads

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 22:11:40 +0000

Maddy Martin has spent the last decade growing tech startups from New York to California, and most recently helping law firms streamline efficiencies with inbound and outbound communication. Maddy is the Head of Growth & Education at Smith.ai, a virtual receptionist service for phone calls, web chat, and text messages that combines human intelligence and AI to help small businesses achieve happier clients and more qualified leads.

In this episode, Maddy and I discuss:

Business acumen gaps identified in the 2019 Clio Trends Report
Variability in lawyer staffing choices, on site and off site
2 Keys for deciding how much call volume to buy from an off site provider
How NOT to pay for spam or wrong number calls
Virtual reception service extras, such as collection calls, confirming appointments, court reminders and networking follow up
Intake support, such as conflict checks and web chat
The Appearance of a larger firm through strategic use of off-site personnel
Text-based communications – legal disclaimers as protection
SMS support to email drop campaigns
Acceleration of the Client Acquisition cycle

Outsourcing & Onboarding Strategies: How to Create Sustainable, Profitable, and Happy Workplaces

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 22:05:53 +0000

Dina Eisenberg works with firms and solo lawyers to create custom outsourcing and onboarding strategies that convey a firm's values while retaining employees and provides Ombudsman services. Formerly a prosecutor turned award-winning entrepreneur and CEO of Unstoppable Lawyer Playbook (a.k.a. Outsource Easier), Dina’s mission is to help law firms create sustainable, profitable, and happy workplaces. In this episode, Dina and I will speak about the ways in which solo and small law firm attorneys can better outsource their business minutiae in order to crush chaos is business.

In this episode, Dina and I cover:

Dina’s prophetic tale and how the failure to systematize decimated one of her family’s businesses
The dangers of Panic Hiring – what it is and why it doesn’t work
Where to start the process of onboarding new talent
Developing trust in your law business – how trust is transactional
Onboarding versus training
The devil’s in the delegation
Overcoming resistance to delegation
The Critical “Rates” – utilization, realization and collection rates
Optimizing performance through proper systematizing
Observational feedback strategies

Employee Performance: How to Improve, Track, and Measure the Quality of your Workforce

Thu, 13 Feb 2020 21:38:39 +0000

Jay Henderson is the owner and founder of Real Talent Hiring. His company is dedicated to helping clients take the guesswork out of people performance using their one of a kind objective metric system Real Talent. Unlike many hiring assessments, the Real Talent Hiring Assessment helps employers evaluate candidates based on performance-focused metrics, which are universal, rather than behavior-based data that can and does change with mood and manipulation. Jay has helped mega-giants and Fortune 500 companies on down to solo and small law firms improve the quality of their workforces.

In this episode, Jay and I will discuss:

The 10 Toxic Thinking Patterns and their function in your law firm
3 Key Questions for all employees: Can they do the job, Will they do the job, and Will they do the job to your specifications
5 Steps to Human Decision-Making Theory
What differentiates the Real Talent Hiring assessment from the DISC, Kolbe, Meyers-Briggs and other assessment tools
The weight to be given to an Assessment versus other screening/hiring data
The interplay between Actions and Results in employees
Creating sustainable change over time
Coaching to optimize performance

SEO, Branding and Law Firm Intake Toolkit

Sun, 02 Feb 2020 23:04:08 +0000

#001 - Ever wonder how best to use SEO to generate leads for your law firm, and then cultivate those leads through effective intake protocols? Then, who better to ask that an entrepreneurial lawyer who scaled his law firm from 2 to 38 lawyers in under a decade using the very strategies we discuss.

An accomplished attorney and transformational thought leader, Seth Price is a founding partner and the business backbone of Price Benowitz LLP as well as the founder and CEO of BluShark Digital. Allison Williams, Law Firm Mentor, interviewed Seth about Search Engine Optimization (SEO), use of SEO as a branding strategy, and converting prospects into paying clients with effective intake protocols.

To learn more about the Crushing Chaos with Law Firm Mentor podcast, visit: https://lawfirmmentor.net/podcast.

Check out our show notes on the podcast episode page.

To learn more about BluShark Digital, visit: https://www.facebook.com/blusharkdigital/