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Pub. DateTitleDuration
26 Sep 2024Robert Hanna: Unlocking Legal Success Through Podcasting, Recruiting, and Community Building00:35:09

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Robert Hanna discuss:

  • Podcasting as a business development tool
  • Building and engaging a legal community
  • Strategies for growing a personal or firm brand
  • Leveraging LinkedIn and legal technology for career advancement

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Launching a podcast differentiates a business, builds client relationships, and establishes a brand by offering valuable content over direct sales approaches.
  • Consistent content creation and social media engagement, especially on LinkedIn, enhances professional visibility and opens doors to opportunities and collaborations.
  • Mistakes in podcasting, like generic episode titles or ineffective video strategies, limit growth potential, highlighting the need for strategic digital marketing efforts.
  • Focusing on long-term benefits of building a community or brand is essential, as the cost of inaction (missing key opportunities) outweighs immediate return on investment.

 

"We were the first legal recruitment firm in the world to launch a podcast, and that was a great way to build thought leadership, produce content, and utilize social where certain people were behind." —  Robert Hanna

 

Read Steve's past episodes as Blogcasts—visit now: https://www.fretzin.com/blog/

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/

Rainmakers Roundtable: https://www.fretzin.com/lawyer-coaching-and-training/peer-advisory-groups/

 

Episode References: 

Legal Operations in the Age of AI and Data (edited by Olga Mack, Humira Noorestani, and Memme Onwudiwe): https://www.amazon.com/Legal-Operations-Age-AI-Data/dp/1837230099/

 

About Robert Hanna: Robert Hanna is the Founder & Managing Director of KC Partners, a UK-based global leader in legal talent solutions and content creation. He helps legal professionals secure roles across the UK, Europe, the Middle East, Far East, and the US, and has been featured in leading publications like The Lawyer and Law.com. Rob is a LinkedIn Top Voice, host of the Legally Speaking Podcast, and co-founder of the Great Big Legal Offsite. He advises legal tech startups, mentors, and advocates for mental health, diversity, and inclusion, drawing inspiration from his grandfather's legacy in law.

 

Connect with Robert Hanna:  

Website: https://legallyspeakingpodcast.com/

Legally Speaking Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legally-speaking-podcast/id1485892170

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roberthanna/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

21 Apr 2025Jody Glidden: How to Be the Lawyer Clients Never Leave—With a Little Help from AI00:31:53

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Jody Glidden discuss:

  • The evolution and growing impact of AI in professional services
  • Challenges lawyers face in client relationship management
  • The limitations and future of traditional CRMs
  • Strategies for maintaining and expanding client relationships

 

Key Takeaways:

  • 43% of clients leave law firms not because of service quality but due to poor communication and lack of follow-up.
  • AI-powered tools like Postilize can monitor relationship gaps and generate personalized outreach suggestions for lawyers to approve and send.
  • Keeping in touch with clients through relevant life or business events — like promotions, layoffs, or funding rounds — can significantly boost retention and trust.
  • Many lawyers miss business opportunities by failing to engage multiple contacts ("multi-threading") within a client’s organization, risking total loss when one contact departs.

 

"If you can ever move [a relationship] to personal, I think then you’ve probably got them for life." —  Jody Glidden

 

Got a challenge growing your law practice? Email me at steve@fretzin.com with your toughest question, and I'll answer it live on the show—anonymously, just using your first name!

 

Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/

 

Thank you to our Sponsor!

Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/


Rainmakers Roundtable: https://www.fretzin.com/lawyer-coaching-and-training/peer-advisory-groups/
 

Episode References: 

Atomic Habits by James Clear: https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break/dp/0735211299

 

About Jody Glidden: Jody Glidden is a seasoned entrepreneur, AI innovator, and the driving force behind Postilize, an AI-powered business development platform for professional services firms. With over two decades in tech, he's best known as the founder of Introhive, which he scaled to a $500 million valuation, delivering 40x returns for early investors. Under his leadership, Introhive grew to over 250,000 users at firms like PwC, Deloitte, DLA Piper, and Baker McKenzie. At Postilize, Jody applies his expertise in CRM, ERM, and AI automation to tackle challenges like missing relationship data, manual processes, and inconsistent client engagement. He integrates Generative AI and real-time event detection to craft personalized outreach and drive scalable relationship management, retention, and client acquisition.

 

Connect with Jody Glidden:  

Website: https://www.postilize.com

Email: jody.glidden@postilize.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodyglidden/ & https://www.linkedin.com/company/postilize/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911
 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

17 Apr 2023Steve Gordon: Creating a Buzz with Your Book00:38:11

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Steve Gordon discuss:

  • Why you should write a book (and how it can help your law firm grow). 
  • Changing your introduction and cementing your place as the expert. 
  • What it takes to write a book today. 
  • Using your book to get the right kind of clients. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • You can build your network and get referrals by sharing information. Writing a book allows you to disseminate that information more widely and effectively.
  • Be a part of an organization that works to lift one another, not just lift yourself. 
  • The perceived hardest part of writing a book is actually the easiest part of it - writing it. There is a pattern and a structure that works well to reach audiences. You know your content and you are the expert. 
  • Your client doesn’t want a textbook, they want a transformation. Show them the transformation and the process. That makes a great lead-generating book. 

 

"There is no way to contain all of your expertise and give it all away in a 100 to 150 page book. That's not the purpose of a book." —  Steve Gordon

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Legalese Marketing: https://legaleasemarketing.com/

Moneypenny: https://www.moneypenny.com/us/

Practice Panther: https://www.practicepanther.com/

 

Episode References: 

 

Connect with Steve Gordon:  

Website: https://milliondollarauthor.io/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordonsteve/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/steve_gordon

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

Get Steve Gordon’s Latest Book, Jumpstart Your Own, and More Here: https://milliondollarauthor.io/bethatlawyer

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

07 Sep 2020The Dueling Banjos of Legal Business Development00:39:11

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Jay Harrington discuss:

  • Seeing opportunity even in the time of COVID-19.
  • Prioritizing business development.
  • Networking efficiently and effectively with a plan. 
  • Investing in a coach and the benefits of doing so. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Don't assume that the opportunities aren't there, you've got to become more proactive.
  • Prioritizing that one hour a day to work on business development is the most important thing you probably do all day.
  • Business development is the key to financial freedom and security. 
  • There is value in making an investment. We take things more seriously if we invest dollars into something. 

 

"You need to position yourself to be more visible and relevant in places where people are now searching for solutions - which is online." —  Jay Harrington

 

Connect with Jay Harrington:  

Twitter: @harringj75

Facebook: Harrington

Website: HCommunications.biz

Book: The Productivity Pivot & More!

Show: The Thought Leadership Project

LinkedIn: Jay Harrington

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: The Ambitious Attorney: Your Guide to Doubling or Even Tripling Your Book of Business and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

18 Nov 2021Kory Kelly: Modernizing the Delivery of Legal Services00:30:20

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Kory Kelly discuss:

  • Value in productized, turnkey solutions. 
  • Legal Karma is not a robot lawyer, it is a change of delivery. 
  • Making changes now, not waiting for the speed of business. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • It’s more about communication than it is about document drafting. 
  • Giving your client insight as to what is going on and expectations can ease a lot of stress from you and your client. 
  • Changes in the legal market (such as non-lawyer owned law firms) makes it worthwhile to look at the delivery of your legal services. 

 

"Make the change now. Moving at the speed of business takes a long time to change these processes and make sense out of it to get the brand recognition and marketing in place that helps you leverage some of the new gifts that come with modernizing the delivery of your practice." —  Kory Kelly

 

Connect with Kory Kelly:  

Website: https://legalkarma.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/korykelly/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: The Ambitious Attorney: Your Guide to Doubling or Even Tripling Your Book of Business and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

18 Nov 2024Deb Feder: Optimizing Your LinkedIn and Client Conversations for Better Practice Management00:33:03

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Deb Feder discuss:

  • Importance of client relationship management and deepening connections
  • Prioritizing tasks to enhance productivity and work-life balance
  • Role of social media in professional growth and networking
  • Effective business development and optimizing client interactions

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Lawyers can achieve more sustainable productivity by prioritizing just two major tasks before checking email each day, preventing inbox overwhelm from dictating their workflow.
  • Strategic questioning, like asking "Tell me more" or inquiring about specific client concerns, allows lawyers to gather deeper insights that often reveal additional opportunities to add value.
  • LinkedIn profile optimization—especially the "about" section and professional headline—helps professionals attract the right clients by clearly reflecting their expertise and approach.
  • Lawyers should leverage informal moments and small talk in client interactions to create authentic connections, which ultimately build client loyalty and lead to new business opportunities.

 

"Tell me more… triggers your brain to get back in and actually actively listen, and from there you can thoughtfully respond." —  Deb Feder

 

Got a challenge growing your law practice? Email me at steve@fretzin.com with your toughest question, and I'll answer it live on the show—anonymously, just using your first name!

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/

Rainmakers Roundtable: https://www.fretzin.com/lawyer-coaching-and-training/peer-advisory-groups/

 

Episode References: 

Make No Small Plans: Lessons on Thinking Big, Chasing Dreams, and Building Community

 

About Deb Feder: Deb Feder, CEO of Feder Development, LLC, is a business development and practice management strategist and coach for lawyers and law firms. Having practiced corporate law for 15 years, her work focuses on helping lawyers and professionals bring in consistent clients through curious, confident conversations. Deb holds a history degree from the University of Michigan and her JD/MBA from the University of Iowa. She completed her coach training and certification through New Ventures West and completed training in The Daring Way, which is based on the research of Dr. Brené Brown. She is the author of After Hello and Tell Me More.

 

Connect with Deb Feder:  

Website: https://debfeder.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bizdeb/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

20 Jan 2025Tim Semelroth: Turning Connections and Specialization Into a Thriving Law Practice00:29:12

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Tim Semelroth discuss:

  • Scaling a law firm effectively while maintaining quality and culture
  • The importance of consistent client engagement to foster trust and loyalty
  • Leveraging specialization to establish authority and attract niche cases
  • Using systems and processes to improve law firm management and branding

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Building and maintaining a professional network early in one's career avoids missed opportunities for referrals and growth.
  • Specializing in a niche like truck accident cases and gaining certifications boosts credibility and competitive edge.
  • Consistent outreach, like birthday cards, newsletters, and holiday greetings, keeps clients and referral sources engaged.
  • Incentivizing handwritten thank-you notes fosters appreciation, strengthening relationships and driving loyalty and referrals.

 

"The reality is that most people are getting fewer than five birthday cards now, and so if you can be one of those people, they're never going to forget you, no matter how big the billboard is that the 800-pound gorilla buys." —  Tim Semelroth

 

Got a challenge growing your law practice? Email me at steve@fretzin.com with your toughest question, and I'll answer it live on the show—anonymously, just using your first name!

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/

Rainmakers Roundtable: https://www.fretzin.com/lawyer-coaching-and-training/peer-advisory-groups/

 

Episode References: 

The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande: https://www.amazon.com/Checklist-Manifesto-How-Things-Right/dp/0312430000

 

About Tim Semelroth: Tim Semelroth, a personal injury attorney with 25+ years of experience, has helped hundreds of Iowans affected by injury or death due to negligence. He is Iowa's first board-certified trucking accident attorney by the NBTA and among the first 50 in the U.S. to earn this title. A former president of the Iowa chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates and the Iowa Association for Justice, Tim also serves on the Iowa State Committee of the American College of Trial Lawyers. He is a faculty at the Trial Lawyers College and a Board of Regents member for the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys.

 

Connect with Tim Semelroth:  

Website: https://fightingforfairness.com/

Email: tsemelroth@fightingforfairness.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timsemelroth/ & https://www.linkedin.com/company/rsh-legal/

Twitter: https://x.com/rshlegal

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rshlegal/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

12 Dec 2024Jared Correia: From Hesitation to Integration: AI's Role in Transforming Law Firms00:32:49

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Jared Correia discuss:

  • The evolving role of AI and technology in legal practices
  • Common obstacles lawyers face with adopting and implementing tech solutions
  • Strategies for improving law firm efficiency and productivity
  • Trends in business development and billing models

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Lawyers hesitate to adopt AI due to risk aversion and limited tech savviness, but starting with free tools like ChatGPT can ease the transition.
  • Flat fee billing models align with AI efficiencies, as ethical guidelines discourage charging for time saved through automation.
  • AI tools like Microsoft Copilot and Google Duet AI reduce time on repetitive tasks, allowing lawyers to focus on strategic work.
  • Large firms often beta-test AI in specific practice groups, while smaller firms use off-the-shelf or custom solutions.

 

"I have found that most attorneys...it's a talent acquisition problem these days, not a work acquisition problem. They need to find more lawyers to do the work—another way to look at it is, maybe we need more technology to do the work and deploy that." —  Jared Correia

 

Got a challenge growing your law practice? Email me at steve@fretzin.com with your toughest question, and I'll answer it live on the show—anonymously, just using your first name!

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/

Rainmakers Roundtable: https://www.fretzin.com/lawyer-coaching-and-training/peer-advisory-groups/

 

Episode References: 

The Rest Is History Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-rest-is-history/id1537788786

 

About Jared Correia: Jared D. Correia, Esq., a former practicing lawyer, has been a business management consultant for law firms since 2008, working with thousands of firms globally, from solo practices to Big Law. An internationally recognized legal technology expert, he is the founder and CEO of Red Cave Law Firm Consulting, serving lawyers directly and through bar associations. Correia has hosted The Legal Toolkit podcast since 2009 and The NonEventcast podcast for Above the Law. He also contributes to the NonEvent legal technology hub, presents for legal organizations, and writes for law firm business management publications.

 

Connect with Jared Correia:  

Website: https://www.redcavelegal.com/

Email: jared@redcavelegal.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredcorreia/ & https://www.linkedin.com/company/red-cave-legal/

Twitter: https://x.com/jaredcorreia & https://x.com/RedCaveLegal

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

17 Apr 2025Kyle Hebenstreit: Boutique Law in Motion with Private Equity Client Personas and Digital Platforms00:33:32

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Kyle Hebenstreit discuss:

  • The evolving legal industry landscape due to institutional capital and Big Four involvement
  • Rising competition and channel fragmentation in legal marketing
  • Strategic marketing approaches tailored to client personas and firm types
  • Operational and budgetary decisions that influence long-term law firm growth

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Private equity and institutional capital are transforming the legal industry, creating new acquisition and exit opportunities for small, consumer-facing law firms.
  • Social media platforms like LinkedIn and Meta hold high potential for law firms, yet are underutilized, especially with organic content for referrals and paid campaigns for brand awareness.
  • Law firms should begin their marketing strategy by analyzing successful recent clients and understanding how they found them before setting a marketing budget.
  • When choosing a marketing partner, inquire about client-to-manager ratios, review actual KPIs, and check references, much like when hiring a full-time employee.

 

"If you're staying top of mind for your professional network... you can help augment referral traffic that way." —  Kyle Hebenstreit

 

Got a challenge growing your law practice? Email me at steve@fretzin.com with your toughest question, and I'll answer it live on the show—anonymously, just using your first name!

 

Thank you to our Sponsor!

Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/

 

Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/

 

Episode References: 

The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz: https://www.amazon.com/Hard-Thing-About-Things-Building/dp/0062273205

 

About Kyle Hebenstreit: Kyle Hebenstreit is the Chief Executive Officer of PracticeMadePerfect (PMP), where he leads a team dedicated to helping law firms grow through tailored, data-driven marketing solutions. With nearly 20 years of experience across consulting, media, and entrepreneurship, Kyle brings a strategic mindset and a passion for client success. Before joining PMP, he held leadership roles at Deloitte Consulting, Skydance Productions, and served as an Entrepreneur in Residence at NextGen Growth Partners.

 

Connect with Kyle Hebenstreit:  

Website: http://www.pmpmg.com/

Email: khebenstreit@pmpmg.com

Phone: 3174109640

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hhebenstreit/

& https://www.linkedin.com/company/pmpmg

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pmpmarketinggroup/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

16 Mar 2023JD Gershbein: Getting Value Out of LinkedIn00:38:39

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and JD Gershbein discuss:

  • The evolution of LinkedIn and why it is prevalent and important. 
  • Being findable on LinkedIn. 
  • How LinkedIn supports the practice of law. 
  • Building an outcome-directed LinkedIn profile. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • You need to have an identity in the business universe. LinkedIn allows you to stand out and have a clear identity for others. 
  • Your profile page can be one of your greatest assets in business. 
  • There are many ways you can get started on LinkedIn that won’t take hours each week but will allow you to get out educational content that is relevant and valuable. 
  • If your profile is not set up correctly, it will lead to lost opportunities. Attend to it, do a content audit of your page, and make sure that your unique value is articulated. 

 

"LinkedIn has arrived at a point where we are reliant on it. We are dependent on it. Not just for information or to keep a sense of connectedness with people, but to really show who we are to peers, to clients, to colleagues, and to those who would refer or introduce us." —  JD Gershbein

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Legalese Marketing: https://legaleasemarketing.com/

Moneypenny: https://www.moneypenny.com/us/

Practice Panther: https://www.practicepanther.com/

 

Episode References: 

Book: Think & Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill: https://www.amazon.com/Think-Grow-Rich-Landmark-Bestseller/dp/1585424331

 

Connect with JD Gershbein:  

Website: https://jdgershbein.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdgershbein/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPoeIXB2HQ5r0hIjI28mV5g

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jdgershbein

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdgershbein/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

15 Feb 2024Lisa Katz: Building a Powerful Relationship-Based Book of Business00:31:36

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Lisa Katz discuss:

  • Starting to build your book of business from early in your career. 
  • Providing value to your clients with a network of other service providers. 
  • Things you need to know when working with counsel. 
  • The playbook for building a book of business. 
  • Having the hard conversations to experience the growth. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Everything is consecutive and cumulative, the more you meet with someone and have great, but shorter conversations, the more impact it will have than one multiple-hour conversation. 
  • It’s not about the client, it is about the person behind the relationship you are building. 
  • The longer you network and connect, the more you learn and grow and keep the connections that fit you and you fit them. 
  • Everybody wins when you’re able to connect and solve each other’s problems or connect them with the person who can. 
  • Your internal network at a law firm is just as important as your external connections. 

 

"Revisiting conversations with the same people at multiple conversations makes sense because factors change. Take time to do that, even committing to a couple hours a week or 20 minutes a day." —  Lisa Katz

 

Find out more about the Mastering the Legal Clock and Thriving Event at: https://fretzin.com/events

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Lawmatics: https://www.lawmatics.com/bethatlawyer/

Get Staffed Up: https://getstaffedup.com/bethatlawyer/

Green Cardigan Marketing: https://greencardiganmarketing.com/

 

Episode References: 

 

About Lisa Katz: Lisa Katz is half a healthcare lawyer, half a finance lawyer, and all broker all the time. She prides herself in being a strategic partner with her clients by acting as an outside general counsel to her healthcare provider clients and by representing numerous banks and private lenders on their healthcare finance transactions. 

 

Connect with Lisa Katz:  

Website: https://www.polsinelli.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-katz-17bb1321/

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

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

19 Sep 2022Brian Beckcom: Building a Law Practice for Your Life and Happiness00:36:27

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Brian Beckcom discuss:

  • Doing the hard thing, even when that means doing nothing.
  • How Brian’s childhood led him to build his own personal injury law firm.
  • Overcoming the peer pressure and expectations society (and big law) puts on you as a lawyer.
  • Taking action with purpose and passion to get the most out of your talents and strengths.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • The only thing in life that gives true happiness and fulfillment is overcoming obstacles and challenges.
  • You should decide what you want your life to look like then design your business to suit your life.
  • Set parameters and priorities for yourself and hold to them. It will be easier to make the hard decisions and will help you find your happiness.
  • One shortcut to happiness is to help other people.

 

"If you, as a lawyer, develop the skills to bring in business, you can basically do whatever you want to do." —  Brian Beckcom

 

Connect with Brian Beckcom:  

Website: https://www.brianbeckcom.org/  

Website: https://www.vbattorneys.com/

Podcast: https://www.brianbeckcom.org/tag/podcast-episodes

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VBAttorneys

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianbeckcom/  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianbeckcomlawyer/  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrianBeckcom  

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

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

LegalEase Marketing: https://legaleasemarketing.com/

Moneypenny: https://www.moneypenny.com/us/

Practice Panther: https://www.practicepanther.com/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: The Ambitious Attorney: Your Guide to Doubling or Even Tripling Your Book of Business and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

17 Jan 2022Daniel Steinberg: Making Legal Easier for All Parties00:31:04

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Daniel Steinberg discuss:

  • How Daniel’s professional journey lead him to creating lawbrokr.
  • Differentiating yourself enough to find your clients. 
  • Branding and specialization. 
  • Creating a strong experience in legal. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • It is okay to fail. If you don’t try, you won’t have the opportunity to succeed or fail. 
  • Your firm needs to live everywhere consumers are online. 
  • There are so many opportunities to be a creator in today’s day and age. That allows you, as the lawyer, to create bite-sized content that can connect with consumers. 
  • Your interactions with your customer need to be more experiential than transactional. 

 

"If you want to align with your customers, you need to really create and cultivate and explain things to them, and go above and beyond the scope, then what you did last year and the year before, and always be that 1% better every time you talk to that next individual, because it's all around the customer experience, or they're not coming back in every industry, not just legal." —  Daniel Steinberg

 

Connect with Daniel Steinberg:  

Website: https://www.lawbrokr.com/

Email: daniel@lawbrokr.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dsteinberg9/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dslbkr

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawbrokr/

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Legalese Marketing: https://legaleasemarketing.com/

Moneypenny: https://www.moneypenny.com/us/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: The Ambitious Attorney: Your Guide to Doubling or Even Tripling Your Book of Business and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

13 Jul 2023Lindsay Ellis: Understanding Your Authentic Values00:37:00

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Lindsay Ellis discuss:

  • Understanding your core values and honoring them in every aspect of what you do. 
  • Noticing your values by noticing what is important to you in your day to day. 
  • Creating boundaries when you know what you value. 
  • Digging deep within yourself to find the calm in the storm. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • You are allowed to make up a definition for the value that is yours. As long as you know what it is, that is what is important. 
  • There are no bad values. If it is important to you, it is a worthy value. It is only bad if it is unauthentic to you. 
  • When you know what you value, decisions come easier. 
  • There are things under your control and things not under your control. When you realize that, you can release the stress and emotion because there is nothing you can do about those things not under your control. 

 

"Find a way to give yourself a little bit of time each day. Balance isn't about making everything even, balance is about depositing regularly into each bucket." —  Lindsay Ellis

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Overture: https://overture.law/

Moneypenny: https://www.moneypenny.com/us/

Get Visible: https://www.getvisible.com/

 

Episode References: 

 

About Lindsay Ellis: Lindsay Ellis is a transformation specialist and the founder of Live Empowered. With certifications, degrees, and expertise in Leadership Development, Health & Fitness, Positive Psychology, and Personal Development, Lindsay has developed a system that helps working parents take control of their lives. In the first year of following her own advice, she went from feeling drained, overworked, and guilty to taking two vacations, forming a healthy co-parenting relationship with her ex, meeting her now husband, rediscovering hobbies, reconnecting with friends outside of work, growing her business 2x the national average, saving six figures, and did it all with a six-pack. Lindsay knows it is possible to have it all. She is passionate about helping parents live their best life in a way that resonates with them and be the example they want to set for their children and generations to come. 

 

Connect with Lindsay Ellis:  

Website: https://www.thelindsayellis.com/  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-ellis-7100b513/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lindsay.Thrush.Ellis.108

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

27 Jun 2024Chelsea Williams: Personal Finance for Lawyers00:28:34

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Chelsea Williams discuss:

  • Why personal finance is so key to living a healthy, balanced life. 
  • The formulas for success at your firm and as an individual.
  • The most common mistakes lawyers make around money. 
  • Tips for taking control of your money today. 
  • How to stay on top of your finances. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Watch out for lifestyle creep. It doesn’t matter how much you make if you keep spending more than you bring in. 
  • Track your money. Having a personal budget is not restricting, it is setting a financial boundary. 
  • There are only two ways to change how much money you spend: you can trim the fat (even if it is just a rogue subscription) or through negotiating your expenses. 
  • It is the small things that bite into your spending. The biggest takers are Amazon, software, and subscriptions. 

 

"It doesn’t just stop at the money story, we have to hold all of our numbers accountable." —  Chelsea Williams

 

Take the BE THAT LAWYER challenge at Fretzin.com/BTLChallenge!

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Get Staffed Up: https://getstaffedup.com/bethatlawyer/

Lawmatics: https://www.lawmatics.com/bethatlawyer/

 

Episode References: 

 

About Chelsea Williams: Chelsea has invested ten years of expertise into understanding law firm finance in order to create a framework that any law firm owner can follow to achieve time and money freedom. She's uncovered the common mistakes and struggles law firm owners face that keep them from profitability. Her company partners with law firms to establish a solid financial foundation and works with them to build the framework that gets them to a place of financial clarity, direction, and freedom.

 

Connect with Chelsea Williams:  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_money_whisper/

Website: https://www.yourcoresolution.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelseamwilliams-themoneywhisperer/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/core-solutions-group-inc/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chelsea.zeschke

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/core_solutions_group/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

03 Jun 2021Dave Johnson: Negotiation and Communication to Connect with Decision Makers00:40:10

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Dave Johnson discuss:

  • What separates a normal negotiator from a grand master negotiator.
  • The unpredictability in a negotiation and in the courtroom.
  • Utilizing your immediate network to connect with decision makers outside of your circle.
  • The importance of your own word choice and listening to another’s word choice.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • You have to believe it is your courtroom and you are running the show, otherwise the show is being run on you. Either you’re in control or someone else is in control.
  • In a community, within 4 degrees, there is likely somebody who has a way of reaching out to somebody you’re interested in connecting to.
  • Make sure your bio is perfect - this can be your introduction to a potential client or partner and your first contact with that individual.
  • How you present yourself can tell someone more than any amount of accolades on your website.


 

"If you present yourself in a way that generates confidence in the prospective client in the audience, you're going to get called." —  Dave Johnson


 

Connect with Dave Johnson:  

Professional Bio: law.stanford.edu/directory/david-johnson

Website: davidwjohnson.co

Email: dwj@law.stanford.edu

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/djohnsonllc

Twitter: twitter.com/Johnson_DavidW


 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: The Ambitious Attorney: Your Guide to Doubling or Even Tripling Your Book of Business and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

10 May 2021Katy Mickelson: Taking Care of Relationships and Reputation00:27:16

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Katy Mickelson discuss:

  • The critical role of relationships in building your law firm. 
  • Relationships with clients and relationships with business partners. 
  • Creating key strategic partnerships. 
  • Managing expectations.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • You have to balance providing value with your firm and providing value to your clients. 
  • A lot of family law is based on trust and a feeling for your attorney. You need to understand how you attract clients and what it is that keeps them with you. 
  • Listening and asking questions, from both a business development standpoint and a client management standpoint, has always been and will always be really important.
  • It is a never ending learning process - what works for one client may not work for another. 

 


"I do it purposely - I network, I create relationships with purpose, because you can't be everywhere, it's just not effective." —  Katy Mickelson

 


Connect with Katy Mickelson:  

Website: beermannlaw.com

Email: khmickelson@beermannlaw.com

Phone: 312-621-9700

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/katy-homburger-mickelson-580b793/

 


Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: The Ambitious Attorney: Your Guide to Doubling or Even Tripling Your Book of Business and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

26 Dec 2022Angela Dunz: LinkedIn - A Relationship-Building Tool00:34:11

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Angela Dunz discuss:

  • Diving into LinkedIn now, even if you didn’t get started from the beginning. 
  • How LinkedIn is different from other social media platforms. 
  • Client-focused LinkedIn profiles. 
  • Optimizing your LinkedIn, cleaning up keywords, and being clear about what you do. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • LinkedIn is more than a database, it’s a relationship builder. It is a business development tool, not just for job seekers. 
  • LinkedIn is the only consciously designed B2B platform on the planet.
  • Build your strong personal brand and back it up with a strong professional brand - that is how you become a standout rainmaker. 
  • LinkedIn searches are word only - get your keyword in there as many times as you can. 

 

"LinkedIn is about your ideal, entry-level client. Make it focused on who you serve, the problem you solve, and the results that you bring, and you’ll have a much better chance of winning on LinkedIn." —  Angela Dunz

 

Episode References: 

The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks: https://www.amazon.com/Big-Leap-Conquer-Hidden-Level/dp/0061735361

 

Connect with Angela Dunz:  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angeladunz

Website: https://www.angeladunz.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVk1e69o2uq_jIgLR6ZsgsA

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Legalese Marketing: https://legaleasemarketing.com/

Moneypenny: https://www.moneypenny.com/us/

Practice Panther: https://www.practicepanther.com/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

15 Aug 2024Arthur Levitan: The Tao of Law for Professional Growth and Harmony00:31:29

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Arthur Levitan discuss:

  • Importance of knowing when to stop working
  • Impact of remote work on stress and productivity
  • Techniques for managing stress and maintaining mental health
  • Role of deep breathing in stress reduction and performance
  • Humility and adaptability in success and professional growth

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Establish clear boundaries for your work hours to prevent burnout and improve productivity by stopping when your brain is no longer functioning at its best.
  • Incorporate regular deep breathing exercises into your daily routine to reduce stress and promote mental clarity.
  • Prioritize social interactions and physical movement to counteract the isolation and sedentary nature of remote work.
  • Embrace a balanced approach to work and rest, recognizing the value of recuperation periods to maintain high performance and prevent long-term fatigue.
  • Cultivate humility and adaptability by acknowledging your knowledge limits and staying open to new information and challenges.

 

"Understanding when to stop is one of the highest forms of spirituality." —  Arthur Levitan

Read more from Steve at Above the Law: AboveTheLaw.com/tag/Steve-Fretzin/

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Ready to go from good to GOAT? Attend PIMCOM the inaugural personal injury mastermind conference Sept 15-17, 2024. Use promo code BeThatLawyer to get $200.00 off at https://www.pimcon.org/

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Lawmatics: https://www.lawmatics.com/bethatlawyer/

 

Episode References: 

 

About Arthur Levitan: Master Arthur Levitan is the Founder and current Master of Quantum Tao, a non-profit community dedicated to studying Taoism's ancient practices under his guidance. As one of the few Taoist Masters in the Western world, Master Levitan, who was recognized and ordained by the High Priestess of the Qingcheng Mountain Taoist temple in China in 2016, brings a unique perspective to his teachings. His school, California Tao, established in 2009, emphasizes practical daily applications of Tao and Qigong, making these ancient principles accessible to modern Americans. His book, "Outlast," provides practical methods for managing internal energies through life’s challenges.

 

Connect with Arthur Levitan:  

Website: https://quantumtao.org/

Email: arthur@californiatao.org

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

04 Sep 2023Jodie Zerega: Setting Yourself Up for Long-Term Legal Success00:33:15

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Jodie Zerega discuss:

  • Why many lawyers are unhappy with their current situations. 
  • How longevity can assist in your job search. 
  • The importance of having a book of business (and how it plays with the business of running a law firm). 
  • Continue learning, find your niche, become the expert. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • While longevity at a firm is not as important as it used to be, law firms do still want to see that a lawyer gave the firm a chance and had a chance to be valuable within the firm. 
  • You need to have a portable book of business. It is important to know what your objectives are going to be at your new firm. 
  • Building a book of business takes consistent effort over time. Start early in your career (and if you didn’t, start today). 
  • Network both within and outside of your law firm. You never know where someone is going to be in five years. 

 

"From a partner perspective, you have to have a portable book of business. Right now, I'm seeing a minimum of $750K. One thing that attorneys have a hard time understanding is salary - and they bring you over it as a lateral partner, they have a formulaic process that they use to calculate your salary, and it's usually a third, a third, a third." —  Jodie Zerega

 

Get a free copy of Steve’s book “Sales-Free Selling” here: www.fretzin.com/sales-free-selling

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Get Staffed Up: https://getstaffedup.com/bethatlawyer/

Overture: https://overture.law/

Get Visible: https://www.getvisible.com/

Moneypenny: https://www.moneypenny.com/us/

 

Episode References: 

 

About Jodie Zerega: Jodie Zerega is a highly experienced legal recruiter and founder of Zerega Consulting, a recruiting firm that specializes in placing attorneys in law firms, corporations, and non-profit organizations. With over 20 years of experience in legal recruiting, Jodie has worked with a diverse range of clients, including private start-ups to multi-national publicly traded companies. She is an expert in legal hiring trends, AI in attorney hiring, legal recruiter benefits, job search technology, social media and hiring, and in-house legal recruiting.

Jodie's expertise in legal recruiting and her extensive experience make her an ideal guest for podcasts with audiences of attorneys, paralegals, law firm administrators, and managing partners. She can provide valuable insights and practical tips to help listeners navigate the complex legal hiring landscape and stay ahead of the curve in their job search. With the recent launch of the Attorney Jobs app, Jodie can also share a unique perspective on how technology is shaping the legal job market and offer advice on how attorneys can use technology to their advantage.

 

Connect with Jodie Zerega:  

Website: https://www.zeregaconsulting.com/

Attorney Jobs App: https://www.zeregaconsulting.com/attorney-jobs

Email: jzerega@zeregaconsulting.com

Phone: 404-660-3414

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodie-zerega-8265586/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zerega-consulting-legal-recruiting/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeregaconsulting/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

29 Mar 2021Michael Norton: Prioritizing Connecting00:36:32

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Michael Norton discuss:

  • Fundamentals of networking. 
  • Prioritizing networking and relationship building. 
  • Quality over quantity with networking connections. 
  • Keeping in touch with people you’ve already connected with. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Find ways to add value as early as possible with those you connect with. It will come back to you. 
  • When you go to networking events there are specific types of people you are looking to meet. Be polite, but you do not need to network with everyone that is not beneficial to you.
  • You can gain a position of power with knowledge and a little bit of preparation before meeting with new connections. 
  • Schedule in the admin side of networking. 


 

"I'll invite eight people from the common interest area and, we at least have one thing that we all get on. It's not just me, I'm not the only connector." —  Michael Norton

 


Connect with Michael Norton:  

Website: houlihancapital.com

Email: mnorton@houlihancapital.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michael-norton-houlihancapital

Twitter: twitter.com/SupConnections

 


Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: The Ambitious Attorney: Your Guide to Doubling or Even Tripling Your Book of Business and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

23 Apr 2021Frank Ramos: Best Practices for LinkedIn Success00:34:06

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Frank Ramos discuss:

  • Utilizing platforms, such as LinkedIn, to retain relationships even when we are social distancing.
  • Getting creative with fitting marketing into your day, not disrupting your day. 
  • Finding your habits and footing in your professional social media presence.
  • Educating, motivating, and promoting your’s and other’s success on social media. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • It is never too early to start developing relationships, in-person and online, because you don’t know where your next case will come from. 
  • Find ways of marketing that don’t disrupt your day very much. 
  • Part of the process is getting acclimated to your platform of choice. Part of the process is generating content - keep a place for notes to be made quickly when you’ve got a thought.
  • You need to stay relevant, and stay seen, to be successful in the industry these days. 


 

"What I recommend is that you try to connect and follow people in the area of practice you're in and see what they're doing and seeing how they're communicating with their respective audience." —  Frank Ramos


 

Connect with Frank Ramos:  

Website: cspalaw.com & miamimentor.com

Books: miamimentor.com/bookshelf

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/frankramosylt


 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: The Ambitious Attorney: Your Guide to Doubling or Even Tripling Your Book of Business and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

10 Apr 2025Alex Geisler: Creating Sticky Client Relationships in Law00:34:43

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Alex Geisler discuss:

  • Building long-term client loyalty in legal practice
  • Structuring legal work around client expectations and needs
  • Improving legal service delivery through lean process thinking
  • Developing deeper relationships through proactive, strategic communication

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Long-term client loyalty is built through the TREE approach: Transparency in communication, Reliability in service, Efficiency in delivery, and clear Expectations that align with the client's goals.
  • Lawyers can create stronger, “stickier” client relationships by going beyond transactional work and offering value through strategic thinking and curiosity.
  • A structured approach to legal work—planning, executing, reviewing, and improving—can lead to better results, stronger client trust, and greater efficiency.
  • Understanding the client’s definition of success early on, and tailoring the legal approach accordingly, is key to exceeding expectations and retaining business.

 

"There's no substitute for knowing yourself and knowing your purpose. There's no substitute for knowing your client. And just keep checking in on yourself and checking in on your client." —  Alex Geisler

Got a challenge growing your law practice? Email me at steve@fretzin.com with your toughest question, and I'll answer it live on the show—anonymously, just using your first name!

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/

 

Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/

 

Episode References: 

Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu: https://terebess.hu/english/tao/mitchell.html

About Alex Geisler: Alex's career was spent in three environments: in-house, at Big Law, and with manufacturers. He then harnessed these experiences to create Lean Law, a consultancy devoted to helping lawyers turn new business into repeat business. In addition to personal coaching, his ideas can be accessed through the acclaimed Lean Adviser online curriculum, his Lean Briefing—which receives 40,000 hits each week—and his books and papers.

 

Connect with Alex Geisler:  

Website: https://www.leanlaw.co/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-geisler-05b5761a/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions.

 You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

07 Apr 2025Judy Barton: Lessons in Business Adaptation and Customer-Centric Innovation00:36:29

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Judy Barton discuss:

  • Cultivating meaningful and lasting business relationships
  • Effective networking techniques for lawyers and financial professionals
  • Establishing credibility and attracting opportunities
  • The importance of integrity in business

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Effective networking is not about collecting contacts but about fostering genuine, mutually beneficial relationships that lead to long-term success.
  • Lawyers and financial professionals should focus on providing value first, rather than immediately seeking business, to build trust and credibility.
  • Personal branding plays a crucial role in professional growth, as a strong and authentic presence can differentiate individuals in competitive industries.
  • Integrity and consistency in business interactions build a solid reputation, making people more likely to refer and work with you over time.

 

"You have to make yourself memorable, but you also have to know why you're different from everybody else and why that person should hire you or engage with you as an attorney." —  Judy Barton

 

Got a challenge growing your law practice? Email me at steve@fretzin.com with your toughest question, and I'll answer it live on the show—anonymously, just using your first name!

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/

Each week, Raise the Bar delivers expert insights on business development, legal tech, and the strategies top rainmakers lawyers use to build thriving practices. No fluff—just actionable tips to help you work smarter and grow faster. Subscribe for free at RaiseTheBarMedia.co: https://content.raisethebarmedia.co/raise-the-bar-newsletter-sign-up/?cid=679b5ad89eeed

 

About Judy Barton: Judy Barton is a Senior Client Strategist for BNY Mellon Wealth Management. In this role, she works directly with clients to address their investment and wealth management needs. Judy joined the firm in 2014 and has more than 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, as well as being a business owner for 10 years. Her previous corporate experience includes serving in finance at EDS, Nortel, and Sodexho Marriott in Boston, DC, and London. Judy received her Master in Legal Studies from the School of Law at Washington University in St. Louis and a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Oklahoma.

 

Connect with Judy Barton: 

Website: http://www.bny.com/wealth

Email: judy.barton@bny.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-barton

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

04 Oct 2021Vikrant Shaurya: Publishing a Book to Benefit Your Business Development00:32:53

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Vikrant Shaurya discuss:

  • Writing a book to better your business. 
  • Ghost writing versus angel writing. 
  • How AI is changing the writing field. 
  • How to promote your book to generate business. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Becoming an author establishes you as an authority in the area as well as distinguishes you from your competition. 
  • Book covers are extremely important - especially online, you are competing with millions of other books. You want to grab attention quickly and well. 
  • The profit of your books comes from the position and your promotion of the book.  
  • Podcasting, either your own or being a guest on someone else’s, is a great way to promote your book as well as promote your business and what you do. 

 

"If you become an author you will be establishing yourself as an authority - it's authority on demand." —  Vikrant Shaurya

 

Connect with Vikrant Shaurya:  

Website: https://bestsellingbook.com/

Book a Call: https://bestsellingbook.com/call

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6n9_bONnLWy168-8vRgC0w

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bestsellingbook/ & https://www.linkedin.com/in/vikrantshaurya/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bestsellingbookdotcom/

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

Download Vikran’s checklist to make publishing your own book easy! 

https://bestsellingbook.com/checklist

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: The Ambitious Attorney: Your Guide to Doubling or Even Tripling Your Book of Business and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

30 Dec 2021Nicole Clark: Utilizing Data to Align with Your Clients00:29:51

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Nicole Clark discuss:

  • Better utilizing the data that you have access to. 
  • Challenges lawyers have when presenting pitches. 
  • Don’t assume you can’t access data just because it wasn’t previously accessible. 
  • Asking questions, gathering data, and understanding insights. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • You need to understand the goals in relation to the data of what the client is facing in order to give great advice. 
  • Set your expectations with the client and help them to understand what they are likely to expect. 
  • There is a lot involved in the context of cases. Having insight and information makes it make or break for a client to believe you are the right attorney for them. 
  • More and more information is becoming available from state courts that was not available 5 or 10 years ago. 

 

"If you go in prepared with information, you're going to actually feel like you can help your client and that carries across when you feel like you can really be helpful, and you're matched to be able to bring value to them." —  Nicole Clark

 

Connect with Nicole Clark:  

Website: https://trellis.law/

Email: nicole@trellis.law

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-a-clark/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: The Ambitious Attorney: Your Guide to Doubling or Even Tripling Your Book of Business and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

25 Oct 2021Sharon Christie: Understanding What Your Firm Needs Now00:33:02

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Sharon Christie discuss:

  • Getting a coach so you aren’t reinventing the wheel. 
  • The four things you need to get right in your law firm. 
  • Being strategic when you are changing your practice of law. 
  • Running your business, not letting your business run you. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • There are ways to say no that lead to more referral work from the very same people you say no to. 
  • Very first, you have to get your head on straight with the fact that you are running a business, then you need to understand exactly who your client avatar is and every aspect of that client. 
  • Understand the aspects of your business that you need to be doing, and what can be done by someone else. 
  • By meeting your own needs, you will be able to meet your client’s needs. 

 

"The first thing you have to get straight in your head is that this is a business, just like any other service business. We have different professional rules, but we are service based and you have to look at it that way in order to be successful." —  Sharon Christie

 

Connect with Sharon Christie:  

Website: https://boldwomenlawyers.com/ & https://sharonchristielaw.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boldwomenlawyers/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-christie-3849961/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sharonchristie?lang=en  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boldwomenlawyers & https://www.facebook.com/SharonChristieLaw/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SharonChristieLaw & https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMUuiVbln7SvvjD5iYYUDmg

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: The Ambitious Attorney: Your Guide to Doubling or Even Tripling Your Book of Business and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

Book Reference: You are the Brand by Mike Kim https://www.amazon.com/You-Are-Brand-Profitable-Personally/dp/1631953478  

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

04 Jan 2024Charles Gillis: Hiring, Recruiting, and Retaining for a Thriving Law Firm00:35:21

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Charles Gillis discuss:

  • Why associates are the key to profitability in a law firm. 
  • How COVID changed the landscape of law for young lawyers. 
  • The generational change in lawyers in the industry. 
  • Tips for hiring and recruiting. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Working in a remote or hybrid firm is possible, but having a connection and building relationships are key, especially for newer associates. 
  • What you do in the first 7-8 years of your practice will lay the foundation for the rest of your career. 
  • You do not always need to work with a recruiter to hire great talent. You just need to be plugged into your community and invest time in new lawyers and excellent law students. 
  • If you are working with a recruiter, make sure to qualify them and build the relationship to make sure they are who you want to work with. 

 

"You can put information out, without being too heavy-handed, about who we are and what we value. And smart candidates research the heck out of that stuff. The challenge is to live it." —  Charles Gillis

 

Get a free copy of Steve’s book “Sales-Free Selling” here: www.fretzin.com/sales-free-selling

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Lawmatics: https://www.lawmatics.com/bethatlawyer/

Get Staffed Up: https://getstaffedup.com/bethatlawyer/

Get Visible: https://www.getvisible.com/

 

Episode References: 

 

About Charles Gillis: Charles Gillis is a seasoned business executive who has over thirty years of law firm management and administration experience. At Platt Richmond, Mr. Gillis oversees all strategic and operational matters for the firm, including finances, human resources, and marketing. He is the author of The Seven Year Trap: Back Office Observations of the Business of Law & the Path to Partnership. Charles received an undergraduate degree from The University of Texas at Austin, an executive MBA from The University of Texas at Dallas, and a Graduate Finance Certificate from Southern Methodist University. He holds an SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRMSCP) designation.

 

Connect with Charles Gillis:  

Website: https://plattrichmond.com/

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Year-Trap-Observations-Partnership/dp/0692195661

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gillis/

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

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

18 Aug 2022Mike Capuzzi: Creative Marketing with a Book00:32:50

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Mike Capuzzi discuss:

  • Writing a quality book to stand out from the crowd. 
  • Why you should write a shook. 
  • Self-publishing versus working with a publisher versus a hybrid approach. 
  • Getting the buzz of the book out. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Most people have not written a book. It is a way to differentiate yourself from your competition. 
  • Writing a shook - a short, helpful book - is a great option as most people don’t have time or attention spans for longer books. 
  • Self-publishing gives you more control than you would have with a big publisher. However, it does mean you have more responsibility for marketing and promoting your book. 
  • The key thing is the relationship you have - this may be online, on various social media platforms, or even with local businesses where your potential clients may be. 

 

"When you are a book author of a quality book, it definitely positions you differently. In this day and age, a lot of people put a lot of respect on quality book authors." —  Mike Capuzzi

 

Connect with Mike Capuzzi:  

Website: https://bitesizedbooks.com/

Website: https://mikecapuzzi.com/

Podcast: https://authorfactor.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikecapuzzihelps/

Get your FREE copies of Mike’s Magic Kit here!: https://mikecapuzzi.com/magic

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Legalese Marketing: https://legaleasemarketing.com/

Moneypenny: https://www.moneypenny.com/us/

Practice Panther: https://www.practicepanther.com/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: The Ambitious Attorney: Your Guide to Doubling or Even Tripling Your Book of Business and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

20 Jan 2022Kip Boyle: The Intimacy of Podcast Marketing00:36:58

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Kip Boyle discuss:

  • Becoming a professional who sells and serves people in the process.
  • The changing of traditional selling techniques.
  • Creative marketing to connect with your community.
  • The unique, human connections of podcasting.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • People don’t want to connect with companies, they want to connect with people.
  • The selling techniques of yesteryear don’t work and often turn people away.
  • There is a relationship that gets established between a podcast host and the audience that you don’t even realize is happening.
  • It is all about consistency.

 

"There's an intimacy that podcasts can create that the written ways of talking to people just don't." —  Kip Boyle

 

Connect with Kip Boyle:  

Website: https://www.cr-map.com

Podcast: cyberriskopportunities.com/podcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kipboyle/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KipBoyle

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Fire-Doesnt-Innovate-Executives-Practical-ebook/dp/B07M7KTZWX

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Legalese Marketing: https://legaleasemarketing.com/

Moneypenny: https://www.moneypenny.com/us/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: The Ambitious Attorney: Your Guide to Doubling or Even Tripling Your Book of Business and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

27 May 2021Corinne Heggie: Empowering Women to be Successful in Law with Balance00:27:17

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Corinne Heggie discuss:

  • Advocating for yourself from early in your career. 
  • Finding success without losing the balance in your life. 
  • Fitting business development into your day-to-day activities. 
  • Turning the friendzone into business success. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Learn to ask for what you want. “No” is just “no right now” not “no forever.”
  • Ultimately, nobody cares as much about your success and career trajectory as you. 
  • There is no barrier to entry. You enter where you are, where you feel comfortable, and where you feel authentic, because that's where you're going to be able to do your best work and connect with people.
  • Having your own clients is a complete game changer, both if you are a solo practitioner and if you are a big law firm. 


 

"If you have your own clients, you have a little bit more flexibility with how your day is gonna look." —  Corinne Heggie


 

Connect with Corinne Heggie:  

Website: wochnerlawfirm.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/corinne-cantwell-heggie-04b27b16a

Facebook: facebook.com/corinne.heggie.7


 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: The Ambitious Attorney: Your Guide to Doubling or Even Tripling Your Book of Business and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

05 May 2022Clare Fanner: Soft Skills are Critical Skills in Law00:39:43

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Clare Fanner discuss:

  • Making an impression with purpose. 
  • Similarities and differences in the US and UK legal sectors. 
  • Changing the focus to the client and aligning it to the business while managing expectations. 
  • The enabling power of technology (without taking away from lawyer skills).

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Every little part of what we do matters. We can and do make a difference, even if we do not recognize it. 
  • While networking had to change during the pandemic, we are already seeing a comeback of in person events as things taper off. 
  • To do your job properly and effectively, you need to take care of the whole client. 
  • Different generations have different expectations of their lawyers. You must adapt a strategy to adapt to the generations. 

 

"Increasingly, people are recognizing these are not soft skills, they are critical skills. And that is relating to people, having that understanding of how people operate - the human bit." —  Clare Fanner

 

Connect with Clare Fanner:  

Website: https://www.lawfirmmarketingclub.com/

Email: clare@findgetgrow.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clarefanner/

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Legalese Marketing: https://legaleasemarketing.com/

Moneypenny: https://www.moneypenny.com/us/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: The Ambitious Attorney: Your Guide to Doubling or Even Tripling Your Book of Business and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

09 Sep 2024Gregg Goldfarb: Staying Profitable in a Changing Legal Landscape00:33:24

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Gregg Goldfarb discuss:

  • Evolving legal marketing strategies
  • Non-lawyer ownership in law firms
  • Revenue growth through referrals and partnerships
  • Networking and education for lawyers

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Lawyers can expand their revenue streams by engaging in referral marketing, where they identify cases outside their expertise and refer them to other firms, earning a fee for the referral​.
  • Non-lawyer owned firms are now possible in states like Arizona, allowing lawyers to partner with marketers or business professionals to focus on legal work while leveraging external business expertise for growth.
  • Legal professionals should invest in their personal growth through education, coaching, and attending legal conferences to learn new strategies for marketing, networking, and expanding their business horizons.
  • The legal industry is seeing increased involvement from financial entities like Wall Street, which is providing capital to law firms for mass tort cases, highlighting the growing intersection of finance and law.

 

"The legal conferences now are much better... it’s entertainment, it’s information, it’s connections." —  Gregg Goldfarb

 

Read more from Steve at Above the Law: AboveTheLaw.com/tag/Steve-Fretzin/

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Ready to go from good to GOAT? Attend PIMCOM the inaugural personal injury mastermind conference Sept 15-17, 2024. Use promo code BeThatLawyer to get $200.00 off at https://www.pimcon.org/

Get Staffed Up: https://getstaffedup.com/bethatlawyer/

Rainmakers Roundtable: https://www.fretzin.com/lawyer-coaching-and-training/peer-advisory-groups/

 

Episode References: 

The Daily Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-daily/id1200361736

 

About Gregg Goldfarb: Gregg Goldfarb is a trial lawyer with over 30 years of experience, focusing on, among other things, mass torts. Gregg also hosts his own podcast called Cut to the Chase, which covers public interest issues ranging from law, the environment, and anti-Semitism to the arts.

 

Connect with Gregg Goldfarb:  

Website: https://gregggoldfarb.com/

Phone: 305-374-7000

Show: Cut To The Chase Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cut-to-the-chase-podcast-hosted-by-gregg-goldfarb/id1551362164

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregggoldfarb/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masstortguy/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

02 Aug 2021Karin Conroy: Strategic Website Design for Success00:28:42

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Karin Conroy discuss:

  • How websites have changed from the beginning brochure style to how they work best strategically now.
  • Where lawyers and law firms are missing the boat on website design and strategy. 
  • Being unique and memorable from the first look of your website. 
  • Connecting your message with your design. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Website technology is constantly changing. Whenever you learn it, learn the principles and concepts about marketing and design and evolve with the changes. 
  • Don’t pretend that you know what you’re doing in building your website - work with someone who can strategically help you design your website for what you want it to do.
  • Not everyone uses websites the same way you use a website. 
  • Conversion does not mean the same for every firm. 

 

"Your calls to action need to be aligned with your positioning." —  Karin Conroy

 

Connect with Karin Conroy:  

Website: https://conroycreativecounsel.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinconroy/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/karinconroy

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

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: The Ambitious Attorney: Your Guide to Doubling or Even Tripling Your Book of Business and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

12 May 2022Justin Weinrich: The Chess Game of Networking00:36:08

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Justin Weinrich discuss:

  • Justin’s journey of building his own firm in a city where he knew nobody. 
  • Scheduling your networking without burning out. 
  • Creativity in your networking connections (not everyone wants more business).
  • Niching down to perfect your craft and be known for that among your network. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Strategically plan who you are going to network with will allow you to make the most out of your networking time. 
  • Be constantly communicating with your clients. Those who refer others to you want to know that you are taking care of those referrals. 
  • Get to know people. Your best clients may take years to come, but you’ve built the trust and rapport and will get more referrals from those clients. 
  • Perfect your craft - that is what you owe your clients, and that is what will sustain you and your family. 

 

"You have to work together to try to figure out how you can help each other. I always tried to give a little bit of something, even if I felt like the other person was helping me a lot more." —  Justin Weinrich

 

Connect with Justin Weinrich:  

Website: https://jweinrichlaw.com/

Cell Phone: 636-795-7256

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jweinrichlaw/

 

Referenced Episode: 

Episode 162: Kate Curler: https://fretzin.com/kate-curler-the-power-in-people/

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Legalese Marketing: https://legaleasemarketing.com/

Moneypenny: https://www.moneypenny.com/us/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: The Ambitious Attorney: Your Guide to Doubling or Even Tripling Your Book of Business and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

23 Dec 2021Brian LaBovick: Serving Your Community and Building Your Brand00:31:20

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Brian LaBovick discuss:

  • Creating focus for success. 
  • Understanding who you are and who you want to be, personally and professionally. 
  • Leveraging challenges to rise to new heights. 
  • Serving your community with the intent of serving, while still maintaining your brand. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Whatever you need in your life, give first and the world will bring it back to you tenfold. 
  • Pick a direction and lean into it. Find the gifts as you move forward. 
  • When you get the right people in the right spots things will leap forward. 
  • Start with yourself. Get naked and be as honest with yourself as you can be to understand and embrace your values and mission. 

 

"You can do right by your community, you can do right by the people that you're trying to serve. All the good that you put out in the world does not mean that you need to hide your brand and that your brand is here to do a job for part of the community as well." —  Brian LaBovick

 

Connect with Brian LaBovick:  

Website: https://www.brianlabovick.com/

Website: https://www.labovick.com/

Safety4Life: https://safety4life.org/

Email: brian@labovick.com

Book: https://www.brianlabovick.com/the-book

Phone: 866-LABOVICK

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LaBovick

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-labovick-40032a9/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LaBovickLaw

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/labovicklawgroup/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Florida.Lawyers/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: The Ambitious Attorney: Your Guide to Doubling or Even Tripling Your Book of Business and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

13 May 2024Jen Lee: Innovation in the Legal Industry00:29:38

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Jen Lee discuss:

  • Breaking the mold of traditional legal molds within ethical guidelines.
  • Legal models that are changing the game for attorneys.
  • The growing demand for legal services in underserved communities and non-traditional markets.
  • How COVID changed the legal landscape.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • The billable hour contributes to lawyer burnout and work-life imbalance as attorneys feel pressure to work long hours to pay off high student loans and meet law firm expectations.
  • Some variations for fee models include flat fees, hybrid, unbundled services, subscription models, and passive income (such as a sponsored podcast, a course, a book, etc.).
  • Part of your job as a lawyer is helping your clients accurately understand the costs of your services necessary to solve their problems.
  • Turn off your lawyer brain when thinking about business development. What do you like solving? Build a business model around that.

 

"The legal profession itself stands in its own way. We’ve got such a long tradition and history of how things have always been done. It’s almost a stodgy profession. We have a lot of regulations on us, and it's hard to come up with ideas to get around those or to be ethical. Attorneys worry about that a lot. We're very conservative with how we look at things." —  Jen Lee

 

Find out more about the 10 Easy-to-Execute Hacks to Unlock Your Full Potential at: https://fretzin.com/events

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Lawmatics: https://www.lawmatics.com/bethatlawyer/

Get Staffed Up: https://getstaffedup.com/bethatlawyer/

Green Cardigan Marketing: https://greencardiganmarketing.com/

 

Episode References: 

About Jen Lee: Jen Lee AKA Rebel Esquire. Once a mild-mannered attorney, now the superhero for lawyers intent on transforming an industry resistant to change. She is redefining the practice of law through innovation, accessibility, and a bold departure from the status quo. Jen is the owner of Lawyer Success Network® and host of the Rebel Esquire™ podcast. 

 

Connect with Jen Lee: 

Website: https://www.lawyersuccessnetwork.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebelesquire/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lawyersuccessnetwork

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebelesquire

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

07 Oct 2021Mari Ribeiro: Unique Branding for Your Law Firm00:32:15

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Mari Ribeiro discuss:

  • Gaining a competitive edge with your brand.
  • Pros and cons of naming your firm something other than your name. 
  • Growing and expanding your brand. 
  • Keeping your brand relevant and sustainable. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Your brand speaks to the type of service you are giving. Naming your firm allows you an opportunity to stand out and get noticed in a way beyond being a lawyer. 
  • Branding can help your firm to look fresh, new, and exciting - people are drawn to that!
  • Your brand is what will carry the reputation of your firm. 
  • Be curious and be willing to get feedback from others about what they experience when they think of your brand. 

 

"Gone are the days where you are attracting clients and business just because you hang your shingle... this gives an opportunity for people to show up through their brand, and really help lawyers stand out with what it is that they do, and the unique way in which they do it." —  Mari Ribeiro

 

Connect with Mari Ribeiro:  

Website: https://www.ribeirolawfirm.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxj4BV5kqdByQMHHmsfZ-8Q

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ribeiro_law/

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

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: The Ambitious Attorney: Your Guide to Doubling or Even Tripling Your Book of Business and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

19 Dec 2024Jennifer Gardner: Emotional Intelligence, Advocacy, and Upholding the Rule of Law00:32:19

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Jennifer Gardner discuss:

  • The impact of emotional intelligence on personal and professional success
  • Strategies for communication and influence in legal practice
  • Addressing challenges in business development and client management
  • Lawyers’ responsibility in upholding societal values and the rule of law

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Lawyers can enhance their decision-making and relationship-building skills by focusing on emotional intelligence, which includes empathy and understanding clients' emotions.
  • Influence, distinct from power or convincing, is most effective when used to align others' decisions with their own goals while fostering collaboration.
  • Prospective client meetings are more successful when the focus is on listening and empathizing rather than pitching or hard-selling services.
  • Recognizing every interaction as an opportunity to influence positively can help lawyers build trust, improve client outcomes, and reinforce their roles as guardians of the rule of law.

 

"Every communication is an opportunity to move further and further toward that end—using influence in a really positive way to achieve great results for our clients and to enforce the rule of law." —  Jennifer Gardner

 

Got a challenge growing your law practice? Email me at steve@fretzin.com with your toughest question, and I'll answer it live on the show—anonymously, just using your first name!

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/

Rainmakers Roundtable: https://www.fretzin.com/lawyer-coaching-and-training/peer-advisory-groups/

 

Episode References: 

Lex Fridman Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lex-fridman-podcast/id1434243584

 

About Jennifer Gardner: Jennifer B. Gardner is a Los Angeles-based trial lawyer and persuasive communications educator. She specializes in strategic, empathic, and persuasive communication, focusing on high performers in various settings. When she is not lawyering, she educates high-performing leaders on how to grow their executive presence and confidence using persuasive communication strategies through her program, “The Art of Influence and the Power Lab,” as well as for various continuing legal education providers. She also consults with lawyers on strategic messaging for their cases and helps them enhance their courtroom presence.

 

Connect with Jennifer Gardner:  

Website: https://jenniferbgardner.com/ & https://jgardnerassociates.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferbgardner/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjenniferbgardner

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

01 May 2025Tyson Mutrux: What Every Lawyer Needs to Know About Mindset, Money, and Operations00:32:40

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Tyson Mutrux discuss:

  • The importance of cultivating the right mindset for professional growth
  • Building and scaling a law firm through strategic hiring and systematized operations
  • The power of networking and targeted referrals in developing a legal practice
  • Utilizing peer groups, coaching, and mentorship as tools for continuous improvement

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Mindset is the number one limiting factor for lawyers—without overcoming mental barriers, no strategy will work, even with a step-by-step million-dollar blueprint.
  • Many law firms suffer from cash flow problems because lawyers pull too much money from the business too early, preventing reinvestment and sustainable growth.
  • Effective hiring requires a thorough, systematized process—using tools like Zoho Recruit and strategies like “topgrading” ensures better long-term talent fit and retention.
  • Networking should be laser-focused—meeting with professionals who are in a direct position to send targeted referrals, like volume PI firms or chiropractors, yields better ROI than general networking.

 

"You can ruin a good hire just by having bad processes or no processes." —  Tyson Mutrux

 

Got a challenge growing your law practice? Email me at steve@fretzin.com with your toughest question, and I'll answer it live on the show—anonymously, just using your first name!

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/

 

Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/

 

Episode References: 

Modern Wisdom Podcast by Chris Williamson: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/modern-wisdom/id1347973549

About Tyson Mutrux: Tyson Mutrux is the owner and managing partner of Mutrux Firm LLC, a personal injury law firm based in St. Louis and Columbia, MO. He is also the co-founder and owner of Maximum Lawyer, a community where law firm owners connect, collaborate, and grow their firms.

 

Connect with Tyson Mutrux:  

Website: http://www.maximumlawyer.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tysonmutrux/ & https://www.linkedin.com/company/maximum-lawyer

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/maximumlawyer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maximumlawyer/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

31 May 2021Wayne Pollock: Creating Content as an Advocate of You00:31:10

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Wayne Pollock discuss:

  • Content as your biggest advocate. 
  • The cumulative effect of content and creating content from conversational topics. 
  • The two kinds of marketing and business development content. 
  • Balancing your content and going broad, beyond your specific field of law. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • The burden is on the lawyer to write compelling material that keeps the reader engaged in marketing and business development content. 
  • Stay aware of what your clients and partners are thinking and asking about, even in passing, and use that to create your content. 
  • What your client’s concern is today, could be your future client’s concern in a few months. 
  • You don’t need to give away your secret ingredients. Your content is giving out samples to prospective clients who can then come to you for more individualized information. 


 

"Today’s conversation is tomorrow’s blog post. Listen very carefully to the questions your client is asking and the concerns they are raising." —  Wayne Pollock
 

 

Connect with Wayne Pollock:  

Website: lawfirmeditorialservice.com

Email: Wayne@lawfirmeditorialservice.com

Website: copostrategies.com

Website: writelessbillmore.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/waynepollock

 


Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: The Ambitious Attorney: Your Guide to Doubling or Even Tripling Your Book of Business and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

28 Oct 2024Camille Stell & Brenda Barnes: Aligning Law Firm Growth with Attorney Retention00:31:47

In this episode, Steve, Camille, and Brenda discuss:

  • Law firm compensation structures and challenges
  • The role of transparency in legal industry compensation
  • Succession planning and generational shifts in law firms
  • Recruiting and retaining legal talent in a competitive market

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Non-equity partnership tracks are becoming common, allowing lawyers to learn financial and managerial aspects before committing to buy-ins.
  • Law school debt significantly influences young lawyers' careers, with some firms offering loan reimbursement to attract top talent.
  • Compensation plans should align with a firm's goals and offer flexibility to retain high performers while balancing work-life needs.
  • Origination credit structures can create competition within firms, but when managed well, they enhance succession planning and stability.

 

"If you're willing to have conversations with people about what they want in life... you're speaking their love language at that point." —  Camille Stell

"I had a partner tell me a long time ago, 'I don't need any new clients because all of our conference rooms are full,' and I'm just thinking how short-sighted that could possibly be." —  Brenda Barnes

Join Steve on November 15th for an exclusive 60-minute session focused on actionable strategies for business growth. Register now—seats are limited to the first 20 attorneys! Sign up here: https://www.fretzin.com/blog/category/events/

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/

Rainmakers Roundtable: https://www.fretzin.com/lawyer-coaching-and-training/peer-advisory-groups/

 

Episode References: 

Financial Feminist Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/financial-feminist/id1566054936

About Camille Stell and Brenda Barnes: Camille Stell and Brenda Barnes are the authors of the newly published 2nd Edition of Respect: An Insight to Attorney Compensation Plans. Brenda and Camille are available for consults in succession planning, path to partnership, and compensation plans, including financial formulas for capital buy-in and retirement buy-out.

 

Connect with Camille Stell and Brenda Barnes:  

Website: http://www.lawyersmutualconsulting.com & http://www.brenda-barnes.com

Book:  RESPECT - An Insight to Attorney Compensation Plans:

https://www.amazon.com/RESPECT-Insight-Attorney-Compensation-Plans/dp/1734108665

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/camillestell/ & https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendabarnes/

Twitter: https://x.com/barneslegalmgmt

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

23 Mar 2020Jerry Maatman: Creating a Successful, Sustainable Practice00:25:02

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Jerry Maatman discuss:

  • The evolution of being a lawyer since Jerry started practicing in 1981.
  • What goes beyond being a great lawyer that is critical to a successful, sustainable practice.
  • Being responsive to your client in the age of the internet.
  • Four Steps for going above and beyond what the standard lawyer is doing.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • You must be a great lawyer, a great problem solver, and have a great book of business.
  • Resolve every day on how you will find the next case, the next project, the next client. Find ways to keep yourself supercharged and wanting to be the best lawyer you can be.
  • Persistence, diligence, and dedication are key to being more than just a lawyer to your clients.
  • If you’re not thinking about business development, someone else is stealing that work from you because they are thinking about it.

 

"The first is you need to invest in yourself. You need your time. Be your own best friend when it comes to business development. And by that, I mean you need to set aside time, not once a month, but every day to polish your brand, to enhance your skills, and to deepen your relationships." —  Jerry Maatman

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: The Ambitious Attorney: Your Guide to Doubling or Even Tripling Your Book of Business and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

 

22 Apr 2024Sarah Victory: Building Your Business Through Expert Speaking00:35:52

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Sarah Victory discuss:

  • Building your business without imploding. 
  • What to focus on whether you’re running a small or large firm.
  • The biggest problems lawyers face when scaling. 
  • Getting business and leads from speaking and presentations. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Become better in the face of hard challenges. Don’t wish your challenges were easier when you can get stronger. 
  • You can find great people, but you have to dare to do it. Do something brave every day to grow your business. 
  • Hire somebody before you think you need them. You can also look for people outside of the US and are not constrained by only those in your area.
  • At speaking engagements, connect with people before and after. Network, connect, build relationships, and show your expertise. 

 

"I believe there's a form of marketing for everybody. And that usually is something you love to do." —  Sarah Victory

 

Take the BE THAT LAWYER challenge at Fretzin.com!

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Lawmatics: https://www.lawmatics.com/bethatlawyer/

Get Staffed Up: https://getstaffedup.com/bethatlawyer/

Green Cardigan Marketing: https://greencardiganmarketing.com/

 

Episode References: 

 

About Sarah Victory: CEO of The Victory Company & international best-selling Author, Sarah Victory, has spoken to over 3000 distinguished audiences, including 3 ½ million people, in Europe, the US, and South America, and is sought after for popular Podcasts, and TV and Radio Shows. 

She is the author of Double Your Business in One Year or Less! and Do Something Brave Every Day.

 

Connect with Sarah Victory:  

Website: https://www.thevictorycompany.com/

Email: sarah@thevictorycompany.com

Book: How to Be Powerful: Insider Secrets to Brilliant Leadership, Sales, and Speaking

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahvictory/

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspiringvictory/

 

Connect with Gary Johnson:  

Website: j2marketingconsultants.com

Email: garyj@j2marketingconsultants.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/j2marketingconsultants

Twitter: twitter.com/j2consultants

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

25 Dec 2023Scott Mason: Understanding the Myths and Narratives to Rewrite Our Lives00:33:02

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Scott Mason discuss:

  • Separating our identities and the roles we play in life. 
  • Why many people go to law school…often without knowing what to expect. 
  • The relationships between ourselves, myths, and culture. 
  • Professional freedom and moving past feeling trapped. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • What makes you happy is intimately related to who and what you are - it is directly aligned with knowing yourself. 
  • Myths are a projection of the stories we tell ourselves about our identities. 
  • When you understand your narrative, you can start to be the hero and begin to write the path you choose, not what others are choosing for you. 
  • Purpose plus values will lead to your vision of what is possible. Levened with an understanding of your non-negotiables, then you will be able to create your vision and create a plan to make it happen. 

 

"If you're smart enough to be a lawyer, you're smart enough to figure out how to survive in this world one way or another. And you'll probably do better if you're being true to yourself." —  Scott Mason

Get a free audio copy of Steve’s book “Legal Business Development Isn’t Rocket Science” here: https://fretzin.com/audiobook

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Lawmatics: https://www.lawmatics.com/1-month-free/

Get Staffed Up: https://getstaffedup.com/bethatlawyer/

Get Visible: https://www.getvisible.com/

 

Episode References: 

 

About Scott Mason: Scott Mason is the Myth Slayer, a transformational executive & leadership coach for unhappy lawyers looking to find professional freedom and live the life of their dreams. After graduating from Columbia Law School, Scott worked for over 20 years as an attorney and C-Suite executive with numerous government and nonprofit organizations before successfully growing and scaling a manufacturing company. Scott's insights have appeared in book compilations and online magazines as well as on television and podcasts, and he currently sits on the Board of the NYC chapter of the National Speakers Association. 

Connect with Scott Mason:  

Website: https://www.myfreedomrocks.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themythslayer/

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s.scott_mason/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themythslayer_

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scott.mason.1291/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

29 Jul 2021Mark Silverman: Being Authentic for Better Engagement00:27:18

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Mark Silverman discuss:

  • Understanding your clients business. 
  • The trigger to developing long lasting relationships. 
  • Arrows in your quiver of business development. 
  • Tips and tricks for driving engagement. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Turn on news alerts for what is going on, when it is happening, in your clients business or industry. 
  • Use your calendar to keep yourself accountable to follow up and follow through.
  • It’s okay to post content, even if you don’t create it, but make sure to read it so the post says what you think it is saying. 
  • It’s about engagement - it’s called social media for a reason.

 

"Follow up, follow through, and invest your time." —  Mark Silverman

 

Connect with Mark Silverman  

Website: https://www.dykema.com/professionals-mark_silverman.html

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marksilverman3/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: The Ambitious Attorney: Your Guide to Doubling or Even Tripling Your Book of Business and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

11 Aug 2022Chris Dreyer: Niching Up and Being Known for Something00:31:56

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Chris Dreyer discuss:

  • Moving out of a scarcity mindset. 
  • Why niching will open up opportunities for you. 
  • Being perceived as an expert and increasing conversions. 
  • Finding a niche in your passion. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Have broader experiences and then find your niche. 
  • Finding your niche will make your business development even more streamlined and efficient as you will eliminate waste that you never recognized. 
  • When you niche, you are not a blank canvas and are having to create custom products each time. What you do becomes repeatable. 
  • Focus on how you are going to be different, how you can stand out, and how you are going to generate business. 

 

"If you're thinking about niching, it doesn't mean you have to say no to other things, it gives you optionality." —  Chris Dreyer

 

Connect with Chris Dreyer:  

Website: https://rankings.io/

Website: https://chrisdreyer.co/

Book: https://chrisdreyer.co/books/

Show: https://chrisdreyer.co/podcast/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiRS7BCssVkGrxcNsxCCa6Q

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisdreyerco/

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdreyerco/?hl=en

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Legalese Marketing: https://legaleasemarketing.com/

Moneypenny: https://www.moneypenny.com/us/

Practice Panther: https://www.practicepanther.com/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: The Ambitious Attorney: Your Guide to Doubling or Even Tripling Your Book of Business and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

28 Nov 2022Emily Hirsekorn: Energy Management, Performance, and Well-Being for Leaders00:39:45

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Emily Hirsekorn discuss:

  • The relationship between leadership and learning. 
  • Why and when lawyers need support in their careers. 
  • 4 of the most common blocks to success. 
  • The learning that can happen at different stages of your career. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • When you are growing and learning and leading in a way that is most authentic to you, that is where you are going to be happiest and most effective.
  • Find what you really want to do and what you want your life to look like, then work backward to find out how to make that work. 
  • Come up with a narrative where you are the hero of the story. You can be confident in yourself without coming across as arrogant. 
  • There is so much to learn, and it doesn’t always have to cost money. 

 

"I really encourage people to shift from time management to energy management, think about what keeps your energy up, build those positive habits, and then really focus on both performance and well-being because they impact each other." —  Emily Hirsekorn

 

Episode References: 

Book: Energy Leadership by Bruce Schneider

 

Connect with Emily Hirsekorn:  

Website: https://www.hirsekorncoaching.com/

Email: emily@hirsekorncoaching.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyhirsekorn/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hirsekorn_coaching/

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Legalese Marketing: https://legaleasemarketing.com/

Moneypenny: https://www.moneypenny.com/us/

Practice Panther: https://www.practicepanther.com/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: The Ambitious Attorney: Your Guide to Doubling or Even Tripling Your Book of Business and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

12 Sep 2024Melanie Herschorn: Book Writing and Publishing for Branding and Growth00:32:30

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Melanie Herschorn discuss:

  • Book writing for lawyers
  • Challenges in book publishing
  • Books as marketing tools
  • Role of technology and AI in publishing

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Lawyers can streamline book creation by repurposing existing content instead of writing new material daily.
  • Carefully vet publishers to avoid rights loss or financial exploitation by selecting those with transparency and industry expertise.
  • Successful book marketing involves pre-launch planning, continual promotion, and leveraging various channels like media and podcasts.
  • AI can assist with editing and formatting but should not be heavily relied upon for writing due to potential quality and copyright issues.

 

"You just want to remember that it isn't about book sales. It's really about leveraging the book for client retention, client acquisition, and visibility opportunities." —  Melanie Herschorn

 

Read more from Steve at Above the Law: AboveTheLaw.com/tag/Steve-Fretzin/

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Ready to go from good to GOAT? Attend PIMCOM the inaugural personal injury mastermind conference Sept 15-17, 2024. Use promo code BeThatLawyer to get $200.00 off at https://www.pimcon.org/

Get Staffed Up: https://getstaffedup.com/bethatlawyer/

Rainmakers Roundtable: https://www.fretzin.com/lawyer-coaching-and-training/peer-advisory-groups/

 

Episode References:

The Jamie Kern Lima Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-jamie-kern-lima-show/id1728723635

 

About Melanie Herschorn: Melanie Herschorn is dedicated to helping you step into the spotlight as an authority. As a publisher and book marketing expert for attorneys and business owners worldwide, she empowers authors to share their message with the world while leveraging their book for impact, influence, and income. With over 20 years of experience as a celebrity publicist, award-winning journalist in radio, print, and TV, as well as a clothing designer and entrepreneur, Melanie is uniquely positioned to support authors in becoming thought leaders and making a significant impact with their books. Her latest book, Make a Big Impact with Your Book, is now available. 

Transform your expertise into a powerful book—download The Ultimate Publishing Guide now: https://yourbigimpactbook.info/attorneyguide

 

Connect with Melanie Herschorn:  

Website: https://vipbookmarketing.com/

Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Melanie-Herschorn/author/B09X9HQXLT

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-herschorn/

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigimpactbooks/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

07 Oct 2024David Telisman: Leveraging AI and Content Marketing for a Future-Ready Law Practice00:32:00

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and David Telisman discuss:

  • The role of content in business growth
  • Challenges professionals face in content creation
  • AI's impact on marketing strategies
  • Delegating marketing efforts effectively

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Blogging remains the second most effective form of content marketing after video, but many attorneys fail to utilize it consistently, missing out on a powerful tool for brand visibility and client engagement.
  • Repurposing content, such as turning podcasts into articles or short videos, allows businesses to maximize their exposure across multiple platforms without constantly creating new material, which saves time and effort.
  • AI, like ChatGPT, has revolutionized content marketing by helping professionals organize and optimize their content creation processes, but it must be carefully monitored to avoid factual errors and ensure originality.
  • A common issue for small business owners is the discrepancy between their in-person presence and their online branding, which often leads to a lack of trust or missed connections with potential clients.

 

"As a practitioner, I could smell rubber-stamped AI that hasn't gotten through QC from a mile away. I mean, it's just used to the format, the formula of the words." —  David Telisman

 

Read Steve's past episodes as Blogcasts—visit now: https://www.fretzin.com/blog/

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/

Rainmakers Roundtable: https://www.fretzin.com/lawyer-coaching-and-training/peer-advisory-groups/

 

Episode References: 

Club Random with Bill Maher: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/club-random-with-bill-maher/id1613459129

 

About David Telisman: David Telisman is the founder of David Telisman Communications, LLC, a leading content writing and marketing company. With 26 years of experience in writing, marketing communications, and education, David partners with businesses across various industries to create powerful content that drives customer engagement and boosts sales. David’s strategic content creation helps brands stand out, elevate their reputation, and achieve sustained growth in competitive markets.

 

Connect with David Telisman:  

Website: https://davidtelisman.com/

Email: david.telisman@gmail.com

Phone: 224-645-2748

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidtelisman/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.telisman & https://www.facebook.com/davidtelismancommunications/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

17 Aug 2020Steve Seckler: Coaching to the Next Level00:26:53

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Steve Seckler discuss:

  • Getting to know others as a way to sell professional services. 
  • Challenges and issues facing lawyers in career transitions and building a law practice.
  • Ways to start building your book of business. 
  • Transitioning out to potential retirement or out of the law. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Selling legal services is not about a hard sell. It’s learning about people's concerns and getting to know them over time. 
  • Lawyers, as a group, tend to be more conservative, which can make it difficult for them to make lateral moves or move to an equity role. 
  • Coaching is a strength, not a weakness. People have succeeded in every field at every level because of a coach. 
  • When you are thinking about transitioning, you want to have a plan in place. You won’t want to make the decisions on the doorstep out. You want to make the decisions long before you get out. 

 

"The best subjects for coaching are the people that have the most potential." —  Steve Seckler

 

Connect with Steve Seckler:  

Twitter: @stephenseckler

Website: CounselToCounsel.com

Show: Counsel to Counsel with Stephen Seckler, Esq.

LinkedIn: Stephen Seckler

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: The Ambitious Attorney: Your Guide to Doubling or Even Tripling Your Book of Business and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

18 Apr 2022Manny Griffiths: The Client Experience00:31:25

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Manny Griffiths discuss:

  • The importance of understanding the client experience.
  • How Milestones can help you to bridge the gap and provide a better client experience.
  • Setting expectations for both the client and the lawyer.
  • Relationships and communication.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • If the end result is good, the client could still be happy. But if they are referring you to others, then you know they had a good experience.
  • Technology is not a replacement for personal connections with your clients, but it is an aid to those individual touches.
  • The best communicators have the best client experience.
  • Communicate with your clients in ways that aren’t just emails. Many people don’t check their email regularly, or the emails get misfiled and lost.

 

"Technology is just aids. You shouldn't ever do away with your personal touch and stop giving updates to clients on a regular basis, but you can replace some of your touches with technology. It keeps transparency, when you're using technology." —  Manny Griffiths

 

Connect with Manny Griffiths:  

Website: https://www.hona.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manny-griffiths-b5876884/

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

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honasoftware

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Legalese Marketing: https://legaleasemarketing.com/

Moneypenny: https://www.moneypenny.com/us/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: The Ambitious Attorney: Your Guide to Doubling or Even Tripling Your Book of Business and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

25 Jan 2024Frank Agin: Next Level Networking Rap Battle00:36:03

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Frank Agin discuss:

  • Why networking isn’t pushed in law school. 
  • The science of networking and why networking is like golf. 
  • The power of small talk (and why it actually works). 
  • The three reasons lawyers do not get referrals. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Networking is really about building relationships and helping others.
  • You have to help people to help you. If they don’t know what you do or what you are looking for, they won’t know how to refer you or that you even are looking for more business. 
  • People need help from you to recognize the referral opportunities and, perhaps, even the empowering language to know what to say. 
  • Build relationships outside of the organizations you’re a part of. Meet a few of them on a deeper level, add value to their lives, and it will come around in spades. 

 

"Find something you’re passionate about and get out and volunteer. Get out there, put yourself out there with people who care about the same thing you do, and you’ll be amazed and what comes from that." —  Frank Agin

Sign up for How to Become a Rainmaker to Achieve Work-Life Balance with Steve Fretzin and Jennifer Gillman at https://fretzin.com/events

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Lawmatics: https://www.lawmatics.com/bethatlawyer/

Get Staffed Up: https://getstaffedup.com/bethatlawyer/

Green Cardigan Marketing: https://greencardiganmarketing.com/

 

Episode References: 

 

About Frank Agin: 

Frank Agin is president of AmSpirit Business Connections, which empowers entrepreneurs, sales representatives and professionals to become successful through networking.

He also shares information and insights on professional relationships, business networking, and best practices for generating referrals under the brand name Networking Rx. This is done via the Networking Rx podcast or the Networking Rx content sharing platform which can be found at www.networking-rx.com.

Finally, Frank is the author of several books, including Foundational Networking. See all his books and programs at www.frankagin.com

 

Connect with Frank Agin:  

Website: https://www.amspirit.com/

Books: https://www.frankagin.com/

Podcast: https://networking-rx.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankagin/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amspirit-business-connections/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/frankagin

Twitter: https://twitter.com/amspirit

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

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frankagin43/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amspiritbc/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

17 May 2021Michelle King: Media Relations for Your Law Practice00:24:07

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Michelle King discuss:

  • The importance of media relations to your law practice. 
  • What becomes newsworthy and the timeliness of your content creation. 
  • Critical roles for attorneys to play in the media and in current events. 
  • Spotting trends and understanding how you fit as a media expert. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Media coverage is a huge boon to SEO and your perceived authority. 
  • Consistency is the key to all marketing and business development activities.
  • Consume the media that you want to be featured in to get a sense of what they are looking for. 
  • Journalists do keep track and pay attention to press releases if done in a timely manner. 


 

"It's training your brain to think: How can I insert myself into this dialogue? In this topic? What's happening in the world? Why is this relevant to my clients? And what analysis and expertise can I add to the discussion?" —  Michelle King


 

Connect with Michelle King:  

Website: https://www.rep-ink.com/

Resources: https://resources.rep-ink.com/lawyers-published

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rep_ink_jax/  

Blog: http://inksights.rep-ink.com/  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/reputation-ink/ & https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellecking/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/rep_ink & https://twitter.com/MichelleCKing

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


 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: The Ambitious Attorney: Your Guide to Doubling or Even Tripling Your Book of Business and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

04 Mar 2021Jeremy Schneider: Building a Book of Business in a Big Firm00:34:53

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Jeremy Schneider discuss:

  • The importance of business development, even when working in big firms.
  • Setting up networking situations to bear fruit. 
  • Identifying the truth with your connections.
  • Removing the personal from the rejection.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Spend time cultivating relationships, but spend that time wisely and do those things that actually make a difference. 
  • Develop a very tight and focused business development plan that focuses on 2-3 specific things that you know will produce good results.
  • A “no” is the second-best possible answer you can receive because it is a definitive answer.
  • Focus on the things that are actually leading to additional business.


 

"I'm not just meeting people haphazardly, I'm focusing on the people who are good strategic partners for me, and who I can be good strategic partners for, as well." —  Jeremy Schneider


 

Connect with Jeremy Schneider:  

Email: Jeremy.Schneider@JacksonLewis.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jsschneider

Twitter: twitter.com/jer_schneid

Website: JacksonLewis.com

 


Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: The Ambitious Attorney: Your Guide to Doubling or Even Tripling Your Book of Business and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

24 May 2021Conrad Saam: The Ten Commandments of Customer Service00:30:20

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Conrad Saam discuss:

  • Focusing on what is important to the client right now, not the financials. 
  • Seeing marketing as an investment, not a cost or as part of a budget. 
  • Be proactive about problems and upfront in your communication. 
  • Making helping your clients achieve their goals your goal. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • When people are hiring a lawyer, they are hiring a person, not your law degree or your mahogany desk. Proving you give a damn and having empathy really is a competitive advantage. 
  • Don't ask clients what their budget is, tell them what their investment needs to be.
  • As an agency, your priority is not making yourself look good, it is solving the problem for your clients. 
  • Speak in business terms, not technical jargon. 


 

"We don't tell them about costs; we don't talk to our clients about budgets or dollars. Everything is framed in terms of an investment, because that's what marketing is. If it's not an investment, it is lighting your kid’s college fund on fire." —  Conrad Saam


 

Bedlam Conference: bedlamconference.com

Get 50% off your ticket to the Bedlam Conference starting May 26, 2021 by using Promotional Code: STEVE! 

 


Connect with Conrad Saam:  

Website: mockingbird.marketing

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/conradsaam & linkedin.com/company/mockingbird-marketing

Twitter: twitter.com/MockingbirdMktg

Facebook: facebook.com/conradsaam & facebook.com/Mockingbird.Marketing


 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: The Ambitious Attorney: Your Guide to Doubling or Even Tripling Your Book of Business and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

17 Jul 2023Merry Neitlich: Building a Strong and Effective Brand00:37:36

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Merry Neitlich discuss:

  • The evolution of branding over the last 20 years. 
  • Finding your brand essence statement and recognizing how you stand out from others in your space. 
  • Keeping your branding consistent throughout your entire online presence. 
  • The difference between brand, marketing, and business development (and how they all interact). 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Keep your website current (no more than 3 years old) so it is relevant and Google will see it. Have your tagline - make it relevant and tell clients how you are different. 
  • You first want to find out what your differentiator is, then build your brand. You need to look introspectively to understand what it is that you stand for and your unique selling point. 
  • There should be an overlap between your personal brand and your firm’s brand. If they are not related, it can cause a disconnect for your clients. 
  • Consistency is the key. You need to hold yourself accountable to your brand, marketing, and business development efforts for them to be effective and work for you. 

 

"A brand is not just an ad. A brand is not just a tagline on your website. A brand is how you operate and everything that you do." —  Merry Neitlich

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Overture: https://overture.law/

Moneypenny: https://www.moneypenny.com/us/

Get Visible: https://www.getvisible.com/

 

Episode References: 

 

About Merry Neitlich: For over 25 years, Merry Neitlich has been a successful business development and branding consultant to attorneys and law firms. She works with both firms and individual attorneys to drive revenue by turning branding into a strategic asset. Merry has been inducted into both the Legal Marketing Hall of Fame and the College of Law Practice Management. 

 

Connect with Merry Neitlich:  

Website: https://emconsults.org/  

Email: merry@emconsults.org

Phone: 949-260-0936

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/merryneitlich/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/extreme-marketing/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

09 Mar 2020Teachable Moments: Time Management00:19:54

In this episode, Steve Fretzin discusses:

  • Resources and processes for time management.
  • Making decisions and being honest about where the disorganization needs to go.
  • David Allen’s 4 D’s.
  • Looking at managing your time for business development.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Don’t be afraid to do The Purge – taking everything that is out of order in your office, put it in one pile, and work your way through it top down.
  • Multi-tasking is a misnomer – you lose productivity as you try and do more than one thing at a time.
  • Hold true to appointments with yourself as thoroughly as you would with a client.
  • Breaking commitments to yourself breaks down your belief in yourself.

 

"Be okay letting things go. Be okay moving on and looking on to other elements of things that you can do." —  Steve Fretzin

 

In Episode References:

David Allen – Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity

Blinkist App

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: The Ambitious Attorney: Your Guide to Doubling or Even Tripling Your Book of Business and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

 

28 Apr 2022Amy Mariani: Growing a Business Focused Law Firm00:32:10

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Amy Mariani discuss:

  • Transitioning to mediation from another role. 
  • Getting efficient with networking. 
  • Providing value in networking and in connecting. 
  • Calendering in your business development tasks, not just your law related tasks. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Even if you have a large network, it takes time to grow and cultivate the relationships needed to grow your book of business. 
  • Be direct in asking for introductions. It may work, it may not, but there’s nothing to lose. 
  • Qualify your networking partners. Follow through is important for both you and the person you are trying to refer or introduce. 
  • Develop your business acumen. If you learn how to build your business (and treat your firm as if it is a business), you will be more successful and be in a better position to grow your own firm.  

 

"You do need to get that networking going, that is going to be the most critical element of your success. You also have to establish that you are a subject matter expert." —  Amy Mariani

 

Connect with Amy Mariani:  

Website: https://www.marianimediation.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarianiMediate

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-cashore-mariani/

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Legalese Marketing: https://legaleasemarketing.com/

Moneypenny: https://www.moneypenny.com/us/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: The Ambitious Attorney: Your Guide to Doubling or Even Tripling Your Book of Business and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

16 Feb 2023Ellen Freedman: What You Need to Know as a Solo00:35:49

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Ellen Freedman discuss:

  • Learning and growing in all aspects of your law firm.
  • Going out on your own as a solo firm.
  • The automations and technologies that lawyers should implement in their business.
  • The best approach to hiring and the growing trend of going virtual.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Your best work never happens immediately, especially when trying something new. Keep a good attitude and keep trying at your business development and networking.
  • Do your own needs analysis when looking to buy new technology for your firm. Don’t just go with what one friend said because that friend said it.
  • Budget the time, when purchasing new software or equipment, to install and train everyone on your staff. This is the best way to adequately use all the resources and features of the software you choose.
  • It takes time to do the right hire. Vet your candidates well and hire for all the necessary criteria, not just the most pressing criteria.

 

"The must-have technology for every lawyer, from the solo on up, is to have either a document management or a good, quality desktop search engine." —  Ellen Freedman

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Legalese Marketing: https://legaleasemarketing.com/

Moneypenny: https://www.moneypenny.com/us/

Practice Panther: https://www.practicepanther.com/

 

Episode References: 

Book: Atomic Habits by James Clear - https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits

Video: Atomic Habits - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_nzqnXWvSo

 

Connect with Ellen Freedman:  

Website: https://www.freedmanlpm.com/

Email: ellen@freedmanlpm.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellenfreedman/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PA_PMA

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

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

13 Jun 2022Larry Stybel: Defining Yourself and Finding Success Now00:37:06

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Larry Stybel discuss:

  • Determining if your career is a success. 
  • Enjoying what you do while you’re doing it. 
  • Redefining your title of yourself from within. 
  • Understanding what comes during Chapter Three.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Everyone has a different definition of success and has a different level of what they are comfortable with in their own life. 
  • You need to do what you want to do, not what other people are expecting you to do. 
  • There are more titles that define you than just your career. 
  • The best time to be thinking about what you want to do in 15 years is to think about it now. 

 

"The best time for a lawyer to be thinking about their chapter three is when the lawyer is in his or her 50s, and is established in a career and incredibly busy  because that gives you the time to position yourself." —  Larry Stybel

 

Connect with Larry Stybel:  

Website: https://stybelpeabody.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lstybel/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lstybel

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Legalese Marketing: https://legaleasemarketing.com/

Moneypenny: https://www.moneypenny.com/us/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: The Ambitious Attorney: Your Guide to Doubling or Even Tripling Your Book of Business and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

25 Feb 2021Allison Williams: Crushing Chaos in Your Lawfirm00:30:37

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Allison Williams discuss:

  • Systematizing your law firm to remove yourself as a critical bottleneck in your business.
  • Creating workflows from the beginning of a file. 
  • Giving your employees a level of autonomy and authority to increase worker engagement.
  • Changing your mindset around hiring. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Learn to delegate - there are a lot of things that have to be done, and if you are doing everything you are not going to have the time to do the things that you are the only one that can do it.
  • Define the responsibilities of each role throughout the workflow so everyone knows what to do and when to do it.
  • Speak in the “we” at all times - the client is not hiring you, the lawyer, they are hiring all of your firm with their defined responsibilities. 
  • Have a closed door, but open floor policy. Everything gets scheduled, but give your uninterrupted attention when you give that time.


 

"You really have to be thinking, at all times, who is the least paid, most qualified person to do this task. And if there's anyone other than you, you need to be looking to press the work as far down as possible, so that the higher-level work can be done by the lawyer, and ultimately make the most money in the most profit off of every activity in the business." —  Allison Williams


 

Connect with Allison Williams:  

Facebook: facebook.com/LawFirmMentor

Website: lawfirmmentor.net

Show: Crushing Chaos - lawfirmmentor.net/podcast

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/allisoncwilliams


 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: The Ambitious Attorney: Your Guide to Doubling or Even Tripling Your Book of Business and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

02 Mar 2020Chris White: Legal Recruiting and the Importance of the Book of Business00:30:27

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Chris White discuss:

  • Why lawyers may move from one law firm to another.
  • The importance of a book of business and how it relates to lateral moves.
  • The hard and soft costs of recruitment and replacement.
  • Business development from a lawyer perspective.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • It is extremely important to have a book of business – it is difficult to place partners without books, even if they went to top law schools or worked at top firms.
  • Law firms are making improvements to accommodate culturally and compensation for their attorneys.
  • People need to be prepared for the legal marketplace to change overnight – with day to day political and economic news, things can be altered at any time.
  • Having your own book of business gives you stability in case of a recession but also puts you in a good position if you are wishing to advance.

 

"Always think about where you want your career to go. Even if you're happy at your current firm or company, always think about the next steps, always keep that resume somewhat close at hand. You never know and the more thought you put into it on an ongoing basis, the more prepared you are if anything should go wrong and the happier you'll be in your career, because you're going to have a better sense of control going forward." —  Chris White

 

Connect with Chris White:  

Website: GuntherGroup.com & ChicagoBeerExperience.com

LinkedIn: Christopher Group

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: The Ambitious Attorney: Your Guide to Doubling or Even Tripling Your Book of Business and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

 

20 Jun 2022Jeremy Streten: Relationship Building and Cross Marketing00:31:20

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Jeremy Streten discuss:

  • The business lifecycle of every business. 
  • Building relationships with your clients. 
  • Thinking about what is in it for the other person. 
  • Multiway wins with cross marketing. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • It is cheaper to get work from existing clients than from new clients. 
  • Even if it is not your area, you can serve your clients by building networks of trusted professionals to whom you can refer your clients with confidence. 
  • Cross marketing, especially at a full-service firm, is a way to best serve your clients, your firm, and to best serve your origination. 
  • Be the person that others can talk about their business to. 

 

"Look for those opportunities, and try out these different approaches. Different approaches will work with different clients; test it out, and you'll find you'll get a good return." —  Jeremy Streten

 

Connect with Jeremy Streten:  

Website: https://businesslegallifecycle.com/

Show: https://businesslegallifecycle.com/podcast/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremystreten/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremystreten

Book: https://businesslegallifecycle.com/book/

Go Here for a Special Offer for Be That Lawyer Listeners: https://businesslegallifecycle.com/bethatlawyer/

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Legalese Marketing: https://legaleasemarketing.com/

Moneypenny: https://www.moneypenny.com/us/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: The Ambitious Attorney: Your Guide to Doubling or Even Tripling Your Book of Business and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

28 Dec 2023Matt Spiegel: Legal Technology for Better Customer Experiences and a Better Law Firm00:34:19

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Matt Spiegel discuss:

  • Why you should have good customer service as a lawyer and for your law firm. 
  • Continuing client relationships beyond the case. 
  • How Lawmatics can help you to maintain client relationships and better run your law firm. 
  • Processes, procedures, and automation. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Your law firm is a service business. You need to have good customer service and a good customer experience. 
  • Most legal business comes from referrals - if you don’t nurture client relationships and networking partners, you are leaving money on the table. 
  • Most lawyers are using a CRM (client relationship management) in some fashion, even if you don’t call it that - even your phone is, technically, a CRM. Having a proper CRM to manage all aspects of your client relationship from meeting until the end is key. 
  • As a lawyer, you are likely looking at revenue/billing-driven KPIs. However, there is so much more data you can extract from your numbers and information you’re tracking that can help you build a stronger firm. 

 

"Your book of business that you’re sitting on is a goldmine. And like any goldmine, it needs to be mined. It won’t come to the surface without any effort." —  Matt Spiegel

 

Get a free audio copy of Steve’s book “Legal Business Development Isn’t Rocket Science” here: https://fretzin.com/audiobook

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Lawmatics: https://www.lawmatics.com/1-month-free/

Get Staffed Up: https://getstaffedup.com/bethatlawyer/

Get Visible: https://www.getvisible.com/

 

Episode References: 

 

About Matt Spiegel: Matt Spiegel is a serial entrepreneur and lawyer who enjoys building products and solving problems using management and marketing automation software for attorneys. He founded MyCase and Lawmatics, the latter of which he also serves as CEO. He worked as a criminal defense attorney but has spent years focused on innovating the legal-tech space to help attorneys scale their business.

 

Connect with Matt Spiegel:  

Website: https://www.lawmatics.com/

Email: matt@lawmatics.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mattspiegelesq

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattspiegelesq/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

18 Jul 2024Ray Koenig: Finding Your Success Through Authentic Engagement00:35:39

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Ray Koenig discuss:

  • Developing a successful practice while remaining authentic to yourself. 
  • Integrating your charitable and civic pursuits into your successful private practice. 
  • Picking your extracurricular organizations intentionally and meaningfully. 
  • Benefiting from bar association participation and leadership. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Try things you’re afraid of - they’re never as bad as you think they will be.
  • You don’t always need to tell people what type of lawyer you are - for the general public you can build yourself up as a trusted advisor who solves problems. 
  • Being part of organizations is not enough - you should be building relationships and participating actively in those organizations. 
  • It’s not all about you. Be authentic, but also spotlight other people’s successes too. 

 

"Pick a board, pick an organization, that's doing the things that you're really interested in, but at the same time, has kind of the audience - the donors, the board members - that are people that you want to get to know for professional reasons as well." —  Ray Koenig

 

Take the BE THAT LAWYER challenge at Fretzin.com/BTLChallenge!

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Ready to go from good to GOAT? Attend PIMCOM, the inaugural personal injury mastermind conference Sept 15-17, 2024. Use promo code BeThatLawyer to get $200.00 off at https://www.pimcon.org/

Get Staffed Up: https://getstaffedup.com/bethatlawyer/

Lawmatics: https://www.lawmatics.com/bethatlawyer/

Rankings: https://rankings.io/

 

Episode References: 

 

About Ray Koenig: Ray Koenig represents individuals, families, financial and medical institutions, charities and governmental agencies in probate, trust, and guardianship controversies, including complex matters which require practical solutions. 

Ray continually provides quality, responsive, and efficient representation to his clients. Ray is dedicated to the needs of his clients, whether that requires aggressive advocacy in a courtroom, skilled negotiations to prevent or conclude litigation, or effective counseling to avoid future trust and estate controversies. 

Ray seeks ways to resolve difficult issues in the most effective manner possible. His success has resulted in appointments by judges as Guardian Ad Litem and defense counsel by judges in complicated guardianship matters, and as Special Administrator in problematic probate matters. 

Ray has decades of experience in a variety of aspects of controversies involving trusts, probate, guardianships and related fiduciary issues including will and trust contests, will and trust construction and reformation actions, citations to recover, breach of fiduciary duty claims, charitable disputes, and guardianship litigation. 

His years of practice have also resulted in his retention as an expert witness in matters involving guardianship and probate issues. His depth of knowledge has been informed by and led to many speaking engagements and publications. 

Ray serves as Co-Chair of the firm’s global Litigation practice, and as an elected member of the firm’s Executive Committee. Ray proudly served as Managing Member of the firm’s Chicago office from 2011 to 2023.

 

Connect with Ray Koenig:  

Website: https://www.clarkhill.com/people/ray-j-koenig-iii/

Email: rkoenig@clarkhill.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raykoenig/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clark-hill-law/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

24 Oct 2024Steve Mehr: Differentiation, CRM, and SOPs for a Sweet Law Firm Growth00:32:19

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Steve Mehr discuss:

  • Importance of CRM and data-driven approaches in law practice management
  • Strategies for scaling a law firm efficiently
  • The role of marketing and brand differentiation in legal industry success
  • Balancing multiple roles and responsibilities within a growing practice

 

Key Takeaways:

  • A customized CRM system is essential for tracking key metrics, enabling predictive analytics, improving budgeting, and preventing lawyers from running practices without measurable results.
  • Scaling a law firm effectively requires standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistent case outcomes, allowing firms to handle more cases successfully as they grow.
  • A unique brand name like "Sweet James" helped Steve’s firm stand out in a competitive legal market by attracting clients through a distinctive identity while reducing the focus on ego.
  • Regular short team meetings that address daily priorities, obstacles, and urgent issues keep everyone aligned, enhancing both efficiency and clarity for the team.

 

"If you're not tracking the data, that means you can't measure it, and if you're not measuring your data, then you're probably in law as a hobby." —  Steve Mehr

 

Join Steve on November 15th for an exclusive 60-minute session focused on actionable strategies for business growth. Register now—seats are limited to the first 20 attorneys! Sign up here: https://www.fretzin.com/blog/category/events/

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/

Rainmakers Roundtable: https://www.fretzin.com/lawyer-coaching-and-training/peer-advisory-groups/

 

Episode References: 

Scaling Up: How a Few Companies Make It...and Why the Rest Don't by Verne Harnish: https://www.amazon.com/Scaling-Up-Companies-Rockefeller-Habits/dp/0986019526

 

About Steve Mehr: Steve Mehr is the founding partner of Sweet James, a leading personal injury law firm in the U.S. With over 20 years of experience, he specializes in catastrophic injuries, product liability, vehicle accidents, and medical malpractice, overseeing hundreds of millions in client recoveries. As a business leader, Steve is passionate about helping businesses grow and used his proprietary CRM software to drive rapid growth at his firm, which he sold for multiple seven figures. He now shares unique insights into scaling businesses and is dedicated to mentorship and philanthropy, supporting local charities.

 

Connect with Steve Mehr:  

Website: https://sweetjames.com/

Email: steve@sweetjames.com

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

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

05 Sep 2024Douglas Wood: Crafting Purposeful Transitions and Empowering Experienced Attorneys00:34:25

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Douglas Wood discuss:

  • Career transition planning for lawyers
  • Effective planning and execution in law firms
  • Challenges for senior lawyers in staying relevant
  • Leveraging senior lawyers' expertise in law firms

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Lawyers should self-assess to identify their strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities early to make informed career decisions and avoid unwanted retirement.
  • Law firms can create cohorts for senior lawyers to share knowledge and discuss transitioning their practices, similar to support provided for other groups like veterans or LGBTQ+ professionals.
  • Solo practitioners and small firm owners benefit from planning the transfer of their client base well before retirement to ensure service continuity and maximize the value of client relationships.
  • A robust book of business greatly impacts a lawyer's career longevity and retirement options.

 

"Lawyers can get very lucky at times, but more often than not, if you're planning it, you're going to see the success that you need." —  Douglas Wood

 

Read more from Steve at Above the Law: AboveTheLaw.com/tag/Steve-Fretzin/

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Ready to go from good to GOAT? Attend PIMCOM the inaugural personal injury mastermind conference Sept 15-17, 2024. Use promo code BeThatLawyer to get $200.00 off at https://www.pimcon.org/

Get Staffed Up: https://getstaffedup.com/bethatlawyer/

Rainmakers Roundtable: https://www.fretzin.com/lawyer-coaching-and-training/peer-advisory-groups/

 

Episode References: 

The Power of Positive Thinking: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Positive-Thinking-Norman-Vincent/dp/0743234804

 

About Douglas Wood: Douglas Wood, author of From Dawn to Dusk: How to Build a Multimillion Dollar Law Practice and Then Give It Away, offers guidance on building a multimillion-dollar law practice and transitioning to retirement or other pursuits. With nearly fifty years of legal experience, including over twenty in Big Law, Doug retired to mentor young attorneys and those preparing to leave the profession. A novelist with ten books—seven fiction and three non-fiction—he is currently writing his eighth novel. Doug holds a BA from the University of Rhode Island, a JD from Franklin Pierce Law Center, an LLM from NYU, an Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of New Hampshire, and has taught at UNH and University College Cork in Ireland.

 

Connect with Douglas Wood:  

Website: https://douglasjwood.com/

Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Douglas-J.-Wood/author/B00BCJRTV6

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/djwood1976

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

11 Nov 2024Scott Love: The Power of Niching Down: Legal Recruiting, Branding, and Beyond00:31:55

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Scott Love discuss:

  • The value of finding a specialized niche in legal recruiting
  • Strategies for building resilience in a challenging field
  • Techniques for effectively positioning oneself as a trusted expert
  • The importance of focusing efforts to maximize productivity and impact

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Focusing exclusively on corporate, finance, and private equity law clients allowed Scott to build deeper client relationships and better anticipate client needs.
  • Analyzing hiring and attrition data from law firms helps identify ideal clients whose needs align well with a specialized niche, enhancing recruitment effectiveness.
  • Narrowing service to a limited number of retained clients at a time can improve service outcomes by allowing more dedicated and strategic client development.
  • Success in niche recruiting relies on building a brand distinct from competitors, using thought leadership, targeted marketing, and leveraging unique personal strengths to attract high-value clients.

 

"If you're dealing with sophisticated people, you really need to find not just uniqueness but distinction. And if you don’t have it, you can build it through thought leadership." —  Scott Love

 

Join Steve on November 15th for an exclusive 60-minute session focused on actionable strategies for business growth. Register now—seats are limited to the first 20 attorneys! Sign up here: https://www.fretzin.com/blog/category/events/

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/

Rainmakers Roundtable: https://www.fretzin.com/lawyer-coaching-and-training/peer-advisory-groups/

 

Episode References: 

Pitch Anything: An Innovative Method for Presenting, Persuading, and Winning the Deal by Oren Klaff: https://www.amazon.com/Pitch-Anything-Innovative-Presenting-Persuading/dp/0071752854

 

About Scott Love: Scott Love is the founder of The Attorney Search Group, a legal recruiting firm. His practice focuses on partner transitions and law firm mergers, with specialized expertise in recruiting for global law firms in the areas of corporate, finance, private equity, and related practices.

 

Connect with Scott Love:  

Website: https://attorneysearchgroup.com/

Show: The Rainmaking Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-rainmaking-podcast/id318840415

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scotttlove/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

14 Nov 2024Brian Zapf: Financial Foundations for Law Firm Growth00:32:15

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Brian Zapf discuss:

  • Financial planning and metrics for law firms
  • Importance of strategic investments and cost control
  • Leveraging financial storytelling for decision-making
  • Best practices for client and revenue management

 

Key Takeaways:

  • In addition to revenue, law firm owners should track net income and cash flow, as well as specific KPIs like effective hourly rates and client lifetime value to fully understand profitability.
  • Payroll should be about 40-45% of revenue; excessive payroll spending can prevent firm growth and profitability, especially if partners or staff are not contributing proportional value.
  • Firms should aim to bill upfront where possible and maintain timely follow-ups on accounts receivable to reduce cash flow issues and avoid prolonged collection struggles.
  • Undercharging for services can lead to rapid client acquisition but may indicate undervaluing; regular market assessments can ensure competitive and profitable pricing.

 

"The financial story goes beyond just having a financial report that your bookkeeper might give you each month. It’s more about understanding where you are right now in your business and where you want to go." —  Brian Zapf

 

Join Steve on November 15th for an exclusive 60-minute session focused on actionable strategies for business growth. Register now—seats are limited to the first 20 attorneys! Sign up here: https://www.fretzin.com/blog/category/events/

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/

Rainmakers Roundtable: https://www.fretzin.com/lawyer-coaching-and-training/peer-advisory-groups/

 

Episode References: 

The Tim Ferriss Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-tim-ferriss-show/id863897795

 

About Brian Zapf: Brian Zapf is the founder and Chief CFO of Flight Financial, a fractional CFO firm that helps law firm owners master their financials through clear financial storytelling and strategic financial management. With a focus on improving cash flow, profitability, and business growth, Brian uses his background in accounting and finance to help lawyers turn their numbers into actionable insights. He has helped his clients focus on what matters, improve their firm's performance, and reduce their stress.

 

Connect with Brian Zapf:  

Website: https://www.flight.financial/

Email: brian@flight.financial

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bdzapf/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

17 Nov 2022Stuart Baum: Masterful Networking to Make Business Development Fun00:39:06

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Stuart Baum discuss:

  • Marketing missteps and mistakes that lawyers make in building their firm. 
  • Making business development fun. 
  • Leveraging what you are good at and what you like to do. 
  • Stop being selfish and learn to be a resource. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • The only failure is a failure to learn from your failures. 
  • There are a lot of ways to do business development. Do it your way and find success doing the things you like. 
  • If it takes you more than five minutes to find two or three people in a good friend’s network that you can connect to people in your network, then you're overthinking it.
  • Enjoy what you are doing, and enjoy helping others. People can see that enjoyment. If it feels like work, people will feel like they are work. 

 

"Think about moving from being a vendor to being a partner. If I care about your business and I'm helping you be successful, you think about me as somebody who's gonna sit by your side and help you grow your business." —  Stuart Baum

 

Episode References: 

Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel Pink: https://www.danpink.com/books/drive/

 

Connect with Stuart Baum:  

Website: https://www.largerpond.com/

Email: stuart@largerpond.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuartbaum/

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Legalese Marketing: https://legaleasemarketing.com/

Moneypenny: https://www.moneypenny.com/us/

Practice Panther: https://www.practicepanther.com/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: The Ambitious Attorney: Your Guide to Doubling or Even Tripling Your Book of Business and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by  Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

21 Sep 2023Kevin Daisey: Offering Value and Building Relationships Through Podcast Marketing00:37:44

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Kevin Daisey discuss:

  • Crafting your product around your client, not the other way around.
  • Getting unstuck from making the same mistakes. 
  • How a podcast can help your marketing, no matter what field you’re in. 
  • The secret about podcasting for lawyers. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Everything comes back to strategy. Results and growth over time always start with strategy. 
  • You need to be focused, have a plan, give your marketing strategies time, and have someone who is tracking the KPIs from it. Without the data, you don’t know how to handle it, both good and bad. 
  • You can make anything successful if you stick to it and do it properly. 
  • Hosting a podcast is less work than you think if you have a great team behind you. You become a talk show host of your own, get the marketing, and get great content to repurpose. 

 

"It's repurposing! You and me are recording this now. We can take this and make an article out of it. We can take clips, we can do video versions, we can do audio clips - there's so many things you can do to disperse it, and we did this recording one time." —  Kevin Daisey

Get a free copy of Steve’s book “Sales-Free Selling” here: www.fretzin.com/sales-free-selling

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Get Staffed Up: https://getstaffedup.com/bethatlawyer/

Overture: https://overture.law/

Get Visible: https://www.getvisible.com/

Episode References: 

 

About Kevin Daisey: Kevin Daisey is a digital marketer & entrepreneur. He is the founder & CMO of Array Digital, a law firm marketing agency, and the host of The Managing Partners Podcast. 

 

Connect with Kevin Daisey:  

Website: https://thisisarray.com/

Show: https://thisisarray.com/managing-partners-podcast/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevindaisey/

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

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevindaisey/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

15 Sep 2022Liz Wendling: The Duelling Banjos of Rainmaking00:35:38

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Liz Wendling discuss:

  • Removing your blinders to move forward in business.
  • The biggest mistakes lawyers make in growing their firm.
  • Making a difference in the first 30 seconds of an intake call.
  • The process to make the client confident and comfortable in you.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • When you do everything well in a conversation, the close will happen naturally (but, yes, you may still have to ask for it).
  • There is always selling involved. If you are in business, you need to sell to stay in business.
  • Gather information and make the conversation about the prospective client and less about you and your firm.
  • You have to set up the close from the beginning. You can’t expect to hit a perfect hole if you don’t set the tee up correctly at the start.

 

"If you sound like everyone else, then they make a decision based on the lowest retainer. Differentiation begins in the first few moments of consultation by skipping the superficial crap that people still use. There is a better way and it starts with ‘before we get started.’" —  Liz Wendling

 

Connect with Liz Wendling:  

Website: https://www.therainmakingcoach.com/

Books: https://www.therainmakingcoach.com/lizs-book/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizwendling/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lizwendling4

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

Find out more about Liz’s Secret Shopper Offer: https://www.therainmakingcoach.com/law-firm-secret-shopping/

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

LegalEase Marketing: https://legaleasemarketing.com/

Moneypenny: https://www.moneypenny.com/us/

Practice Panther: https://www.practicepanther.com/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: The Ambitious Attorney: Your Guide to Doubling or Even Tripling Your Book of Business and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions.  You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

01 Nov 2021Chelsea Williams: The Power of the Number Storyline00:28:29

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Chelsea Williams discuss:

  • The importance of having financial clarity in all aspects of your life. 
  • The greatest financial bottlenecks for law firms. 
  • Parkinson’s Law as it applies to your finances. 
  • Flat fee versus hourly billing models. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Create systems that capture your margins, but also contribute to your cash flow. 
  • Until you take getting paid seriously, nobody will take paying you seriously. 
  • There is a difference between a financial statement and a meaningful financial statement. 
  • Regardless of how you choose to bill, be transparent and upfront with your clients. 

 

"Once you understand the power of knowing your storyline, you will understand that you have the ability to be the author of that story and change the direction of your numbers and manipulate them into a direction of your choosing. That is powerful and freedom in and of itself, because then it's up to you." —  Chelsea Williams

 

Connect with Chelsea Williams:  

Website: https://www.yourcoresolution.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC80TT79FdeRwH2oNaSkqvQA?view_as=subscriber

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/core_solutions_group/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-m-williams-%F0%9F%92%B5%E2%9A%96%E2%8F%B1-8303b45a/

Book Reference: The E-Myth Attorney

https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Attorney-Legal-Practices-About/dp/0470503653

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: The Ambitious Attorney: Your Guide to Doubling or Even Tripling Your Book of Business and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

21 Jul 2022Adam Greco: Understanding Your Digital Analytics00:30:56

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Adam Greco discuss:

  • Having the data in order to know how to improve. 
  • Evolution of web (now digital) analytics. 
  • The analytics you want to track on your website. 
  • Working with someone best understanding your analytics. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Digital analytics is not digital advertising, but digital analytics can be used to understand how your digital advertising is working.
  • Advertising on LinkedIn is becoming more common as it can be more targeted to specifically who you are trying to reach. 
  • Analytics and testing can be used to gain more tract and to get more people to take the action you want them to take. 
  • If you have the right web developer, they can add a couple of lines of code on your website to make it easy to pull the analytic information. 

 

"Every click that people make is a way that they're communicating to you, as a firm, what they're interested in." —  Adam Greco

 

Connect with Adam Greco:  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamgreco/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/adamgreco

Blog: https://amplitude.com/blog/author/adam-greco

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Legalese Marketing: https://legaleasemarketing.com/

Moneypenny: https://www.moneypenny.com/us/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: The Ambitious Attorney: Your Guide to Doubling or Even Tripling Your Book of Business and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

23 Jan 2023Tracy Coenen: Becoming a Trusted Connector00:33:11

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Tracy Coenen discuss:

  • How Tracy got into forensic accounting and how it can help in your law field.
  • Being a valuable connector. 
  • Time blocking and being strategic with your networking, referral sources, and other business development. 
  • The importance of touch points with your clients. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • If you have an extensive network of professionals, it will help you look like a hero to your clients as you can direct them to additional resources that can help solve their problems.
  • By making good, solid connections for your clients, you will help to build forever loyalty and rapport, which can lead to additional work from that client or referrals. 
  • Do you know what your clients are currently looking for? Make a list - do you have people that already fit that criterion? 
  • You don’t have to treat all your connections equally. Be consistent, do what works for you, and stay top of mind with those most important. 

 

"I like being thought of as a connector, a trusted person, for my clients, for their clients, for my friends and family, and people will call me and say, ‘I have this problem, and I knew that you would know someone who can help me.’" —  Tracy Coenen

 

Episode References:

 

Connect with Tracy Coenen:  

Website: https://fraudcoach.com/

Website: https://www.sequenceinc.com/

Divorce Money Guide: https://www.fraudcoach.com/divorcemoneyguide

Show: https://www.sequenceinc.com/fraudfiles-podcast/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracycoenen/

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcemoneyguide/

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Legalese Marketing: https://legaleasemarketing.com/

Moneypenny: https://www.moneypenny.com/us/

Practice Panther: https://www.practicepanther.com/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

28 Apr 2025Greg Eisenberg: Building a Scalable Law Firm Without Losing Your Identity00:34:07

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Greg Eisenberg discuss:

  • How law firm business models are quickly shifting due to tech and market forces
  • Why branding and visibility are critical for firms of any size
  • Ways small and solo firms can compete with major legal players
  • How legal entrepreneurship is evolving through collaboration

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Small law firms can remain competitive by joining collectives that centralize branding, marketing, and operational tools while allowing them to retain full ownership of their businesses.
  • Repeating a strong personal brand message through short-form video content across the right platforms helps attorneys become top-of-mind in their niche.
  • The most effective business development strategy combines strong referral networks and relationship-building with a smart digital advertising approach.
  • Law firms must stop treating marketing as a standalone fix and instead adopt a unified strategy that integrates operations, technology, finance, and client experience for long-term success.

 

"They say they don't teach business in law school. I went to business school. They don't teach business in business school—it didn't make a huge difference. There's just some stuff they can't prepare you for." —  Greg Eisenberg

 

Got a challenge growing your law practice? Email me at steve@fretzin.com with your toughest question, and I'll answer it live on the show—anonymously, just using your first name!

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/

Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/

 

Episode References: 

The GaryVee Audio Experience: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-garyvee-audio-experience/id928159684

 

About Greg Eisenberg: Gregory Eisenberg won the award for “Worst (or Best) Doppelgangers” thanks to his resemblance to Beaker, Shaggy, and Screech. A failed comedian and worse political candidate, he found his calling helping law firms grow. With 10+ years in marketing, he’s worked with brands like Cinnabon, Carvel, and major universities. After starting LegalEase Marketing, he realized firms needed more than leads—they needed infrastructure. That led to Ready Firms, built to help small firms scale and stay competitive.

 

Connect with Greg Eisenberg:  

Website: https://readyfirms.com/

Email: greg@readyfirms.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregoryseisenberg/ & https://www.linkedin.com/company/readyfirms/

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/readyfirms

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

19 May 2025Mark Murphy: Why Law Firms Keep Hiring the Wrong People00:33:44

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Mark Murphy discuss:

  • The challenges and nuances of hiring the right talent for law firms
  • The critical distinction between attitude and skills in recruitment
  • How leadership traits can hinder effective hiring decisions
  • Practical strategies for improving the legal hiring and interview process

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Eighty-nine percent of new hires fail due to attitude issues like entitlement or resistance to feedback, not because of technical skill gaps, showing why firms must prioritize attitude in hiring.
  • Top-performing teams rely on five key roles—director, trailblazer, harmonizer, achiever, and stabilizer—each providing distinct behavioral strengths that drive success.
  • Interviewers can quickly spot problem solvers by asking about a past mistake and seeing if the candidate naturally explains how they resolved it without prompting.
  • High performers use first-person and past-tense language when describing real experiences, while weaker candidates rely on vague, hypothetical answers using second-person phrasing.

 

"I always tell leaders this: ironically, the better the leader you are, often the worse hirer you are, because you have to dial down your natural optimism and desire to see everybody be great." —  Mark Murphy

 

Unlock the secrets of the industry's top rainmakers with Be That Lawyer: 101 Top Rainmakers’ Secrets to Growing a Successful Law Practice. Grab your ultimate guide to building a thriving law firm now on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F78HXJHT

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/

 

Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/

 

Episode References: 

Think Again by Adam Grant: https://www.amazon.com/Think-Again-Power-Knowing-What/dp/1984878107

 

About Mark Murphy: Mark Murphy is a New York Times bestselling author whose groundbreaking book Hiring for Attitude has transformed the way companies hire and build high-performing teams. His pioneering research revealed that nearly half of new hires fail within 18 months — and a staggering 89% of those failures result from attitude, not a lack of skills. His insights have reshaped hiring strategies for Fortune 500 companies, fast-growing startups, and government agencies worldwide.

 

Connect with Mark Murphy:  

Website: https://www.leadershipiq.com/

Book: Hiring for Attitude: https://www.amazon.com/Hiring-Attitude-Revolutionary-Recruiting-Tremendous/dp/1259860906

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markamurphy/ & https://www.linkedin.com/company/leadership-iq/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

26 Feb 2024Justie Nicol: Building a Culture of Trust and Respect Across Generations00:34:54

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Justie Nicol discuss:

  • Leading and selling without fear. 
  • Building your law firm to support you and your life. 
  • Systematizing your training processes and procedures. 
  • Running a virtual firm to invest in people over premises.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • There are no bad people, only bad decisions. As a lawyer, your job is to make sure that that bad decision doesn’t wreck the person’s life. 
  • Be the best you can be with the years you have with the amazing people you have. Sometimes things change and people move on and that’s okay. 
  • Self-care is extremely important for both you, as the leader, and for your team. Finding a way to be flexible and support your team in what they find most important can be culture-defining and still lead to a successful law firm. 
  • Check-ins don’t have to be scheduled and formalized. You can have informal meetings to make sure everyone is doing good and all on the same page. 

 

"Respect them for who they are and ask them, ‘Am I meeting your needs? Are you feeling like you can contribute in ways that are meaningful to you?’" —  Justie Nicol

 

Find out more about the Mastering the Legal Clock and Thriving Event at: https://fretzin.com/events

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Lawmatics: https://www.lawmatics.com/bethatlawyer/

Get Staffed Up: https://getstaffedup.com/bethatlawyer/

Green Cardigan Marketing: https://greencardiganmarketing.com/

 

Episode References: 

 

About Justie Nicol: Justie Nicol is a feisty, red-headed, nerdy, dog & toddler mom, with a variety of legal experience who’s actually a PERSON (human first, then attorney) and who wants to GENUINELY HELP her clients. Justie practices primarily criminal defense work but is also well-known for innovation, systems-design, and using legal tech to achieve great results for the firm and her clients. Justie is often teaching other lawyers about tech stacks, guest-lecturing at local universities about animal law, teaching animal control officers how to testify and investigate, or giving webinars on law firm automation. She is the Colorado Lawyer Team visionary. 

Justie owns two companies in Colorado and is a licensed real estate broker. Justie is a small-town girl and rural lawyer at heart and often travels to clients throughout the majority of the state of Colorado. Access to Justice is something she’s passionate about, so she keeps her costs down and is on many modest means lists for low-pay slow-pay representation. 

She enjoys long walks in the mountains (they’re called hikes in Colorado) and she’s horse-crazy. She’s active on social media (@Justie4Justice) where you can see regular appearances by #OfficeDogs and #OfficeHorse. She welcomes questions at any time via email to Justie@COLawTeam.com.

 

Connect with Justie Nicol:  

Website:  https://colawteam.com/

Email: justie@colawteam.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justieforjustice/

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justie4justice

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

26 May 2022Molly McGrath: Hire, Empower, Communicate, and Demonstrate00:32:34

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Molly McGrath discuss:

  • The greatest employment tools you have as a business owner. 
  • Attracting players and keeping key employees. 
  • Reinventing the hiring process to catch the rockstar candidates. 
  • What lawyers want more than money and perks.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • It’s not just about the money. It is about the time, the attention, the resources, the communication, and the feedback with you and your employees. 
  • People are not job hunting. They are digging into coaching and self-discovery. You have to outsource hiring because you have to sell your firm, yourself, and your company.
  • Investing in your people, invest in yourself, invest in your culture, invest in coaching. This will help to attract and retain employees. 
  • Lawyers want firms that are flexible and progressive in their thinking and business models. 


 

"When you hire someone, it is a relationship and not a transaction. The greatest retention tool, the greatest hiring tool, even if you cannot compete with big firm salaries, if you can communicate and demonstrate that you are invested in the relationship with an employee and you give them consistent time, attention and feedback they'll take your job over anybody else's." —  Molly McGrath

 

Connect with Molly McGrath:  

Website: https://hiringandempowering.com/  

Books: https://hiringandempowering.com/business-development-books/

Show: https://hiringandempowering.com/podcast/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/molly-hallmcgrath/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HireAndEmpower

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hiringandempowering/

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Legalese Marketing: https://legaleasemarketing.com/

Moneypenny: https://www.moneypenny.com/us/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: The Ambitious Attorney: Your Guide to Doubling or Even Tripling Your Book of Business and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

03 Feb 2022Ida Abbott: Realigning Your Values and Considering Your Retirement00:33:31

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Ida Abbott discuss:

  • Realigning your values and your work.
  • Developing and retaining talent.
  • Challenges lawyers face when considering and thinking about retirement.
  • Examining who you are by choice, not by default.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • People want to feel a sense of belonging and community in their firms.
  • Loyalty is earned and ever changing. It needs to be constantly developed and the relationships maintained.
  • 65 is an arbitrary number decided by the social security system. Your retirement is your own and you can decide when is the right time for you.
  • Keep a personal interests list. Figure out what is interesting to you now and when you get to a point where you need to decide what you are going to do, you have a list of things you already are interested in.

 

"It's a lot of internal investigation, self exploration, and then recognizing the myths and the misunderstandings that hold you back. Retirement means it's the end, if that's what you believe. I ask you to reframe it. It's not the end. Think of somebody you know, who's retired, who is doing something cool. And if you don't know anybody personally, start looking around online, they are everywhere." —  Ida Abbott

 

Connect with Ida Abbott:  

Website: https://idaabbott.com/

Email: ida@idaabbott.com

Book: https://idaabbott.com/books/retirement-by-design/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ida-abbott-9a0736

Twitter: https://twitter.com/IdaOAbbott

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

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Legalese Marketing: https://legaleasemarketing.com/

Moneypenny: https://www.moneypenny.com/us/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: The Ambitious Attorney: Your Guide to Doubling or Even Tripling Your Book of Business and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

23 Nov 2020Adriana Linares: Efficient Technology in Law00:24:57

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Adriana Linares discuss:

  • How technology can facilitate efficiency in the law industry. 
  • The benefit of practice management programs. 
  • Email and document management systems. 
  • Integration of tech products to add efficiency affordably. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Two of the biggest issues with technology is that the training is not properly done and people don’t know how to utilize all of the features. 
  • Systems, efficiency, and training are required to grow a law firm properly. 
  • Solos and small firms have an advantage over larger firms in becoming more efficient, making changes, and implementing them. 
  • As more and more tech products continue to work together, more lawyers are utilizing the different systems to help best manage their firms. 

 

"Essentially, for $150 a month per head, your firm can run efficiently, securely, and mobile. I could not have given that number 10 years ago." —  Adriana Linares

 

Connect with Adriana Linares:  

Website: LawTechPartners.com

Show: New Solo Podcast - legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/new-solo/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adrianalinares/ & linkedin.com/company/lawtech-partners/

Twitter: twitter.com/AdrianaL & twitter.com/LawTechPartners

Facebook: facebook.com/lawtech

Instagram: instagram.com/LawTechPartners/

LiteraTV: lawtechpartners.com/category/podcasts/literatv/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: The Ambitious Attorney: Your Guide to Doubling or Even Tripling Your Book of Business and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

06 Jun 2022Jaclyn Foster: You Can’t Build Your Law Firm Alone00:34:01

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Jaclyn Foster discuss:

  • Changes in virtual law firm assistance. 
  • Understanding where hires need to be made. 
  • Keep it simple with roll clarity. 
  • Preventing bottlenecks in your law firm. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Hiring virtual gives you a broader hiring pool and gives more flexibility to your employees. 
  • You need to understand where time is being spent before you can understand where you may need to bring in additional help. 
  • As a lawyer, you should only be doing things the paralegals cannot do. 
  • Onboarding is a marathon, not a spring. But it is the best place to define and understand what a job roll contains.

 

"It just keeps reminding us, especially in this world of technology and software and automation and all of these little intricacies that have changed the face of how we work, that people are still the foundational component to making our businesses succeed." —  Jaclyn Foster

 

Connect with Jaclyn Foster:  

Website: https://www.del-trust.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaclyn-foster-60b457196/

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

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Legalese Marketing: https://legaleasemarketing.com/

Moneypenny: https://www.moneypenny.com/us/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: The Ambitious Attorney: Your Guide to Doubling or Even Tripling Your Book of Business and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

18 Mar 2024Nermin Jasani: Planning for Success in Your Law Firm00:34:32

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Nermin Jasani discuss:

  • Setting and implementing the plan to achieve your goals. 
  • Understanding what is realistic for a quarterly goal. 
  • Listing out the micro steps and adding them to your calendar for achievable goals. 
  • Monitoring your metrics that move the needle forward.
  • Utilizing time and calendars to make your day work for you.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Give yourself milestones along the way to keep you on track to achieving your goals. 
  • The goal with planning is to make sure you aren’t burning yourself out while still making forward progress. 
  • Leverage the tools and resources at your fingertips that you’re already using to help make your goals come to fruition. 
  • You won’t know where you are unless you track the data. The data gives you accountability and allows you to gamify your goals. 

 

"Give 100% of yourself to that one thing. Then when you achieve that, you’re going to feel the motivation, the fuel, the confidence to go to the next big project you want to tackle." —  Nermin Jasani

 

Find out more about the Bootstrap Your Marketing to Build Your Personal Brand Event at: https://fretzin.com/events

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Lawmatics: https://www.lawmatics.com/bethatlawyer/

Get Staffed Up: https://getstaffedup.com/bethatlawyer/

Green Cardigan Marketing: https://greencardiganmarketing.com/

 

Episode References: 

 

About Nermin Jasani: Nermin Jasani is a law firm advisor for solo and small law firms who want to grow their law firm by focusing on their profitability, their team, and their time spent doing those tedious (and sometimes hated) admin tasks. 

Nermin was a former law firm owner working with hedge funds on Wall Street and is now a full-time law firm growth consultant. 

 

Connect with Nermin Jasani:  

Website: https://ws-lawyers.com/  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nerminjasani/

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

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

18 Sep 2023Julie Migliacci: Making Your Next Speaking Event Memorable and Engaging00:33:16

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Julie Migliacci discuss:

  • How COVID shifted the landscape for speakers. 
  • Mistakes people make with virtual events. 
  • Content flow even beyond the event. 
  • Livestreaming your events to your social pages. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • The #1 reason people attend a speaking event is to network. 
  • Not every event should be in person. Not every event should be virtual. Not every event should be hybrid. Understand what you want from your speaking engagement and look at how it works best for you and your audience. 
  • Every 30 minutes, do something different to avoid the audience hitting their burnout points. 
  • Choose the right technology for your event. There are different levels of platforms, such as Zoom, that will fit the needs of your audience and your event. 

 

"Nobody wants to sit through an hour-long lecture anymore. Attendees want more, and they mostly want to connect with people. The number one reason people attend a hybrid or virtual event is to network. And it's also the number one thing that gets cut when you're in the planning process." —  Julie Migliacci

 

Get a free copy of Steve’s book “Sales-Free Selling” here: www.fretzin.com/sales-free-selling

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Get Staffed Up: https://getstaffedup.com/bethatlawyer/

Overture: https://overture.law/

Get Visible: https://www.getvisible.com/

 

Episode References: 

 

About Julie Migliacci: Julie Migliacci has over 17 years of high-touch customer service and event planning under her belt. There isn’t an event type she hasn’t planned before, from large celebrity fundraisers, virtual conferences, and premier cooking shows. She is always up for a new challenge and creating unique experiences for clients and their guests. Hailing from France, Julie has lived in 4 countries and considers herself a global citizen. She currently resides in Boston, MA, and is always looking for an opportunity to jump on a plane to do something new. If left on a deserted island, Julie would bring her sourdough starter (named Steve) and her cats. 

 

Connect with Julie Migliacci:  

Website: https://revent.consulting/

Email: julie@revent.consulting

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-migliacci-revent/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/revent-consulting-llc/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reventconsulting2020/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reventconsulting2020/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

19 Oct 2023Adam Kosloff: Consistent, Creative Content Creation00:32:13

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Adam Kosloff discuss:

  • Setting goals and creating habits.
  • Building a process to create your content consistently.
  • Repurposing your content creatively.
  • Evaluating the platforms for content and content creation based on your audience.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Having unresolved tasks on your to-do list will continue to nag at your brain and keep you discontented.
  • Not all content creation is right for every single person. Find what is in sync with your firm, your life, and your likes.
  • You can use the hacks to get people to click or read, but you want to make sure you’re saying something of value and unique to you.
  • Not all marketing has a direct ROI. Building a reputation as an expert in your space or creating content that can be repurposed and leveraged can be equally as important.

 

"The people who really succeed are the ones who like to have this as a habit, and can sustain it either me, or someone I delegated to do this." —  Adam Kosloff

 

Get a free copy of Steve’s book “Sales-Free Selling” here: www.fretzin.com/sales-free-selling

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Get Staffed Up: https://getstaffedup.com/bethatlawyer/

Overture: https://overture.law/

Get Visible: https://www.getvisible.com/

 

Episode References: 

 

About Adam Kosloff: I’m the founder of Virtuoso Content, a legal content agency I grew out of my own freelance career writing over 50,000 web pages and hundreds of books. I’ve also written for movies and television, including working as a staff writer for comedian Mel Brooks on Spaceballs: The Animated Series. On the side, I’ve written a popular blog on the keto diet, been a keynote speaker at nutrition science conferences, toured the world as a semi-pro a cappella singer, and defeated the former U.S. chess champion, all while raising three kids. 

 

Connect with Adam Kosloff:

Website: https://virtuosocontent.com/

Cell Phone: 818-601-6747

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-kosloff-2346623/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/virtuoso-content/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

16 May 2024Josh Blum & Dr. Andre Caruso: The Importance of Trust00:33:32

In this episode, Steve Fretzin, Josh Blum, and Dr. Andre Caruso discuss:

  • Mistakes attorneys make that fail to gain trust.
  • Why trust matters and the different dimensions of trust.
  • Ways we can quickly build trust.
  • Making the right first impression. 

Key Takeaways:

  • People hold how they feel about you higher than how competent you are.
  • You do not always need to be in lawyer mode. Turn off the lawyer speak, be more authentic and human, and you will improve your trust and likeability.
  • Put a little effort into building trust. You need to talk about more than the obvious or the weather.
  • Treat people they way they want to be treated. It is your responsibility to adapt to their communication style to be more trusted.

 

"When you can create some sort of connection with someone, it's going to help build that idea of trust. Even if it is just that subconscious thought of that connection." —  Dr. Andre Caruso

 

Find out more about the 10 Easy-to-Execute Hacks to Unlock Your Full Potential at: fretzin.com/events

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Lawmatics: lawmatics.com/bethatlawyer

Get Staffed Up: getstaffedup.com/bethatlawyer

Green Cardigan Marketing: greencardiganmarketing.com

 

Episode References:

 

About Josh Blum: Josh Blum has worked for nearly 20 years within the professional services and financial services industries and worked with thousands of advisors, attorneys and accountants in his career educating them and their clients on how to successfully become trusted advisors to their clients.

Considered a subject matter expert Josh has served as President of the Financial Planning Association of Miami is a published author and currently sits as Chair of the Board of the FPA of Miami.

In addition to the educational services Josh provides and his pro-bono work he is also cofounder and partner in JB and The Doctor and IVOLVE Performance & Development. JB and The Doctor provide soft skills training to professionals to achieve greater productivity, enhance communication and minimize the cost of employee turnover.

 

About Dr. Andre Caruso: Dr. Andre Caruso, affectionately known as ”The Doctor” or “Doc”, combines his deep knowledge of psychology with extensive practical experience across many sectors. Earning a Doctorate in Psychology from Nova Southeastern University, his career has seamlessly transitioned from the hospitality industry along with significant roles in nonprofit organizations and special education, integrating with behavior modification and mindset development. This diverse experience underscores his ability to apply behavioral insights to effect positive, lasting change in both individuals and organizations.

Doc's approach to educating is both scientifically grounded and deeply empathetic, focusing on empowering individuals and teams to reach their full potential. Through innovative program development and hands-on training, he has dedicated his career to enhancing personal and professional growth. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Caruso stands out as a pivotal figure in the field, embodying a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical wisdom to inspire insight, resilience and growth.

 

Connect with Josh Blum and Dr. Andre Caruso:  

Website: jbandthedoctor.com

Josh’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/josh3837

Doc’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drandrecaruso

Instagram: instagram.com/jbandthedoctor

Facebook: facebook.com/jbandthedoctor

YouTube: youtube.com/jbandthedoctor

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

13 Mar 2025Blake Strautins: How Lawyers Can Improve Time Management Delegation and Strategic Growth00:32:04

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Blake Strautins discuss:

  • The importance of business development for lawyers
  • How accountability and culture shape a law firm’s success
  • Time management and delegation for legal professionals
  • Personal and professional growth in legal leadership

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Building connections early with strategic partners, attorneys, and clients creates long-term opportunities, referrals, and career growth.
  • A workplace culture that holds team members accountable improves productivity, reduces inefficiencies, and strengthens collaboration.
  • Leaders who delegate effectively gain more time for key decisions, enhance firm efficiency, and empower their teams.
  • Keeping an inbox organized by addressing, delegating, or categorizing emails prevents overwhelm, streamlines tasks, and ensures nothing important is missed.

 

"You can learn the law, you can write great briefs, you can research out of something, but running a business is completely different; managing people is completely different. Being a good manager, a good leader—those are skills that, sadly, [law schools] just don't teach you." —  Blake Strautins

 

Got a challenge growing your law practice? Email me at steve@fretzin.com with your toughest question, and I'll answer it live on the show—anonymously, just using your first name!

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/

Rainmakers Roundtable: https://www.fretzin.com/lawyer-coaching-and-training/peer-advisory-groups/

 

Episode References: 

Multipliers by Liz Wiseman: https://www.amazon.com/Multipliers-Best-Leaders-Everyone-Smarter/dp/0061964395

 

About Blake Strautins: Blake A. Strautins is a co-owner and managing partner of Kluever Law Group, LLC, where he heads the firm’s litigation department. Blake has been practicing in the field of complex litigation his entire legal career, beginning with class action litigation in 2007 and transitioning to commercial and real estate litigation in 2014, where he continues to hone his legal skills to this day. Beyond helping clients solve problems through creative solutions, both before and during formal litigation, Blake is also an accomplished appellate lawyer with numerous published decisions under his belt. Blake takes great pride in charting the firm’s path forward into continued growth and success in partnership with its diverse client base.

 

Connect with Blake Strautins:  

Website: http://www.klueverlawgroup.com/

Email: bstrautins@klueverlawgroup.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-a-strautins/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

15 Aug 2022Mathew Kerbis: Becoming The Most Affordable Attorney in America00:38:41

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Mathew Kerbis discuss:

  • Time management efficiently and effectively with technology.
  • Utilizing a client portal.
  • Meeting your clients where they are and going where the market is.
  • Offering more affordable, transparent pricing.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Put it on your calendar. If you can stick to your calendar, building the habits becomes easier.
  • You have to get your technology in order for everything to be streamlined and automated if you’re looking at moving to a subscription model.
  • There is always an opportunity to layer on a subscription no matter what practice area you are in.
  • Everyone is on subscriptions that they want and need and they don’t bat an eye at it.

 

"A subscription model is finding a way to deliver value on at least a monthly basis. You’ve got to actually provide real value for what you're charging your client on a month-to-month basis." —  Mathew Kerbis

 

Connect with Mathew Kerbis:  

Website: https://subscriptionattorney.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathewrobertkerbis/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MathewKerbis

Law Subscribed Podcast: https://lawsubscribed.com/

Book Reference: 

https://www.amazon.com/Subscribed-Subscription-Model-Companys-Future/dp/0525536469

 

Episode References: 

Fidu: https://www.fidulegal.com/

Rally: https://www.rallylegal.com/

Suite Dash: https://suitedash.com/

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Legalese Marketing: https://legaleasemarketing.com/

Moneypenny: https://www.moneypenny.com/us/

Practice Panther: https://www.practicepanther.com/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: The Ambitious Attorney: Your Guide to Doubling or Even Tripling Your Book of Business and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

17 Mar 2025Dennis Meador: Winning at Marketing and Personal Branding Beyond the Billable Hour00:35:25

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Dennis Meador discuss:

  • How lawyers can market themselves effectively in an increasingly competitive industry
  • The role of personal branding in helping attorneys differentiate themselves from competitors
  • Why podcasting is a valuable tool for business development and client acquisition
  • Adapting to changing trends in SEO, social media, and content marketing

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Most potential clients check out a lawyer’s website before making contact, so their online presence should authentically reflect who they are and how they can help.
  • Lawyers should avoid “random acts of marketing” and instead build a cohesive strategy centered around their ideal client profile, jurisdictional realities, and brand identity.
  • Podcasting is not about going viral; it’s about targeting the right audience—50 engaged listeners in a lawyer’s market are more valuable than 50,000 global views with no conversion potential.
  • The best marketing doesn’t just tell potential clients what a lawyer does; it shows how and why they do it differently, using real-world examples and insights that make them the obvious choice.

 

"We're not trying to get you to be the foremost American divorce lawyer—we want you to be Chicagoland's high-net-worth or father-focused divorce lawyer... or one that focuses on the men's side. And when you become that—now you're owning your market, and it's a huge benefit to you." —  Dennis Meador

 

Got a challenge growing your law practice? Email me at steve@fretzin.com with your toughest question, and I'll answer it live on the show—anonymously, just using your first name!

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/

Rainmakers Roundtable: https://www.fretzin.com/lawyer-coaching-and-training/peer-advisory-groups/

 

Episode References: 

Office Ladies Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/office-ladies/id1480311435

 

About Dennis Meador: Dennis Meador is the CEO and Founder of The Legal Podcast Network, dedicated to providing turnkey podcasting solutions for professionals, particularly attorneys. With over 20 years of experience in legal marketing, he is passionate about helping attorneys engage more clients and establish authority in their practice areas. An entrepreneur since 14, he has built multiple businesses and successfully scaled companies to multi-million-dollar revenues. Based in Austin, TX, he enjoys traveling, snorkeling, and making BBQ on his smoker—The Notorious P.I.T.—while spending time with his wife and three grown children.

 

Connect with Dennis Meador: 

Website: http://www.thelegalpodcastnetwork.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennismeador/ & https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-legal-podcast-network/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100053762623075 & https://www.facebook.com/legalpodcastnetwork.lawyers/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diem.today/ & https://www.instagram.com/lpnlegalpodcastnetwork/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

05 May 2025Tim Sawyer: Building Better Businesses Through Grit, Empathy and Execution00:32:00

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Tim Sawyer discuss:

  • Mentorship and mastermind groups as catalysts for professional growth
  • Universal business models shaping success across industries including legal
  • Emotional authenticity as a foundation for impactful branding and client engagement
  • Discomfort as a necessary stage in the journey toward meaningful progress

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Professionals who admit their blind spots and join mastermind groups grow faster by learning from shared experiences and direct peer feedback.
  • The simple model of finding, converting, and keeping clients consistently drives growth across industries, including legal.
  • Lawyers who lead with authenticity, such as personal storytelling or community involvement, build trust and stronger emotional resonance.
  • Intentional preparation and embracing discomfort during networking lead to better conversations, more opportunities, and long-term business impact.

 

"AI will not replace lawyers, but lawyers who are using AI are definitely going to have an impact on lawyers who don’t." —  Tim Sawyer

 

Unlock the secrets of the industry's top rainmakers with Be That Lawyer: 101 Top Rainmakers’ Secrets to Growing a Successful Law Practice. Grab your ultimate guide to building a thriving law firm now on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F78HXJHT

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/

 

Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/

 

Episode References: 

Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson and Kenneth Blanchard: https://www.amazon.com/Who-Moved-My-Cheese-Mazing-ebook/dp/B004CR6AM4

 

About Tim Sawyer: Tim is a two-time Inc. 500 co-founder with two successful private equity exits, a professional speaker, and an expert in business sales and growth strategies. As EVP of Sales and an investor at FasterOutcomes, he helps law firms leverage AI-powered legal intelligence to drive efficiency and profitability. With a strong background in digital marketing, Tim has led high-performing sales teams and scaled businesses through innovative strategies. He is also the host of the Legal Keys podcast, where he explores the intersection of law, technology, and firm success.

 

Connect with Tim Sawyer:  

Website: http://www.fasteroutcomes.com/

Email: tim@fasteroutcomes.com

Show: Legal Keys: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legal-keys-unlocking-time-revenue-and-results/id1791762308

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sawyertim/ & https://www.linkedin.com/company/faster-outcomes/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

18 Dec 2023Meredith Bell: Communication Skills for Strong Leaders00:33:57

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Meredith Bell discuss:

  • Challenges with communication and why the way we talk to each other matters. 
  • Communication between the generations in a workplace. 
  • Managing expectations and understanding values and work ethic. 
  • Why positive feedback is key to relationships and company culture. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Many challenges we face are because we come into conversation with assumptions about those we are speaking with. 
  • If we slow down enough to ask people what is important to them, listening, then acting upon that information is going to make a difference, no matter who you are talking to. 
  • Agreements are talked about by both parties; expectations are full of assumptions without communication. 
  • To give more valuable positive feedback, you, as a leader, need to notice more, notice those things you really value, and share that with your team. 

 

"When you think about the generations, if we're willing to listen, to ask questions, and listen to learn what's important to this person, then I think we can break down some of these barriers around perceptions and assumptions that we have around whatever the age group is that you want to identify as troublesome for you." —  Meredith Bell

Get a free audio copy of Steve’s book “Legal Business Development Isn’t Rocket Science” here: https://fretzin.com/audiobook

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Lawmatics: https://www.lawmatics.com/1-month-free/

Get Staffed Up: https://getstaffedup.com/bethatlawyer/

Get Visible: https://www.getvisible.com/

 

Episode References: 

 

About Meredith Bell: 

Meredith is the Co-founder and President of Grow Strong Leaders. Her company publishes software tools and books that help people build strong relationships at work and at home. Meredith is an expert in leader and team communications, the author of three books, and the host of the Grow Strong Leaders Podcast.

Her latest books, co-authored with her business partner, Dr. Dennis Coates, are Connect with Your Team: Mastering the Top 10 Communication Skills, and Peer Coaching Made Simple. In them, Meredith and Denny provide how-to guides for improving communication skills and serving as a peer coach to someone else.

 

Connect with Meredith Bell:   

Website: https://growstrongleaders.com/

Grow Strong Leaders Podcast: https://growstrongleaders.com/podcasts/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithmbell

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/1561855

Twitter: https://twitter.com/meredithmbell

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

Books: 

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

09 May 2022Paul Porvaznik: Motivational Quotes and Conversation to Elevate Your Business Development00:40:32

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Paul Porvaznik discuss:

  • Thinking about business development (even when things are going well). 
  • Taking action on taking control of your career. 
  • Meeting with the right people and asking the right questions. 
  • Start developing your book of business now. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Having your own clients is one of the best ways to create job security, regardless of where you’re practicing. 
  • Keep a blog or write articles. It will show your expertise and help you to grow your business. 
  • Not everyone is going to be a good fit for you. If you have a vast connection of networking partners, you can be a great referral partner for them. 
  • Business development won’t be natural on day one. It takes practice to continually improve and become more efficient at this craft. 

 

"People who have a book of business have autonomy." —  Paul Porvaznik

 

Connect with Paul Porvaznik:  

Website: http://paulporvaznik.com/

Email: porvaznik@bc-lawyers.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-porvaznik/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PaulPorvaznik

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Legalese Marketing: https://legaleasemarketing.com/

Moneypenny: https://www.moneypenny.com/us/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: The Ambitious Attorney: Your Guide to Doubling or Even Tripling Your Book of Business and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

09 Jan 2025Scott Monroe: Building a High-Quality Criminal Defense Practice00:32:32

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Scott Monroe discuss:

  • Balancing quality and quantity in legal practice
  • Challenges and strategies in building and managing a successful law firm
  • The role of technology, automation, and staff training in enhancing legal efficiency
  • Innovative approaches to legal marketing and networking

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Transitioning from a solo practitioner to building a team ensures higher quality service and enables sustainable work-life balance.
  • Investing in technology, such as case management software, significantly increases operational efficiency and reduces burnout.
  • For criminal defense, effective online marketing strategies like Google ads, SEO, and customer reviews are crucial for visibility and client acquisition.
  • Building a "work family" through proper hiring, training, and fostering a collaborative environment leads to high employee retention and better client outcomes.

 

"You're not going to have a clue who I am unless I invest the time and the energy into putting that stuff out there and giving my clients an opportunity to let people know how good I, my team, my associates, and our services are." —  Scott Monroe

 

Got a challenge growing your law practice? Email me at steve@fretzin.com with your toughest question, and I'll answer it live on the show—anonymously, just using your first name!

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/

Rainmakers Roundtable: https://www.fretzin.com/lawyer-coaching-and-training/peer-advisory-groups/

 

About Scott Monroe: At Monroe Law, PA, justice matters. Jacksonville criminal defense attorney Scott Monroe, the firm’s founder and president, has dedicated his career to providing exceptional service. As a former prosecutor, he has intimate knowledge of state prosecutions. Scott started his firm to focus on quality over quantity, taking the time to understand each case and help clients. 

An award-winning attorney, he has received the Elite Advocate Award for six years and led Monroe Law Firm to accolades like Top 10 Best Criminal Defense Law Firms in Florida and Law Firm of the Year in 2023. Previously, he founded Monroe & King, P.A. (now First Coast Criminal Defense), earning multiple awards before departing in 2023 to establish Monroe Law Firm. For clarity, Scott is no longer affiliated with Monroe & King (First Coast Criminal Defense).

 

Connect with Scott Monroe:  

Website: https://www.monroelaw.com/

Email: dscott@monroelaw.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-monroe-18157753/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

24 Mar 2025David Ackert: Build Meaningful and Strategic Connections That Drive Business00:31:33

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and David Ackert discuss:

  • The importance of strategic networking
  • Leveraging existing contacts for business growth
  • The role of influence and prioritization in business development
  • The psychology behind relationship building

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Attendees should prioritize learning about others, finding strategic partners, and providing value instead of aggressively selling, as networking is about relationships, not transactions.
  • Rather than amassing connections, professionals should build a “shortlist” of key clients, dormant contacts, and high-value prospects for deeper, more meaningful engagement.
  • Research shows it takes about 14 interactions from first contact to first contract, so business developers must stay consistent and strategic instead of giving up early.
  • The best strategic partners should be assessed on chemistry (rapport), commerce potential (key contacts), capabilities (competence), and collaboration (willingness to reciprocate).

 

"What we found is that it generally takes our successful users about 14 interactions between first contact and first contract." —  David Ackert

Got a challenge growing your law practice? Email me at steve@fretzin.com with your toughest question, and I'll answer it live on the show—anonymously, just using your first name!

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/

Rainmakers Roundtable: https://www.fretzin.com/lawyer-coaching-and-training/peer-advisory-groups/

 

Episode References: 

Smart Collaboration by Heidi K. Gardner: https://www.amazon.com/Smart-Collaboration-Professionals-Succeed-Breaking/dp/1633691101

 

About David Ackert: David is the Co-Founder and CEO of Ackert, Inc. and PipelinePlus and a respected business development thought leader. For over two decades, he has pioneered revenue acceleration programs for professional services firms and founded ventures like Legal Lift, the MLR100, and PipelinePlus. His award-winning programs and software have been featured in NLJ’s Technologies on the Rise. A sought-after speaker, he keynotes partner retreats, industry conferences, and lectures at USC, Carnegie Mellon, and UCLA School of Law. He is also the author of The Short List and a contributor to The Wall Street Journal, Above the Law, and Law.com.

 

Connect with David Ackert:  

Website: http://www.pipelineplus.com/

Email: david@pipelineplus.com

Book: The Short List by David Ackert: https://www.amazon.com/Short-List-Business-Development-Focusing/dp/B0DCQ2Q8MS

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidackert/

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

29 Jun 2020Anita Ventrelli: Asking the Right Questions to Connect with Your Clients00:28:12

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Anita Ventrelli discuss:

  • How Anita keeps, maintains, and builds relationships with clients. 
  • Drilling down to the why with your clients.
  • Building relationships naturally. 
  • Confidence through preparation and effort.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Learning the why behind what is going on will help you to avoid miscommunication. 
  • Nobody likes to feel like they are a cookie cutter - everyone and their situation is unique. 
  • Network with an air of giving - especially those stronger connections in your circle. 
  • Increasing our collective knowledge helps us all work better together. 

 

"We are always better when we are passionate about something." —  Anita Ventrelli

 

Connect with Anita Ventrelli:  

Website: sdflaw.com

Professional Bio: Anita Ventrelli 

Blog: FamilyLawTopics.com

LinkedIn: Anita Ventrelli

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: The Ambitious Attorney: Your Guide to Doubling or Even Tripling Your Book of Business and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

09 Sep 2021Robert Plotkin & Cynthia Gilbert: Specialization and Strategic Partnerships00:34:49

In this episode, Steve Fretzin, Robert Plotkin, and Cynthia Gilbert discuss:

  • Relationships at the root of all business and networks.
  • Business development as a learned skill, regardless of personality.
  • Commitment and the art of the follow through.
  • From generalization to specialization.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Different environments are better for different people. Know yourself and speak to people who are doing what you are thinking of doing.
  • Be cautious about being too transactional in any networking situation.
  • Connections allow you to offer your clients fuller service than you would be able to do otherwise with only your firm.
  • People are more likely to remember a specialist than they are to remember a generalist.

 

"Although we are small and highly specialized, what we want to do is to be able to provide the client with the effective equivalent of a fuller service firm by being able to connect them with the other services that they need." —  Robert Plotkin

 

Connect with Robert Plotkin & Cynthia Gilbert:  

Website: www.robertplotkin.com.

Website: https://blueshiftip.com/

Show: https://blueshiftip.com/podcasts/

Blueshift IP LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blueshift-ip-llc/

Robert’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertplotkin/

Cynthia’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthiagilbert/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/blueshiftip

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

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: The Ambitious Attorney: Your Guide to Doubling or Even Tripling Your Book of Business and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

19 Apr 2021Matt Formeller: Building a Law Firm Through Relationships00:32:12

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Matt Formeller discuss:

  • Getting out and meeting people who you want to work with.
  • How to get in front of the right people.  
  • Tips for building relationships, not just empty networking. 
  • Qualifying and disqualifying people when you meet them for your networking and relationship roster. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Focus on giving more than you are getting. Have a plan in place so you know who you are looking to ultimately meet. 
  • Being a resource for those you are connecting with is a great way to stay on their radar and to be a better networking partner. 
  • If you’re not growing and learning, you’re dying. 
  • Relationships are reciprocal and rotating. 


 

"Once you meet somebody, if you hit it off, the worst thing you can do is just forget about them and assume they're gonna call you. It's a two-way street." —  Matt Formeller


 

Connect with Matt Formeller:  

Website: formellerlaw.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/matthewformeller & linkedin.com/company/formeller-&-formeller-llp

Twitter: twitter.com/FormellerLaw

Instagram: instagram.com/fnfllp

Facebook: facebook.com/Formellerlaw


 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: The Ambitious Attorney: Your Guide to Doubling or Even Tripling Your Book of Business and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

16 Nov 2023BE THAT LAWYER - Marketing Mavericks - Part 1 of 200:35:50

In this episode, Steve Fretzin, Erik Olson, Jocelyn Brumbaugh, Jared Correia, and Gyi Tsakalakis discuss:

  • The first step lawyers and law firms need to do before marketing themselves.  
  • Positioning yourself as uniquely qualified to help your client.  
  • Perspective client avatars and referral partners.  
  • Pros and cons of specializing and finding your niche.  

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Look at what you are already doing well now and capitalize on that first.  
  • Bring in personal differentiation points in your marketing strategy to stand out from the crowd.  
  • Positioning is what you want to be known for, it does not necessarily cover all that you do.  
  • AI can be a tool, but there still needs to be a human component both before and after using the technology.  

 

"AI is a remarkable tool as a supportive assistive tool. I think about it just like we use Grammarly or a bunch of other stuff to help us write and publish and do research, and it is absolutely remarkable in those contexts. So short answer, yes, use it - just learn about it and learn how you can actually use it both effectively and ethically." —  Gyi Tsakalakis

 

Get a free copy of Steve’s book “Sales-Free Selling” here: www.fretzin.com/sales-free-selling

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Get Staffed Up: https://getstaffedup.com/bethatlawyer/  

Overture: https://overture.law/

Get Visible: https://www.getvisible.com/

Lawmatics: http://lawmatics.com/bethatlawyer  

 

Episode References:  

ChatGPT for Legal Marketing Search: https://www.google.com/search?q=chatgpt+for+legal+marketing  

ChatGPT for Legal Marketing Article: https://www.attorneysync.com/blog/chatgpt-for-legal-marketing/  

Law Firm AI Article: https://thisisarray.com/law-firm-ai/

 

Connect with Erik Olson:  

Website: https://arraylaw.com/  

Show: https://arraylaw.com/managing-partners-podcast/  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWsbJqhtLMS5wmWmXulpY2A  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamerikjolson/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thisisarray  

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/array.digital/  

 

Connect with Jocelyn Brumbaugh:  

Website: https://www.buildenpartners.com/  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jocelynbrumbaugh/  

 

Connect with Jared Correia:  

Website: RedCaveLegal.com & Gideon.Legal

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jaredcorreia & linkedin.com/company/gideon-legal-software/

Twitter: twitter.com/RedCaveLegal & twitter.com/Gideon_Legal

Facebook: facebook.com/GideonLegal

 

Connect with Gyi Tsakalakis:  

Website: GyiTsakalakis.com & AttorneySync.com

Email: Gyi@AttorneySync.com

Show: legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/lunch-hour-legal-marketing/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gyitsakalakis

Twitter: twitter.com/gyitsakalakis

Facebook: facebook.com/gyitsakalakis  

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.  

01 May 2023John Kormanik: Reclaiming Your L.I.F.E.00:33:21

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and John Kormanik discuss:

  • Creating a career that allowed John to have greater impact and geographic independence. 
  • Picking a firm and practice area that aligns with your values and lights you up. 
  • Lies lawyers accept in their profession. 
  • Setting expectations and boundaries in your career. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • We are all placed on the planet to do incredible things. 
  • If you are busy, you are lazy because you aren’t making the hard decisions that need to be made for what gets you to stay on your 168-hour week. 
  • It is hard to improve when you’re on your own. You cannot see where your blindspots are and where improvements can be made. 
  • You are the bottleneck if you are trying to do everything yourself. You cannot do it all and expect to grow. 

 

"The fact of the matter is, you went to law school to have freedom. And a large part of freedom is getting to decide who you work with." —  John Kormanik

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Legalese Marketing: https://legaleasemarketing.com/

Moneypenny: https://www.moneypenny.com/us/

Practice Panther: https://www.practicepanther.com/

 

Episode References: 

About John Kormanik: John R. Kormanik is a Certified Professional Coach and Lawyer who coaches lawyers. He’s driven by the belief that the only way for the legal profession to reclaim its soul is to learn how to say “no” to what no longer serves you. John guides lawyers to reclaim their L.I.F.E. (Legacy, Impact, Freedom, and Energy) by rewiring their mindset, reengineering their systems, and redefining their legacy. 

 

Connect with John Kormanik:  

Website: https://www.johnrkormanik.com/  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnrkormanik/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jkormanik19  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jkormanik/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jkormanik

 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

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