BE THAT LAWYER

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Erica Minchella discuss: Finding your way to do business development, regardless of personality type. Business development that makes sense for your practice and values. Insecurity isn’t a defect - make it your greatest asset. Being who you are and making an effort in building your book of business.   Key Takeaways: Relationship networking is one of the best ways...

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Harrison Jordan discuss: Staying in touch with changing technologies. Practicing legal in the metaverse. What is important in running your own law firm. Tips for making fewer mistakes in growing your business.   Key Takeaways: The metaverse can be its own digital universe, or it can be grafted onto the existing universe, your existing reality here on Earth. Ask y...

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Dan Callahan discuss: Running a business, not just practicing law.  Starting a PI law firm and the changing industry.  Preparation without delays in litigation and marketing.  Outside the box thinking.  Additional work around existing clients and relationships.    Key Takeaways: There is always going to be growing pains, no matter how you do it - you just have to...

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Holly Jean Jackson discuss: Not allowing your thoughts to control you.  Why you want a coach in this world of information overload. Sharing your message as an act of love and service.  Getting your mindset into a positive space to find the calm in your life and mind.    Key Takeaways: Imposter syndrome affects all of us - including those who are the most credenti...

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Carrie Smith Trabue discuss: Standing out by being different.  Carrie’s transition from practicing law to legal recruiting.  What sales actually is (and it’s not a dirty word).  Things lawyers need to do to protect themselves in a downturn.    Key Takeaways: Building a book of business gives you more freedom in your career, both at your current firm and for where...

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Jack Zinda discuss: Maintaining cash flow while building a practice.  Building a thriving practice in a tough area. Planning, coaching, and continuous learning.  Tips for growing a sustainable practice.    Key Takeaways: You do not have to do only one thing to bring in work. Find a couple of options that work for you and make time to do both.  Take the time to in...

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, helpfu...

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 techno...

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...

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Chris Engelman discuss: Understanding what your client is looking to do and what their challenges are.  Common mistakes lawyers make with their finances.  Similarities between wealth management advisors and lawyers.  Be proactive in building your client relationships.    Key Takeaways: Take a step back and think. Newspapers are in the business of selling newspape...

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and James Grant discuss: Hiring a business coach early in your law firm.  Missteps along the journey to having a successful law firm.  Why you need to understand your numbers.  Time blocking, not multitasking.    Key Takeaways: Coaches may be expensive, but if you are getting a 10x return or more on that investment, it is absolutely worth it.  If you are cheap in you...

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Mickie Kennedy discuss: The evolution and power in press releases. What to look for when sending out a press release and who to send it to. Types of press releases to get noticed. Being interesting and an authority in your space.   Key Takeaways: Most journalists are open to being reached and are on Twitter, however, they do often rely on the wire as they are oft...

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Judy Dang discuss: Moving past the perils of perfectionism.  Embracing imperfection and being open to failures.  Findings from Judy’s upcoming book, Perfect Enough .  Getting comfortable with precision, not perfection.    Key Takeaways: You are successful despite your perfectionism, not because of it.  Perfectionists tend to be more motivated and engaged at work,...

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Michael DeLon discuss: Looking for fit, not just for business.  Using books to grow your business.  Credibility, authority, and thought leadership.  Discovering your story.    Key Takeaways: Having a book makes you an expert on that topic. It gives instant credibility.  Working with a company like Paperback Expert allows you to speak to write your book, not physi...

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 wo...

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Janet Falk discuss: The power of LinkedIn and how to utilize it to your greatest advantage.  Tuning in to WIIFM. How not to get burned by a marketing or public relations expert.  The many reasons (beyond attracting new clients) to be in the news and other media.    Key Takeaways: Change your LinkedIn headline to be descriptive of your practice utilizing keywords...

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Lesley Wallerstein discuss: The relationship between creativity and crazy.  Networking as an introvert.   Understanding what you have to offer.  Finding a networking system that works for you and your personality type.    Key Takeaways: It isn’t about what others can do, it’s about what you can do better than others.  It takes confidence to go out on your own as...

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Sharon Ve discuss: The three motivators to change.  Behavioral change to build a better business.  Your attitude about your job and the different aspects of it.  Leveraging your superpowers (and working around your kryptonite).    Key Takeaways: If you are unhappy, you have nobody to blame but yourself. You are the only one standing in your way.  Do the activitie...

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Mark Hunter discuss: Why lawyers are bad at planning for business development.  Putting the work in to get ahead as early as you can.  How the pandemic has affected business development.  What lawyers can do for their clients and their strategic partners.    Key Takeaways: There are a lot of tools out there to help you plan so you run your day, not let your day r...

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Robert Hanna discuss: Why firms are struggling to retain talent.  Firm and personal branding for lawyers.  How to start a story (hint, it’s not your name).  Reflecting on your why.    Key Takeaways: Give trust to your employees - they do not need to be (or want to be) micromanaged.  If you build a personal brand, more revenue-generating opportunities will come yo...

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Lindsey Corbin discuss: What lawyers struggle with when delegating.  Why writing processes will change your firm.  The challenge of letting go.  The top 5 things lawyers need to delegate.    Key Takeaways: If you are a lawyer and are doing work that someone can be doing at a fraction of the cost, you should not be doing those things.  You need to track a day (or...

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Larry Fretzin discuss: Growing up in the slums to running a successful solo law firm.  How the field of law has evolved over the last few decades.  Relationships and referrals.  Knowing when you’re ready to retire.    Key Takeaways: If you can’t make a sale, make a friend.  Getting referrals from other lawyers is a great way to get business. Build those relations...

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Kory Kelly discuss: Talent as a capitalist market.  What culture really means and what talented employees are truly looking for.  Selling legal services online as the future of the law industry.  Automation and productization of legal services within the next five years.    Key Takeaways: If you want to retain quality talent, you have to create a place that peopl...

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...

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Eric Moch discuss: Becoming self-sufficient and creating your own future.  Leadership as a learned skill.  Culture is king.  Serving in leadership to develop a lasting team.    Key Takeaways: Just because you have an aptitude and skill for your business does not mean you are going to be qualified to lead and mentor people.  As the business owner, your employees w...