Episódios

  • In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Merry Neitlich discuss:

    Challenges in legal marketingImportance of branding in law firmsEvolving marketing techniquesIntegration of branding with business development

    Key Takeaways:

    Lawyers often misunderstand branding as a tagline, but effective branding requires a deep dive into what makes their services unique and meaningful to clients.Without integrating marketing and business development efforts, even the best branding will not drive results, as lawyers must raise visibility through thought leadership and client engagement.Short-form videos and data-driven social media strategies are increasingly important, with platforms like LinkedIn promoting interactive content that boosts engagement.One of the major obstacles to effective marketing and branding is lawyers' lack of time, which can be mitigated by using outsourcing and automation for content creation and promotion.

    "A lot of lawyers think having a tagline like 'excellent experience wisdom' would be great, but that doesn't differentiate them from the person who cleans your pool or the plumber." — Merry Neitlich

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

    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/

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

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

    Episode References:

    The Ultimate Sales Revolution by Steve Lishansky: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Sales-Revolution-Differently-Change/dp/1599325519

    About Merry Neitlich: For 25 years, Merry Neitlich has been assisting law firms to drive revenue by creating unique brands with unusual and deep differentiation. She then applies this clearly branded messaging to each client's website and social media platforms. Once the brand essence is clearly created, Merry develops unique and sustainable business development opportunities for her clients.

    Merry, a founding partner of EM Consulting, frequent speaker, and author, was inducted into the Legal Marketing Association Hall of Fame in 2017 and is also an accomplished figure skater with multiple national titles.

    Connect with Merry Neitlich:

    Website: https://emconsults.org/

    Email: [email protected]

    Phone: 949-260-0936

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

    Connect with Steve Fretzin:

    LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

    Twitter: @stevefretzin

    Instagram: @fretzinsteve

    Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

    Website: Fretzin.com

    Email: [email protected]

    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.

  • In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Justin Krane discuss:

    Challenges lawyers face with managing their financesThe importance of automating financial systemsThe connection between lifestyle choices and financial healthStrategies for building a financially secure law practice

    Key Takeaways:

    Automating the transfer of funds between business and personal accounts helps remove emotion from financial decisions and ensures steady savings.Lawyers often struggle with personal finances because they lack clarity on their business model and revenue generation strategies.Over-spending on luxury items like vacations and yachts while neglecting long-term savings can disrupt financial stability.A reframe from thinking of business expenses as "spending" to viewing them as "investing" helps ensure lawyers prioritize sustainable growth and ROI.

    "You have to be a prosperity thinker. You have to be able to believe that you can create and manifest the financial life that you want and make things happen." — Justin Krane

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

    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/

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

    Episode References:

    INspired INsider Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inspired-insider-podcast/id729464589

    The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel: https://www.amazon.com/Psychology-Money-Timeless-lessons-happiness/dp/0857197681

    About Justin Krane: Justin Krane, a Certified Financial Planner™ professional, is the founder of Krane Financial Solutions. Known for his savvy, holistic approach to financial planning, he advises his clients on how to unite their business and personal money with their lives. Justin works with his clients to create purpose-driven financial plans, aiming for a "return on life." He manages his clients’ investment portfolios for their long-term goals, such as retirement. Justin is the author of the book Money. You Got This. It’s a book about everyday crazy, funny life experiences that we all have – with lessons for all of us.

    Connect with Justin Krane:

    Website: https://kranefinancialsolutions.com/

    Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinkrane/

    Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/krane-financial-solutions/

    Connect with Steve Fretzin:

    LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

    Twitter: @stevefretzin

    Instagram: @fretzinsteve

    Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

    Website: Fretzin.com

    Email: [email protected]

    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.

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  • In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Melanie Herschorn discuss:

    Book writing for lawyersChallenges in book publishingBooks as marketing toolsRole 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: [email protected]

    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.

  • In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Gregg Goldfarb discuss:

    Evolving legal marketing strategiesNon-lawyer ownership in law firmsRevenue growth through referrals and partnershipsNetworking 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: [email protected]

    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.

  • In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Douglas Wood discuss:

    Career transition planning for lawyersEffective planning and execution in law firmsChallenges for senior lawyers in staying relevantLeveraging 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: [email protected]

    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.

  • In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Paige Fox discuss:

    The importance of mindfulness and wellness in professional lifeThe challenges lawyers face with time management and stressThe impact of meditation on mental health and productivityStrategies for lawyers to maintain a balanced lifestyle

    Key Takeaways:

    Chronic stress and long work hours often lead to burnout, highlighting the need to integrate mindfulness and wellness into daily routines to maintain mental health and job performance.Managing time through delegation, automation, and prioritization is crucial for professionals, especially lawyers, to allocate time for self-care practices like meditation and exercise.Incorporating a brief daily meditation practice, even if only for five minutes, can offer substantial benefits by significantly reducing stress levels and enhancing overall emotional resilience and clarity.The focus on billable hours and client demands often causes lawyers to neglect their wellness, leading to long-term health issues unless they balance professional and personal well-being.

    "Be the energy you want to attract." — Paige Fox

    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:

    Bledsoe Said So podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bledsoe-said-so/id1573038290

    About Paige Fox: Paige N. Fox is the founder of Fox Law, LLC, a remote law firm in Illinois, and does of-counsel work for Erwin Law, LLC, and DentCoulson Elder Law. She specializes in estate planning, special needs planning, and elder law. As President of the Illinois Chapter of NAELA and Chair of the CBA’s Young Lawyers Section Serving Our Seniors Committee, Paige is committed to professional development and community service. Recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers since 2022, she received the David C. Hilliard Award in 2023. Paige earned her JD from Chicago-Kent College of Law and enjoys pro bono work, flying trapeze, sports, and dance.

    Connect with Paige Fox:

    Email: [email protected]

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

    Linktree: https://linktr.ee/paigefox_attorney

    Connect with Steve Fretzin:

    LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

    Twitter: @stevefretzin

    Instagram: @fretzinsteve

    Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

    Website: Fretzin.com

    Email: [email protected]

    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.

  • In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Frank Rekas discuss:

    Effectively managing and growing a law practiceCommon challenges in professional practice operationsThe role of delegation in business efficiencyBuilding connections for business development

    Key Takeaways:

    Lawyers often struggle with financial management because they aren't taught business skills in law school, leading them to handle finances disorganized, resulting in missed opportunities and inefficiencies.Many law firm owners wear too many hats, such as managing finances, marketing, and administrative tasks, distracting from legal work and hindering productivity and success.Successful law firms should delegate by hiring specialists, like fractional CFOs for oversight and marketers for development, ensuring each business aspect is managed by experts, letting lawyers focus on their best work.Building a strong network, particularly through social media and direct engagement with potential clients or partners, can greatly enhance a lawyer’s ability to grow their practice and establish themselves as experts.

    "You need to be organized, and by getting organized, that means you need to have a financial plan." — Frank Rekas

    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/

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

    Episode References:

    The Power Of Zero Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-zero-show/id1441026169

    About Frank Rekas: Frank Rekas is a seasoned financial professional with over 30 years of experience in financial services. Based in South Florida, Frank has been with Equitable Advisors since 2014, focusing on helping attorneys, business owners, and individuals navigate complex financial planning, particularly through divorce. He holds multiple FINRA registrations and is actively involved in his community as a board member of the American Hellenic Education Philanthropic Association (AHEPA). Frank is known for his personalized approach, building strong, lifelong relationships with his clients.

    Connect with Frank Rekas:

    Email: [email protected]

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

    Phone: 954-253-5508 (Mobile) and 561-961-9312 (Office)

    Connect with Steve Fretzin:

    LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

    Twitter: @stevefretzin

    Instagram: @fretzinsteve

    Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

    Website: Fretzin.com

    Email: [email protected]

    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.

  • In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Dr. Sharon Meit Abrahams discuss:

    Teaching and mentoring in professional growthDeveloping people skills in lawLeadership and management training for legal professionalsAddressing underperformance in legal settings

    Key Takeaways:

    Teaching involves not only imparting knowledge but also inspiring professionals, particularly in law, to develop essential life skills beyond technical expertise.Lawyers often struggle with business development due to a lack of training in people skills, which are vital for client relationships and practice growth.Effective supervision and leadership in law firms require more than delegation; they need clear communication, constructive feedback, and support to help junior staff succeed.Addressing the root causes of underperformance in associates or partners can lead to major improvements in productivity and professional growth.

    "Success isn't always about money. It can be just about being happy every day." — Dr. Sharon Meit Abrahams

    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/

    Unlock essential skills for your upcoming promotion at the Young Partner Accelerator event in Chicago on Sept 27-28, 2024 and save with code FRETZIN24 at ypaccelerator.com

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

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

    Episode References:

    The Leadership Challenge by James Kouzes and Barry Posner: https://www.amazon.com/Leadership-Challenge-Extraordinary-Things-Organizations/dp/1119278961

    About Dr. Sharon Meit Abrahams: Dr. Sharon Meit Abrahams is an international legal talent development expert with 30 years of experience helping lawyers and law firms improve productivity and profitability. She has authored three books for the American Bar Association and written over 150 articles on professional and business development. Dr. Abrahams has conducted over 300 seminars at prestigious institutions like Harvard, Yale, and Duke Law Schools and has taught at Florida International University and Nova Southeastern University.

    Connect with Dr. Sharon Meit Abrahams:

    Website: https://www.legaltalentadvisors.com/

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

    Connect with Steve Fretzin:

    LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

    Twitter: @stevefretzin

    Instagram: @fretzinsteve

    Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

    Website: Fretzin.com

    Email: [email protected]

    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.

  • In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Phil Gafka discuss:

    The impact of cultural shifts on workplace harmonyThe role of clear expectations in boosting employee morale and productivityHow inclusive leadership practices improve job satisfactionLeveraging unique team experiences and backgrounds

    Key Takeaways:

    Embracing cultural changes, valuing diverse perspectives, and fostering collaboration create a more inclusive and harmonious workplace for all employees.Clear communication of organizational goals and work-life balance boosts employee loyalty, satisfaction, retention, and productivity.Emphasizing collaborative and inclusive leadership over top-down management enhances job satisfaction and career fulfillment, making employees feel valued and heard.Leveraging unique backgrounds and experiences fosters a respectful, innovative environment that strengthens the community and boosts overall performance and satisfaction.

    "Culture is everything. How you do what you do is the biggest indicator of whether you're going to be successful." — Phil Gafka

    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/

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

    Episode References:

    The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek: https://www.amazon.com/Infinite-Game-Simon-Sinek/dp/073521350X

    About Phil Gafka: Phil Gafka is a Certified Business Coach and the Founder of LEAP Associates, Inc., a premier executive coaching and business development firm. With four decades of leadership and business development experience, Phil excels in helping clients, including business owners, executives, and entrepreneurs, unlock their potential for elevated performance. He specializes in executive coaching, strategic planning, and team leadership, using his extensive experience and certifications in tools like DISC and the TriMetrix Legacy Profile to guide clients toward their goals. Phil’s unique insights and practical approach stem from his own journey from corporate executive to successful business owner.

    Connect with Phil Gafka:

    Website: https://www.leapcoaching.com/

    Email: [email protected]

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/philgafka/

    Connect with Steve Fretzin:

    LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

    Twitter: @stevefretzin

    Instagram: @fretzinsteve

    Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

    Website: Fretzin.com

    Email: [email protected]

    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.

  • In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Nanette Fridman discuss:

    Expanding professional networks through board serviceThe role of lawyers in board settingsEnhancing board effectiveness through diverse skillsStrategic relationship-building in nonprofit organizations

    Key Takeaways:

    Serving on boards lets lawyers contribute to meaningful causes while boosting their skills and network, making their careers more fulfilling.Lawyers should assess board members for a diverse skill mix before joining to ensure the position offers personal growth and enrichment.Engaging with board members outside formal meetings helps build stronger relationships, increases collaboration, and generates referrals, benefiting both the lawyer and the organization.Lawyers’ leadership skills are highly valued in board settings, providing effective governance and offering increased visibility and networking opportunities.

    "Lawyers are great board members. People love having them on the board, and they often are natural leaders. And so, they become board chairs." — Nanette Fridman

    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/

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

    Episode References:

    ReThinking Podcast by Adam Grant: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rethinking/id1554567118

    About Nanette Fridman: Nanette Fridman is an organizational strategist, facilitator, and executive coach known for her dynamic and empowering approach. As the founder of Effect Collective and the author of On Board and Holding the Gavel, she excels in helping organizations and leaders optimize resources, strategize for the future, and enhance governance. With a background in corporate law and advocacy, Nanette brings a wealth of experience and high energy to her work as a national speaker, trainer, and facilitator for diverse audiences, including management teams, boards, and emerging leaders.

    Connect with Nanette Fridman:

    Website: https://www.effect-collective.com

    On Board: What Current and Aspiring Board Members Must Know About Nonprofits and Board Service

    Holding the Gavel: What Nonprofit Board Leaders Need to Know

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

    Is This Board For Me? Questions to ask: https://shorturl.at/3TilQ

    Connect with Steve Fretzin:

    LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

    Twitter: @stevefretzin

    Instagram: @fretzinsteve

    Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

    Website: Fretzin.com

    Email: [email protected]

    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.

  • In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Arthur Levitan discuss:

    Importance of knowing when to stop workingImpact of remote work on stress and productivityTechniques for managing stress and maintaining mental healthRole of deep breathing in stress reduction and performanceHumility 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/

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

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

    Episode References:

    Dan Carlin's Hardcore History: https://www.dancarlin.com/hardcore-history-series/

    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: [email protected]

    Connect with Steve Fretzin:

    LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

    Twitter: @stevefretzin

    Instagram: @fretzinsteve

    Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

    Website: Fretzin.com

    Email: [email protected]

    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.

  • In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Eduardo Paiz discuss:

    When most lawyers feel discontent with their jobs. How business development is different between the US and Latin America. Cultural differences in business communication. How the Young Partners Accelerator is helping lawyers in transition and changing their mentality.

    Key Takeaways:

    Most lawyers feel discontent when they don’t feel in control of their careers. Business culture is the biggest difference when doing business development in other parts of the world. In the US, relationships tend to take a backseat to direct business matters. In Latin America, the relationships are driving more of the work. In Latin America, you are unlikely to receive a direct “no” in business. It also usually takes a couple of meetings before you speak directly about business after the relationships are established.Becoming a partnership will, and should, change your job dynamics.

    "The dynamics are the same. If you have clients, you have the ability to bring in clients, you are going to be better compensated. You are going to have more power at the table. The dynamics of the legal market are the same." — Eduardo Paiz

    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/

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

    Episode References:

    The New Strategic Selling: The Unique Sales System Proves Successful by the World’s Best Companies by Robert B. Miller and Stephen E. Heiman - https://www.amazon.com/New-Strategic-Selling-Successful-Companies/dp/044669519XFind out more about the Young Partners Accelerator at: https://ypaccelerator.com/ use Steve’s code for a discount! FRETZIN24

    About Eduardo Paiz: Eduardo Paiz is one of the founding partners of the Young Partners Accelerator, a unique program designed to train attorneys as they transition into partnership roles. As a consultant, he specializes in business development in the Latin American market, where, for the last 10 years, he has helped hundreds of attorneys build and grow their books of business. Additionally, he has assisted several law firms in establishing the processes and culture needed to promote cross-collaboration in their business development efforts. He is a two-time author, speaker, proud father of two daughters, and avid traveler.

    Connect with Eduardo Paiz:

    Website: https://bolderconsulting.legal/

    Website: https://ypaccelerator.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eduardo-paiz/

    Connect with Steve Fretzin:

    LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

    Twitter: @stevefretzin

    Instagram: @fretzinsteve

    Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

    Website: Fretzin.com

    Email: [email protected]

    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.

  • In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Ryan Kimler discuss:

    Understanding the amount of money you need to keep your law firm and your personal finances healthy.Reinvesting money into your firm. What a typical comp plan looks like for small firms.A breakdown of what minimums a financially healthy law firm looks like by the numbers.

    Key Takeaways:

    As a law firm, when you’re paying hire salaries, you need to look at your bonus plans because those can eat into your firm’s profitability. You have to have enough cash to keep the law firm running and financially healthy.Don’t be afraid to do the math or raise fees when needed. If your attorney cannot bring in the right amount to keep the firm on secure financial footing when working their hours, consider raising fees. Even small amounts add up over the year.Retirement is the biggest financial piece most law firm owners miss.

    "Salaries are definitely continuing to grow, and they're on the higher end. And I think when that's the case, as a law firm, when we're talking about financial health here, you have to pay attention to and really look at your bonus plans. Because when you have a higher payroll cost, those bonus plans can really cut into profitability. So you have to be careful with those." — Ryan Kimler

    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/

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

    Episode References:

    The Money Guy Show: https://moneyguy.com/show/

    About Ryan Kimler: Ryan Kimler is the Founder of Net Profit CFO, and he is the host of the Net Profit Podcast. At Net Profit CFO, Ryan and his team use their background in Accounting and Finance to help law firm owners do one thing; have a growing and more profitable business. Helping law firm owners have a growing and more profitable business means two things. One, your law firm has enough cash to grow and maintain a strong financial health. And two, your law firm produces enough cash for you as the owner to fulfill your wants and needs.

    Connect with Ryan Kimler:

    Website: https://netprofitcfo.com/

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

    Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/net-profit-podcast-accelerate-your-profits-with-ryan/id1661941437

    Connect with Steve Fretzin:

    LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

    Twitter: @stevefretzin

    Instagram: @fretzinsteve

    Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

    Website: Fretzin.com

    Email: [email protected]

    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.

  • In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Molly McGrath discuss:

    Approaching hiring from a different perspective. Training your employees to be intrapreneurs and take control of their jobs.How recruiting and communication are changing in the legal industry. Making it about steps in the process, not dollars and hours.

    Key Takeaways:

    Before strategy, you have to have the courage to take the first step and move forward. Hiring changes your ROI for yourself and for the new hire. Hiring doesn’t mean paying their yearly salary upfront. Look at the ROIs and see how things will change.The days of putting up an ad and waiting for people to interview are over - you need to be recruiting.When you hire, it’s not just the attorney. Everybody’s KPIs shift. Follow the model of: teach, show, do, go, grow. If you do it right, you can on board and be hands-off within 30 days.

    "If you're doing it yourself, you're better off not even doing it at all. It is shark-infested waters out there, and by and large, my most successful plate placements are all poaching." — Molly McGrath

    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/

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

    Episode References:

    10x Is Easier Than 2x: How World-Class Entrepreneurs Achieve More by Doing Less by Dan Sullivan: https://www.amazon.com/10x-Easier-Than-World-Class-Entrepreneurs/dp/140196995X

    About Molly McGrath: Molly McGrath, founder of Hiring & Empowering Solutions, LLC committed to serving the legal community in, Staffing, Employee Engagement, intrapreneurship, and employee retention initiatives. Proudly delivering results for 5K+ law firms over the past 27 years across the country.

    Podcaster, blogger, #1 Amazon Best Seller Author; “Fix My Boss: The Simple Plan to Cultivate Respect, Risk Courageous Conversations, and Increase the Bottom Line,” “Intrapreneurs in an Entrepreneur’s World – How to Empower Your Employees to Step Up and Lead,” and “Don’t Be a Yes Chick: How to Stop Babysitting Your Boss, Transform Your Job and Work with a Dream Team Without Losing Your Sanity or Spirit in the Process.”

    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/

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

    Connect with Steve Fretzin:

    LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

    Twitter: @stevefretzin

    Instagram: @fretzinsteve

    Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

    Website: Fretzin.com

    Email: [email protected]

    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.

  • In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Chris Dreyer discuss:

    Search engine marketing and SEO for lawyers. Some of the main changes in content marketing. Changing up how you write content. Getting the most out of legal conferences.

    Key Takeaways:

    Leaning into SEO will look different depending on your field as well as your location. The top-of-the-page marketing has changed because of the AI Overview on Google. Google likes brands, they like signals and clicks to resources such as videos.The best conferences to go to are the ones that you put the most into and make a plan for.PIMCon has been curated for the conferencegoers. They are bringing in some of the top people in the PI space to speak and they were invited to do so.

    "In the search engine marketing side, one of the most challenging things is link building. And link building, by and large, is relationships. It's the hardest thing to do." — Chris Dreyer

    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/

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

    Episode References:

    Alex Hormozi: https://www.youtube.com/alexhormoziRankings.io: https://rankings.io/Michael Mogill: https://michaelmogill.com/ProVisors: https://provisors.com/Ready, Fire, Aim by Michael Masterson: https://www.amazon.com/Ready-Fire-Aim-Zero-Million/dp/0470182024

    About Chris Dreyer: Chris Dreyer is the CEO and Founder of Rankings.io, an SEO agency that helps elite law firms and personal injury lawyers obtain cases through Google’s organic search results. His company has the distinction of making the Inc. 5000 list seven years in a row.

    In addition to owning and operating Rankings, Chris is the Wall Street Journal and USA Today best-selling author of “Niching Up: The Narrower the Market, the Bigger the Prize”, a real estate investor, and podcast host (Personal Injury Mastermind), as well as a member of the Forbes Agency Council, the Rolling Stone Culture Council, Business Journals Leadership Trust, Fast Company Executive Board, and Newsweek Expert Forum.

    Chris’s journey in legal marketing has been a saga, to say the least. A world-ranked collectible card game player in his youth, Chris began his “grown up” career with a History Education degree and landed a job out of college as a detention room supervisor. The surplus of free time in that job allowed him to develop a side hustle in affiliate marketing, where (at his apex) he managed over 100 affiliate sites simultaneously, allowing him to turn his side gig into a full-time one. When his time in affiliate marketing came to an end, he segued into SEO for attorneys, while also having time to become a top-ranked online poker player.

    Connect with Chris Dreyer:

    Website: https://www.pimcon.org/

    Email: [email protected]

    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/

    Connect with Steve Fretzin:

    LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

    Twitter: @stevefretzin

    Instagram: @fretzinsteve

    Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

    Website: Fretzin.com

    Email: [email protected]

    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.

  • In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Steven Dimitt discuss:

    Why you need to niche down in order to grow and succeed. Transitioning your practice area and successfully rebranding. Focusing on relationships during a transition in your career. Broadening your business development.

    Key Takeaways:

    When you focus on a niche, it brings credibility to you as a lawyer and comfort to your clients because they know you’re the best. Maintaining relationships and having conversations with people over time, making a transition is not going to be a surprise. Work with people you trust and it will allow you to maintain relationships, even as you focus only on the areas of law you want to focus on. As you maintain your business development, you’re going to be planting seeds and getting yourself into a position of freedom in your career.

    "People are in different transitions in different times, whether it's switching practice areas or the lifecycle of your career. We have some clients who used the same attorney for 40 years and he's about to retire and now they need to find somebody else. You never know, so you just keep the contacts and it might be the right place at the right time." — Steven Dimitt

    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/

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

    Episode References:

    Charles Gillis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gillis/Seven Year Trap by Charles Gillis: https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Year-Trap-Observations-Partnership/dp/0692195661The Game by Alex Hormozi: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjkaUn6QNTZTd2rKxXdy-_I0JDHlwdy6j

    About Steven Dimitt: Steven focuses on representing local, regional, and national commercial clients on matters relating to real estate, land use/zoning, and construction. Beginning with site selection and continuing throughout the construction, lease-up, and ultimate sale of the project after final completion, Steven deals heavily with all aspects of real estate development. Steven was previously a partner at one of the largest law firms in Texas. However, he moved to Platt Richmond to partner with other ex-big law attorneys to continue to provide high-quality service while being more cost-effective for his clients.

    Connect with Steven Dimitt:

    Website: https://plattrichmond.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-dimitt-52a13916/

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

    Connect with Steve Fretzin:

    LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

    Twitter: @stevefretzin

    Instagram: @fretzinsteve

    Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

    Website: Fretzin.com

    Email: [email protected]

    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.

  • In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Eddie Dabdoub discuss:

    Falling in love with your practice area but remembering it is a business.Transitioning from general law practice to a niche law practice.Getting buy-in from your team for the law firm growth.Taking care of your team to stop the turnover.

    Key Takeaways:

    There is a barrier of entry for those transitioning from a PI practice to a Disability Insurance practice.If you structure your practice like a well oiled machine, even less lucrative niches will pay off financially.Build a core team that allows your firm to grow together. Even when you’re in different rolls, you want the core team to all be focused on the same business goals.Your firm does not need to be built like everyone else’s. You are different, build your firm to reflect what is important to you.

    "My big advice is, if you want to scale a law firm, breakaway from the traditional model of assigning assistants and paralegals to attorneys. Instead, create different departments (even if they’re tiny), train your folks to be experts in that department, and have cases go through those departments as the lifecycle of the case carries it through the firm." — Eddie Dabdoub

    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/

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

    Episode References:

    Rules of the Road: A Plaintiff Lawyer’s Guide to Proving Liability by Rick Friedman - https://www.amazon.com/Rules-Plaintiff-Lawyers-Proving-Liability/dp/1934833177

    About Eddie Dabdoub: Edward Dabdoub is a nationally-known disability insurance lawyer. He is the founder of Dabdoub Law Firm, a firm that specializes in disability and life insurance claims for claimants.

    Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, he is one of five attorneys in his immediate family. Since becoming a lawyer, he has focused his law practice on representing people in this niche practice area and has grown his law firm from less than a handful of employees to a nationwide practice.

    With Eddie at the helm, Dabdoub Law Firm has litigated and won significant disability and life insurance cases in federal courts. Some notable victories include a win against the NFL Disability Plan for a former pro-football player who was denied disability benefits and recent victory for a liver transplant surgeon who could no longer perform transplant surgeries after sustaining a career-ending injury.

    Eddie has participated as a guest speaker at law conferences both on local and national stages, discussing disability insurance, life insurance, and ERISA for legal organizations such as the American Association for Justice and the Florida Association for Justice.

    Eddie is a double-Canes, having obtained an undergraduate degree in Economics and a juris doctor degree at the University of Miami. Before law school, he obtained a Masters in Business Administration from Florida International University.

    Connect with Eddie Dabdoub:

    Website: https://www.longtermdisability.net/

    Email: [email protected]

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

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dabdoub-disability-insurance-erisa-law-firm/

    Twitter: https://x.com/disabilitylaws

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

    Connect with Steve Fretzin:

    LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

    Twitter: @stevefretzin

    Instagram: @fretzinsteve

    Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

    Website: Fretzin.com

    Email: [email protected]

    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.

  • In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Mark Silverman discuss:

    Building client relationships from the start of your career.Bringing your full, authentic self to your client relationships. Being forward with those you’ve served when asking for referrals. The art of bringing in new work from current clients.

    Key Takeaways:

    Even when you’re crazy busy, it is key to reach out to a client or post on LinkedIn or send a text to connect with those in your network. Everybody wins in referrals when there is a transferral of trust. Be honest about where you can add value and where, perhaps, you aren’t the best fit for your clients.Find what works for you and stay consistent with it. You are running a business and want to maintain that forward momentum.

    "The worst thing you can do, and what will tank your relationship and career quickly, is to sell something that you have no business doing." — Mark Silverman

    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/

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

    Episode References:

    Matt Campobasso: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrc1921/Sales Free Selling Audiobook: https://www.amazon.com/Sales-Free-Selling-Death-Sales-Methodology/dp/B0D9HWPX6W

    About Mark Silverman: Mark serves as Locke Lord’s CMBS Special Servicer Team Leader. When borrowers and guarantors fail to meet their obligations, financial institutions, commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) special servicers and other companies look to Mark to enforce those commitments, in or out of the courtroom. Mark frames and resolves issues involving creditors’ rights, loan workouts, bankruptcy and loan enforcement. He advises large, midsized, and small banks; financial institutions; and financial technology companies across the country, as well as the nation’s largest CMBS special servicers.

    Connect with Mark Silverman:

    Website: https://www.lockelord.com/professionals/s/silverman-mark-a

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

    Connect with Steve Fretzin:

    LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

    Twitter: @stevefretzin

    Instagram: @fretzinsteve

    Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

    Website: Fretzin.com

    Email: [email protected]

    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.

  • 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:

    Roy Sexton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/royesexton/@theBar Podcast: https://www.chicagobar.org/CBA/YLS_Law_Students/_theBar_Podcast.aspx

    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: [email protected]

    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: [email protected]

    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.

  • In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Randa Predergast discuss:

    Committing to your processes no matter how busy or slow your firm is. Why many lawyers struggle with billing and accounts receivable. Perceived value in your costs with your clients and setting expectations around billing with them. Handling difficult AR and collections with clients.

    Key Takeaways:

    Lack of processes, lack of time, and thinking emotionally about your costs are three of the biggest issues around lawyers receiving their proper payments. Lawyers make exceptions more than any other professional industry leading to higher levels of AR. You are not being exceptional when you make exceptions.You can have your clients on ACH and autopay as long as it is kept securely. This will nearly eliminate your AR. Book keeping and collections should not be done by the attorney. They are delegatable to other professionals.

    "We want to remove the attorney from this process as much as possible. I only like to bring them in on making decisions about stopping work because of non-payment. So all the tasks up until that point should really go to a legal assistant, admin, billing clerk, or something of that sort, not even a paralegal." — Randa Predergast

    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:

    The Go-Giver by Bob Burg & John David Mann: https://thegogiver.com/

    About Randa Predergast: Providing expert services in law firm and case processes (including implementation and training), paralegal support, and billing clerk services on a 1099 basis.

    Connect with Randa Predergast:

    Website: https://mrsjunelegal.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mrs-june-legal-llc/

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

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

    Connect with Steve Fretzin:

    LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

    Twitter: @stevefretzin

    Instagram: @fretzinsteve

    Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

    Website: Fretzin.com

    Email: [email protected]

    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.