SuccessTips

The Rainmaker’s Magic Ratio

As an attorney, you make your living by using words confidently. Individuals and corporations pay you to give advice and to be right. It’s understandable, then, if you’re guilty of violating the Golden Rule of Business Development: Listen at least twice as much as you talk. But the sooner you learn to live by this rule in every single business development conversation, the better. From the point of view of attorney marketing, there’s a catalog of reasons why, but here are the top two: First, you can’t gain a deep understanding of the other person’s situation without asking probing questions and hearing their answers. Second, prospective clients and prospective referral sources assume that you’re technically competent. What they’re looking for is a sense of rapport and trustworthiness. They want to be confident that you understand their unique “needs and wants” and that you’re really hearing them. They simply won’t get that if you’re doing most of the talking. This week, when you get together with a prospective client or prospective referral source, notice the flow of conversation. Come prepared with an attitude that this time, you’re going to ask more questions — and more clarifying follow-up questions — than usual. Resist the temptation to jump in with a particular solution or recommendation. You’ve heard the adage that “people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Show you care by being genuinely curious and listening well. Remember, you’ve got two ears and one mouth. Use them in that proportion. All of your legal marketing efforts will benefit.

About the Author

Bill Jawitz, Law Firm Coach and Consultant

Bill Jawitz has been coaching lawyers to become more profitable and enjoy a higher quality of life since 2002.

He can be reached at bill@sucesstrackesq.com or at 203.806.1300.

I maintain a deep library of hundreds of best-of-breed checklists, templates, guides, and white papers on every aspect of managing a legal practice and law firm, from lawyer marketing plans, to hiring process checklists, to alternative fee engagement letters.

If you need a quick resource, call me. I’ll send you what I have on the topic free of charge with no strings.

Call for a free consultation (203) 806-1300

Want to learn more?

Have a question? Looking for a Just-In-Time Resource?

Contact Bill Now