Overcoming Networking Fear by Listening

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Nancy Fox discuss:

• The importance of mindset shifts in professional growth
• Strategic approaches to networking and business development
• Navigating uncertainty and change in the legal industry
• The role of consistency, agility, and technology in building relationships

Key Takeaways:

• Lawyers often fail at networking because they choose events or groups without a strategy; instead, they should target where actual decision-makers gather, even if it requires greater investment.
• Relying solely on referrals is risky; building a balanced portfolio of referral sources and direct decision-maker relationships creates stability and growth.
• Practicing “daily consistent activity” in 15-minute chunks—such as emailing contacts or engaging on LinkedIn—can meaningfully grow a practice without overwhelming time demands.
• Shifting focus away from oneself and toward listening to others during networking conversations reduces fear, builds confidence, and creates deeper connections.

"Agility is not necessarily what lawyers are trained in, but being agile and being flexible is something that I think all of us really need to look at." —  Nancy Fox
 

Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again.
 

Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don’t miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/
 

Thank you to our Sponsor!

Legalverse Media: https://legalversemedia.com/
 

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/
 

About Nancy Fox: Nancy Fox is the founder and President of The Business Fox, a consulting and training company that helps law, accounting, and service firms grow through smarter networking, business development, and niche marketing strategies. A former corporate executive with over two decades of marketing experience at Warnaco and VF Corporation, she launched her coaching and training business in 1999 and has since worked with firms such as Sheppard Mullin, Latham & Watkins, and Citrin Cooperman. She is the author of Make Rain Without the Pain and Network Like a Fox™, and is currently writing Make Rain Like a Fox, blending mindset with tactical strategies for rainmaking in the digital era. Known for her “Daily Consistent Activity” approach, Nancy is also a keynote speaker, community builder, and trusted advisor to professionals seeking to build stronger business relationships and sustainable practices.
 

Connect with Nancy Fox:  

Website: https://www.wyzerainmakers.com/ | https://thebusinessfox.com/

Book: Network Like a Fox: https://www.amazon.com/Network-Like-Fox-Successful-Relationships/dp/1928782442

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

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.