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!

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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.