BE THAT LAWYER Scott Simmons: Mastering Legal Business Development and the Art of Client-Centric Lawyering
In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Scott Simmons discuss:
- Effective time management in the legal profession
- Developing habits and accountability for consistent business development
- Building a client-focused business model in law
- Overcoming personal and systemic barriers to success in legal business development
Key Takeaways:
- Allocating just 30 minutes weekly to business development can compound into significant progress over time, enabling lawyers to take control of their career trajectory.
- Transitioning from billable hours to value-based or subscription pricing models requires not just a pricing shift but a comprehensive business model overhaul.
- Lawyers must use tools like LinkedIn and existing client relationships to secure referrals effectively; over 90% of clients are willing to refer, yet only 8% of lawyers ask for them.
- Small, incremental habit changes, such as reading a chapter a week or posting on LinkedIn weekly, are more sustainable and impactful than attempting major shifts all at once.
"What business development does is give you options, leverage, and control over your career choices. We're not taught this, and.....it's not something covered in law school." — Scott Simmons
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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Episode References:
About Scott Simmons: Scott Simmons, Co-Founder & Director of Legal Balance, is a toolbox for turning lawyers into rainmakers. After a successful law career, he discovered a passion for coaching and has spent 12 years helping lawyers build careers and senior executives excel. He offers bespoke training, coaching, and leadership courses globally and created The BD Breakthrough Blueprint™, a digital course for aspiring rainmakers. Scott writes and speaks on legal business development, value-based pricing, and subscription models. A husband, father, and film lover, he often includes movie analogies like Jaws or When Harry Met Sally in his sessions.
Connect with Scott Simmons:
Website: https://www.legalbalanceinstitute.com/
Email: scott.simmons@legalbalance.co.uk
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottsimmonsbdm/
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
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