Essential Qualities of Successful Rainmakers

Mindset

Some lawyers do not pursue business development activities and conversations because they do not think it is their role. Others are simply untrained, uncomfortable with the process and don't know where to begin. Also, sales can be perceived as a “dirty” word by professionals whose experience with high-pressure retail salesmen has been less than appealing or comfortable.

Needless to say, high-pressure tactics have no place in the professional environment. The mindset of successful lawyers is to influence their clients to behave in their best legal interest by retaining them to help prevent or solve their problems. Ascending to that position of influence requires an investment in developing a trusted relationship.

When legal stakes are high, relationships usually take longer to ripen which is why building the client pipeline takes significant discipline. Since the results may not come quickly, the impatient attorney faced with a lengthy relationship-building process may give up out of frustration and lose the opportunity to “ask for business” when the time is right. Given the choice, the immediate gratification realized from working on legal matters that need attention now often makes more sense to them.

Define, Find and Research Prospects

Because the sales process with a prospective client can be lengthy, a robust pipeline that is constantly replenished is imperative to ensure future financial health. Before taking the actions to fill the pipeline, the attorney must clearly define the characteristics of his or her ideal client. Finding the prospects or referral sources (whether in person or online) requires a consistent investment of time. Not only must a written strategy be devised, but the attorney must remain constantly active in adhering to the process and remaining accountable. Preparation and follow-up are key elements when networking and when meeting one-on-one.

Attorneys must understand the industry, trends and common experiences of desired clients. A checklist of sample issues to explore with respect to prospective business clients can be obtained by e-mailing me at [email protected].

Gathering personal information about the individuals with whom you want to deal also proves invaluable. Last year, I received an e-mail inquiry from a prospective client who had found me online through a google search. Prior to returning the call, I thoroughly reviewed her LinkedIn profile as well as other resources. During our conversation, I commented that I grew up close to her college town. We soon found that we had much more in common and chatted for a few minutes before getting down to business. She retained me before the end of the phone call, which may not have happened so quickly without my prior research.

Awareness of Personal And Professional Image

Attorneys who project confidence and professional gravitas are more likely to be retained than a lawyer with a weak image. The most powerful way for lawyers to develop confidence is to excel at their craft and deliver fabulous client service.

That being said, it is difficult to know how we present ourselves to others unless we receive the gift of feedback. For example, I am acquainted with a prominent attorney who uses the phrase “you know” to the point of distraction. Verbal “tics” detract from an otherwise powerful message.

Likewise, poor physical appearance sends a negative, if subliminal, non-verbal signal to potential clients as well as referral sources. Grooming habits and professional style can be difficult topics to broach; however, a number of lawyers I have met would benefit from such a conversation.

Skilled at Asking Probing Questions

Questions asked throughout the relationship should be designed to engage the client's thought processes and lead toward a formal working relationship.

My favorite go-to question when meeting new prospects is, “What is the biggest challenge that you are facing in your industry/business?” Answers to this simple open-ended question are educational and position us to understand the client's needs so that we can demonstrate that we are the right attorney to prevent or solve their problems.

Respectful Listener

All too often, people are guilty of “self-listening,” which means that they are focusing on their own clever thoughts and constructing their next sentence instead of giving full attention to their conversation partner. Space limitations prevent me from elaborating on this critical topic. Check out www.listen.org (the website of the International Listening Association) for significant resources and tools.

Empathy

Developing sensitivity to distinction in communication and personality types can help us in developing rapport and interacting on a deeper level. Reviewing the results of a DISC assessment that I took helped me greatly in understanding how to approach others who are different from me.

The following is an example of how a relationship can be quickly blown with careless words and conversation: In the course of settling a major medical malpractice matter on behalf of a brain-injured child, the tort attorney recommended that the parents consult with a representative from a structured settlement company and with me in my capacity as a special needs attorney. During the meeting, the claims adjuster told the parents that establishing a special needs trust was a “no brainer.” Insulted at the person's insensitivity, the mother of the child walked out of the room and it took close to an hour for her to agree to resume the meeting. Persistence and Resilience If the lawyer is not retained at the end of a consultation, the following wrap-up questions can be productive as a means of continuing the questions: 1) What additional information do you need in order to make the decision as to whether to move forward? 2) What is your time frame for making a decision? 3) Is it all right if I call you in “X” weeks to see where you stand in your decision making?

By all means, make sure that a system is implemented so that the attorney actually follows up. Fear of rejection prevents many talented attorneys from pursuing lucrative opportunities. If we don't ask for business, we don't run the risk of hearing that ego deflating word: “No.” People with resilient attitudes can bounce back quickly in the face of an adverse situation. Fortunately, resilience can be learned through experience along with a healthy dose of self-talk.

Example: When told that an attorney's services are not needed, the first thought should be: “The potential client doesn't mean 'No,' she just means 'Not yet.' Instead of feeling rejected, the attorney could feel curious as to why the client decided to go a different direction.

Three years ago, I was invited to submit a proposal for a matter in the center of my wheelhouse. When someone else was retained, I e-mailed the GC and requested a conversation to discuss the reasons for my rejection. This lead to a strong value conversation, which lead to a significant contract within a few months.

Conclusion

Almost every motivated lawyer can build his or her book of business by shifting mindset, improving the qualities outlined herein, and taking consistent steps in implementing a strategic plan. Sometimes, they simply need guidance along the way.

***** Cynthia Sharp (CEO of The Sharper Lawyer) can be reached at [email protected] or 609-923-1017.