Center Stage: Spotlighting Business Challenges

Ever wondered how to transform your business's financial stability and increase your profits? We're joined by Susanne Mariga, a CPA and fractional CFO with two decades of expertise. Susanne shares the revolutionary Profit First model, a strategy that has been a game changer in our own business. We dive into the basics of this model, shedding light on the importance of having multiple bank accounts and how to pay yourself as a business owner. It's all about intentional profitability! We then walk through the practical implementation of the Profit First system and emphasize the need to start with your current financial position and gradually increase your percentages. Susanne also debunks some common misconceptions and explains how this system can help determine your pay and eliminate randomness in your results. Understand your firm's financial percentages and get started with Profit First by visiting www.profitmap.co

Do you ever wonder how lawyers seem to bring in an endless stream of clients? This week's guest, Elise Holtzman from The Lawyer's Edge, shares the secrets behind the art of rainmaking. We dive into Elise's personal journey, from practicing law to becoming a coach and trainer, and how she uses her knowledge to help lawyers transform into successful rainmakers. This concept, more than just attracting new clients, involves keeping existing ones happy, and importantly, having the right team to do the work. We also discuss the critical role of delegation within law firms. Investing in junior associates and trusting them with tasks not only helps firms grow but also frees up time for higher-level work. After all, we all have the same 24 hours in a day - it's how we choose to use them that counts. Connect with Elise on LinkedIn and learn more at www.thelawyersedge.com

Ever wondered how your cognitive instincts influence your professional life? This week we're joined by Dominic Loffredo, a certified Kolbe instructor, to cover this unique personality test that measures the cognitive part of the mind. We examine how the Kolbe assessment varies from other popular personality evaluations such as Myers-Briggs and CliftonStrengths. We explore how each Kolbe mode affects critical aspects of our professional lives: decision-making, problem-solving, risk tolerance, and physical tasks. We dig into how these categories play out across different industries and roles within a company, especially your law firm. To learn more and have Dominic and The Million Dollar Solution® provide Kolbe coaching for your firm, reach out to them directly at info@themilliondollarlawyer.com

Can revealing your authenticity propel you to success? Erin Hatzikostas, founder of B Authentic Inc., joins us to share her personal journey of how authenticity fuelled her rise in the corporate world. Erin’s unique leadership style, characterized by a robust dedication to her message, offers a refreshing perspective on standing out in the professional space. Erin further unpacks her Six Principles of Strategic Authenticity framework, a toolbox for professionals navigating rule-laden environments. We also dive into the "Pratfall Effect," a psychological phenomenon that transforms "humility moments" into precious social currency. We discuss how to weave humility and storytelling into your introductions and make an impactful first impression. Lastly, we explore the concept of the "Zero Moments of Truth" and how authenticity not only helps you stand out but also reduces these critical moments in sales and marketing. Join us as we explore how you can use your authentic self to build trust, accelerate relationship building, and find success in your professional field. Connect with Erin on LinkedIn, and check out her book You Do You(ish): Unleash Your Authentic Superpowers to Get the Career You Deserve.

Picture your business caught up in the chaos of a disaster - may it be natural or manmade. Panic-stricken employees, clients bombarding you with questions, and a leadership team that is clueless about what to do next. Sounds like a situation you never want to be in, right? That's why we're talking with Jeffrey Weiss, founder of the Disaster Preparedness Network. Jeffrey provides an overview of disaster preparedness - from setting up leadership structures to training responses to an active shooter situation. He reveals how the networks you develop can be leveraged to foster a community of preparedness and resilience. Jeffrey also sheds light on how businesses can mitigate liability risks by investing in disaster management. In a world where disasters are no longer anomalies but rather frequent occurrences, being unprepared could lead to potential litigation and damage to reputation. If you'd like to set up disaster processes in your firm, give Jeffrey and his team a call at (818) 624-4242 or email him directly at jeff@PreparednessTV.info. BONUS: For Center Stage subscribers, Jeffrey is offering a free active shooter training course, which you can access by visiting https://training.preparednesstv.info/as-appointment. Even more, Jeffrey is offering his book, 60 Ways to Reward your teams, and your partner for being of value, for free by clicking here: https://tpn.mastermind.com/opt_in/2262

Get ready to be inspired as we discuss the power of understanding others, building credibility, and how having diverse passions paired with self-belief can lead to you chasing your dreams (even if that means no longer being a lawyer). This week we're joined by career coach Nicole Andrews and explore how disrupting the status quo can create unforeseen opportunities. Nicole emphasizes the necessity of a versatile skill set and the courage to advocate for yourself, especially when self-doubt creeps in. Lastly, Nicole imparts wisdom on finding purpose amidst career disruption and setting work-life boundaries to circumvent burnout. Gain insight into how disrupting your career, whether by choice or force, can act as a positive force of change. Discover strategies to define your career roles, break free from the 'status trap', and take significant steps towards your career progression. Learn more about Nicole and the work she does by visiting www.thenicoleandrews.com

This week we sit down with Julie Perez from Leap Legal, who guides us through the unique productivity hurdles that different types of lawyers encounter, the role of continuing education, and the cruciality of compliance in legal practice. We then dive into the complex, yet critical aspects of trust account money, compliance, record keeping, and assembling a dream team. We discuss the lack of business management taught in law school and why having robust software in place to catch mistakes is crucial. We're also putting a spotlight on the layers of encryption and compliance with IT, offering a well-rounded view of law firm management. Lastly, we're turning the lens onto one of the most important facets of any business - the client experience. We cover the essentials of clear communication, setting expectations, and avoiding those jarring invoice surprises. To learn more, visit leap.us

Get ready to transform your law firm's intake procedures with actionable insights from Chris Mullins, the Phone Sales Doctor. This episode promises to deliver crucial tips on building an effective intake team in your firm, putting the spotlight on both inbound and outbound sales. Chris guides us through the necessity of a well-devised system to convert digital leads aggressively and the importance of chasing leads promptly to ensure they don't slip away. Moving forward, we uncover the vital role of an intake sales manager and how they drive your law firm's success. Tune in as we reveal strategies for monitoring and auditing calls, providing constructive feedback, and employing technology to enhance call handling. Chris lends her expertise in explaining the significance of presence, body language, and the nuances of tone and voice during calls. Learn more about Chris and get her book by visiting intakeacademy.com

This week, we unravel the unseen challenges young lawyers encounter as they're just starting out and underscore the necessity of grasping the business side of law, regardless of where your legal career takes you - be it in the corporate realm, a law firm, or government service. We also uncover the integral elements for crafting a successful legal career. We touch on critical aspects such as identifying your inherent abilities, proactive planning for your future, and the influential role of mentorship. We further share insights on discovering contentment in your legal career, comparing the lives of public defenders and corporate lawyers, the wisdom of living below your income, and setting realistic monthly income goals. This enlightening conversation promises to guide you in carving your own path in the legal field, leading to a fulfilling and successful career. Connect with Kelly on Instagram @KellyesqU or visiting her website at kellysturmthal.com

Are you ready to tap into your genius zone? Our guest, Emily LaRusch, founder of Back Office Betties, shares her insights on how to discover the activities that leads to effective delegation for tasks outside our genius zone. We also talk about team building and the vital role it plays in business growth. Emily brings her expertise to the table, providing tips on being a leader who nurtures and develops a team to fill the gaps in your business. We delve into the concept of fractional help, discussing virtual reception and fractional administrative services. We also put a spotlight on the critical factor that is often overlooked - mental health. Want more from Emily? Go to www.backofficebetties.com/freegift to receive a free resource that can help your firm double its income! Follow Spotlight Branding for more! Facebook: www.facebook.com/spotlightbranding Twitter: @spotlightlawyer Instagram: @spotlightlawyer TikTok: @spotlight.media Visit www.spotlightinsider.com for additional content to help your firm grow!

Join us in an enlightening conversation with Michael DeLon, founder of Paperback Expert, as we delve into trust-building and how it transforms prospects into committed clients. We spill the secrets on how to elevate your content game, cutting through the noise, and making your brand the go-to expert, using platforms such as blogging, videos, social media, and emails. Learn why the pros like Gary Vaynerchuk emphasize the value of having multiple touchpoints with your audience and the unique role this plays in fostering trust and credibility. Finally, we explore the boundless power of podcasting and books in creating that much-needed trust. We discuss the advantages of starting your podcast, the invaluable relationships it can help you forge, and why it's a potent tool for establishing yourself as an industry expert. Check out how Michael and his team can help your firm at www.paperbackexpert.com and get your Credibility Score to see how credible you currently are at www.credibilitycalculator.com Follow Spotlight Branding for more! Facebook: www.facebook.com/spotlightbranding Twitter: @spotlightlawyer Instagram: @spotlightlawyer TikTok: @spotlight.media Visit www.spotlightinsider.com for additional content to help your firm grow!

Ever thought about text message marketing for your law firm? This episode takes you into the heart of this powerful communication tool with our guest, Alex Levin, Co-Founder and CEO of Regal.io. Alex is an expert in B2C technology and he shares enlightening insights into how law firms can leverage text message marketing to foster meaningful customer relationships. In this episode, we cover key strategies for gaining contact permissions and customizing messages with data. We also delve into the critical role of AI bots in maintaining customer engagement. We also discuss the don'ts like why cold-calling or cold-texting can backfire and the importance of respecting customer contact boundaries. With Alex's expertise, you'll discover how to successfully navigate the complexities of SMS marketing and build trust with your clients. Learn more about how Regal can help by visiting www.regal.io Follow Spotlight Branding for more! Facebook: www.facebook.com/spotlightbranding Twitter: @spotlightlawyer Instagram: @spotlightlawyer TikTok: @spotlight.media Visit www.spotlightinsider.com for additional content to help your firm grow!

Do you have political aspirations? Want to know what it takes to navigate the complexities of running for office? Join us as we pick the brain of Matt Krayton, founder and principal at Publitics and a seasoned political campaign manager. Matt breaks down the journey of a political campaign, from choosing the right office to run for, to understanding the jurisdictional requirements and the formalities of getting started. We also explore the ins and outs of campaign budgets, giving you insight on how to source funds, find the right campaign manager, and make tough financial decisions. Learn how to strategically leverage your contact list for potential donors and gain insight into the varying costs of campaigns in different locations. Matt also delves into the world of opposition research, giving us a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the "oppo book" - a comprehensive record of a candidate’s past. From old tweets and Facebook posts to court fillings, Matt shares valuable advice on how to deal with potential liabilities that could affect your campaign. And wrapping up, we explore campaign timing and fund management, emphasizing the importance of early starts in competitive races. This episode promises a wealth of knowledge and fresh perspective on political campaigns. Join us for this engaging conversation. Learn more about Matt and his work by connecting with him on LinkedIn and visiting his website at www.publitics.com Follow Spotlight Branding for more! Facebook: www.facebook.com/spotlightbranding Twitter: @spotlightlawyer Instagram: @spotlightlawyer TikTok: @spotlight.media Visit www.spotlightinsider.com for additional content to help your firm grow!

Ever wondered how to select the perfect marketing partner for your business? This week we chat with fractional CMO Josh Ramsey, who brings his vast experience to the table as we navigate the complex world of marketing partnerships, with an emphasis on comprehending the value of your investment beyond just the price. Our conversation takes a deep dive into working with ad agencies. Josh speaks of the importance of having a clear strategy and vision before you shake hands with an agency. In the same vein, we also look at the value of leads for your business. Josh even shares some priceless tips about the kind of questions businesses should be asking their vendors to set the right expectations. We also throw light on the intricacies of hiring marketing managers. The conversation revolves around the critical need for both analytical and creative mindsets in your marketing strategy. We discuss the challenges that come with finding the right person for this role and circle back to the role of a fractional CMO in this regard. To wrap it up, we highlight the need for both a visionary and an executor in your team, which can be a game-changer in reducing the workload of the business owner. So, gear up for some strategizing, setting KPIs, and making swift decisions to seize opportunities. Learn more about all the things he does by visiting www.jrcmo.com Follow Spotlight Branding for more! Facebook: www.facebook.com/spotlightbranding Twitter: @spotlightlawyer Instagram: @spotlightlawyer TikTok: @spotlight.media Visit www.spotlightinsider.com for additional content to help your firm grow!

Burnout is prevalent among business owners, especially in the legal industry. This week we're joined by lawyer coach (and former lawyer herself) Dina Cataldo to talk about what burnout looks like, how it starts, and how to overcome it. Check out Dina's podcast and learn more about how she can help you at www.dinacataldo.com/busylawyer Follow Spotlight Branding for more! Facebook: www.facebook.com/spotlightbranding Twitter: @spotlightlawyer Instagram: @spotlightlawyer TikTok: @spotlight.media Visit www.spotlightinsider.com for additional content to help your firm grow!

Do you run your firm, or does it run you? This week we're joined by Dr. Steven Kirch from The Profit Minds to discuss various areas where business owners get taken over by their own firm such as hiring, delegating, and more. Learn more about Dr. Kirch at www.profitminds.net and check out his Profit Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your favorite shows. Follow Spotlight Branding for more! Facebook: www.facebook.com/spotlightbranding Twitter: @spotlightlawyer Instagram: @spotlightlawyer TikTok: @spotlight.media Visit www.spotlightinsider.com for additional content to help your firm grow!

We know how time-consuming and stressful it can be to find the right talent for your firm. It's also hard work keeping them! This week, we're chatting with Molly McGrath from Hiring & Empowering on what the current job market looks like, how to properly sell your business to attract the right talent, and how you can keep your employees engaged and feeling fulfilled. Learn more about Molly and Hiring & Empowering by visiting hiringandempowering.com Follow Spotlight Branding for more! Facebook: www.facebook.com/spotlightbranding Twitter: @spotlightlawyer Instagram: @spotlightlawyer TikTok: @spotlight.media Visit www.spotlightinsider.com for additional content to help your firm grow!

This week, we're providing you with a framework to help you be more productive! It's called "chunking," and it has been mastered by attorney (and owner of 5 other businesses) Julie Steinbacher. Join us as she breaks down the elements of chunking and how you can do it for yourself. Learn more about Million Dollar Solutions' upcoming Dementia Focused Practice events at dementiafocusedpractice.com If you'd like more resources on Chunking, email Dom Loffredo at dloffredo@themilliondollarlawyer.com Follow Spotlight Branding for more! Facebook: www.facebook.com/spotlightbranding Twitter: @spotlightlawyer Instagram: @spotlightlawyer TikTok: @spotlight.media Visit www.spotlightinsider.com for additional content to help your firm grow!

Many small firms send birthday or holiday cards, but are you maximizing this strategy's effectiveness? This week we're joined by Rick Elmore from Simply Noted to chat about the value of handwritten notes and how to stand out from other businesses who send their own cards. Get a free sample of Simply Noted's work by visiting www.simplynoted.com

This week we're concluding our discussion with Enneagram coach Emily Wingfield and explaining how you can integrate Enneagram discussions into your firm's culture. Learn more about Emily's coaching, grab her resources, and get in touch by visiting www.enneagramwithemily.com