Going Forward

In this powerful episode 118, Part 2 of Going Forward, host Eric Elliott continues his conversation with Brooke Lively, Founder of Scaling Law, for a deeper look at what actually makes a law firm scalable, valuable & sustainable.Picking up from Part 1, Eric & Brooke move beyond the idea that more leads will fix everything. Instead, they dig into the numbers law firm owners need to understand if they want to grow without creating chaos. Brooke explains how firms can identify whether they have a marketing problem, an intake problem, operations problem or a cash flow problem & why the answer is usually found in the data.They discuss conversion rates, qualified leads, referral sources, appointment show rates, staffing capacity, case inventory & the financial pressure that comes with growth. Brooke also shares why some firms feel like they are growing revenue but still feel broke & why law firm owners need to understand the true cost of supporting each case before chasing the next level.The conversation also turns toward EOS, Scaling Law, and what makes a law firm more attractive to a buyer or successor. She explains why systems create value, why owner dependency lowers firm value why firms become vulnerable when too much knowledge, marketing, or decision-making depends on one person or one source.Topics include: how to know whether your firm has a marketing, intake, or operations problem; why conversion rates matter at every stage; what law firm owners often misunderstand about cash flow; why growing revenue can still leave a firm feeling broke; how case inventory impacts capacity; why systems increase law firm value; how EOS helps reduce owner dependency; what makes a law firm more attractive to a buyer & why no single lead source should carry too much of the firm’s growth.Sustainable law firm growth does not come from chasing more leads. It comes from understanding the numbers, building the systems & creating a firm that can operate with discipline long after the owner steps out of the center.Connect w/ Eric Elliott:Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ericelliott.com/Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ericelliottspeakerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theericelliott/ Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ericmelliott/Twitter: ⁠⁠https://twitter.com/EricMElliottTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ericmelliottEmail: Eric@EricElliott.comText: 843-279-5843Connect w/ Brooke Lively:Website: https://brookelively.com/Scaling Law: https://www.scalinglaw.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brookelively/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scaling_law/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scalinglawYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ScalingLawSupercharge your online advertising campaigns with Optmyzr! Streamline management, optimize performance, and boost your ROI. Visit https://www.optmyzr.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to discover how Optmyzr can revolutionize your digital marketing.Also, as a special treat for our listeners, sign up with the code GOINGFORWARD20 and enjoy an exclusive 20% discount on your first year with Trainual! Seize this opportunity to supercharge your operations and propel your business forward!Eric Elliott is the founder of VIP Marketing and Craft Creative, two agencies dedicated to helping law firms build stronger brands and sustainable growth strategies. With a background in radio, television, and digital media, Elliott works with legal organizations across the country to align marketing strategy, creative storytelling & operational systems to drive measurable results.Going Forward is brought to you by VIP Marketing. VIP Marketing is a law firm marketing agency built to help firms become the choice in their market through strategy-led SEO, paid media, website design and development, brand strategy, and premium video production. Based in Charleston, South Carolina, VIP Marketing serves law firms nationwide. Our website provides detailed information on our services and expertise. For more information, visit vipmarketing.com.

In this Episode 108 of Going Forward, host Eric Elliott is joined by Paul Schmidt and Maximilian Pyle, key decision-makers at Craft Creative and VIP Marketing, to dive deep into the significance of authenticity in branding and marketing. They discuss how brands can fail when they stray from their true identity and the crucial role of consistency in messaging.Together, Paul and Max explore the power of telling your brand’s authentic story, share their insights on how AI is reshaping creative industries, and offer real-world lessons from their own experiences with both successful and failed campaigns. Topics include: maintaining brand consistency; the impact of AI on creativity; the importance of understanding your audience; learning from marketing mistakes; why authenticity drives success. Tune in for a conversation full of valuable takeaways to help you refine your brand and marketing approach.Connect w/ Eric Elliott:Website: ⁠⁠https://ericelliott.com/⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ericelliotts...LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamericel...YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EricMElliott Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ericmelliot...Twitter: ⁠⁠https://twitter.com/EricMElliott⁠⁠Tiktok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@ericmelliott⁠⁠Email: Eric@EricElliott.comText: 843-279-5843⁠Connect w/ Paul Schmidt:Website: wecraftcreative.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/craftcreativeusaYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@craftcreativeusaEmail: paul@wecraftcreative.comPhone: 843-804-9470Connect w/ Maximilian Pyle: Website:https://vipmarketing.com/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/vipmarketingusa Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/vipmarketingtv Email: ⁠maximilian@vipmarketing.com Phone: ⁠877-220-8471Supercharge your online advertising campaigns with Optmyzr! Streamline management, optimize performance, and boost your ROI. Visit ⁠⁠⁠https://hs.optmyzr.com/hs/vip⁠⁠⁠ to discover how Optmyzr can revolutionize your digital marketing.Also, as a special treat for our listeners, sign up with the code GOINGFORWARD20 and enjoy an exclusive 20% discount on your first year with Trainual! Seize this opportunity to supercharge your operations and propel your business forward!Eric Elliott is a self-made entrepreneur and marketing expert with extensive experience crafting impactful brand narratives for clients across industries. He is the founder of VIP Marketing and Craft Creative. In 2009, Mr. Elliott started VIP Marketing with almost no resources. VIP now has a global team and is recognized as one of the top branding agencies in the USA by Clutch. co. He founded Craft Creative in 2015, a full-service video production company providing premium services to clients across the US. Eric is also the host of Going Forward, a podcast moving conversations with entrepreneurs and leaders that inspire, motivate, and challenge you to embrace possibility and make a difference. Mr. Elliott is the author of numerous articles and an active contributor to Entrepreneur Magazine, Forbes, and Medium. Recognized as a pillar of his community, the city of North Charleston established Eric Elliott Day to honor his name and legacy to inspire others.Going Forward is brought to you by VIP Marketing. VIP Marketing is a law firm marketing agency based in Charleston, SC. Our mission is to partner with our clients to make them the choice in their market, not just a choice. We're focused on helping them thrive in the digital age by providing a comprehensive suite of services specifically tailored to their needs including: digital marketing services such as SEO and PPC; brand strategy and identity design; website design and development; and premium video production. At VIP Marketing, we elevate the marketing presence of law firms, helping them stand out in competitive markets.

In this candid episode 106 of Going Forward, host Eric Elliott sits down with longtime Charleston TV journalist and author Raphael James to talk about what happens when life demands more than you’re ready for and how telling the truth can set you free. They explore Raphael’s experiences supporting family members through autism and dementia, and how those deeply personal moments led to his powerful book I Don’t Want To Talk About It. Together, they unpack the stigma around men and emotional expression, the silent toll of caregiving, and why getting honest might be the bravest thing we can do. Topics include: navigating autism and dementia in the family; masculinity and mental health; lessons from grief, resilience, and love; why vulnerability leads to healing. This episode is a moving reminder that real strength often starts with a conversation.Connect w/ Eric Elliott:Website: ⁠⁠https://ericelliott.com/⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ericelliottspeaker⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamericelliott/⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ericmelliott/⁠⁠Twitter: ⁠⁠https://twitter.com/EricMElliott⁠⁠Tiktok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@ericmelliott⁠⁠Email: Eric@EricElliott.comText: 843-279-5843Connect w/ Raphael James:Book Available Here: https://books.by/raphael-jamesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raphael-james-551a20b/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RaphaelJamesLive5News/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raphjames?igsh=MW1wcWhjMzlybmN1NA==Supercharge your online advertising campaigns with Optmyzr! Streamline management, optimize performance, and boost your ROI. Visit ⁠⁠⁠https://hs.optmyzr.com/hs/vip⁠⁠⁠ to discover how Optmyzr can revolutionize your digital marketing.Also, as a special treat for our listeners, sign up with the code GOINGFORWARD20 and enjoy an exclusive 20% discount on your first year with Trainual! Seize this opportunity to supercharge your operations and propel your business forward!Eric Elliott is a self-made entrepreneur and marketing expert with extensive experience crafting impactful brand narratives for clients across industries. He is the founder of VIP Marketing and Craft Creative. In 2009, Mr. Elliott started VIP Marketing with almost no resources. VIP now has a global team and is recognized as one of the top branding agencies in the USA by Clutch. co. He founded Craft Creative in 2015, a full-service video production company providing premium services to clients across the US. Eric is also the host of Going Forward, a podcast moving conversations with entrepreneurs and leaders that inspire, motivate, and challenge you to embrace possibility and make a difference. Mr. Elliott is the author of numerous articles and an active contributor to Entrepreneur Magazine, Forbes, and Medium. Recognized as a pillar of his community, the city of North Charleston established Eric Elliott Day to honor his name and legacy to inspire others.Going Forward is brought to you by VIP Marketing. VIP Marketing is a law firm marketing agency based in Charleston, SC. Our mission is to partner with our clients to make them the choice in their market, not just a choice. We're focused on helping them thrive in the digital age by providing a comprehensive suite of services specifically tailored to their needs including: digital marketing services such as SEO and PPC; brand strategy and identity design; website design and development; and premium video production. At VIP Marketing, we elevate the marketing presence of law firms, helping them stand out in competitive markets.

In this episode of Going Forward, Eric Elliott welcomes Brian Feroldi, financial educator and investment expert, to discuss the power of financial literacy in business and investing. Brian shares his journey into investing, why understanding numbers is crucial, and how passion alone isn't enough to run a successful business.They also explore the financial pressures law firms face, including the Cash Conversion Cycle—revealing how rapid growth without the right strategy can harm a business. Whether you're an investor, entrepreneur, or business owner, this episode offers valuable insights to help you make smarter financial decisions.Connect w/ Eric Elliott: Website: ⁠⁠https://ericelliott.com/⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ericelliottspeaker⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamericelliott/⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ericmelliott/⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠https://twitter.com/EricMElliott⁠⁠ Tiktok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@ericmelliott⁠⁠ Email: Eric@EricElliott.com Text: 843-279-5843Connect w/ Brian Feroldi: Website: ⁠⁠https://www.brianferoldi.com⁠ Read: "Why does the StockMarket Go Up" https://www.brianferoldi.com/book/ ⁠ ⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/brianferoldi/ ⁠LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianferoldi/ Twitter: https://x.com/brianferoldi?mx=2 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brian.feroldiSupercharge your online advertising campaigns with Optmyzr! Streamline management, optimize performance, and boost your ROI.Visit⁠⁠https://hs.optmyzr.com/hs/vip⁠⁠ to discover how Optmyzr can revolutionize your digital marketing.As a special treat for our listeners, sign up with the code GOINGFORWARD20 and enjoy an exclusive 20% discount on your first year with Trainual! Seize this opportunity to supercharge your operations and propel your business forward!Eric Elliott is a self-made entrepreneur and marketing expert with extensive experience crafting impactful brand narratives for clients across industries. He is the founder of VIP Marketing and Craft Creative. In 2009, Mr. Elliott started VIP Marketing with almost no resources. VIP now has a global team and is recognized as one of the top branding agencies in the USA by Clutch. co. He founded Craft Creative in 2015, a full-service video production company providing premium services to clients across the US. Eric is also the host of Going Forward, a podcast moving conversations with entrepreneurs and leaders that inspire, motivate, and challenge you to embrace possibility and make a difference. Mr. Elliott is the author of numerous articles and an active contributor to Entrepreneur Magazine, Forbes, and Medium. Recognized as a pillar of his community, the city of North Charleston established Eric Elliott Day to honor his name and legacy to inspire others.Brought to you by VIP Marketing:VIP Marketing is a digital advertising agency based in Charleston, SC. Our mission is to separate our clients from the crowd. We commit to serving and delivering their marketing and creative needs on time and within scope. So then, our goal is to partner with businesses to market to the right people and capture their attention. In brief, we get results with premium video production, social media marketing, graphic design, media planning, and media buying.

As 2024 comes to a close, we want to thank you for being part of the Going Forward Podcast. This year has been packed with thought-provoking conversations and powerful lessons from industry leaders and innovators. Your continued support means the world to us, and we’re excited to bring you even more inspiration and actionable insights in the year ahead. Here’s to moving forward together in 2025! Connect w/ Eric Elliott: Website: https://ericelliott.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ericelliottspeaker LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamericelliott/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericmelliott/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/EricMElliott Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ericmelliott Email: Eric@EricElliott.com Text: 843-279-5843 Supercharge your online advertising campaigns with Optmyzr! Streamline management, optimize performance, and boost your ROI. Visit https://hs.optmyzr.com/hs/vip to discover how Optmyzr can revolutionize your digital marketing. As a special treat for our listeners, sign up with the code GOINGFORWARD20 and enjoy an exclusive 20% discount on your first year with Trainual! Seize this opportunity to supercharge your operations and propel your business forward! Eric Elliott is a self-made entrepreneur and marketing expert with extensive experience crafting impactful brand narratives for clients across industries. He is the founder of VIP Marketing and Craft Creative. In 2009, Mr. Elliott started VIP Marketing with almost no resources. VIP now has a global team and is recognized as one of the top branding agencies in the USA by Clutch. co. He founded Craft Creative in 2015, a full-service video production company providing premium services to clients across the US. Eric is also the host of Going Forward, a podcast moving conversations with entrepreneurs and leaders that inspire, motivate, and challenge you to embrace possibility and make a difference. Mr. Elliott is the author of numerous articles and an active contributor to Entrepreneur Magazine, Forbes, and Medium. Recognized as a pillar of his community, the city of North Charleston established Eric Elliott Day to honor his name and legacy to inspire others to follow their dreams and positively impact the world. Brought to you by VIP Marketing. VIP Marketing is a digital advertising agency based in Charleston, SC. Our mission is to separate our clients from the crowd. We commit to serve and deliver their marketing and creative needs on time and within scope. So then, our goal is to partner with businesses to market to the right people, capture their attention. In brief, we get results with premium video production, social media marketing, graphic design, media planning, and media buying. Ultimately, we believe every business deserves Very Important Placement. Visit www.vipmarketing.com to learn more. Call: 843-760-0707 Message: https://www.facebook.com/VIPMarketingUSA

In this episode of Going Forward, Eric Elliott sits down with Brandon Dawson, founding member of Miller, Dawson, Siegel, and Ward—also known as the Thumbs Up Guys. Brandon talks about building a thriving law firm by prioritizing culture, trust, and client experience. He shares how his firm uses modern technology without losing the personal touch, ensures consistent communication with clients, and emphasizes the importance of giving back to the community. This conversation is packed with insights for law firm leaders, business owners, and anyone aiming to scale their organization with authenticity. Connect w/ Eric Elliott: Website: https://ericelliott.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ericelliottspeaker LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamericelliott/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericmelliott/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/EricMElliott Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ericmelliott Email: Eric@EricElliott.com Text: 843-279-5843 Connect w/ Brandon Dawson: Website: https://mdswlegal.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bdawson84/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MDSWlegal/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bdawson84/ Supercharge your online advertising campaigns with Optmyzr! Streamline management, optimize performance, and boost your ROI. Visit https://hs.optmyzr.com/hs/vip to discover how Optmyzr can revolutionize your digital marketing. As a special treat for our listeners, sign up with the code GOINGFORWARD20 and enjoy an exclusive 20% discount on your first year with Trainual! Seize this opportunity to supercharge your operations and propel your business forward! Eric Elliott is a self-made entrepreneur and marketing expert with extensive experience crafting impactful brand narratives for clients across industries. He is the founder of VIP Marketing and Craft Creative. In 2009, Mr. Elliott started VIP Marketing with almost no resources. VIP now has a global team and is recognized as one of the top branding agencies in the USA by Clutch. co. He founded Craft Creative in 2015, a full-service video production company providing premium services to clients across the US. Eric is also the host of Going Forward, a podcast moving conversations with entrepreneurs and leaders that inspire, motivate, and challenge you to embrace possibility and make a difference. Mr. Elliott is the author of numerous articles and an active contributor to Entrepreneur Magazine, Forbes, and Medium. Recognized as a pillar of his community, the city of North Charleston established Eric Elliott Day to honor his name and legacy to inspire others to follow their dreams and positively impact the world. Brought to you by VIP Marketing. VIP Marketing is a digital advertising agency based in Charleston, SC. Our mission is to separate our clients from the crowd. We commit to serve and deliver their marketing and creative needs on time and within scope. So then, our goal is to partner with businesses to market to the right people, capture their attention. In brief, we get results with premium video production, social media marketing, graphic design, media planning, and media buying. Ultimately, we believe every business deserves Very Important Placement. Visit www.vipmarketing.com to learn more. Call: 843-760-0707 Message: https://www.facebook.com/VIPMarketingUSA

In episode 98 of Going Forward, Bill Biggs dives into the importance of leadership and culture in law firms, explaining how firms with strong leadership not only achieve better financial results but also improve client experience and team morale. In this episode we cover: the link between leadership and financial performance, challenges of leadership across generations, building a strong internal culture, and navigating the noise of modern consulting. Connect w/ Eric Elliott: Website: https://ericelliott.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ericelliottspeaker LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamericelliott/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericmelliott/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/EricMElliott Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ericmelliott Email: Eric@EricElliott.com Text: 843-279-5843 Connect w/ Bill Biggs: Website: https://www.lawfirmmasterplan.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billbiggslpdhp/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/culturebiggs/ Email: Biggs.William@gmail.com Phone: 979-219-1404 Supercharge your online advertising campaigns with Optmyzr! Streamline management, optimize performance, and boost your ROI. Visit https://hs.optmyzr.com/hs/vip to discover how Optmyzr can revolutionize your digital marketing. As a special treat for our listeners, sign up with the code GOINGFORWARD20 and enjoy an exclusive 20% discount on your first year with Trainual! Seize this opportunity to supercharge your operations and propel your business forward! Eric Elliott is a self-made entrepreneur and marketing expert with extensive experience crafting impactful brand narratives for clients across industries. He is the founder of VIP Marketing and Craft Creative. In 2009, Mr. Elliott started VIP Marketing with almost no resources. VIP now has a global team and is recognized as one of the top branding agencies in the USA by Clutch. co. He founded Craft Creative in 2015, a full-service video production company providing premium services to clients across the US. Eric is also the host of Going Forward, a podcast moving conversations with entrepreneurs and leaders that inspire, motivate, and challenge you to embrace possibility and make a difference. Mr. Elliott is the author of numerous articles and an active contributor to Entrepreneur Magazine, Forbes, and Medium. Recognized as a pillar of his community, the city of North Charleston established Eric Elliott Day to honor his name and legacy to inspire others to follow their dreams and positively impact the world. Brought to you by VIP Marketing. VIP Marketing is a digital advertising agency based in Charleston, SC. Our mission is to separate our clients from the crowd. We commit to serve and deliver their marketing and creative needs on time and within scope. So then, our goal is to partner with businesses to market to the right people, capture their attention. In brief, we get results with premium video production, social media marketing, graphic design, media planning, and media buying. Ultimately, we believe every business deserves Very Important Placement. Visit www.vipmarketing.com to learn more. Call: 843-760-0707 Message: https://www.facebook.com/VIPMarketingUSA

Enter the $100 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway here!: https://vipmarketing.com/going-forward In Episode 96 of The Going Forward Podcast, we're joined by Steve Smaridge, an elite sales coach at Closers.io, to explore a variety of critical topics for personal and professional growth. This episode dives into the importance of discipline, critiques the lack of accountability on social media, warns of the dangers associated with dishonesty, and examines the crucial skill of scaling a business. Additionally, it highlights common traits among successful entrepreneurs and discusses the benefits of hiring a sales coach. Through a distinctive lens, this conversation offers insights and strategies for overcoming modern challenges and achieving success. Connect w/ Eric Elliott: Website: https://ericelliott.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ericelliottspeaker LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamericelliott/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericmelliott/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/EricMElliott Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ericmelliott Email: Eric@EricElliott.com Text: 843-279-5843 Connect w/ Steve Smaridge: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCfoLCRBAJFQjejSsNlKcj-A Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buffhippy/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-smaridge-723b2b193/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebuffhippy Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheBuffHippy/ Eric Elliott is a self-made entrepreneur and marketing expert with extensive experience crafting impactful brand narratives for clients across industries. He is the founder of VIP Marketing and Craft Creative. In 2009, Mr. Elliott started VIP Marketing with almost no resources. VIP now has a global team and is recognized as one of the top branding agencies in the USA by Clutch. co. He founded Craft Creative in 2015, a full-service video production company providing premium services to clients across the US. Eric is also the host of Going Forward, a podcast moving conversations with entrepreneurs and leaders that inspire, motivate, and challenge you to embrace possibility and make a difference. Mr. Elliott is the author of numerous articles and an active contributor to Entrepreneur Magazine, Forbes, and Medium. Recognized as a pillar of his community, the city of North Charleston established Eric Elliott Day to honor his name and legacy to inspire others to follow their dreams and positively impact the world. Brought to you by VIP Marketing. VIP Marketing is a digital advertising agency based in Charleston, SC. Our mission is to separate our clients from the crowd. We commit to serve and deliver their marketing and creative needs on time and within scope. So then, our goal is to partner with businesses to market to the right people, capture their attention. In brief, we get results with premium video production, social media marketing, graphic design, media planning, and media buying. Ultimately, we believe every business deserves Very Important Placement. Visit www.vipmarketing.com to learn more. Call: 843-760-0707 Message: https://www.facebook.com/VIPMarketingUSA #goingforward #goingforwardpodcast #ericelliott #salescoach