The Rainmaking Podcast

You know you're great at what you do. But can you actually say it — clearly, confidently, and without sounding like you're reading a resume? That's the gap Donna Griffit has spent 16+ years helping professionals close. Donna Griffit is a corporate storyteller, communication coach at Stanford Graduate School of Business, and author of Sticking to My Story: The Alchemy of Storytelling for Startups. In this episode, she returns to the Rainmaking Podcast to share her X Factor framework — a method for uncovering your unique blend of talents, skills, and proof points and turning them into a compelling story that wins trust, rooms, and clients. This one includes a live, unrehearsed coaching session where Donna builds Scott's X Factor statement on the spot — and the result is something every professional in the room can learn from. In this episode you'll learn: What the X Factor actually is — and why most people can't see their own How to identify your natural talents using events and experiences you already own The GSBG and GYPSY frameworks for structuring your story in any context Why "tell me about yourself" is the most wasted opportunity in business How to overcome the "it's not modest to brag" block that holds professionals back What Ikigai has to do with finding your genius zone How to transform your LinkedIn summary from a resume blurb into a story that earns trust Why LinkedIn recommendations don't appear by magic — and exactly how to get them 3 action steps rainmakers can take right now to start owning their X Factor Whether you're networking, pitching a new client, or interviewing for your next opportunity — this episode will help you stop being forgettable. Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://youtu.be/qXpxDSMFp2o ---------------------------------------- If you are a successful law firm partner or law firm founder and want to hear about other options, please book a time on Scott Love's calendar here: https://calendly.com/scott-736/half-hour-phone-meeting-with-scott Or email Scott to connect with him at: scott@attorneysearchgroup.com ---------------------------------------- 🎙️ The Rainmaking Magazine helps lawyers, consultants, and professional service providers build thriving practices through smarter business development.📖 Subscribe to The Rainmaking Magazine — free 30-day trial: https://www.rainmakingmagazine.com ---------------------------------------- This show is sponsored by Leopard Solutions Legal Intelligence Suite of products, Firmscape, and Leopard BI. Push ahead of the pack with the power of Leopard. For a free demo, visit this link: https://www.leopardsolutions.com/index.php/request-a-demo/ ---------------------------------------- Corporate Storyteller and Pitch Alchemist for Startups and High-Stakes Moments, DonnaGPT, Best Selling Author, Communication Coach @Stanford GSB Links: https://donnagriffit.com/ Order Donna’s book here: Sticking to My Story: The Alchemy of Storytelling for Startups: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1991197314/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1676930482&sr=8-1 Donna's first appearance on TRP: https://youtu.be/FyJyl0E6o9A Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most professionals fear niching down. Sharon Toerek did the opposite — and built a nationally recognized law firm by going all in on one market. In this episode, Scott Love talks with Sharon Toerek, marketing and intellectual property attorney and founder of Toerek Law (Legal + Creative), about exactly how she doubled down on a niche — and how you can too. Whether you're a lawyer, consultant, or agency owner, this conversation is packed with practical steps to move from generalist to go-to expert. You'll learn: The difference between a vertical niche and a horizontal niche (and which one is right for you) Why the "Swiss Army knife" strategy fails small and mid-size firms How to validate a niche before going all in The "give first" mindset that builds a real flywheel What to do when your niche isn't gaining traction How to find and build relationships with non-competing experts in your space 3 action steps to start niching down today Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://youtu.be/DUQQEpJwBCs ---------------------------------------- If you are a successful law firm partner or law firm founder and want to hear about other options, please book a time on Scott Love's calendar here: https://calendly.com/scott-736/half-hour-phone-meeting-with-scott Or email Scott to connect with him at: scott@attorneysearchgroup.com ---------------------------------------- 📖 Subscribe to The Rainmaking Magazine If you're serious about growing your book of business, you'll want to check out The Rainmaking Magazine — a monthly digital publication packed with insights, strategies, and real-world advice for professionals in law, consulting, recruiting, and beyond. 🎁 Try it free for 30 days. Explore premium articles from leading experts, discover new business development strategies, and see why professionals across the industry are making it part of their growth routine. 💥 Start your free 30-day trial today and experience the value for yourself: www.therainmakingmagazine.com/info ---------------------------------------- This show is sponsored by Leopard Solutions Legal Intelligence Suite of products, Firmscape, and Leopard BI. Push ahead of the pack with the power of Leopard. For a free demo, visit this link: https://www.leopardsolutions.com/index.php/request-a-demo/ ---------------------------------------- About Sharon Toerek: Sharon Toerek is a marketing and intellectual property attorney who helps independent marketing, digital, PR, and creative agencies protect their assets and turn their ideas into revenue. She is the founder of Toerek Law, a law firm dedicated to marketing agencies, where she focuses on intellectual property, smart contracts, and marketing regulation compliance. Sharon also hosts The Innovative Agency podcast and serves as a trusted legal partner to agencies and communities across the United States. Sharon shows agency owners how to turn legal from a cost line into a strategic profit engine. She helps teams lock down IP rights, manage AI and data privacy risk, and negotiate agency-friendly contracts that protect margin and client relationships. Sharon also supports agencies preparing for or going through M&A so they can defend enterprise value when it matters most. In a fast-changing market, she gives leaders clear, practical steps to stay creative, stay compliant, and grow. Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharontoerek/ www.legalandcreative.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Episode 302 of The Rainmaking Podcast, Scott Love speaks with Jill Huse, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Society 54, about the characteristics of high-performing law firms in business development. Jill explains why many firms struggle with business development, including failing to invest in marketing resources, neglecting succession planning, and relying too heavily on individual rainmakers instead of institutional client relationships. She also shares how leading firms build stronger client relationships through client experience programs, coaching, and proactive business development strategy. The conversation also covers how lawyers can grow their practice by nurturing professional networks, investing in thought leadership, and consistently following up on opportunities. If you're a lawyer or law firm leader looking to improve law firm business development, client development strategy, and rainmaking performance, this episode offers practical insights. YouTube: https://youtu.be/XQKz-6P8iNU ---------------------------------------- 📖 Subscribe to The Rainmaking Magazine If you’re serious about growing your book of business, you’ll want to check out The Rainmaking Magazine — a monthly digital publication packed with insights, strategies, and real-world advice for professionals in law, consulting, recruiting, and beyond. 💥 Now live — subscribe today www.therainmakingmagazine.com ---------------------------------------- This show is sponsored by Leopard Solutions Legal Intelligence Suite of products, Firmscape, and Leopard BI. For a free demo, visit this link: https://www.leopardsolutions.com/index.php/request-a-demo/ ---------------------------------------- Society 54 Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer Jill Huse is renowned as a trusted professional services advisor. Jill, a certified Business Coach, is highly regarded for her progressive ingenuity, research-based strategy, and, most importantly, her ability to deliver results for clients. In addition to her work with Society 54, Jill is also co-founder and CSO of Society Tech, a technology company that utilizes the proprietary software INform54 to help law firms track and analyze their firm performance initiatives to support strategic growth. Jill’s strengths lie in ideation on high-level strategy, leadership development, and coaching attorneys and business professionals on career growth and relationship selling. She has worked in professional services marketing (legal and accounting) for over twenty years. She has an innate ability to identify, encourage, and develop her clients’ unique and differentiating professional strengths, and to help clients leverage these strengths to meet and exceed bottom-line goals. Listen to Jill Huse’s previous podcast recording here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trp-197-women-in-leadership-roles-in-professional-services/id318840415?i=1000655061348 The Managing Partner Lab, May 14-15, New York City https://surepoint.com/managing-partner-lab/ What is the MPL The Managing Partner Lab (MPL) is a collaborative two‑day, in‑person workshop designed exclusively for managing partners and executive directors. This is a working session built to help senior firm leaders step away from daily demands and focus on the issues that most directly influence firm performance. Across two days, participants engage in expert‑led discussions, peer collaboration, and practical workshops that translate industry insight into firm‑specific plans. The MPL brings together nationally recognized thought leaders in law‑firm economics, talent strategy, technology, and client expectations—along with facilitated opportunities to connect with peers facing similar challenges. Why Attend Mid‑sized firms are navigating unprecedented pressure: evolving talent dynamics, tightening margins, rapid technology disruption, and rising client expectations. Leaders need time and space to make sense of what’s changing—and determine what to do next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices