Center Stage: Spotlighting Business Challenges artwork

Center Stage: Spotlighting Business Challenges

159 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 months ago - ★★★★★ - 175 ratings

A podcast featuring interviews with small business owners and industry experts to help you solve the marketing and business development challenges that come with running your own firm.

Marketing Business Entrepreneurship
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Episodes

150 - Elevating Your Financial Stability with Susanne Mariga

December 13, 2023 10:00 - 28 minutes - 19.5 MB

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...

149 - Unlocking the Art of Rainmaking with Elise Holtzman

December 06, 2023 10:00 - 33 minutes - 22.9 MB

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 d...

148 - Decoding the Kolbe Assessment with Dominic Loffredo

November 29, 2023 10:00 - 31 minutes - 21.4 MB

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...

147 - Propelling Success with Authenticity with Erin Hatzikostas

November 22, 2023 10:00 - 38 minutes - 26.2 MB

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 enviro...

146 - Stepping into Disaster Preparedness with Jeffrey Weiss

November 15, 2023 20:00 - 30 minutes - 21.2 MB

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 s...

145 - Embracing Change and Navigating Your Career with Nicole Andrews

November 08, 2023 10:00 - 28 minutes - 19.5 MB

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 c...

144 - Mastering Law Firm Efficiency and Client Experience with Julie Perez

November 01, 2023 09:00 - 31 minutes - 21.8 MB

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 i...

143 - Building an Effective Intake Team with Chris Mullins

October 25, 2023 09:00 - 26 minutes - 18.2 MB

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...

142 - Navigating Life as a Young Lawyer with Kelly Sturmthal

October 18, 2023 09:00 - 32 minutes - 22 MB

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 ...

141 - Discovering Your Genius Zone for Business Success with Emily LaRusch

October 11, 2023 09:00 - 21 minutes - 14.9 MB

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, ...

140 - Mastering Trust Building and Credibility in Legal Marketing with Michael DeLon

October 04, 2023 09:00 - 37 minutes - 25.6 MB

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 ...

139 - Text Marketing Tactics to Boost your Law Firm's Success with Alex Levin

September 27, 2023 09:00 - 28 minutes - 19.9 MB

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 ...

138 - Mapping Out Political Campaigns with Strategist Matt Krayton

September 20, 2023 09:00 - 40 minutes - 27.8 MB

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 insigh...

137 - Choosing the Perfect Legal Marketing Partner with Fractional CMO Josh Ramsey

September 13, 2023 09:00 - 43 minutes - 29.7 MB

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 ...

136 - Beating Burnout in the Legal Industry with Dina Cataldo

September 06, 2023 09:00 - 35 minutes - 24.4 MB

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.med...

135 - Taking Control of Your Law Firm with Dr. Steven Kirch

August 30, 2023 09:00 - 43 minutes - 30.2 MB

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 T...

134 - Finding and Keeping the Best Employees at Your Law Firm with Molly McGrath

August 23, 2023 09:00 - 33 minutes - 23 MB

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! Facebo...

133 - Chunking Your Law Firm with Julie Steinbacher

August 16, 2023 09:00 - 43 minutes - 29.9 MB

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...

132 - Examining Your Law Firm's Card Strategy with Rick Elmore

August 09, 2023 09:00 - 23 minutes - 16.1 MB

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

131 - Law Firm Culture: Exploring Enneagram with Emily Wingfield, Part 2

August 02, 2023 09:00 - 37 minutes - 25.8 MB

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

130 - Exploring Enneagram with Emily Wingfield, Part 1

July 26, 2023 09:00 - 33 minutes - 23.1 MB

This week (and next week), we're talking about the Enneagram! Why are we devoting two weeks to this? Because it can truly transform your relationship with your team and help you understand how they think and process things in their lives. We're joined by Enneagram coach Emily Wingfield for this impactful discussion. Learn more about her coaching, grab her resources, and get in touch by visiting www.enneagramwithemily.com

129 - Taking Back Your Time with Nicole Greer

July 19, 2023 09:00 - 38 minutes - 26.7 MB

It's no mystery as to why we've been talking about time management so much lately. Most firm owners have problems with it! This week, we're talking with business coach Nicole Greer about things you can do to control your time (instead of it controlling you), as well as how your leadership style can impact your firm's culture. Learn more about Nicole and grab her free resources at buildavibrantculture.com

128 - Building Your Freedom with Brett Trembly

July 12, 2023 09:00 - 30 minutes - 20.7 MB

Attorney Brett Trembly built his successful law firm by mastering time management and delegation. Then he founded Get Staffed Up and mastered it again! Now, he's released a (BEST-SELLING) book titled 24 Months to Freedom where he shows you how it's done. Get a special discount on Brett's book and learn more about Get Staffed Up at www.getstaffedup.com/centerstage

127 - Keeping Clients Happy with Kristen David

July 05, 2023 09:00 - 36 minutes - 25.3 MB

Many firms struggle to keep in touch with their clients, which results in unhappy clients complaining about bad customer service. This week we're welcoming back Kristen David to the show to talk about core values and how incorporating and systematizing them can help you create a better UX for your clients. Learn more about Kristen and all the ways she helps firms like yours at www.uplevelingyourbusinesssystems.com

126 - Attracting the Ideal Client with Adam Ouellette

June 28, 2023 09:00 - 39 minutes - 27.2 MB

Most firms struggle with attracting their ideal client, instead referring out more business than they take on. Our guest this week, Adam Ouellette, practiced law for 20 years and used his Ideal Client Attraction Formula to build a wildly successful real estate practice during the recession. He joins us this week to share his insight. Check out Adam's formula and his other great courses at adamouellette.com/ideal

125 - Building Confidence in Your Marketing with Lori Pulvermacher

June 21, 2023 09:00 - 39 minutes - 27.1 MB

This week we're joined by Lori Pulvermacher, a practice advisor from Atticus, to talk all things marketing strategy. We cover the importance of authentic messaging, how to ask for referrals, and how much of your firm's budget should be devoted to marketing. This conversation is FULL of great insight you don't want to miss. HAPPENING SOON! Join Lori and Atticus on June 27th for a free webinar on how to use LinkedIn to grow your firm. Register for free here: https://atticusadvantage.com/what-...

124 - Exploring Front End Tech with Jared Correia

June 14, 2023 09:00 - 35 minutes - 24.3 MB

The legal industry is notoriously slow to adapt to new tech, but there are so many great things out there that will make your life easier! This week we have a wide-ranging conversation with Jared Correia of the Legal Toolkit podcast and Red Cave Legal. In short: Have more intellectual curiosity! Learn more about Jared's work at www.redcavelegal.com

123 - Maximizing Your CRM with Melanie Leonard

June 07, 2023 09:00 - 32 minutes - 22 MB

We've heard you - and we know that most of you aren't maximizing your CRM/case management software. This week we're joined by Melanie Leonard from Streamlined Legal to talk about how deep these programs go and how you should approach building them out to your unique preferences.

122 - Ethical Social Media with Emily Wiegert

May 31, 2023 09:00 - 28 minutes - 19.5 MB

Social media is the present and future of marketing, but it can open up several ethical concerns with regards to conduct and how you present yourself. This week's guest, Emily Wiegert, joins us to explain what to really watch out for and what you shouldn't actually be worried about. Learn more about Emily and her work at www.thebackpocketcmo.com

121 - Telling Your Story with Chris Vander Kaay

May 24, 2023 09:00 - 38 minutes - 26.4 MB

Your story is what truly connects you to your audience and builds that valuable trust more than any slogan or tagline ever could. This week in somewhat of a second part episode to a previous guest, Darryl Isaacs, we're joined by Chris Vander Kaay from Brain Trust Legal Group to talk about why your brand and story are such powerful tools and can help your firm's growth. Check out Brain Trust Legal Group's upcoming Billion Dollar Law Firm Summit this August in Nashville, TN. Learn more at sum...

120 - Shoring Up Your Cybersecurity with Juan Carlos Bosacoma

May 17, 2023 09:00 - 26 minutes - 18.4 MB

It's one of the biggest concerns at every firm, and we're telling you what you should be doing to make sure your email and client data is secure. The best part? The solutions aren't nearly as complicated as the inner workings of the tech itself! Juan Carlos Bosacoma from CIT Landing joins us to discuss. Get a free Cyber Security Assessment and make sure your firm is doing all it can to be safe by visiting www.ciolanding.com/csa

119 - Working with Fractional Leadership with Adi Vaxman

May 10, 2023 09:00 - 36 minutes - 25.4 MB

What would a fractional C-level leader do for your firm? Our guest this week, Adi Vaxman, has employed many, many C-level fractional leaders at firms of all sizes all over the country, and she joins us to talk about why you might need one and all of the things they can accomplish for you. Learn more about Adi and Sheba Consulting at www.shebaconsulting.com

118 - Rethinking Your Marketing with Natalie Armstrong-Motin

May 03, 2023 09:00 - 30 minutes - 21 MB

There's a lot of "old school" marketing that's still just as effective today, and even more so when you utilize modern technology! This week's guest, Natalie Armstrong-Motin, has spent decades serving the legal industry and shares her insight into what you should be focusing on. Connect with Natalie on LinkedIn and check out the ways she can help your firm by visiting www.howtomarketmymediationpractice.com

117 - Building Your Referral Strategy with Maile Collmer

April 26, 2023 09:00 - 33 minutes - 22.8 MB

Referrals are the lifeblood of your firm. Do you have a strategy in place to receive them or are you hoping for the best? This week we're joined by expert referral coach Maile Collmer to talk about networking and strategic conversations around referrals. Learn more at www.mailecollmer.com and get weekly referral tips at www.52referraltips.com

116 - Healing the Human Brain with Scott Warrick

April 19, 2023 09:00 - 39 minutes - 27.3 MB

You have brain damage. But don't worry—we all do. Attorney Scott Warrick joins us this week to talk about the ways we damage our brains and how we can actually heal them just like any other part of our body. You don't want to miss this blunt and eye-opening conversation! Check out Scott's book, Healing the Human Brain, on Amazon and learn more at www.scottwarrick.com

115 - Building a TikTok Presence with Attorney Darryl Isaacs

April 12, 2023 09:00 - 37 minutes - 25.5 MB

Whether TikTok gets banned by the government or not, the lessons and insight in this week's episode will absolutely help you with your firm's social media strategy. We're joined by The Hammer, attorney Darryl Isaacs, who has built a strong and engaged following on TikTok. He shares his approach, what's worked for him, and why other firm owners should be doing the same thing. You can text Darryl personally at (502) 817-1000 and check out Darryl's Billion-Dollar Coaching group and their annua...

114 - Building an Engaged Community with Rob Roseman

April 05, 2023 09:00 - 29 minutes - 20.3 MB

You're on social media, but the needle isn't moving? Why? Could it be your content, or are you reaching the wrong audience? This week we're joined by Rob Roseman, founder of WTFDivorce to talk about how he built his community in the legal space and what you can do to find success on social media. Follow @WTFDivorce on Instagram and visit www.wtfdivorce.com to learn more and apply to be on their referral directory!

113 - Scaling with Systems with Attorney Davina Frederick

March 29, 2023 09:00 - 36 minutes - 24.8 MB

It's no secret that systematizing and documenting your processes will absolutely fuel your firm's growth. This week's guest, Attorney Davina Frederick, has mastered the art of systemization and used it to scale her business into a multi-million dollar firm. Now, as the founder of the Wealthy Woman Lawyer, she's helping female firm owners enjoy the same success, and she joins us to explain how to make it happen. Check out Davina's organization and learn more at www.wealthywomanlawyer.com

112 - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome with Susan Harrow

March 22, 2023 09:00 - 34 minutes - 24 MB

Imposter Syndrome is very prominent in the legal industry. What is it? How can you overcome it? This week we're joined by Susan Harrow who works with professionals in the legal industry (and more) to gain control over themselves and squash Imposter Syndrome. Learn more about Susan and grab her free resources at www.prsecrets.com

111 - Managing Your Firm's Finances with Peggy Gruenke

March 15, 2023 09:00 - 38 minutes - 26.5 MB

What do your firm's books look like? Are they a mess? Are you accurately reporting your firm's revenue and expenses? This week we're joined by Peggy Gruenke of CPN Legal who specializes in bookkeeping for law firms to talk about the most common accounting issues in law firms and some things you can do to get a better picture of your firm's financial health.

110 - Exploring Neurodiversity with Attorney Haley Moss

March 08, 2023 10:00 - 47 minutes - 32.3 MB

We couldn't be more excited about this week's episode. We're joined by Attorney Haley Moss to talk about autism, neurodiversity, and how firm owners should approach and work with those in the neurodiversity community. Learn more about Haley and the work she does at www.haleymoss.com

109 - Being More Inclusive with Dr. Debra Dupree

March 01, 2023 10:00 - 40 minutes - 27.7 MB

Inclusivity is becoming a more important conversation in workplaces all over the country, but what does it really mean? This week we're joined by Dr. Debra Dupree to talk all things inclusivity, how to be more conscious of it, and the steps you can take to make your firm a psychologically safe place for your team. Connect with Debra on LinkedIn and learn more about Debra's Agile Lawyer program at www.relationships-at-work.com

108 - Building Your Marketing Strategy with Warren Miles-Pickup

February 22, 2023 10:00 - 29 minutes - 20.5 MB

What's your marketing strategy? Do you have an ideal client profile, a funnel, and a unique value proposition? Maybe it's been a while since you looked at yours. Regardless, our guest this week, Warren Miles-Pickup, joins us to talk about the elements of a marketing strategy and how to make it work for your firm. Check out Warren's new book, Motivated Marketing, available on Amazon.

107 - Making the Right Decisions with Rusty Gaillard

February 15, 2023 10:00 - 31 minutes - 21.6 MB

This week, we're calling you out. Yes, YOU. For too long, many business owners have relied on their own expertise to make decisions even when that decision isn't something they have expertise in. This week's guest, Rusty Gaillerd, joins us to talk about how that mindset got in his way, how he overcame it, and what you can do to have the courage to make the best decisions for you and your business. Check out Rusty's book, Breaking the Code, on Amazon and learn more about Rusty's leadership c...

106 - Setting Expectations with Matt Spiegel

February 08, 2023 10:00 - 22 minutes - 15.4 MB

You don't have to be the best at your job to win the most business. Providing great customer service can be a real differentiator when it comes to winning clients and growing your firm. Our guest this week, Matt Spiegel from Lawmatics, joins us to talk about what you can do to set the right expectations and provide a stellar client experience. Learn more about Lawmatics and the ways they can help you by visiting www.lawmatics.com

105 - Building a Marketing Plan with Dan Brian

February 01, 2023 10:00 - 34 minutes - 23.6 MB

A marketing plan is one of the most important tools for developing and executing your marketing strategy. Our guest this week, legal marketer and founder of Marketing for Justice, Dan Brian, joins us to talk about the ins and outs of building and analyzing your marketing plan. Learn more about all the great things Marketing for Justice is doing by visiting www.marketingforjustice.com

104 - Building Your Firm from the Ground Up with Attorney James Grant

January 25, 2023 10:00 - 31 minutes - 21.9 MB

There are so many layers to running a successful firm. This week's guest, attorney James Grant, explains everything it takes to run a business and what skills you need to possess to put yourself in the best position to live the life you want to live. Learn more about James and his firm at www.8334thewin.com

103 - Going to Therapy with Sharon O'Connor

January 18, 2023 10:00 - 52 minutes - 36 MB

Are you on the fence about seeing a therapist for your mental health? In this week's episode, John interviews therapist Sharon O'Connor about what actually happens in a session, what types of therapy are available, and how the simple power of talking can make a big difference. Learn more about Sharon and her practice at www.integratedtherapiesnc.com, and you can reach Sharon directly at (704) 806-4606

102 - Getting Clients from LinkedIn with Alay Yajnik

January 11, 2023 10:00 - 31 minutes - 21.8 MB

Yep, it's another LinkedIn episode! (That probably means it's a really important topic right now that you should be paying attention to.)  This week we're joined by lawyer coach Alay Yajnik to talk about your LinkedIn strategy and what you can do to develop referrals from this booming social platform.  Learn more about Alay's LinkedIn group by visiting www.linkedinforlawyers.net and check out Alay's podcast, the Lawyer Business Advantage.

101 - Navigating a Merger with Attorney Hailey Hawkins

January 04, 2023 10:00 - 31 minutes - 21.6 MB

Merging with another firm isn't going to be easy. There will be a lot of stress and a lot of unforeseen bumps in the road. In the end, however, you'll emerge in a much better place. This week's guest, attorney Hailey Hawkins, recently merged firms (during Covid, no less), and shares her experience and advice with us on this week's Center Stage.