Staffing & Recruiter Training Podcast

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Tom Nixon, co-founder of the Thought Leader Collaborative, about how professionals can simplify their marketing strategy to build authority and win business. Tom shares his “one plus one” approach: focus on a single social media platform—ideally LinkedIn for most professionals—and pair it with a consistent email strategy. By reducing complexity and eliminating ineffective tactics, professionals can concentrate on delivering valuable content to a clearly defined audience. Tom emphasizes the importance of identifying your ideal client, creating content that answers their most pressing questions, and delivering that content consistently via the channels they trust most. He explains how thought leadership is built through generosity and focus, and how even simple, short-form posts or email updates can establish credibility and drive inbound interest over time. For professionals overwhelmed by the clutter of modern marketing, this episode offer

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Jane Atkinson, speaking industry expert and author of The Wealthy Speaker, about how professionals can use public speaking to build their brand and attract new business. Jane shares how simply being seen on stage positions professionals as vetted authorities—boosting visibility, credibility, and trust. She emphasizes that speaking to the right audiences, even without being paid, can lead to significant business growth if done strategically. Jane offers tactical advice for getting started, including identifying your expertise, writing consistent LinkedIn content, pitching to trade associations, and using storytelling to subtly promote your services. She explains how a strong call to action and intentional branding can help professionals convert speaking engagements into meaningful business opportunities. Whether your goal is a few high-impact presentations per year or a larger speaking platform, this episode offers a roadmap to using speaki

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Bill Cates, relationship marketing expert and author of Radical Relevance, about how professionals can sharpen their marketing message to break through the noise and win more ideal clients. Bill explains that in today’s saturated market, being relevant isn’t optional—it’s essential. He shares why clarity is the key to connection and how vague messaging leads to vague results. Using examples from his consulting work, Bill walks through how to craft benefit-driven, emotionally resonant messages that speak directly to a target audience’s needs and aspirations. Bill introduces actionable frameworks, including persona development, the “benefit of the benefit,” and his “anyone can, only we can” method for articulating differentiation. He also emphasizes the importance of empathy in messaging and urges professionals to understand both the external and internal “villains” their clients face. This episode is packed with practical tools for rainmake

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Heinan Landa, founder and CEO of Optimal Networks, about how professionals can leverage technology to attract, delight, and retain clients. Drawing from three decades of experience helping law firms and professional services organizations navigate rapid technological change, Heinan explains that client expectations around responsiveness, expertise, and convenience have fundamentally shifted—and that firms must evolve their digital tools to meet those demands. Heinan outlines four pillars of exceptional client service—responsiveness, expertise, results, and innovation—and shows how each can be supported through smart technology choices. From mobile accessibility and collaborative tools like Slack to data tracking and client service metrics, he shares how even simple upgrades can have a big impact. He also emphasizes that professionals should evaluate how well their tech setup supports hybrid work and engage marketing teams in conversations

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Josh Baron, a criminal defense attorney and author of The Business of Criminal Law, about how professionals can build a thriving referral-based practice without advertising or asking for referrals outright. Josh shares how he transformed his practice by focusing on second-order referrals—those that come from colleagues and allies, not necessarily clients themselves. He explains how improving the client experience through intentional, high-impact moments and consistent service excellence led to more trust and more organic referrals. Josh also discusses how tools like Net Promoter Score and Google reviews helped him identify and fix weak spots in his client service. He emphasizes the power of authentic generosity over transactional outreach, recommending that professionals focus on delighting clients and adding value to referral partners. From personalized follow-up to relationship-building on LinkedIn, this episode offers a thoughtful frame

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Jason Forrest, CEO of Forrest Performance Group and author of The Mindset of a Sales Warrior, about how professionals can elevate their performance by embracing the mindset of a modern-day sales warrior. Jason explains that a sales warrior is not just a closer—but a protector, an advocate, and a leader committed to serving clients with conviction and confidence. He introduces the “GUMP” framework: Goal-oriented, Unleashed from self-doubt, Motivated by purpose, and Procedural-based in their approach. Jason shares how successful professionals create repeatable systems, maintain high follow-up energy, and use persuasive storytelling to differentiate themselves. He also introduces his “VETO” method—Vision, Example, Teach, Own—for shaping powerful sales messages that overcome objections and build trust. This episode is packed with high-impact strategies for professionals looking to improve their mindset, sharpen their messaging, and sell with i

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love continues the conversation with Jay Harrington, legal marketing consultant and author of The Productivity Pivot, on how professionals can scale their practices through better time management, vision-driven planning, and systems thinking. Jay explains that building a sustainable book of business requires carving out time to work on your practice, not just in it. He introduces the importance of the Eisenhower Matrix to distinguish between urgent and important tasks, and urges professionals to eliminate or delegate low-value activities in order to make room for high-impact work like business development and leadership. Jay outlines how systems—such as onboarding processes, billing procedures, and client workflows—can be documented and delegated to free up capacity. He emphasizes the power of creating a long-term vision, setting measurable goals, and enlisting team members to share in that vision. With clear examples and actionable steps, this episode off

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love welcomes back Pat Gillette—litigator, author, and one of the country’s leading voices on rainmaking and gender equity in the legal profession—for a conversation on rainmaking lessons during times of crisis. Pat shares how the COVID-era shift to remote work opened up unique opportunities for professionals to strengthen client relationships by simply reaching out and showing genuine care. She emphasizes that meaningful connection and visibility are key drivers of business development, especially for those who may not consider themselves natural rainmakers. Pat also dives into the topic of self-promotion, explaining how it’s less about bragging and more about confidently articulating your value in a way that resonates with others. She offers tactical advice for professionals—especially women—on how to accept compliments, tell personal success stories, use social media effectively, and ask for opportunities without fear. This episode is filled with practi

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Jay Harrington—former big law attorney, author, and founder of Harrington Communications—about how professionals can scale their practices beyond the limits of their own billable hours. Jay explains that true scale in professional services comes from creating systems, building teams, and narrowing your focus to gain deeper expertise and more visibility. Drawing from his legal and entrepreneurial background, he shares how narrowing a practice area actually expands opportunity by allowing professionals to stand out, raise rates, and reduce marketing complexity. Jay emphasizes that scaling isn’t just about delegation—it’s also about becoming known as a trusted advisor and thought leader. By consistently showing up through writing, speaking, and networking in a focused niche, professionals can build a reputation that attracts inbound business and enables long-term growth. This episode is filled with practical insights for lawyers and service p

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Seth Greene, direct response marketing expert and founder of MarketDominationLLC, about how professionals can use podcasting and strategic partnerships to generate a consistent stream of high-value business. Seth shares his “Dream 50” strategy—a system for identifying 50 key influencers in your niche and building relationships with them through value-driven content like podcasts, blog posts, social media, and direct outreach. The goal is to turn these influencers into referral sources, collaborators, and even clients by offering them visibility first. Seth explains why podcasting works best when it’s focused on promoting the guest, not the host, and how professionals can build authority by interviewing the right people, publishing content across multiple platforms, and tapping into their guests’ networks. He outlines how this approach, rooted in generosity and influence, creates leverage and scalability—especially for those in high-trust,

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Chris Walker, founder of Advocate SEO, about how professionals can turn content marketing into a high-performing business development tool through search engine optimization. With over 15,000 hours of SEO research and analysis, Chris explains how Google rewards websites that offer high-quality, authoritative content designed to answer specific user questions. He breaks down key concepts like “site quality ratio,” topical authority, and how to analyze competitors' top-ranking content to create your own superior resources. Chris also introduces tools like Ahrefs to help identify the most valuable search terms and topics for your target audience. He emphasizes that SEO success comes not from simply publishing more content, but from publishing better content—pages that serve as comprehensive resources and demonstrate expertise. For professionals looking to improve visibility, drive organic traffic, and generate inbound leads through their webs

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Laura Leopard, founder and CEO of Leopard Solutions, about how law firms can use data to drive smarter business development and growth. Laura shares how her company evolved from distributing attorney data on CDs to becoming a powerful business intelligence platform used by firms worldwide. She introduces several tools within Leopard’s Business Intelligence Suite, including a merger and acquisition predictor, a lateral ROI calculator, a diversity tracking dashboard, and the newly launched Connection Tool—designed to help attorneys find warm introductions to in-house counsel through verified, meaningful connections. Laura explains how the Connection Tool uses historical and real-time data to map relationships between law firm attorneys and corporate counsel—based on shared work history, education, and firm affiliations—making it easier for lawyers to initiate authentic business conversations. She also discusses Leopard’s real-time law firm r

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Mark Boundy, sales consultant and author of Radical Value, about how professionals can shift the focus from pricing to outcomes in their client conversations. Mark explains that buyers don’t purchase services—they purchase the results those services deliver. He urges professionals to stop viewing price as just another feature and instead position it as the counterbalance to the outcomes they help clients achieve. Mark emphasizes that the best rainmakers ask insightful, outcome-oriented questions that uncover what clients truly value—whether it’s financial gain, risk reduction, or career protection. He explains how to quantify those outcomes in the client’s own terms, making your fees easier to justify and harder to compare. Professionals who co-create value through deep listening and smart questioning, he argues, can win more business at higher margins without relying on discounts. This episode is packed with strategic insights for anyone

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Rich Bontrager—also known as “Trigger”—a veteran broadcaster and virtual presentation coach, about how professionals can improve their presence and communication in virtual settings. With over 30 years of experience in broadcasting and public speaking, Rich helps executives and professionals “rock the virtual stage” by using intentional setup, presentation techniques, and confidence-building strategies that translate well on camera. Rich shares practical tips for lighting, audio, camera angles, and green screen use, emphasizing that even simple upgrades—like raising your webcam to eye level, using natural light, or standing during calls—can dramatically improve engagement. He explains how to create a professional, distraction-free background and how to use voice, body language, and pacing to communicate with clarity and impact. This episode is filled with actionable advice for anyone looking to level up their virtual presentations, webinar

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Steve Bell, senior consultant at LawVision and a pioneer in law firm sales strategy, about how the legal industry is evolving in its approach to business development. As the first person to lead a formal sales function at a U.S. law firm, Steve shares insights from his groundbreaking work at Womble Carlyle and his experience leading sales teams at Pricewaterhouse and Grant Thornton. He explains how the profession’s historical resistance to the word “sales” has shifted, with more firms embracing structured business development strategies and investing in experienced sales professionals. Steve discusses the rise of strategic account management in law firms, modeled after successful practices in the accounting industry, and predicts that law firms will increasingly empower business professionals—potentially even as firm owners—as regulatory environments change. He outlines how firms can stay competitive by studying other industries, hiring th

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Ari Galper, world-renowned expert in trust-based selling and author of Unlock the Sales Game, about how professionals can remove pressure from the sales process and instead build trust that leads to deeper client relationships and higher conversion rates. Ari shares the origin story behind his sales philosophy and explains that most salespeople unknowingly sabotage deals by focusing too much on outcomes rather than connection. Ari outlines how trust is built not through relationship-building or pitching, but by letting go of the sale, asking better questions, and creating a pressure-free environment where clients feel safe to tell the truth. He introduces powerful trust-based language—like “Where do you think we should go from here?”—that shifts control to the buyer and removes the need for follow-up calls, sales scripts, and chasing. This episode offers a bold, counterintuitive take on selling that empowers professionals to stop persuadin

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Mike Lejeune, leadership consultant and former executive search firm owner, about the power of “selling with your ears instead of your mouth.” Drawing on decades of experience in recruiting and consulting, Mike emphasizes that effective business development starts with empathy, relevance, and deep listening. He explains how professionals can shift away from pitch-driven conversations and instead focus on the client’s needs, challenges, and emotions—especially in today’s post-pandemic “reset” environment. Mike encourages listeners to prepare for meetings by crafting thoughtful questions rather than rehearsing sales scripts. He shares techniques like summarizing what clients say to confirm understanding, staying fully present in conversations, and uncovering the deeper personal drivers behind business decisions. This client-first approach builds trust and positions professionals as valued advisors, not vendors. With practical takeaways and h

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love continues his conversation with Deb Zahn, management consultant and host of the Craft of Consulting podcast, on the path to closing a deal. Deb shares actionable strategies for moving from a successful client meeting to a signed agreement. She emphasizes that the end of the meeting must include a clear next step—ideally leading to a proposal—and advises professionals to proactively manage time, identify decision-makers, and keep momentum going while interest is high. Deb also explains her approach to proposal writing, recommending a three-tier pricing structure that emphasizes value and gives clients clear options. She shares how to handle objections with empathy, avoid discussing price prematurely, and reinforce your credibility by restating the client’s goals and aligning your services to their outcomes. By focusing on preparation, thoughtful follow-up, and creating high-value experiences, professionals can turn prospects into long-term clients and

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Deb Zahn, seasoned consultant and host of the Craft of Consulting podcast, about how professionals can improve their business development results by preparing more effectively for client meetings and mastering the early stages of closing a deal. Deb explains that closing doesn’t start with the proposal—it begins long before, with selecting the right prospects and doing meaningful prep work to ensure your conversations are targeted, relevant, and engaging. Deb shares how she researches prospects, anticipates objections, and uses strategic questioning to pivot conversations toward problems she can solve. She emphasizes the importance of making meetings easy and valuable for the client—by being fully prepared, speaking their language, and listening more than you talk. Framing the client’s challenges and offering clarity creates trust and positions the consultant as a problem-solver, not a pitch person. This episode is full of actionable insig

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Felix Cao, neuromarketing expert and founder of Happy Buying Brain, about how professionals can apply brain science to improve their messaging and connect more effectively with clients. Felix explains that neuromarketing is the practice of crafting marketing strategies that appeal to the primal brain—the part responsible for fast, subconscious decision-making—and reveals that up to 95% of our decisions are influenced by this part of the brain. Felix outlines six primitive instincts that drive behavior: survival, reproduction, safety, security, sustenance, and status. He shares how messaging that is novel, visual, simple, fast, concrete, and delivered from a high-status position is most likely to resonate with the primal brain. These insights help professionals go beyond logical arguments and create communication that taps into emotional drivers. From branding to website copy and client conversations, Felix offers practical tools for making