Staffing & Recruiter Training Podcast

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love welcomes Mark Roberts, a senior-level sales and marketing leader with over 35 years of experience, to share tactical tips for professional services rainmaking. Mark dives into proven strategies to build a successful book of business, from identifying ideal clients to creating data-driven business development plans. He emphasizes the importance of mindset, worthy intent, and consistent processes in driving sustainable growth. Key topics include understanding client buying motives, leveraging data for strategic decisions, and using multi-channel approaches for impactful business development. Mark also shares insights from his experience helping firms achieve exponential growth, offering actionable advice for professionals in the legal and service industries looking to improve their rainmaking efforts. ------------------------------------------ Mark Roberts is a senior-level sales and marketing leader with over 35 years of experience driving profitable s

In this insightful episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love welcomes Joel Block, futurist, venture capitalist, and hedge fund manager, to delve into the art of selling intangibles. Joel shares invaluable lessons from his career, including raising capital, navigating complex business deals, and helping professionals articulate and sell their expertise. With a focus on clarity, simplicity, and the power of asking quality questions, Joel outlines strategies for building trust and confidence in intangible sales. Key topics include the importance of crafting crystal-clear messages, predicting client questions to establish credibility, and leveraging technology, such as intent data and conversational intelligence, to connect with prospects. Whether you're an attorney, CPA, or professional selling intangible services, this episode provides actionable steps to enhance your sales process and position yourself as an authority in your field ---------------------------------------- Bio: Joel Block is a futurist

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love sits down with Julie Fleming, author of The Reluctant Rainmaker and a leading expert in legal business development, to explore how professionals can create storm-proof strategies for success. Julie shares actionable insights on adapting to external disruptions, whether it’s an economic downturn or personal challenges, and emphasizes the importance of building strong client relationships to sustain growth during uncertain times. With a focus on pivoting effectively and maintaining a clear strategy, this conversation is packed with practical advice for attorneys and professionals across industries. Key topics include understanding the three responses to crises—panic, pretend, or pivot—and how to choose the right path, the critical role of relationships in business development, and strategies for tailoring your approach to match client needs. Whether you’re an attorney aiming to grow your practice or a business professional seeking resilience in turbulen

As the founder of the Shari Levitin Group, Shari has helped create over 1 billion dollars in increased revenue for companies in over 40 countries teaching her authentic, heartfelt approach. Shari is the bestselling author of Heart and Sell: 10 Universal Truths Every Salesperson Needs to Know, a contributor to Forbes, CEO Magazine, and Huffington Post.   Additionally, Shari has been recognized as follows: ●     Top 100 Global Inspirational Leader for 2021 by PeopleHum ●     Top 50 Keynote Speakers for 2020 by Top Sales World ●     Top Ten Voices in Sales for 2018 for LinkedIn ●     20 sales experts who starred in the Salesforce documentary film "The Story of Sales.” ●     Top 35 Most Influential Women in Sales globally (Sales Hacker) ●     2020 Gold Medal Winner for Top Post by Top Sales World ●     Top 30 authors and books to read by Vengreso, the largest digital transformation company in the U.S ●     Guest lecturer at Harvard University where her book was chosen as the textbook for selling for the Strategic

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Philip Morgan, positioning consultant and author of The Positioning Manual for Indie Consultants, about how professionals can use specialization to create a more desirable and profitable market position. Philip explains that specialization is a powerful advantage for those who may not naturally see themselves as salespeople, helping them attract better opportunities by focusing their expertise on a clearly defined niche. He shares practical steps for choosing a specialization, including assessing personal risk tolerance, inventorying past experience, and exploring industries or markets where one already has a head start. Philip emphasizes that effective specialization often feels slightly uncomfortable but ultimately leads to deeper client trust, greater visibility, and sustainable growth. He discusses how to test a new focus area with small, lean experiments before heavily investing, and highlights that specialization should be treated a

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Sachin Bakhai, CEO of Law KPIs, about how professionals can manage their firms like true businesses by making better decisions through data. Sachin shares how many firms struggle with fragmented information across systems like case management, CRM, and accounting, leading to reactive rather than proactive decision-making. He explains how consolidating internal data into actionable KPIs allows firms to track client growth, profitability, associate performance, and marketing ROI—ultimately helping leaders make smarter, faster decisions. Sachin emphasizes that using data is not just for executives; line-level managers can leverage insights to drive efficiency, profitability, and strategic growth within their teams. He also discusses trends like the shift toward flat-fee billing and how historical data can help firms price services more accurately. This episode provides a practical roadmap for firms that want to shift from gut-based decision-

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Cole Silver, Chief Client Officer at Blank Rome, about the evolving landscape of leadership, business development, and recruiting in the legal profession. Drawing from his experience as a business development expert and in-house counsel, Cole explores how technology, remote work, and shifting client expectations are reshaping how law firms compete for both talent and clients. The conversation dives into how video platforms have shortened the hiring process, how firms are leveraging remote work for competitive advantage, and why trust, communication, and resilience are critical in the new business environment. Scott and Cole also discuss the ongoing war for associate talent, the growing importance of leadership development in law firms, and the limitations of the traditional billable-hour model. Scott shares his perspective on what truly drives retention and growth—emphasizing firm culture, visionary leadership, and rainmaker training as th

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love welcomes back Ed Wallace—business relationship expert and author of Business Relationships That Last—to discuss how professionals can better “speak the language of their clients.” Ed shares practical tools to improve client conversations, beginning with his “Relational GPS” framework: understanding a client’s Goals, Passions, and Struggles. He explains how too few professionals truly learn what matters to their clients, and shows how using discovery questions like “What was your biggest accomplishment over the last year?” can reveal deeper insights that lead to stronger relationships. Ed also breaks down how to translate a firm’s value proposition into client-centric language that reflects the client’s specific business needs. Rather than leading with services, professionals should listen first, ask follow-up questions, and only then present a custom “value statement” that aligns with the client’s goals. This episode offers a clear, actionable process

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Alexandra Ontra, co-founder of Shufflrr, about how professionals can improve sales outcomes through better storytelling in presentations. Drawing from her background in advertising and interactive media, Alexandra explains that most sales decks strip away emotion by default—relying on bullet points and data instead of meaningful narratives. She argues that storytelling in business is about restoring the human element, helping prospects see themselves in the story, and creating emotional resonance around a product or service. Alexandra introduces a simple framework: the product is the hero, the client is the co-star, and the story arc follows how the product helps solve the client’s problem and improve their outcome. She shares how Shufflrr’s interactive slide library helps sales teams create customized, on-the-fly presentations that follow the conversation—not just a static slide deck. This episode is packed with tactical storytelling advi

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Charlie Cina, sales trainer, speaker, and author of Expose and Close, about how professionals can master the art of the introduction to present themselves with purpose and impact from the first point of contact. Charlie shares how his early entrepreneurial experiences—like buying and growing a paper route at age 10—taught him that “the more you introduce, the more you produce.” He explains that rainmaking success starts with confidently and clearly answering the question, “What do you do?” in 10 seconds or less, with a message focused on solving the prospect’s problem. Charlie offers a framework for creating a powerful personal presentation, sorting prospects from suspects, and building relationships through authentic engagement. He emphasizes that anyone—introvert or extrovert—can connect if they have a script rooted in truth, clarity, and client value. With tips on networking, following up, and staying top of mind using tools like OneTap

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with David Avrin—global keynote speaker, marketing expert, and author of The Customer Experience Advantage—about how professionals can future-proof their business in an unpredictable world. David explains that customer expectations have changed dramatically in recent years, with speed, access, and ease now considered standard. As clients increasingly compare service experiences across industries, firms that fail to adapt risk becoming irrelevant—even if their core service is strong. David emphasizes the importance of eliminating friction, understanding the evolving challenges facing your ideal clients, and creating structured opportunities for conversation—both with clients and within your firm. He also shares tips on improving virtual presence, building human connection through digital platforms, and using internal “morning huddles” to spark innovation. This episode is a practical and timely guide for professionals looking to stay relevant, re

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Mark Roberts, sales performance expert and founder of the “No Smoke and Mirrors” consultancy, about how to get new rainmakers to produce results quickly and consistently. Drawing on over 35 years of experience, Mark explains that success in business development hinges less on personality and more on skills, motivation, and mindset. He introduces his use of assessment tools that measure competencies like the “will to sell” and identifies limiting beliefs—such as a need to be liked or discomfort discussing money—that often hold professionals back. Mark discusses how law firms and other professional services organizations can avoid costly hiring mistakes by using data-driven assessments and behavioral interview questions to evaluate candidates before making offers. He emphasizes that rainmaking is a teachable skill, and offers insights into onboarding, coaching, and client feedback processes that support growth. From mindset reframing to valu

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Margie Agin, award-winning B2B marketing strategist and founder of Centerboard Marketing, about how professionals can stand out in crowded markets by clearly communicating what makes them different. Drawing from her background in language, market research, and content strategy, Margie explains how companies can develop effective differentiation by listening closely to customer language, identifying real decision drivers, and crafting messaging that resonates with both emotional and business needs. Margie outlines how authentic, customer-informed differentiation—backed by proof points and aligned with buyer goals—can help professionals avoid competing on price and instead command attention based on value. She introduces the concept of a “message map” to organize and prioritize core brand messages, and shares how even service firms can package offerings like products to make them more tangible and easier to sell. With examples from her consu

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Henry Kaminsky, branding expert and founder of Unique Designs, about how professionals can build powerful personal brands that attract high-value clients and create real business growth. Henry shares his journey from hospital fundraiser to seven-figure entrepreneur, emphasizing that people buy you—the person—before they ever buy your service. He explains why most professionals fail to stand out online: they’re too close to their business, designing brands for themselves rather than for their ideal clients. Henry discusses the importance of clarity, authenticity, and relevance in personal branding, especially in an era where buyers want human connection and transparency. He offers actionable strategies like interviewing top clients to refine brand messaging, using tools like AnswerThePublic to understand market language, and leveraging podcasting and LinkedIn as relationship-building platforms. Whether you’re launching a solo practice or sc

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Brenda Pontiff, founder of PartnerTrack Academy, about succession planning and the role of trusted advisors in ensuring smooth client transitions. Brenda explains how law firms often overlook the long-term implications of a partner’s retirement or lateral move, putting client relationships at risk. She contrasts law and accounting firms, noting that the Big Four treat client transition with far more structure, process, and transparency—often using protocols, calendars, and client-facing documentation to ensure continuity and trust. Brenda emphasizes that being a trusted advisor means anticipating client needs and staying top of mind—well beyond the scope of an individual matter. She encourages firms to develop succession protocols years in advance, document expectations, and involve the entire firm—including marketing, IT, and HR—in the transition process. With humor, candor, and deep experience, Brenda shares both cautionary tales and act

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Ken Lundin, founder of Ken Lundin & Associates and creator of the Sales Alpha Roadmap, about how sales has changed—or been exposed—by the post-pandemic world. Ken explains that most professionals don’t have a closing problem; they have a value development problem. He stresses that the real opportunity lies in helping prospects envision the transformation you offer, not just showcasing features or credentials. Value must be created early in the process by getting prospects to lift their heads from the day-to-day and look toward long-term outcomes. Ken introduces the idea of being “other-centered,” emphasizing intentionality and empathy as the foundation for effective business development. He also breaks down the flaws in the sales consulting world and presents his own “perfect meeting” framework to help professionals structure conversations that lead to deeper understanding and faster decisions. With real-world lessons from personal setback

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Terry and Drew Edwards, the father-son team behind MakeMorePlacements.com, about why most clients won’t engage you—and what to do about it. With deep roots in sales and recruiting, Terry and Drew share how professionals can boost client response rates by shifting from cold outreach to authority-based marketing. They explain how creating “client magnets”—such as ebooks, videos, or even compelling questions—helps attract now-buyers and cultivates future-buyers through trust and visibility over time. The duo emphasizes that clients don’t buy services—they buy results. Most marketing fails because it focuses on the process, not the benefit. Terry and Drew show how positioning, emotional relevance, and consistent engagement through multiple channels can build familiarity and interest before the first call is even made. From content strategy to mindset shifts, this episode provides a tactical and philosophical guide to rainmaking in today’s atte

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Mo Bunnell, author of The Snowball System and founder of Bunnell Idea Group, about how professionals can develop repeatable, scalable business development habits. Mo breaks down rainmaking into three manageable areas: managing opportunities, managing relationships, and managing yourself. He explains how professionals can build a simple weekly rhythm by tracking their top opportunities and investing in a short list of eight key relationships, all while committing to just three proactive business development actions each week. Mo emphasizes the importance of long-term relationship-building and intentional outreach, noting that professionals don’t need to be extroverts to succeed—they just need a system. He also introduces his BIG framework for goal-setting: tasks that are Big impact, In your control, and Growth-oriented. For those navigating a demanding client load while still trying to grow a book of business, this episode offers a strategi

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Dr. Jack Singer—psychologist, author, and performance coach—about how professionals can master the habits that protect against burnout and emotional fatigue. Dr. Singer explains that burnout often stems from unrecognized thought patterns tied to two common personality traits: Type A overachievers and people-pleasers. He shares how awareness of these tendencies, combined with tools like his Thinking Pattern Worksheet, can help professionals shift from toxic self-talk to healthy, resilient mindsets. Dr. Singer emphasizes that burnout isn’t caused by external events, but by how we interpret those events through internal dialogue. He outlines practical methods for identifying distorted thinking, managing expectations, and responding to emotional cues like cynicism or chronic fatigue. Whether it's learning to say no, challenging perfectionism, or recognizing when it’s time to seek help, this episode offers a science-backed, compassionate roadma

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Stephanie Marrone, legal marketing consultant and creator of the Social Media Butterfly blog, about the evolving role of social media in professional services marketing. Stephanie emphasizes that social platforms—especially LinkedIn—have become essential tools for networking, branding, and client development, particularly in a post-COVID world where digital visibility is paramount. She encourages professionals to embrace a consistent, value-driven content strategy, combining personal storytelling with industry expertise to build authentic engagement. Stephanie highlights the importance of avoiding “me-centric” posts and instead focusing on content that is educational, relevant, and client-centered. She also stresses the underutilized power of email marketing, urging firms to develop targeted campaigns that complement their social efforts. With practical tips on hashtag use, LinkedIn company pages, repurposing content, and humanizing your b