EP101: Strategies for Lawyer Rainmaking and Business Development with The Lawyer’s Coach, Phyllis Sisenwine

In today's episode, I speak with Phyllis Sisenwine, a Master Certified Coach specializing in coaching for attorneys. Phyllis shares insights on enhancing productivity through time blocking, the power of accountability, and maintaining focus amidst mental clutter.

We discuss her recommended reads, including "How to Become a Rainmaker" and "The Power of Focus," and explore her journey from selling office supplies to becoming a sought-after speaker and master coach. Phyllis provides practical tips on starting speaking engagements, building a strong personal brand, and structuring your days for efficiency.

Our conversation also covers strategies for young lawyers, emphasizing networking, customizing presentations, and leveraging online platforms. We highlight personalized coaching, speaking as a marketing strategy, time management, and the role of accountability in achieving goals.

Key Topics

• 01:32 Phyllis’ story of how she started coaching lawyers 25 years ago and became the largest coach in the field.
• 02:34 Building a business through networking and speaking at bar associations and law firms.
• 03:35 Leveraging speaking engagements to grow your business.
• 04:51 Strategies for growth including simply asking for speaking opportunities, interviewing attendees, and weaving in success stories.
• 06:03 Tips on how to get started with speaking engagements, including creating valuable content, networking, and customizing presentations for different audiences.
• 07:04 Customizing slides and speaking at a rotary club to gain experience and exposure as a speaker,
• 09:07 The importance of finding your "why" and networking with your ideal clients.
• 12:45 The importance of enjoying marketing strategies, such as repurposing speeches into writings. 
• 15:15 Building relationships, sharing how you can be helpful instead of focusing on sales.
• 19:19 Phyllis’s system for having a productive week - Productive days, Practical days, and Play days.
• 22:00 Blocking two hours of uninterrupted time for a client to increase productivity.
• 23:42 The significant impact for lawyers to be accountable, track progress and stay focused.
• 26:27 Tips on helping your mental clutter by checking on your physical clutter. 
• 27:20 The“brain dump technique” to write down all thoughts and tasks to clear mental clutter and stay focused.
• 28:48 Tips on how to be a great coach, including active listening and asking open-ended questions.

Resources Mentioned

Books:

1. *How to Become a Rainmaker* by Jeffrey J. Fox
2. *The Power of Focus* by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, and Les Hewitt

Websites:

1. Phyllis Sisenwine's Website https://thelawyerscoach.com/ 
2. https://www.facebook.com/people/Phyllis-Sisenwine-Powerful-Coaching/100066793183035/ 
3. https://www.linkedin.com/in/phyllissisenwine 

Podcasts:

1.  *How I Built This* by Guy Raz

About Phyllis Sisenwine:

Phyllis Sisenwine is a Master Certified Coach, a prestigious designation held by only 4% of all credentialed coaches worldwide, bestowed by the International Coach Federation. Renowned internationally as "The Lawyer’s Coach," Phyllis specializes in working with lawyers to enhance client development and create strategies to boost performance and profitability. Her clients benefit from proven methods that increase revenue and billable hours while allowing time for personal growth.

With a commitment to helping lawyers excel, Phyllis offers her expertise in various capacities: as a dynamic speaker for large audiences, a collaborator for tailored business plans, and a trusted adviser to individual attorneys. Her high-energy presentations are captivating, informative, interactive, and packed with practical advice, consistently inspiring and engaging her audience.

About Jay Berkowitz:

Jay Berkowitz is a digital marketing strategist with decades of experience in the industry. As the CEO of Ten Golden Rules, he has helped countless law firms and businesses harness the power of the internet to achieve remarkable growth and visibility. Jay is also a renowned keynote speaker and author, sharing his expertise at various industry events and publications worldwide.

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