Staffing & Recruiter Training Podcast

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

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Carol Kaemmerer, LinkedIn branding expert and author of LinkedIn for the Savvy Executive, about how professionals can use LinkedIn more strategically to build credibility, attract opportunities, and stay relevant. Carol shares insights on why a strong, current profile is essential—not just for job seekers, but also for rainmakers, executives, and firm leaders who want to be seen as modern, trustworthy, and aligned with their firm’s brand. Carol explains that LinkedIn is a search engine, and those with sparse or outdated profiles risk being overlooked by clients, talent, and decision-makers. She recommends focusing on three core attributes you want to be known for and weaving them consistently throughout your profile, especially in the headline, about section, and skills. She also highlights new LinkedIn features like the name pronunciation tool and the “featured” section, and advises professionals to regularly engage on the platform to sta

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Brandon Fong, entrepreneur and creator of the Magic Connection Method, about how busy professionals can dramatically improve their productivity while building meaningful connections. Brandon shares practical tips for optimizing time through strategies like batching tasks, implementing two-week “sprint charters” to stay focused on key priorities, and minimizing distractions by blocking off uninterrupted workdays. He also explains how to enhance networking efforts with his Magic Connection Method, which involves crafting personalized, high-value outreach messages using a three-step formula: the hook, the irresistible offer, and the no-oriented question. Brandon emphasizes that genuine relationship-building, rather than generic sales tactics, is the key to opening new opportunities. For professionals looking to work smarter, build authentic connections, and stay focused on their most valuable tasks, this episode offers actionable insights. ht

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Dr. Jack Singer, a sports psychologist and performance coach, about how professionals can build resilience and thrive during challenging times. Drawing from his experience coaching Olympic athletes and Fortune 1000 executives, Dr. Singer shares actionable techniques for managing stress, overcoming negative self-talk, and maintaining peak performance. He explains how toxic thoughts—especially “what if” scenarios and self-doubt—can trigger anxiety and impair decision-making. Dr. Singer provides a step-by-step framework for identifying and reframing negative thinking patterns, using practical tools like deep breathing and visualization to regain control. He also discusses how professionals can develop a “mindset of a champion” by fostering self-awareness, building confidence, and staying focused under pressure. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone looking to enhance their mental resilience and maintain a high level of performance.

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Rudhir Krishtel, executive coach and former senior counsel at Apple, about how professionals can navigate difficult conversations and manage stress in high-pressure environments. Drawing on his legal background and mindfulness training, Rudhir shares practical strategies for maintaining composure, managing internal narratives, and communicating effectively during challenging moments. Rudhir emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and mindfulness practices to reduce anxiety and improve decision-making. He offers actionable tips, such as using deep breathing exercises to calm the nervous system and reframing negative thoughts by identifying and challenging self-limiting beliefs. Additionally, he discusses how visualizing positive outcomes and approaching conversations with curiosity rather than fear can foster productive dialogue. For professionals seeking to strengthen their communication skills and lead with confidence, this episode pr

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Brenda Pontiff, managing principal of PartnerTrack Academy, about how law firms can adopt big four accounting firm strategies to strengthen their business development efforts. Brenda, a Six Sigma-trained sales executive, explains why law firms often lag behind their accounting counterparts in developing structured sales processes, client relationship management systems, and innovative service offerings. She highlights the importance of creating a clear sales playbook, tracking client interactions with robust technology, and designating leaders to drive service innovation. Brenda also shares how law firms can better support lateral partners by ensuring smooth client transitions and providing meaningful business development resources. Her insights offer actionable strategies for firms seeking to enhance client satisfaction, increase revenue, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving legal market. https://therainmakingpodcast.com/ ----------

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Stacey Brown-Randall, author of Generating Business Referrals Without Asking and host of the Roadmap to Grow Your Business podcast, about how professionals can build a consistent referral pipeline without the discomfort of directly asking for referrals. Stacey shares her proven strategy for earning referrals naturally by fostering authentic relationships, positioning oneself as a trusted expert, and understanding what motivates others to recommend you. Drawing from her own experience as a three-time entrepreneur, Stacey explains why traditional referral tactics—such as offering incentives or requesting referrals outright—often backfire. Instead, she emphasizes the importance of nurturing referral sources, recognizing their role as problem solvers, and consistently providing value. Listeners will gain actionable insights on identifying their top referral sources, developing a sustainable referral plan, and using “referral seeds” to stay top

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Jill Huse, co-founder and partner of Society54, about how law firm leaders can navigate change and strengthen client relationships during challenging times. With over 20 years of experience in professional services marketing, Jill shares insights on how attorneys can become trusted advisors by understanding and addressing client needs with empathy and adaptability. Jill emphasizes the importance of staying connected with clients, asking thoughtful questions, and positioning oneself as a valuable resource, particularly during moments of uncertainty. She also discusses how leaders can foster resilience within their firms by creating open channels of communication, seeking constructive feedback, and embracing conflict as an opportunity for growth. Additionally, Jill advocates for building a personal board of advisors to gain perspective and continually grow as a leader. This episode offers actionable advice for professionals seeking to lead w

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Mark LeBlanc, business coach and author of Growing Your Business, about how professionals can achieve greater success by adopting an “extreme sliver of focus.” Mark shares how narrowing your priorities, setting clear monthly benchmarks, and taking deliberate daily actions can lead to consistent growth. He introduces the concept of throwing away traditional annual goals in favor of a more agile and intentional approach, emphasizing the importance of tracking progress every 30 days. Mark encourages listeners to ask themselves two simple but powerful questions every day: “What am I doing today to book my optimistic sales target?” and “What did I do today to move closer to that goal?” By focusing on activities within their control—such as client outreach, networking, and relationship-building—professionals can create sustainable momentum. His insights provide a practical framework for those seeking to break free from distraction, stay accounta

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Liz Wendling, attorney coach and author of The Rainmaking Mindset and Consultations That Convert, about how lawyers can confidently sell their services without feeling like they’re “selling.” Liz specializes in helping attorneys build authentic connections during client consultations, ensuring that potential clients see them as trusted advisors from the very first conversation. Liz emphasizes that most attorneys were never taught how to effectively present their value, often relying on outdated, ineffective approaches. She advocates for creating a strong opening by leading conversations with confidence, asking thoughtful questions, and making personal connections that go beyond small talk. By focusing on establishing trust early, attorneys can guide clients through a clear, solution-oriented conversation that naturally results in more signed agreements. This episode is full of actionable advice for legal professionals seeking to enhance th

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Lisa Apolinski, digital strategist and author of Weathering the Digital Storm, about how professionals can use storytelling to elevate their digital content strategy and drive client engagement. Lisa, known as "America's digital content futurist," shares insights from her upcoming book, Persuade with a Digital Content Story, and explains why content that solves problems—not content that sells—is what cuts through digital noise today. Lisa introduces a six-step formula for creating compelling digital stories that position the client as the hero, the challenge as the nemesis, and the professional as the trusted mentor. She explains that when your content tells an emotionally engaging story that helps the audience envision their own success, it removes price objections and competitive comparisons. Instead of focusing on features and benefits, Lisa emphasizes building content that adds value, resonates emotionally, and guides the reader toward