Staffing & Recruiter Training Podcast

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Jeanne Stafford, a communications expert, facilitator, and improv performer, about how professionals can improve client relationships by learning to communicate through conflict and uncover practical solutions. Drawing on her experience in political fundraising, improv comedy, and executive coaching, Jeanne shares how embracing discomfort, shedding ego, and speaking with clarity can transform difficult conversations into growth opportunities. Jeanne explains that today’s business climate—especially in times of crisis—requires leaders and rainmakers to listen deeply, speak in solutions, and create cultures of compassion and responsiveness. She introduces the idea that “problems are in style,” meaning that people are increasingly open about challenges—but real influence comes from helping others move from conflict to action. Jeanne also stresses that trust is earned not by talking about yourself, but by demonstrating understanding, authenti

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with legal marketing strategist Yolanda Cartusciello about how professionals can build meaningful client relationships and adapt their business development efforts in a post-pandemic world. Drawing on her extensive experience leading marketing and BD functions at major firms like Debevoise and Cleary Gottlieb, Yolanda shares why active listening, empathy, and creative outreach matter more than ever in times of uncertainty. Yolanda explains that the pandemic disrupted traditional rainmaking methods like in-person meetings and events, forcing professionals to rethink how they connect. Rather than relying on outdated tactics or pushing clients into uncomfortable formats like Zoom, she urges listeners to ask clients how they prefer to engage and offer support that meets them where they are. She emphasizes the importance of helping clients navigate their own shifting journeys and becoming a trusted guide by delivering timely, tailored insights—not

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Susan Freeman, a speaker, consultant, and advocate for gender equity in professional services, about how professionals can elevate their client development approach through better conversations, deeper listening, and authentic relationships. Drawing on her background in financial and legal services, Susan emphasizes the difference between marketing (reputation-building) and business development (relationship-building) and highlights why listening—especially what she calls “third-level listening”—is the true driver of trust and influence. Susan explains that successful client conversations are less about pitching and more about uncovering what truly matters to the client—their goals, frustrations, and unspoken concerns. She shares how asking thoughtful, open-ended questions and responding with empathy can position professionals as trusted advisors, not just service providers. The ultimate goal, she argues, isn’t just to close a deal, but to

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Bob Potter, managing principal of R.A. Potter Advisors, about how professionals can avoid becoming commoditized by developing a strong preference value proposition—a clear and compelling answer to why a client should choose you over your best competitor. Bob explains that most professionals rely on generic, overused claims like “great service,” “deep experience,” or “client focus.” While those qualities are important, they’re expected—just like airbags in a car. They don’t create preference. To truly stand out, professionals need to address three core questions: What makes you different? Why should that difference matter to the client? And why should they believe you? According to Bob, it’s not enough to talk about capabilities—you have to back them up with proof. Testimonials, client stories, and measurable results provide evidence that builds trust and makes your value proposition credible. He encourages professionals to ask their best c

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Cara Hale Alter, author of The Credibility Code and founder of SpeechSkills, about how professionals can project confidence and build trust—especially over video calls. With experience training top firms and companies like Google and Pixar, Cara shares how small adjustments in posture, voice, and eye contact can significantly boost credibility. Cara outlines the three pillars of visible credibility: strong posture, strong voice, and strong eye contact. She explains how these cues influence first impressions and how to adapt them to webcam communication by adjusting camera angle, lighting, and framing. She also discusses the importance of affective trust—the emotional sense that someone understands and cares—and how virtual presence plays a key role in building it. This episode offers practical tips for professionals who want to communicate with greater authority, build rapport remotely, and make a powerful first impression in any setting.

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Mark LeBlanc, business coach, speaker, and author of Growing Your Business, about how professionals can generate more referrals and consistent business by using a simple, strategic approach to relationship marketing. Mark shares timeless insights from his decades of experience coaching business owners and delivering over 20,000 hours of one-on-one consulting, focusing on what it takes to stimulate referrals—not just hope for them. Mark introduces his Advocate Strategy, a low-cost, high-return referral system built around three core actions: building a list of up to 25 advocates (clients, peers, or contacts who believe in your work), creating a monthly “calendar of connections” to stay top-of-mind with them, and developing referral-friendly tools—like articles or resources—that advocates can easily pass along to others. He explains that the key to generating referrals is not just delivering excellent service, but making sure clients enjoy t

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Michael Zipursky, CEO of Consulting Success, about how professionals can grow their businesses without becoming overwhelmed. Michael, who has coached over 400 consultants across 75 industries and authored several bestsellers, shares his insights on how to identify high-value activities, delegate low-value tasks, and focus on actions that drive real business results. Michael explains that many professionals experience overwhelm because they spend too much time on tasks that don't move the needle—such as scheduling, formatting, and back-and-forth emails. He advocates for a simple yet powerful tactic: track how you spend your time for a week, identify which tasks truly require your expertise, and group the rest into categories that can be delegated. Michael illustrates this through a client case study that demonstrates how just four focused conversations per week helped one consultant grow from $400K to $2 million in revenue within 18 months.

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Brett Trembly, attorney, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Get Staffed Up, about how failing to seek help can stall professional growth—and how learning to delegate can unlock true freedom. Brett shares his own journey from a struggling solo practitioner with just three clients to building a thriving law firm and staffing company that supports thousands of professionals. He explains how ego, fear of failure, and the desire to control everything can prevent entrepreneurs—especially attorneys—from growing their businesses. Brett emphasizes the importance of humility, coaching, and developing a "delegate-your-way-to-freedom" mindset. He discusses practical tools like daily team huddles, employee scorecards, and structured communication to empower teams and improve performance. The episode also explores the concept of employees working “for their own purposes,” encouraging leaders to become the kind of people that others want to work for. Brett

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Gina Rubel, CEO of Furia Rubel Communications, about how attorneys and professionals can elevate their reputation through strategic public relations and media engagement. Gina shares insights from her years working with law firms and corporate leaders, emphasizing that visibility, credibility, and consistency are key to building a strong personal and firm brand. She explains that PR is not just about press releases—it’s about telling your story in a way that positions you as a thought leader and trusted expert in your field. Key topics include the difference between PR and marketing, how professionals can leverage media relationships to gain exposure, and why being proactive in communications can strengthen client trust and attract new business. Gina shares strategies for getting quoted in the media, writing op-eds, and using speaking engagements as part of a visibility campaign. She also discusses the importance of media training, managin

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Jeff Nischwitz, speaker, leadership coach, and author of Just One Step, about how professionals can lead with authenticity and deepen relationships to drive business growth. Jeff explains that in a world full of surface-level communication, authenticity, vulnerability, and connection are what truly differentiate top rainmakers. He challenges listeners to move beyond transactional networking and instead focus on building trust by showing up as their real, imperfect selves—a strategy that creates long-term business success and deeper client loyalty. Key topics include why vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness, how to build emotional safety in client and team relationships, and the difference between being responsible for people versus being accountable to them. Jeff also shares how professionals can break free from "doing" mode and reconnect with "being"—bringing presence and intention to every interaction. He outlines steps to grow se

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Henry DeVries, author, ghostwriter, and founder of Indie Books International, about how professionals can use storytelling and books to attract clients without being pushy. Henry explains that clients hate to be sold to but love to hear stories, and the best rainmakers are those who can craft and share stories that illustrate the value of their services. He emphasizes that publishing a book is one of the most effective tools for building authority, trust, and visibility, especially for professionals in high-trust, relationship-driven industries. Key topics include the four types of client-attracting stories—the case story, the personal story, the vision story, and the teaching story—and how professionals can use each one to communicate value without sounding like a sales pitch. Henry also shares insights on why writing a book opens doors to speaking opportunities and media exposure, how to develop a book quickly using a proven ghostwriting

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Dion Flynn, actor, comedian, and communication expert, about how professionals can use improvisation techniques to build stronger relationships, improve sales conversations, and enhance business development skills. Dion, best known for his appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, explains that improv isn’t just for comedians—it’s a powerful tool for engaging with clients, thinking on your feet, and handling objections with confidence. By learning to listen actively, adapt quickly, and embrace spontaneity, professionals can become more persuasive and build deeper connections. Key topics include the power of "Yes, And" thinking, which helps professionals stay open to possibilities and navigate client conversations more effectively. Dion also shares strategies for overcoming fear in high-stakes meetings, using humor and storytelling to build rapport, and developing mental agility to respond to unexpected challenges. He discusses

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Todd Cohen, author of Everyone’s in Sales, about how professionals can embrace a sales mindset to drive business growth without feeling “salesy”. Todd explains that selling isn’t just for salespeople—every professional, regardless of industry, is responsible for building relationships, creating trust, and influencing decisions. He emphasizes that rainmaking is about leadership, communication, and delivering value, not aggressive pitching or transactional selling. Key topics include how professionals can reframe sales as problem-solving, the importance of building a personal brand that attracts opportunities, and how storytelling can make business development efforts more engaging and authentic. Todd also discusses the biggest mistakes professionals make when approaching sales, such as focusing too much on themselves rather than the client’s needs, and shares practical strategies for making business development a natural part of daily inter

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Ed Wallace, author of Business Relationships That Last, about how professionals can create and sustain high-value business relationships that lead to long-term success. Ed explains that relationships drive business, and those who focus on earning trust, delivering value, and maintaining authentic connections will naturally see better business development results. He emphasizes that rainmakers don’t just network—they intentionally cultivate relationships with key clients, colleagues, and referral sources by being proactive, strategic, and generous. Key topics include the key components of relational capital, how to earn credibility and trust quickly, and why professionals must approach business development with a mindset of service rather than self-interest. Ed shares his Five Key Relationship Accelerators, which include Establishing Credibility, Being Generous with Value, Creating Memorable Experiences, Showing Genuine Care, and Managing t

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Anna Rappaport, a business development coach and expert in professional services marketing, about how lawyers and consultants can strengthen client relationships and grow their book of business. Anna emphasizes that business development is not about aggressive sales tactics, but about building trust, delivering value, and fostering long-term relationships. She explains that professionals who prioritize genuine connections and strategic follow-ups consistently outperform those who focus solely on transactions. Key topics include how to develop a relationship-driven business development strategy, the importance of consistent follow-up and staying top-of-mind, and why professionals should focus on understanding client needs rather than pushing services. Anna also shares insights on how to create opportunities through thought leadership, leveraging content marketing, speaking engagements, and networking to establish credibility. She highlights

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Antarctic Mike, a professional speaker and endurance athlete, about the lessons business professionals can learn from extreme environments. Mike shares insights from his experiences in Antarctica, explaining how mental resilience, preparation, and adaptability are key to succeeding in both business and extreme conditions. He emphasizes that the ability to push through challenges, stay focused under pressure, and build strong teams is what separates high performers from the rest. Key topics include how endurance athletes develop mental toughness, the importance of persistence and preparation in business development, and how leaders can inspire their teams by fostering resilience and discipline. Mike shares real-life stories of Antarctic explorers and endurance athletes, drawing parallels between their experiences and the challenges professionals face in sales and business development. He also discusses how to reframe setbacks as learning op

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Art Sobczak, author of Smart Calling, about how professionals can eliminate the fear of rejection and prospect more effectively without resorting to traditional cold calling. Art explains that successful prospecting isn’t about making random calls—it’s about smart calling, which means researching prospects, identifying trigger events, and tailoring messaging to create meaningful, relevant conversations. He emphasizes that the most effective rainmakers don’t fear rejection because they frame every call as a learning opportunity rather than a win-or-lose scenario. Key topics include the fundamentals of Smart Calling, which involves identifying key decision-makers, leveraging social engineering to gather intelligence, and crafting value-driven outreach that resonates with potential clients. Art also discusses the psychological barriers to prospecting, explaining how professionals can overcome fear by shifting their mindset and focusing on con

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Doug Wendt, co-founder and Chief Growth Officer of Wendt Partners, about how professional service firms can leverage tools and technologies to drive business growth. Doug explains that while many firms adopt CRM systems and digital tools, they often fail to implement them effectively due to a lack of structured processes. He emphasizes that business development technology should support a well-defined strategy, not replace it, and that firms must first establish disciplined, repeatable processes before investing in software. Key topics include the role of CRM systems as a foundation for business relationship management, how to integrate sales and marketing tools for seamless client engagement, and why firms should prioritize personalization in outreach through automation. Doug shares insights on the difference between sales and marketing technology, explaining that marketing is one-to-many communication while sales is one-to-one. He also i

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Dr. Ivan Misner, founder and Chief Visionary Officer of BNI (Business Network International), about the power of strategic networking and relationship-building for business success. Dr. Misner, often called the "father of modern networking," shares insights from his book Who's in Your Room?, which explores how the people we allow into our lives influence our decisions, success, and overall happiness. He explains that networking is not just about making connections but about surrounding yourself with the right people—those who align with your values and contribute positively to your growth. Key topics include the "Room Concept," a metaphorical way to think about networking and personal relationships, and the role of the Doorman—a mental filter that helps professionals decide who to let into their lives and businesses. Dr. Misner discusses deal-breakers in professional and personal relationships, emphasizing the importance of defining clear

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Mike Regina, entrepreneur, speaker, and expert networker, about the power of relationship marketing strategies and how professionals can crush virtual networking. Mike shares insights from his experience building multiple referral-based businesses, emphasizing that success in networking is not about selling—it’s about connecting, providing value, and building long-term relationships. He explains that professionals who lead with a give-first mentality can eliminate competition and create new business opportunities simply by being intentional in their networking approach. Key topics include the three pillars of effective networking—connecting with purpose, knowing your audience, and adding value by making strategic introductions. Mike discusses common networking mistakes, such as having a taker mindset, lacking a clear strategy, and jumping to the ask before providing value. He also shares actionable virtual networking strategies, including