The Rainmaking Podcast

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Rob Thomas, networking expert and author of Who Do You Need to Meet?, about how professionals can strategically build relationships that drive business growth. Rob shares his proven system for identifying and connecting with the right people, emphasizing that networking should be intentional, not accidental. He explains how professionals can refine their approach to make valuable connections that lead to long-term opportunities.

Key topics include the importance of defining your ideal contacts, leveraging existing relationships to gain introductions, and maximizing in-person and virtual networking opportunities. Rob discusses how to approach networking events with a strategy, the role of LinkedIn in making meaningful connections, and why following up effectively is crucial for long-term success. He also shares insights on refining your network by eliminating non-productive connections and focusing on high-value relationships. This episode provides actionable strategies for professionals looking to expand their influence and build a network that generates business opportunities.

Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/

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Rob Thomas is the Founder and President of RobThomasGLOBAL, and the creator of the Rob Thomas Method (RTM). He is an entrepreneur and the author of his book entitled, “Who Do You NEED to Meet? As an Executive Coach, and a dynamic public speaker, Rob works with business professionals of all kinds to help them enhance their networking skills to help them achieve business and personal success. Through his unique brand of networking, built on the age-old adage, “It’s not what you know, but who you know,” Rob teaches and coaches business owners, senior executives, sales professionals, and entrepreneurs on how to Identify, Maximize, Refine and Nurture your network of contacts. He is also the Director of Networking for the New York City Chapter of the National Speakers Association.

Rob lives in Milford, Connecticut with his wife Jen, and his two sons, Christopher and Luke.

A few interesting facts about Rob: first, he can’t sing or play the guitar, but he did work at Walt Disney World and is an Eagle Scout.

All roads lead to www.robthomasglobal.com for more information and social media tags.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-l-thomas/

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This show is sponsored by Leopard Solutions Legal Intelligence Suite of products, Firmscape, and Leopard BI. Push ahead of the pack with the power of Leopard. For a free demo, visit this link:

https://www.leopardsolutions.com/index.php/request-a-demo/

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In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Phil Johnson, executive coach and author of The Servant Warrior Leader, about the power of emotional intelligence in leadership and business development. Phil explains that emotional intelligence is not just about managing emotions but about overcoming fear and resistance to change. He shares how professionals can develop self-awareness, build trust, and inspire discretionary effort from their teams and clients to achieve greater success.

Key topics include understanding how emotional intelligence impacts leadership, the science behind energy exchange in relationships, and the role of mirror neurons in building trust and influence. Phil discusses how professionals unconsciously give away their energy and how they can reclaim it to become more effective leaders. He also covers practical strategies for overcoming resistance to change, shifting from ego-driven interactions to authentic leadership, and fostering a high-trust, high-engagement culture. This episode provides valuable insights for anyone looking to enhance their leadership impact and drive long-term business success.

Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/

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The Master of Business Leadership program has been proven to offer executives a wealth of advantages. The curriculum was developed to acknowledge the challenges individuals and companies are facing both now and in the future. In addition to emotional intelligence, the program develops inspirational leadership, higher consciousness, and all the other necessary skills that have been proven to build a successful life, career, and organization.

MBL alumni are living in the US, Canada, UK, Europe, Japan, Germany, Bosnia, Africa, Australia, the Middle East, and Saudi Arabia.

“A very elegant system that works.” Rebecca Mih, PhD Berkeley

Connect with Phil Johnson on Linkedin

https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipjpjohnson/

MBL Alumni Videos 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjfc3tV87p03JMDOXqDu8tQ

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This show is sponsored by Leopard Solutions Legal Intelligence Suite of products, Firmscape, and Leopard BI. Push ahead of the pack with the power of Leopard. For a free demo, visit this link:

https://www.leopardsolutions.com/index.php/request-a-demo/

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In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with John Kormanik, former trial attorney and professional coach, about how legal professionals and service providers can identify their ideal clients. John explains that without a clearly defined target audience, professionals risk diluting their marketing efforts and attracting the wrong clients. He emphasizes that knowing exactly who you want to serve allows for more intentional business development and greater career satisfaction.

Key topics include the three core elements of defining an ideal client—geography, demographics, and psychographics—and how professionals can use this framework to refine their outreach. John discusses how identifying a client "avatar" helps create more focused networking opportunities and strategic business decisions. He also shares insights on overcoming the scarcity mindset, setting boundaries to work only with ideal clients, and structuring client engagement for long-term success. Whether you're a lawyer, consultant, or business owner, this episode provides actionable steps to help professionals attract the right clients and build a thriving practice.

Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/

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John R. Kormanik, Esq., is a Certified Professional Coach credentialed by the International Coach Federation, and also holds certifications as an ELI-MP, COR.E Leadership and Performance Dynamics, and DISC practitioner. Prior to launching his attorney-only coaching practice, John worked in the public sector as a Deputy Attorney General, in the private sector at a medium-sized law firm as both an associate and a partner, and also owned a law firm for 16 years. His 20+ years of experience as a practicing lawyer and law firm owner and a decades-long quest to be a world-changing entrepreneur, have equipped John to be able to guide his clients on a truly transformational journey. John lives in Boise, Idaho, and loves riding his mountain bike, being in nature, spending time with his family and friends, and starting each day with a walk with Olive, his yellow Labrador retriever.

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This show is sponsored by Leopard Solutions Legal Intelligence Suite of products, Firmscape, and Leopard BI. Push ahead of the pack with the power of Leopard. For a free demo, visit this link:

https://www.leopardsolutions.com/index.php/request-a-demo/

Links:

johnrkormanik.com

https://jkormanik.pages.ontraport.net/avatar

johnrkomanik.com/avatar

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In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Donna Griffit, global pitch and messaging expert, about how professionals can craft compelling pitch decks that win clients and investors. Donna, author of Sticking to My Story, explains that a great pitch isn’t just about data—it’s about storytelling. She shares how professionals can structure their pitch to engage their audience emotionally, making their message more persuasive and memorable.

Key topics include the four-act structure of an effective pitch: identifying the client’s problem, introducing the solution, backing it up with data and social proof, and presenting a bold vision for the future. Donna also highlights common mistakes, such as leading with credentials instead of the client's pain points, and provides strategies for structuring presentations that keep audiences engaged. She shares tips on creating a simple, compelling message that resonates with decision-makers and turns prospects into clients. Whether you’re in sales, consulting, or professional services, this episode offers a powerful framework for improving your pitch and closing more deals.

Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/

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Donna Griffit has worked globally for over 17 years with Fortune 500 companies, startups, and investors in a wide variety of industries, helping them create and deliver presentations, pitches, and messages; she knows how to spin raw data to drive results.

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This show is sponsored by Leopard Solutions Legal Intelligence Suite of products, Firmscape, and Leopard BI. Push ahead of the pack with the power of Leopard. For a free demo, visit this link:

https://www.leopardsolutions.com/index.php/request-a-demo/ 

Links:

Get Donna’s book here: www.stickingtomystory.com

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnaabraham/

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In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Gary Brown, founder of Hatcher Advisory, about how he successfully scaled his accounting firm from two people to over 30 employees. Gary shares his insights on what it takes to grow a professional services firm, emphasizing the importance of investing in leadership development, building a strong culture, and focusing on high-quality client acquisition. He explains that while revenue growth is important, long-term success comes from developing people and creating an environment where employees feel engaged and motivated.

Key topics include how to implement structured leadership training for both senior and junior team members, why company culture should prioritize joy and engagement, and the impact of selecting the right clients to maintain profitability and workplace satisfaction. Gary also shares lessons learned from rapid growth, including the importance of balancing expansion with financial stability and adapting to unexpected challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. This episode offers valuable takeaways for firm owners and professionals looking to build a thriving, people-first business.

Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/

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Gary Brown, Chief Hatcher of Hatcher Advisory, knows a thing or two when it comes to assisting businesses through times of financial transition. With an extensive background in finance and management, Gary has provided clients with valuable advice and clarity on a range of topics – from strategic investments to ways to maximize profitability while simultaneously increasing sustainability. He is noted for his combination of wit, friendliness, and professionalism, making him a trusted adviser among his clients. Gary's down-to-earth approach to money management not only puts business owners at ease but also ensures they have the very best advice available. When it comes to financial issues, having Gary by your side is definitely a winning strategy.

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This show is sponsored by Leopard Solutions Legal Intelligence Suite of products, Firmscape, and Leopard BI. Push ahead of the pack with the power of Leopard. For a free demo, visit this link:

https://www.leopardsolutions.com/index.php/request-a-demo/

Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-brown-80677316a/

https://hatcher.com.au/

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In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Michele Correnti, branding expert and founder of Correnti Marketing, about how professionals can increase the number of high-quality inbound referrals. Michele explains that many professionals struggle with referrals because they fail to clearly communicate their brand and ideal client. She emphasizes that effective branding starts with identifying what makes you unique and ensuring that messaging is consistent across all platforms, from networking conversations to online presence.

Key topics include defining an ideal client profile to attract the right referrals, aligning personal branding with business goals, and leveraging social media for greater visibility. Michele also discusses the stages of brand recognition—from awareness to preference and loyalty—and how professionals can build a strong reputation that naturally generates referrals. She shares practical tips on refining messaging, ensuring consistency across LinkedIn and websites, and using strategic content to stay top-of-mind. This episode offers actionable steps for professionals looking to enhance their brand and generate more business through word-of-mouth.

Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/

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Michele was creating, managing, and executing marketing strategies for lawyers in-house for a law firm when she realized her true passion went beyond marketing into helping others find and discover the "why" behind their brand. Whether it is a colleague or an acquaintance, Michele feels an innate pull to learn what drives service professionals and business owners. She found that the best marketing strategies began with this "why" perspective and that most businesses miss this key step when developing and executing their marketing strategy.

In 2018, Michele founded Correnti Marketing to serve lawyers and service professionals who are looking to dive into marketing but are not sure where to start. Our team starts by helping you discover your "why" to build + clarify your brand online.

Michele is passionate about community, connection, and women’s empowerment. She is always looking to build up those around her. She also thoroughly enjoys a challenge and learning new skills, both personally and professionally.

Outside of work, you can find Michele paddle surfing, in the kitchen cooking up a storm, spending quality time with friends and family, or—her latest challenge—learning to play pickleball! 

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This show is sponsored by Leopard Solutions Legal Intelligence Suite of products, Firmscape, and Leopard BI. Push ahead of the pack with the power of Leopard. For a free demo, visit this link:

https://www.leopardsolutions.com/index.php/request-a-demo/

Links:

https://www.correntimarketing.com/resources

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelecorrenti/

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In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Steve Fretzin, legal business development coach and author of Sales-Free Selling, about how professionals can attract and convert clients without feeling like a salesperson. Steve explains that many lawyers and professionals resist business development because they associate it with aggressive sales tactics. Instead, he presents a structured, relationship-driven approach that focuses on asking the right questions, building trust, and allowing clients to convince themselves that they need your services.

Key topics include the importance of qualifying prospects before investing time in proposals, the four key qualifiers (compelling reasons to change, commitment to action, decision-maker identification, and financial readiness), and strategies for running productive client meetings. Steve also discusses how to take control of conversations by setting clear agendas, developing rapport, and leading with curiosity rather than selling. Whether you’re an attorney, consultant, or professional service provider, this episode offers practical steps to create a repeatable, effective business development system without the pressure of traditional sales tactics.

Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/

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Driven, focused, and passionate about helping ambitious Attorneys to reach their full potential, Steve Fretzin is regarded as the premier coach, skills trainer, and thought leader in business development.

Over the past 17 years, Steve Fretzin has devoted his career to helping lawyers learn what they never learned in law school; business development and marketing. The goal is for Steve’s clients is to live the best possible life with balance, control, and happiness.

In addition to writing four books on legal marketing and business development, Steve has a highly-rated podcast BE THAT LAWYER and has been featured in the Chicago Tribune, Crain’s and Entrepreneur.com. He has appeared on NBC News, WGN Radio and has written articles for Attorney at Law Magazine, the National Law Review, the American Bar Association, and the Illinois State Bar Association. You can also find his monthly column in the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin.

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This show is sponsored by Leopard Solutions Legal Intelligence Suite of products, Firmscape, and Leopard BI. Push ahead of the pack with the power of Leopard. For a free demo, visit this link:

https://www.leopardsolutions.com/index.php/request-a-demo/

Links:

https://www.fretzin.com/podcast

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevefretzin/

https://www.instagram.com/fretzinsteve/

https://www.facebook.com/salesresults

https://www.youtube.com/@SalesResultsInc/

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In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Simon Severino, CEO of Strategy Sprints and author of Strategy Sprints: 12 Ways to Accelerate Growth for an Agile Business, about how professional service firms can double their revenue in just 90 days. Simon shares his proven framework for streamlining operations, improving client acquisition, and optimizing internal processes to create sustainable, exponential growth. He explains that by simplifying business structures and focusing on key revenue-generating activities, firms can achieve faster results with less stress.

Key topics include the seven essential stages of business growth—awareness, interest, engagement, closing, onboarding, delivering, and retaining—and how firms can optimize each stage for efficiency. Simon also introduces the concept of the referral engine, a system that helps firms generate new business by securing client referrals at strategically timed intervals. He highlights the importance of tracking key performance metrics, structuring marketing, sales, and operations into separate functions, and ensuring business leaders can step out of the weeds and focus on high-level strategy. This episode offers a blueprint for professionals looking to scale their firm quickly and effectively.

Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/

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Simon Severino helps business owners run their companies more effectively which results in sales that soar. Trusted by Google, Roche, Consilience Ventures, Amgen, and AbbVie. He created the Strategy Sprints™ Method that doubles revenue in 90 days by getting owners out of the weeds. TEDx speaker, Contributor to Forbes and Entrepreneur Magazine, and member of the SVBS Silicon Valley Blockchain Society.

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This show is sponsored by Leopard Solutions Legal Intelligence Suite of products, Firmscape, and Leopard BI. Push ahead of the pack with the power of Leopard. For a free demo, visit this link:

https://www.leopardsolutions.com/index.php/request-a-demo/

Links

https://www.strategysprints.com/

https://www.facebook.com/strategysprints/

https://twitter.com/strategysprints

https://www.instagram.com/strategysprints/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonseverino/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnSFgJd0CrsEdQdO21txR2A

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/strategy-sprints/id1299008831

https://www.amazon.com/Strategy-Sprints-Accelerate-Growth-Business/dp/139860349X

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In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Jeff Kaye, CEO of Kaye/Bassman International and co-managing director of Sanford Rose Associates, about developing teams of rainmakers. With decades of experience in executive search and leadership development, Jeff shares insights on how firms can cultivate top producers by shifting from an individual contributor mindset to a leadership mindset. He explains that being a great rainmaker doesn’t automatically translate into being a great leader and that managing and inspiring a team requires a different skill set.

Key topics include the importance of viewing team members as internal clients, building a culture of accountability and development, and balancing leadership with business development. Jeff highlights the power of situational leadership, treating people based on their individual motivations, and using humility to foster engagement and trust. He also shares practical strategies for identifying and coaching emerging rainmakers, avoiding common leadership pitfalls, and ensuring long-term retention. Whether you’re leading a small team or a large organization, this episode offers actionable insights to develop a high-performing, revenue-generating team.

Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/

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Jeff Kaye is the Co-Chief Executive Officer of Kaye/Bassman International and Next Level Exchange and Co-Managing Director of Sanford Rose Associates®. For over three decades, Jeff has helped Kaye/Bassman International win Best Place to Work, workplace flexibility, and philanthropy awards while also propelling the firm to become the largest single-site search firm in the US.

Fostering an environment of servant leadership, retention is unparalleled; over three dozen partners have been with the firm for over a decade. In 2007, Jeff used his Recruiting Training DVD set as a launching pad to grow Next Level Exchange, what is now the world’s largest training and consulting firm to the search and staffing industry.

In 2012, he led the acquisition of Sanford Rose Associates and helped grow the number of offices by over 250% while growing the network revenues by over 1500% in less than a decade.

Jeff is considered an industry expert in executive, professional and technical search; has appeared on CNN, FOX, Bloomberg, and NBC; and is quoted regularly in publications including USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, Business Week, Time, and Fortune. Jeff is also a frequent speaker within the staffing and human resources community and been featured in dozens of international training meetings and videos. He lives in Dallas with his wife, Tracy, and their three children.

Track Record of Success for the Sanford Rose Associates Family of Companies:

 - Ranked as the 9th Largest U.S. Search Firm by Executive Search Review

 - 95%+ retention of all previously existing firms who have joined since acquisition in 2012

 - Since acquisition, number of offices increased by just over 250% during which time revenues increased by over 1500%

 - Five consecutive years as #1 Business Services Firm by the Franchise Business Review

 - Over 240 recruiters hired and trained for our offices in the past 12 months

 - Parent company ranked as the #1 Best Place to Work by the Dallas Business Journal

This show is sponsored by Leopard Solutions Legal Intelligence Suite of products, Firmscape, and Leopard BI. Push ahead of the pack with the power of Leopard. For a free demo, visit this link:

https://www.leopardsolutions.com/index.php/request-a-demo/

Links:

https://www.kbic.com/team/jeff-kaye

https://sanfordrose.com/

https://sanfordrose.com/welcome-to-sanford-rose-associates/management/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtkaye/

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In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Joel Lalgee, social media strategist and Business Development Director at HireWell, about how professionals can leverage social media to build their brand and attract business opportunities. With over 173,000 LinkedIn followers, Joel shares his insights on creating engaging content, building relationships, and using digital platforms effectively to stand out in a crowded marketplace.

Key topics include choosing the right social media platform based on your audience, the power of authenticity and vulnerability in content, and how to engage through comments before posting original content. Joel also discusses the importance of consistency, overcoming the fear of putting yourself out there, and using humor and storytelling to create memorable interactions. He shares actionable strategies for LinkedIn and TikTok, explaining how professionals can turn social media engagement into meaningful business conversations. This episode is packed with practical advice for professionals looking to enhance their digital presence and generate inbound opportunities.

Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/

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Joel Lalgee has a 8-year background in agency recruiting and currently works at Hirewell leading business development. He is a massive content creator that has generated over 200 million impressions in the last year on social media and has 175,000 followers on LinkedIn and 113k followers on Tiktok. Joel is not afraid to tell it how it is and provides real and authentic career insights from the lens of a recruiter.

This show is sponsored by Leopard Solutions Legal Intelligence Suite of products, Firmscape, and Leopard BI. Push ahead of the pack with the power of Leopard. For a free demo, visit this link:

https://www.leopardsolutions.com/index.php/request-a-demo/

Links:

Connect with Joel on twitter: https://twitter.com/humanheadhunter

Connect with Joel on Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/joellalgee

https://hirewell.com/

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