The Way with Best Era

In this episode of The Way, Ryan McKeen and Brittany Green dive into the fundamental differences between branding and advertising, emphasizing why both are crucial for a successful law firm. They discuss the importance of building strong relationships with clients, providing value without expecting something in return, and how these efforts contribute to long-term business growth.

Ryan and Brittany also share real experiences from members of the Best Era Slack community, highlighting the impact of effective marketing strategies in real firms.

Want to be part of the conversation? Join Best Era for just $1 a day at bestera.io, where you’ll get access to expert insights, valuable resources, and a network of like-minded professionals. Plus, when you join, you’ll receive a free copy of The Way—our guide to running a better, more efficient law firm.

Tune in to learn how to market your firm the right way and start building a brand that truly stands out!

In this episode of The Way, hosts Ryan McKean and Brittany Green draw inspiration from Rob Coleman, Director of Business Development at Hennessey Digital, to explore the critical role of marketing investments in law firms. They discuss:

• Rob Coleman's Expertise – With a background in SEO, PPC, and website design, Rob specializes in driving business growth through digital marketing strategies.
• Allocating Marketing Budgets – How much of your firm's revenue should be dedicated to marketing? Industry benchmarks suggest law firms typically invest between 2% to 10% of their gross revenue, depending on their size and growth objectives.
• Strategic Planning – The importance of aligning marketing investments with specific business goals, whether maintaining a steady client base or aggressively expanding your firm.

Marketing isn’t just an expense—it’s an investment in your firm’s future. Tune in to gain valuable insights on optimizing your firm’s marketing strategies and ensuring your budget is working for you.

Looking to continue the conversation? Join our Best Era Slack community to connect with like-minded legal professionals, get exclusive insights, and share ideas to help your firm grow. Sign up now in bestera.io!

In this episode, host Ryan McKeen welcomes special guest Marisa Rua, an expert in paralegal training, to discuss the critical role paralegals play in law firms and why they need more than just on-the-job training from attorneys. They explore how structured education and mentorship can help paralegals work more efficiently and contribute meaningfully to a firm’s success.

Ryan and Marisa also discuss David Ball on Damages and Damages 3, influential books by trial consultant David Ball. These books provide strategies for attorneys to effectively present damages in personal injury and wrongful death cases, helping juries understand the full impact of a client’s suffering.

To further support paralegals, they introduce Para Era, a specialized Slack subscription service led by Marisa. This platform provides access to a community of experts, continuous learning opportunities, and professional support to help paralegals excel in their careers. Joining Para Era is a great way for law firms to invest in their team’s growth.

For more details and to subscribe, visit Para Era.

And for those who made it through the entire episode—you're in on the inside joke. If you want to check out what Ryan has been watching lately, take a look at Funny or Die on YouTube. Enjoy!

In this episode, Brittany Green and Ryan McKeen delve into the significance of annual meetings for businesses across all industries. They emphasize the value these gatherings bring in setting goals, aligning teams, and fostering organizational growth. Drawing from their concise guide, The Way, they offer practical advice on initiating and conducting effective annual meetings. Listeners interested in obtaining a free copy of The Way can do so here.

The conversation also highlights Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara, a book that has recently inspired them. Guidara, former co-owner of Eleven Madison Park, shares insights on transforming ordinary transactions into extraordinary experiences through exceptional hospitality.

Inspired by these principles, Brittany and Ryan introduce their upcoming event, Unreasonable Era, designed to help businesses rethink and enhance their customer interactions. More information about this event can be found here.

Tune in to discover how integrating these concepts can provide a fresh perspective on business operations and customer engagement.

In this episode, Ryan McKeen and Brittany Green explore the evolving landscape of marketing in 2025 and how it’s reshaping the legal industry. They discuss a major shift in how people solve problems, moving beyond traditional tools to embrace new technologies and platforms powered by AI.

Ryan and Brittany emphasize the benefits of hiring in-house marketing professionals to develop tailored strategies that align with a firm’s values and goals.

They also delve into how law firms can adapt to change by focusing on branding—establishing a reputation that ensures their firm is the first choice when clients need legal help. They highlight the importance of adding value through marketing, showcasing not just good work but also who you are as a firm.

Additionally, Ryan recommends They Ask, You Answer by Marcus Sheridan, a valuable resource for understanding modern marketing strategies. You can check out the book here: They Ask, You Answer on Amazon. This episode offers actionable insights on creating lasting connections and thriving in a diversified digital world.

If you're interested in joining our Slack Community it's cheaper than a cup of coffee a day! You can join for $3 a day by visiting ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, Ryan McKeen and Brittany Green reflect on a remarkable guest lecture in Ryan’s UConn class, featuring Ryan Anderson, the founder and CEO of Filevine, a leading case management software for law firms. Anderson shared his journey of building Filevine from the ground up, offering students invaluable insights into the entrepreneurial process. His openness about the challenges, including the anxiety and pressure of starting a business, created a powerful and relatable moment for the class.

The discussion also explores the significance of vulnerability in entrepreneurship and leadership. Ryan and Brittany emphasize the importance of seeking support—whether from mentors, coaches, or mental health professionals—reminding listeners that no one has to face these challenges alone. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation on embracing authenticity, overcoming obstacles, and finding the resources to succeed in both business and life.

If you're interested in joining our Slack Community it's cheaper than a cup of coffee a day! You can join for $3 a day by visiting ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.

Want your own Bluebird Cafe listening experience? Check out Brittany's Spotify playlist from her night at The Bluebird Cafe ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, Ryan and Brittany share some of the latest tools they've developed to support law firm growth and efficiency. They introduce a versatile new series of card decks tailored for different aspects of firm management, including marketing, training, team management, and operational insights.

They also discuss exclusive perks from their services—like a trip to Cabo San Lucas—and share how these resources can help firms build momentum and achieve lasting success.

Grab your own deck here and discover new ways to empower your team and grow your firm!

If you're interested in joining our Slack Community it's cheaper than a cup of coffee a day! You can join for $3 a day by visiting ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.

Want your own Bluebird Cafe listening experience? Check out Brittany's Spotify playlist from her night at The Bluebird Cafe ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.

In this episode, Brittany Green and Ryan McKeen dive into the release of The Way, a practical guide designed for law firms looking to streamline their operations and improve growth. The book is short, affordable, and perfect for busy professionals. They discuss the simplicity and convenience it offers, making it accessible to firms of any size.

Additionally, Ryan shares insights from his work as an adjunct professor at UConn, where he integrates real-world experience into his teaching by inviting industry speakers and providing practical resources to his students. This episode is a blend of actionable advice for law firms and a glimpse into shaping the future of legal education.

If you're interested in joining our Slack Community it's cheaper than a cup of coffee a day! You can join for $3 a day by visiting ⁠here⁠.

Want your own Bluebird Cafe listening experience? Check out Brittany's Spotify playlist from her night at The Bluebird Cafe ⁠here⁠.

In this episode of The Way with Best Era, Ryan McKeen sits down with Marisa Rua, the newest member of Best Era, who will be leading training and guidance for paralegals. Together, they discuss the often-overlooked importance of structured training within law firms and how this essential step can accelerate a firm’s success. Ryan and Marisa share their insights on why investing in paralegal education creates a more efficient and empowered workforce, and how firms that prioritize this training are better positioned to grow and thrive.

Whether you're a law firm owner or a legal professional, this episode is packed with valuable tips on building a strong, capable team from the ground up.

Learn all about our upcoming offerings at Best Era from our planners and card decks to our consulting subscriptions!

If you're interested in joining our Slack Community it's cheaper than a cup of coffee a day! You can join for $3 a day by visiting ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Want your own Bluebird Cafe listening experience? Check out Brittany's Spotify playlist from her night at The Bluebird Cafe ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode of The Way with Best Era, Ryan McKeen and Brittany Green share their insights on hiring the right team for your growing business. Learn why delegating tasks is crucial to staying focused on the bigger picture and how prioritizing character over experience can help you find the perfect candidates.

Ryan and Brittany also dive into their experience working with Get Staffed Up, a company that helps law firms hire highly skilled virtual paralegals and assistants from outside the U.S. If you're looking to build a cost-effective, reliable team, Get Staffed Up could be the solution you need. Check out more about their services here and start delegating your way to freedom!

If you're interested in joining our Slack Community it's cheaper than a cup of coffee a day! You can join for $3 a day by visiting here.

Want your own Bluebird Cafe listening experience? Check out Brittany's Spotify playlist from her night at The Bluebird Cafe here.