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 common business development mistakes, such as failing to track outreach efforts or not personalizing communication, and provides practical steps to build a sustainable, client-centric growth strategy. This episode offers actionable guidance for professionals looking to refine their business development approach and achieve long-term success.

https://therainmakingpodcast.com/

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Anna Rappaport, J.D, PCC is a former lawyer who has been coaching for over 19 years and helps lawyers overcome both the external and internal obstacles to business development. As a person who used to hate sales herself, Anna understands where many lawyers are coming from and has numerous tools to help them move forward and develop the tools they need to reach their potential.

Anna is Co-Chair of the American Bar Association’s (ABA) Lawyer Leadership and Management Committee, on the Leadership Council of the ABA Dispute Resolution Section and is on the faculty of the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity. Anna publishes in Law Practice Today and The National Law Review, and speaks around the country on various career and business development topics. Anna also has extensive international experience having worked in Japan, Thailand and most recently, Turkey.

On the personal front, Anna has a loving husband, two wonderful step sons, and a dog Ginger. She is also a snowboarder and loves tango and swing dancing.  

https://www.excellerationcoaching.com/

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