BE THAT LAWYER

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Megan Hargroder discuss: Building trust over chasing tactics Positioning with clarity and specificity Showing authenticity to attract the right clients Using story and proof to strengthen credibility   Key Takeaways: Modern marketing is shifting away from quick SEO tricks toward real human engagement. When people genuinely connect with your content and stay on your site, it signals trust. That trust is what drives visibility and long-term growth. Trying to speak to everyone weakens your authority. Focusing on a clear niche helps people understand what you do and see you as the go-to expert. Repeating one core message consistently builds recognition and trust. Relatable language, personality, and even humor make you memorable. The goal is not to impress peers but to connect with people. When you show who you really are, you naturally draw in the right clients and filter out the wrong ones. Your bio and reviews are powerful trust builders when done right. Sharing why you do what you do and highlighting specific results helps people see themselves in your story. Detailed proof builds confidence far more than generic praise.   "You want to be turning the right people on and you want to be turning the wrong people off at all times." —  Megan Hargroder Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again. Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don’t miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/   Thank you to our Sponsor! Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.com/   Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/   About Megan Hargroder: Megan Hargroder is a legal marketing strategist and entrepreneur known for helping law firms grow through authentic, relationship-driven marketing. As the founder of Legends Legal Marketing, she specializes in building systems that connect attorneys with referral partners and drive consistent business development. With a background in both marketing and operations, Megan brings a practical, results-focused approach to scaling professional services. She is passionate about mentorship, community building, and helping lawyers create sustainable growth by aligning strategy, systems, and personal strengths.   Connect with Megan Hargroder:  Website:  https://heyitsmegan.com/ , https://legendslegalmarketing.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heyitsmegan/   Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Instagram: @fretzinsteve Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: Steve@Fretzin.com Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more! YouTube: Steve Fretzin Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Armando Leduc discuss: Building authority through podcasting Overcoming mindset barriers Leveraging content strategically Maintaining consistency for compounding impact   Key Takeaways: Hosting a weekly podcast allows lawyers to create a systematic referral network, strengthen relationships with industry partners, and position themselves as trusted authorities over time. Addressing fear, self-doubt, and perceived market saturation helps attorneys gain confidence on camera and embrace personal branding as a growth tool. Repurposing podcast recordings into articles, social posts, and even books multiplies visibility and ensures each interview provides long-term business development value. Persistently producing niche-focused content over months and years compounds authority, relationships, and opportunities, turning podcasting into a long-term growth engine.   "If you're an estate planning attorney, start a podcast... but number two, bring in financial advisors and family lawyers and wealth advisors and CPAs and people that are in the space that can refer you business." —  Armando Leduc    Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again.   Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don’t miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/   Thank you to our Sponsor! Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.com/   Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/   About Armando Leduc: Armando Leduc is the CEO of Leduc Entertainment, a social media management company. Armando is a multifaceted and driven artist who has carved a niche for himself in the entertainment sector through determination, hard work, and an innate gift for storytelling. With a growing list of achievements and a steadfast commitment to his craft, Armando continually strives for excellence, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating his next creative endeavor.   Connect with Armando Leduc:   Website: https://www.leducentertainment.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leducentertainment Twitter: https://twitter.com/armandoleduc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leducentertainment/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ0BozS4ZM-1TqOcwSl2l0Q LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/armando-leduc-16ba4940   Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Instagram: @fretzinsteve Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: Steve@Fretzin.com Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more! YouTube: Steve Fretzin Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Brian Hansen discuss: Planning before marketing Specializing in impact Prioritizing practical channels Using AI and content wisely   Key Takeaways: Lawyers should focus on strategy, clear goals, and growth plans before jumping into ads or SEO. Thinking like a business owner prevents reactive, scattered efforts. Narrowing focus to niches ensures higher-quality results and avoids mediocrity. Saying no to misaligned work preserves reputation and effectiveness. Local Service Ads, SEO fundamentals, Maps visibility, and strong reviews drive results. Smaller firms may rely more on networking, referrals, and credibility than on heavy SEO spend. AI accelerates work, but expertise remains critical. Authentic, experience-based content on platforms clients actually use delivers lasting value.   "We only want to do what we're really good at… don’t do anything that you're going to do with a C plus or a B minus." —  Brian Hansen   Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again.   Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don’t miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/   Thank you to our Sponsor! Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.com/   Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/   About Brian Hansen: Brian Hansen is the founder and CEO of Rocket Pilots, a San Diego-based digital marketing agency specializing in helping law firms grow through targeted SEO, Local Service Ads, and paid media strategies. Since launching the agency in 2016, Brian has focused on delivering measurable results, ethical practices, and client-centered strategies that prioritize real business outcomes over vanity metrics. With expertise in niche marketing, strategy-driven campaigns, and consultative client relationships, he helps law firms navigate competitive markets and achieve sustainable growth while sharing insights on legal marketing and technology trends with the professional community.   Connect with Brian Hansen:   Website: https://rocketpilots.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianghansen/   Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Instagram: @fretzinsteve Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: Steve@Fretzin.com Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more! YouTube: Steve Fretzin Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Owili Eison, a Los Angeles personal injury partner known for catastrophic litigation and mentoring junior lawyers. He talks about thinking like an intrapreneur, balancing legal skill with business development. He explains intentional networking, qualifying referral sources, and using technology and AI to streamline intake and review.

Colleen Young, CMO at Get Staffed Up with 25+ years in B2B and professional services marketing. She explains how consistent visibility builds trust. They cover aligning marketing with intake to convert the right clients. Conversation focuses on relationship-driven growth, strategic delegation, and using personal content and events to cut through digital clutter.

Robert Hartmann, founder of Hartmann Law Firm and author of Making It Rain, is a criminal defense lawyer who teaches soft skills for business development. He discusses taking ownership of the business side of law. He highlights empathy, fast communication, and strategic networking. He urges preparing financially and operationally to go solo if needed.

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Leah Miller discuss: Run your law firm like a business, not a hobby Use accurate financials to avoid hidden risks and overpayment Track key metrics and benchmarks for people, operations, and marketing Leverage metrics to make strategic growth decisions   Key Takeaways: Long-term growth requires regular attention to financials. Cash in the bank is not a strategy; data should guide hiring, marketing, and operational decisions. Bad bookkeeping masks problems and can cost in taxes. Early investment in a bookkeeper or financial team yields high ROI and clarity. Monitor payroll, operating costs, and marketing spend as percentages of revenue. Focus on trends over time and adapt to what works for your firm. Financial data informs hiring, marketing, and process improvements. Treat new hires as investments, plan for cash gaps, and track time spent on business development for accountability.   "If you're not paying attention to the dollars and you're not operational decisions based on the finances, you are not going to have that long-term, sustained growth that you're looking for as a lawyer in a firm." —  Leah Miller   Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again.   Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don’t miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/   Thank you to our Sponsor! Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.com/   Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/   About Leah Miller: Leah N. Miller, MBA, is the founder and CEO of Firmly Profits, a firm providing fractional CFO and bookkeeping services to law firms across the United States. Starting her career as a paralegal, Leah rose to become a firm administrator and CFO at a personal injury law firm in Fort Myers, Florida, where she recognized the need for law firm owners to gain confidence in their finances. Passionate about helping attorneys achieve financial clarity and sustainable growth, she now leads a team dedicated to offering expert financial guidance, process improvement, and strategic planning for firms of all sizes. Outside of work, Leah teaches paralegal courses and enjoys spending time with her husband and three daughters in sunny Southwest Florida.   Connect with Leah Miller:   Website: https://firmlyprofits.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LNMFinancialServices/videos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/firmlyprofits/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/LNM-Financial-Services/100091343407958/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leah_lnm_financial/   Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Instagram: @fretzinsteve Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: Steve@Fretzin.com Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more! YouTube: Steve Fretzin Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Gary Miles discuss: Facing fear with clarity Owning your internal authority Focusing on the process, not the outcome Building freedom through micro-shifts   Key Takeaways: Fear is common in legal careers, often hidden behind competence. Recognize that much of it is imagined, not reality. Facing it openly allows lawyers to act with clarity and confidence. Internal authority matters more than external validation. Measure success by your own standards, preparation, and effort, not by others’ opinions or metrics. This mindset creates professional freedom and peace of mind. Enjoying the process improves performance more than obsessing over outcomes. Focus on preparation, relationships, and skill-building instead of constant comparison or pressure to “win.” This approach fosters growth and satisfaction. Small, practical shifts build lasting change. Replace self-critical thoughts with supportive ones, set clear boundaries, and evaluate progress by skill, enjoyment, and well-being. Over time, these micro-actions compound into meaningful professional freedom.   “There’s fear everywhere. Unfortunately, the reality is that we have to lean into it… We have to lean into the fear and make mistakes, and that’s how we improve." —  Gary Miles   Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again.   Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don’t miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/   Thank you to our Sponsor! Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.com/   Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/   About Gary Miles: Gary Miles is a trial attorney and former managing partner with over 40 years of legal experience, now dedicated to coaching lawyers to thrive. Drawing on his own journey managing complex cases and running a successful firm, he helps attorneys overcome fear, limiting beliefs, and burnout while building practices aligned with their values. Gary is the host of The Free Lawyer podcast and author of Breaking Free: A Guide to Achieving Personal and Professional Freedom as a Lawyer, combining mindset strategies with practical tools for professional and personal fulfillment.   Connect with Gary Miles:   Website: https://www.garymiles.net/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-miles-freedom/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gary.miles.75641 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/golfinggary52/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqcfaTWo17uxmYS9hfAdiaQ Free Lawyer Assessment: https://www.garymiles.net/the-free-lawyer-assessment   Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Instagram: @fretzinsteve Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: Steve@Fretzin.com Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more! YouTube: Steve Fretzin Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Josh Hodges, managing partner and founder of The Hometown Lawyers who built a community-focused personal injury practice. He talks about leaving big law to serve small towns. He explains using consistent content and service-first networking to build influence. He covers finding blue-ocean opportunities in underserved markets and structuring teams for sustainable growth.

Brooke Lively, speaker, author, and profitability expert who founded Cathedral Capital and Scaling Law, talks law firm leadership and execution. She explores why urgent tasks crowd out priorities. She explains using EOS-style frameworks, ruthless people decisions, and quarterly "rocks" to force focus. She also touches on matching leader wiring to firm stage for smoother growth.