In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Chris Ruzicka discuss: Networking and relationship building The role of business development in law firms Why many lawyers struggle with sales and networking Making the most out of networking opportunities Key Takeaways: Building strong relationships is key to business development by focusing on genuine connections over immediate sales and starting with familiar, comfortable contacts. Non-lawyers add significant value in law firms by handling networking, generating referrals, and guiding attorneys in business development strategies that drive firm growth. Effective networking relies on thorough preparation through researching contacts, utilizing LinkedIn, and planning conversations to establish rapport. Consistent follow-up strengthens professional relationships by maintaining regular communication and making strategic introductions to turn connections into business opportunities. "[Business development people] can provide attorneys with additional ammo, additional help, and additional support to not only recruit but also retain." — Chris Ruzicka Read Steve's past episodes as Blogcasts—visit now: https://www.fretzin.com/blog/ Thank you to our Sponsors! Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Rainmakers Roundtable: https://www.fretzin.com/lawyer-coaching-and-training/peer-advisory-groups/ About Chris Ruzicka: Chris Ruzicka, Director of Business Development at the Carmody MacDonald law firm in St. Louis, Missouri, provides attorneys, clients, referral partners, and network connections with ideas and resources to improve their sales and marketing efforts. Chris’ primary objective is to market the firm and its attorneys while securing weekly referrals for the law firm. His extensive business development and marketing experience, ranging from start-ups to large organizations such as Anheuser-Busch and Sara Lee, enables him to bring innovative ideas and best practices to the firm and his connections. Chris regularly presents to groups on the topics of effective networking for business and how to develop a simplified, sensible marketing plan. Connect with Chris Ruzicka: Website: https://carmodymacdonald.com/ Phone: 314-854-8603 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherruzicka/ & https://www.linkedin.com/company/carmody-macdonald-p-c-/mycompany/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carmodymacdonaldpc/ 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 Chris Ruzicka discuss:
Key Takeaways:
"[Business development people] can provide attorneys with additional ammo, additional help, and additional support to not only recruit but also retain." — Chris Ruzicka
Read Steve's past episodes as Blogcasts—visit now: https://www.fretzin.com/blog/
Thank you to our Sponsors!
Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/
Rainmakers Roundtable: https://www.fretzin.com/lawyer-coaching-and-training/peer-advisory-groups/
About Chris Ruzicka: Chris Ruzicka, Director of Business Development at the Carmody MacDonald law firm in St. Louis, Missouri, provides attorneys, clients, referral partners, and network connections with ideas and resources to improve their sales and marketing efforts. Chris’ primary objective is to market the firm and its attorneys while securing weekly referrals for the law firm.
His extensive business development and marketing experience, ranging from start-ups to large organizations such as Anheuser-Busch and Sara Lee, enables him to bring innovative ideas and best practices to the firm and his connections. Chris regularly presents to groups on the topics of effective networking for business and how to develop a simplified, sensible marketing plan.
Connect with Chris Ruzicka:
Website: https://carmodymacdonald.com/
Phone: 314-854-8603
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherruzicka/ & https://www.linkedin.com/company/carmody-macdonald-p-c-/mycompany/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carmodymacdonaldpc/
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.