Asking for business isn’t always easy, even for lawyers who prefer to let their work speak for itself. Whether it’s worrying about sounding too pushy or not knowing how to start the conversation, it can feel uncomfortable. But if you want to grow your practice and strengthen client relationships, learning to confidently ask is essential. It’s about offering value, choosing the right time and staying authentic—because, in the end, people prefer to work with those they know, like and trust.

As we move into the last quarter of the year, it’s a great time for business professionals and lawyers to step back and think about how to set themselves up for success, not just for the end of 2024 but well into 2025. While the holiday season often leads to a natural slow down, it also provides a valuable opportunity to reflect on your strategy, refine your approach and plan for a stronger year ahead.

If you’re a legal business development or marketing professional, you’ve probably felt the frustration of not having direct access to the existing clients you’re trying to engage or the prospects you’re aiming to secure as new clients. It’s like trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces. How do you create the perfect pitch when you don’t know exactly what the client needs? How do you build relationships when you can’t even get in the same room? These are real challenges but they’re not impossible to overcome.

When was the last time you really paid attention to someone’s LinkedIn headline? Chances are, you barely noticed it—especially if it was something generic like “Account Executive at XYZ Corp.” We’ve all been there, scrolling through endless profiles that blur together because they don’t say anything interesting. It’s a missed opportunity, and you don’t want that for yourself.

It’s easy to get caught up in client work and forget about one of the most powerful growth tools right in front of you—other lawyers. Sure, marketing directly to potential clients is important, but have you ever thought about the value of referrals from fellow attorneys? Lawyers who don’t practice in your area can be a great source of new clients, especially when they trust you to handle the matters they can’t. Creating and maintaining a strong network of referral partners is essential to growing your practice. It’s about connecting with other lawyers who are looking for someone they can count on when their clients need help outside their expertise. Here’s how you can start making those connections and turning them into real opportunities for your practice.

In the legal profession, your network is truly your net worth. It’s not just about delivering exceptional work—it’s about being the trusted advisor your clients turn to time and time again. Whether you’re just starting out or have been practicing for years, building and maintaining strong client relationships is the foundation of your success. This article provides actionable tips to help you deepen those connections, keep your referral sources engaged, stay on your clients’ radar and ultimately grow your practice.

Just because you’ve created a great article, blog post or are hosting a timely webinar, there’s no guarantee people will see it. The idea that “if you build it, they will come” doesn’t always hold true in marketing. You need to actively promote your content and that’s where email marketing comes in.

Asking for business is a crucial skill that many lawyers struggle with when it comes to building their practice. You’ve likely spent countless hours and resources developing a vast network of contacts, nurturing relationships, and building trust. Yet, despite all this effort, new business opportunities can still feel elusive. It’s frustrating to see all that hard work not translating into tangible results. The reality is that if you never ask for the business, all your time and energy might go to waste.

When I first started using LinkedIn, I thought it was just a place to update my resume and connect with colleagues. But I quickly realized that it’s so much more than that. LinkedIn has become a powerful platform for building relationships, establishing authority and driving business growth. With over 1 billion members in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide, the opportunities on LinkedIn are endless. Here are some advanced strategies and tips I’ve learned to help you use LinkedIn to its full potential for your business development efforts.