Staffing & Recruiter Training Podcast

In this special 200th episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love reflects on three key trends that have shaped business development and rainmaking success over the past few years. He shares lessons learned from interviewing top industry experts and discusses how professionals can apply these insights to stand out in an increasingly competitive market. Scott also introduces game theory concepts to help professionals predict business outcomes and optimize their client development strategies. Key topics include the three major trends in rainmaking success: 1) Empathy, the ability to understand and connect with clients on a deeper level; 2) Active Listening, which helps professionals uncover pain points and build trust; and 3) Distinction, the importance of identifying and leveraging unique personal or professional traits to differentiate from competitors. Scott also discusses how to gamify business development using a point-based system to track key performance activities, inspired by principles from bla

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Hugh Hornsby, sales leader and business transformation expert, about the power of people-based leadership and building high-performance teams. Hugh shares his experiences leading and turning around multiple companies, growing businesses from tens of millions to over $150 million in revenue. He emphasizes that success in business isn’t just about numbers—it’s about investing in people, creating belief systems, and fostering a culture of personal growth and accountability. He explains that true leadership is about empowering individuals to overcome their personal and professional barriers so they can reach their full potential. Key topics include identifying intrinsic motivation in employees, the importance of developing self-belief and personal accountability, and how to build a culture of collaboration where team members invest in each other’s success. Hugh shares insights on coaching employees past their mental barriers, using gratitude p

In this solo episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love shares insights on how game theory applies to client development and business growth. Drawing from his experience as a legal recruiter and his time studying professional gambling, Scott explains how understanding probabilities and strategic decision-making can help professionals focus their efforts on the highest-return activities. He emphasizes that professionals often spend too much time chasing cold leads when they should be doubling down on relationships that already yield results. By applying game theory principles, rainmakers can prioritize efforts that have the greatest likelihood of success. Key topics include the five levels of client development, ranked from highest to lowest probability of success: 1) existing clients, 2) people who know you, 3) referrals, 4) people who have heard of you, and 5) cold outreach. Scott discusses how to optimize business development efforts by focusing on existing relationships, leveraging trade associatio

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Jill Huse, co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Society 54, about women in leadership roles within professional services firms. Jill shares insights on the challenges women face in leadership, including limited access to key opportunities, bias in leadership selection, and a lack of allies to support their growth. She discusses how firms sometimes promote women into leadership roles without giving them real authority, which can undermine firm culture and professional development. Key topics include coaching strategies for leadership success, how women can advocate for themselves in equity and compensation discussions, and the importance of developing confidence in self-promotion. Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/ ---------------------------------------- Society 54 Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer Jill Huse is renowned as a trusted professional services advisor. Jill, a certified Business Coach, is highly regarded for her pr

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Rick Watson, financial services expert and author of A Firm Worth Building, about trust compression and edification—two powerful concepts that help professionals build relationships and accelerate business development. Rick explains that trust compression is the idea that trust is built not through the length of interactions but through the frequency of meaningful touchpoints. He shares how professionals can restructure their meetings into shorter, more frequent interactions to build stronger client relationships in less time. He also introduces edification, a technique for making powerful referrals that enhance credibility and create stronger business connections. Key topics include how to structure meetings for faster trust-building, the psychology behind frequent and consistent client interactions, and the importance of setting up a referral process that highlights credibility rather than commoditizing professionals. Rick discusses prac

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Rudhir Krishtel, executive coach and business development strategist, about the common traits, actions, and strategies of top-performing rainmakers. Rudhir shares insights from his extensive experience coaching high-level professionals, helping them scale their books of business from six figures to multi-million-dollar practices. He emphasizes that clarity and consistency are the two defining characteristics that separate elite rainmakers from those who struggle with growth. By clearly defining their goals and taking consistent, focused action, professionals can dramatically transform their success. Key topics include identifying and setting clear business and income goals, developing a strategic roadmap for growth, and avoiding the common pitfall of being too broad in target client selection. Rudhir introduces the AIMS framework—focusing on Annual revenue, Income goals, Matters handled, and Support structure—to help professionals define t

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Robert Ingalls, former attorney and founder of LawPods, about how professionals can use podcasting as a powerful business development tool. Robert shares his insights on leveraging podcasts to build relationships, establish thought leadership, and attract new clients. He emphasizes that podcasting isn’t just about producing content—it’s about strategically using it to nurture leads, educate referral sources, and expand professional networks. By consistently creating content that speaks directly to client pain points, professionals can establish trust and credibility in a way that written content or traditional marketing cannot. Key topics include the three primary ways professionals use podcasting for business growth—nurturing leads by addressing common client concerns, educating referral sources to build long-term partnerships, and networking through strategic guest interviews. Robert also discusses the importance of consistency in podcas

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Daveed Wagner, personal branding expert, about how professionals can build and manage their personal brand in the age of artificial intelligence. Daveed explains that as AI reshapes industries, professionals need to be intentional and proactive in curating their online presence. He emphasizes that personal branding is no longer optional—it is essential for standing out, building trust, and attracting business opportunities. By crafting a strategic brand narrative and leveraging digital platforms, professionals can ensure their expertise and reputation are accurately represented. Key topics include the three pillars of a strong personal brand—inviting people into your narrative, engaging meaningfully with your audience, and building a loyal community. Daveed also shares insights on conducting a personal brand audit, which evaluates one’s online presence, social media consistency, and SEO performance. He highlights common pitfalls, such as f

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Suzette Welling, management consultant and expert in professional services firm operations, about how to take action on strategic plans to drive real business results. Suzette shares insights from her experience working with law firms, explaining that many firms invest significant time and money into strategic planning retreats but fail to execute on their plans once they return to their daily operations. She emphasizes that intentionality, accountability, and structured systems are the key factors in ensuring that strategic initiatives don’t get lost in the shuffle of daily business demands. Key topics include how to break long-term plans into manageable quarterly and weekly goals, the importance of assigning clear responsibility for action items, and how to implement the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to create structured accountability. Suzette also shares strategies for effective team communication, weekly progress tracking, an

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Jonathan Porter-Whistman, author of The Sales Boss, about what it takes to become a top 1% sales leader. Jonathan shares insights from his book, explaining that being a true “Sales Boss” is about more than managing a team—it’s about building a high-performance culture, taking full ownership of results, and leading with a clear, strategic vision. He emphasizes that top-performing sales leaders recognize that success starts with them, and they take responsibility for every aspect of their team’s performance, from hiring to training to execution. Key topics include Jonathan’s Sales Boss framework, which outlines the essential traits and actions of elite sales leaders, and his four-stage hiring process for identifying and onboarding high-potential sales professionals. He discusses the importance of avoiding micromanagement while staying actively engaged, setting high expectations, and leading by example. Jonathan also shares his “BOSS” acronym

In this solo episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love shares secrets of time management that can help professionals maximize productivity, reduce stress, and achieve their goals more efficiently. Drawing from his experience in executive recruiting, speaking, and business development, Scott emphasizes that time is a finite resource, and how we manage it directly impacts success. He introduces a framework for intentional time management, explaining that clarity, focus, intensity, and execution are the four key factors that determine how effectively we use our time. Key topics include the importance of planning daily and weekly priorities, batching similar tasks to reduce interruptions, and using two powerful self-assessment questions: “What’s the best use of my time right now?” and “Will this activity take me closer to or further away from my goals?” Scott also highlights how mismanaged time results in double losses, as it takes additional effort to regain lost focus and productivity. He provides prac

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Rob Mosley, Managing Partner and Senior Director of Training and Development at Next Level Exchange, about understanding how clients and prospects think. Rob, a seasoned executive search trainer, shares insights on how professionals can shift from a self-centered sales mindset to a client-centric approach, ensuring they truly understand what drives their prospects’ decisions. He explains that most salespeople focus only on their objectives, missing the deeper motivations and needs of their clients, which results in lost opportunities and weaker relationships. Key topics include the eight stages of decision-making that every client goes through, the importance of pre-call preparation to gather insights on a prospect’s business, and how to structure conversations around a client’s goals and challenges rather than leading with a sales pitch. Rob also introduces the "Compelling Connect" strategy, which emphasizes the need to start conversation

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Rich Bracken, professional speaker and consultant, about executive presence and how it impacts trust, influence, and leadership in business development. Rich, who has extensive experience working with law firms and corporate professionals, defines executive presence as a combination of self-confidence, communication skills, and personal branding. He explains that true executive presence is about how professionals present themselves, engage with clients, and communicate persuasively in high-stakes situations. Key topics include how to develop self-confidence in meetings, especially when speaking up in rooms with senior colleagues, and how to tailor communication styles based on the audience. Rich introduces the "Conversational Chameleon" strategy, which teaches professionals how to adjust messaging for different stakeholders—whether they are CEOs, CFOs, or marketing leaders—to maximize engagement. He also shares techniques for commanding at

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Ian Campbell, author of The Value Sale, about how professionals can integrate value-based selling into every stage of the sales funnel. Ian explains that many sales professionals make the mistake of presenting value only at the end of the sales process when building a business case, which often leads to stalled deals. Instead, he advocates for a dual-sided sales funnel, where value is introduced early, reinforced with examples, and solidified by a clear ROI before the close. By taking this approach, professionals can create more compelling sales conversations and improve their ability to close deals. Key topics include the three-stage value messaging framework—starting with general value discussion, progressing to case studies that demonstrate tangible results, and finally tailoring value to the specific prospect’s needs. Ian also discusses how to identify the one or two core benefits that truly drive a deal, avoiding the common pitfall of

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Dr. David Burkus, organizational psychologist and author of Best Team Ever, about the fundamentals of leading small teams effectively. Dr. Burkus explains that while leadership in large organizations is often about managing systems and processes, leading a small team requires a deeper focus on culture, communication, and accountability. He highlights that leaders of small teams have a unique advantage: they can directly influence the team’s culture and engagement, shaping an environment of trust, collaboration, and high performance. Key topics include the importance of setting clear expectations and milestones, fostering healthy conflict as a tool for innovation, and the power of team-wide meetings for accountability and alignment. Dr. Burkus shares his three-question team huddle framework—asking team members what they’ve completed, what they’re focused on next, and what’s blocking their progress—to create a structured, transparent approac

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Eric Morgan, marketing and advertising executive, about the importance of strategy in business development and how professionals can ensure their marketing efforts are aligned with their long-term goals. Eric explains that many firms mistake tactics for strategy, focusing on individual marketing actions (like social media posts or ad campaigns) rather than crafting a comprehensive, well-researched plan. He emphasizes that true strategy is about understanding the market, identifying opportunities for distinction, and executing a clear, measurable plan to achieve business growth. Key topics include how to identify and own a market space, the dangers of competing solely on price, and the role of branding in professional services. Eric shares insights on how businesses can evaluate their current position in the marketplace, analyze competitor strategies, and carve out a distinctive identity that resonates with clients. He also discusses measur

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Waldo Waldman, retired fighter pilot, professional speaker, and bestselling author of Never Fly Solo, about the importance of building a strong personal brand and reputation in business. Waldo shares insights from his experiences in the Air Force and corporate world, emphasizing that a personal brand isn’t just about strategy—it’s about authenticity, trust, and the daily actions that define how others perceive you. He explains that professionals who focus on genuine relationships, service to others, and continuous self-improvement will naturally build a reputation that attracts success. Key topics include the concept of being a wingman, where professionals cultivate trust and reliability by consistently supporting colleagues and clients. Waldo discusses how to stay top-of-mind in business by nurturing relationships over time, being proactive in helping others, and creating a reputation for quality and excellence. He also emphasizes the imp

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Dan Warburton, management consultant and expert in leadership within the legal industry, about three secrets to profitable delegation for rainmakers. Dan explains that many law firm partners struggle with delegation because they were never trained in leadership and management, leading to exhaustion and inefficiency. He shares how professionals can free up their time, empower their teams, and dramatically increase profitability by implementing a structured delegation system. Key topics include setting up regular one-on-one meetings with key team members to streamline communication and prevent constant interruptions, making clear requests that specify what needs to be done, within what timeframe, and with mutual agreement, and holding team members accountable by tracking commitments and providing support when needed. Dan shares real-world examples of firms that transformed their profitability and work-life balance by following these principl

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Katherine Porter, a management consultant specializing in legal project management, about the power of human-centered design in attracting and retaining clients. Katherine explains that professionals, particularly those in legal and professional services, can improve business development by focusing on the client journey and creating a seamless, personalized experience. She emphasizes that human-centered design isn't just about delivering services—it’s about understanding client needs, mapping out their experiences, and making intentional improvements that enhance engagement and trust. Key topics include the concept of client journey mapping, where firms outline every touchpoint in a client's experience, from onboarding to service delivery, to identify areas for improvement. Katherine discusses the importance of empathy in business development, sharing how professionals can conduct client interviews and gather feedback to refine their proc

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Ryan Estis, keynote speaker and author of Prepare for Impact, about the evolving nature of leadership and business development in a rapidly changing world. Ryan shares insights from his extensive experience working with Fortune 1000 companies, emphasizing that leadership today requires a human-centered approach. He explains that the traditional top-down management style is outdated, and organizations that prioritize adaptability, emotional intelligence, and psychological safety will be the ones that thrive. His book explores how leaders can prepare for continuous disruption while still driving performance and growth. Key topics include the concept of human-centered leadership—a shift from hierarchical performance management to a more relational and purpose-driven leadership model. Ryan outlines key leadership traits such as adaptability, vulnerability, and vision, explaining how they contribute to long-term success. He shares research-back