{"href":"https://api.simplecast.com/oembed?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbe-that-lawyer.simplecast.com%2Fepisodes%2Frobert-hartmann-building-rainmaking-skills-HhxwnX7f","width":444,"version":"1.0","type":"rich","title":"Robert Hartmann: Building Rainmaking Skills","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_url":"https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/a218f1aa-24d9-40ea-b6b9-9a135d62017f/4d4f2086-91a4-4c84-b7fd-d5839954175a/episode_headshot_21.jpg","thumbnail_height":300,"provider_url":"https://simplecast.com","provider_name":"Simplecast","html":"","height":200,"description":"In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Robert Hartmann discuss:\n\nTaking ownership of the business of law\nBuilding rainmaking skills through empathy and responsiveness\nPreparing for independence before you need it\nNetworking strategically, not randomly\n\n\n\nKey Takeaways:\n\nLaw school prepares lawyers for doctrine, not for marketing, leadership, or running a practice. Lawyers must take responsibility for learning how to generate work and build a book of business. The safest career path is being able to stand on your own if circumstances change.\nEmpathy, honesty, and fast communication are powerful differentiators in a crowded market. Treating clients and referral sources with care strengthens reputation and repeat business. Soft skills practiced early, especially as an associate, lay the foundation for becoming a future Rainmaker.\nEvery lawyer should be financially and operationally ready to go solo if necessary. That includes savings, strong professional relationships, and clarity around overhead and support systems. Leaving firms well and preserving bridges can turn former employers into future referral sources.\nEffective networking focuses on finding a small group of true strategic partners, not collecting business cards. Let others speak first, listen well, and align your value to their needs. Consistent systems and intentional follow-through turn relationships into long-term referral engines.\n\n\n\n\"Everybody has the ability with a few simple soft skills to become a good Rainmaker.\" —  Robert Hartmann\n\n\n\nCheck 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.\n\n\n\nReady 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/\n\n\n\nThank you to our Sponsor!\n\nRankings.io: https://rankings.io/\n\nLawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.com/\n\n\n\nReady 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/\n\n\n\nAbout Robert Hartmann: Robert Hartmann is the founder of Hartmann Law Firm and an advocate for helping attorneys develop the soft skills needed to build successful legal careers. With years of experience practicing law and running a boutique firm, Robert emphasizes the importance of networking, relationship-building, and business development, skills often overlooked in traditional legal education. Through his work, he encourages lawyers to take ownership of their careers by building their own books of business and cultivating meaningful professional relationships. Robert is also the author of the upcoming book Making It Rain, which provides practical guidance and checklists for attorneys who want to become effective rainmakers and prepare for starting their own practice. Passionate about mentorship and professional growth, Robert regularly shares insights on networking, empathy in client relationships, and strategic career planning for lawyers.\n\n\n\nConnect with Robert Hartmann:  \n\nWebsite: https://www.hartmannlawfirm.net/\n\nLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-hartmann-565a5919/\n\nEmail: bob@hartmannlawfirm.net\n\nPhone: 714-381-1366\n\n\n\nConnect with Steve Fretzin:\n\nLinkedIn: Steve Fretzin\n\nTwitter: @stevefretzin\n\nInstagram: @fretzinsteve\n\nFacebook: Fretzin, Inc.\n\nWebsite: Fretzin.com\n\nEmail: Steve@Fretzin.com\n\nBook: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!\n\nYouTube: Steve Fretzin\n\nCall Steve directly at 847-602-6911\n\n\n\nAudio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. "}