by Andi Groomes

One of the things I hear all the time from new rainmakers is… “ I know I should be doing business development, but I’m just too busy and don’t have the time” In fact, there is always lots of evidence that proves you right about this… and we all know how much lawyers love to be right, don’t we?

The recent mid-level associates survey indicates the lowest satisfaction rate in years, as a result of less people, more work and no let up in expectations from the top.  With the current economic conditions there is more pressure than ever on the billable hours front.  Sound familiar?

Okay we feel your pain!  So what’s a rainmaker-in-waiting to do?  Well maybe the time has come for some “Five minute rainmaking tips.” I’ve read countless profiles of rainmakers who say that they spend 5, 10 or as much as 20% of their time doing business development activities.  How do they do it? Eat the elephant one bite at a time.  For the sports fans out there, you can consider rainmaking a series of 2-minute drills executed at the end of the quarter.

Let’s break down making rain into a few smaller activities that you do have time to act upon.

Five-Minute Rainmaking Tips

1. Make a list of your top 10 clients with phone numbers handy, so you can reach out to each one when you have more time (15 minutes, they are busy too).
2. Email a client and check in, let them know you are thinking about them and ask how they are doing or how you can help?
3. Take 5 minutes and think about what potential clients or individuals you would like to meet in order to initiate a new relationship.  Keep the list handy for the next time you have to attend an event you can see if one will be attending so you can arrange to meet.
4. List one successful rainmaker you admire and gather all the information you need to call or email them to arrange a meeting or even a virtual cup of coffee will get you started.  Most successful people and their egos are honored to oblige.
5. Check LinkedIn and reconnect with law school friends.  Where are they now?  How can you support each other?

Ok, five minutes is over.  Let me know how these work.