The Velocity Work podcast is for lawyers who run their own firm. It explores tactics, tools, and stories that help owner-attorneys push past simply lawyering well to building a successful firm. Melissa Shanahan, Velocity Work's founder, helps clients and listeners shift how they operate in order to…
The Velocity Work podcast, hosted by Melissa Shanahan, is an exceptional resource for lawyers and business owners seeking practical advice and guidance on growing their firms. With a knack for cutting through the noise and delivering actionable insights, Melissa provides a valuable service to her listeners. Unlike many other podcasts in the legal field, The Velocity Work podcast goes beyond surface-level reminders to hire the host or promote her services. Instead, it offers deep and meaningful discussions that can truly help listeners grow as individuals and firm owners.
One of the best aspects of The Velocity Work podcast is Melissa's ability to address the unique challenges faced by lawyers looking to expand their firms beyond current plateaus. While there are plenty of resources available for starting a law practice, there are fewer options for those who have already established a running firm but feel stuck. This podcast fills that gap by providing innovative ideas and strategies to overcome growth obstacles. Listeners can expect to find practical solutions that can be implemented immediately.
Another standout feature of The Velocity Work podcast is Melissa's ability to combine insightful analysis with actionable advice. Her genuine care for solo and small firm lawyers shines through in every episode as she shares her profound practical wisdom on building successful businesses. Unlike other legal podcasts that may offer high-level insights but lack actionable steps, this show delivers tangible takeaways that listeners can apply directly to their practices.
While there are many positive aspects of The Velocity Work podcast, one potential downside is its narrow focus on lawyers and law firm owners. While this target audience will find immense value in Melissa's expertise, those outside the legal profession may not find as much relevancy in the topics discussed. However, for attorneys seeking guidance on business growth specifically tailored to their needs, this podcast is a goldmine.
In conclusion, The Velocity Work podcast stands out among its peers with its combination of insightfulness and actionability. Melissa Shanahan's passion for helping solo and small firm lawyers is evident in every episode, as she delivers valuable content and actionable advice with warmth and sincerity. Whether you're looking for inspiration, information, or entertainment, this podcast has it all. By following Melissa's guidance and implementing her recommendations, listeners can expect to see significant changes in their practices and achieve their goals. The Velocity Work podcast is a rare gem that offers polished insights ready to be put into practice immediately.
Are you unknowingly sabotaging your productivity by confusing intentional planning with procrastination? Many law firm owners fall into a common trap of delaying tasks, but not all delays are created equal. Understanding the difference between virtuous procrastination and sagacious delay can transform how you manage your time, decisions, and momentum. In this episode, Melissa explains how virtuous procrastination disguises itself as productivity but ultimately undermines self-trust and progress. By contrast, sagacious delay is a strategic, intentional pause that honors your commitments while allowing you to reschedule tasks thoughtfully. Melissa breaks down how these two approaches impact your ability to stay on track and build momentum in your firm. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/311
Are you holding your firm back by being too frugal with your business tools? Many law firm owners fall into the trap of cutting corners on essential tools, forcing their teams to cobble together inefficient processes that ultimately create drag throughout the entire organization. In this episode, Melissa explains the difference between “expense thinking” and “investment thinking.” Expense thinking focuses on saving money right now, keeping firms stuck in reactive survival mode. Investment thinking, by contrast, considers what the business needs to operate at a high level both today and in the future. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/310
How can data-driven decision-making transform your law firm? Melissa sits down with Mastery Group member Chelsea Riekkola, who went from not knowing what a KPI was to confidently setting and achieving ambitious revenue goals for her firm. Learn how Chelsea's firm exceeded their revenue targets through intentional goal-setting and team engagement, her unique approach to Monday Map using digital tools, and how she maintains extraordinary productivity despite juggling partnership responsibilities, board work, and family life. If you've been struggling to implement systems, Chelsea's practical insights will show you what's possible when you commit to the process. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/309
Are you holding yourself back with limiting beliefs about your law firm? In this episode, Melissa dives into the psychology behind these self-imposed limitations and why your brains is so good at finding evidence to support your negative beliefs. She shares a practical framework to break free from these limiting narratives by actively hunting for disconfirming evidence. By challenging your assumptions with real data and others' experiences, you can make decisions based on facts rather than feelings. This isn't about forced positive thinking, it's about expanding your perspective to see the full range of possibilities available to you and your firm. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/308
Have you been struggling to create effective bonus structures that actually motivate your team without compromising the health of your firm? Today, Melissa wraps up this mini-series on bonuses and incentives with some crucial clarifications that could make or break your compensation strategy. In this final installment, she addresses the most common questions and misconceptions that have emerged from the previous discussions. These insights will help you create compensation structures that align with your firm's goals while keeping your team engaged and motivated. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/307
Are you struggling to create a bonus structure that rewards your team while protecting your firm's financial health? Many law firm owners implement incentive plans that end up hurting their business or creating resentment. In this episode, Melissa builds on the previous discussions about incentives by focusing specifically on group bonus structures. She shares why revenue-based incentives can be problematic and offers a more sustainable approach based on profit after owner distributions and taxes. This method ensures the business remains healthy while still providing meaningful rewards when the firm is truly thriving. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here:https://www.velocitywork.com/306
Is your law firm's incentive structure actually hurting your business instead of helping it? Many bonus systems are fundamentally broken—either paying out too much or making it impossible for team members to succeed. In the second part of this deep dive into incentives and bonuses, Melissa walks you through how to calculate proper baselines, set up tiered structures that protect your firm's profitability, and ensure you're not giving away too much when team members exceed expectations. If you've been struggling with incentive structures that feel unfair or unsustainable, this episode provides the roadmap to fix them once and for all—while keeping your business healthy and your team motivated. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/305
Have you been struggling to create an incentive plan that actually works for your law firm? The truth is, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. What works brilliantly for one firm could be disastrous for another. In this episode, Melissa walks you through how to establish smart baselines using the "true average" method, the critical differences between expectations and incentives, and the pros and cons of group versus individual incentive structures. This is part one of a deep dive into creating incentive plans that are sustainable, motivating, and aligned with your firm's values. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/304
Are you feeling boxed in by your own thinking? As a law firm owner, it's easy to fall into mental traps that limit progress and create unnecessary stress. The truth is, you are never stuck because of your circumstances. You are stuck because of how you think about those circumstances. In this episode, Melissa explores common thought patterns that keep law firm owners trapped in cycles of stress and limitation. She breaks down the relationship between thoughts, feelings, actions, and results, showing how small shifts in thinking can open up new possibilities. This simple practice transforms the experience from feeling stuck to becoming strategic. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/303
Are you struggling to decide which Rocks to prioritize in your quarterly planning? Do you find yourself avoiding the uncomfortable tasks that deep down, you know are essential for your firm's growth? In this episode, we get into the details of setting effective Rocks and facing the discomfort that often comes with making tough decisions as a business owner. If you're ready to step into your next level as a business owner and create the kind of firm you've always wanted, this episode is for you. Melissa will guide you through the process of setting Rocks that align with your goals, even if they make you squirm. By the end of this episode, you'll have a clearer understanding of how to prioritize your efforts and move forward with confidence. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/302
Do you ever feel boxed in by your own plans and systems? Like you're constantly battling against a set of rigid rules that leave no room for flexibility? Many law firm owners struggle with the idea of structure, viewing it as a restriction rather than a tool for success. Discover the power of practicing restraint within a flexible structure and learn how tools like Monday Map/Friday Wrap can help you strike the perfect balance. Whether you're struggling with all-or-nothing thinking, battling burnout, or simply looking for a more empowering way to approach your goals, this episode will give you the perspective and strategies you need to take control of your time within your law firm and life. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/301
The Law Firm Owner Podcast has officially hit 300 episodes! This milestone speaks to the power of consistency and long-term commitment. When Melissa launched the show nearly six years ago, she set a clear goal: show up every single week, no matter what. In this episode, Melissa reflects on the lessons learned from staying the course. She shares how consistency has shaped both the podcast and her business, why playing the long game is essential for success, and how creating something of value without expecting immediate results leads to real impact over time. She also reveals exciting updates for the podcast and what's ahead for Velocity Work. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/300
Have you ever stopped to consider what you're tolerating in your law firm and life? We often put up with less-than-ideal situations without realizing the impact it has on our productivity, morale, and bottom line. But what if we could harness the power of tolerance in a positive way to achieve our goals and dreams? In this episode, Melissa explores the concept of tolerance from two different angles. She dives into how tolerating the wrong things can hold us back, while strategically tolerating discomfort can propel us forward. Tune in now to learn how to use tolerance to your advantage and take your law firm to the next level. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/299
Do you ever feel like you're stuck in a loop, failing to follow through on your goals despite your best intentions? You're not alone. Many law firm owners struggle to create lasting change in their lives, relying on willpower alone to push through. But what if there was a better way? In this episode, Melissa shares insights on how to make success automatic. By setting clear, identity-based rules for yourself, you can remove decision fatigue and create a new normal. It's not about motivation; it's about the systems you put in place. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/298
Do you feel like you're constantly working harder but not seeing the growth you want in your law firm? You're hiring more people, taking on more cases, and putting in long hours, yet your revenue and profit aren't keeping up. It's a frustrating cycle that can lead to burnout and leave you feeling stuck on a treadmill. In this episode, Melissa explains how shifting your mindset from working harder to allocating smarter can help you scale your firm without burning out. You'll learn how to focus on what truly moves the needle for your business and avoid spreading yourself and your team too thin. Get ready to get off the treadmill and start seeing real, sustainable growth. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/297
Do you ever feel like you're constantly playing life on "hard mode"? Like no matter how much effort you put in, you can't seem to get ahead or achieve the results you want? What if there was a way to flip the script and start playing on "easy mode" instead? By the end of this episode, you'll have a clear understanding of what it means to position yourself well, and practical strategies you can implement right away to start experiencing more flow, productivity, and fulfillment in your life and law firm. Get ready to level up from "hard mode" to "easy mode." Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/296
Do you ever feel like you're stuck in a rut with your law firm, desperately wanting to get your hands around your business but not knowing where to start? You're not alone. Many law firm owners struggle with understanding their data, identifying key focus areas, and making the necessary changes to achieve their goals. In this episode, Melissa dives deep into the common challenges faced by law firm owners who feel trapped in a glorified job rather than running a thriving business. She shares insights on how to break free from the cycle of stress and overwhelm by prioritizing data-driven decision making and strategic planning. If you're ready to take the reins and create the law firm of your dreams, this episode is a must-listen! Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/295
Are you considering expanding your law firm by adding a new practice area? It's a common dilemma faced by many law firm owners looking to grow their business and boost revenue. But is it the right move for your firm at this time? Don't let the allure of a new revenue stream cloud your judgment. Tune in to discover how to approach expansion strategically and set your law firm up for sustainable success. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/294
Do you ever feel like you're frantically chasing your goals, only to be left deflated when you don't hit them by the deadline? What if the key to sustainable growth lies not in the destination, but in the stretch? In this episode, Melissa dives deeper into the topic of goal-setting and shares some powerful insights that can transform the way you approach your targets. She explains why focusing on the work, rather than the outcome, is the secret to creating true velocity in your firm. Get ready to learn how to set ambitious targets while maintaining peace and perspective along the way. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/293
Do you have a clear plan for your law firm's growth in 2025? Are you setting the right revenue goals and projections based on your firm's unique circumstances? In this episode, Melissa shares how to approach goal setting and revenue projections in a way that makes sense for your firm. Specifically, she dives into strategies for estate planning firms with maintenance programs to set accurate revenue goals and projections. By breaking down your revenue streams and understanding the nuances of recurring revenue, you can create a roadmap for growth that is both ambitious and attainable. This episode tells you how. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/292
How do you determine what the value of your business is, and how can you think differently to increase the value of your law firm? This topic will strike a chord with lawyers everywhere, but not enough lawyers understand the value of answering these questions, especially when it comes to retiring from or exiting your law firm. To help you start thinking abut your practice as an asset, Melissa is joined this week by Darren Wurz. Darren is the founder and CEO of The Lawyer Millionaire Founders Network, a next-generation membership model of financial planning designed exclusively for law firm owners. Tune in this week to learn practical strategies to improve your structural, human, customer, and social capital, setting your firm up for long-term success and a profitable exit. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/291
Sometimes, looking back over the past 12 months leads to self-criticism and a sense of disappointment, not allowing you to see the small wins that have made this year a success. If you look back over 2024 and can't shake that voice of self-criticism, this episode is for you. It's easy to lose sight of how far you've come, especially when there are still items you didn't cross off your list this year. But even if this year hasn't been as deliberate or as fruitful as you'd hoped, there's a lot to be proud of yourself for, and Melissa is showing you why on today's show. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/290
Have you ever felt like you're riding the line between feeling good and feeling down, but not quite tipping over into full-blown depression? As a high-achieving law firm owner, it's easy to get caught up in the drive to succeed and push yourself to the limit, often at the cost of your own well-being. In this episode, Melissa sits down with her therapist, Jenny Jacobsen, to discuss the importance of mental health for law firm owners. Jenny is a Certified EMDR therapist with 14 years of experience in clinical practice. They dive into the concept of curiosity as the opposite of depression and how getting curious about your own feelings and experiences can lead to greater self-compassion and connection. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/289
Do you ever feel like you intellectually understand a lesson, but haven't truly learned or implemented it? In this episode, Melissa shares eight hard-won lessons from law firm owners that have been game-changers for their businesses. These are not just quippy truths, but real experiences that have forever changed the way these owners operate. Join Melissa this week to hear the top eight lessons learned by her Mastery Group members, and consider how you can start practicing them in your own firm. Whether it's implementing a system for regular check-ins with your team, tracking conversion rates, or learning to trust others with responsibility, there is at least one takeaway that can help you create better results for yourself and your firm. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/288
Do you ever feel like you're just going through the motions at work, never quite making progress despite working long hours? Do you struggle to find a sense of calm and control over your time and results? In this episode, Melissa sits down with Drew Hickey, a Mastery Group member and Monday Map Power Hour facilitator who has experienced a profound shift in her mindset and productivity through implementing the Monday Map process. Tune in this week as Melissa and Drew dive deep into the power of the Monday Map process for creating intentional plans and honoring them throughout the week. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/287
As a law firm owner, it's easy to fall into the trap of working long hours and neglecting other important areas of your life. And if, like so many other lawyers, you're looking for a way to achieve better work-life balance, you're in luck. This week, Melissa is joined by Lauren Davis, a medical malpractice and personal injury attorney based in Virginia. Lauren shares her journey from working 45-65 hour weeks at a midsize firm to starting her own practice and intentionally scaling back her hours. Listen in to hear Lauren's practical tips and insights on how to track your hours, create an ideal workweek template, and delegate tasks to free up more time for the things that matter most. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/286
Feeling exhausted as the holidays approach? You're not alone. While some level of exhaustion is normal, different types of exhaustion require different remedies. Tune in to discover the difference between harmful and beneficial exhaustion, learn practical tips for restoring the nervous system and cognitive function, and understand the importance of having a strong support team. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/285
Are you ready to make 2025 your best year yet as a law firm owner? In the midst of holiday celebrations and all the things that come with this exciting time of the year, the key to success lies in being proactive and setting yourself up for a strong start. And in this episode, Melissa shares two crucial areas to focus on now that will pay dividends in the new year and beyond. Listen in this week to learn Melissa's tips for teeing yourself up for success in 2025. You'll hear how surrounding yourself with the right people can provide energy, inspiration, and guidance you need to thrive, why data is an essential piece of the puzzle, and the key metrics every law firm owner should track to gain clarity and make informed decisions to drive your firm forward. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/284
If you ever find yourself doubting your team's ability to hit your firm's revenue goals, you're not alone. Many law firm owners struggle with this, but the truth is, lowering your targets is not the answer. Listen in this week to discover how to identify the real reasons your team may not be following processes and what you can do as a leader to address those underlying issues. Learn why accountability, training, and process validation are essential for enabling your team to perform at their best, and important questions to ask yourself about what's really going on under the surface if you find yourself wanting to lower targets. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/283
Last week, Melissa introduced you to the concept of the future vision you are creating for your law firm. In order for it to come to fruition, you must deeply believe in that vision as an owner, which requires you to take a close look at your mindset and assess whether or not it's supporting you in achieving your goals. Join Melissa this week to learn the mindset shifts required to break free from the perfectionism and doubt that can hold you back from achieving your goals. You'll learn how to quiet the voices of fear and doubt and instead focus on aligning your actions with the paradigm shift required to reach your goals. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/282
Do you ever feel like you're stuck in the day-to-day of your law firm, making decisions that don't align with the future you envision? Whether you want to be a $2 million firm, a $5 million firm, or something more, you must start thinking from your future and making choices that bridge the gap between where you are now and where you want to be. Discover the power of thinking from your future and learn practical strategies for aligning your daily decisions with your long-term vision. Melissa emphasizes the crucial role of data in creating a realistic roadmap to your desired future state, and shows you how to overcome the default thinking patterns and behaviors that are holding you back from achieving your goals. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/281
Have you ever experienced an organization grasping tightly onto you as a client at all costs, even if it wasn't in your best interest to stay? Maybe you've done this with your own clients in the name of retention. You probably already know this doesn't feel good to anyone, and it's also not the healthiest way to run your business. At Velocity Work, Melissa takes a different approach. Tune in this week to hear where Melissa stands on client retention and when it might be time to let a client fly on their own. You'll learn the importance of recognizing how a step back could be a positive move in your client's journey, examples of when sabbaticals in your professional relationships might be necessary, and Melissa's top tips for approaching these partnerships with honesty, trust, and a focus on long-term growth. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/280
When law firm owners find Melissa, one of the most common problems they face is finding enough time in their calendars for the things that are most important to them personally and professionally. Not only is taking care of your closest relationships a priority, but so is your health and wellbeing, and of course, growing your firm. If balancing it all isn't something that comes easily to you, don't worry. Melissa has you covered this week. In this episode, Melissa shows you how to create calendar "Zones" dedicated to your priorities, and guides you through the process of identifying these priorities and gradually improving time management. She offers practical advice, breaking the process down into manageable steps so firm owners can progressively take back control of their time. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/279
Do you ever catch yourself making excuses for your business, whether it's the way things are run, your team members, or the numbers? Does a bad day, a lack of sleep, an unproductive meeting, or a difficult client sound like a valid reason for why you couldn't achieve what you said you would? While excuses are a trap many intelligent and high-achieving law firm owners fall into, the hard truth is that they are a surefire way to undermine your success. Join Melissa this week as she encourages you to examine where you might be in the habit of giving excuses and making yourself a victim to your circumstances. You'll hear why excuses can be so damaging to you and your firm's success, how they waste your time, energy, and resources, and Melissa's tips for kicking excuses to the curb and embracing a no-excuses mindset. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/278
Is your firm lacking structure and organization when it comes to how work gets done? Are tasks falling through the cracks or are team members working in silos? How do you know that both your team and yourself are following through on the things you said you would do? Join Melissa in this episode as she shares the two key elements that can help bring more visibility, accountability, and progress to your firm's workflow. You'll hear the importance of having a centralized task management system and holding regular progress meetings with your team, and how these strategies can create a culture of high performance and results in your law firm. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/277
Do you ever feel like you're carrying the weight of your law firm's growth on your shoulders alone? As overachievers, it's easy to fall into the trap of trying to make things happen by sheer force of will. But the truth is, to achieve your ambitious goals, you need a team that can rise to the challenge. Tune in this week as Melissa shares why law firm owners end up with mismatched teams, and what you can do to course-correct. You'll learn the importance of articulating your vision, setting clear standards, and gaining team buy-in so you can build a team that matches where you're taking your law firm. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/276
Do you feel like you should be generating more revenue from the leads your marketing efforts are currently bringing in? If you're pouring money into marketing but seeing minimal results, this episode is for you. As a law firm owner, conversion rates are a critical metric to track and understand if you want to get the most out of your marketing spend. In this episode, Melissa digs into what a conversion rate is and how improving it can massively increase your firm's revenue without needing to spend more on marketing. Tune in to understand how to calculate your firm's conversion rate, identify the common barriers to tracking and improving conversion, and implement practical strategies to optimize your intake process. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/275
While finance management can feel intimidating, the great news is that consistent financial reporting isn't rocket science. There's just a little organization to get squared away upfront, which will make you the most empowered, responsible business owner you can be. If you need a clear plan for creating a consistent financial reporting system, this episode is for you. Listen in as Melissa shares the four key numbers every law firm owner needs to know, the cadence at which you should be reviewing these numbers, and why having a blueprint for your firm's financial reports is critical for long-term success. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/274
Are you pedaling furiously on the bike of your law firm, working harder and harder but not getting very far? Making the transition from "bike" to "car" means leveraging the tools, systems, and people around you to accelerate your progress and create momentum, rather than grinding away and doing everything yourself. While it can feel scary to let go of control, the payoffs in terms of growth, sustainability, and quality of life are immense. Join Melissa on this episode as she explores the powerful analogy of getting off the bike and into the car when it comes to running your law firm. She shares concrete strategies for delegation, constraining your focus, and stepping into a leadership role, and how this allows you to set yourself up for sustained growth, rather than short bursts of progress that end up being followed by burnout. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/273
As a law firm owner, you have the opportunity to be a mentor for the people on your team. But what does effective mentoring actually look like in practice? This week, Melissa outlines the best kind of mentoring you can offer your team, what it means to get them on the same page and take on what matters most to you, and how this can drastically shape the culture of your company. Join Melissa as she explores the concept of “capital M mentoring” and “little m mentoring” and their differences. You'll learn how “little m mentoring” gets your whole firm working in a way that has your stamp of approval, examples of how you can incorporate more of it into your firm's culture, and the long-term impact of up-leveling your mentoring game. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/272
When you are mentally, physically, and emotionally strong, it lends itself to success in all areas of your life. Setting personal goals alongside your business goals is a powerful way to show up as your best self. But too often, Melissa sees law firm owners and their teams neglecting their personal development in the pursuit of professional achievement. In this episode, Melissa shares an inspiring team initiative you can borrow to create or strengthen the culture of making progress, and the remarkable impact this has had on Velocity Work's team in just one month. Tune in to discover the simple yet intentional process Melissa uses to help every team member set a meaningful personal goal and stay accountable to it. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/271
What does it take to cultivate the mindset of a champion who realizes their biggest dreams? As a law firm owner, it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind and lose sight of the bigger vision. If you feel disconnected from your purpose, you're in luck because on this episode, Melissa shares key takeaways from an inspiring talk by Bob Bowman, the longtime coach of Michael Phelps, on the characteristics of champions. Tune in to hear an overview of the six characteristics of champions and how these principles can be applied to you as a law firm owner. You'll learn why having a compelling dream is critical, how to create a plan to achieve it, and the importance of focusing on the process over outcomes. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/270
Billing monthly is the norm for most law firm owners, and it's probably working just fine for you and your clients, so why would you do it differently? This is what Eileen Kendall from Kendall Law believed… until she realized that a simple billing switch could change the game for her firm's cash flow. Eileen Kendall is back this week to share how billing twice a month has helped stabilize her firm's cash flow, especially as she's gone through a period of rapid growth from $300K to $900K per year. Listen in to discover how you can improve your firm's financial health and create more breathing room in your schedule with a simple billing tweak. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/269
By the end of May, Eileen Kendall was essentially running her firm alone. With her associate out sick and no paralegal support, this was her breaking point. She was close to shutting the doors to her firm when she decided it was time to make some big changes to get her house in order. Eileen has been a private client of Melissa's for a couple of years, and on this episode, Eileen and Melissa are discussing how Eileen's tenacity has helped her weather some significant storms in her business. Join them to hear what it takes to build a get-it-done mentality, why Eileen believes failure isn't an option, and how her mindset has kept her afloat when she thought the worst might happen. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/267
This is your last chance to join to plan for the end of 2024 (and beyond). Let's work together. velocitywork.com/join
Welcome to a special episode as Melissa celebrates five years of The Law Firm Owner Podcast! There are a handful of other things Melissa is celebrating right alongside the fifth anniversary of the podcast, and she's using this opportunity to introduce you to Velocity Work's COO, Giselle Urbina, and highlight everything that's been going on behind the scenes. Join Melissa and Giselle on this episode as they dig into the work Giselle has been doing inside the company as COO and facilitator, and how she came into this role. They're also exploring some of the major client wins that have been happening in Melissa's groups, the role Giselle has played in ensuring client success, and the updates and improvements you can expect to see soon. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/267
There are two approaches to running a law firm and the first one is structured. Discipline and focus are highly valued with this style, and there's often intensity present too. The second approach is one that's softer, more flexible and adaptive. Both sound great, but is there a time and place for one over the other? Which foot are you leading with? And why does understanding your stance even matter? Listen in this week as Melissa walks you through what it takes to create radical shifts inside your firm, and why your approach matters when it comes to achieving whatever it is you have your sights set on right now. You'll hear when the combination of structure and flexibility is truly powerful, how to exercise your individual strengths, and how to walk the line of focus and adaptability at the same time. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/266
As a law firm owner, you've taken huge risks and put in blood, sweat, and tears to lift your firm off the ground. You've considered how to run your firm in a way that feels healthy and aligned, and you're ensuring your clients and team are served at the highest level possible. But have you ever stopped to put a number on what success means to you? Have you figured out how all this work you've put in can lead to more time and money freedom for you? Join Melissa on this episode as she offers her guide for calculating how your business can fund your dreams. You'll hear how you can make jumps in profit without putting in extra work, what playing around with your future numbers looks like, and a mental exercise to get you in the practice of mapping out your dreams. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/265
What is your people cost? Do you know what should be included in and excluded from your people cost? And how can getting into the nitty-gritty from a numbers perspective help you run your firm more smoothly and even create happier employees and clients? If you feel like you're just surviving as a law firm owner right now and want to understand the levers you can pull to truly thrive, listen in. Melissa is showing you how to calculate your people cost, what you might need to do if your people cost is higher or lower than it should be, and she's also giving you prompts that will allow you to run the checks and balances necessary for a healthy firm. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/264
Are you aware of the return on investment you're getting from your hires? Does it feel like you have to watch your pennies when it comes to taking an owner's draw or rewarding your team? How might you be hiring blindly, and how is it affecting the health of both your business and your team? If you're embarking on your team-building journey with hunches or an unwillingness to look at the math, listen in today to hear how you're setting your business up for failure. Melissa is showing you the order in which you should be hiring, why you must raise your standards when it comes to the ROI from your team, and how to avoid bloating your people cost. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/263
There's a recurring theme Melissa has noticed in her consult calls with law firm owners. They're willing to pay thousands on coaching programs without understanding the health of their business, and if this is you, Melissa is here this week to show you why you have no business paying that much when you don't know what's going on under the hood of your firm. You'll learn what happens when you can't answer basic questions about gross revenue or net profit, how this is a super common experience among owners, and why getting back to the fundamentals doesn't have to cost thousands. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/262