As you know, on January 1, 2005 I left my law firm to coach, mentor and teach law firm lawyers in the US and Canada.

Recently I received an email from a construction contractor who needed my help. If I had taken on the matter, it would have paid me a multiple of what I will make this year coaching.

I am at the point in my career and life that I didn’t give it a second thought. Instead, I introduced the potential contractor client to lawyers who practiced with me and lawyers I have coached.

Bridge Under Construction

I have been  a referral source. But, I have been more. I coached the lawyers on how to get the work and by referring them I was their sponsor. I was vouching for them.

Throughout my career I have always had coaches or sponsors either within a client or potential client’s company or outside. The coach or sponsor was someone who recommended me or vouched for me or gave me inside information.

This week I was the coach or sponsor by introducing a lawyer to the contractor who contacted me to help.

Since I started coaching I also introduce construction lawyers to construction association executives. In my career those executive directors were coaches or sponsors for their contractor members. They recommended me.

I coached several lawyers this week. A couple said to me, “I don’t want to come across like a salesman.”

I didn’t either. That’s why developing relationships with a coach or sponsor is important.

Each of you have potential coaches or sponsors. I am certain they would be happy to help you. Are you getting their help?