Several years ago, a lawyer I had coached came to advise other lawyers in her firm how to get the most out of our coaching program.
She told them to focus on the three Ps.
- Persistence,
- Perseverance and
- Patience
I know from experience that lawyers who focus on the three Ps are more concerned with learning how to become better at client development than they are with getting early results.
I know many lawyers who are focused on results rather than focused on striving to get better. They fear failure to such a degree that they are unwilling to get outside their comfort zone.
They are not learning about how to become better at client development. Instead they are focused on techniques that may help them get business from the low hanging fruit. When their efforts do not produce results, they give up.
What should you do instead? Work on getting better at things that are outside your comfort zone.
If you want to learn how to network, go to events where you can practice. In fact, go to a networking event and approach strangers and introduce yourself.
If you want to become a better public speaker, speak in public. Consider joining a Toastmasters International club, or starting your own speaking club.
If you want to become a better writer, write articles or blog posts and have someone review them and offer a critique. There are plenty of retired editors and senior lawyers, who would gladly critique your writing.
Finally, remember the three P’s: Persistence, Perseverance and Patience.