Why "I Can Help Anyone" Is Killing Your Rainmaking
Hi gang,
Welcome to Issue #18.
I see so many women lawyers make this mistake: A vague, “I can help anyone” approach is the fastest way to being overlooked and undervalued.
Related mistake: trying to bring in work that you can send your partners by promoting your "full service firm."
The thing is, your target client only cares about their immediate problem.
So, if:
✅ You keep things general and vague.
✅ You worry that getting specific will cost you clients.
✅ You resist positioning yourself as an expert.
You are leaving opportunity on the table for someone else to grab.
Niching is about positioning yourself as the go-to expert in a space, so the right people immediately know they need you.
Related point: If you want to refer business to your colleagues, you need to be able to speak persuasively and specifically about their expertise, their type of clients they serve, and be able to share some of the wins they have achieved.
How do you make this shift? Pick one:
1️⃣ Watch your tone. Speak to a client with confidence, the same way you would in court. Rehearse. If you "practice" on potential clients, you risk throwing away your shot.
2️⃣ Cut the fluff. Skip the vague “I/we do everything/help everyone” approach. Instead: “I help [specific niche] solve [specific problem] using [your unique expertise, personality, background, etc.].”
3️⃣ Make your authority obvious. Share client success stories, case studies, and strategic insights that make people want to work with you.
Overachievers: Pick one move, calendar it, and execute. 💪
Perfectionists: Find a trusted peer to hold you accountable, and go there together. You'll make this shift much, much faster.
This is how you stop blending in—and begin standing out from the pack.
xo,
Rachel
P.S. BigLaw women: If you're curious what it would be like to work with me, join me & 20 of your accomplished colleagues on Friday at 2pm. we'll talk as a group and share top Strategies for Overcoming Obstacles (to building your book).
