Serve First, Sell Later Marketing

Sylvia Garibaldi

Welcome to the Serve First, Sell Later Marketing with Sylvia Garibaldi. The ultimate podcast for legal,  financial and other service-based professionals seeking to grow their practices and attract more high-paying clients through leading edge marketing solutions that feel authentic and non-salesy.  This podcast is your compass to navigate the competitive world of marketing your legal or financial services. Sylvia shares simple insights, strategies, and proven techniques tailored to service-based professionals.  Whether you are a lawyer, mediator, financial advisor, divorce professional or in any other service-based profession, this podcast is your go-to resource for differentiating yourself in the market and building awareness so that those who are in most need of your services will be able to find out about you!

  1. 3D AGO

    #111 You Don’t Attract Clients by Accident: Design a Practice for Ideal Clients

    Send a text If you keep saying you want better clients — but your practice keeps attracting the same ones — this episode is for you. Sylvia Garibaldi explains why attracting ideal clients isn’t about more marketing, but about alignment. She breaks down how your messaging, systems, and referral network must work together to consistently draw in the right people. You’ll hear why broad positioning weakens authority, why visibility alone won’t fix misalignment, and how small strategic shifts can transform who feels naturally drawn to your practice. What you’ll learn: 01:21 Why You’re Still Getting the Wrong Clients03:26 Marketing Amplifies Your Current Design (Not a Fix)06:50 Design for Ideal Clients: ICP vs Buyer Persona12:32 Do Your Systems Train the Right Clients?15:21 The Alignment Triangle: Messaging, Systems & Referrals21:17 What to Stop Doing to Level Up Clients25:58  Four Step Action Plan Resources: Feeling stuck about how to grow your practice, book a free strategy call here. #95 What Thousands of Professionals Taught Me About Marketing That Works #99 LinkedIn for Lawyers & Mediators: Turning Followers into Referral Partners #107 Your Intake Calls Are Telling You Exactly What to Say in Your Marketing Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "Love listening and learning from the Serve First, Sell Later Marketing Podcast” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Want more insights like this? Sign up for our newsletter. Sign up for our free LinkedIn newsletter on marketing your professional practice Connect with me on linkedin Join our online community Subscribe to my youtube channel

    30 min
  2. FEB 11

    #110 From Litigation to Mediation with Steve Benmor — How Family Lawyers Can Reposition and Grow Their Practice

    Send a text If you’re trying to grow your practice but still marketing yourself as “I do everything,” this episode is for you.  Sylvia Garibaldi sits down with veteran family lawyer Steve Benmor to discuss how he successfully shifted his practice from litigation to mediation. You’ll hear how niche positioning builds authority, why generalists often get overlooked, and how reputation, visibility, and specialization work together to drive referrals. Steve also shares how shifting from litigation to mediation reshaped not just his practice model—but his brand—and why becoming known for something specific is what ultimately gets you the call! He also discusses founding the Divorce Coaches Association of Ontario and how collaborating with divorce coaches strengthens outcomes for families — and referrals for professionals. What you’ll learn: 03:48 Steve's Journey from Litigation to Mediation07:42 The Adversarial vs. Mediation Model11:18 Marketing Mediation and Arbitration20:04 Building a Reputation and Expertise25:28 Identifying Your Ideal Client32:13 Referral Partnerships and Marketing Strategies37:47 The Role of Divorce Coaches40:39 Creating the Divorce Coaches Association of OntarioResources: Feeling stuck about how to grow your practice, book a free strategy call here.Learn more about Steve Benmor at Benmor Family Law Group:https://benmor.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/benmorfamilylawgroup/ Resources Library: https://benmor.com/our-library/  Learn more about Divorce Coaches of Ontario (DCAO):https://dcao.ca/ Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "Love listening and learning from the Serve First, Sell Later Marketing Podcast” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Want more insights like this? Sign up for our newsletter. Sign up for our free LinkedIn newsletter on marketing your professional practice Connect with me on linkedin Join our online community Subscribe to my youtube channel

    47 min
  3. FEB 5

    #109 What Makes a Practice Easy to Refer – and Easy to Choose

    Send us a text Most professionals already know that showing up matters.  The real question isn’t whether marketing should be consistent — it’s whether that kind of consistency is actually realistic inside a busy, demanding practice.  In this episode, Sylvia Garibaldi breaks down a more practical way to think about marketing — one that goes far beyond posting on social media and doesn’t rely on constant effort, pressure, or reinvention. Instead of treating marketing as a collection of tasks, this conversation reframes it as a system — one designed to support visibility, relationships, and authority over time, even when client work takes priority. What you’ll learn: 01:33 The Importance of Consistency02:36 Redefining Consistency in Marketing03:48 Signals of Consistency07:19 Building a Steady Marketing Ecosystem07:57 System 1: Visibility10:27 System 2:  Relationship Building12:35 System 3:  Authority Reinforcement14:55 Practical Steps for Sustainable Marketing22:37 Action Plan for Consistent MarketingResources: Feeling stuck about how to grow your practice, book a free strategy call here.#75 The Secret to Keep Clients Coming#85 Turn One Webinar Into Clients#47 3 Common Mistakes Holding Back Your Practice's GrowthRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "Love listening and learning from the Serve First, Sell Later Marketing Podcast” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Want more insights like this? Sign up for our newsletter. Sign up for our free LinkedIn newsletter on marketing your professional practice Connect with me on linkedin Join our online community Subscribe to my youtube channel

    25 min
  4. JAN 28

    #108 Get More Clients: Authority vs Influencer Content for Lawyers & Mediators

    Send us a text If your social media gets likes but not consults, this episode is for you. Sylvia Garibaldi explains why influencer-style content often falls flat in high-stakes professional services—and what actually builds trust when people are deciding who to hire. You’ll hear why prospective clients aren’t looking to be entertained, but reassured, informed, and guided, and how authority-driven content quietly does the heavy lifting. This episode offers a clear, practical way to rethink your content so it supports real decisions, real referrals, and real growth. What you’ll learn: 01:29 Why Your Social Media Isn't Converting03:31 The Importance of Trust and Educational Content06:33 Why Influencer Content Falls Short10:09 Effective Authority Content Formats15:09 Practical Examples of Authority Content18:09 Educate, Solve, and Build TrustResources: Feeling stuck about how to grow your practice, book a free strategy call here.#80 Use AI to Create Smarter, Faster Content#97 It's Not the Algorithm — It's Your Message#63 Build Authority and Attract Clients with ConfidenceRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "Love listening and learning from the Serve First, Sell Later Marketing Podcast” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Want more insights like this? Sign up for our newsletter. Sign up for our free LinkedIn newsletter on marketing your professional practice Connect with me on linkedin Join our online community Subscribe to my youtube channel

    21 min
  5. JAN 22

    #107 Your Intake Calls Are Telling You Exactly What to Say in Your Marketing

    Send us a text If your consult calls often turn into long explanations, repeated reassurance, or the same “I need to think about it” conversations, this episode is for you. Sylvia Garibaldi breaks down why those moments aren’t a sign that your prospects aren’t ready—but a sign that your marketing hasn’t done its job yet. You’ll learn how to use what people actually say on intake calls to create clear, service-driven marketing that answers questions before they’re asked. This episode offers a grounded, practical way to reduce pressure on your calls and shows how marketing can support your work instead of draining your energy. What you’ll learn: 01:34 Common Objections in Client Calls02:33 Transforming Objections into Marketing Data03:25 Creating Clarity Through Marketing03:58 Using Client Conversations for Content Creation08:02 Tracking Objections Without Extra Tools11:43 Turning Objections into Content20:41 The Power of Focused ContentResources: Feeling stuck about how to grow your practice, book a free strategy call here.#98 Your Next Client Is Already in Your Network (And How to Find Them in 10 Min a Day)#62 Attract Clients: The "Serve First" Secret#60 The 85% Rule: Why Most Clients Won’t Call You FirstRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "Love listening and learning from the Serve First, Sell Later Marketing Podcast” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Want more insights like this? Sign up for our newsletter. Sign up for our free LinkedIn newsletter on marketing your professional practice Connect with me on linkedin Join our online community Subscribe to my youtube channel

    26 min
  6. JAN 14

    #106 Why Waiting for Certainty Is Holding Your Practice Back

    Send us a text If you are a lawyer, mediator, or divorce professional who keeps thinking, “I just want to be sure before I commit,” this episode is for you.  Sylvia Garibaldi talks about why waiting for certainty feels like the responsible choice—but often keeps your practice stuck in place. You’ll hear how the same careful thinking that serves your clients so well can quietly get in the way of marketing, visibility, and growth. This episode offers a practical, grounded way to think about practice growth and explains why confidence and clarity usually come after you take action, not before. What you’ll learn: 01:31 The Hesitation Trap in Professional Growth02:21 The Myth of Certainty in Marketing03:56 Overcoming the Fear of Uncertainty04:29 The Role of Professional Training in Decision Making05:53 Taking Calculated Risks for Growth08:18 The Importance of Consistency and Feedback16:39 Practical Steps for Marketing DecisionsResources: Feeling stuck about how to grow your practice, book a free strategy call here.#95 What Thousands of Professionals Taught Me About Marketing That Works#10 The Secrets of High Achieving Professionals That Make A Difference#40 What Most People Aren’t Telling You About Growing A PracticeRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "Love listening and learning from the Serve First, Sell Later Marketing Podcast” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Want more insights like this? Sign up for our newsletter. Sign up for our free LinkedIn newsletter on marketing your professional practice Connect with me on linkedin Join our online community Subscribe to my youtube channel

    23 min
  7. JAN 7

    #105 Why Most Law and Mediation Marketing Plans Fail by February (And How to Build One That Survives 2026)

    Send us a text In this episode, Sylvia Garibaldi breaks down why marketing plans for law firms and mediation practices consistently fail by February, and more importantly, how to design a 2026 marketing plan that actually survives real-world conditions—busy calendars, emotional client work, court deadlines, and unpredictable weeks. This is not an episode about doing more marketing. It is about understanding why good plans collapse under pressure, and how to build a simple, realistic marketing structure that continues working when things get busy.  If you are a lawyer, mediator, or divorce professional who wants consistent inquiries, referrals, and visibility—without chasing every new tactic—this episode is for you! What you’ll learn: 01:43 Reflecting on Last Year's Success02:43 Why Marketing Plans Fail by February04:37 Emotional Overrides and Marketing Collapse08:13 Outcome vs. Behavior-Based Plans12:08 The Pitfalls of Doing Too Much15:42 Designing Resilient Marketing Plans19:35 Marketing as a Non-Optional Activity23:48 Building a Sustainable Marketing Plan for 2026Resources: Feeling stuck about how to grow your practice, book a free strategy call here.#104 How Law & Mediation Practices Can Get More Clients in 2026Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "Love listening and learning from the Serve First, Sell Later Marketing Podcast” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Want more insights like this? Sign up for our newsletter. Sign up for our free LinkedIn newsletter on marketing your professional practice Connect with me on linkedin Join our online community Subscribe to my youtube channel

    32 min
  8. 12/09/2025

    #104 How Law & Mediation Practices Can Get More Clients in 2026

    Send us a text Most professionals have no idea where their clients actually come from—and it’s costing them visibility, referrals, and revenue. In episode 104 of the Serve First, Sell Later Marketing Podcast, Sylvia Garibaldi walks you through a simple, no-shame year-end debrief that reveals the real sources of your 2025 clients. You’ll learn how to identify what worked, what didn’t, and how to build a focused 2026 client growth plan for your law firm, mediation or divorce practice. In this episode, you'll learn:  01:38 The Importance of a Year-End Debrief03:07 Identifying Your True Client Sources06:34 Analyzing Patterns and Behaviors11:28 Releasing Ineffective Strategies14:56 Creating Your 2026 Growth Action PlanResources: Feeling stuck about how to grow your practice, book a free strategy call here.#88 5 Steps to Fast-Track Referral Partnerships#98 Your Next Client Is Already in Your Network (And How to Find Them in 10 Min a Day)#21 Visibility Matters: Strategies to Stand OutRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "Love listening and learning from the Serve First, Sell Later Marketing Podcast” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Want more insights like this? Sign up for our newsletter. Sign up for our free LinkedIn newsletter on marketing your professional practice Connect with me on linkedin Join our online community Subscribe to my youtube channel

    23 min
5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Serve First, Sell Later Marketing with Sylvia Garibaldi. The ultimate podcast for legal,  financial and other service-based professionals seeking to grow their practices and attract more high-paying clients through leading edge marketing solutions that feel authentic and non-salesy.  This podcast is your compass to navigate the competitive world of marketing your legal or financial services. Sylvia shares simple insights, strategies, and proven techniques tailored to service-based professionals.  Whether you are a lawyer, mediator, financial advisor, divorce professional or in any other service-based profession, this podcast is your go-to resource for differentiating yourself in the market and building awareness so that those who are in most need of your services will be able to find out about you!