The Practice Playbook Podcast with Susan Guthrie

Susan E. Guthrie LLC
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Welcome to The Practice Playbook Podcast, the go-to show for legal and dispute resolution professionals who want more than just survival in their practices; they want strategy, sustainability, and success. Hosted by best-selling author, attorney, mediator, and practice development expert Susan E. Guthrie, this podcast brings you straight-talking insights, actionable tips, and real-world advice on what it takes to thrive in today’s evolving professional landscape. Whether you're a lawyer, mediator, coach, or consultant, you'll learn how to build a business that reflects your values, supports your lifestyle, and positions you as a trusted expert. Each episode pulls from the strategies in The Practice Playbook book series, featuring topics like: Ditching the billable hour and implementing flat fees with confidence Building a thought leadership brand that attracts ideal clients Using AI and technology to streamline your workflow and boost productivity Mastering client experience, referrals, and pricing strategy Real-world case studies, expert interviews, and practice-building stories From the creator of The Flat Fee Playbook, The Thought Leadership Playbook, and The Practice Accelerator membership community - this is your weekly shot of clarity, confidence, and momentum. Your practice doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It just needs a better playbook.

  1. AUG 28

    Why Your Niche Isn’t Nice - it’s Necessary on The Practice Playbook Podcast #542

    Susan Guthrie is back with some big news: the podcast has a new name! Welcome to The Practice Playbook Podcast, your hub for building a smart, sustainable, and fulfilling practice. And what better way to kick things off than by tackling one of the most powerful (and most avoided) topics out there: finding your niche. Niching can feel scary. Maybe you’ve worried about turning people away, missing opportunities, or “leaving money on the table.” But the truth is, your niche is not a limitation, it’s the key to standing out, attracting the right clients, and building a business that feels aligned with who you are.  In this episode, Susan shares a simple, step-by-step playbook to help you get clear on your niche and shows you how to put it to work in your practice. This is a conversation full of “aha” moments and golden nuggets that will inspire you to focus your energy where it matters most: on the clients and work that light you up. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why so many professionals resist choosing a niche (and why that fear is holding you back). The difference between a job title and a niche and why the latter is where your power lies. A step-by-step process to reflect, refine, and test your niche so it feels authentic to you. Practical ways to leverage your niche, from your messaging and pricing to building authority in your field. Golden nuggets to remember, including: why a well-defined niche builds trust, credibility, and income faster. Resources and Next Steps: Grab your copy of The Flat Fee Playbook:  https://amzn.to/4213I22 Download the Find Your Niche Worksheet: LINK https://bit.ly/PPP-Niche-Worksheet   Join the waitlist for The Practice Accelerator, Susan’s brand-new subscription program packed with resources, tools, and community support to help you grow smarter. Inside The Practice Accelerator, you’ll get exclusive access to: Ad-free episodes A monthly behind-the-scenes email from Susan with insights, updates, and the real story of what she’s seeing in the industry Quick tip downloads like pricing tools, client scripts, checklists, and strategy sheets you can use in your practice right away And if you choose the higher tiers, you’ll even get live Q&A sessions with Susan, monthly office hours, practical, step-by-step action plans, access to our growing resource library, and discounts on courses and books. This is not just extra content, it’s structured support to help you implement what you’re learning here and accelerate your growth. It was created because it’s time we stop just talking about what works and start giving you the tools to build it. So if you want to be the first to know when we open the doors and get access to exclusive founding member perks, sign up for the early access list here!  ==================== This Episode is Sponsored by Fourth Party Ready to streamline your practice? Fourth Party is the all-in-one platform built just for dispute resolution professionals, handling your intake, scheduling, file management, payments, and more. As a listener of The Practice Playbook Podcast, you’ll get 20% off your first three months. Visit FourthParty.app and use code SUSAN20 at checkout to start building your practice like a CEO. ============================ CHECK OUT THE PRACTICE PLAYBOOK SERIES:  Susan's growing collection of practical, no-fluff guides designed for legal, mediation, and service-based professionals who want to build modern, profitable, and purpose-driven practices. Each book is a focused “playbook” packed with actionable strategies, tools, and templates to help you grow with clarity and confidence—one smart step at a time. The first title, The Flat Fee Playbook, launched as a #1 New Release on Amazon. The next book, The Thought Leadership Playbook, arrives October 1st— with more to follow covering branding, business planning, launching your practice, and more. Get the FREE LinkedIn Newsletter from Susan, "Practice Building Tip of the Day": Weekly Practice Building Tips Newsletter Reach out to Susan at susan@susaneguthrie.com Susan's Coaching Services:  https://susaneguthrie.com/services Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Social Media: Susan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/susaneguthrie Susan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Make Money Mediating on Instagram: https://instagram.com/practiceplaybookpod ***************** Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan Guthrie is a top 1% attorney, mediator, coach, keynote speaker, trainer and #1 Amazon bestselling author with over 35 years of experience, now helping professionals build modern, profitable, and purpose-driven practices. A leader in the legal and dispute resolution fields, Susan is the former Chair of the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution and the creator of The Practice Playbook Series and Podcast and The Practice Accelerator. Through her books, podcast, and coaching, she empowers legal and entrepreneurial professionals to grow with clarity, confidence, and impact.

    25 min

  2. AUG 14

    Build It Like a CEO: The Tech You Need to Run a Successful Practice with Melissa Brogdon, CEO of FourthParty on Make Money Mediating #541

    Melissa Brogdon, CEO and co-founder of Fourth Party, joins me today for a must-listen conversation on the backbone of every successful mediation practice: your backend systems. Whether you're launching your practice or trying to fix one that's stalled, chances are the issue isn’t with your logo or your website colors—it’s in your operations. Melissa and I go deep into why building a strong business structure is make-or-break, what most mediators get wrong (spoiler: it’s not your branding), and how Fourth Party is transforming the way dispute resolution professionals run their practices. Here’s what else you’ll hear in this episode: Why the backend of your business matters more than your brand colors How Fourth Party helps practitioners go from booking to billing seamlessly The role of onboarding and client experience in sustainable growth Why ease of use and thoughtful tech matter more than flashy tools What to audit right now in your intake process to avoid losing clients More About This Week's Special Guest, Melissa Brogdon: Melissa leverages a career in operations management as a law firm administrator and as a nonprofit executive. She has been recognized as one of Georgia’s top 40 under 40 business leaders and secured key partnerships with Google for Startups, SAP/Pyxera Global, and Georgia Tech’s Advanced Technology Development Center, Georgia’s oldest tech incubator. Melissa is a graduate of Spelman College and The University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education. Website: https://www.fourthpartyapp.com Social Media: http://instagram.com/4thpartyapp ==================== This Episode is Sponsored by Smith.ai Never miss a client call again. Smith.ai’s 24/7 virtual receptionists combine live agents + AI to answer calls, chats, and texts — helping you capture more leads and boost client satisfaction. MMMP Listeners Get: $100 off first month (Code: GUTHRIE) 5% off bundled reception + chat 10% off annual plans 🔗 Learn more: bit.ly/MMMP-SmithAI ============================ WANT MORE CONTENT? Get SUSAN'S FREE BOOK: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/tFTeMJf/SuccesswithSusan Get the FREE LinkedIn Newsletter from Susan, "Practice Building Tip of the Day": Weekly Practice Building Tips Newsletter Susan's New Weekly Business Journal is NOW AVAILABLE!  https://susaneguthrie.com/the-journal Reach out to Susan at susan@susaneguthrie.com Susan's Coaching Services:  https://susaneguthrie.com/services Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Social Media: Susan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanguthrieesq Susan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Make Money Mediating on Instagram: https://instagram.com/makemoneymediating ***************** Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan Guthrie, nationally recognized as one of the Top Family Law Attorneys and Mediators in the United States, has transitioned from a successful legal and mediation practice to become one of the foremost trainers and consultants for professionals in the field. As Chair-Elect of the American Bar Association’s Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan is dedicated to advancing the practice and profession of dispute resolution worldwide. Through her Top 1% in the World podcast, The Divorce & Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie," she continues to share her expertise, reaching millions of listeners globally.

    44 min

  3. JUL 31

    Stop Overthinking, Start Earning: How to Finally Move on to the Practice You Want with Susan Guthrie on Make Money Mediating #540

    Susan Guthrie brings a solo episode that challenges one of the most common mindset traps among mediators, coaches, and conflict resolution professionals: waiting for the “right time.” If you’ve been circling the runway, stuck in planning mode while telling yourself you just need one more training, a better schedule, or a sign from the universe, this conversation offers the clarity and push you’ve been needing. Waiting feels responsible, but in reality, it’s a form of self-sabotage. Susan breaks down how this delay is costing you revenue, momentum, and confidence and how to shift into action now, without needing perfection. What  you’ll learn in this episode: Why “the right time” is a myth and how waiting is holding your business back The hidden fears that keep you in the waiting room How to reframe readiness and start small instead of not at all A simple 3-step action plan to move you forward in 48 hours The power of accountability and why telling someone your next step can make all the difference Announcing the upcoming launch of The Practice Accelerator with Susan Guthrie: a brand-new subscription for professionals who are serious about building a profitable, modern mediation or legal practice. Inside The Practice Accelerator, you’ll get exclusive access to: Ad-free episodes A monthly behind-the-scenes email from Susan with insights, updates, and the real story of what she’s seeing in the industry Quick tip downloads like pricing tools, client scripts, checklists, and strategy sheets you can use in your practice right away And if you choose the higher tiers, you’ll even get live Q&A sessions with Susan, monthly office hours, practical, step-by-step action plans, access to our growing resource library, and discounts on courses and books. This is not just extra content, it’s structured support to help you implement what you’re learning here and accelerate your growth. It was created because it’s time we stop just talking about what works and start giving you the tools to build it. So if you want to be the first to know when we open the doors and get access to exclusive founding member perks, sign up for the early access list here!  ==================== This Episode is Sponsored by Smith.ai Never miss a client call again. Smith.ai’s 24/7 virtual receptionists combine live agents + AI to answer calls, chats, and texts — helping you capture more leads and boost client satisfaction. MMMP Listeners Get: $100 off first month (Code: GUTHRIE) 5% off bundled reception + chat 10% off annual plans 🔗 Learn more: bit.ly/MMMP-SmithAI ============================ WANT MORE CONTENT? Get SUSAN'S FREE BOOK: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/tFTeMJf/SuccesswithSusan Get the FREE LinkedIn Newsletter from Susan, "Practice Building Tip of the Day": Weekly Practice Building Tips Newsletter Susan's New Weekly Business Journal is NOW AVAILABLE!  https://susaneguthrie.com/the-journal Reach out to Susan at susan@susaneguthrie.com Susan's Coaching Services:  https://susaneguthrie.com/services Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Social Media: Susan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanguthrieesq Susan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Make Money Mediating on Instagram: https://instagram.com/makemoneymediating ***************** Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan Guthrie, nationally recognized as one of the Top Family Law Attorneys and Mediators in the United States, has transitioned from a successful legal and mediation practice to become one of the foremost trainers and consultants for professionals in the field. As Chair-Elect of the American Bar Association’s Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan is dedicated to advancing the practice and profession of dispute resolution worldwide. Through her Top 1% in the World podcast, The Divorce & Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie," she continues to share her expertise, reaching millions of listeners globally.

    17 min

  4. JUL 17

    The 5-Minute Practice Makeover: Easy Wins for Busy Legal & DR Pros on Make Money Mediating #539

    Susan Guthrie brings a power-packed solo episode, sharing five quick but impactful upgrades you can implement this week to elevate your practice. From sharpening your client intake process to enhancing your digital presence, these high-leverage, low-lift shifts are designed to boost visibility, streamline your workflow, and yes, improve your bottom line. Whether you’re just getting started or refining a well-established practice, you’ll walk away with clear, actionable tips—from what to include in a client follow-up email to how to record a simple welcome video that builds instant trust. Plus, Susan shares how AI can be your secret weapon in getting it all done faster. What  you’ll learn in this episode: Why adding an online booking system is a no-brainer and how to start today How to craft a more compelling LinkedIn headline that actually attracts clients The follow-up email template that saves you time and seals the deal What to say in a 60-second welcome video  How to start using AI as your daily practice assistant: yes, even if you're tech-averse Resources and tools mentioned in this episode: Calendly Acuity CalendarHero ChatGPT Claude AI Co-pilot AI Gemini AI Announcing the upcoming launch of The Practice Accelerator with Susan Guthrie: a brand-new subscription for professionals who are serious about building a profitable, modern mediation or legal practice. Inside The Practice Accelerator, you’ll get exclusive access to: Ad-free episodes A monthly behind-the-scenes email from Susan with insights, updates, and the real story of what she’s seeing in the industry Quick tip downloads like pricing tools, client scripts, checklists, and strategy sheets you can use in your practice right away And if you choose the higher tiers, you’ll even get live Q&A sessions with Susan, monthly office hours, practical, step-by-step action plans, access to our growing resource library, and discounts on courses and books. This is not just extra content, it’s structured support to help you implement what you’re learning here and accelerate your growth. It was created because it’s time we stop just talking about what works and start giving you the tools to build it. So if you want to be the first to know when we open the doors and get access to exclusive founding member perks, sign up for the early access list here!   ==================== This Episode is Sponsored by Smith.ai Never miss a client call again. Smith.ai’s 24/7 virtual receptionists combine live agents + AI to answer calls, chats, and texts — helping you capture more leads and boost client satisfaction. MMMP Listeners Get: $100 off first month (Code: GUTHRIE) 5% off bundled reception + chat 10% off annual plans 🔗 Learn more: bit.ly/MMMP-SmithAI ============================ WANT MORE CONTENT? Get SUSAN'S FREE BOOK: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/tFTeMJf/SuccesswithSusan Get the FREE LinkedIn Newsletter from Susan, "Practice Building Tip of the Day": Weekly Practice Building Tips Newsletter Susan's New Weekly Business Journal is NOW AVAILABLE!  https://susaneguthrie.com/the-journal Reach out to Susan at susan@susaneguthrie.com Susan's Coaching Services:  https://susaneguthrie.com/services Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Social Media: Susan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanguthrieesq Susan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Make Money Mediating on Instagram: https://instagram.com/makemoneymediating ***************** Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan Guthrie, nationally recognized as one of the Top Family Law Attorneys and Mediators in the United States, has transitioned from a successful legal and mediation practice to become one of the foremost trainers and consultants for professionals in the field. As Chair-Elect of the American Bar Association’s Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan is dedicated to advancing the practice and profession of dispute resolution worldwide. Through her Top 1% in the World podcast, The Divorce & Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie," she continues to share her expertise, reaching millions of listeners globally.

    20 min

  5. JUL 3

    You Lost Me at Voicemail: How to Stop Losing Clients Before They Hire You with Maddy Martin on Make Money Mediating #538

    If you're out there posting on social media, giving workshops, and networking like crazy, but still struggling to convert leads into paying clients - or if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by client inquiries or assumed your intake system is “good enough,” this conversation will completely shift how you think about client communication and conversion. Susan Guthrie welcomes Maddy Martin, the SVP of Growth at Smith.ai to this week’s episode of Make Money Mediating. Maddy has helped thousands of small businesses fix their growth problems by solving what she calls their “leaky bucket” — their broken intake and client communication process. From secret shopper strategies to using AI tools like ChatGPT to summarize intake calls, Maddy shares practical, tech-forward ways to attract better clients, streamline your systems, and reclaim your time. Here’s what else you’ll hear in this episode: How to secret shop your own practice and uncover what’s really happening when someone calls you Why the first to respond gets the client (and how to be that first responder) How to delegate your intake without sacrificing quality or control Using tools like ChatGPT to turn intake chaos into a streamlined system More About This Week's Special Guest, Maddy Martin: Maddy Martin is a revenue and marketing leader with deep expertise in scaling technology businesses that serve small businesses. As the SVP of Growth at Smith.ai, she helps small business owners grow faster with the support of 24/7 AI and human receptionists. Maddy’s work sits at the intersection of marketing, sales, automation, and client service — areas she’s helped optimize for thousands of companies. A sought-after speaker and strategist, she’s known for making complex growth tactics approachable, especially for time-strapped business owners and operators. When she’s not at her desk, Maddy can be found competing in dog sports with her two Brittanys, skiing, and gardening around her Western NY home, which she shares with her husband. Website: https://smith.ai Use code GUTHRIE for $100 off first month Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/virtualreceptionists https://www.instagram.com/smith.ai/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/smith-ai ==================== This Episode is Sponsored by Smith.ai Never miss a client call again. Smith.ai’s 24/7 virtual receptionists combine live agents + AI to answer calls, chats, and texts — helping you capture more leads and boost client satisfaction. MMMP Listeners Get: $100 off first month (Code: GUTHRIE) 5% off bundled reception + chat 10% off annual plans 🔗 Learn more: bit.ly/MMMP-SmithAI ============================ WANT MORE CONTENT? Get SUSAN'S FREE BOOK: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/tFTeMJf/SuccesswithSusan Get the FREE LinkedIn Newsletter from Susan, "Practice Building Tip of the Day": Weekly Practice Building Tips Newsletter Susan's New Weekly Business Journal is NOW AVAILABLE!  https://susaneguthrie.com/the-journal Reach out to Susan at susan@susaneguthrie.com Susan's Coaching Services:  https://susaneguthrie.com/services Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Social Media: Susan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanguthrieesq Susan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Make Money Mediating on Instagram: https://instagram.com/makemoneymediating ***************** Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan Guthrie, nationally recognized as one of the Top Family Law Attorneys and Mediators in the United States, has transitioned from a successful legal and mediation practice to become one of the foremost trainers and consultants for professionals in the field. As Chair-Elect of the American Bar Association’s Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan is dedicated to advancing the practice and profession of dispute resolution worldwide. Through her Top 1% in the World podcast, The Divorce & Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie," she continues to share her expertise, reaching millions of listeners globally.

    47 min

  6. JUN 26

    How to Get Published: A Reputation-Building Guide for Legal & DR Pros with Dr. Clare Fowler on Make Money Mediating #537

    Susan Guthrie welcomes Dr. Clare Fowler to discuss the many ways that dispute resolution professionals, and professionals of all kinds, can get their ideas out into the world through writing and publishing. Susan and Clare recently co-presented a popular program for the ABA Dispute Resolution Section on this topic, and they’re continuing that conversation here. Together they break down the options for getting published: from traditional books to articles to blog posts to podcasts, and how each approach can be tailored to both your goals and your audience. You will also hear about some mindset blocks that often stop professionals from writing in the first place. Whether it’s imposter syndrome, fear of sounding “braggy,” or writer’s block, Clare and Susan offer real-world, relatable ways to overcome those challenges. If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to take your idea from “I have something to say” to “I want to share this publicly,” this conversation is packed with golden nuggets to help you get started, and keep going. Remember, your voice is needed. And as Clare reminds us in this episode, the ripple effects of your work go far beyond what you see. Here’s what else you’ll hear in this episode: Why writing matters more than ever in our field How to choose the right publishing path for your goals Why your work doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful How to use your writing to actually grow your practice and build your reputation. More About This Week's Special Guest, Dr. Clare Fowler: Dr. Clare Fowler is the Executive Vice President at Mediate.com, Managing Editor of Mediate.com’s publishing platform, and author of the 2023 book, Rising Above Office Conflict: The Light-Hearted Guide for the Heavy-Hearted Employee. She holds a doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Pepperdine and was recently honored with the 2024 International Woman of Peace Award. Her experience includes roles at the United Nations, the Supreme Court of Hawai'i, and extensive work designing dispute resolution systems for small businesses. Website links: Mediate.com Mediate.com Mentor Program Mediate.com Article Submission Rising Above Office Conflict: A Light-Hearted Guide for the Heavy-Hearted Employee ABA DR Conference Program: https://www.americanbar.org/events-cle/ecd/ondemand/449302359/ Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clarefowler/ ==================== This Episode is Sponsored by Smith.ai Never miss a client call again. Smith.ai’s 24/7 virtual receptionists combine live agents + AI to answer calls, chats, and texts — helping you capture more leads and boost client satisfaction. MMMP Listeners Get: $100 off first month (Code: GUTHRIE) 5% off bundled reception + chat 10% off annual plans 🔗 Learn more: bit.ly/MMMP-SmithAI ============================ WANT MORE CONTENT? Get SUSAN'S FREE BOOK: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/tFTeMJf/SuccesswithSusan Get the FREE LinkedIn Newsletter from Susan, "Practice Building Tip of the Day": Weekly Practice Building Tips Newsletter Susan's New Weekly Business Journal is NOW AVAILABLE!  https://susaneguthrie.com/the-journal Reach out to Susan at susan@susaneguthrie.com Susan's Coaching Services:  https://susaneguthrie.com/services Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Social Media: Susan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanguthrieesq Susan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Make Money Mediating on Instagram: https://instagram.com/makemoneymediating ***************** Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan Guthrie, nationally recognized as one of the Top Family Law Attorneys and Mediators in the United States, has transitioned from a successful legal and mediation practice to become one of the foremost trainers and consultants for professionals in the field. As Chair-Elect of the American Bar Association’s Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan is dedicated to advancing the practice and profession of dispute resolution worldwide. Through her Top 1% in the World podcast, The Divorce & Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie," she continues to share her expertise, reaching millions of listeners globally.

    40 min

  7. JUN 5

    The Client Experience Advantage: How Top Mediators Win Before They Even Begin with Michael Holmes on Make Money Mediating #536

    In this powerful episode, Susan Guthrie is joined by Michael Holmes, Chief Product Officer at FourthParty, for a conversation every mediator and ADR professional needs to hear. Michael, a legal mind with an entrepreneurial edge, has worked with hundreds of mediators to build thriving practices, and he’s here to share the client-first strategy that top-performing professionals never overlook. While many mediators focus on honing their skills in the room, Michael makes a compelling case that what really sets the best apart is their commitment to the entire client experience, from first click to final invoice. With industry growth projected at 7.3% annually (the highest of any profession, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), it’s more important than ever to stand out with smart systems, seamless communication, and true operational elegance. Plus, Michael shares a free downloadable resource: the Client Experience Scorecard, a self-audit tool to help you identify gaps in your intake, communication, and billing workflows. Here’s what else you’ll hear in this episode: Why “side hustle” mediators struggle to gain traction How top pros treat their practice like a business from day one The traps ADR professionals fall into when overthinking or underinvesting in marketing What “smart visibility” really looks like in the golden age of convenience The Four Cs of client experience: convenience, consistency, competency, and care More About This Week's Special Guest, Michael Holmes: Michael Holmes is a creative strategist with a strong legal background, entrepreneurial spirit, and a knack for technological innovation. He is the Chief Product Officer at FourthParty, an ADR tech and practice development company, where he helps mediators launch, manage and grow their businesses through smarter, client-centric systems and methods. Website: http://fourthparty.app. Be sure to grab your copy of the Client Experience Scorecard at FourthParty.app. Email: michael(at)fourthparty.app Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-holmes-5b940391/ ==================== This Episode is Sponsored by Smith.ai Never miss a client call again. Smith.ai’s 24/7 virtual receptionists combine live agents + AI to answer calls, chats, and texts — helping you capture more leads and boost client satisfaction. MMMP Listeners Get: $100 off first month (Code: GUTHRIE) 5% off bundled reception + chat 10% off annual plans 🔗 Learn more: bit.ly/MMMP-SmithAI ============================ WANT MORE CONTENT? Get SUSAN'S FREE BOOK: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/tFTeMJf/SuccesswithSusan Get the FREE LinkedIn Newsletter from Susan, "Practice Building Tip of the Day": Weekly Practice Building Tips Newsletter Susan's New Weekly Business Journal is NOW AVAILABLE!  https://susaneguthrie.com/the-journal Reach out to Susan at susan@susaneguthrie.com Susan's Coaching Services:  https://susaneguthrie.com/services Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Social Media: Susan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanguthrieesq Susan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Make Money Mediating on Instagram: https://instagram.com/makemoneymediating ***************** Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan Guthrie, nationally recognized as one of the Top Family Law Attorneys and Mediators in the United States, has transitioned from a successful legal and mediation practice to become one of the foremost trainers and consultants for professionals in the field. As Chair-Elect of the American Bar Association’s Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan is dedicated to advancing the practice and profession of dispute resolution worldwide. Through her Top 1% in the World podcast, The Divorce & Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie," she continues to share her expertise, reaching millions of listeners globally.

    34 min

  8. MAY 23

    UPDATED: The One Negotiation Tactic That Wins Every Time (And How Mediators Can Use It Too!) on Make Money Mediating #535

    Susan Guthrie shares the one negotiation skill that works every time—no matter the context—and how you can use it to build both resolution and rapport. In this solo episode, she introduces the powerful concept of framing: the art of shaping how information is presented to influence how it is received. Framing is not about manipulation—it’s about clarity. When used ethically, framing helps emphasize what matters most, creating a path for people to hear each other differently and move forward more constructively. It’s a tool that can completely shift the tone of any mediation or negotiation. Importantly, this episode also includes a correction to a previously shared example involving Nurofen’s marketing in Australia. After learning the campaign had been found to be misleading by Australian courts, Susan sets the record straight and uses the opportunity to explore the difference between effective framing and deceptive messaging—a must-know distinction for all professionals.  (Correction starts at 7:14) You’ll hear practical ways to refine your framing skills, from AI-powered prompts to marketing messaging that better communicates your impact. Whether you're guiding high-conflict clients through a tough negotiation or introducing your services at a networking event, framing helps you lead with confidence, connection, and credibility. Here’s what else you’ll hear in this episode: How strong negotiators use framing to drive outcomes and build agreement Ethical ways to reframe messaging in mediation to help parties truly hear each other How framing can reduce conflict and position you as a narrative guide in the room Smart ways to use AI tools to reframe challenging client statements and practice scripts Why framing is not just a skill—it’s a strategy for growth, trust, and leadership Be sure to grab your copy of Susan’s free downloadable Framing Toolkit, including real life reframing phrases and AI prompts you can use right away. Want to Go Deeper? Each week, I publish two companion articles that expand on the episode’s key themes—one on the Practice Building Blog and one in my Practice Building Tip of the Day newsletter on LinkedIn. If you’re looking for practical takeaways you can implement right away, don’t miss this week’s articles, which dive into how better framing can transform your messaging, your website, and your client outcomes. 👉 Link to Blog Article 👉 Link to LinkedIn Newsletter ==================== This Episode is Sponsored by Thinkific! If you're ready to turn your expertise into scalable income, Thinkific is the platform to make it happen. I’m currently using Thinkific to build out my own suite of on-demand programs, and it’s become a key part of how I’m diversifying my business. Want to do the same? Get started with a free 30-day trial using my link: https://bit.ly/MMMP-thinkific Be sure to check out my recent episode on diversifying your income as a legal or dispute resolution professional, and the companion article on monetizing your expertise with downloadable programs—both linked below to help you get inspired and started. Article:  The Fast-Track Guide to Creating a Profitable Downloadable Course Episode: Turn Your Expertise Into Income: A Step-by-Step Guide to Monetizing Your Knowledge on Make Money Mediating #529 ============================ WANT MORE CONTENT? Get SUSAN'S FREE BOOK: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/tFTeMJf/SuccesswithSusan Get the FREE LinkedIn Newsletter from Susan, "Practice Building Tip of the Day": Weekly Practice Building Tips Newsletter Susan's New Weekly Business Journal is NOW AVAILABLE!  https://susaneguthrie.com/the-journal Reach out to Susan at susan@susaneguthrie.com Susan's Coaching Services:  https://susaneguthrie.com/services Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Social Media: Susan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanguthrieesq Susan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Make Money Mediating on Instagram: https://instagram.com/makemoneymediating ***************** Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan Guthrie is one of the leading voices in dispute resolution today. A nationally recognized Top Family Law Attorney and Mediator, Susan has evolved from a successful legal and mediation practice into a sought-after trainer, coach, and consultant for professionals who want to build impactful, future-ready practices. As Chair of the American Bar Association’s Section of Dispute Resolution, she is at the forefront of innovation and leadership in the field—championing new approaches to practice building, technology integration, and client-centered service models. Susan is the author of the upcoming book, Future-Proofing Your Practice: AI, Tech and Strategies for Lawyers, Mediators, and Legal Entrepreneurs (ABA Publishing, 2025), which offers practical tools for professionals navigating the evolving demands of modern practice. Through her coaching and consulting work, Susan empowers legal and dispute resolution professionals to expand their reach, grow their businesses, and lead with clarity, credibility, and confidence. She also hosts the Top 1% globally ranked Divorce & Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie, reaching millions of listeners with insights on conflict, communication, and creating a thriving life beyond divorce. To learn more about Susan’s speaking, consulting, or coaching services, visit https://susaneguthrie.com

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4.9
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About

Welcome to The Practice Playbook Podcast, the go-to show for legal and dispute resolution professionals who want more than just survival in their practices; they want strategy, sustainability, and success. Hosted by best-selling author, attorney, mediator, and practice development expert Susan E. Guthrie, this podcast brings you straight-talking insights, actionable tips, and real-world advice on what it takes to thrive in today’s evolving professional landscape. Whether you're a lawyer, mediator, coach, or consultant, you'll learn how to build a business that reflects your values, supports your lifestyle, and positions you as a trusted expert. Each episode pulls from the strategies in The Practice Playbook book series, featuring topics like: Ditching the billable hour and implementing flat fees with confidence Building a thought leadership brand that attracts ideal clients Using AI and technology to streamline your workflow and boost productivity Mastering client experience, referrals, and pricing strategy Real-world case studies, expert interviews, and practice-building stories From the creator of The Flat Fee Playbook, The Thought Leadership Playbook, and The Practice Accelerator membership community - this is your weekly shot of clarity, confidence, and momentum. Your practice doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It just needs a better playbook.

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