"The best thing about the program is that it helped me to really focus on one of my existing clients, whom I've worked with for years. As a result, I began getting calls, and additional work followed. During the time I was involved in the coaching program, revenue from my existing client increased from $100,000 to $400,000!"
- Partner, Environmental Law
Here’s a sampling of what our clients say about their experience in working with Sklar & Associates.
"The program has been beyond my expectations. I was skeptical of the program in the way I was skeptical of my friends who needed personal trainers. The accountability factor of coaching, i.e. having a success story to tell Carolyn each week, was a real motivator!"
- Partner, Environmental Law
"I now have established a strong base and have direction where previously I was dumbfounded and overwhelmed by the thought of client development...I'm much more confident and encouraged about client development than before."
- Sr. Associate, Real Estate & Tax Credit
"Carolyn's advice, expertise, guidance and perspective were invaluable."
- Sr. Associate, Corporate Bankruptcy & Financial Restructuring
"The program has changed the way I think about client development. I've become more systematic and focused in my approach, setting more specific and measurable goals rather than taking a scattershot approach."
- Partner, Commercial Litigation
"I was able to identify barriers to success and create a plan for addressing them and breaking them down, step by step."
- Of Counsel, Public Law & Finance
"Carolyn has been engaged with our firm for over two years for leadership development training and individual coaching of several members. Her confident approach and willingness to tackle tough issues has been refreshing and inspirational. "
- Shareholder, Health Law
"The best thing about the program is that it helped me to really focus on one of my existing clients, whom I've worked with for years. As a result, I began getting calls, and additional work followed. During the time I was involved in the coaching program, revenue from my existing client increased from $100,000 to $400,000!"
- Partner, Environmental Law
"Carolyn’s knowledge and expertise helped us go from simply getting the job done to thinking strategically about what we were doing. With her help, we developed a new and innovative approach that aligned the key drivers of our talent management system to the firm’s business goals. "
- Law Firm, Chief Talent Officer
"I should have been doing this 20 years ago..."
- Sr. Partner, Tax
"The most helpful aspect of the program was the fact it was with an independent, third-party individual and not with someone in the firm. I was more open with stories and frustrations, which allowed for more discussion on how to resolve or work with the issues I was facing. I also thought it was helpful to work with a woman coach -- I'm not so sure that I would have been as comfortable with a man. I felt like Carolyn was more in tune with the challenges women face in the work force and had approaches that a man may not have come up with."
- Partner, Immigration
"Lawyers often need help and accountability to raise their awareness of how to integrate business development into their everyday legal practice. Carolyn does this very well."
- Sr. Partner, Tax & Family Home Office
"The coaching program benefited me by forcing me to stop waiting on a partner to tell me what I was supposed to do next with my practice. It challenged me to instead, think about what interests me, what I do well and what people need. After narrowing my focus based on those criteria, the program helped me develop a plan of action so that I could move towards doing more of the work that fit my new focus."
- Sr. Associate, Commercial & Real Estate Litigation
"Talking with Carolyn was most helpful. She asked many pointed questions....which helped me to put each event and my own interests in proper context. I would not have taken the time to put it all together had I not had some outside perspective and accountability."
- Sr. Associate, Commercial & Real Estate Litigation
"Carolyn helped me take a long-standing business development idea and turn it into a reality. As a result, I have created a new revenue stream for my practice and have already acquired five new clients!"
- Sr. Partner, Tax & Family Home Office
"As an associate, client development is downplayed. As a consequence, there is a tendency to put it at the bottom of the priority list, after work for partners, firm committees, CLEs, seminars and professional associations. Having to report on my client/professional development progress on a bi-weekly or monthly basis makes it a top priority and is a good reminder of its importance in my career."
- Sr. Associate, Corporate Bankruptcy & Financial Restructuring
"The program was a benefit because it rewired me to think of myself as a business generator and relationship manager. It really helped me to learn to look for opportunities to interact with clients and potential clients. Before the program, I begrudged certain client development activities because they added to my "work". Now I truly look forward to these things and am energized by them. I feel like I exude enthusiasm for my clients in a way I did not in the past. I think about what I can do for the whole client -- not just for the case they have given me."
- Partner, Environmental Law
"Carolyn brings a new meaning to law firm leadership and talent management. She has designed and delivered a talent management program tailored to our firm’s goals and future sustainability. She is a visionary, thinks systemically, is creative in her problem solving approaches, knowledgeable in how organizations operate, has the business acumen, and most importantly, is a catalyst for change aimed at helping individuals and organizations flourish. "
- Chief Talent Officer
"The program helped me to develop and use practical strategies to implement my goals, which resulted in new business for the firm. Due to this focus, I took specific steps to follow-up with a former client. This resulted in a lunch meeting, which later resulted in a $35,000 engagement!"
- Partner, Public Law & Finance
"Carolyn gives you the tools and support necessary to develop a personalized plan of attack and strategy regarding client development, and to strengthen and facilitate existing and potential client development relationships. Her 'outside the box' approach also provides fresh ideas and a different perspective than the standard 'rainmaking' guides and advice."
- Sr. Associate, Business Litigation
"The coaching program has changed my frame of mind about client development activities. I no longer see client development as a distinct and separate part of my work, but instead I am integrating it into my daily activities. I think this new approach has already made an impact on my existing relationships and has led to the development of potential new business."
- New Partner, Medical Malpractice Defense
"Carolyn recently worked with our firm leaders on team building and led a workshop on Creative Problem Solving. Her analysis and recommendations were spot on and will be useful in strengthening the various teams within our firm to perform more efficiently and effectively. I would highly recommend Carolyn based upon her superior knowledge, skills and expertise and ability to design and deliver talent development programs tailored to a client’s specific needs."
- Shareholder, Health Law
"I feel as though my client development time is now more focused and will lead to better results. The coaching program has helped me to consider client development in every aspect of my communication and contacts with clients or potential clients, as opposed to considering it separate from my everyday dealings with our clients."
- Sr. Associate, Corporate Bankruptcy & Financial Restructuring
"The program provided me with an opportunity to discuss my fears and my objectives, as well as an opportunity to develop strategies to overcome the fears/obstacles and to achieve my goals. More than anything the program improved my confidence....a great program!!"
- Partner, Immigration
"Accountability with the coach is key! The ongoing meetings with Carolyn helped me to continue to take steps toward my goals and not get sidetracked. And as for my goals, they have now become a "filter" through which I prioritize the many competing demands on my time."
- Partner, Public Law & Finance