#305: Build Win-Win Bonus Structures That Motivate without Overpaying
Is your law firm's incentive structure actually hurting your business instead of helping it? Many bonus systems are fundamentally broken—either paying out too much or making it impossible for team members to succeed. In the second part of this deep dive into incentives and bonuses, Melissa walks you through how to calculate proper baselines, set up tiered structures that protect your firm's profitability, and ensure you're not giving away too much when team members exceed expectations. If you've been struggling with incentive structures that feel unfair or unsustainable, this episode provides the roadmap to fix them once and for all—while keeping your business healthy and your team motivated. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/305
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59:23
#304: Incentives: What Works, What Fails, and Why It’s Never One-Size-Fits-All
Have you been struggling to create an incentive plan that actually works for your law firm? The truth is, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. What works brilliantly for one firm could be disastrous for another. In this episode, Melissa walks you through how to establish smart baselines using the "true average" method, the critical differences between expectations and incentives, and the pros and cons of group versus individual incentive structures. This is part one of a deep dive into creating incentive plans that are sustainable, motivating, and aligned with your firm's values. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/304
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42:15
#303: Mental Traps That Keep You Stuck
Are you feeling boxed in by your own thinking? As a law firm owner, it's easy to fall into mental traps that limit progress and create unnecessary stress. The truth is, you are never stuck because of your circumstances. You are stuck because of how you think about those circumstances. In this episode, Melissa explores common thought patterns that keep law firm owners trapped in cycles of stress and limitation. She breaks down the relationship between thoughts, feelings, actions, and results, showing how small shifts in thinking can open up new possibilities. This simple practice transforms the experience from feeling stuck to becoming strategic. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/303
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#302: Set the Right Rocks: Prioritize Your Way to a Thriving Law Firm
Are you struggling to decide which Rocks to prioritize in your quarterly planning? Do you find yourself avoiding the uncomfortable tasks that deep down, you know are essential for your firm's growth? In this episode, we get into the details of setting effective Rocks and facing the discomfort that often comes with making tough decisions as a business owner. If you're ready to step into your next level as a business owner and create the kind of firm you've always wanted, this episode is for you. Melissa will guide you through the process of setting Rocks that align with your goals, even if they make you squirm. By the end of this episode, you'll have a clearer understanding of how to prioritize your efforts and move forward with confidence. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/302
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#301: Restriction vs Restraint: Finding Freedom Through Intentional Choices
Do you ever feel boxed in by your own plans and systems? Like you're constantly battling against a set of rigid rules that leave no room for flexibility? Many law firm owners struggle with the idea of structure, viewing it as a restriction rather than a tool for success. Discover the power of practicing restraint within a flexible structure and learn how tools like Monday Map/Friday Wrap can help you strike the perfect balance. Whether you're struggling with all-or-nothing thinking, battling burnout, or simply looking for a more empowering way to approach your goals, this episode will give you the perspective and strategies you need to take control of your time within your law firm and life. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/301
The Law Firm Owner Podcast, powered by Velocity Work, is the go-to resource for law firm owners looking to take their business to the next level. Host and founder Melissa Shanahan shares insights and practical advice on how to organize your numbers, grow your team, increase your revenue, and achieve a better work-life balance. Through quarterly strategic planning, accountability, and coaching, Melissa shows listeners how to create sustainable success for both their firms and their personal lives. Tune in each week to join the community of law firm owners who are committed to taking their businesses from where they are now to where they want to be.