What do you think ❓
That’s what my dental hygienist asked me yesterday after finishing my cleaning. I hesitated for a second before answering, 🤔 “Pretty well?”
He smiled and said, “You did great. No plaque at all.”
I exhaled in relief and broke into a big smile. My small, consistent efforts had paid off.
But a year ago? It was a different story. I was sitting in the same chair, face numbed up, getting the first of two deep cleanings. I had always been a regular brusher, but I wasn’t as diligent as my dentist and hygienist had urged me to be. I skipped steps. I ignored their recommendations.
Why? Because spending six minutes a day—brushing, flossing, rinsing, and using a Waterpik—felt like too much. In reality, it was nothing. And once I made it a habit, the results spoke for themselves.
Business development works the same way.
Yes, you can make a big splash—write a lengthy article, deliver a keynote at a major conference, or land a high-profile speaking gig. But true success in business development, especially in law, comes from the small, consistent actions you take over time.
The check-in emails. The quick notes about a client’s family or business. The interesting article you forward. The coffee meetings. The catch-up calls. Posting regularly on LinkedIn.
That’s what keeps you top of mind. That’s what builds lasting relationships.
Business development isn’t something to save for a rainy day or tackle in big, sporadic bursts. It’s an ongoing process.
I’m now highly motivated to spend six minutes a day taking care of my teeth to avoid another deep cleaning.