Everyone knows The Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have done unto you.” 
It is oft repeated; it is said in many ways in every religious belief. It is taught to us by our parents when we are children even if we are not brought up with a religious background (“Treat others the way you want to be treated”).
Yet, as attorneys, we have a tendency to forget this rule.
This is not because we are bad or immoral people. The nature of the legal field is adversarial. It is almost always one party against another. We are trying to win for our clients. So by hook or by crook, as long as it is ethical, we will treat our opposition the way we need in order to achieve our clients’ goals.
However, for Rainmaking purposes, not following the Golden Rule is going to cost you clients, potential clients and referral sources. If you come across as aggressive and antagonistic to everyone, you will not win.
Think about how you like to be treated: with kindness, respect, empathy and value. Now treat everyone you know and meet like this, regardless of who they are and what they do. You never know from where your next client or referral will come.
Rainmaking is about creating relationships. For those who read these Rainmaking Recommendations and the blogs have seen me write, over and over again, “People do business with people they know, like, and trust. “ No one will like or trust someone who always comes across as belligerent, forceful or uncompromising.
Being adversarial in the court room is warranted; being adversarial in life will cost you clients, referral sources and friends.
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