#306: Creating a Sustainable Group Bonus Structure for Your Law Firm

The Law Firm Owner Podcast

#MBA #Entrepreneur #Business #Melissa Shanahan

30:20

Eli Beer is a pioneer, social entrepreneur, President and Founder of United Hatzalah of Israel. In thirty years, the organization has grown to more than 6,500 volunteers who unite together to provide immediate, life-saving care to anyone in need - regardless of race or religion. This community EMS force network treats over 730,000 incidents per year, in Israel, as they wait for ambulances and medical attention. Eli’s vision is to bring this life-saving model across the world. In 2015, Beer expanded internationally with the establishment of branches in South America and other countries, including “United Rescue” in Jersey City, USA, where the response time was reduced to just two minutes and thirty-five seconds. Episode Chapters (0:00) intro (1:04) Hatzalah’s reputation for speed (4:48) Hatzalah’s volunteer EMTs and ambucycles (5:50) Entrepreneurism at Hatzalah (8:09) Chutzpah (14:15) Hatzalah’s recruitment (18:31) Volunteers from all walks of life (22:51) Having COVID changed Eli’s perspective (26:00) operating around the world amid antisemitism (28:06) goodbye For video episodes, watch on www.youtube.com/@therudermanfamilyfoundation Stay in touch: X: @JayRuderman | @RudermanFdn LinkedIn: Jay Ruderman | Ruderman Family Foundation Instagram: All About Change Podcast | Ruderman Family Foundation To learn more about the podcast, visit https://allaboutchangepodcast.com/ Looking for more insights into the world of activism? Be sure to check out Jay’s brand new book, Find Your Fight , in which Jay teaches the next generation of activists and advocates how to step up and bring about lasting change. You can find Find Your Fight wherever you buy your books, and you can learn more about it at www.jayruderman.com .…

24 days ago 25:07

MP3•Episode home

In this episode, Melissa builds on the previous discussions about incentives by focusing specifically on group bonus structures. She shares why revenue-based incentives can be problematic and offers a more sustainable approach based on profit after owner distributions and taxes. This method ensures the business remains healthy while still providing meaningful rewards when the firm is truly thriving.

Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here:https://www.velocitywork.com/306

313 episodes

#306: Creating a Sustainable Group Bonus Structure for Your Law Firm

The Law Firm Owner Podcast

published 24 days ago

MP3•Episode home

Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here:https://www.velocitywork.com/306

313 episodes

#MBA #Entrepreneur #Business #Melissa Shanahan

All episodes

1
#309: Data-Driven Decision Making and Productivity Systems with Chelsea Riekkola 35:28

3 days ago35:28

35:28

How can data-driven decision-making transform your law firm? Melissa sits down with Mastery Group member Chelsea Riekkola, who went from not knowing what a KPI was to confidently setting and achieving ambitious revenue goals for her firm. Learn how Chelsea's firm exceeded their revenue targets through intentional goal-setting and team engagement, her unique approach to Monday Map using digital tools, and how she maintains extraordinary productivity despite juggling partnership responsibilities, board work, and family life. If you've been struggling to implement systems, Chelsea's practical insights will show you what's possible when you commit to the process. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/309…

1
#308: Flipping the Script: Actively Hunt for Disconfirming Evidence 34:27

10 days ago34:27

34:27

Are you holding yourself back with limiting beliefs about your law firm? In this episode, Melissa dives into the psychology behind these self-imposed limitations and why your brains is so good at finding evidence to support your negative beliefs. She shares a practical framework to break free from these limiting narratives by actively hunting for disconfirming evidence. By challenging your assumptions with real data and others' experiences, you can make decisions based on facts rather than feelings. This isn't about forced positive thinking, it's about expanding your perspective to see the full range of possibilities available to you and your firm. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/308…

1
#307: Bonuses and Incentives Mini-Series Wrap-Up 29:24

17 days ago29:24

29:24

Have you been struggling to create effective bonus structures that actually motivate your team without compromising the health of your firm? Today, Melissa wraps up this mini-series on bonuses and incentives with some crucial clarifications that could make or break your compensation strategy. In this final installment, she addresses the most common questions and misconceptions that have emerged from the previous discussions. These insights will help you create compensation structures that align with your firm's goals while keeping your team engaged and motivated. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/307…

1
#306: Creating a Sustainable Group Bonus Structure for Your Law Firm 25:07

24 days ago25:07

25:07

Are you struggling to create a bonus structure that rewards your team while protecting your firm's financial health? Many law firm owners implement incentive plans that end up hurting their business or creating resentment. In this episode, Melissa builds on the previous discussions about incentives by focusing specifically on group bonus structures. She shares why revenue-based incentives can be problematic and offers a more sustainable approach based on profit after owner distributions and taxes. This method ensures the business remains healthy while still providing meaningful rewards when the firm is truly thriving. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/306…

1
#305: Build Win-Win Bonus Structures That Motivate without Overpaying 59:23

4 weeks ago59:23

59:23

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…

1
#304: Incentives: What Works, What Fails, and Why It’s Never One-Size-Fits-All 42:15

5 weeks ago42:15

42:15

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…

1
#303: Mental Traps That Keep You Stuck 16:04

6 weeks ago16:04

16:04

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…

1
#302: Set the Right Rocks: Prioritize Your Way to a Thriving Law Firm 31:07

7 weeks ago31:07

31:07

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…

1
#301: Restriction vs Restraint: Finding Freedom Through Intentional Choices 27:28

8 weeks ago27:28

27:28

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…

1
#300: Consistency: Reflecting on 300 Episodes (And What's Next!) 25:41

9 weeks ago25:41

25:41

The Law Firm Owner Podcast has officially hit 300 episodes! This milestone speaks to the power of consistency and long-term commitment. When Melissa launched the show nearly six years ago, she set a clear goal: show up every single week, no matter what. In this episode, Melissa reflects on the lessons learned from staying the course. She shares how consistency has shaped both the podcast and her business, why playing the long game is essential for success, and how creating something of value without expecting immediate results leads to real impact over time. She also reveals exciting updates for the podcast and what’s ahead for Velocity Work . Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/300…

1
#299: The Two Faces of Tolerance: How to Leverage Discomfort for Growth 26:58

10 weeks ago26:58

26:58

Have you ever stopped to consider what you're tolerating in your law firm and life? We often put up with less-than-ideal situations without realizing the impact it has on our productivity, morale, and bottom line. But what if we could harness the power of tolerance in a positive way to achieve our goals and dreams? In this episode, Melissa explores the concept of tolerance from two different angles. She dives into how tolerating the wrong things can hold us back, while strategically tolerating discomfort can propel us forward. Tune in now to learn how to use tolerance to your advantage and take your law firm to the next level. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/299…

1
#298: The Power of Rules: How to Set Yourself Up for Success in Life and Business 34:57

11 weeks ago34:57

34:57

Do you ever feel like you're stuck in a loop, failing to follow through on your goals despite your best intentions? You're not alone. Many law firm owners struggle to create lasting change in their lives, relying on willpower alone to push through. But what if there was a better way? In this episode, Melissa shares insights on how to make success automatic. By setting clear, identity-based rules for yourself, you can remove decision fatigue and create a new normal. It's not about motivation; it's about the systems you put in place. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/298…

1
#297: Escape the Burnout Treadmill: Focus on Resource Allocation, Not Just Growth 23:45

12 weeks ago23:45

23:45

Do you feel like you're constantly working harder but not seeing the growth you want in your law firm? You're hiring more people, taking on more cases, and putting in long hours, yet your revenue and profit aren't keeping up. It's a frustrating cycle that can lead to burnout and leave you feeling stuck on a treadmill. In this episode, Melissa explains how shifting your mindset from working harder to allocating smarter can help you scale your firm without burning out. You'll learn how to focus on what truly moves the needle for your business and avoid spreading yourself and your team too thin. Get ready to get off the treadmill and start seeing real, sustainable growth. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/297…

1
#296: Easy Mode vs. Hard Mode: Positioning Yourself to Win 25:03

13 weeks ago25:03

25:03

Do you ever feel like you're constantly playing life on "hard mode"? Like no matter how much effort you put in, you can't seem to get ahead or achieve the results you want? What if there was a way to flip the script and start playing on "easy mode" instead? By the end of this episode, you'll have a clear understanding of what it means to position yourself well, and practical strategies you can implement right away to start experiencing more flow, productivity, and fulfillment in your life and law firm. Get ready to level up from "hard mode" to "easy mode." Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/296…

1
#295: Regain Control of Your Firm: Data-Driven Decision Making 20:37

14 weeks ago20:37