How to Grow a Small Business: The Soft Skill that Drives Hard Results
- Sara Naheedy, Esq.
- May 14
- 2 min read
When we talk about how to grow a small business or more specifically success in law practice, we usually highlight strategy, credentials, or specialization.
But here’s what no one tells you:
Empathy—a so-called soft skill—is the one that actually drives the hard results.
It’s what built my law firm.
It’s what keeps clients coming back.
And it’s what turns professional relationships into lasting partnerships.
Why empathy matters more than ever in order to grow a small law firm.
Legal issues don’t exist in a vacuum. Behind every legal issue is an actual human experience—and if you ignore that, you miss the opportunity to truly serve your client.
When I shifted away from high-stakes litigation into real estate transactions and mediation, I realized something:
🧠 The smartest advice in the room doesn’t always win.
❤️ The most attuned one does.
Empathy means listening beyond what’s said. It means asking better questions. It means understanding your client’s goals, stressors, and fears—so you can help them move forward with confidence.
The ROI of Empathy
People work with people they trust.
And trust isn’t built on legal knowledge alone—it’s built on how you make someone feel.
When clients feel heard, seen, and supported:
They stay longer.
They refer more.
They leave better reviews.
They become part of your business growth engine.
You can’t systemize empathy—but you can practice it
Here’s how I practice it in my firm:
I pause before giving advice and ask: “What does this person really need right now?”
I train my team to treat every client like they’re the only one we have.
I build space into my systems so we never rush connection.
In a world full of options, being the most understanding advisor in the room is a serious advantage. The ROI of empathy is real, and if you're not building it into your business or practice, you're leaving growth on the table.
Sara Naheedy
Real Estate Attorney | Broker | Author of ‘Stack the Legal Odds in your Favor’
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