I have conducted and directed more than 20,000 client feedback interviews and interviewed 5,000 of the best and biggest rainmakers. I use all this to do one thing – help my clients grow their clients. My love of strategy and hitting the sweet spot with clients in revenue generation led to starting BTI more than 30 years ago.
Michael B. Rynowecer
I admit it.
I am The Mad Clientist
Every week, you can find me sharing legal industry news, actionable and critical insights from BTI’s independent research, powerful client analytics every firm can use, market outlook commentary and much more at my blog—The Mad Clientist.
As President and Founder of BTI, Michael has drawn on in-depth independent research to develop high-impact client feedback programs, brand preference and perception rankings, innovative business development counsel and a wide-range of strategic consulting to organizations who want to improve performance and drive growth. Throughout his career, he has been a trusted advisor to top legal decision makers. His clients include 6 of the Fortune 10 as well as more than 200 professional services firms across the globe.
Michael is also a fixture in the business press, commenting on markets, trends and strategies. He has written extensively about BTI’s world-class client feedback methodology and about the ‘17 Activities’ that BTI’s research has revealed as statistically proven to drive superior client relationships. His most recent book Clientelligence® is a definitive guide of powerful insights for client acquisition, retention, new business and revenue generation. Rated by Kirkus Reviews as a “treasure trove of useful intelligence for business improvement,” the book details research-backed and unique activities for firms to embark upon to drive superior client relationships.
Michael has authored more than 40 publications on all aspects of client relationships, client service, client feedback, business development and strategy.
BSBA Syracuse University
MBA Babson College
10 Years, Practice Leader, Pwc
Founded BTI in 1989
Expertise in Client Feedback, Business Development & Client Service for 30+ years
Latest Insight from The Mad Clientist
The Great BD Divide: 1,000 Leaders on Why Law Firm Spending is Skyrocketing
It’s either a dream come true – or a warning sign. Law firms are going all in on business development. Not tweaks. Not encouragement. But all in with real money. Everyone wants growth, a premium rate, and the profits to go with it. We asked more than 1,000 law firm…
The Lateral Partner Arms Race Just Went Nuclear – Thank Sullivan & Cromwell
Almost no one understands why firms keep hiring lateral partners – except the people running them. On paper, it looks like a bad bet. Laterals have, at best, a 50% success rate. They can dilute morale, alienate "homegrown" talent, and cost a fortune in guarantees. But behind closed doors, the…
Clients All But Abandon RFPs: Here’s What’s Next
It’s a scramble for clients. Clients are cutting way back on issuing RFPs. As one corporate counsel put it: “It’s about as efficient as a dating app – maybe less so.” Clients aren’t swiping right on RFPs because: Clients have more new and novel matters than anyone can remember Fresh…
The 11 Behaviors and Habits to Drive Business Development in 2026
Clients flipped the BD script on law firms. They’re living in a new world – and most BD pitches are still rooted in the old one. The data is clear: 89% are advising their CEOs on business decisions 39% are now growth enablers 84% of clients are going through a…