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
Almost Half of Partners Don’t Fully Trust Their Peers
AI, Geopolitical Volatility, Client Demands, and Finding Laterals are stealing leadership mindshare – but one risk outshines them all: Partner confidence in each other. And it’s headed the wrong way for law firms. In 2023, 12.9% of partners said they do not trust their partners. Fast forward to 1,000 responses…
How 4 Firms Accidentally Shut Down Business Development
Every dysfunctional BD strategy starts with good intentions. Smart people create structure, accountability and controls. Then trust, momentum, compensation, politics and attorney behavior collide with the plan. What could possibly go wrong? Here are 4 real examples of how firms accidentally shut down business development with the best of intentions:…
The 5 Ds of Killer Business Development
Most lawyers don’t struggle with business development because they lack intelligence, experience, or relationships. They struggle because they lack confidence in what they’re doing will actually work. This uncertainty drives attorneys toward the lowest-common-denominator version of business development: Asking clients for meetings Inviting contacts to webinars “Checking in” Adding people…
New Research – The Law Firms Best for Women Associates
Women associates report 17% lower job satisfaction than men – up from 13% in 2022. Things are getting worse and harder for the women. Our brand new BTI Associate Satisfaction A-Listers 2026 reveals 13 pervasive reasons – the top 5 include: 54% see lower commitment to help develop their career…