We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jenna Riedel a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jenna, thanks for joining us today. What do you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry?

Having come from a creative/art background prior to law school, I was under the impression that there would be little relevancy in creativity when applying law. I took a part time job with an attorney in town (while I was still selling real estate, and working in interior design). This part time gig was a short term plan for me that turned into a long term plan. After 5 years of working with an attorney my age, I realized we were a great team because of the differences in our thought processes. My boss was a very analytical person, and I always sought out more innovative systems that were against the norm. We learned how to develop strategies to help our clients in more effective ways by thinking creatively AND analytically. Having two types of brain types can create difficulties in agreement, but it taught me how to listen, apply, and think critically about other view points. This is a fundamental concept in art as well. Because of this experience, I think I have become both a better lawyer and artist.

Jenna, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I always had an interest in art as a kid. I loved drawing/painting and those scratch color sheets. In high school, I took several art classes and continued with it. I received my bachelor of fine arts from Iowa State University in integrated studio arts with an emphasis in ceramics and woodworking. I loved my time in art school, and created so many long lasting friendships that I hold dear still today. Many of those same friends/professors were willing to help write recommendations for me to get into law school over a decade after I completed my undergraduate degree. The best thing about being around creative people is that they are always helping to push you to do more and be better at anything you are doing-personally, financially, creatively. Part of that drive comes from critiques and peer reviews. We learn to accept criticism early on (even if we don’t agree with it), and adjust accordingly. You don’t always have to take verbatim suggestions during critiques, but being a creative person teaches us how to bifurcate criticism and apply it. I have used this skill significantly in my legal path as well.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

I have been self employed for almost a decade, but prior to that, I worked in commission sales. Commission sales taught me the importance of mentally committing to remembering people. Many people say “I’m bad at names” but it really is an excuse to forget. Take the time to learn about clients, friends, acquaintances, and you’d be surprised how many of them will come to you for suggestions and/or business. If in doubt, it is also always okay to ASK FOR THE SALE. When I used to work art fairs or gallery events, I used to love to talk to people about my art… and that SOLD the art. If people like you and find joy in engaging with you, they will engage with your business. You are your own brand any time you are self employed and you have to sell your story to some extent.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Word of mouth is always the best source of clients. While I don’t do much commission work anymore (due to time restraints), there is nothing better than having someone brag up your own work for you. They literally do the work for you! If your friends/clients aren’t passing you referrals, don’t be afraid to ask them to. Give them your cards and say “Hey, do you think you could give these out to anyone who could use my services?” There is a stronger sense of trust through referrals, and those referrals tend to generate more by word of mouth alone.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennaweirarts
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennaweir/
• Other: https://www.usd.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/knudson-school-of-law/south-dakotan-lawyer/artist-turned-lawyer-jenna-weir-riedel-brings-creative-perspective-to-bankruptcy-law