Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sarah Zabel. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Sarah thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or late?

I don’t think I would have started my business later. My business was open in 2018. Timing in life is intuitive. When I started my business I new it was the right time for me. Although my business certainly brought my life full circle. As a lawyer I was in private practice which included being a Circuit Civil and Family mediator. In 2003 I became a Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge for nearly 16 years. Sometimes I think had I stayed in private practice where would I be now as a mediator. However, I am very proud of my public service and working for the citizens of Miami-Dade County ensuring, fairness, compassion, and patience for all those who appeared in front of me. From the experience I received from being a Judge it helped me better myself as a mediator. Especially, understanding what people go through when they are in the rabbit hole of the court system. Being a judge certainly gave me perspective to help those in any type of dispute navigate out of the court system.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

The reason I went to law school was I wanted to advocate for those who did not have a voice. As a lawyer I represented clients with a wide variety of disputes. My first position was with the State Attorneys Office, Child Support Enforcement. I truly loved public service and bringing value to those I helped. For nearly 16 years I was a Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge where I made many important decisions. What I am truly proud of is my practice I started when I retired from the Bench. My vision was to build an all female dispute resolution practice. My business is solving problems and ending conflicts for those who are involved in a dispute. I look at my business as the little engine that could. By resolving cases and expanding my business I am now finishing my fourth year in business. Not only is my business sustaining itself I have brought on two neutrals Mari Sampedro-Iglesias and Jessica Geller. It is exciting to know I am helping people navigate out of the maze of the court system (especially children), and am growing my vision of an all female statewide full service dispute resolution practice.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

During the nearly 16 years I was a Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge I never was on any social media platforms. My son, Joshua Rosne who graduated from Georgetown with a Masters degree in marketing told me when I decided to start my own business that it was important for me to get plugged in. He got me connected on linkedin and Facebook. From there I found my voice. There are different lawyer chat groups that gave me a platform to create a presence for me in my business. Plus through my years of experience I have been able to give advice to young lawyers. I have also written some blogs which I posted through linkedin. There was no social media when I was in private practice years ago. These platforms really are terrific to expand your network. If someone is starting out I would highly recommend joining Facebook groups that are connected to your field of practice. Also if you are given an award for your work to make sure you promote the recognition through the social media platforms. Always be mindful of the content you put out. Be helpful when you can, follow up with potential leads, and most importantly be kind.

Any fun sales or marketing stories?

I truly believe you need to spend money to make money. I was active on social media. Went to different networking events, Sent out emails as a way to promote my business. I learned I needed to do more. Through asking the right questions I discovered being an exhibitor at different lawyer conferences was a great way to gain clients. I was an exhibitor at my first conference. I spent money on different marketing items to give to people so they could remember me and hopefully use me for dispute resolution services. What was most interesting was people were more interested in getting to know me and feel comfortable with me so that they would use me to mediate for them. Of course they loved the chocolate at my table, but by getting to know me I was able to make the personal connection and gained clients. Through one conference I have established existing clients. Now I am continuing to be an exhibitor. There is a cost to go to these conferences and spending money on a booth, but even if I pick up one or two clients it is 100 percent worth the value.

Contact Info:

• Website: MAZEresolutions.com
• Instagram: @mazeresolutions
• Facebook: @rmazeresolutions
• Linkedin: @mazeresolutions
• Twitter: @mazeresolutions