Making More Time for Business Development in 2026: A Resolution Worth Keeping

Business development begins when time is reclaimed.

As lawyers and partners step into 2026, resolutions often revolve around fitness, work-life balance, or efficiency. Yet one of the most transformative commitments rarely makes the list: dedicating time to business development.

Business development is not an 'extra' task. It is the engine of reputation, resilience, and growth. Without it, practices stagnate while competitors build influence and networks. The challenge is clear: often, billable hours dominate, leaving little room for strategic growth. But the opportunity is equally clear: intentional time for business development can change the trajectory of your practice.

Decluttering Time: Lessons from Minimalism

Minimalism is about clearing clutter to create space for what matters. Applied to law, this means:

• Declutter calendars: Remove non-essential meetings and make essential meetings as efficient as possible.

  
  

• Declutter priorities: Focus on two or three business development activities that truly move the needle.

  
  

• Declutter habits: Stop treating business development as ad hoc; embed it into your weekly rhythm and hold yourself accountable.

  
  

Strategic Commitments for 2026

To make business development a resolution you’ll keep, commit to small, consistent actions that align with your key target audience and practice goals:

• Weekly Business Development hour: Treat it like a client meeting: non-negotiable. Use this time to focus on your highest-value audience, whether that’s general counsel, referral partners, or niche industry clients.

  
  

• Micro-networking: Spend 15 minutes a week reconnecting with one contact who matters most to your growth.

  
  

• Content commitment: Publish one LinkedIn post per month showcasing expertise tailored to your audience’s pain points.

  
  

• Delegation discipline: Free up time by delegating admin tasks, so your focus stays on strategic growth.

  
  

• Quarterly reflection: Review business development wins, assess which audiences responded, and reset priorities every three months.

  
  

A Mindshift Shift

Business Development isn’t a distraction from legal work - it is legal work. It builds trust, reputation, and resilience. In 2026, make BD your signature resolution. Start small, stay consistent, and watch the impact compound.

One hour a week is enough to change the trajectory of your practice.

Where to Begin

If you’re unsure where to start or want clarity on which audiences and strategies will have the most significant impact, StudioDMK can help. Through our Signature by StudioDMK services, we work with individual lawyers to design bespoke business development strategies, sharpen positioning, and create sustainable habits that drive growth.

Contact StudioDMK today to make 2026 the year your business development resolution becomes reality.