Q 1. Please give our readers an introduction to your business. Include what your business is all about, in which city you are located and if you have offices in multiple locations/ cities.
Ans: Initially, I defended injury claims working with insurance companies. In 2003, I made the decision to open an injury law practice in the Marietta-Roswell area. Even though I am located north of Atlanta, I get referrals from all over the state; therefore, my clients and practice encompass the entire state of Georgia.
Q 2. Provide a brief description about yourself (it should include your brief educational or entrepreneurial background and list some of your major achievements).
Ans: I received my high school education in Marietta and my undergraduate degree from Kennesaw State University. After receiving my law degree from Cumberland Law School at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama; I went to work for large insurance companies defending injury claims. I reached the decision after the age of 30 that I wanted to take the knowledge I had gained defending the insurance giants to instead provide effective defense for the injured parties. As a result, we now settle or receive judgment in millions of dollars each year for our clients.
Q 3. What inspired you to (start a new business venture) or (to make significant changes in an existing business)? How did the idea for your business come about?
Ans: Actually, I felt like the bad guy when I was defending the insurance companies instead of the helping people which began to have a personal effect on me. I was hit very hard with the realization that I did not want to be that person for the rest of my life. Something had to change – for me and my family. I spend a considerable amount of time talking with other attorneys about how they started their own practice and their quality of life. At that point, I was able to make the clear decision that I wanted to start my own firm.
Q 4. What three pieces of advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?
Ans: 1. Insure you have extensive knowledge in your area of practice or business
2. Keep strict control of cash flow – both incoming and outgoing
3. Customer Service is key to a successful business
Q 5. What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
Ans: 1. Tenacity
2. Compassion
3. A little OCD
Q 6. How many hours do you work a day on average?
Ans: Usually around 8 or 9 hours
Q 7. To what do you most attribute your success?
Ans: I have to give a great deal of credit to my dad who not only made it possible financially for me to start my own firm, but he instilled in me that it takes a strong work ethic to make a business successful. And, well worth it if you do it right.
Q 8. How do you go about marketing your business? What has been your most successful form of marketing?
Ans: I used Yellow Page advertising initially with some success, but I do not do much marketing at this point in my career. Fortunately, most of my business is word of mouth and referrals. I also do some online marketing. I believe that the reason that I get strong referrals is because I do not insulate myself from my potential clients. I make it a point to talk to each prospective client personally about their potential case rather than letting staff take all of my calls. My existing clients are equally important so I am always mindful of time management. But, I always like to give each party adequate time to explain their situation. Listening and being open to letting a person vent in a friendly atmosphere has resulted in more calls than any paid advertising I have ever done.
Q 9. Where did your organizations funding/capital come from and how did you go about getting it? How did you obtain investors for your venture?
Ans: I worked hard and saved money. Also, my dad provided a tremendous amount of help during my first year in business.
Q 10. What is the best way to achieve long-term success?
Ans: Develop a definitive plan and stick to it.
Q 11. Where you see yourself and your business in 5 – 10 years?
Ans: I would still be in the same place doing the same thing. I really would not change a thing. It might be nicer to work a little less and retire in a few years, but…
Q 12. Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?
Ans: Brodhead Law, LLC
Company Detail
Business name : Law Offices of Steven M. Barnett, P.C.
First : Steven
Last Name : Barnett
Address : 4343 Shallowford Road, Suite F-7
City/Town : Marietta
State : GA
Zip code : 30062
Email ID : smb@sbarnettlaw.com
Tel No : 770-998-2102
Toll Free No : 866-592-4221
Fax : 770-998-2402
