I am extremely grateful to the clients who provided these testimonials and client references for Kim Tasso.
, Head of Human Resources, Carter Jonas
Highly experienced and effective business development trainer, who conducted a detailed training needs analysis, running focus groups and interviews with SMEs, before rolling out tailored, interactive workshops on cross selling and business development. We have received great feedback to date. December 2024.
Lawyer (anonymous)
It’s great connecting with you again after many years. I was formerly at (firm) many years ago and you ran a workshop for us at a local hotel which I found incredibly inspiring. I still have the notes from that and some of what I learned from that session proved very useful years ago when I took the plunger and set up my own business. (The firm) didn’t practice what they preached but the techniques you taught proved very helpful and years on I have a very successful and thriving award-winning firm of my own. I have just read your article in the PS Magazine and that prompted me to send the connection request. I just thought that you might like to know a success story based on your methods and to belated thank you for giving me the tools to do the job. May 2024
Mumtaz Hussain, Senior Business Development Manager, Anthony Gold Solicitors
Having been on three courses on a range of business development topics for the professional services sector, I can confirm Kim never disappoints. Her courses are packed full of valuable information about navigating the sometimes challenging world of BD and marketing within a PS environment. Her additional reading recommendations are also a helpful supplement to her courses. There’s always opportunities to contribute to the discussions within her sessions and you leave the course enthused and reenergised. February 2024.
, Senior Associate Solicitor, Neves Solicitors
Lisa Cawdron, Business Development Director, Roythornes Solicitors
Kim delivered a fantastic training session for our private client, family and front of house team last week about dealing with new enquiries. Her presentation style was brilliant, the session was engaging and interactive. It went so quickly (always a good sign) and we all came away with new skills. Kim shared so much useful information with us during the session and afterwards. Highly recommended! June 2023
, Head of Marketing and BD, Aquila Forensics (Quantity Surveyors)
Andrea Goodman, Business Development Manager, Collas Crill (Offshore law)
“Kim provided a BD skills training course for our partners and senior associates – 2 x 4 hour sessions over Zoom on targeting clients and conducting effective meetings with a follow up surgery. They were fantastic! Energetic and interactive with frequent break outs and polls ensuring audience engagement; slides that also referenced further reading or videos to support the point being made. Kim took the time to interview our exemplar partners who embrace BD and demonstrate these skills and her slide deck included transcripts from these chats with ideas and real life examples. She really went above and beyond, her sessions were full of interesting statistics and science, a blend of business and brain psychology. Highly recommended!” February 2023
Naomi Gould, Director, Frazers Surveyors
“Kim is fantastic, really knows her stuff. After only a short Zoom meeting, she really got to the bottom of where we were struggling and made suggestions on areas we can work on and what we can implement as a company. Really impressed and looking forward to working with her again in the future. Thank you Kim”. January 2023
Val Farmer, CEO, Richmond Borough Mind
“Kim is a brilliant Trustee and ambassador for Richmond Mind. She uses her corporate knowledge and training skills to provide appropriate and constructive challenge to support the work of the team. She helps focus on demonstrating the impact our charity makes and her passion for mental health and increasing access to services really shines through. Kim gets things done and is a tremendous asset to our Board”. May 2022
Martha Harley, National Head of Marketing, MHA MacIntyre Hudson accountants and consultants
“I recently engaged Kim Tasso to create and run a strategy session with our full marketing team. My brief to Kim was somewhat extensive but in essence the crux of it centred round helping us understand in depth how we can rewrite our marketing strategy to encompass the Hybrid Marketing World of 2022 and beyond. I wanted her to help us refocus, reset, revive and refresh to enable us to not just keep up with our competitors marketing, but lead and challenge. What Kim delivered was truly excellent, hitting all the aspects the team wanted and needed.
Kim was a wonderful in person presenter who completely enrapt you with her knowledge and style of delivery. She didn’t just talk at us, she created a highly interactive session to enable the team to really engage their brains and put into practice what they were learning immediately.
With the pandemic it was the first time the team have actually stopped and raised their heads up in about 2 years so to actually stop and listen and learn was a luxury, and due to what Kim put together was, a pivotal point in not only everyone’s careers but the firm’s future.
I really couldn’t recommend Kim enough and look forward to working with her regularly over the coming years”. April 2022
Hilary Gray, Associate Director, Propeller Group (PR, Content and Business Development agency)
“Kim worked with me to develop the training programme at Propeller, ensuring that it was well thought out, that needs and competencies required were covered and that we were approaching the process correctly. She then developed a training programme for our senior team and subject experts to ensure that those who would be leading our training were well equipped to deliver training that was useful, engaging and recalled”. April 2022
Sheona Boldero, Head of Learning & Development, Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP
“Kim recently carried out some firmwide training on managing 3rd party referrer relationships – and it was excellent. When a reluctant head of practice didn’t think this training was necessary for the team, but then was “persuaded” to attend and thought it was brilliant – that says it all! Some more quoted feedback:
“A very engaging speaker, well worth the time away from fee-earning!”
“It exceeded my expectations and very glad I attended.”
“Kim covered a lot during this training. She is clearly an expert at what she does and the session was informative and interactive and the breakout sessions were not only a really good way to share ideas but to also meet other people from other teams.”
“I thought Kim was excellent, the interactive discussions were short but very productive.”
Highly recommend her approach and training style – detailed, organised and properly be-spoked to what we needed. Thank you”. December 2021
Susan Bradford, Office Manager, Peter Barry Chartered Surveyors
“Kim carried out a training session with our New Business Team and we were very impressed. The session was tailored to our requirements, she engaged each participant and the follow up materials were extremely useful. We will definitely be using Kim’s services in the future and highly recommend her”. July 2021
Robert Morley FCMI Chief Operating Officer, Lubbock Fine Accountants
“Kim’s extensive experience in the world of professional services business development makes her an outstanding trainer and coach. She is able to draw on numerous real world examples taken from personal experience and combines them with psychological insights that engage and inspire. Extremely professional, highly credible and not without a sense of humour. Highly recommend Kim to any organisation wanting to develop its current and future leaders”. April 2021
Ewan McClymont, Business Development Director, Bishop Fleming Accountants
“Having been a recent delegate on one of Kim’s PM Forum courses on Engagement, as well as working with her to deliver an internal webinar on Building Business Relationships, I found her knowledge, delivery and professionalism to be first class. Looking forward to working on more business development projects with Kim going forward”. April 2021
Laura Johnston, Learning & Development Manager, Russell-Cooke Solicitors
“Kim Tasso is an excellent trainer. Kim recently delivered 5 virtual BD and Marketing training sessions for Russell-Cooke with around 150 lawyer delegates attending over the 5 sessions. The sessions were interactive, high energy and have become a model for future live virtual training sessions. By the end of the training Kim really felt like a member of our team and I hope to work with her again soon” April 2021
Martin Peace, Centre Manager, Whitton Community Centre
“Kim facilitated a strategy session with the board of trustees at our neighbourhood charity. Our voluntary trustees have limited experience of organisational strategy development, so the challenge was to prove the value in working this way and then to move forward at the same speed. Kim was rapidly able to put her finger on the key issues and bring together a range of perspectives within a draft strategy. The result is that we are going forward as a more responsive and outward-looking organisation with staff and trustees clearer about our priorities”. May 2019
Louise Rose, Rural and Research PR Director, Savills
“Kim has the rare skill of getting under the skin of a complex business in a very short space of time, identifying the key challenges relating to it and creating a succinct and highly realistic action plan. I would recommend her to any business looking to carry out a MarComms review”. November 2018
Yildiz Betez, Partner, Thackray Williams Solicitors
“I have now had the pleasure of experiencing Kim as as a conference speaker, business consultant and as a trainer. She has adapted effortlessly and excelled in each area of her expertise providing invaluable business insight and strategic guidance where needed in the legal sector. I have no doubt we will continue to consider Kim for any strategic projects”. October 2018
Nick Hanson, Founder and CEO, Vospers Surveyors
“Attended a MBL seminar with Kim on “Managing & Marketing a Profitable Surveying Practice” recently as my firm, Vospers Chartered Surveyors, is moving forward apace at present. Excellent seminar with loads of good ideas. On the back of that I have recently purchased her new book, “Better Business Relationships… in a digital world” (Bloomsbury ISBN 978-1-4729-5701-6). Very readable with lots of good ideas (just one of which is why I have embraced LinkedIn so rapidly recently!) which I am applying to our change agenda here. Happy to recommend the course, book and presenter”. September 2018
Zach Ballan, Renewable Energy Sales Manager, Excel-A-Rate Business Services Limited
“I attended the ‘Developing more work from referrers & intermediaries’ course which was run by Kim and it was brilliant! I would really recommend this course and Kim. I found that her insight was very knowledgable as she has a varied background in marketing, psychology and could offer real world examples. Feeling positive after the seminar. Thanks Kim”. June 2018
Danny Houghton, Business Development Partner, Moore & Smalley Accountants
“Kim delivered a ‘Winning pitches’ session with our senior BD team and it was excellent! I would highly recommend it to anyone involved in winning new work for a professional practice”. April 2018
Paul Nash, Partner, Wrigleys Solicitors
“Kim has facilitated our last two strategy days, and is booked to do so again this year. When first appointed she undertook a thorough review in order to understand our structure and issues, which she grasped quickly. Since then Kim has provided sensible, thought-provoking input which has challenged and helped us to move forward with our strategic thinking and planning. Highly recommended”. January 2018
Spencer Carroll MRICS, Director, Lighthouse Surveyors
“A colleague attended one of Kim’s seminars and was so impressed he asked her to help write our new business plan. Kim is a great facilitator and draws from her extensive experience of working in and for many professional services companies. Kim was quick to understand our business and help us plan, model and deliver a strategy. The best recommendation I can give Kim is that we continue to use her services as our business grows and will no doubt rely on her mentoring skills in the future”. January 2018
Fiona Curnow, Marketing Director, Gardner Leader LLP Solicitors
“Kim delivered a great blend of academic theory and practical information in an excellent training session I attended this week on coaching and team management. The wealth of information and the engaging way with which she deliverd it was fabulous. Further to that, thank you Kim for going the extra mile and giving me some of your really valuable time to think about what it meant for me personally. Really glad to have met you and looking forward to staying connected”. December 2017
Stewart Graham, Owner, Berlad Graham LLP Solicitors
“I attended a course on ‘Business Development for Lawyers’ run by Kim in October and found the day very useful and interesting. I have been managing law firms, including online and offline marketing and BD, for over 20 years but I still learnt a lot from the day with Kim. Her skills as a coach, marketeer and psychologist all contributed to an excellent day of explaining why, what and how to ‘successfully’ market a law firm. I will be using the information I gained in further honing the marketing for my own firm. Kim would be a great addition to your law firm team if you don’t have the scope for a marketeer”. October 2017
Mike Bayliss, Director at Lighthouse Surveyors
“Great CPD on Strategic Business Planning and Marketing from Kim Tasso. Clear and engaging advice. Would recommend to anyone interested in these topics”. June 2017
Deepa Darji, Corporate Lawyer, Davies and Partners
“An amazing seminar given by Kim with great insights on how to develop your business. Practical and informative ideas to implement immediately. Kim was approachable and open to all questions. Feeling positive after the seminar. Thanks Kim”. May 2017
Kimberley Daniel-Ellison, Manager, Andrew Wilson and Co (High Court enforcement)
“I’ve just attended Kim’s course ‘Developing More Work from Referrers and Intermediaries’. I felt both inspired and motivated by Kim and the course content. I gained some excellent ideas to take forward. Kim is extremely knowledgeable on a wide range of subjects and this was very apparent throughout the course. A really enjoyable day!” April 2017
Susanna Oldfield, Director, Cowshed Works Limited
“Kim has worked for www.allinlondon.co.uk for 10 years as a freelance reviewer, writer and blogger. She’s always been professional, reliable and accurate in her writing for the site, and has added hugely valuable content for the benefit of All In London users, most notably as MayB, KimT and the London DogBlog. Her insights, comments and descriptions have proven invaluable for many as they try to find their own version of London’s very best bits. Throughout our 10 years working together, Kim has been a hugely loyal and valuable member of our team and we would highly recommended her for her writing and reviewing skills”. April 2017
Robert Arnell, Chartered Building Surveyor
“Kim’s video based CPD through MBL backed with documentation for LinkedIn for Surveyors is a very informative session for those looking to improve their and their companies use of social media and the web in general. Looking forward to putting this into practice. Thanks Kim!” April 2017
Harriet Territt, Partner, Jones Day lawyers
“In person, Kim has a great ability to engage with her audience and tailor her presentation to their immediate interests and needs. We particularly enjoyed the Q&A session where Kim drew on her significant experience of marketing and business theory, but also helped everyone apply that theory in a practical way – including breaking scenarios down into manageable tasks. With the majority of marketing training aimed at the partner/senior level, it was refreshing to hear Kim focus on what steps lawyers can take at all levels to develop business and we know that the more junior attendees really appreciated Kim’s practical tips on networking”. November 2016
Sam Austin, Senior Marketing and Business Development Executive at Harbottle & Lewis Solicitors
“I’m recommending Kim for her PM Forum course on Being More Strategic. Incredibly useful and interesting for me as, although I have been in legal marketing for over seven years, I have never studied the subject. Kim has a tremendous wealth of knowledge and experience in marketing and business development in professional services, which she draws upon to explain the various academic theories on strategy. Overall the course was really useful for my wider understanding of the subject.” October 2016
Matt Byrne, Deputy Editor, The Lawyer magazine
“I’d like to recommend Kim for her work in the areas of interviewing a wide range of people, analysing complex data and writing detailed reports and articles to a tight deadline”. September 2016
Jonathan Shaw, Partner and Managing Director, Anderton Gables Surveyors
“I met Kim when she was presenting a CPD event for surveyors, I was extremely impressed and asked Kim if she would consider working with us. Kim is now an NED in our business and is assisting our growth hugely. Kim has a knack for seeing the wood for the trees, getting straight to the issue and providing solid opinion. A gem.” June 2016
Andrew Whittle, Partner and Co-founder, Anderton Gables Surveyors
“We’ve worked with Kim for just over six months now and her insight and direction has been pivotal to our progression, enabling us to develop both strategic and operational matters and achieve the desired results. We really enjoy her fast paced focussed approach and we look forward to continuing our relationship with her into the future. Thank you for all your help Kim”. June 2016
Philip Williams, Professional Support Lawyer, Wrigleys Solicitors LLP
“Kim makes challenging scenarios appear straightforward; a skill that only people at the top of their profession really perform well. Kim prepares well, draws from a well of great experience and, above all, engages with people in an affable yet extremely effective way. ” June 2016
Chris Pullen, Legal Business Development Leader, EY
“Kim’s vast experience and deep understanding of the professional services market, made her an obvious choice when I was looking at rolling out an internal training programme aimed at our legal team within EY. As expected. Kim delivered high value content in a style that resonated extremely well with our lawyers and ensured that we put ourselves in an excellent position to build upon lessons learned to date”. March 2016
Claire Mills, Proposition Manager, Barnett Waddingham
“I’ve worked with Kim a number of times over the past 12 years. I have gained a fantastic amount of insight and knowledge from those occasions. She has an in-depth knowledge of how professional services firms operate and can therefore provide very focused advice.
Where I have been a participant of a training session run by Kim I have always come out with a plan of action – some definite takeaways to help me, and importantly understood why I should take that action. In addition, coaching sessions with Kim have been very beneficial to my professional development.
I have also worked with her on providing training sessions to others. She ensures that she fully understands the overall objectives and those of the individuals to make sure that everyone gets the most out of the session. Kim takes the time to get to know her clients so that when she delivers training it is in the context of their work and can therefore be easily applied. It’s always a pleasure to work with Kim”. March 2016
Ken Norman, Key Account Manager, Brethertons LLP Solicitors
“The team here at Brethertons benefited from a lively training session followed by some intensive coaching. Kim is insightful and demonstrates a thorough understanding of Key Account Management (KAM) and its role in the legal profession. This means that her training is as pragmatic as it is enjoyable”. September 2015
Sally Longmate, Practice Manager, Suffolk Legal
“Kim presented an excellent and informative training session to a broad range of our staff. It was relevant, had a clear focus and left all participants with an improved understanding of customer relationship management. It definitely left us wanting more”. January 2015
Jamie Butler, Head of Training & Development, Russell-Cooke Solicitors
“Kim is a lively and engaging trainer and facilitator. She has worked with me to design interactive two-hour workshops on both effective delegation/feedback skills and conflict/negotiation skills for our associates at Russell-Cooke. These have been very well received and Kim is about to deliver a number of workshops to our partners on delegation and feedback as part of our internal leadership and management programme. Kim has also recently worked with our Family team to provide support around strategic planning and analysis and again this was highly rated. Kim draws on her experience of working with lawyers to deliver sessions which are both practical and immediately applicable. She is a pleasure to work with”. January 2015
Penny While, Marketing Manager, Defence, aerospace and security firm
“I recently attended a “refresher” version of Kim’s course on coaching and mentoring. I had originally done the course some nine years ago when working as a Marketing Director for a regional law firm. It was a brilliant course, thoughtfully delivered, with lots of practical advice to match the theory. I diligently read up on the various techniques discussed on the course, and tried some of them out on carefully selected fee earners. Where I had correctly matched the technique to the personality and the objective, the coaching methods worked really well. My group of keen young fee earners eager to make partnership and to earn plaudits for their work progressed fast. They were managing teams, practices and some even their own firms within their desired timeframes.
The course was rich with insight and all the source material was clearly identified and assessed. After I had done my homework, it gave me sufficient confidence to engage with the fee earners professionally and courteously, and in a way that didn’t feel forced or obvious. I found it personally extremely rewarding as an activity, and I am flattered that some of those fee earners have stayed in touch with me even though we have all moved on.
I came back to do the course again, assuming that I had forgotten it all. The course is now only a half day, so there is less time to look at the theory, but Kim keeps her focus on the practical applications, giving clear directions for delegates to pursue their own area of interest afterwards. I very much liked Kim’s new approach of pitching the coaching and mentoring as a way for managers to get their team members to work more effectively (where it had originally been focussed on supporting fee earners to achieve more).
It’s a testament to Kim’s presentation skills that I found that in fact I hadn’t forgotten much at all, I had effectively assimilated the learning from years ago. It turns out that I still use the same techniques, quite naturally, because the lessons were well taught in the first place.
I’ve been on other courses run by Kim but this is the one I’d recommend above all others. It will start you on a journey of self-discovery. You’ll learn how to influence behaviours in others and empower you to be a better manager”. January 2015
Charles Nixon, Chief Executive, Cambridge Marketing College
“I have worked with Kim for over five years and she has always delivered great results for us” October 2014
David Welling, Consultant
“Kim has provided advisory services to a sales related project at Haines Watts. I have since introduced her to the School of Management at Cranfield university where she is passing through a process to join me as a coach/mentor to the prestigious Business Growth Programme there. She knows her stuff”. October 2014
Bruce Hayter, Managing Partner, Rix & Kay solicitors
“Kim is a highly accomplished expert in her field. Kim has provided both stategic and operational marketing advice to Rix & Kay for more than 12 years. Kim’s knowledge and expertise in the professional service business sector has proved invaluable in supporting Rix & Kay’s ambitions to grow its business” October 2014
(Bruce previously commented in November 2013: “Kim has worked with Rix & Kay Solicitors as marketing consultant for some 10 years. Kim’s expertise and knowledge of the legal sector is second to none. In this time Kim has helped the business grow from circa £2M turnover to approximately £7M. Kim’s strategic input has been vital to the business and continues to be vital as we work together to achieve the business’s new strategic objectives”)
Matt Perry, Managing Partner London, Haines Watts Chartered Accountants
“I have been working with Kim for over a year, on a Key Account Management project. This is a difficult project in our organisation due to some cultural and structural challenges. We have already achieved success and I am extremely confident that we will deliver the project exceeding initial targets” October 2014
Carol Prince, Commercial Manager, Jordans Ltd
“Kim delivered training for us on Improving the Tendering Process and Selling Skills. She understood our situation, culture and challenges perfectly and so the training was well structured, highly relevant and really engaging. Even more importantly we’ve seen the results! I wouldn’t hesitate to work with her again”. Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, Expert. June 2014
Nicolette Bostock, Solicitor, Laura Devine Immigration Lawyers
“Radiating with fresh and informed ideas, expert guidance and her very own brand of personal warmth, Kim has worked her magic and reinvigorated how I perceive business development from an individual angle and as a collective force in coordination with my colleagues to achieve wider business objectives. We have received two sessions in our three part training plan and the tools shared by Kim are already providing results. Thank you Kim!” Top Qualities: Personable, Expert, Creative. May 2014
Tanya Venables, Marketing Manager, Haines Watts Chartered Accountants
“I have worked with Kim on a wide range of projects from writing courses to training on social media. Kim’s knowledge is excellent, her style is engaging but she is also challenging – which adds tremendous value to the learning experience. Her ability to adapt subject matter to the profession and deliver practical suggestions is exceptionally valuable”.
“More recently, I have worked with Kim as part of a team responsible for developing and implementing a Key Account Management programme. Kim’s commercial insight combined with strong practical process skills have made this task achievable and the outcomes relevant and manageable. Kim has engaged with a number of our clients and her interaction has in all cases done the firm proud and helped to strengthen our relationships with our clients. I have no doubt we will call on Kim’s considerable experience and skills for future projects”. March 2014
Sarah Webb, HR Director, Stiles Harold Williams surveyors and agents
“Kim is an engaging trainer who delivers fast paced workshops which are tailored to the specific needs of the business and audience” Top qualities: Personable, High integrity, Creative. November 2013
Martin Levin, Accountant and Broadcaster, Martin Levin & Co
“Harrow Branch (Chartered Institute of Taxation) had the delight of Kim racing through a plethora of practical points in the hour and a half slot. Good job there was the usual take-away digestible pack, bulging with food for thought and action to be taken” Top qualities: Great results, Expert, Creative. November 2013
Viral Haria, Tax Manager, Godley & Co
“I attended Kim’s course (for Chartered Institute of Taxation Harrow and North London Brand) on marketing using social media for tax practitioners. The course was very informative, well structured and gave a different perspective in the way LinkedIn and Twitter is used in the profession. I would recommend her to anyone who wants to learn more about how to use social media for marketing” Top qualities: Expert, Good value, Creative. November 2013
Paul Carter, Director, www.allinlondon.co.uk
“Kim has been part of the All In London review and editorial team since the early days of the website. Our 2.5 million-a-month user base responds well to her adaptable style which consistently sees her pieces at the top our “most read articles” lists. We are always impressed by the prolificacy of her output which sees her undertake regular reviews and articles as well as special editorial projects” September 1st, 2013
Dara Lynch, Chief Operating Officer, D&AD
Kim is a marketing professional who possesses both strong marketing and business acumen alongside solid people and leadership skills. She is able to put together disparate pieces of information into a clear picture and provide conclusion and recommendations for senior management decision-making. Not only is she rock solid in terms of her expertise in marketing at the most senior level, she combines this with a level of emotional intelligence in understanding how change can impact on an organization and the people within it. Her third great strength is an unwavering and very high level of integrity. It was a pleasure to work with her on some complex business issues and decisions. I thank her for all the hard work, professionalism, high levels of communication and strong interpersonal skills and I look forward to continuing to work with her in the future.
January 12, 2013
Jo Maude, Senior Business Manager, Professional Development at D&AD
Through my work at D&AD I worked with Kim as a business consultant on our professional development offer. Kim brings enthusiasm, experience and fantastic knowledge of marketing, legal issues and business opportunities to any project. Kim is also highly organised, practical and fast moving, plus fun to work with.
Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, High Integrity. January 12, 2013
Simon Thackray, CEO of Law South Group
Kim spoke at our (Law South) conference last week – her topic was ‘innovation’. The ‘after lunch’ spot is widely regarded as the slot to avoid but Kim’s energy, enthusiasm & expertise was infectious and set off a terrific afternoon session. Plenty of theory mixed with plenty of practical – just what a bunch of 60 lawyers from mid-sized region law firms needed to hear.
May 14, 2012
Laurence Kaye, Laurence Kaye Solicitors
Kim has really helped me clarify my thinking about marketing and, equally importantly, translating that into clear actions. She is great to work with – hugely experienced, clear thinking, challenging and fun too!
October 6, 2012
Nadia Cristina, COO Practice Management International
Kim has been writing for Professional Marketing magazine for more years than either of us probably care to remember. Early on, she took on an editorial advisory role helping us to identify topics and potential authors and this extended into providing ideas in shaping the annual conferences. She is always one of the judges on the Managing Partners’ Forum Awards and a regular contributor of articles – whether conference reports, book reviews or on emerging topics which will become important for professional services marketing. She is also the main speaker on the many training courses provided by PM Forum – on topics spanning marketing, business development, selling, communications, new media, innovation, change management and career development. She continues to identify and produce new courses each year and they are always well received. The feedback from the hundreds of marketers who have attended her courses over the years has always been extremely positive. A great person to work with, always challenging with enormous energy and generosity.
March 20, 2012
Frank Kitson, Chair of Governors, Grey Court School
Kim has brought great insight and intelligence to the governing body of our highly successful secondary school. In a period of great change in the educational landscape I greatly value her counsel on the strategic decisions facing the school. Governance can involve challenging conversations and Kim brings all the tact and tenacity that could be asked for.
March 22, 2012
John Sheath, Managing Partner, Brachers Solicitors
“Kim is a first class trainer and presenter who has had a huge impact on our people at every level in developing our marketing skills. She is a “thought leader” and motivator and her understanding of the psychology of lawyers has helped us to break down the barriers to selling professional services in a challenging and competitive market”. March 20, 2012
Nicola Haldane, Client Relationships Manager, Grant Thornton UK
“I would highly recommend Kim’s new course ” Helping Fee Earners with Client Relationship Management”. A brisk pace, and a lot packed in to 3.5 hrs, all very salient, relevant sound common sense. Whilst the main gist is helping fee-earners with client relationship management, Kim drills right down to some very good practical advice on planning, structuring and prioritising, ways to add value to every interaction and managing expectations. She includes good insight into understanding the differences between a fee-earning brain and a relationship building brain – highlighting clearly that the skills we expect a fee-earner to deploy in relationship building are often the polar opposite of what they’re trained/expect to do”. March 29, 2012
Mike Stones, Finance Partner, E A Shaw
I first met Kim at her book launch of ‘Growing your property partnership’ well over 12 months ago and I was immediately impressed with her knowledge and experience not only of the internal workings of a property partnership but also her wider command and understanding of running a property related business.
Kim was invited to meet our equity partners with a view to assist us in some internal restructuring and to help on marketing and business development and run our two day Business Conference that Autumn. Her broad depth of understanding, together with her direct approach to change has helped us deal with some challenging issues from the restructuring of the partnership management to pulling together the business plan and how we implement those plans over the coming months.
It was felt by the firm that we would all benefit from her services on a more permanent basis and I am pleased to say that she has been brought in as a Non Executive Director working with the EPs and myself for the next 12 months from July 2011
For a traditional partnership this is a major change in the business structure but we all feel that having the benefit of an outside non executive to listen, watch and challenge the decision making process and assist as and when required greatly improves our business acumen.
Personally, I have a great working relationship with Kim and I am really looking forward to working with her”. March 20 2012
Donna Clark, HR Manager at FBC Manby Bowdler
“We first worked with Kim when she provided a half day “improving your sales conversion rate” course for one of our teams. This was found to be successful and we asked her to repeat this session with all the other teams. We then asked her to design and run an intensive and interaction strategic planning session with all of our heads of departments. More recently, she conducted a strategic review and facilitated our partner and associate away day”. February 14, 2012
Anna Cook, Partner, Wedlake Bell
Kim did a fantastic presentation to the Media Board at SCL which was full of interesting insights and ideas.
November 8, 2011
Laurence Eastham, Editor, SCL – The IT Law Community
Kim’s recent presentation to a varied range of SCL trustees and Media Board members was insightful and a real tour de force. What I valued most was that she was not shy of sharing opinions. Since I and the others there will readily put faith in those opinions, we will be saved valuable time, and trips up many blind avenues.
November 9, 2011
Clive Freedman, Barrister at 3 Verulam Buildings
I attended Kim’s presentation to Society for Computers and Law (“SCL”) trustees and committee members about the use of online media for giving greater prominence to SCL. It was a very interesting and helpful presentation, with lots of well-focused points.
November 23, 2011
Richard Woodman, Employment Partner, Royds
Kim has energized our business development activity and has been the catalyst for a number of valuable initiatives.
March 31, 2011
John North, Corporate Partner, Royds
Kim has greatly assisted us in bringing focus to our business development activities and is currently proving to be an invaluable member of the Royds team working on the redesign of our website.
April 27, 2011
Andy Wadham, Leadership Development Consultant & John Adair Accedited Trainer, Irwin Mitchell
Having worked with Kim Tasso, she is a key presenter and facilitator on our Irwin Mitchell MBA, I genuinely can say I am happy to have this opportunity of recommending Kim. I am the Leadership Development Consultant for Irwin Mitchell LLP and am the ‘owner’ of IM Leadership Academy; at all leadership development initiatives within the Firm; from ‘front line’ supervisory level up to MBA level. Kim is an integral part of our MBA. She is personable, interactive, knowledgeable and delivers to our most senior leadership development level at equity member on our Irwin Mitchell MBA. Kim delivers and has proven she ‘challenges’ the thoughts and behaviours of our business leaders and has a knack of linking client development, business and marketing concepts of our strategic vision and leaders that make ‘real’ sense in the legal arena; and this does ‘come to life’ for our strategic business leaders. Kim expertly knows, and explains really well, this is particularly important part of business in deliverable terms of ROI for any Firm or any business in this current changing legal (or any other) marketplace’ November 7, 2011
Simon Crooks, Practical legal advice for individuals and their families
“Kim was a speaker on the recent CLT Course ‘Managing and Marketing a Profitable Private Client Department’ – I found her session thoroughly engaging; extremely useful; and very practical. She crammed a whole load of information into the session and I came away not just with the usual ‘to do list’ but actively inspired to follow up. Thanks Kim!” July 6, 2011
Oliver White, Marketing and business development, WilmerHale
“I recently participated in a seminar given by Kim on digital marketing techniques within the professional services sector. It was by far the most useful, tangible and commercially focused session on this subject I have attended. Kim’s vast experience and strategic insight shone through. Her style was authoritative and highly engaging”. June 16, 2011
James Mendelssohn, Chairman of MSI Global Alliance and UK Chair of Education Africa
“I have known Kim professionally for almost 25 years and she stands out as being one of the most consistent, respected and knowledgeable consultants serving the professional services sector”. April 1, 2011
Kamal Aggarwal, Head of Thames Gateway Office, Thomson Snell & Passmore
“Kim is without doubt amongst the very best in her business. Her ability to absorb information, understand the objective and work out the best possible solution in a practical, realistic and creative manner lies at the heart of a service delivered within timelines and budgets. She understands the people she is working with and provides solutions which are both relevant and applicable by them”. March 31, 2011
OLDER RECOMMENDATIONS
Lane, Clark & Peacock
She put together a great course which covered our different work areas and the different levels of experience in the team. We were all very impressed at how Kim applied the background research on our firm to the sessions – it helped us to think about application much better. The whole team found it a really interesting, informative and useful program which has helped us think about, and improve, how we work together. It also helped us in terms of our personal goals and development. In addition I found her coaching sessions very helpful in developing my role and how I perform.
Rix & Kay
Sales and Marketing training has always made me cringe in the past – that was until I spent two days with Kim whilst at Rix and Kay. I came away from this training feeling highly motivated and very impressed with her professional, intelligent and honest approach.
Colliers CRE
Kim is an outstanding consultant in more ways than a few words can outline. She is unnervingly clear minded and reaches penetrating insights into complex and challenging business dilemmas. She is a truly outstanding consultant of the highest integrity
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St Ives Chambers
I am hoping the barristers will put in to practice the invaluable tools that Kim has provided them with….
Williams Allan (now Tenon)
Kim is one of a kind and her knowledge of professional service businesses especially accountants and lawyers is frankly immense. I had no hesitation in engaging with Kim especially in the early years of the firm’s growth as we strived to clearly identify our culture and ethos and build it into our marketing strategy. Kim’s style is such that it gets professionals thinking outside their comfort zone about areas critical to the strategic way forward for their businesses – and any of us with a lifetime in the profession knows only to well how challenging that can be at times ! I know how lonely it can get leading a fast growing dynamic business and Kim is one of a small handful of people I would have no hesitation in speaking with on matters around marketing and business development – she is not only a fund of great knowledge constantly challenging herself in her quest to raise her own bar but also very creative in her thinking and someone who truly understands the ‘people dynamic’ which is so important especially in professional firms!
Seddons
We have been very fortunate indeed to engage the services of Kim Tasso. Kim has helped to revolutionise the approach to marketing at Seddons. She has the rare gift of combining a highly creative imagination with a totally pragmatic and systematic approach to everything that she does. With Kim’s very substantial help we have created a new website (producing five lively blogs) which has won many plaudits and in a very short time we are already experiencing an improvement in our hit rates. She has also helped us to redevelop our marketing policy on a strategic and highly targeted footing. Overall we are delighted with the service she has provided to us.
Brown & Co
The role was essentially to assist the Managing Partner in a redesign of the administrative function of the firm and both the streamlining and modernisation of the management process. Kim undertook internal research seeing partners and staff as well as organising an external research project with a broad range of selected clients….Kim was then critically involved in the process of seeking candidates for the new marketing and business development manager and in assisting the managing partner, divisional heads and office managers to prepare strategic plans…exceptionally worthwhile and positive with input specifically on issues as commissioned but, additionally, with consistent help being given to the Managing Partner. Kim has been effective and impressive in terms of her grip of the issues and in providing both pathways and direct solutions to bring the partners to their objectives.
Hempsons
Although the firm has undoubted and clear strengths in relation to its niche areas of expertise and practice, it is at the same time an extremely hard nut to crack in relation to the introduction of modern marketing techniques as many of the fee earners were reluctant marketers and sceptical as to its benefits. In addition, with a geographically dispersed practice over three offices we had significant challenges in relation to internal communications and to the necessary cascade of marketing information and messages. Kim impressed all with her professionalism, knowledge, enthusiasm and commitment to the firm and to each of its individual members. She quickly won over all but the most recalcitrant to working in a cooperative way to achieve marketing goals…in addition to the above list of significant achievements, there were many – indeed almost daily – small achievements which overall led to a greater awareness of the marketing effort within the firm and the beginnings of an improvement in its delivery. We were all very sorry to see Kim go, albeit at the end of a pre-determined and agreed period. I would warmly commend her to any future employer or commissioner of her services. If you decide to take her on, I have no doubt you will be pleased that you have done so and be well served by this talented professional
haysmacintyre
During this time she supported an increase in our pitch conversion rate, generated an increase in web visitors, increased the level of enquiries, doubled the number of client/prospect events and arranged meetings/events with over 20 referrers/intermediaries. In addition to running the day to day marketing and business development activities – where we saw a significant increase in awareness throughout the firm and an increase in activity in many parts she undertook some major projects including: marketing strategy, annual partners’ conference, coached half the partners, developed the marketing team, redesigned the firm’s identity, developed a new web site, initiated our first telemarketing campaigns, implemented the media relations programme and established our Young Professionals Network. We found Kim to be extremely hardworking, thorough and she demonstrated an ability to pursue task, while facing a number of obstacles. Kim continues to work with us a couple of days a month to support the ongoing implementation of the various programmes put in place and to encourage our small but effective marketing team
Henry Adams & Co
She is a clear thinker with an in-depth knowledge of our industry and her input at our partner conference was invaluable. We subsequently used Kim on an ad-hoc basis in developing our business plan and also our marketing plan, which is another area where she has particular expertise. Kim is a thoroughly professional and highly experienced consultant
Pellings
We approached Kim Tasso to help us develop a business plan, having already undertaken a great deal of research regarding our clients etc.Kim provided us with a mentoring platform which encouraged us to think for ourselves and enabled us to take complete ownership of the document, which has since proven critical in our ability to sell the plan to our board and staff. Kim’s expert ability to tease out the real issues and then provide guidance as to how these should be addressed has been critical to the success of our plan. Her knowledge and strength of personality gave us, and the entire Board, enormous confidence in what we were doing, a confidence which has since been proven well founded. We would unreservedly recommend Kim Tasso to a business considering following a similar course
Thomson Snell & Passmore
Kim Tasso has been instrumental in implementing and maintaining the momentum of our key client management programme. The results of this initiative have been above expectations. However, the real benefit for our firm has been the application of lessons learnt during key client management across our client base and the subsequent shift in the culture of the firm to one that is a lot more client focused. Kim’s no nonsense approach, and the insight she brings from many years at the coal face of professional services marketing, makes her an invaluable ally in getting fee earners and clients on board
Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw
During her initial few months she was very active in re-energising the Marketing Committee and brought a more strategic view of marketing to the firm, specifically, producing a detailed brief of the branding and corporate identity of the merged UK practice…..In the short time that Kim has been with Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw she has made a very significant impact on the marketing function and has created an excellent platform for the new incoming permanent Marketing Director
Three Dr Johnson’s Buildings
We have benefited from your wealth of expertise and ideas. I am amazed at the huge amount of work you have done for us in such a short timescale. Your comprehensive draft chambers strategy and marketing plan are excellent. Your illustrated presentation to members of Chambers was very successful and you were able to convert those members who had been sceptical about marketing for the Bar to your way of thinking. You have shown your ability to work along with members and staff very well. You have motivated us to want to implement your ideas
Circle
Kim did an excellent piece of work for us. She quickly understood our needs, and so was able to redefine the brief, the resulting project combined quite acute observation with practicable steps that we feel will make a genuine contribution to the business.
Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL)
During the three months, Kim work with great efficiency and skill, being of considerable assistance to APIL in developing the PR function. I am sorry to see the project come to an end as I shall no longer benefit from Kim’s excellent advice and great ideas.
Barnes Kavelle
Kim has driven the strategic marketing review against a backrop of ten board directors, eigthteen shareholders and a new managing director. She has analysed the business and put in place a comprehensive, sensible and pragmatic plan….Kim has helped enormously in the development of my team and myself and has been universally accepted. She is incredibly hardworking, fast paced and we look forward to her ongoing involvement with the business.
Manches
Throughout, Kim’s approach has been straightforward, pragmatic and flexible.
The Law Society
Kim’s approach is direct and pragmatic and her delivery at seminars energetic and user friendly – her ability to maintain consistent attention from the audience is clearly one of her strengths.
Weatherall Green & Smith
Kim is one of the most action oriented people that I have met for many years. Her enthusiasm is infectious and does wonders for the motivation of everyone she meets.
Osborne Clarke
Her talents are strategic but pragmatic; she is industrious, conscientious, imaginative and very user friendly.
Olswang
I and my partners have found her to be diligent, hard working, knowledgeable, highly committed, energetic and able to bring original thinking to many situations – even when operating under periods of inevitable pressure.
West London Training and Enterprise Council
Overall we found Kim to be a very high quality, senior marketing professional.
Systems Publicity
Her knowledge of the marketing mix and techniques to achieve specific results is highly developed and she is an excellent team player as well as a leader and key decision maker.
Nabarro Nathanson
She made an outstanding contribution to the development of the firm’s marketing programme and I cannot speak too highly of her qualities – intelligence, enthusiasm, integrity and commitment.