Maximum Lawyer

Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREAre you looking for a new tech tool to help with making quick searches? In this episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, Tyson introduces a new app called Perplexity and how attorneys can use it to their advantage.Perplexity is an app that simplifies and accelerates searches made on the web. It works differently from a Google search engine that will spit out dozens of websites which forces you to go through every one until you find your answer. The app makes searching for information so much faster. Tyson uses an example of asking the app “How do I speed up a website?” From here, Perplexity organizes the sources. Some responses are to optimize images, use a content delivery network and evaluate the hosting provider. The app lists the sources and websites that the options came from. At this point, you are able to click the options Perplexity gives you which takes you to the website directly.Listen in to learn more about how the app will simplify legal research!1:09 Tyson shares the new app called Perplexity2:05 Features of Perplexity4:02 Testing Perplexity for legal researchTune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here. Resources:Join the Guild MembershipSubscribe to the Maximum Lawyer Youtube ChannelFollow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook GroupFollow the Facebook PageFollow us on LinkedIn

Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREAre you trying to find a way to become more tech savvy? In this podcast episode, Tyson discusses the capabilities and limitations of ChatGPT, an AI assistant. He demonstrates how it can answer questions, provide suggestions, and engage in dialogue.ChatGPT as a tool has become more advanced since its launch in 2022. The new function includes a conversational component that is very interesting. The tool can handle text based tasks, can generate emails and create drafts for legal blogs. Tyson talks about the voice feature of ChatGPT, which really makes interacting with the tool more like a dialogue. It is a great tool for summarizing and analyzing texts, but not particularly legal texts. Instead of sitting and reading through a text to figure out the important details, you can copy and paste it into the tool and it will provide you with the cliff notes. For the voice feature, you could just ask the tool a question and go back and forth to get the answer you need.ChatGPT can save searches, responses and conversations as well as create meeting minutes!Take a listen and learn how to stay ahead of the tech curve as an attorney.2:11 ChatGPT can handle text-based tasks easily.3:24 ChatGPT can analyze large chunks of text.5:31 ChatGPT suggests creating FAQs, using conversational language, and writing blog posts.Tune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here. Resources:Join the Guild MembershipSubscribe to the Maximum Lawyer Youtube ChannelFollow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook GroupFollow the Facebook PageFollow us on LinkedIn

Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREAre you an attorney who needs some tips on what to avoid doing? In this live podcast episode, hosts Jim and Tyson discuss 99 things that lawyers should stop doing. Jim and Tyson go over a long list of things attorneys should not do and provide advice on what to do instead in order to become more successful in the legal field. One of these is to not schedule hour-long meetings. Truthfully, most meetings do not need to be a full hour. Go into meetings with a defined agenda and don't waste time talking about things that are irrelevant. Attorneys are known to work long hours with little sleep. Tyson and Jim really emphasize the need to get enough sleep to maintain good health and to be more productive. Set boundaries on when you need to finish your work in the office and transition over to doing things that help you unwind. That could be implementing a hard stop at 5pm and putting your phone on silent until the morning. Many people fall victim to saying yes to everything as a way to keep the peace and avoid conflict. As attorneys, you will be busy with a lot of moving pieces throughout your day. You will not have time to take on every case or please every client. Learn how to say no and get comfortable with the feeling.It is important to not compare yourself to others and focus on your own goals. The legal field is full of aspiring attorneys who want to be the best in the business and will try to compete against their fellow colleagues. This can really eat away at many people’s self esteem and progress. Tyson and Jim talk about the importance of focusing on your own goals and not letting other people’s progress affect your own.Mental health is an important thing to focus on. It is important to focus on both your personal mental health and that of your team. Think about the decisions you make as a leader that affect their work and personal lives. Make it a priority to have routine conversations with your team to understand how they are feeling and how to adjust expectations.Take a listen to learn more!1:39 Avoid wasting time on unscheduled phone calls and hour-long meetings3:13 Prioritize getting enough sleep to maintain good health and improve productivity8:23 Discussion of the importance of saying no18:13 Focusing on your own growth and improvement26:36 Importance of considering the mental health of both yourself and your team Resources:Join the Guild MembershipSubscribe to the Maximum Lawyer Youtube ChannelFollow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook GroupFollow the Facebook PageFollow us on LinkedIn

Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREMeet Aaron Levinson, a former prosecuting attorney who recently launched his own law firm. Aaron's journey from being a prosecutor to starting his own firm is a testament to his determination and resilience. Listen into this episode where Jim and Tyson dive deep into how and what Aaron did to start his own law firm. 01:06 Aaron’s transition from being a prosecutor to starting his own law practice07:22 Starting his own firm 09:53 Aaron discusses his plans and observations while still working as a prosecutor, and the steps he took to prepare for starting his own law firm11:12 Aaron talks about the different mindset required for being a prosecutor versus a criminal defense attorney and how he approached the moral quandaries of each role16:57 Aaron discusses the unexpected aspects of running his own law practice, including the supportive network of attorneys and the misconceptions he had about competition. He also shares his plans for future hiresJim’s Hack: When people show you who they really are, believe them the first time. As it relates to potential new clients.Aaron’s Tip: Say “Yes!” and be open minded and experience new opportunities.Tyson’s Tip: Use ChatGPT upgrade where it talks back to you in a conversationConnect with Aaron:Website

Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREDo you want to increase the client experience when using websites? In this episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, Tyson discusses the importance of website load speed for law firms. Tyson talks about the reasons why load speed is crucial for law firms. One reason is client experience and the second is SEO (search engine optimization). You want to make sure your law firm's website is up to date and running smoothly so clients can access your company’s information quickly and without any issues. If a potential client is finding it difficult to locate you online or if your website is slow, they will give up and click on the next firm’s website. That is one way you lose potential clients, so it is important to focus on this and find quality servers.Tyson provides a few ways firms can maximize websites for the best results. One is to optimize images. There are many tools on the internet that you can use to reduce the bandwidth of images to which they are reduced but keep the same quality. This helps maintain that good client user experience. Another way is to utilize browser caching, which allows for elements to be stored on the user's (in law firm’s cases, potential clients) browser. This will allow for your information, like your site or images to load faster. Listen in to learn more on how to maximize the client experience!2:06 Tips on how to optimize images on your website to improve load speed3:22 How to minimizing HTTP requests can speed up your website5:08 The importance of hosting your website on a private server Resources:Join the Guild MembershipSubscribe to the Maximum Lawyer Youtube ChannelFollow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook GroupFollow the Facebook PageFollow us on LinkedIn

Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREDo you want to know the best method to set and achieve goals? In this episode, Tyson discusses the importance of setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals. Goals are only possible if they are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and have a deadline. Many people are not able to reach goals because they are too broad and with that comes impossible ideals in order to achieve it. Goals need to be realistic to you and your lifestyle. If you have a goal to make $1 million in 2 years, think about the actual possibility of that. Think about how much money you make now and what your profit margin needs to be as a business owner to get there. It might include adding or removing a few things to get to that goal.Tyson breaks down each aspect of SMART goals. The “S” is specific, which means narrowing down your goal to something simple. If someone asks you what your goal is, it should be clear and concise. “M” stands for measurable. A goal needs to be measured or tracked somehow. This could mean every week checking in on the numbers and seeing how things are going. “A” stands for achievable, in which a goal has to be realistic and in your capacity to achieve. If it is not, you need to figure out a way to make it possible. ”R” is relevant, which means the goal needs to align with your mission and what is within your vision. Finally, “T” stands for timebound, which is setting a deadline to finish your goal. Nothing will get done unless a deadline is set. This is not just the case for goals, but for projects. No project just starts and ends as there is work put in with timelines in place to make sure people are held accountable for the work. This applies for individual goals as well.Take a listen!00:24 The importance of setting SMART goals1:13 The struggle with setting specific goals2:56 The components of SMART goals Resources:Join the Guild MembershipSubscribe to the Maximum Lawyer Youtube ChannelFollow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook GroupFollow the Facebook PageFollow us on LinkedIn

Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREDo you want to learn more about how to create and maintain a successful business? In this episode, CPA Tim McKee delivers a presentation on "Metrics That Matter" at the 2022 Maximum Lawyer conference. Tim discusses the many ways to run a successful law firm.Tim shares how there are only 4 ways to grow a law firm: increase the value of each transaction or resolution, get clients to revisit, take on more cases and increase the value of those cases. Working in law firms, attorneys focus on identifying what the information is and how to go about obtaining it. Obtaining it comes from data systems such as spreadsheets, KPI systems, case management systems, etc.As law firm owners, communication is key to a successful business and a well functioning team. Tim talks about the importance of communicating to the team about performance, where things are going well and where things are lagging. Most times, teams don't perform well because there is a lack of clear communication on expectations. If this is the case, you need to ask yourself as an owner if you are providing your staff with the right tools to succeed and if they have had the right training to do it successfully.It is important to train staff in order to get the results you want for your business. No one walks into a job knowing everything there is to know. You also can’t expect new staff to know everything right off the bat without a proper onboarding plan. There needs to be something in place to ensure staff are showing up and performing, otherwise you get turnover and a bad workplace culture.Tim goes through a few key performance indicators (KPIs) that businesses and firms should consider to understand how well the firm is doing. One of these is diagnostic reporting. This involves categorizing cases which then are turned into numbers and percentages that can be analyzed. This could be closed cases with a fee, closed cases with no fee, cases that didn't make it to trial, cases with a physical injury, etc. The categories are endless, but what this does is take all of the information and pump out numbers that show the performance of the firm and how many cases are being handled each month or year.Listen in to learn more!1:59 Four methods for growing a law firm9:13 If there is low performance …13:20 Highlighting the need for training and coaching in order to achieve desired resultsConnect with Tim:Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Resources:Join the Guild MembershipSubscribe to the Maximum Lawyer Youtube ChannelFollow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook GroupFollow the Facebook PageFollow us on LinkedIn

Are you wanting to learn a few more law firm business tips? In this podcast episode, Jim and Tyson discuss what they have learned from each other about running a law firm. They talk about lessons learned and things both have implemented over their working relationship.Jim speaks to the things he has learned from Tyson. One thing is the importance of incremental improvement. Many people feel they need to create the perfect formula or system to get things done. The reality is that improving a little bit each day or slowly working towards a goal little by little will truly get you far. Another thing Jim has learned is to systematize aspects of a firm for maximum efficiency. It is important to identify and invest in systems that will take your firm to the next level and make it the best it can be. This comes with streamlining processes or working with different technologies to make the client intake system better.Jim continues with learning how to stop the “BS”, which is another thing that Tyson has inspired him to do. Many people struggle with doing what they know they need to do or do what they know is right. It could be fear of rejection or the fear of getting people mad. The reality is nothing will get done unless you do what needs to be done, regardless of who gets upset or if it fails.Tyson shares how Jim is able to address and embrace the pain he has endured. Jim shares how Tyson is able to address, own and control the painful experiences of the past. A lot of people are not able to do this as it takes a certain level of awareness and strength to use it to one’s advantage. But, to use it as fuel and motivation when working with clients is very rewarding and makes you a better lawyer. Tyson also shares that he has learned the importance of taking a stance and position on things from Jim. Many people struggle with taking a strong stance on something they believe in. Tyson talks about how Jim does this very well in his marketing strategies to convey his message to potential clients. Doing this is not about making sure everyone likes you but about showing those that need your help that you are behind them.Not caring about other people’s opinion is another thing that Tyson shares that he learned from Jim. This is another issue that people tend to do and it can cause people to minimize their growth and success. The truth is even if you don't believe it inside, saying it out loud can bring a sense of power to you that can then lead you to believing it. With this, it is important to surround yourself with people that matter and will support you through your career.Take a listen to learn a few things from Jim and Tyson.2:02 Focus on making small improvements each day 5:49 Embrace the pain in life8:15 Dedication to creating and implementing systems13:22 Exploration of the value of taking a position and not being afraid to be divisive🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here. https://youtu.be/hRsONq-JJL8

Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREAre you looking for a unique way to market your law firm? In this episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, Tyson discusses the growing use of voice search assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa, and its impact on marketing strategies.What makes voice search assistants so popular is the conversational piece that exists. It feels like you are having a conversation with someone. Tyson talks about how people are asking more detailed questions. For example, no one is just searching “personal injury law”. People are searching “Where is the closest personal injury lawyer to me” or “What is the best rated personal injury lawyer in my city”.For these voice search assistants to show your business when someone is searching, it is important to ensure your contact information is up to date. This is because if someone asks Siri or Alexa for the closest personal injury firm in their city, it will pump out all the ones within their range and the information that is already online. If your address is wrong or your phone number is not updated, these assistants will not provide potential clients with the right information. This truly puts you at a disadvantage. Optimize Google My Business to ensure potential clients are seeing you through voice assistants.Take a listen!00:24 The growing usage of voice search assistants like Siri and Google Assistant.3:20 The importance of optimizing for local search as voice searches are often local. Resources:Join the Guild MembershipSubscribe to the Maximum Lawyer Youtube ChannelFollow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook GroupFollow the Facebook PageFollow us on LinkedIn

Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREAre you an attorney who needs a new elevator pitch? In this episode, host Tyson introduces the "What Why How" method, a strategy for articulating one's professional role and purpose that can elevate a law practice.This method can be used as an elevator pitch or if you are wanting to express what your firm does to clients. It is a 4 step process that is designed to articulate what you do, why it matters how it is done and who you serve. There are 4 questions to ask yourself: Why do I do it/Why is it helpful? How do I accomplish it? What is my niche/practice area? What kind of lawyer am I?This can be taken to another level by adding some storytelling to give the method some life. This allows for more relatability and passion. As a lawyer there are many stories of struggle and strife that clients go through to get their lives back in order. For personal injury lawyers like Tyson, many clients suffer financial loss and mental stress. Weaving in stories of clients who need help and expressing how you are going to help them are great ways to showcase what you do.Take a listen!1:03 The “what, why, how method”2:15 Method example 3:57 Adding storytelling to the method Resources:Join the Guild MembershipSubscribe to the Maximum Lawyer Youtube ChannelFollow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook GroupFollow the Facebook PageFollow us on LinkedIn

Are you thinking about focusing on email marketing for your firm? In this episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, Jim provides practical tips for effective email marketing within a law firm. In order to do email marketing, you need to be dedicated and committed. This is because email marketing usually entails sending planned mass emails to people depending on what is in your marketing plan. Sending sporadic, random emails to people will not be as effective, so it is important to sit down and plan how email marketing is going to look for your firm. Another aspect of email marketing is building a dedicated email list of people who are already subscribed or have connected with your firm.Jim outlines the difference between leading and lagging indicators. Leading indicators are what you can control and what you can do to get more subscribers or clients. For example, if you are wanting to dedicate your time to email marketing, focus on sending out dedicated content. Make a plan to send out 3 emails to your email list each week for a year. Lagging indicators are things that you can’t control. This can be losing subscribers or clients as you are dedicating yourself to sending out 3 emails a week.Planning content ahead is crucial to ensure you do not fall behind. It is important to plan for email launches weeks in advance to ensure everything in your email is covered. Writing an email the day it is to be launched is one of the worst things you can do when email marketing. Make a plan ahead of time!Jim also talks about the importance of having a call to action for those who are reading your emails. This provides people with things to do. An example can be inviting people to join a Facebook group or to sign up for an upcoming webinar. This connects those on your email list with other platforms and brings more subscribers or watchers to those platforms.Another important aspect of email marketing is using branded and unbranded emails. Branded emails will have your logo and name of your firm, while unbranded will not. There are reasons to use both which can make email marketing effective. It is good to use branded emails for the sporadic, blow horn emails. Unbranded emails are more effective as they are short, personal and usually ask for a reply. You can even respond to these replies using a template, especially if you are getting the same response from different people.List segmentation is another great aspect of email marketing. Using email providers like Mailchimp allow you to segment your emails based on a topic. For example, if you get a bunch of people asking about citizenship or the process of getting citizenship, you can segment your list to where you can send these people all types of information only on citizenship. As a lawyer, this will allow you to help solve a specific problem.Listen in to learn more on how to do effective email marketing.1:10 The importance of making a decision to do email marketing10:41 The significance of including a call to action at the bottom of an email11:37 The effectiveness of unbranded emails that are short and personal🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here. Resources:Join the Guild MembershipSubscribe to the Maximum Lawyer Youtube ChannelFollow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook GroupFollow the Facebook PageFollow us on LinkedIn

Are you a lawyer who doesn't have LinkedIn? In this podcast episode, Jim and Tyson talk with Jason Cheung, a LinkedIn expert who assists lawyers in improving their online presence. They discuss the significance of LinkedIn for legal professionals.LinkedIn is one of the only platforms that provide exposure to corporate professionals. It provides people with the chance to know who is in their industry and can make that connection for professional development and career growth. Jason provides his approach to using LinkedIn. He uses a storytelling angle that can be beneficial for lawyers. He uses the example of describing a problem a client had and the processes he used to solve that problem. Potential clients want to see how you have helped others which will provide them with comfort that you will do the same. It will also provide partners or other firms with the chance to understand how you work.Jason shares how to convert LinkedIn posts to actual clients. He talks about the importance of including a call to action in posts. Most people do not want to just cold call a lawyer or email them, but if you add that little message at the end inviting people to reach out, it makes it easier on the client. Another way is to reply to comments from viewers and followers. Ask someone about the problem they're having, which might end up in your direct messages where there is a bit of a back and forth prior to having a client intake call.For lawyers who use LinkedIn, it is important to engage with people who like your posts. These individuals may not follow you, but there is a benefit in sending them a friend request to connect and adding a message of “Thanks for liking my post, I look forward to connecting”. This allows the individual to know that you are responsive and active and that they can have a chat down the line if they feel you can be of help.Listen in to learn more!Jim Hack: Use the 6 minute rule. This rule is when you find yourself done with a project and you have 6 minutes left, start on another project. If you have less than 6 minutes, use it to goof around on your phone.Jason’s Tip: Is to always make the assumption that people who don't know you would love to talk to you. 90% of the time people do want to engage. You have nothing to lose with this tactic and it is a great way to expand your network quickly.Tyson’s Tip: Call your parents more because they are getting older and time goes by quickly. The same goes with colleagues. Connect with your colleagues more and check in on them.5:32 Jason shares his approach to creating LinkedIn posts11:20 Tips on how to convert LinkedIn posts into actual clients21:35 Jason provides information about his LinkedIn marketing practiceConnect with Jason:WebsiteLink Me AI Jason’s Email: [email protected] 🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here.

Are you looking for tips on how to use your phone more efficiently? In this episode, Tyson discusses various tips and tricks for iPhone users and shares advice on how to use different features.One feature Tyson talks about is text replacement, which allows you to set up shortcuts for phrases you use frequently. This is great for those that use their phones a lot, especially for work. The pathway to do this is Settings, then General and then Keyboard/Text. Another great feature that many people deal with is silencing unknown and spam callers. We all get those spam calls that just cause frustration. The pathway is Settings, then Phone and then Turn On Silence Callers.Tyson shares an interesting trick that allows people to create different ringtones and vibrations for different callers. The pathway is to go to the individual contact, then select edit ringtone. This can be done for each person. Another trick for all the headphone users is Siri announcing messages through your headphones. This is really handy if you work with headphones in and don't want to glance down at your phone every time a message comes through. The pathway is Siri and search Announce MessagesThere are ways to connect your phone with your computer to work better. There is a feature called handoff that allows you to start something on one device and finish it on another. For example, if you are typing an email on your phone but then you get distracted, you can use the feature to finish it on your laptop. You simply turn on the handoff feature in your settings. Listen in to learn more!1:13 Setting up shortcuts for frequently used phrases on iPhone2:04 Avoiding spam calls by enabling the "Silence Unknown Callers" setting in iPhone2:57 Using the back tap feature to execute different actions🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here. Resources:Join the Guild MembershipSubscribe to the Maximum Lawyer Youtube ChannelFollow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook GroupFollow the Facebook PageFollow us on LinkedIn

Do you need a tip to help with organization while completing a project? In this episode, Tyson discusses the use of Kanban boards for task management and improving productivity. Kanban boards are a great way to improve productivity in your firm. Kanban boards are divided into columns, with each representing a stage in your workflow. It shows the start to finish of a project. It is a great way to visualize how your work is getting done. It is perfect for visual learners and working with a solid team. There are many variations of a Kanban board. They can be used in an app or even put up on a wall in your office for everyone to see and add to. A really great way to utilize a Kanban board is to have 4 columns: to do, in progress, review and complete. This way people can move sticky notes from one column to another, depending on where that task is along the cycle of a project.Kanban boards can also be used for your personal life. If you have a busy life, where personal and business tend to mesh together, you can build a physical one on your wall at home. Add all the different tasks you need to get done: walk the dog, cook dinner, help kids with homework, read a chapter of a book, workout. etc. The list is truly endless. This will allow you to visually see what you need to get done and when.Kanban boards provide a birds eye view of all ongoing tasks. You can easily see what is happening now and what will happen later on. It also helps to promote better work habits with your teams. Honestly, who doesn't want to have a giant board of sticky notes that everyone is moving around as things get done!Listen in to learn how to better communicate with your team and enhance productivity.2:08 Tyson explains the concept of a Kanban board.9:44 Tyson discusses different ways Kanban boards can be used.11:28 Kanban boards provide a bird's eye view of ongoing tasks.🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here. Resources:Join the Guild MembershipSubscribe to the Maximum Lawyer Youtube ChannelFollow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook GroupFollow the Facebook PageFollow us on LinkedIn

Are you struggling with knowing how to build a business from the ground up? In this episode, Jessica Gonifas shares her insights on building a successful law firm. She provides some tips on how to gain the confidence needed to run a business. In order to run a business, you need to have a good understanding of your firm’s numbers and where your firm sits financially. Jessica shares some questions to ask when you get your books in order. Ask yourself: Where is the revenue coming from? So what are the types of cases you take and how much profit are making from these cases. Another question is where is your money going? How much is going towards salaries, softwares, training, etc. The last question is what is the firm’s profit margin? With this, it is important to partner with an accountant that understands law firms who can help determine this margin.When starting out as a new firm owner, it is important to understand what your personal and work goals are as well as the time you are willing to commit. For personal goals, consider how much money you want to take out of the firm and how much your family needs on an annual basis to keep afloat. In relation to work goals, understand what your purpose is at work. Are you reviewing technical work, doing technical work or going out and getting clients? The time you dedicate to your firm is so important because it will determine how much you make. Decide how many hours a week you want to work.Jessica emphasizes the importance of having a big picture goal. What do you want your firm to look like in 5 years? What steps will you take to get there? In doing this, think about what you need to do as an owner and what your staff need to do as they help you run the business. Think about all the things you want to accomplish (ie. a certain number of cases, a new intake system, a new tech tool for the firm, etc.) and outline exactly how to get there. It might be good to break them down into quarterly objectives, that way it is spread out over 4 periods and you can take time throughout the year to plan.Listen in to learn more!1:12 The importance of financial structure and asking key questions4:16 What about personal goals, work responsibilities and time commitment?8:16 The importance of setting big picture goals🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here.Connect with Jessica:Website Facebook Page Facebook LinkedIn Instagram TikTok

Do you need help in maximizing productivity as a lawyer? In this podcast episode, Jim and Tyson talk to solopreneur Lauren Lester, who runs her own estate and family law firm, Lester Law. She shares her journey into law as a second career. Lauren shares a few tips attorneys can use to maximize productivity. For new attorneys, it is important to identify where inefficiencies lie in the repetitive tasks. Because you are doing things over and over, it makes sense to see what is not working or how to develop a system to do that thing better so it becomes easier and faster for you. For Lauren, she uses technology as leverage to make these tasks more efficient. For those that are too busy to develop systems, it might be best to focus on the one task that either takes the longest to do or is extremely important and build something around it.Another tip Lauren shares is how to manage a busy personal life with an equally busy business. It is really important to schedule time for yourself when you have a busy life. One thing to do is protect your time. For example, Lauren shares how a client really wanted to meet with her the following morning at 9am, but she already booked an hour 1 gym session. She responded back saying the earliest time available was 11am. Clients do not need to know your work schedule. Doing this will allow for a more structured day where you can fit in time for personal care.A lot of attorneys struggle with the billable hour, which is charging clients a fee by the hour. You will always hear people say “They charge by the hour” or “I pay $200 for a client call with my lawyer”. For attorneys, it is important to have value based pricing. In this profession, most have worked in the industry for a long time and have a lot of experience and expertise, but do not bill clients based on that. A shift in mindset towards billing based on the value you bring to a client is needed to succeed.In this day and age, there has been a shift in having a better work life balance. No one wants to work 80 hour weeks, feel burned out and not enjoy the money they make. Lauren provides advice on how older attorneys can work with the younger generation to learn this. The value of an employee is not the time they spend sitting at a desk, but hitting benchmarks in a time that works for them. For example, an employee may be able to accomplish a task in an hour as opposed to spending their whole work day doing it. That person should not be punished because they did their job quicker. As long as the objective for the business is being met, who cares how fast it took them to complete it. Take a listen to learn more!8:17 Tips for solo attorneys or attorneys starting out to maximize productivity10:49 Tips for managing personal and business life15:45 Discussion of the challenges attorneys face with the billable hour18:33 Advice on how law firm owners can work with the younger generationJim's Hack: Read or listen to $100M Leads: How to Get Strangers to Want to Buy Your Stuff Alex Hormozi https://amzn.to/4998nkvLauren’s Tip: Tech tool called Text Expander, which allows you to create little snippets of things you are constantly writing. Whether it be closing out an email with a signature phrase or acronyms that you need to spell out, the tool allows you to get emails out faster.Tyson Tip: Use Teleprompter when creating videos, which allows you to copy and paste text into it and then adjust the speed.🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here.Connect with Lauren:WebsiteTikTok LinkedIn Instagram

Do you want to learn how to become a keyboard wizard? In this episode, Tyson shares an important tip lawyers can use in their practice, which involves using a keyboard. Lawyers are very busy people and usually don't have a lot of time. There are keyboard shortcuts that attorneys can use that will make work more efficient, especially if you do repetitive tasks. Some of these shortcuts include functions like: Copy: Control + C or Command + C to copy Paste: Control + V or Command + V to pasteDelete: On a Mac, you click Command + Delete OR on a PC, you click Command + Shift + Delete.Entire screen screenshot: Click Shift + Command + 3 for a Mac OR on a PC, you select the print screen button on the keyboardThere are some advanced functions that Tyson shares. If you want to quickly lock your screen, you press Command + Q for a PC. If you want to open your emoji keyboard on your screen, it's Control + Command + Space for Mac. For a PC, it is “Windows.Windows;” Another interesting function is looking up a definition. For a Mac, click Command + Control + D, all while hovering above the word you want to look up. For PC, it is Alt + Click.All of these shortcuts take practice to learn and master. Sooner or later, you will be able to use them to streamline your workflows.Listen in to learn how to master using your keyboard!1:10 Why keyboard shortcuts are important for efficiency4:49 Basic keyboard shortcuts for common actions10:11 How to quickly lock the screen on a Mac or PC using keyboard shortcuts11:03 How to quickly show the desktop on a Mac or PC🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here. Resources:Join the Guild MembershipSubscribe to the Maximum Lawyer Youtube ChannelFollow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook GroupFollow the Facebook PageFollow us on LinkedIn

Are you looking for a way to organize your firm better? In this podcast episode, Tyson discusses the benefits of organizing law firms into pods or teams. Tyson talks about the benefits of splitting up people within law offices to really maximize the talent that exists. Within Tyson’s firm, staff are a part of different teams that are colour coded. Ultimately, it is a way of organizing an agile team that is composed of an attorney, a case manager, and a litigation assistant. There are many reasons why a system like this is effective. One reason is that it allows for clear communication. All members (especially when looking at small teams) know their roles inside and out, which means less chances for misunderstandings and better opportunities for streamlined operations. Looking at the trio of an attorney, case manager and litigation assistant, everyone has a role. The attorney focuses on complex legal stuff, case managers focus on client relations and the litigation assistants focus on the administrative work.At its core, law is the business of people. Pod systems allow for clients to have consistent, attentive services from the same group of people who know and understand their case. This makes the client management aspect of a firm so much better. Clients can trust the people who are helping them in the journey and don't have to worry about talking to different people.Small pods can create a close knit nature among the people who work together. People can deliver better if the dynamic and vibe of a team is top tier!Listen in to learn more about setting up pods in your firm.2:22 The advantages of organizing a law firm into pods4:25 How the pod system allows for seamless coverage7:24 The close-knit nature of pods🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here. https://youtu.be/hDZi1y_Uc6I Resources:Join the Guild MembershipSubscribe to the Maximum Lawyer Youtube ChannelFollow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook GroupFollow the Facebook PageFollow us on LinkedIn

Are you looking for systems to manage your tasks better? In this episode of the Maximum Lawyer podcast, Ryan Anderson discusses the concept of task-based management in law firms. A lot of people run their business using calendar and email based management. It’s so easy for most because many people use their calendar and email frequently. But, Ryan shares how these methods are not efficient to manage your to do lists. He shares how using task based management systems are the way to go when it comes to staying organized and on top of all your tasks. Ryan shares its own platform, FileVine. FileVine is a task based management system that allows you to know what you have to get done for the day and what you have assigned to other people. So many lawyers have a million things to do from meetings to research to court. Having a system that lays everything out is ideal for this type of work. What makes FileVine and other project management systems so great is you remove the “email me” from your language. Most times, people will say “just email me”, but that can get lost in a flurry of other emails and priorities. With these systems, you can say “task me”. This allows you to task things out quickly to other people. If not, you are emailing, calling and messaging multiple people to get things done.Ryan shares that people should be able to use case management systems with no more than their voice. He announces the creation of a voice interface that FileVine will have. With a voice interface, more tasks and communication will get onto the platform. What this feature does is allow someone to make a call to the platform where an AI bot will answer and ask what you would like to do. Let's say you realize at 10pm that you have to do something right when you get into the office, but you are worried you will forget. Call into the platform and let the AI bot know to leave a task for you and have it added to whatever case file. That way in the morning, you will get a notification that the task is waiting for you.Listen in to learn more!00:24 The concept of task-based management6:31 The benefits of using a task-based management system11:27 Using task-based management to keep track of important information🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here. Connect with Ryan:WebsiteInstagramFacebookTwitter Linkedin Resources:Join the Guild MembershipSubscribe to the Maximum Lawyer Youtube ChannelFollow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook GroupFollow the Facebook PageFollow us on LinkedIn

Have you thought about what you will do when it’s time to retire and leave your law firm? In this podcast episode, Jim and Tyson interview Victoria Collier, the founder and CEO of Quid Pro Quo. Victoria shares her journey in the legal industry, from being a paralegal in the military to starting and selling her own successful law firm. Tyson, Jim and Victoria discuss the mission of Quid Pro Quo, which is to guide others to finding their path to life after law. This mission encompasses the idea that you need to begin a career with an end in mind. Most attorneys only think about the next paycheck or next client, but don't think about where they will be at the end of the road. For many law firm owners, they will need to sell their business at some point. Victoria shares the idea that the best way to sell when the time comes is to stay low and stay small.Victoria discusses the concept of the “owners box” in a law firm. This is the idea that a firm needs to be separate from the owner. Most times, it is harder to sell a firm if the owner is so closely tied to the business. Being closely tied comes with an owner being too involved or front facing. To move away from this, it is important to have people in between the owner and the business. For example, hiring people to answer phones and schedule appointments. This allows owners to not be chained to their desk. Ultimately, being in the owners box means being the visionary of where a law firm is going to go and building a team to help execute it.There are a few things to consider when selling a law firm at retirement. One thing is ensuring your finances are in order and that you are in the right place to sell. Think about your profit margin and where you will be at retirement. If you don't have enough, you need to think about ways to increase revenue and decrease expenses. Another thing is ensuring you as the owner are a bit removed from the firm, through processes and systems. The whole firm should not revolve around the owner. It is important to maximize the system, processes and people to ensure a firm can run without an owner.In many cases, there will be multiple partners of a law firm. Victoria talks about how to address an attorney who wants to be a partner. It is important to consider if this individual will add value to your firm and that they have the best intentions. Ask a potential partner why they want to join and how they will make the firm the best it can be.Listen in to learn more!3:19 Victoria shares the mission of her company, Quid Pro Quo10:32 Being in the owner's box12:26 Considerations for selling a law firm23:49 Associates expressing interest in becoming partners27:23 Focus on developing leadership skillsJim's Hack: Sign up for Gary Falkowitz masterclass on intake and client advocacy, which helps people fix their intake systems at www.maxintake.comVictoria’s Tip: Start learning about leadership instead of management and how to be a great leader versus a manager.Tysons Tip: Read “Getting Things Done” by David Allen. The book has a lot of practical tips to help get organized.🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here. Connect with Victoria:Website Facebook Group LinkedInInstagram

Would you like to learn more about sharing Youtube videos more efficiently? In this episode, Tyson shares a tech tip on how to link a specific time to a Youtube video.If you are sending a video to a client, it can be helpful to inform them of a specific part so they do not waste time watching the whole video (that is if they don’t need to). It is all about making it easier for your clients. On the desktop browser, all you do is go to the Youtube video, move the cursor of your mouse to the part of the video that needs to be shared, click the share button under the video, select “Start at” (make sure the time listed is correct), select copy and then paste the link it to an email or text thread.At the end of the day, it is important that attorneys make processes that are simple and efficient. This will ultimately help clients understand what is happening with their cases.Listen in to learn more!00:24 The benefits of linking to a specific time in a YouTube video2:16 Step-by-step instructions on how to link to a specific time in a YouTube video10:11 The benefits of sending a specific segment of a YouTube video to clients🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here. Resources:Join the Guild MembershipSubscribe to the Maximum Lawyer Youtube ChannelFollow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook GroupFollow the Facebook PageFollow us on LinkedIn

Do you find yourself wasting time between meetings? In this episode, Tyson shares a time management technique called "attacking the open space" that he learned from his friend Jason Selk & Tom Bartow . Lawyers are very busy people who usually never have any time. With juggling client meetings, research for cases and court prep, there are many tips to use to maximize the time you have. Tyson shares the technique “attacking the open space” which means using the leftover time you have in your calendar to complete a task on your to-do list. For example, if you have a 60 minute client call and you finish early with 15 minutes left to spare, use that time to tackle a quick task.“Attacking that time” allows attorneys to get a lot of things done. The amount of time could vary from 2 minutes to 30 minutes, depending on how busy a schedule is. Tackle that time by responding to an email from a client, setting up a meeting to follow up with a partner or conducting some quick research for a case.It is all about maximizing your productivity!Take a listen.1:19 How to identify and utilize the open spaces in your calendar2:25 The technique of attacking the open space in your calendar4:13 Understanding how different salary ranges view time in varying units🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here. Resources:Join the Guild MembershipSubscribe to the Maximum Lawyer Youtube ChannelFollow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook GroupFollow the Facebook PageFollow us on LinkedIn

Do you need virtual support for your law firm? In this podcast episode, Daniel Maxwell, an attorney with Amicus Settlement Planners, discusses the benefits of hiring and training virtual assistants (VAs) for law firms. Daniel talks about how hiring internationally located individuals as VAs can help businesses grow and prosper. Many people have fears with hiring VAs, especially ones that live halfway across the world. Daniel says business owners need to move from problem centric thinking to solution focused thinking in order to get over these fears. Thinking about how a VA will help your company instead of what potential issues exist will lead to success. What makes outsourcing work to VAs in other countries beneficial is that people can be working at different times of the day. Daniel shares how he will provide a list of tasks to his VAs before he goes to bed and they are complete when he wakes up.For many business owners, the question can be where to find the best VAs. Daniel shares the three ways to find VAs: hiring direct, using a freelance marketplace or using a VA staffing firm. It is important to not get stuck in this step. Choose a route to find a VA and follow through. If one method does not work to your liking, try a different one later on. Daniel stresses the importance of hiring a VA for one task. Not all VAs will be able to do everything and that is totally fine. For example, if you need help with invoicing, hire a VA solely for invoicing so they can focus and master that skill. If there are other tasks that they can do down the line, allow them to branch out.Something to add to your recruitment process is having potential VAs complete a test task. This task should be similar to the work that person would be doing if they were to come on board with your firm. This will narrow down potential hires and sift out those who are not the right fit. It is also important to have a good standard operation procedure (SOP) for VAs to follow so everything is done in the way it needs to. Some examples include access to software or templates to complete work or a video demo on how to complete a task. This all helps VAs become familiar with how you run your firm and decreases the chance of a VA not knowing what to do.Communicating with your VAs regularly is important. Pick a standard channel, whether it be email, Slack or Asana. Communicating new tasks is also crucial to ensure the VA understands how things work. When you are providing a new task, record a video demonstration so the VA can refer back to it.Listen in to learn more on hiring VAs!1:20 Daniel addresses the fears and concerns that may be holding law firms back6:07 The different options for finding and hiring virtual assistants9:09 Tips on filtering and hiring virtual assistants10:14 The importance of having standard operating procedures (SOPs)14:07 The benefits of investing in virtual assistants🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here.Connect with Daniel:Website TwitterFacebook Linkedin Youtube Resources:Join the Guild MembershipSubscribe to the Maximum Lawyer Youtube ChannelFollow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook GroupFollow the Facebook PageFollow us on LinkedIn

Do you need help in building toughness within yourself? In this podcast episode, Jim and Tyson interview mental toughness expert Steve Magness. They discuss the misconceptions about resilience and how to build true toughness. True ResilienceSteve talks about the thing people get wrong about resilience. Many people think resilience means putting your head down, grinding through anything and not letting emotions get in your way. But, resilience really is navigating discomfort and uncertainty and figuring out ways to decide what is best for you. Navigating new territory is scary and many people get anxious or scared if they don't know what to do. Steve shares that if you do something repetitively in which you are putting yourself in uncomfortable situations, your brain will adjust. It's all about looking for easy ways into that space.True ToughnessLike resilience, many people get true toughness wrong. Toughness is about developing inner strength in order to choose doing something that is difficult. Whether it be lifting weights or running a marathon, there is an inner strength that is needed in order to decide if you are going to do it. There are ways to foster toughness within people and Steve speaks to law firm owners on how best to do it. One thing is giving staff a sense of autonomy, in which people feel they can actively contribute to their teams. Another thing is competency, in which staff have a path to grow and learn.Staff ConnectionsIt is so important to make and keep connections, especially while working virtually. It is easy to feel isolated when working from home and working with people who you never see face to face. Steve provides some insight on how to maintain these relationships. Before virtual work became the norm, there were water cooler talks and coffee breaks where people would get together and get to know one another on a personal level. Since most of that has gone away, Steve emphasizes the importance of finding ways to bring those in between moments back. One way is to spend 5-10 minutes at the beginning of meetings to share updates on what is going on in your life. Maybe ask a colleague how their vacation went or what they got up to on the weekend.Take a listen to learn more!1:30 Steve Magnus discusses the misconceptions about resilience.3:13 How controlled stressors can help build mental toughness and resilience.14:39 How leaders can foster internal confidence and toughness.21:37 Tips on how to foster connection and belonging in the virtual workplace.Jim's Hack: If there is something that you're struggling with, look at the people who have succeeded at doing that thing and do what they do. Steve’s Tip: Get outside for a couple minutes, even if it is to just look at something natural. Getting outside has a restorative ability to your cognition. It will help get rid of some of that fatigue and help you perform better.Tysons Tip: Think about how you work and where you're working. Think about reconfiguring things to a way that makes more sense for how you operate and it may help you work more efficiently.Links mentionedBook: Do Hard Things: Why We Get Resilience Wrong and the Surprising Science of Real Toughness by Steve Magness🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here.

Have you ever accidentally closed a browser tab and did not know how to recover it? In this episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, Tyson shares a helpful tech tip on how to reopen closed browser tabs.Tyson shares how to recover browser windows for both PC and Mac users. For PC users, the method to recover browser windows is clicking Ctrl, shift and T. In order to restore multiple windows, press the same keys over and over and the tabs will reopen in reverse order of when they closed. If you want to use your mouse instead, go to the browser, right click and select “reopen closed tabs”.For Mac users, the way to recover tabs is pretty similar. It is Command, shift and T. It is important to be mindful that not all Mac computers have the same right click option that PC computers do. If you do not have it set up, use the right click option that your laptop has already (this could be through using the touchpad).Listen in to learn how to save time with this tip!00:24 The common issue of accidentally closing a browser tab1:16 Two methods to reopen a closed browser tab🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here. https://youtu.be/nhBM7gqSm_w Resources:Join the Guild MembershipSubscribe to the Maximum Lawyer Youtube ChannelFollow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook GroupFollow the Facebook PageFollow us on LinkedIn

Is your law firm struggling with how to effectively communicate with clients? In this episode, Tyson discusses the importance of client communication in a law firm. He shares tips on how to better communicate and action items firms can take.Front End CommunicationTyson talks about the importance of front end communication. This involves communicating everything to your clients at the beginning so they don't call back multiple times with questions. Make sure to intentionally plan out what to communicate and when. There may be some information clients will need at different points of the client journey. Tyson uses the example of their own ten day onboarding email sequence, where over the course of 10 days, clients are provided with different types of information.Client SatisfactionKeeping clients in the loop is crucial to ensure they are satisfied throughout their time working with you. Track your firm’s responsiveness so you know how well the team is communicating with clients and how often. Tyson uses their own firm’s example, where the team does a client check in every 6 weeks. These calls involve communicating what is going on with a case, how the client is feeling and if they feel they are being represented appropriately. Make sure to build those calls into the calendar so they are not missed.Ultimately, effective client communication is key to ensure your client knows what is happening and they are always kept in the loop. It is crucial if you want to get referrals as news about good service travels fast!Take a listen.1:11 Tips on how to up front load communication3:47 Importance of tracking team responsiveness and communication scores9:00 Tips for improving client communication10:06 The significance of effective client communication for referrals🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here. Resources:Join the Guild MembershipSubscribe to the Maximum Lawyer Youtube ChannelFollow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook GroupFollow the Facebook PageFollow us on LinkedIn

Are you looking for a way to automate your intake system? Do you use various tools within your firm? In this podcast episode, Kelsey Bratcher from Hired Gun Solutions shares a presentation on automation intake and the evolution of the process.The intake process began with a simple piece of paper. When someone called a firm, a receptionist or administrator would write their name and number down on a piece of paper. This would then get passed to the attorney. In the legal field today, there are many tools and softwares that are used to automate the intake process, making it more efficient and faster. The ideal intake system will get a client on board in one call, without having to bother with scheduling an appointment.You want a level of consistency in the intake process. The same questions should be asked, the same information collected and the handoff of information should be right after everything is collected. This will ensure every client is treated the same and nothing is left out for the attorneys. Kelsey emphasizes the need to have a centralized system. If a firm is tracking calls and messages, scheduling meetings and has a marketing channel, all of this needs to be in one place or within one software.Take a listen!1:05 Kelsey Bratcher shares the fundamentals of the ultimate intake system3:46 The need for consistency in how calls are handled6:38 Centralizing information in one place8:43 The importance of staying organized in the intake process9:36 Easy and real-time access to reports and metrics🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here.Connect with Kelsey:Website Facebook Resources:Join the Guild MembershipSubscribe to the Maximum Lawyer Youtube ChannelFollow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook GroupFollow the Facebook PageFollow us on LinkedIn

Are you an attorney who wants to get into the social media space? In this podcast episode, Jim and Tyson discuss the importance of creating engaging and entertaining content for law firm videos and social media. Creating social media content is a difficult skill to master. It takes time and effort to not only understand how certain apps work but also what type of content is going to reel people in. Social media can be used to attract clients, especially those of a younger demographic. Tyson and Jim explore the idea of creating entertaining videos and if it will lead to more viewers and clients. One thing to consider is creating TikTok content that is a mix of fun and legal advice. The fun aspect allows viewers to get to know you as a person and then the legal advice will showcase the expertise.Tyson and Jim talk about how viewers do not like the “ask” in social media content. The point of social media is to attract people to view your content and subscribe. The last thing people want is to have to go the extra mile for a creator all the time if they are asking their audience to do something. Sprinkling in the “selling” is a good way to get your message across. Giving away your best tips and advice will get people to listen. It is a risk because nobody wants to give everything away for nothing in return, but Tyson and Jim promise it is the best way to get the views without throwing things in people’s faces.When creating content on apps like Tiktok, it is important to include all the necessary information without taking too much time. Make sure to address the question, provide a solution and have a call to action. It is really important to ensure videos are kept short. No one is going to listen to a video if it is too long because you lose the viewer if you do not get the point.To be successful on social media, it is important to understand the rhythm of the platform. What are people talking about? What are the trends to know and follow? Get to know your audience and understand what they want to see and what questions they need answered. As attorneys, find out what legal advice people want to know. Is it about immigration, privacy, criminal or copyright? From here, you can create content in a way that will help you attain more clients.Take a listen!2:09 The significance of creating engaging and interesting videos5:42 Balance entertaining content with informative legal content10:04 Giving away valuable content to attract clients18:35 The need for law firm videos and social media content to be short19:56 Advice on how to make TikTok videos interesting by following trendsJim’s Hack: Read the book $100M Leads: How to Get Strangers to Want to Buy Your Stuff Alex Hormozi Tyson’s Tip: Get your personal life organized through a Kanban board. Tyson suggests having columns for buckets such as “new task”, “doing” and “done” and using sticky notes to fill the board.🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here.

Does your firm need better Wi-Fi? Do you struggle to have good connectivity during meetings? This episode features Tyson who discusses tech tips to improve Wi-Fi speeds for law practices. Regardless of the type of industry you are in, reliable Wi-Fi is a necessity, especially in this day and age. It is one of the only ways we are able to stay connected and know what is happening around us. Tyson talks about the need to understand what you are paying for. He suggests people google an “internet speed test” to check how fast the internet is and to test it all around the office. If the speed and the price don't match, it means it is time to make some changes.Tyson provides some tips to use to solve connectivity and speed issues. One tip is to simply reboot your router, which involves unplugging the router for 30 seconds, pressing the power button and plugging it back in. This can reset your internet and bring it back to a good speed. Another tip is upgrading your router. Older routers are not able to keep up with the newer demands of Wi-Fi and can really slow everything down. Disconnecting multiple devices is something that can also speed up your Wi-Fi. Most times, people have their phones, laptops and TVs connected to the Wi-Fi which can really slow it down. Encourage people in the office to disconnect devices that they do not need.Where your router is located in the office can really determine how strong the connection and speed is. If your Wi-Fi is slow, consider moving the router to a more central position. This could be a boardroom or office in the middle of the space. What this does is clear the path and not allow the connection to hit walls or barriers.Take a listen!00:24 How Wi-Fi speeds affect law practices2:33 How to test your internet speeds using Google's internet speed test4:29 Tips for improving Wi-Fi speeds🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here. Resources:Join the Guild MembershipSubscribe to the Maximum Lawyer Youtube ChannelFollow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook GroupFollow the Facebook PageFollow us on LinkedIn

Do you need some help in changing habits to reduce stress? In this episode, Tyson discusses the importance of stress reduction and shares practical tips for managing stress in the legal profession and as a business owner.Tyson talks about the various ways to reduce stress as well as some things he has implemented. One of his tips to reducing stress is the method of box breathing. Box breathing involves inhaling for 4 seconds, holding your breath for 4 seconds, exhaling for 4 seconds and then holding your breath once more for 4 seconds. What this does is help center yourself and reach a state of calm.Another tip is to turn off notifications. People are on their phones way too much and get distracted by all the apps. It can cause a lot of stress and many people can become addicted. Tyson suggests doing this as it allows you to control the flood of information that gets to you. You can control the amount and when you absorb it.One final tip is to schedule your workouts. Realistically, if you do not schedule it, it's not going to happen. Scheduling it allows you to proactively plan and stay accountable to yourself. If you decide one day you are not in the mood to workout, schedule that time frame for a walk around the neighborhood or around the office.Take a listen to learn more tips on how to reduce stress!2:04 The technique of box breathing for stress reduction4:47 Have you turned off notifications to reduce stress?5:35 The importance of scheduling workouts🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here. Resources:Join the Guild MembershipSubscribe to the Maximum Lawyer Youtube ChannelFollow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook GroupFollow the Facebook PageFollow us on LinkedIn

Are you a practicing attorney who struggles with closing a deal? In this episode of the Maximum Lawyer podcast, Russ, a salesperson with a law degree, presents the five most important factors to closing a sale. He talks about the skills and qualities an attorney needs to close a sale with a client.Building Trust People will buy a product or become a client because of trust. Trust is essential in gaining the support and rapport of a client. Trust comes from credibility as well, in that you are good at what you do and you have the evidence to show for it. Now the question becomes: “How do you begin to build that relationship with a client?”5 Steps for Closing a SaleRuss talks about the five steps for closing a sale and how it can pertain to attorneys.The first step is engagement. As lawyers, engaging with the client at the beginning is easy because the client calls you for help. As long as you are quick with getting their needs met, you have them. Once this step is done, you need to focus on discovering the client. Get to know them and their needs. Spend time understanding their real needs and the needs they don't even know about. Walk the client through the process of how their needs will be both met and encourage them to take your recommendations. This leads to the third and most important step, which is building value. Clients are going to buy what you're selling, only if you convince them you or a product has value. To build value, communicate with them when you will be in touch, when you are available and all the information the client will need.As attorneys, gaining the trust of the client comes from passion. You need to be passionate about them and their story. Working in the legal field comes with countless stories about people who have gone through turmoil, trauma and heartache. Clients need to have attorneys that are just as passionate as they are to solve the issue. This passion is important in showing clients that you care and are with them until the end. It will stem from the discovery stage, where you ask questions to get a better understanding of what the client needs and why they came to your firm.Most of the time, potential clients don't know what they want because they are stressed out from their legal situation. As an attorney, you need to get them to commit to something. After showing them your value, have them commit to a phone call from you, a follow up call from your assistant, or signing the agreement. You need to give them a choice to make a decision. This is where you close the deal and retain the client.Take a listen to learn more!1:19 The importance of trust, credibility, and rapport in closing a sale3:28 Engaging the client10:04 The importance of building value.19:30 The strategy of providing the client with a choice🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here.Connect with Russ:Website Resources:Join the Guild MembershipSubscribe to the Maximum Lawyer Youtube ChannelFollow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook GroupFollow the Facebook PageFollow us on LinkedIn

Are you a new lawyer and need help getting your name out there? In this podcast episode, Jim and Tyson introduce Vaidas Cikotas and Steve Williams from RizeUp Media, a digital marketing agency specializing in law firm marketing. They all discuss how attorneys can establish an online presence and set the foundations for their business.First Thing to SetupWorking as a new defense lawyer involves a lot of marketing to get those first few clients. People need to be able to find you as a lawyer. One thing that is important to set up is Google My Business. This allows someone to add and edit business info and allows you to know how people find your business. This makes sure all information is up to date so you do not lose a single customer.Make ConnectionsNetworking is an important aspect of any business. In the legal field, networking with fellow attorneys is crucial to not only making connections but letting others know you are in business. If a fellow attorney cannot take on a case, they may refer a client to you. Being new in the business is all about making connections. Creating an online presence is another way to get your name and business out there. In relation to the legal field, commenting on various cases that are making headlines is a great way for people to understand your perspective. Social media like Twitter or Facebook is a great tool for this. The more online presence you have, the easier it will be for people to find you when they search on Google.Consistent Online PresenceVaidas and Steve talk about how a lot of great law firms exist but because they don't have a solid and consistent online presence, people are not aware of their work. They emphasize the need to keep an up to date website with the correct contact information, staff directory and biographies and the cases that attorneys have worked on. Think about this: If you need someone to landscape your backyard and the companies you are searching up do not have pictures of their landscaping work, you are not going to hire them. The same thing goes for law firms! Law firms and lawyers alike need to show their successes to get clients. Jim’s Hack: Don’t give your cell phone number to your clients when they are your clients, but give it to them after so they can refer you cases. Vaidas's Tip: Understand what you are spending for marketing and ask for help. Steve’s Tip: Give your clients your office phone number of your firm when they sign up.Tyson’s Tip: Use Zoho voice! Episode Highlights:2:15 The initial steps attorneys should take to establish their online presence5:59 Importance of creating content to build presence on social media14:13 Exploring the long-term benefits of organic search results19:22 The significance of having a good online reputation🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here.Connect with RizeUp Media:Website Facebook LinkedIn InstagramTwitter

Are you in the market for a new AI tool to help make your life easier? In this episode, Tyson Mutrux introduces in his new tech segment where he shares an AI tool called Harpa.ai. This tool is a side window to your browser and does a wide variety of things. The tool can answer questions that you ask it, provide a summary and even rewrite what you are looking at on the page. Harpa.ai can integrate with other websites or apps. For example, it can provide summaries of Youtube videos with timestamps and can read the PDF you are working on.It is a great tool for writing as well. Whether you are writing a paper, website or a blog, the tool can mimic a specific writing style that you like. It also helps audit websites. If you have a website and you want it analyzed because you want to change some things, Harpa.ai will give you keyword reports, a strategy and meta descriptions. Take a listen to learn more about the various ways to use Harpa.ai!1:16 Introducing Harpa.ai2:21 The numerous features and capabilities of Harpa.ai🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here. Resources:Join the Guild MembershipSubscribe to the Maximum Lawyer Youtube ChannelFollow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook GroupFollow the Facebook PageFollow us on LinkedIn

Are you looking for a new hobby to add to your routine? In this episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, Tyson talks about cold plunging and the various benefits of it.There is a lot of buzz around cold plunges. It is gaining a lot of traction and professional athletes are beginning to include it in their routines. Cold plunges do have a ton of benefits including improving your mood, strengthening your immune system, helping with inflammation and minimizing stress. Cold plunges can provide energy all day so you don't have to rely on coffee.Tyson talks about the different ways you can create a cold plunge, which includes his very own creation of turning a chest freezer into a cold plunge tank. Adding a temperature controller onto a tank is important because it will freeze the water to a certain degree and then turn off. When starting to implement cold plunges into your daily routine, it is important to start with small increments of time. Do not just jump in and stay in the tank for 30 or 40 minutes. Start slow with 5 minutes and gradually increase the time as you continue to use it.Listen in to learn more about cold plunges!2:07 Explanation of how to convert a chest freezer into a cold plunge tank6:20 The various benefits of cold plunging9:05 Starting with shorter durations9:51 Tyson advises listeners to consult with their doctors before trying cold plunges🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here. Resources:Join the Guild MembershipSubscribe to the Maximum Lawyer Youtube ChannelFollow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook GroupFollow the Facebook PageFollow us on LinkedIn

Do you need help improving your law firm's client journey? Are you finding it hard to get clients? In this episode, Matt Spiegel, the co-founder and CEO of Lawmatics, discusses the importance of providing excellent customer service in the legal industry and improving the client journey.It is evident that lawyers are not CEOs. They don't run businesses. But, Matt emphasizes the need for law firm owners to run their practice like a business. Law firm owners need to go out and find clients to grow their firm just like a CEO would go out and make connections to grow their success. Part of growing your business and law firm ensures the client is always happy because a happy client equals a happy practice. Matt delves into the ways to prioritize the happiness of a client.1 | Client Begins The client journey begins the moment a client reaches out to your firm via email or phone. This is part of the “client intake phase”. This phase is crucial to getting a client because they are reaching out to multiple firms at once. You need to ensure staff are engaging right away so they don't lose the client. Immediate engagement shows the client exactly how you will respond to them throughout the process. It shows that those in the firm care and are ready to provide the client with what they need, even if it's just basic legal information.2 | Active ClientThe “active matter phase” is the communication throughout the length of a client's case. Like phase one, communication is key to getting and retaining a client. It is important to provide the client information throughout the journey. Make it a habit to market to them. Send them information like newsletters that include things that are external to your firm. It is a good idea to set up a client portal, where individuals can go into a system and get updates on their case. If email communication is too much (and it can be in this industry), a client portal is a great way to input all necessary information and the client can retrieve it on the other end. 3 | Former Client The “former client phase” is a neglected but important phase in the client journey. 75% of clients come from referrals. Even when a client’s case is complete, the relationship between the attorney and client needs to continue. There are many ways to maintain a good relationship with a former client. Send a birthday and holiday email every year or add them to a mailing list for networking events. What this does is let the client know the firm has their best interests in mind even after the working relationship ends.Matt speaks about only doing things in your law firm that you can measure. You need to be able to back up your success with KPIs and numbers. Think about the conversion rates of initial screening calls that lead to actual clients. This will measure how successful the intake process is for your firm. Cost per lead and cost per client is another metric to consider to ensure the amount it takes to bring a client on board and how much you are making from that client makes sense.Take a listen!6:57 Immediate engagement and rapid response to create a positive first impression8:45 Focusing on maintaining the relationship with a former client8:58 Providing excellent customer service from the very first contact with a client9:53 Delighting clients through effective communication during the active matter phase17:29 The importance of automation🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here.Connect with Matt:Website InstagramFacebookLinkedin Resources:Join the Guild MembershipSubscribe to the Maximum Lawyer Youtube ChannelFollow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook GroupFollow the Facebook PageFollow us on LinkedIn

Are you curious about using AI in your law firm? In this podcast episode, Jim and Tyson interview Manny Griffiths, the CEO and co-founder of Hona (formerly known as Milestones), a legal tech company that uses AI to change the client management experience.Hona was created as a way for client's going through the legal system to keep up to date on the progress of their cases. Manny shares about Hona as a “Domino's pizza tracker” type of system, where clients can know every aspect of their case and know where their cases are in the legal process. This stemmed from a personal story of being out of the loop in a case for months at a time, with no answers from his lawyer. Hona really works to improve the client experience and ensures those going through the legal process always know the status of their case. What makes Hona such a great product is that it includes every aspect of the client-lawyer interaction. The app includes basic communication, data collection (ie. basic personal information), billing and an AI chatbot that provides additional information on a case. Manny speaks to the fact that AI is drastically changing the way lawyers do their work. Though there are some that are hesitant to adopt it in their own firms, those that are wanting to elevate their firms are using it. Manny talks about how other people are becoming eager to learn about Hona and provides demos on how the app was created and how it is used. This shows the popularity of AI within the legal field. With the adoption of AI, the legal field is moving in a direction that many thought it would not go down. Simply put, the firms who are smart and take advantage of AI will prosper and the firms who are rejecting it will eventually go out of business. Listen in to learn more!Jim’s Hack: Respond to your YouTube comments and see more engagement!Manny’s Tip: Pay college football players or college athletes to do a small commercial or snippet and then send it to your alumni that are a fan of that team. Great, fun marketing! Tyson’s Tip: Use the Amazon smart plug to make life a little easier!2:53 The motivation behind starting Milestones10:06 The vision for Hona as a bridge between law firms and clients11:18 Discussion of how clients can use the AI chatbot in Hona19:03 Insights on the growing trend of niche AI startups in the legal tech space21:28 Discussion on advancements in technology and legal knowledge🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here.Connect with Manny:Website Twitter InstagramLinkedin

Are you trying to figure out what software to use in your business? In this episode, Tyson talks about the use of different software solutions within the legal industry and how to determine which software deserves to be used in your firm.Software is meant to be a solution, not add another layer of complexity in your firm. That is why it is important to really think about what software is going to help your firm achieve success. Think about what your firm really needs and what softwares will help with that. It is also important to think about usability. Most softwares are not user friendly and people can find it difficult to work with them when doing their day to day work. If it is too hard to navigate, move on to the next.1 | IntegrationIt is important that softwares integrates with each other. Think about Microsoft and the many applications that integrate. Outlook connects to Planner as well as Teams which includes the Tasks and Approvals function. These various applications all coincide with each other, making working with this software very popular. 2 | Non-NegotiablesTyson talks about a non-negotiable when it comes to software in the legal field. Software with very good security and compliance is not something to ignore. Those working in the legal field handle sensitive subjects and details all day long. The software used needs to meet security benchmarks for the industry to keep client information safe. This can really put your firm at risk if this is not considered. Make sure to always include the stakeholders in your decision to use software. At the end of the day, those in the firm will be using it on a daily basis. So, make it a point to include them in the decision: ask for opinions, run a test demo and get feedback.Take a listen to learn about what to consider when looking at new software for your firm!00:24 The importance of considering different things when evaluating software2:28 Software needs to be able to easily integrate with existing tools3:24 The non-negotiable requirement for software🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here. Resources:Join the Guild MembershipSubscribe to the Maximum Lawyer Youtube ChannelFollow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook GroupFollow the Facebook PageFollow us on LinkedIn

Do you want to know what to consider when looking for new employees? In this episode, Tyson discusses the qualities he looks for in team members, whom they affectionately refer to as "peeps” (more so “PEEEEps”) Tyson breaks down the meaning behind each letter of the word which is connected to different attributes.1 | Passion “P” refers to passion (which is the first and last p). Tyson believes looking for people with passion and excitement for the work they do is important. Having people who genuinely love what they do makes a stronger firm. Those with passion put the client first and are eager to learn and grow.2 | Energy The first “E” refers to energy. It is important to look for potential hires who thrive on action and can make conversation, which really helps with client management. 3 | EnergizeThe second “E” refers to energize. These are people who hype others up and love working on a team. They are usually people who like to challenge themselves and achieve their goals.4 | EdgeThe third “E” is edge. Individuals with edge are able to look at problems from all angles. They also know when to stop assessing and make a decision. 5 | ExecuteThe last “E” is execute, which are those who can get the work done and move it past the finish line. Realistically, you don't want employees who can’t finish a task, secure that client or win that case.Take a listen to learn more about using “PEEEEps” to hire the best talent!00:24 Tyson talks about building a strong team2:17 Tyson discusses the importance of passion in team members5:30 Tyson talks about the ability to energize others as a crucial quality🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here. Resources:Join the Guild MembershipSubscribe to the Maximum Lawyer Youtube ChannelFollow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook GroupFollow the Facebook PageFollow us on LinkedIn

Do you want to create a more successful law firm, where you are able to take home more money? In this episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, speaker Brooke Lively shares her personal experience of firing her biggest client and the resulting financial struggles for her business. Starting from scratch and building a successful business is a hard thing to achieve. Brooke talks about using the rule of thirds strategy to make her company a profitable one. The strategy involves the following: allocating a third of your revenue to paying salaries, a third to overhead and a third to profit. 1 | SalariesWhen it comes to paying employees, it is best to design compensation packages that work for your firm. Accountability within a law firm is so important. It moves work through a firm and can be used to dictate pay. One way to hold people accountable is helping them to create goals. Discussing goals will help employees understand what they want to accomplish. As an owner of a law firm, it is important to dedicate time with each employee on a weekly basis to speak through goals so that everyone is on track. 2 | Overhead A lot of firms spend way too much money on marketing. Brooke speaks to how cutting the marketing budget is a great way to save money. One way to do this is to analyze the return on investment on all marketing channels for a firm each month. Whichever is the lowest that month is cut, which can save tens of thousands of dollars. Another way to save money is to review the monthly credit card bill to see what expenses have been neglected and therefore removed.3 | Profit As a firm owner, there are many things you can do for your profit. One thing is to monitor it every month, tracking the increase or decrease of profit. Another thing is to figure out your salary, distributions and personal finances monthly to make sure you are not only making what you deserve but are paying off your expenses.Listen in to learn how to make your law firm more profitable!2:58 The rule of thirds6:27 The importance of accountability in law firms.10:51 Your digital marketing budget11:35 Exploration of the expenses and benefits of coaching16:28 The importance of properly compensating law firm owners.🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here.Connect with Brooke:Website Instagram FacebookLinkedin Resources:Join the Guild MembershipSubscribe to the Maximum Lawyer Youtube ChannelFollow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook GroupFollow the Facebook PageFollow us on LinkedIn

Do you need some help in hiring for your law firm? Are you unsure what roles you need filled? In this podcast episode, Jim and Tyson welcome Brett Trembly, CEO and co-founder of Get Staffed Up. He discusses his new book "24 Months to Freedom: How Modern Law Firms Use Smarter Staffing Solutions to Fast Track Their Way to Success." The book lists seven crucial positions to hire that every law firm needs.In order to have a successful law firm, you need the right people. You need to have an adequate amount of staff who are skilled in what they do. One of the most important roles to fill is that of an executive assistant. Without an executive assistant, many attorneys take on much more tasks in their day to day schedule. This ultimately takes away from what they need to do. An executive assistant wears many hats in a law firm. The role includes answering phones, preparing documents and bookkeeping. It is a multi-dimensional role that helps keep law firms running.Many attorneys have a fear of hiring and will stall in getting it done. Sometimes this comes down to money. Brett speaks to not needing tens of thousands of dollars in the bank to hire. As long as there is enough to pay someone for the first 2 weeks, that is when it is time to hire. Hiring someone is not going to cost you money, but it will make you money. It will allow an attorney to focus on the important work, bring in more clients and therefore bring in more money.Every successful law firm needs to have a full proof intake system, which includes a few different positions. ➡️ One is a receptionist, who will answer phones and take messages. A receptionist is usually the first person a potential client will interact with, so this individual needs to be very well rounded. Answering the phones in a swift and quick manner is crucial to ensuring that potential clients are provided with what they need. If a firm does not have a receptionist, there is much opportunity to lose out on new clients. ➡️Hiring an intake specialist is another position that is included in the intake process. This individual will know the process of the law firm in and out and will have some legal knowledge as well. They screen clients to ensure they are the right fit, refer clients to other firms when they are not and will set up consultations for attorneys. These two positions not only add value to a firm but allow attorneys to focus on the core work.Brett provides a few tips to help firms hire the right people. One great tip is to give potential candidates practical tests to see if they can not only handle the job but show off their skills and experience. For example, if you are hiring for an intake specialist role, do a quick role play scenario of a client screening call. This way, the candidate can show you in real time how they would handle that situation and what skills they would use to complete a successful call. Take a listen to learn more about who to hire and how to hire for a law firm!6:30 Hiring an executive assistant10:14 The fear that law firms have when hiring11:27 The misconception of waiting to hire13:23 The importance of hiring a full-time dedicated receptionist20:23 Giving candidates a testJim's Hack: Have quarterly meetings with each team member to have conversations on a variety of things. This really shows the effort made to keep tabs on employees and discuss important aspects of one’s career, whether it be goals or growth. These conversations also help with understanding what is and isn't working for a firm from the eyes of an employee.Brett’s Tip: Force yourself to take time off with your family. If you find you are more stressed when you return to work, that means you have more things to work on to address either your stress or your ways of working.Tyson’s Tip: Have reference checks for hiring new people. They provide additional information that help get the right people in the right roles. It does add a little more time to the hiring process, but it is really worth it in the end.🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here. Connect with Brett:Website Facebook Company LinkedIn Linkedin

Are you looking for a better way to maximize meeting notes? In this episode, Tyson introduces the new segment, Max Law Tech Tips. He shares a valuable tech tip on optimizing meeting notes using ChatGPT.Many have used ChatGPT for writing content, whether it be essays or resumes. But, it can really help with elevating meeting notes, especially within the legal field. Tyson shares his experience in using the platform, more so on how it provides the opportunity to create a visual timeline of cases. Pasting content into ChatGPT can provide deeper explanations, potential follow up questions and suggestions on next steps. It takes on the role of a legal assistant who gives you quick advice on what to do next. Test it out for yourself!Take a listen!00:24 Tysons journey to using Chat GPT1:12 The various capabilities of Chat GPT🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here. Resources:Join the Guild MembershipSubscribe to the Maximum Lawyer Youtube ChannelFollow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook GroupFollow the Facebook PageFollow us on LinkedIn

Do you struggle with constantly checking your email or phone notifications? In this episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, Tyson discusses how constantly checking your emails can have a negative impact on productivity and mental well-being. Whether you work in an office or work for yourself, many people fall victim to constantly checking their emails. This might not be at the fault of an individual person. This can stem from a culture of needing to respond to messages and emails quickly. Tyson refers to a study that shows that a constant string of emails can keep employees in a state of high alert all the time and actually increase stress levels.It can be difficult to maintain focus when checking emails. If you are focusing on a task and you keep stopping to check an email, it will take more time to complete that task. It helps more to schedule time to check emails in blocks so you can complete all of your tasks for the day.Tyson provides a few tips on checking emails at specific times throughout the day. Choose times in the day that work for you or when you usually find there is some downtime. If you find yourself more focused in the morning, check emails after lunch. If you have a specific day where a majority of your meetings are in the afternoon, check your emails in the morning.Another tip is to communicate this schedule with clients. Let them know in your email signature that you check emails a few times a day so they know they might not get a response quickly. This way, you are able to maintain a level of consistency and efficiency in your day.Take a listen!2:42 Discusses the challenges and costs of constantly checking emails3:47 Discussion of how a study shows that constant emails increase stress levels7:09 Provides pointers for transitioning to checking emails only at designated times🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here. Resources:Join the Guild MembershipSubscribe to the Maximum Lawyer Youtube ChannelFollow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook GroupFollow the Facebook PageFollow us on LinkedIn

Are you struggling in the intake process as a lawyer? Is your firm finding it hard to maintain clients? In this episode, attorney Gary Falkowitz shares his insights on how to win at intake. Gary works with law firms to patch up the holes that exist and make firms better. Intake involves the process of when a potential client connects with a law firm. There are many steps to ensure the intake process is top tier.1 | ClientsOne of the many important things to consider when going through intake is understanding the mindset of a client. Living in a fast paced digital world, people want quick responses. If a firm wants a new client, that firm needs to be swift and respond as fast as possible. If not, the firm risks losing them to another law firm. Clients seeking legal representation are usually dealing with heavy things. Whether it be an injury, criminal case or a divorce, no one wants a lawyer. With that said, make sure you are showing compassion and speaking to them in plain language. Many cannot understand legal jargon!2 | Training What makes intake a significant part of working with a client is the training process. It is important that those that work in a law firm are equipped with ongoing training to stay up to date on the intake process. Training can include how to respond to clients when they first reach out or how to run a successful intake call or meeting. Lawyers need to know how to make a decision on the fly, especially if a prospective client calls and wants a quick response. If the lawyer is up to date on the criteria, they should be able to know at that moment if the client can be represented. 3 | Follow UpFollowing up during the intake process is where some clients actually make a decision on a law firm. Most times, potential clients are submitting inquiries to multiple firms just waiting on the first response. If a client emails an inquiry question, respond once and then follow up again. Most times, clients are juggling a lot of different priorities and that inquiry fell off their radar. The follow up might just be the thing that reminds them and pulls them in.The best way to keep a client is having a strong transition. Once a client is signed, give them homework. Give them all the information they need to feel supported. Provide information materials about the firm, contact information for the team, what you as an attorney expect from them and vice versa. Managing expectations is key. You need to express what you need from them and they need to express what they as a client need from you.Take a listen to learn more about how to have a successful intake process!2:09 Understanding the mindset of potential clients3:53 The significance of training and ongoing education9:27 Staff should be trained to make decisions11:58 Law firms should continue following up17:04 The importance of maintaining communication with clients🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here. Connect with Gary:Website Resources:Join the Guild MembershipSubscribe to the Maximum Lawyer Youtube ChannelFollow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook GroupFollow the Facebook PageFollow us on LinkedIn

Are you struggling with perfectionism in your career? In this episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, Jim and Tyson discuss the damaging effects of perfectionism on law firm owners.Perfectionism in the legal field can really hold people back in their career. It is a difficult hurdle to overcome because there are feelings of not being good enough. The constant need to be perfect can stop people from starting something new. It could be starting a new business venture, a new project or even a new relationship. The need to have everything go a specific way with no mistakes is something a lot of people struggle with and it can really hold people back from success.Many people get stuck in “prep mode” when having a goal to start something, due to perfectionism. For example, if someone wants to start a business in the social media field and spends months talking about the content they want to post or how they are going to market themselves, but have not taken any steps towards starting the business, no progress is ever made. Getting started is the most important thing when doing something new. So don’t fuss about the small stuff and get something on paper.When working towards something, it is important to think about this question: What did I accomplish today? Think about the small wins and celebrate that. At the end of the day, those small wins get you closer and closer to your goal. Worrying about every small detail and wanting to make it perfect will damage any chance you have in reaching your goal. Jim and Tyson speak to creating pattern interrupts to help with perfectionism. Pattern interrupts involve incorporating new things in your routine as a way to move away from repetitiveness. If you do the same thing everyday, it can aid in your perfectionism. Try going for a walk in between meetings or taking a call on your front porch. It is something to break up that task and maybe trick your brain into implementing it again.Perfectionism is a tough quality to overcome. But, with small changes and the right actions, you can break the habit in your daily life and become content with letting things be how they are!Take a listen.Jim's Hack: Show gratitude to people who have helped you, especially on LinkedIn. It is a good tool to keep in your backpocket.Tyson's Tip: Try out a cold plunge as it has many benefits such as boosting energy.2:53 Jim and Tyson discuss how perfectionism holds law firm owners back.5:24 Jim and Tyson share their own struggles with perfectionism.13:20 Importance of celebrating small wins.14:32 The importance of taking action.16:15 The value of incorporating pattern interrupts into routines.🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here.

Are you unsure if it is time to hire someone new for your business? In this podcast, Tyson discusses the timelines of adding a new face to the team as well as the financial aspects of hiring. He touches on the difference between capacity versus capabilities when hiring and how to make good hiring decisions.The difference between capacity and capability is crucial to knowing when it is time to bring somebody onboard. Capacity is about the numbers. How many people do you have currently and how many tasks are getting completed? Capability is about leveraging the right skills and innovation to grow your business. Focus on hiring someone who will be an asset and will give you the leverage needed to be a better company.For many the question is this: When do I know it is time to hire someone new? You need to look at overcapacity and if your team is overworked and staff are stretched too thin. Another important thing is if someone is “wearing too many hats'' and multitasking regularly. The last thing is opportunity cost, which for some might be losing out on clients because you don't have enough team members to take them on.It is one thing to know more people are needed on a team, but it is another thing to be able to afford it. It is important to know if a company is in the right spot financially to hire someone new. Considering if a person being hired will bring the company revenue is significant as well.Aside from the cost of hiring, culture fit is another consideration. Warren Buffett says to consider 3 things when hiring someone: integrity, intelligence and energy. Focus on these aspects of someone’s overall character and mindset to ensure they are going to succeed in a company.Use these tips to ensure you get the right people for the job!Take a listen.3:41 Discusses the signs of overcapacity 6:05 Discusses the cost of hiring 9:56 Discusses the importance of a streamlined onboarding process🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here. Resources:Join the Guild MembershipSubscribe to the Maximum Lawyer Youtube ChannelFollow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook GroupFollow the Facebook PageFollow us on LinkedIn

Do you want to know how to grow a company to include the best people possible? In this episode, Adela Zepcan, the Director of People and Culture at a law firm, shares her insights on running a law firm effectively.Living in a post-COVID world, many companies are struggling with employee retention and high turnover. This has been due to people quitting their jobs to pursue their passions or people leaving for opportunities for more remote work.Working in HR means you are selling your culture and company to prospective employees. You are bringing everything to the table including the company’s values, missions and what they can offer someone. It is important to use your resources to find candidates whether it be using your connections or investing in trusted job sites.It is important to create a cheat sheet when going through the process. Keep interview questions clear and to the point to get the best possible answers and make sure the questions match the job descriptions. When you are in the process of hiring, you need to ensure it is quick as many candidates don’t wait and will grab the first option they are given.During the onboarding process, get your team members involved to assist in giving new employees the best experience. Make sure details like assets and accounts are set up in time and training or manuals are ready to go. If these aspects of onboarding are not prioritized, new employees can feel that companies don't value them or their time. An employee stays with a company for an average of 2.8 years. When someone is leaving, it is crucial employees leave on a good note. Make sure to thank them for their time with the company, celebrate their accomplishments and wish them well on their new venture.Ultimately, HR is all about people. It is all about how to attract, retain and grow your company.Take a listen!2:18 The importance of tailoring job descriptions and investing in the right job posting platforms4:22 Tips on pre-screening resumes and conducting phone screenings to identify top candidates8:23 Don't miss out on good candidates 9:10 When reviewing resumes, consider candidates who may not have direct experience but have relevant skills or experiences. Ask behavioral questions that relate to the job16:02 Tips on how to end an employee's service on a positive note, including thanking them, distributing work, and removing their presence from systems🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here. Resources:Join the Guild MembershipSubscribe to the Maximum Lawyer Youtube ChannelFollow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook GroupFollow the Facebook PageFollow us on LinkedIn

Are you trying to improve processes within your company? In this episode, Jim and Tyson interview Melanie Leonard, an attorney and expert in legal practice management software. She is also one of the first certified consultants in Clio. They discuss the adoption of technology among lawyers, in which Melanie gives lawyers a low grade.Many law firms are behind the times and don't have a well thought out process that will serve law firms well. Melanie speaks to how creating workflows will lead to more efficiency and productivity in a firm. Workflows are simply just steps that people use to accomplish a task. But, not having one or not having a defined one can lead to many challenges.Many companies do not have defined workflows because no one naturally thinks in systems. No one is going to add something that is obvious to a workflow. But, every step needs to be documented to ensure nothing is missed and the process is the same for everyone. When creating a workflow, don't assume people know the common sense of it. Add as much detail in there so whether someone is new to the company or a veteran, they will be able to accomplish the task.In a law firm setting, it is best to create workflows for routine parts of the job like client intake or billing. They can even be applied to legal work that seems unique or that changes from case to case. Melanie says that creating workflows for things like filing a complaint or a motion can connect together to ultimately create a system.Many lawyers truly underestimate how workflows can help them in their practice. Because many lawyers use the same process for different tasks, it makes way more sense to focus on creating that system. The truth is no one wants to recreate the wheel.Take a listen if you want to use workflows to elevate your firm!Jim's Hack: For those who want to create more content, listen to Gary Vaynerchuk to get more inspired on distributing and repurposing content.Melanie’s Tip: Open up whatever project management software you are using and find the workflow feature to document steps in the process of a project. This feature allows for people to be alerted to when it is their turn to work on the next step.Tyson's Tip: Make sure you get your quarterly meeting scheduled to talk about planning for 2024.2:25 The overall adoption of technology by lawyers and gives a grade to their progress8:31 Workflows! and the significance of having clear and documented procedures in law firms10:58 The process of building workflows, starting with cover letters and tracking everything in the packet, and the importance of taking an organized approach21:26 Advice on starting with workflows for the intake and sales process, followed by billing, and then focusing on substantive legal work29:25 Advice to use the workflow feature in practice management software to document processes and alert team members about their tasks🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here. Connect with Melanie:WebsiteFacebookYouTubeLinkedIn InstagramTwitter

In this episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, host Tyson Mutrux explores the powerful influence of personal networks on goal setting and achievement. Drawing on scientific studies and personal anecdotes, Tyson emphasizes the impact that our connections have on our behavior, habits, and overall success. He encourages listeners to intentionally curate their inner circle, surrounding themselves with supportive and inspiring individuals. Tyson provides practical steps for evaluating and refining personal networks, including conducting a "five person audit." 00:25 The influence of personal connections on behavior, habits, and goal attainment, citing scientific studies and examples06:34 The importance of evaluating and removing relationships that hinder progress and prevent achievement08:44 Intentionally surrounding oneself with supportive and inspiring individuals for personal and professional growth🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here. Resources:Join the Guild MembershipSubscribe to the Maximum Lawyer Youtube ChannelFollow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook GroupFollow the Facebook PageFollow us on LinkedIn

In this episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, guest speaker Brett Trembly shares valuable insights on time management and productivity for lawyers. He introduces the OI90 formula, a three-step business system consisting of office hours, an issue matrix, and a 90-minute weekly team meeting. Brett shares the importance of protecting one's time and focusing on high-value tasks. He suggests implementing office hours for both team members and clients to minimize interruptions. Additionally, he suggests using software tools to streamline operations. Brett's practical tips and strategies provide actionable steps for lawyers to improve efficiency and success in their practices.00:40 Introducing the OI90 formula and how it has been life-changing 3:00 The challenges of running a one-man show8:43 The importance of spending time on high-value tasks12:15 A three-step business system that includes office hours, issue matrix, and 90-minute weekly team meetings15:58 Setting office hours to minimize interruptions and increase productivity17:08 Determining when interruptions are allowed based on specific criteria18:01 Running productive 90-minute weekly meetings to address issues and push the business forward🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here. Connect with Brett:Website FacebookCompany LinkedInLinkedIn Resources:Join the Guild MembershipSubscribe to the Maximum Lawyer Youtube ChannelFollow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook GroupFollow the Facebook PageFollow us on LinkedIn

Are you looking for ways to maximize your work week and have a more productive mindset at work? In this episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, hosts Jim and Tyson discuss the most valuable parts of their work week. Both speak to 3 things they do each week to help with productivity.For individuals who own their own company, it is important to spend some time at the beginning of your week going over your priorities and to-dos. Jim talks about how spending 15 minutes with his personal assistant each week allows him to know who he needs to connect with, what meetings he has and go through his emails. Having that support allows you to delegate your tasks to other people so you can take some of that workload off of you.Physical and mental health is so important to ensure you have a good work week. Both Tyson and Jim speak to the importance of prioritizing self care before they start the day, which helps get them focused and in the right mindset. Whether it be working out first thing in the morning or having a standing massage session in the middle of the week, these self care moments allow for you to recharge and refocus to continue your day.Having weekly leadership team meetings is a huge part of not only having a successful company, but ensuring members of your team are on the same page and working well. Think of these meetings like a football team huddle, where you get in, figure out your game plan and “break” to get back to business. It allows for everyone to understand the goals for the week and speak to any wins or challenges.For those in the legal field, mastermind sessions are a great way to network and learn from others. It is a chance to share your struggles with other law firm owners who will advise you on how to work through them.Implement some of these strategies into your work week to achieve more productivity! Take a listen!2:42 Jim discusses the importance of spending 15 minutes each day with his personal assistant to delegate tasks and clear out his calendar and email inbox.4:16 Tyson talks about the significance of his daily workouts in helping him stay focused and release extra energy, as well as the added benefits of cold plunges.8:53 Tyson highlights the value of the L10 meeting, a weekly leadership meeting where the firm's leadership team comes together to address issues, align goals, and move the firm forward.11:35 Speaker 2 emphasizes the need to take time to rest and relax in order to have a clear mind and come up with innovative ideas.13:51 Speaker 3 explains what a mastermind is and how it involves sharing goals, wisdom, and problem-solving among law firm owners.Jim’s Hack: In every conversation you have you are being presented with content ideas. Notice, pay attention and write it down! Tyson’s Tip: Grab the YouTube Transcript Extractor Chrome Extension!🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here.