How could I let the holiday season pass without a holiday-themed
practice article? After debating between this and another article,
entitled "Fa-la-la-la-la, La-la-la-law Practice Management Ideas
for the New Year," I decided people like reading about resolutions,
and perhaps you've been trying to figure out just how you can
improve things in 2014. Here I've brainstormed some crafty ideas to
help inspire your own creative thinking.
10. Be honest about your marketing's effectiveness in 2013. It's
easy to continue with the status quo, and we generally don't like
to admit we were wrong, but if something wasn't working all that
well, you are better off accepting it now and moving on to
something better.
9. Take a risk or two in the New Year. Don't bet the practice, but
so long as you have the stability to make it, try out some creative
ideas this year.
8. Consider new technology. When better to look into how new
technology can make your life and practice better than at the
beginning of the year? Research the latest trends and demo
something new.
7. Make sure you have balance. Work, work, work. Okay, it's good
to have work, but you'll be unhappy unless you have the balance
that really only comes with a balance between work and personal
interests. Make sure you do!
6. Hire people who match your firm's culture. A firm's culture is
a direct reflection of the people who work there. Why? You can tell
employees how to behave, but if you hire employees who already
behave how you would like, then no time, effort or resources are
needed to make sure the culture continues. Look beyond the resumes
and make sure your candidates match your firm's culture.
5. Get outside your comfort zone. There are things in practice
that you avoid because you are simply not so comfortable doing
them. Maybe that's attending networking events or learning a new
technology or taking a newly trending type of file. There was a
time when something you very much enjoy today was also outside your
comfort zone and things only changed as a result of your
confronting it head on.
4. Stop wasting time on things that aren't moving your practice or
life forward. How many hours did you spend last week on something
that did not provide you with actual progress? Take a hard look at
your processes and controls and figure out whether some
unproductive tasks can be cut out, automated or outsourced.
3. Thank people. Your staff, your colleagues, your clients, your
referral sources, your adversaries (yes, even your adversaries) and
whomever else helps you out. People like being appreciated,
including you. Try to give out more than you take in this
year.
2. Make better friends. Business contacts can be great, but the
type of contact that evolves into a true friend is rare. The fact
is that having more people in this world with whom you have mutual
trust, respect and admiration can provide more opportunities, while
delivering balance and general satisfaction. Try to find more of it
in 2014.
1. Find greater purpose. Satisfaction in work and life comes
easier when your focus is on something greater than yourself.
Whether it's volunteering your time with a charitable organization,
committing to do some pro bono work, mentoring a new lawyer or just
resolving to elevate the practice of law at every opportunity,
dedicate some meaningful time to a greater purpose in 2014. You'll
be happy you did.
Damian Turco owns Mass Injury Firm PC, a Boston-based personal
injury law firm, representing the victims of negligence across
Massachusetts. Damian is the vice chair of the Law Practice
Management Section Council and is a regular presenter at MBA CLE
courses.