The 80/20 Principle

The 80/20 Principle

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The 80/20 Principle episodes

  • 265: Digital Nomadism for Lawyers (with Megan Hargroder)

    Step into the extraordinary world of digital nomadism with my wanderlust-filled guest, Megan Hargroder. Megan, a seasoned digital nomad, has been living out of her suitcase and working from the picturesque locales of Europe for the past eight months. Join us for a riveting conversation that explores the exhilarating freedoms and intricate challenges that come hand-in-hand with her unique lifestyle.

    Navigating time zones, hiring international talent, managing remote work, and maintaining cyber security are just a few of the topics we delve into. We also touch upon the fascinating subject of managing a virtual team of assistants, specifically from the Philippines, and how to evolve a contractual role into a full-time position. You'll be riveted as Megan shares the secret to maintaining a secure online presence while globe-trotting and highlights the hidden benefits of a WeWork All-Access membership.

    Ready to embrace the digital nomad lifestyle? Get an insight into Megan's tech arsenal as she reveals how she stays connected with the help of Airalo, a virtual SIM card app. Plus, learn about the magic of automation and outsourcing, and how these can free up your time for, well, more freedom! And as a cherry on top, we even touch upon the importance of a systematic onboarding process and learning from mistakes. So, buckle up for an episode that's brimming with insightful takeaways, hilarious anecdotes, and trailblazing ideas!

    In this episode, you will hear:

    • Challenges of Working Remotely While Traveling
    • Using Airalo for Unlimited Data Abroad
    • Exploring Options for Accessing Data Abroad
    • Importance of Slack in Communication
    • Supercharged CEO
    • Using Slack for Client Communication

    Show Notes

    • Read: The 80/20 Principle: The Secret of Achieving More with Less, by Richard Koch
    • Get my new email course: ChatGPT for Lawyers (it's free)
    • Megan's company website (a digital marketing agency helping solo/small firm lawyers)
    • ExpresssVPN (Virtual Private Network service, link to 30-day free trial)
    • Airalo (app & services for using virtual SIM cards, aka eSIM) - use this code to get $3 off your first purchase: ERNEST3504
    • World Clock app (for time zone management)
    • FIO (browser tool for time zone management)
    • Slack (communication tool for remote teams)
    • Microsoft Teams (alternative communication tool for remote teams)
    • Joey Vitale program that teaches outsourcing skills
    • Loom (video communication tool)
    • VideoAsk (video communication tool)
    • Google Suite (mentioned as a potential alternative to Slack or Microsoft Teams)
    • WeWork (shared workspace provider)

    General Resources

    • The 80/20 Principle (my email newsletter)
    • The 5 Pillars of a Tech-Powered Law Practice
    • The Inner Circle (an online community for law firm owners)

    Follow and Review:

    We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

    Thanks to Our Sponsors

    Smith.ai

    Smith.ai is an amazing virtual receptionist service that specializes in working with solo and small law firms. When you hire Smith.ai, you're hiring well-trained, friendly receptionists who can respond to callers in English or Spanish.

    If there's one great outsourcing opportunity for your practice, this is it. Let Smith.ai have your back while you stay focused on your work, knowing that your clients and prospects are being taken care of.

    Plans start at $210/month for 30 calls, and pricing starts at $140 for 20 chats, with overage at $7 per chat. They offer a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee on all receptionist and live chat plans, including add-ons (up to $1000).

    And they have a special offer for podcast listeners where you can get an extra $100 discount with promo code ERNIE100. Sign up for a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee now (and learn more) at smith.ai.

    Overture Law

    Overture Law is the first private attorney network enabling them to refer matters to one another and ethically share in referral fees.

    Membership is free if you're accepted. Apply for membership at Overture.law

    Once you're accepted, you'll start getting valuable referrals and earn fees for matters you refer out. A powerful win-win for U.S.-based solo and small firm attorneys.

    Episode Credits

    If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

    41 min
  • 264: The Legal Singularity - How A.I. will Improve Our Profession (with Ben Alarie)

    Let's journey into the fascinating world of law and technology with our extraordinary guest, Ben Alarie. He's not just a law professor, but also an entrepreneur and author who has put his expertise in an excitingly accessible format through his AI product, Ask Blue J. This ingenious tool simplifies tax law navigation, transforming complex databases into question-answering platforms. We also shed light on the concept of the 'legal singularity', a term coined by Ben himself in his new book, signifying the potential of AI to develop a more responsive and precise legal infrastructure.

    Our conversation takes an interesting turn as we dig into the predictive power of machine learning in judicial decisions. Imagine an AI tool that could anticipate a judge's ruling in ambiguous scenarios, sounds like a sci-fi movie, right? Well, not anymore. Ask Blue J, Ben's brainchild, is changing the game, boasting over 90% accuracy in certain areas. We also address a unique AI issue, the 'hallucination problem' - illustrating how AI can sometimes veer off course when it lacks sufficient information.

    Wrapping up our discussion, we touch upon the 80/20 principle, a guiding tenet that could be your key to success. It emphasizes getting the maximum return on investment with minimal effort. This enlightening conversation with Ben Alarie will not just keep you informed about the cutting-edge advancements in AI and machine learning in the legal field, but also inspire you to implement strategic principles for success in your professional journey. So, plug in those headphones and embark on this thought-provoking exploration of the legal industry's future.

    In this episode, you will hear:

    • The concept of the 'legal singularity' and the potential of AI in creating a responsive and precise legal infrastructure.
    • Machine learning's predictive power in judicial decisions and the accuracy of Ask Blue J in certain areas.
    • The 'hallucination problem' in AI, where it can go off course due to lack of sufficient information.
    • Use of AI in diagnosing and rectifying social problems and achieving universal legal literacy.
    • Implications of AI and technology for the future of the legal profession, legal education, and democracy.

    Show Notes

    • Read: The 80/20 Principle: The Secret of Achieving More with Less, by Richard Koch
    • Get my new email course: ChatGPT for Lawyers (it's free)
    • BlueJ website: https://www.bluej.com
    • The Legal Singularity: How Artificial Intelligence Can Make Law Radically Better, book by Ben Alarie
    • Preet Bharara's podcast: Humanity, Security & AI, Oh My! with Ian Bremmer & Shuman Ghosemajumder)
    • 21 Lessons for the 21st Century, by Yuval Noah Harari
    • Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow, by Yuval Noah Harari

    General Resources

    • The 80/20 Principle (my email newsletter)
    • The 5 Pillars of a Tech-Powered Law Practice
    • The Inner Circle (an online community for law firm owners)

    Follow and Review:

    We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

    Thanks to Our Sponsors

    Smith.ai

    Smith.ai is an amazing virtual receptionist service that specializes in working with solo and small law firms. When you hire Smith.ai, you're hiring well-trained, friendly receptionists who can respond to callers in English or Spanish.

    If there's one great outsourcing opportunity for your practice, this is it. Let Smith.ai have your back while you stay focused on your work, knowing that your clients and prospects are being taken care of.

    Plans start at $210/month for 30 calls, and pricing starts at $140 for 20 chats, with overage at $7 per chat. They offer a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee on all receptionist and live chat plans, including add-ons (up to $1000).

    And they have a special offer for podcast listeners where you can get an extra $100 discount with promo code ERNIE100. Sign up for a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee now (and learn more) at smith.ai.

    Overture Law

    Overture Law is the first private attorney network enabling them to refer matters to one another and ethically share in referral fees.

    Membership is free if you're accepted. Apply for membership at Overture.law

    Once you're accepted, you'll start getting valuable referrals and earn fees for matters you refer out. A powerful win-win for U.S.-based solo and small firm attorneys.

    Episode Credits

    If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

    49 min
  • 263: New Tech Effectiveness Assessment for Lawyers

    In this episode, we revisit a persistent favorite topic - Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). We understand there are many recurring issues that may concern you, but which ones are the most pressing? We are on a mission to resolve these sticking points.

    A common challenge for attorneys is determining the technology that could bring the most significant improvement to their practice. Given the unique needs of each attorney, the question is: How do you identify the ideal technology for your practice? Keep reading as we reveal a practical solution to this conundrum.

    In our Tech Assessment section, we'll evaluate how effectively you are employing crucial technologies in your practice, including the ever-important SOPs and GPT tools.

    In this episode, you will hear:

    • Importance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for civil litigators and how to create effective ones.
    • Tips on overcoming challenges and resistance points when documenting SOPs.
    • Introduction of a new tech assessment tool for enhancing attorney practices.
    • Use of innovative technology like Generative Pre-training Transformer (GPT) in the legal space.
    • How SOPs can help in streamlining repetitive workflows and transforming legal practices.

    Show Notes

    • Join: '80/20 Inner Circle' (valuable business insights for small firm owners)
    • Read: The 80/20 Principle: The Secret of Achieving More with Less, by Richard Koch
    • Get my new email course: ChatGPT for Lawyers (it's free)

    General Resources

    • The 80/20 Principle (my email newsletter)
    • The 5 Pillars of a Tech-Powered Law Practice
    • The Inner Circle (an online community for law firm owners)

    Follow and Review:

    We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

    Thanks to Our Sponsors

    Smith.ai

    Smith.ai is an amazing virtual receptionist service that specializes in working with solo and small law firms. When you hire Smith.ai, you're hiring well-trained, friendly receptionists who can respond to callers in English or Spanish.

    If there's one great outsourcing opportunity for your practice, this is it. Let Smith.ai have your back while you stay focused on your work, knowing that your clients and prospects are being taken care of.

    Plans start at $210/month for 30 calls, and pricing starts at $140 for 20 chats, with overage at $7 per chat. They offer a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee on all receptionist and live chat plans, including add-ons (up to $1000).

    And they have a special offer for podcast listeners where you can get an extra $100 discount with promo code ERNIE100. Sign up for a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee now (and learn more) at smith.ai.

    Overture Law

    Overture Law is the first private attorney network enabling them to refer matters to one another and ethically share in referral fees.

    Membership is free if you're accepted. Apply for membership at Overture.law

    Once you're accepted, you'll start getting valuable referrals and earn fees for matters you refer out. A powerful win-win for U.S.-based solo and small firm attorneys.

    Episode Credits

    If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

    23 min
  • 262: Essential Tech Tools & Tips (with Adriana Linares)

    What if you could revolutionize your legal practice with technology? This provocative question led to an enlightening chat with legal tech consultant, Adriana Linares, who shared insights on how transitioning to cloud-based services and leveraging tools like TextExpander and ChatGPT can significantly enhance productivity and writing skills.

    That's not all, folks. Join us as we share personal anecdotes about the transformative power of effective communication skills, honed through Toastmasters, and how this aids career progression. We also discuss the wonders of ChatGPT technology, which can help us create speeches that sound more natural and professional. But it doesn't stop there - we discuss utilizing ChatGPT for generating language for attorney forms or creating starting templates for your work.

    We also talk about the paramount importance of password managers and TextExpander in maintaining flexibility and security in your computer setup. Picture being able to easily store emails, logins, and calendar appointments, and sharing passwords between people - all with maximum security. And let's not forget how TextExpander snippets can simplify communication and save time. So, are you ready to transform your legal practice with technology? Tune in, and let's explore these game-changing tools together.

    In this episode, you will hear:

    • Improving Legal Document Creation and Efficiency
    • Effective Communication With Toastmasters
    • Chat GPT for Lawyers
    • Other Uses of Chat GPT and AI
    • Password Managers and Text Expander

    Show Notes

    • Adriana's website - LawTech Partners: https://www.lawtechpartners.com/
    • TextExpander: https://textexpander.com/
    • OpenAi (ChatGPT): https://chat.openai.com/
    • Microsoft Co-Pilot: https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2023/03/16/introducing-microsoft-365-copilot-your-copilot-for-work/
    • 1Password: https://1password.com/
    • Roboform: https://www.roboform.com/
    • LastPass: https://www.lastpass.com/
    • Grammarly: https://www.grammarly.com/
    • Calendly: https://calendly.com/
    • Dreyer's English: An Utterly Correct Guide to Clarity and Style https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0812985710/ernieattorney-20

    General Resources

    • The 80/20 Principle (my email newsletter)
    • The 5 Pillars of a Tech-Powered Law Practice
    • The Inner Circle (an online community for law firm owners)

    Follow and Review:

    We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

    Thanks to Our Sponsors

    Smith.ai

    Smith.ai is an amazing virtual receptionist service that specializes in working with solo and small law firms. When you hire Smith.ai, you're hiring well-trained, friendly receptionists who can respond to callers in English or Spanish.

    If there's one great outsourcing opportunity for your practice, this is it. Let Smith.ai have your back while you stay focused on your work, knowing that your clients and prospects are being taken care of.

    Plans start at $210/month for 30 calls, and pricing starts at $140 for 20 chats, with overage at $7 per chat. They offer a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee on all receptionist and live chat plans, including add-ons (up to $1000).

    And they have a special offer for podcast listeners where you can get an extra $100 discount with promo code ERNIE100. Sign up for a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee now (and learn more) at smith.ai.

    Overture Law

    Overture Law is the first private attorney network enabling them to refer matters to one another and ethically share in referral fees.

    Membership is free if you're accepted. Apply for membership at Overture.law

    Once you're accepted, you'll start getting valuable referrals and earn fees for matters you refer out. A powerful win-win for U.S.-based solo and small firm attorneys.

    Episode Credits

    If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

    52 min
  • 261: Overture.law - An Innovative New Way of Getting & Making Referrals

    Imagine a world where getting quality referrals is not just possible, but easy and ethical too. That's the pioneering world Arya Firoozmand, co-founder of Overture Law, is building. In this enlightening conversation, Arya takes me through his journey into law practice and how he and his partners invented Overture Law, an innovative platform that fills a service gap by linking attorneys and clients in the insurance-bad-faith sector.

    But Overture Law is more than just a linking platform. It's a community that empowers attorneys through a system that rigorously vets to ensure only the highest quality referrals. Arya shares the intricate process of joining and posting referrals, and how the platform, designed with attorneys in mind, makes this process swift, smooth, and efficient. We also explore the importance of proper vetting in maintaining the high standards of the community.

    Referral fees and attorneys can be a tricky landscape to navigate, but not with Overture Law. Arya elaborates on how they have developed a system that automatically handles billing, thus eliminating the trust account issues that usually arise when referring matters. We discuss how the platform integrates seamlessly with Clio for time tracking and invoice generation. With clear expectations around referral fees, attorneys can now focus on the most important task at hand - finding the right attorney for their client. So, tune in and discover how Overture Law is revolutionizing the legal industry.

    In this episode, you will hear:

    • Expanding referrals you get from sources outside your home state
    • Getting compensated for making referrals (even in non-contingency fee matters)
    • The importance of a community platform that not only connects attorneys but also vets them to ensure high-quality referrals.
    • The ethics of getting compensated for making referrals.

    Show Notes

    • Overture: https://overture.law/
    • BizCounsel: https://bizcounsel.com
    • Email address for Arya Firoozmand: [email protected]

    General Resources

    • The 80/20 Principle (my email newsletter)
    • The 5 Pillars of a Tech-Powered Law Practice
    • The Inner Circle (an online community for law firm owners)

    Follow and Review:

    We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

    Thanks to Our Sponsors

    Smith.ai

    Smith.ai is an amazing virtual receptionist service that specializes in working with solo and small law firms. When you hire Smith.ai, you're hiring well-trained, friendly receptionists who can respond to callers in English or Spanish.

    If there's one great outsourcing opportunity for your practice, this is it. Let Smith.ai have your back while you stay focused on your work, knowing that your clients and prospects are being taken care of.

    Plans start at $210/month for 30 calls, and pricing starts at $140 for 20 chats, with overage at $7 per chat. They offer a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee on all receptionist and live chat plans, including add-ons (up to $1000).

    And they have a special offer for podcast listeners where you can get an extra $100 discount with promo code ERNIE100. Sign up for a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee now (and learn more) at smith.ai.

    Overture Law

    Overture Law is the first private attorney network enabling them to refer matters to one another and ethically share in referral fees.

    Membership is free if you're accepted. Apply for membership at Overture.law

    Once you're accepted, you'll start getting valuable referrals and earn fees for matters you refer out. A powerful win-win for U.S.-based solo and small firm attorneys.

    Episode Credits

    If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

    43 min
  • 260: Technology vs. Natural Growth

    Discover the secret to unlocking human growth and genuine connections in our increasingly digital world. This episode promises to reveal the power of face-to-face interaction and why it's crucial for personal and professional success. Let me take you on a journey through our experience with Laurel Street Music in New Orleans, where an inspiring story of community events and real-world connection unfolded during the pandemic. Learn how the simple act of getting to know your neighbors can lead to profound human growth and support that social media just can't provide.

    We also dive into the fascinating 80-20 principle and its application to our lives for greater success. By emphasizing the importance of building deep connections and prioritizing face-to-face interactions, you'll be able to maximize your ROI with minimal effort. Don't miss out on this opportunity to reflect on the dangers of confusing natural growth with technological change and finding balance in our screen-centric lives. Tune in and reconnect with the power of genuine human interaction today!

    In this episode, you will hear:

    • The power of face-to-face connection
    • Building real connections through community events
    • Deep connections for success
    • Lawyers & face-to-face interaction
    • Using email and phones for communication

    Show Noes

    • Journey to the Heart by Melody Beattie
    • https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0062511211/ernieattorney-20

    General Resources

    • The 80/20 Principle (my email newsletter)
    • The 5 Pillars of a Tech-Powered Law Practice
    • The Inner Circle (an online community for law firm owners)

    Follow and Review:

    We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

    Thanks to Our Sponsor

    Smith.ai is an amazing virtual receptionist service that specializes in working with solo and small law firms. When you hire Smith.ai, you're hiring well-trained, friendly receptionists who can respond to callers in English or Spanish.

    If there's one great outsourcing opportunity for your practice, this is it. Let Smith.ai have your back while you stay focused on your work, knowing that your clients and prospects are being taken care of.

    Plans start at $210/month for 30 calls, and pricing starts at $140 for 20 chats, with overage at $7 per chat. They offer a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee on all receptionist and live chat plans, including add-ons (up to $1000).

    And they have a special offer for podcast listeners where you can get an extra $100 discount with promo code ERNIE100. Sign up for a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee now (and learn more) at smith.ai.

    Episode Credits

    If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

    21 min
  • 259: A Celebrity Actor Shares Law Practice Insights (Surprise Guest)

    Ever wondered how the 80-20 principle applies to a Hollywood actor's life and career? I have an exclusive chat with the legendary Tom Hanks, shedding light on the topic and sharing his personal experiences!

    But there's more than meets the ear – my friend and computer forensics expert Craig Ball joins me to reveal the cutting-edge AI technology from ElevenLabs that made our "interview" with Tom Hanks possible. We dive into the potential dangers of AI-generated deep fakes, the importance of verifying sources, and the implications of rapid advancements in AI technology becoming more accessible to everyone. This captivating episode not only entertains but also opens your eyes to the future of technology's impact on our lives.

    In this episode, you will hear:

    • AI voice synthesis
    • Potential dangers of deep fakes and the importance of verifying sources
    • The impact of AI and voice recognition on the legal industry, including the potential for creating deep fakes and the need for debunking tools to detect them.
    • The importance of corroborating sources in a world where technology can easily deceive, such as using the Shepherdizing method for lawyers.
    • The implications of rapid advancements in AI technology becoming more accessible to everyone and its impact on society.

    Show Notes

    • Craig Ball's website (Ball In Your Court)
    • ElevenLabs (speech modeling website)
    • The 80/20 Principle: The Secret of Achieving More with Less, by Richard Koch
    • My Substack email newsletter: The 80/20 Principle (not just for lawyers).

    General Resources

    • The 80/20 Principle (my email newsletter)
    • The 5 Pillars of a Tech-Powered Law Practice
    • The Inner Circle (an online community for law firm owners)

    Thanks to Our Sponsor

    Smith.ai is an amazing virtual receptionist service that specializes in working with solo and small law firms. When you hire Smith.ai, you're hiring well-trained, friendly receptionists who can respond to callers in English or Spanish.

    If there's one great outsourcing opportunity for your practice, this is it. Let Smith.ai have your back while you stay focused on your work, knowing that your clients and prospects are being taken care of.

    Plans start at $210/month for 30 calls, and pricing starts at $140 for 20 chats, with overage at $7 per chat. They offer a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee on all receptionist and live chat plans, including add-ons (up to $1000).

    And they have a special offer for podcast listeners where you can get an extra $100 discount with promo code ERNIE100. Sign up for a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee now (and learn more) at smith.ai.

    Episode Credits

    If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

    28 min
  • 258: Streamlining Operations using Agile Methodology (John Grant)

    Are you ready to revolutionize your law firm's operations and witness a substantial boost in productivity and profitability? Join me for an enlightening conversation with John Grant, a renowned lawyer and consultant who has mastered the art of streamlining law practices for maximum success. Together, we explore the Kanban method for visualizing workflows, the concept of Kaizen for continuous incremental improvement, and practical strategies for optimizing law firm operations.

    In our discussion, we dissect the concept of bottlenecks in your workflow and demonstrate how fixing the worst offender can drastically improve your entire system. Delve into systems theory, feedback loops, and the Goldilocks zone, where information is just right. We also identify the three high-level systems of a law practice and reveal how improving just one of these systems can provide the most significant return on investment.

    Packed with expert advice, this episode shares invaluable tips on enhancing the efficiency and productivity of your law firm. Learn how effective communication can improve your client experience, explore the role of GPT technology in client communication, and discover how leveraging the 80/20 principle can help you achieve maximum results with minimal effort. Don't miss this golden opportunity to learn from a trusted strategic advisor and elevate your law practice to new heights!

    In this episode, you will hear:

    • Maximizing Impact and Feedback
    • Kanban Boards for Workflow Efficiency
    • Incremental Improvement and Quality Control
    • Using GPT for Writer's Block
    • The Goal and Knowledge Work
    • Quality Prompts in Law Practice
    • Optimizing Delivery Pipeline Balance
    • Implementing Kanban Methodology

    Show Notes

    • Read: The 80/20 Principle: The Secret of Achieving More with Less, by Richard Koch

    General Resources

    • The 80/20 Principle (my email newsletter)
    • The 5 Pillars of a Tech-Powered Law Practice
    • The Inner Circle (an online community for law firm owners)

    Thanks to Our Sponsor

    Smith.ai is an amazing virtual receptionist service that specializes in working with solo and small law firms. When you hire Smith.ai, you're hiring well-trained, friendly receptionists who can respond to callers in English or Spanish.

    If there's one great outsourcing opportunity for your practice, this is it. Let Smith.ai have your back while you stay focused on your work, knowing that your clients and prospects are being taken care of.

    Plans start at $210/month for 30 calls, and pricing starts at $140 for 20 chats, with overage at $7 per chat. They offer a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee on all receptionist and live chat plans, including add-ons (up to $1000).

    And they have a special offer for podcast listeners where you can get an extra $100 discount with promo code ERNIE100. Sign up for a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee now (and learn more) at smith.ai.

    Episode Credits

    If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

    49 min
  • 257: Using Airtable Databases to Help Run a Small Law Firm (Jess Birken)

    In this podcast episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Jess Birken, a small firm law owner who specializes in helping nonprofits. As someone with an entrepreneurial spirit and a tech-savvy approach, Jess shared her insights on how technology has revolutionized her practice and how others can optimize their own businesses.

    One of the key topics we discussed was the use of Airtable, a cloud-based relational database, in Jess's law practice. She explained how she initially began using Airtable to keep track of her content marketing materials, but it quickly evolved into a comprehensive system that runs her entire firm. From client intake and project management to sales pipelines and business development, Airtable serves as the central hub for her practice.

    Jess also highlighted the importance of reducing touches, eliminating paper, and automating processes for maximum efficiency. Tools for automated scheduling, ActiveCampaign, and Slack are essential for running a small business successfully. By understanding the parameters of technology and having a supportive inner circle, Jess has achieved her goals and created a thriving law practice that serves her clients' needs.

    Tune in to the podcast episode to learn more about Jess's experience and discover how you too can harness the power of technology, like Airtable, to create a more efficient and successful practice.

    In this episode, you will hear:

    • How Lawyers can leverage Technology to improve their Practices
    • Airtable Usage in Practice
    • Navigating a Non-Traditional Career Path
    • How Jess Serves Small Non-Profits
    • Air Table for Content Management
    • Using Slack for Remote Work
    • Chat GPT for Everyday Tasks
    • Hiring Tech Consultants to Help with Airtable

    Show Notes

    • Birken Law (Jess's website)

    General Resources

    • The 80/20 Principle (my email newsletter)
    • The 5 Pillars of a Tech-Powered Law Practice
    • The Inner Circle (an online community for law firm owners)

    Thanks to Our Sponsor

    Smith.ai is an amazing virtual receptionist service that specializes in working with solo and small law firms. When you hire Smith.ai, you're hiring well-trained, friendly receptionists who can respond to callers in English or Spanish.

    If there's one great outsourcing opportunity for your practice, this is it. Let Smith.ai have your back while you stay focused on your work, knowing that your clients and prospects are being taken care of.

    Plans start at $210/month for 30 calls, and pricing starts at $140 for 20 chats, with overage at $7 per chat. They offer a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee on all receptionist and live chat plans, including add-ons (up to $1000).

    And they have a special offer for podcast listeners where you can get an extra $100 discount with promo code ERNIE100. Sign up for a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee now (and learn more) at smith.ai.

    Episode Credits

    If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

    37 min
  • 256: Get Staffed Up with Remote Workers in Latin America (Guest: Brett Trembly)
    In this episode, Brett Trembly, a business lawyer and founder of Get Staffed Up, shares how his company helps law firm owners hire talented virtual assistants from Latin America. He discusses his new book, which sets forth a 24-month game plan for hiring seven specific positions. He also explains the best practices for working with virtual assistants, including repeatable tasks, daily check-ins, and quarterly conversations. Tune in to learn about the nuts and bolts of building a remote workforce based in Latin America. Show Notes
    • GetStaffedUp.com (Brett's company website)
    • 24 Months to Freedom, by Brett Trembly (free copy for listeners of this podcast)

    General Resources

    • The 80/20 Principle (my email newsletter)
    • The 5 Pillars of a Tech-Powered Law Practice
    • The Inner Circle (an online community for law firm owners)
    Thanks to Our Sponsor Smith.ai is an amazing virtual receptionist service that specializes in working with solo and small law firms. When you hire Smith.ai, you're hiring well-trained, friendly receptionists who can respond to callers in English or Spanish. If there's one great outsourcing opportunity for your practice, this is it. Let Smith.ai have your back while you stay focused on your work, knowing that your clients and prospects are being taken care of. Plans start at $210/month for 30 calls, and pricing starts at $140 for 20 chats, with overage at $7 per chat. They offer a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee on all receptionist and live chat plans, including add-ons (up to $1000). And they have a special offer for podcast listeners where you can get an extra $100 discount with promo code ERNIE100. Sign up for a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee now (and learn more) at smith.ai. EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their businesses and impact the world.

    45 min

About The 80/20 Principle

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Tech and AI recommendations for solo and small-firm lawyers. The 20% that actually matters, not the hype and shiny objects that don't.

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