Strategies for Getting Organized

In addition to using websites and LinkedIn, take advantage of blogging, tweeting and videos to market your professional services. Also, develop marketing plans and budgets, establish an online presence and regularly analyze whether your firm is reaching clients and prospects.  Click here for an article about ABA report about marketing in the Digital Age. And click here for an article about optimizing your website to attract clients using digital assistants.

Increase productivity using digital assistants like  Amazon Alexa ,   Apple Siri ,   Google Assistant , and   Microsoft Cortana .  Digital assistants can control smart devices, create appointments, make phone calls, play music, search the Internet, send texts, and take dictation. They are useful in homes, offices, and on the road. Read articles to learn how to use digital assistants at home ,  at work  and   protecting your privacy  from assistants . Review books to help with Alexa , Google Assistant , Microsoft Copilot , and  Siri

Thwart identity thieves with preventive steps online and offline. S tart by securely storing financial records, shredding receipts, and opting out of credit offers. Practice safe computing by encrypting your data and using secure passwords. Create IRS , Postal , and Social Security accounts before crooks do it for you. Send  phone calls from unidentified callers to voicemail and don't click links in suspicious looking emails.  Check Resources at the  FTC  and AARP websites for more information about how to keep your personal information secure. and read the  Apple Guide to Protecting Personal Data in Shared Accounts. 

Organizers are binders that contain a combination of documents and information needed in case of a disaster or disability.  Organizers are helpful after physical disasters (e.g. fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes) and health events like early onset dementia and strokes. Organizers help advisers, caregivers, and family members.  Click here for an article about how to create an Organizer to be prepared for whatever the future may bring.

Firms of all sizes are subject to security risks -- burglary, sabotage, theft, unauthorized  access, and workplace violence. Protect your assets and employees by reading articles about  security , c onducting a security risk assessment , adopting a security policy , and responding to a security breach .   Protect your data by reading an ABA article that provides a  Roadmap for Cybersecurity  and  study the ABA's book about  Cybersecurity for the Home and Office . Adopt a firm-wide  security policy and follow best practices recommended for users of Google Suite and Office 365 .

Working from home is becoming more common for many reasons, including improving technology, deteriorating commutes, and lengthening workdays. Be more effective while working from home by controlling interruptions, creating daily priority lists, using time schedules, and setting aside a separate space for work.  Click here for an article with additional tips for working more effeciently at home. .

Makeovers can help you and your firm improve your image and modernize your practice. Click here for an article with quick and easy steps  to improve your firm and your image.

Happy clients pay bills timely, bring new cases, and refer prospects. See below for tips on keeping clients happy. Learn more by reading books about customer relationships  and customer service . TIPS FOR  1. Call clients regularly 2. Reply promptly to emails and voicemails 3. Alert clients to planning opportunities 4. Consider offering fixed fees (instead of hourly rates) 5. Send a monthly e-mail or newsletter with news and planning tips 6. Use client satisfaction surveys to identify areas for improvement 7. Set and maintain expectations for timing and results 8. Show appreciation and concern 9. Provide staff with training on customer satisfaction 10. Get to know your clients and keep notes in their profile

Sharing important information with your spouse and heirs will help them honor your wishes when you're gone. Avoid family squabbles by explaining your estate plan to your family.  Click here  for an article about how to create an Organizer for your family.

Smartphone and tablet apps can help organize your work and your life. Many popular apps are free and are available for both Apple and Android devices. Click here  for an article about organizational apps like Calendy, Evernote, and ToDoIst.