Strategies for Getting Organized

Organizing your file systems can eliminate stress and speed workflows. Analyze existing systems for deficiencies and consider going paperless.  Adopt a records retention policy, improve filing techniques, and switch to space-saving file cabinets. Learn more by r eading articles about  filing , organizing , and paperless offices .  For in-depth study, read ABA books about going paperless  and   records retention . Also read CAP's book titled The Organized Lawyer  and WSBA's Document Retention Guide .

Whiteboards are an inexpensive and reusable surface for creating checklists, keeping calendars, and writing notes. Use them at home and in your office to get organized and be more productive.   They are available in a variety of different sizes and styles. As such, you can utilize whiteboards almost anywhere, helping to increase your productivity in a number of settings. Read articles   about   benefits of whiteboards , digital whiteboards ,  and   tips for using whiteboards .

The Coronavirus situation has forced everyone to consider their mortality and prompted many to create or update estate plans. Take advantage of this trend by reminding clients about the need for organizing their personal information and important documents. The benefits Include appreciative clients and referrals.  For more information, read articles about estate planning for digital assets , helping clients get organized , and planning while you can . 

Webinars can attract prospects and enhance your reputation. Create a  checklist  to plan your webinar and use  Zoom  tor host it.  Learn more by reading articles about  giving speeches  and  organizing seminars . 

Following are several steps to make offices safer during and after the Coronavirus situation:    Enhance surface cleaning by using UV lighting on ceilings.  Give pocket-sized devices to workers for contact tracing and alerting users if they come too close.   Improve air quality by increasing intake of outside air, upgrading furnace filters, and using UV lights in HVAC.  Reduce capacity in conference rooms.  Rotate office staffing (e.g. maximum of 50% staff in office at any one time).  Space cubicles further apart and install plexiglass dividers between them.  Use touchless entry/elevators.  Click here  for additional tips for designing offices. 

Planning can advance the careers of professional service providers like lawyers and accountants. The best plans set specific targets and measure progress towards achieving them.  Set aside sufficient time every year to insure that your plans succeed. Click here for a year-by-year plan for marketing legal services that was prepared by Larry Bodine, a marketing expert. Bodine's plan provide timetables for using tactics like networking, publishing, and public speaking.

A legal supply checklist tracks supplies needed to work remotely or in your office.  The checklist can include paper supplies, online services, and marketing materials. Click here for a sample checklist and read articles about legal supplies , s tarting a law office ,  remote working ,  reopening offices , a nd   using checklists .

Grow your firm by using a checklist of  marketing activities to attract new clients and gain new cases from existing ones. Checklists help to prioritize tasks and overcome procrastination.  Click here for an article with marketing checklist marketing. And   click here   for an article with tips and resources for creating checklists.

A growing number of providers are using subscription services to bill users on a monthly basis. Monthly fees are charged by companies like Apple, Amazon, Netflix, and Spotify. Avoid fees for unneeded services by periodically reviewing your monthly credit card statement to target services to terminate.  Share subscriptions with family/friends when possible to reduce save money. Click here for an article more tips on how to manage monthly subscriptions.

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.