Your Law Firm is a Business. Take it to the Next Level

Join us as we celebrate the journey of our podcast and express our heartfelt thanks to all our listeners for their unwavering support and for spreading the word about our show. As we usher in the New Year, it's the perfect moment to reflect on the milestones we've achieved together in the past year.  In this episode, we're reflecting on some of the most impactful episodes that have not only educated but also inspired our community.  We also share our 10 favorite episodes from the past year! Thank you so much to everyone who has listened to and shared this podcast, we really appreciate it! 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. Supporting Resources: Schedule a Consultation: https://gngf.com/consultation  Visit the Website: https://gngf.com/  Visit streamlined.legal:https://streamlined.legal/  Twitter: @NextLevel_Legal  Instagram or Facebook: @nextlevel.legal   More Information About Our Hosts: Melanie Leonard: streamlined.legal —-------------------------------- For help automating key processes in your law firm and implementing legal tech (especially around Clio & Lawmatics), check out the free videos and resources at https://streamlined.legal/videos to streamline your law firm TODAY.   Mark Homer: Get Noticed Get Found —-------------------------------------------------- Every day, the Get Noticed Get Found team (GNGF) helps ambitious law firms push through their growth plateaus. If your marketing budget is $80,000 or more a year and you are interested in learning how the GNGF team can help take your law firm’s marketing to the next level, schedule a conversation with our team at https://gngf.com/consultation  or give us a call at 513-444-2016.   If you are just getting started but want some hand-holding and guidance as you spend more time and money in marketing, check out GNGF’s sister company https://lexcelerate.legal, which provides marketing help through group coaching, training videos, and downloadable guides for solo and small law firms. ACTION STEPS: Don’t forget to share our podcast with your colleagues Click the share button in your podcast app and send it to a colleague or on your social media feed Feel free to tag us too @NextLevel_Legal on X (formerly known as Twitter) or @nextlevel.legal on Instagram & Facebook.  And leave us a review on your podcast platform of choice If you haven’t done so already:  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen And once you have subscribed - please leave us a 5-star rating and review as that will help this podcast get discovered by other law firm owners.     -- Until next time, don’t forget…..   Your Law Firm is a business -- take it to the next level.   *** 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 I sent you.  

Have you ever felt like you’re drowning in work, yearning for a vacation, yet dreading the thought of the chaos that might ensue in your absence? This episode is here to show you how to plan for time away from the office effectively. We'll walk you through the importance of proactive planning for your leave and how to leverage your calendar. Don't forget to share these secrets with your team; after all, a well-rested team is a productive one! We'll discuss how to choose a designated person to handle the urgent matters that may pop up. With our tips, you can have a stress-free vacation, knowing that everything is under control back at the office. From going over open cases to creating a comprehensive plan for handling them, you'll be equipped with everything you need for peace of mind during your vacation. We also introduce the concept of creating a "vacation hot sheet" to ease the burden on your team while you're away.  So sit back, relax, and let us show you how to enjoy your well-deserved vacation without compromising your law firm's operations. Show Highlights: The importance of proactive planning for time away from the office and how it benefits business owners and their teams. Effective preparation for handling emergencies and making early decisions regarding notifications and communications during vacations. The need to review open cases before leaving the office for vacation and creating a plan for handling them. The concept of a "vacation hot sheet" to alleviate the burden on the rest of the team during vacations. The importance of setting boundaries, delegating tasks, and using technology to achieve a better work-life balance. The role of clear and proactive communication with clients and team members before taking time off. The importance of taking time off for mental health and productivity, and the benefits of outsourcing services to streamline tasks. 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. Supporting Resources: Schedule a Consultation: https://gngf.com/consultation  Visit the Website: https://gngf.com/  Visit streamlined.legal:https://streamlined.legal/  Twitter: @NextLevel_Legal  Instagram or Facebook: @nextlevel.legal For information about all our episodes and to sign up for our email newsletter: http://nextlevel.legal  More Information About Our Hosts: Melanie Leonard: streamlined.legal —-------------------------------- For help automating key processes in your law firm and implementing legal tech (especially around Clio & Lawmatics), check out the free videos and resources at https://streamlined.legal/videos to streamline your law firm TODAY. Mark Homer: Get Noticed Get Found —-------------------------------------------------- Every day, the Get Noticed Get Found team (GNGF) helps ambitious law firms push through their growth plateaus. If your marketing budget is $80,000 or more a year and you are interested in learning how the GNGF team can help take your law firm’s marketing to the next level, schedule a conversation with our team at https://gngf.com/consultation  or give us a call at 513-444-2016.   If you are just getting started but want some hand-holding and guidance as you spend more time and money in marketing, check out GNGF’s sister company https://lexcelerate.legal, which provides marketing help through group coaching, training videos, and downloadable guides for solo and small law firms. ACTION STEPS: MELANIE: Action Steps Put it on the calendar NOW Add a time block to your calendar NOW to review all open cases before you go Make your decisions about emergencies, notifications, and communications now. Some will be specific to the time out, but many can be determined now and used with regularity. If you haven’t done so already:  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen And once you have subscribed - please leave us a 5-star rating and review as that will help this podcast get discovered by other law firm owners.     -- Until next time, don’t forget…..   Your Law Firm is a business -- take it to the next level.   *** 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 I sent you.

Want to dial up your law firm's profitability? Let's explore how time tracking can make a significant impact on your bottom line. We unpack the importance of investing in automatic time tracking software and strategies to effectively implement it in your firm, regardless of whether you bill hourly or work on a flat fee basis. We help you see the big picture of how time tracking can streamline operations and boost profitability. We also share personal experiences and demonstrate how critical time tracking is for managing a growing business. By combining a blend of software, calendars, and task lists, we exhibit how you can create a holistic overview of your daily activities. We also introduce you to the concept of task templates and how they can minimize redundancies. Hear a real-life story of a business owner who saw a whopping 20% increase in revenue by simply upgrading their time tracking system. We emphasize the importance of designating a team member to be accountable for tracking time and explain how this can be a game-changer for your firm. Listen up as we share ways to effectively communicate with colleagues and clients for accuracy in tracking and billing. We guarantee this episode will provide valuable insights into making your law firm highly productive and profitable. Show Highlights: The importance of time tracking in law firms. Strategies for effective time tracking, including investing in automatic time tracking software and assigning a dedicated person for this task. Utilizing a multi-pronged approach for time tracking and task management using software, calendars, and task lists. The role of task templates in reducing redundancies and increasing productivity. The significant impact of technology in time tracking. The necessity of clear communication with colleagues and clients for accurate time tracking and billing. The possibility of hiring a remote team member to assist with time tracking as a cost-effective solution. 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. Supporting Resources: Schedule a Consultation: https://gngf.com/consultation  Visit the Website: https://gngf.com/  Visit streamlined.legal:https://streamlined.legal/  Twitter: @NextLevel_Legal  Instagram or Facebook: @nextlevel.legal More Information About Our Hosts: Melanie Leonard: streamlined.legal —-------------------------------- For help automating key processes in your law firm and implementing legal tech (especially around Clio & Lawmatics), check out the free videos and resources at https://streamlined.legal/videos to streamline your law firm TODAY.   Mark Homer: Get Noticed Get Found —-------------------------------------------------- Every day, the Get Noticed Get Found team (GNGF) helps ambitious law firms push through their growth plateaus. If your marketing budget is $80,000 or more a year and you are interested in learning how the GNGF team can help take your law firm’s marketing to the next level, schedule a conversation with our team at https://gngf.com/consultation  or give us a call at 513-444-2016.   If you are just getting started but want some hand-holding and guidance as you spend more time and money in marketing, check out GNGF’s sister company https://lexcelerate.legal, which provides marketing help through group coaching, training videos, and downloadable guides for solo and small law firms. ACTION STEPS: Melanie: Buy the software: this is a problem with a $5/day solution. And if you’re really feeling starved for cash, skip Starbucks, buy the software, and your billing will increase, and your income will increase to a point where you won’t have the same stresses that were causing you to need that coffee in the first place. Designate your Time Tracker - ask them to listen to this episode and put a time on the calendar to sit down with your time tracker after they’ve listened and make sure that you both are on the same page about how they are creating your time entries. If you haven’t done so already:  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen. And once you have subscribed - please leave us a 5-star rating and review as that will help this podcast get discovered by other law firm owners.     -- Until next time, don’t forget…..   Your Law Firm is a business -- take it to the next level.   *** 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 I sent you.

Have you ever wondered how artificial intelligence can revolutionize your law firm's growth? Get ready to have your mind expanded as we have a discussion with our resident AI guru, Michael Green. As GNGF's project manager and AI lead, Michael takes us through the innovative ways he's deployed real-time marketing strategies and AI to yield impressive results for our law firm clients. This isn't just theory; this is a tangible, real-world application of AI that's actively being used by our team.  We're not keeping these secrets to ourselves. Join us as we pull back the curtain and explore how you, too, can harness these cutting-edge strategies within your own law firm. We're also thrilled to share our conversation on the strategies for growing your firm while maintaining your health and happiness. For those craving more, we revisit the subject of generative AI from episodes 95 and 99.  Show Highlights: AI technology's role in revolutionizing law firms' operations and growth. How AI technology can help law firm owners in implementing innovative strategies to drive their firm's growth. The use of AI in content planning, generating ideas, and creating efficient newsletters for clients. How the ChatGPT model can help in creating unique digital art and content for marketing. The benefits of AI implementation in law firms. 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. Supporting Resources: Schedule a Consultation: https://gngf.com/consultation  Visit the Website: https://gngf.com/  Visit streamlined.legal: https://streamlined.legal/  https://streamlined.legal/videos Twitter: @NextLevel_Legal  Instagram or Facebook: @nextlevel.legal Michael Green - https://gngf.com/team-members/michael-green/  https://4.gngf.com/nextlevel118 Link to a presentation of examples: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1eO3a-HQ1FCya8JWjC9TEJxE69AF3OG3Bxwh7tEWwnZY/  For information about all our episodes and to sign up for our email newsletter: http://nextlevel.legal More Information About Our Hosts: Melanie Leonard: streamlined.legal —-------------------------------- For help automating key processes in your law firm and implementing legal tech (especially around Clio & Lawmatics), check out the free videos and resources at https://streamlined.legal/videos to streamline your law firm TODAY.   Mark Homer: Get Noticed Get Found —-------------------------------------------------- Every day, the Get Noticed Get Found team (GNGF) helps ambitious law firms push through their growth plateaus. If your marketing budget is $80,000 or more a year and you are interested in learning how the GNGF team can help take your law firm’s marketing to the next level, schedule a conversation with our team at https://gngf.com/consultation  or give us a call at 513-444-2016.   If you are just getting started but want some hand-holding and guidance as you spend more time and money in marketing, check out GNGF’s sister company https://lexcelerate.legal, which provides marketing help through group coaching, training videos, and downloadable guides for solo and small law firms. ACTION STEPS: MARK: Try building your persona and brand voice using ChatGPT and use some of the prompts to generate some creative email newsletters to send to your email list.  If you haven’t done so already:  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen. And once you have subscribed - please leave us a 5-star rating and review as that will help this podcast get discovered by other law firm owners.   -- Until next time, don’t forget…..   Your Law Firm is a business -- take it to the next level. *** 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 I sent you.

Prepare yourself to venture into the fascinating domain of Google's Search-Generated Experience (SGE) and grasp the profound effect it could have on your law firm's digital marketing approach. We touch on the remarkable AI-powered search model, empowering you to leverage it to your advantage. Get ready to gain fresh perspectives on the shift towards longer and more specific queries, the changing user behavior, and the necessity of a robust search advertising strategy to stay ahead. Our deep dive into Google's SGE uncovers how the tech giant is harnessing AI and machine learning to revolutionize the user search experience. We'll unravel how this could impact your law firm's website traffic and guide you through the implications for your digital marketing efforts. Furthermore, we explore the transformation in Google's advertising strategy and how it's fueling revenue growth. We underline how you can wield your expertise, authority, and trust to gain a competitive edge in Google Search.  This episode is brimming with invaluable insights whether you're a tech aficionado eager to understand the latest advancements or a law firm owner striving to navigate the digital marketing landscape. We'll discuss how Google's SGE could alter user interactions with search results and the potential shift from search-generated revenue to banner ads, video ads, and other advertising formats.  Buckle up for an enlightening conversation aimed at keeping you one step ahead in the ever-evolving digital world. Show Highlights: Understanding Google's Search-Generated Experience (SGE) and its potential impact on law firm's digital marketing strategy. Google's shift towards AI and machine learning to enhance user search experience. Google's evolving advertising strategy and how law firms can leverage their expertise, authority, and trust for competitive advantage. The impact of Google's SGE on user interactions with search results. The potential decrease in website traffic due to zero-click search results and the need for a robust search advertising strategy. 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. Supporting Resources: Schedule a Consultation: https://gngf.com/consultation  Visit the Website: https://gngf.com/  Visit streamlined.legal:https://streamlined.legal/  https://streamlined.legal/videos  Twitter: @NextLevel_Legal  Instagram or Facebook: @nextlevel.legal For information about all our episodes and to sign up for our email newsletter: http://nextlevel.legal More Information About Our Hosts: Melanie Leonard: streamlined.legal —-------------------------------- For help automating key processes in your law firm and implementing legal tech (especially around Clio & Lawmatics), check out the free videos and resources at https://streamlined.legal/videos to streamline your law firm TODAY.   Mark Homer: Get Noticed Get Found —-------------------------------------------------- Every day, the Get Noticed Get Found team (GNGF) helps ambitious law firms push through their growth plateaus. If your marketing budget is $80,000 or more a year and you are interested in learning how the GNGF team can help take your law firm’s marketing to the next level, schedule a conversation with our team at https://gngf.com/consultation  or give us a call at 513-444-2016.   If you are just getting started but want some hand-holding and guidance as you spend more time and money in marketing, check out GNGF’s sister company https://lexcelerate.legal, which provides marketing help through group coaching, training videos, and downloadable guides for solo and small law firms. ACTION STEPS: MARK:  Action Steps Don’t change what you are doing from a content and SEO perspective if you follow the approaches we have talked about – which is to create content with the user in mind and create content in a way that provides expertise, authority, and trust signals to Google. If you aren’t doing Google paid ads for search ads, you may want to look into starting.  Talk to your agency or find one, as running Google ads on your own can be costly if you make mistakes.  Of course, if you haven’t done so already: Subscribe and follow our podcast so you will be notified when our next episode goes live.  If you haven’t done so already:  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. And once you have subscribed - please leave us a 5-star rating and review, as that will help this podcast get discovered by other law firm owners.    -- Until next time, don’t forget…..   Your Law Firm is a business -- take it to the next level.   *** 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 I sent you.

Imagine a world where a 32-hour workweek was the norm for law firms. Intriguing, isn't it? Well, that's one of the things we're discussing with Corine from Streamlined Legal on our listener questions episode. We dissect the complexities and cultural shifts needed for this dream to become a reality. From tackling inefficiencies such as attorneys doing paralegal work to under-utilized administrative staff, we pull apart the existing work model and put forward a compelling case for a shorter work week. We also plunge into the realm of digital marketing, exploring how law firms can navigate this landscape and reap the rewards through website updates and other strategies. There will be challenges – dips in traffic, trusting a vendor, and planning for major changes. Yet, trust us, it's worth it. Additionally, we tap into the often-overlooked power of podcasting as a tool to elevate your law firm. From broadening your reach to impacting your firm's culture, podcasts can be a game changer. So, join us as we challenge the status quo, embrace innovative strategies, and push the boundaries of what it means to run a modern law firm. And remember, it all begins from the top. Show Highlights: The possibility of implementing a 32-hour work week in law firms, with the potential benefits for both attorneys and administrative staff. Common inefficiencies within law firms, such as attorneys doing paralegal work and under-utilizing administrative staff. Exploration of digital marketing strategies for law firms, including the importance of investing in website updates and online outreach. Advice on handling potential dips in traffic when making significant changes to digital marketing strategies. How to lead a team and navigate uncertainties, with emphasis on adopting a learning mindset rather than needing to have all the answers. The impact of podcasting on a law firm's reach and culture, and how it can help take a firm to the next level. 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. Supporting Resources: Schedule a Consultation: https://gngf.com/consultation  Visit the Website: https://gngf.com/  Visit streamlined.legal:https://streamlined.legal/  https://streamlined.legal/videos Twitter: @NextLevel_Legal  Instagram or Facebook: @nextlevel.legal https://nextlevel.legal/episode/lfn102// https://nextlevel.legal/episode/lfn109// https://nextlevel.legal/episode/lfn110// https://nextlevel.legal/episode/lfn111// https://nextlevel.legal/episode/lfn112// https://nextlevel.legal/episode/lfn113// For information about all our episodes and to sign up for our email newsletter: http://nextlevel.legal   More Information About Our Hosts: Melanie Leonard: streamlined.legal —-------------------------------- For help automating key processes in your law firm and implementing legal tech (especially around Clio & Lawmatics), check out the free videos and resources at https://streamlined.legal/videos to streamline your law firm TODAY.   Mark Homer: Get Noticed Get Found —-------------------------------------------------- Every day, the Get Noticed Get Found team (GNGF) helps ambitious law firms push through their growth plateaus. If your marketing budget is $80,000 or more a year and you are interested in learning how the GNGF team can help take your law firm’s marketing to the next level, schedule a conversation with our team at https://gngf.com/consultation  or give us a call at 513-444-2016.   If you are just getting started but want some hand-holding and guidance as you spend more time and money in marketing, check out GNGF’s sister company https://lexcelerate.legal, which provides marketing help through group coaching, training videos, and downloadable guides for solo and small law firms. ACTION STEPS:  Melanie’s Action Steps Yes! — we always want to leave our listeners with some ACTION STEPS.  And today it’s easy!  When you’re done listening today, hop back into your podcast app, grab that episode that we mentioned today that caught your attention and give it a listen to take your firm to the Next Level.   If you haven’t done so already:  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen And once you have subscribed - please leave us a 5-star rating and review as that will help this podcast get discovered by other law firm owners.     -- Until next time, don’t forget…..   Your Law Firm is a business -- take it to the next level.  *** 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 I sent you.

Ever wondered why DIY videos have caught fire in marketing strategies? Imagine harnessing the power of such tools to elevate your brand's visibility! In this episode, we decipher the wonder behind DIY videos, and we'll guide you on how to craft your own DIY videos and where to showcase them for optimal exposure.  We also show how DIY videos can help position you as an industry expert. We'll paint a picture of the rewards of creating these videos, from forging a robust relationship with potential clients to setting yourself apart from competitors. You'll get practical advice on crafting short, engaging videos that keep your audience hooked and the ideal platforms to amplify their reach. We'll share insights on creating videos that resonate with your audience, from the crafting process to leveraging different expression methods. Moreover, we delve into how to create captivating content for your social media posts, even without an original video. Show Highlights: The importance and benefits of DIY video marketing for businesses. The power of DIY videos for establishing oneself as an industry expert and building rapport with potential clients.  How DIY videos can serve as an effective marketing tool. The importance of maintaining high-quality video content and the evolving standards of quality.  The importance of having a running list of topics for DIY videos, leveraging client questions and interactions as a source of content ideas. 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. Supporting Resources: Schedule a Consultation: https://gngf.com/consultation  Visit the Website: https://gngf.com/  Visit streamlined.legal: https://streamlined.legal/  Twitter: @NextLevel_Legal  Instagram or Facebook: @nextlevel.legal For information about all our episodes and to sign up for our email newsletter: http://nextlevel.legal More Information About Our Hosts: Melanie Leonard: streamlined.legal —-------------------------------- For help automating key processes in your law firm and implementing legal tech (especially around Clio & Lawmatics), check out the free videos and resources at https://streamlined.legal/videos to streamline your law firm TODAY.   Mark Homer: Get Noticed Get Found —-------------------------------------------------- Every day, the Get Noticed Get Found team (GNGF) helps ambitious law firms push through their growth plateaus. If your marketing budget is $80,000 or more a year and you are interested in learning how the GNGF team can help take your law firm’s marketing to the next level, schedule a conversation with our team at https://gngf.com/consultation  or give us a call at 513-444-2016.   If you are just getting started but want some hand-holding and guidance as you spend more time and money in marketing, check out GNGF’s sister company https://lexcelerate.legal, which provides marketing help through group coaching, training videos, and downloadable guides for solo and small law firms. ACTION STEPS: Melanie’s Action Steps Come up with one thought you want to share with potential clients or referral sources. Sit in your parked car with your smartphone, go to the camera app, hit record, identify yourself, and share your one thought, speaking to the camera as if it were that potential client or referral source. Get over yourself and post that video on social media (or better yet, send it to someone to post it for you). Block the time on your calendar now to rinse and repeat at a regular cadence you are comfortable with.   If you haven’t done so already:  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Once you have subscribed - please leave us a 5-star rating and review, as that will help this podcast get discovered by other law firm owners.    -- Until next time, don’t forget…..   Your Law Firm is a business -- take it to the next level.  *** 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 I sent you.

In this episode, we started off at ClioCon 2023 with our special guest, Melissa Shanahan, founder of Velocity Work. We take you through the top highlights so far. We were captivated by Del Friday's enlightening talk on mental health and the power of micro steps, a vital tool for navigating through the stressors of our industry. The connections and camaraderie we've experienced with colleagues and vendors have been equally enriching, offering us an expanded perspective on the legal field. Imagine using FBI negotiating strategies in your legal firm. Sounds intriguing, right? Well, we're bringing you just that in the second half of our show. We discuss the insights of former FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss and how these strategies can be transposed into the legal world. We also shine a light on the phenomenal work of the Clio Client Support team, an essential pillar of the ClioCon experience. Finally, we share how Melissa's Law Firm Owner Podcast is empowering law firm owners to level up their businesses. Remember to hit that subscribe button and share this episode with your colleagues. Packed with invaluable insights, this is an episode you don't want to miss! Show Highlights: The highlights from ClioCon 2023. Del Friday's talk on mental health and the power of micro steps in combating overwhelm in the legal industry. Legal negotiation tactics inspired by former FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss. The role of the Clio Client Support team in enhancing the ClioCon conference experience. The importance of attending conferences for personal growth, networking, and understanding industry innovations. How to extract maximum value from conferences, be it through attending sessions, networking, or utilizing resources like the Clio Client Support team. 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. Supporting Resources: Schedule a Consultation: https://gngf.com/consultation  Visit the Website: https://gngf.com/  Visit streamlined.legal:https://streamlined.legal/  Twitter: @NextLevel_Legal  Instagram or Facebook: @nextlevel.legal https://who.is More Information About Our Hosts: Melanie Leonard: streamlined.legal —-------------------------------- For help automating key processes in your law firm and implementing legal tech (especially around Clio & Lawmatics), check out the free videos and resources at https://streamlined.legal/videos to streamline your law firm TODAY. Mark Homer: Get Noticed Get Found —-------------------------------- Every day, the Get Noticed Get Found team (GNGF) helps ambitious law firms push through their growth plateaus. If your marketing budget is $80,000 or more a year and you are interested in learning how the GNGF team can help take your law firm’s marketing to the next level, schedule a conversation with our team at https://gngf.com/consultation  or give us a call at 513-444-2016.   If you are just getting started but want some hand-holding and guidance as you spend more time and money in marketing, check out GNGF’s sister company https://lexcelerate.legal, which provides marketing help through group coaching, training videos, and downloadable guides for solo and small law firms. —-------------------------------- Information on our guest host: Melissa Shanahan – Velocity Work: https://www.velocitywork.com/  Melissa Shanahan founded Velocity Work after several years at a consulting firm focused on the growth of private practices all across the U.S. After coaching over 350 doctors, dentists, and lawyers – she chose to narrow her services to law firms only and started Velocity Work. The host of The Law Firm Owner Podcast and an extremely effective coach for attorneys running their own firms, Melissa brings her A-game to everything she does. Her energy is infectious and the material she is teaching will forever change how you think. From mindset to vision, to productivity and tracking firm data, Velocity Work has helped hundreds of attorneys grow their firm on their terms. ACTION STEPS: Melanie’s Action Steps If you haven’t bought your ticket for the Clio Conference next year. If you’re a Clio user, in my mind, it's a no-brainer. If you’re not a Clio user, check out the agenda once it gets released. It may very well be a great opportunity for you as well, especially given the tracks they have that don’t have anything to do with the software. We’re talking about marketing, and we’re talking about financial awareness. I want you to listen to the Law Firm Owner podcast hosted by Melissa Shanahan. If you haven’t done so already:  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen And once you have subscribed - please leave us a 5-star rating and review as that will help this podcast get discovered by other law firm owners.     Until next time, don’t forget…..Your Law Firm is a business -- take it to the next level.   *** 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 I sent you.

Join us as we continue to tackle the topic of ownership in the legal marketing landscape. We share our experiences in assisting clients to understand and take action on key marketing assets, and we dissect how to ensure your law firm retains secure ownership of vital assets such as websites, social and directory platforms, content, analytics and data platforms, and chat and call services. Moreover, we also cover the crucial steps to guarantee tracking numbers remain yours, even after parting ways with an agency. We give you a comprehensive guide on how to maintain the reins of your website's domain and the necessary measures to protect it. Unveiling potential issues that may arise when a website vendor tries to levy outrageous fees for domain ownership, we offer advice on how to effectively navigate such scenarios. Plus, we emphasize the significance of controlling social media accounts to maximize potential client interaction. Previously, photographers owned the rights to the photos, and customers purchased them at a high price. However, we caution on the importance of reading contracts carefully to ascertain who owns the content. Additionally, we explore the intricacies of managing licenses, duplicate content, and the implications of using stock photos on multiple sites. Don't miss out! Show Highlights: The importance of maintaining control over law firm marketing assets. The significance of website domain control and strategies to retain ownership. The risks of high charges for domain ownership by website vendors and how to navigate such situations. The changing dynamics of photo shoots and photo rights. The importance of seeking a second opinion on content and agency contracts and when to negotiate or create new original content. The issues related to managing licenses, duplicate content, and implications of using stock photos on multiple sites. Strategies for ensuring ownership and control of key marketing assets when switching between different agencies. 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. Supporting Resources: Schedule a Consultation: https://gngf.com/consultation  Visit the Website: https://gngf.com/  Visit streamlined.legal:https://streamlined.legal/  Twitter: @NextLevel_Legal  Instagram or Facebook: @nextlevel.legal More Information About Our Hosts: Melanie Leonard: streamlined.legal —-------------------------------- For help automating key processes in your law firm and implementing legal tech (especially around Clio & Lawmatics), check out the free videos and resources at https://streamlined.legal/videos to streamline your law firm TODAY. Mark Homer: Get Noticed Get Found —-------------------------------------------------- Every day, the Get Noticed Get Found team (GNGF) helps ambitious law firms push through their growth plateaus. If your marketing budget is $80,000 or more a year and you are interested in learning how the GNGF team can help take your law firm’s marketing to the next level, schedule a conversation with our team at https://gngf.com/consultation  or give us a call at 513-444-2016.   If you are just getting started but want some hand-holding and guidance as you spend more time and money in marketing, check out GNGF’s sister company https://lexcelerate.legal, which provides marketing help through group coaching, training videos, and downloadable guides for solo and small law firms. ACTION STEPS: Mark’s Action Steps Check your contracts with your agency.  Take the action step for each item we mentioned in this episode where you are not in full control of these key online assets.  Of course, if you haven’t done so already:  Subscribe and follow our podcast so you will be notified when our next episode goes live. *** 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 I sent you.

In this episode, we bring to light the important role of ownership and control in law firm marketing. As we navigate the transition to a new agency, we uncover the significant marketing assets every law firm should consider, including websites, social and directory platforms, content, analytics, and data platforms, as well as chat and call services. We offer an in-depth look at each of these assets, exploring why it's vital to retain control and ownership and the steps to take if you don't currently possess it. Listen in as we examine the unique challenges law firms face when switching marketing agencies, focusing on website control and lease agreements. We highlight the importance of understanding contractual terms related to website ownership and the potential benefits and drawbacks of proprietary platforms. We also shed light on the implications of agencies creating their proprietary dashboards, with an emphasis on Google Analytics, Google Ads, and Facebook Ads accounts. Be prepared to gain a wealth of knowledge that will leave you questioning the level of control you currently have over your firm's key marketing assets. Show Highlights: Understanding the role of ownership in law firm marketing. The challenges law firms face when transitioning to a new marketing agency. The pros and cons of proprietary platforms for websites and how to understand the contractual terms related to website ownership. Importance of control over domain, social media accounts, and directory platforms for establishing a law firm's online presence. The significance of having access to historical ad campaign data and potential pitfalls associated with data-overriding scripts. Guidance on how to verify ad expenditure accuracy and avoid hidden pitfalls in law firm marketing strategies. 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. Supporting Resources: Schedule a Consultation: https://gngf.com/consultation  Visit the Website: https://gngf.com/  Visit streamlined.legal:https://streamlined.legal/  Twitter: @NextLevel_Legal  Instagram or Facebook: @nextlevel.legal More Information About Our Hosts: Melanie Leonard: streamlined.legal —-------------------------------- For help automating key processes in your law firm and implementing legal tech (especially around Clio & Lawmatics), check out the free videos and resources at https://streamlined.legal/videos to streamline your law firm TODAY.   Mark Homer: Get Noticed Get Found —-------------------------------------------------- Every day, the Get Noticed Get Found team (GNGF) helps ambitious law firms push through their growth plateaus. If your marketing budget is $80,000 or more a year and you are interested in learning how the GNGF team can help take your law firm’s marketing to the next level, schedule a conversation with our team at https://gngf.com/consultation  or give us a call at 513-444-2016.   If you are just getting started but want some hand-holding and guidance as you spend more time and money in marketing, check out GNGF’s sister company https://lexcelerate.legal, which provides marketing help through group coaching, training videos, and downloadable guides for solo and small law firms. ACTION STEPS: Mark’s Action Steps Check your contracts with your agency.  See if you own or control the logins to a lot of the platforms we mentioned.  Of course, if you haven’t done so already:  Subscribe and follow our podcast so you will be notified when Part 2 of this topic goes live next week so you can learn more about what to do about these items we discussed. *** 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 I sent you.

Join us as we tackle the vital subject of leadership in the second part of our two-part series. This episode aims to help listeners navigate the intricacies of effective leadership by sharing our experiences and techniques developed over the years of running our businesses. We begin with the concept of engaging in honest and open communication, which sounds simple but is often a challenging feat in a professional setting. We discuss how open dialogue can help build trust within teams and share our experiences and lessons on being more comfortable with transparent communication. We continue to unpack leadership by discussing clear expectations and effective communication. We discuss how setting standards and communicating effectively with teams can foster a productive environment. We then shift our focus to maintaining positivity in leadership, where we share techniques to reframe problems and foster a positive environment.  Listen in as we unpack these insights and share our personal experiences to help you improve your leadership skills. Show Highlights: The importance of open and honest communication in leadership and its role in building trust within a team.  Setting clear expectations for team members and how it contributes to a more productive work environment. The significance of maintaining a positive attitude in leadership and methods to do so. Techniques for reframing problems as challenges or puzzles to encourage solution-oriented thinking. The impact of celebrating small and big victories in fostering a positive and engaged workforce. Strategies for improving leadership skills and overcoming struggles associated with leadership. 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. Supporting Resources: Schedule a Consultation: https://gngf.com/consultation  Visit the Website: https://gngf.com/  Visit streamlined.legal:https://streamlined.legal/  Twitter: @NextLevel_Legal  Instagram or Facebook: @nextlevel.legal Books Mentioned in This Episode: The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership: A New Paradigm for Sustainable Success: https://www.amazon.com/15-Commitments-Conscious-Leadership-Sustainable/dp/0990976904 The Measure of a Leader: https://www.amazon.com/Measure-Leader-Leadership-Methodology-Effectiveness/dp/1475967950  More Information About Our Hosts: Melanie Leonard: streamlined.legal —-------------------------------- For help automating key processes in your law firm and implementing legal tech (especially around Clio & Lawmatics), check out the free videos and resources at https://streamlined.legal/videos to streamline your law firm TODAY. Mark Homer: Get Noticed Get Found —-------------------------------------------------- Every day, the Get Noticed Get Found team (GNGF) helps ambitious law firms push through their growth plateaus. If your marketing budget is $80,000 or more a year and you are interested in learning how the GNGF team can help take your law firm’s marketing to the next level, schedule a conversation with our team at https://gngf.com/consultation  or give us a call at 513-444-2016.   If you are just getting started but want some hand-holding and guidance as you spend more time and money in marketing, check out GNGF’s sister company https://lexcelerate.legal, which provides marketing help through group coaching, training videos, and downloadable guides for solo and small law firms. ACTION STEPS:  MELANIE: Action Steps - I’d like to tackle all 3 of these at once! First I want you to come up with a current challenge that you’re having in your business, maybe it’s a cashflow rollercoaster like my client, maybe it’s too many internal emails like I’ve suffered from in the past….. And I want you to ask yourself 3 questions: Am I communicating honestly, and openly with my team about this challenge? Do we as a team have clear expectations around this challenge? What are 3 positives about this challenge? (It’s not always easy to see but they are there!) *** 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 I sent you.

Unlock the truth behind the struggle of leading in a dynamic business environment in this episode. We shed light on the underlying causes and provide practical solutions to address this issue, underscoring the importance of recognizing leadership issues and how an external viewpoint can be instrumental in identifying areas requiring attention. We also share some insights into how honing leadership skills can facilitate growth and change. Reigniting the spark in leadership roles is easier said than done. But don't fret, we've got you covered. We share some proven strategies for fanning the flames of passion before burnout sets in. We also focus on the importance of accountability, both personally and as a team leader. We delve into how failing to trust our team and their expertise can lead to burnout and why it's vital to create an environment that embraces innovation.  Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation! Remember, your law firm is a business. Let's take it to the next level. Show Highlights: The challenges of leading in a dynamic business environment and recognizing leadership issues. Importance of an external viewpoint to identify areas of attention for improving leadership skills. Strategies to reignite passion in leadership roles and prevent burnout. The impact of a leader's passion on the team and how internal changes can fuel it. The importance of accountability in a team and trust among team members. Exploring causes for struggles in leadership. 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. Supporting Resources: Schedule a Consultation: https://gngf.com/consultation  Visit the Website: https://gngf.com/  Visit streamlined.legal:https://streamlined.legal/  Twitter: @NextLevel_Legal  Instagram or Facebook: @nextlevel.legal More Information About Our Hosts: Melanie Leonard: streamlined.legal —-------------------------------- For help automating key processes in your law firm and implementing legal tech (especially around Clio & Lawmatics), check out the free videos and resources at https://streamlined.legal/videos to streamline your law firm TODAY.   Mark Homer: Get Noticed Get Found —-------------------------------------------------- Every day, the Get Noticed Get Found team (GNGF) helps ambitious law firms push through their growth plateaus. If your marketing budget is $80,000 or more a year and you are interested in learning how the GNGF team can help take your law firm’s marketing to the next level, schedule a conversation with our team at https://gngf.com/consultation  or give us a call at 513-444-2016.   If you are just getting started but want some hand-holding and guidance as you spend more time and money in marketing, check out GNGF’s sister company https://lexcelerate.legal, which provides marketing help through group coaching, training videos, and downloadable guides for solo and small law firms. ACTION STEPS: Melanie Review: can you relate to any of these identifiers? Schedule time to listen to Part 2 of this series so that you can develop some more action steps to help combat the struggle to lead. *** 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 I sent you.

Listen in as we welcome Thomas Schaffer, partner at Schaffer & Associates, a successful three-attorney law firm based in Toledo, Ohio. Tom shares his journey of establishing the firm, surviving the initial years, and the growth they've achieved with a dedicated team and effective internet marketing. He also discusses the unique operating principles of Schaffer & Associates that set it apart from other law firms - implementing a four-day work week! Tune in as Tom gives a detailed account of how they made the four-day work week possible without compromising client service and coverage. He shares the firm's strategies for staff rotation and automation and talks about the positive impact on productivity, morale, and work-life balance. If you're a law firm considering this approach, you won’t want to miss Tom's valuable insights and advice on making the most of a shortened work week! Show Highlights: Schaffer & Associates successful implementation of a four-day work week without compromising client service. Benefits of a shortened work week, including improved team morale, productivity, and work-life balance. The process of adjusting work schedules and employing strategic hiring to ensure client service coverage during the work week. The positive financial impact and continued growth of the firm despite the change in work schedule. Insights on maintaining team culture and client satisfaction while implementing new operational strategies. Challenges and lessons learned in implementing a four-day work week in a law firm setting. Tom’s advice for other law firms considering adopting a shortened work week. 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. Supporting Resources: Schedule a Consultation: https://gngf.com/consultation  Visit the Website: https://gngf.com/  Visit streamlined.legal: https://streamlined.legal/  Twitter: @NextLevel_Legal  Instagram or Facebook: @nextlevel.legal https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/22/business/four-day-work-week-uk.html   https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/4-day-work-week-trial-yields-overwhelming-success-in-u-k-researchers-say  https://www.schafferlawyers.com/ https://www.schafferlawyers.com/team/thomas-schaffer/  More Information About Our Hosts: Melanie Leonard: streamlined.legal —-------------------------------- For help automating key processes in your law firm and implementing legal tech (especially around Clio & Lawmatics), check out the free videos and resources at https://streamlined.legal/videos to streamline your law firm TODAY.   Mark Homer: Get Noticed Get Found —-------------------------------------------------- Every day, the Get Noticed Get Found team (GNGF) helps ambitious law firms push through their growth plateaus. If your marketing budget is $80,000 or more a year and you are interested in learning how the GNGF team can help take your law firm’s marketing to the next level, schedule a conversation with our team at https://gngf.com/consultation  or give us a call at 513-444-2016.   If you are just getting started but want some hand-holding and guidance as you spend more time and money in marketing, check out GNGF’s sister company https://lexcelerate.legal, which provides marketing help through group coaching, training videos, and downloadable guides for solo and small law firms. ACTION STEPS: Mark: We will reference some of the studies Tom referenced in the show notes.  Think about what Schaffer & Associates has experienced with this change, and maybe think about how you can work to provide a better quality of life and mental health for your team. And don’t forget the productivity increases that Tom mentioned.  *** 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 I sent you.

Does your workspace feel like a chaotic mess that drains your energy and productivity? You’re not alone! Today, we're getting real about the relationship between workspace, productivity, and overall life satisfaction. You’ll hear about the stress-inducing impact of disorder and practical strategies to manage your work environment, whether it's a corner in your living room or a dedicated home office. We'll underline why a physical space that separates work from non-work is essential and give you the lowdown on how to optimize it to your advantage.  Believe it or not, your digital world needs spring cleaning, too. We'll guide you on a journey to digital zen, offering tips on finding your files quickly and effortlessly. We’ll discuss working with organization enthusiasts and how this could bring you surprising joy. We’ll also talk about how sunlight increases serotonin levels, leading to improved sleep, stronger immunity, lower blood pressure, and even weight loss. Join us today to transform your workspace into a haven of productivity and well-being. Show Highlights: Exploring the transformative power of an organized workspace on productivity and overall well-being. The significance of digital organization and its impact on ease of access and collaboration. Introduction to Biophilic design and its profound impact on integrating nature into workspace. Understanding the benefits of natural sunlight on health, productivity, and its role in serotonin production. The negative impacts of artificial lighting and lack of sunlight exposure. Emphasizing the necessity of regular movement in the workspace for better health and productivity. More Information About Our Hosts:  Melanie Leonard: streamlined.legal —-------------------------------- For help automating key processes in your law firm and implementing legal tech (especially around Clio & Lawmatics), check out the free videos and resources at https://streamlined.legal/videos to streamline your law firm TODAY.   Mark Homer: Get Noticed Get Found —-------------------------------------------------- Every day, the Get Noticed Get Found team (GNGF) helps ambitious law firms push through their growth plateaus. If your marketing budget is $80,000 or more a year and you are interested in learning how the GNGF team can help take your law firm’s marketing to the next level, schedule a conversation with our team at https://gngf.com/consultation  or give us a call at 513-444-2016.   If you are just getting started but want some hand-holding and guidance as you spend more time and money in marketing, check out GNGF’s sister company https://lexcelerate.legal, which provides marketing help through group coaching, training videos, and downloadable guides for solo and small law firms. 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. Supporting Resources: https://www.greenroofs.com/2019/03/27/the-global-impact-of-biophilic-design-in-the-workplace/  https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/study-natural-light-is-the-best-medicine-for-the-office-300590905.html   https://healthcare.utah.edu/press-releases/2015/04/walking-extra-two-minutes-each-hour-may-offset-hazards-of-sitting-too-long   Twitter: @NextLevel_Legal  Instagram or Facebook: @nextlevel.legal https://streamlined.legal/   https://streamlined.legal/videos  https://gngf.com/consultation  https://gngf.com/  ACTION STEPS: Melanie Sit in your space and look around (you may need to do this a couple of times as you’re making changes to your space) Find the disorganization Find the nature Find the light And think about how much you move daily while working Go to your nearest IKEA or hop online and buy a fake plant (or real) Is there a way to incorporate more natural light into your space, can you move your desk to the other side of the room, or simply change the way that it faces? If you’re limited by the building you’re in, are there ways that you can work outside with some regularity or take calls while you walk around? Lastly, if you have a smartwatch, set the reminders or alarms so that you are reminded to step outside at least once during the work day, twice would be even better. *** 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 I sent you.

Join us for an engaging chat as we unlock financial tech and process hacks to optimize both your business and personal life. In the world of business, we're putting a spotlight on corporate card platforms, like Ramp, which provide a seamless interface for managing company credit cards and virtual cards. We also discuss integrations with Quickbooks and Xero, receipt requirements, expense management, and connecting to Outlook and Gmail. Learn how tools like Airbase, Brex, and Mech can transform your financial processes, save time and money, and significantly streamline your operations. Switching gears to personal finance, we introduce you to some stellar apps and tools that can revolutionize your money management. Listen in as we share how leveraging the right financial tools can help you save money and stay on top of your financial commitments. Learn how to harness the power of social media and word-of-mouth to grow your audience.  Whether you're running a business, managing personal finances, or producing a podcast, this episode is packed with insights to help you thrive. Show Highlights: Personal finance management apps, including the Rocket Money app for tracking and managing subscriptions and Card Pointers for maximizing credit card benefits. Promoting podcasts and growing audience reach using advanced tech tools. The importance of leveraging technology to simplify business processes, such as accepting credit card payments and utilizing online banking services for small businesses. The significance of documenting financial procedures in business processes. Personal finance management and budgeting, emphasizing the importance of keeping track of subscriptions and regular expenses. 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. Supporting Resources: https://ramp.com/ https://www.lawpay.com/ https://gravity-legal.com/ https://www.novo.co/ https://nextlevel.legal/episode/lfn007/ https://www.rocketmoney.com/ https://cardpointers.com/ https://mint.intuit.com/ Twitter: @NextLevel_Legal  Instagram or Facebook: @nextlevel.legal https://streamlined.legal/  https://streamlined.legal/videos https://gngf.com/consultation  https://gngf.com/ More Information About Our Hosts:  Melanie Leonard: streamlined.legal —-------------------------------- For help automating key processes in your law firm and implementing legal tech (especially around Clio & Lawmatics), check out the free videos and resources at https://streamlined.legal/videos to streamline your law firm TODAY.   Mark Homer: Get Noticed Get Found —-------------------------------------------------- Every day, the Get Noticed Get Found team (GNGF) helps ambitious law firms push through their growth plateaus. If your marketing budget is $80,000 or more a year and you are interested in learning how the GNGF team can help take your law firm’s marketing to the next level, schedule a conversation with our team at https://gngf.com/consultation  or give us a call at 513-444-2016.   If you are just getting started but want some hand-holding and guidance as you spend more time and money in marketing, check out GNGF’s sister company https://lexcelerate.legal, which provides marketing help through group coaching, training videos, and downloadable guides for solo and small law firms. ACTION STEPS: Think about one of these hacks that you want to add to your business or personal life Create a reminder for tomorrow to set up the app or process We also want to hear from you - send us your favorite smartphone or any tech hack to hello@nextlevel.legal, and we might feature it in our next Tech Hacks episode *** 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 I sent you.  

Get ready to unlock the secrets of transforming your law firm’s online presence! Our special guest, Ashleigh Achor from GNGF, walks us through a captivating real-life success story of a Utah-based criminal defense firm's journey from obscurity online to the spotlight. With her expert guidance, this firm leveraged the power of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to improve visibility, and Ashleigh is here to spill all the details. In our discussion, Ashleigh breaks down the strategies that worked wonders for this law firm - think optimized content, meta descriptions, keyword targeting, and cross-linking. She also shares the essence of being patient, setting realistic expectations, and the importance of monitoring progress with analytics tools for long-term success. All these strategies helped the law firm not just improve its online visibility but also fuel its overall growth. Law firm marketing strategy has never been this exciting or accessible, so tune in, take notes, and let us take your firm to the next level. Show Highlights: Importance of optimized content, meta descriptions, keyword targeting, cross-linking, patience, setting realistic expectations, and progress monitoring with analytics tools for SEO success.  Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) like traffic, visibility, impressions, clicks, and conversions are used to measure the firm's online success.  The firm's continuous SEO efforts led to a significant increase in clients from organic search, contributing to overall business growth.  The importance of tracking and data analysis in fine-tuning digital marketing strategies and recommendations for law firms aiming to replicate this success. 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. Supporting Resources: Schedule a Consultation: https://gngf.com/consultation  Visit the Website: https://gngf.com/  Visit streamlined.legal: https://streamlined.legal/  Watch Videos: https://streamlined.legal/videos Twitter: @NextLevel_Legal  Instagram or Facebook: @nextlevel.legal Twitter: @NextLevel_Legal  Instagram or Facebook: @nextlevel.legal https://nextlevel.legal/episode/lfn006/ https://nextlevel.legal/episode/lfn010// https://nextlevel.legal/episode/lfn039// https://nextlevel.legal/episode/lfn040// https://nextlevel.legal/episode/lfn041// https://nextlevel.legal/episode/lfn042// https://nextlevel.legal/episode/lfn043// https://nextlevel.legal/episode/lfn044// https://nextlevel.legal/episode/lfn053/ ACTION STEPS: Mark: If you want to have some of the success of this real-world law firm example - go back, listen, and take the action steps in the following episodes: Episode 6 - Should I Invest in SEO vs. PPC? Episode 10 - What Are the Best Online Marketing Tactics? Episode 39-44 - SEO Series   Episode 53 - Branding for Your Law Firm *** 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 I sent you.

Elevate your law firm's success by mastering the art of KPIs in flat fee firms. We guarantee you'll walk away with valuable insights on how to select and track the right KPI that will truly drive your firm's growth. Not only that, but we'll also share our expertise on how to overcome the common challenges of tracking KPIs and how to ensure their accuracy. We’ll guide you through the advantages of providing cost certainty to your clients and the importance of offering an estimated timeline for each matter. Discover how to use data to provide your clients with more accurate information about the length of time a matter may take and how setting expectations during the client consultation process can greatly enhance client satisfaction and trust. Remember, having a handle on accurate data doesn't just make you sound smart, it empowers you to make better, more strategic decisions that will take your firm to the next level. Join us and let's take your firm to the next level! Show Highlights: The importance of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for flat fee law firms and how they can be used to drive growth and profitability. How to select and track the right KPIs for your firm, including overcoming common challenges and ensuring accuracy. Insights on how to use data to make decisions, such as adjusting marketing efforts, automating services, and eliminating unprofitable services. The advantages of providing cost certainty to clients and offering estimated timelines for each matter. How to use data to provide clients with accurate information about the length of time a matter may take. 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. Supporting Resources: Schedule a Consultation: https://gngf.com/consultation  Visit the Website: https://gngf.com/  Visit streamlined.legal: https://streamlined.legal/  Watch Videos: https://streamlined.legal/videos  Twitter: @NextLevel_Legal  Instagram or Facebook: @nextlevel.legal ACTION STEPS: MELANIE: Start tracking your time (and your team’s time)!  Even for your flat fee cases, this information will help us make a lot of decisions. Start tracking data now! It doesn’t have to be perfect, but the sooner you start collecting it, the sooner you can use it. Make a custom field in your software or, better yet, ask a team member to do it for you.   Ask your team to calculate the days from open to closed or the value of the time spent when closing a file. Put a time block on your calendar to look at the data you’ve started collecting in two weeks just so you can make sure they are collecting the way you’ve asked. And then block time two weeks later to see what you’ve got. Do the same thing once a month, and you’ll start seeing trends in the numbers that will tell you if your gut was right.  *** 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 I sent you.

Listen in as we unlock the secrets to effective nurture campaigns for your law firm. With a focus on continual connection and introducing your firm to prospects and leads, we share examples and practical advice to build a strong and beneficial campaign. Learn why leading with optimism is vital and how a well-structured nurture campaign can provide your clients with hope and a path to a better solution. Don't miss our offer of a PDF download filled with real-life examples and tips to aid in your campaign creation. Navigate the world of email copywriting with strategies that grab attention and engage different types of audiences. We also unveil tools and strategies for building a successful campaign, including an exploration of CRM features, the use of MailChimp, and even the legal implications of postcard-sending companies. Get ready to take action and build your nurture campaign today! Show Highlights: The importance of developing nurture campaigns for law firms, and how to structure them. Strategies for keeping law firms at the top of prospects' minds after they've downloaded a lead magnet. The concept of 'top of mind awareness' and the importance of consistent contact with past and potential clients. Techniques for engaging email copywriting, including using different types of subject lines and media. An overview of various tools and strategies for creating successful nurture campaigns. The role of CRM features, the use of platforms like MailChimp, and the legal implications of using postcard-sending companies. How to personalize nurture campaigns to build a relationship and provide hope and better solutions for clients. 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. Supporting Resources: Schedule a Consultation: https://gngf.com/consultation  Visit the Website: https://gngf.com/  Visit streamlined.legal: https://streamlined.legal/  https://streamlined.legal/videos  PDF: https://4.gngf.com/nextlevel-email Twitter: @NextLevel_Legal  Instagram or Facebook: @nextlevel.legal ACTION STEPS: Mark If you don’t have your lead magnet to be able to get the email address of your prospective clients who just aren’t ready to call, go back to Episode 23. Once you have your lead magnet, build out a five-email sequence following the flow we discussed earlier. Then put the emails into a drip/nurture campaign workflow in your Legal CRM tool or just use MailChimp for now. Enjoy the few additional clients you will gain from your leads. And of course…please share our podcast with your colleagues, which you can do right from your podcast app.   If you are listening and haven’t subscribed yet - please Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen so you will be notified when our next podcast episode is released.  *** 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 I sent you.

Join us as we dissect the differences between advances and retainers, flat fees and fixed fees, and how the American Bar Association (ABA) defines these types of fees. We stress the importance of checking with your state and jurisdiction for any differences in their rules regarding fees and billing. Listen closely as we dig into the challenges and helpful aspects of the ABA's Formal Opinion 505, a significant development that emerged in May this year. We examine the ABA's opinion on flat fees, fixed fees and how these fee structures influence the language used in engagement letters. Listen as we talk about the importance of using language such as non-refundable and earned upon receipt and why regular reviews of these fee structures are critical. Plus, we shed light on the importance of setting funds in the correct trust or operating account as per your jurisdiction. Show Highlights: Exploration of American Bar Association's (ABA) definitions and interpretations of legal fees such as advances, retainers, flat fees, and fixed fees. Discussion on the ABA's Formal Opinion 505 and its implications on legal fee structures. Examination of terms like non-refundable and earned upon receipt in client engagement letters and their significance. Insight into the ABA's viewpoint that all fees are refundable unless they're a specific retainer, dating back to 1908. Analysis of the ABA's take on flat fees, fixed fees, and their impact on the language used in engagement letters. Importance of setting funds in the right trust or operating account as per jurisdiction rules. Encouragement for regular review and adjustment of fee structures in line with ABA guidelines and jurisdictional rules. 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. Supporting Resources: Schedule a Consultation: https://gngf.com/consultation  Visit the Website: https://gngf.com/  Visit streamlined.legal: https://streamlined.legal/  Twitter: @NextLevel_Legal  Instagram or Facebook: @nextlevel.legal ACTION STEPS: MELANIE: Check with your state or other jurisdiction!  Review your engagement letter Make sure that what you’re telling the clients and how you’re actually billing them matches with the letter. *** 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 I sent you.

Ever feel like you're trudging through the weeds of daily tasks without having time to strategize for the big picture? We're here to tell you it's time to pause, look up, and take that much-needed skyward glance. This episode is a deep dive into the importance of strategic meetings where the collective wisdom of the team comes into play. We're giving you a roadmap to sort, prioritize and take action on the plethora of ideas that usually crop up during these sessions. Trends can guide our growth strategy, and we explore how to leverage them. We also emphasize that it's not a one-person job, the wisdom of the team is paramount. From sorting to prioritizing, we explain how to sift through ideas that come up and take action without feeling overwhelmed. We offer practical tips to identify ideas that can propel your business forward and share an interesting 'keep, kill, combine' exercise for brainstorming sessions. This episode is a must-listen if you’re seeking to grow your business or firm, so join us as we break it all down for you. Let's look at the sky together and chart your path to success! Show Highlights: Importance of strategic meetings and trend analysis in propelling business growth.  Utilizing collective team wisdom to turn ideas into actionable plans. Prioritizing ideas based on ease of implementation and value through a comparison grid. Harnessing the power of strategic meetings to avoid getting lost in the day-to-day operations. The significance of identifying business and industry trends for continued growth. Utilizing team members' expertise and experience to understand trends and create meaningful strategies. Strategies for focusing and prioritizing ideas, including a 'keep, kill, combine' exercise for brainstorming sessions. 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. Supporting Resources: Schedule a Consultation: https://gngf.com/consultation  Visit the Website: https://gngf.com/  Visit streamlined.legal: https://streamlined.legal/  Twitter: @NextLevel_Legal  Instagram or Facebook: @nextlevel.legal ACTION STEPS: Get your calendar and pick 4-8 hours you can set aside to work to get out of the weeds and look up at the sky.   During that time, if you have a team, ask them to join and come prepared with some issues and trends they are seeing. If there is no team, look at your own data and maybe grab a colleague or coach to help out. Identify ideas that can help work toward solving or leveraging that trend. Prioritize and pick one or two things that you will work an extra hour or two a week on for the next few weeks to implement into your firm. *** 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 I sent you.