Do you struggle with constantly checking your email or phone notifications? In this episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, Tyson discusses how constantly checking your emails can have a negative impact on productivity and mental well-being. Whether you work in an office or work for yourself, many people fall victim to constantly checking their emails. This might not be at the fault of an individual person. This can stem from a culture of needing to respond to messages and emails quickly. Tyson refers to a study that shows that a constant string of emails can keep employees in a state of high alert all the time and actually increase stress levels.It can be difficult to maintain focus when checking emails. If you are focusing on a task and you keep stopping to check an email, it will take more time to complete that task. It helps more to schedule time to check emails in blocks so you can complete all of your tasks for the day.Tyson provides a few tips on checking emails at specific times throughout the day. Choose times in the day that work for you or when you usually find there is some downtime. If you find yourself more focused in the morning, check emails after lunch. If you have a specific day where a majority of your meetings are in the afternoon, check your emails in the morning.Another tip is to communicate this schedule with clients. Let them know in your email signature that you check emails a few times a day so they know they might not get a response quickly. This way, you are able to maintain a level of consistency and efficiency in your day.Take a listen!2:42 Discusses the challenges and costs of constantly checking emails3:47 Discussion of how a study shows that constant emails increase stress levels7:09 Provides pointers for transitioning to checking emails only at designated times🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here.

Are you struggling in the intake process as a lawyer? Is your firm finding it hard to maintain clients? In this episode, attorney Gary Falkowitz shares his insights on how to win at intake. Gary works with law firms to patch up the holes that exist and make firms better. Intake involves the process of when a potential client connects with a law firm. There are many steps to ensure the intake process is top tier.1 | ClientsOne of the many important things to consider when going through intake is understanding the mindset of a client. Living in a fast paced digital world, people want quick responses. If a firm wants a new client, that firm needs to be swift and respond as fast as possible. If not, the firm risks losing them to another law firm. Clients seeking legal representation are usually dealing with heavy things. Whether it be an injury, criminal case or a divorce, no one wants a lawyer. With that said, make sure you are showing compassion and speaking to them in plain language. Many cannot understand legal jargon!2 | Training What makes intake a significant part of working with a client is the training process. It is important that those that work in a law firm are equipped with ongoing training to stay up to date on the intake process. Training can include how to respond to clients when they first reach out or how to run a successful intake call or meeting. Lawyers need to know how to make a decision on the fly, especially if a prospective client calls and wants a quick response. If the lawyer is up to date on the criteria, they should be able to know at that moment if the client can be represented. 3 | Follow UpFollowing up during the intake process is where some clients actually make a decision on a law firm. Most times, potential clients are submitting inquiries to multiple firms just waiting on the first response. If a client emails an inquiry question, respond once and then follow up again. Most times, clients are juggling a lot of different priorities and that inquiry fell off their radar. The follow up might just be the thing that reminds them and pulls them in.The best way to keep a client is having a strong transition. Once a client is signed, give them homework. Give them all the information they need to feel supported. Provide information materials about the firm, contact information for the team, what you as an attorney expect from them and vice versa. Managing expectations is key. You need to express what you need from them and they need to express what they as a client need from you.Take a listen to learn more about how to have a successful intake process!2:09 Understanding the mindset of potential clients3:53 The significance of training and ongoing education9:27 Staff should be trained to make decisions11:58 Law firms should continue following up17:04 The importance of maintaining communication with clients🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here. Connect with Gary:Website

Are you struggling with perfectionism in your career? In this episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, Jim and Tyson discuss the damaging effects of perfectionism on law firm owners.Perfectionism in the legal field can really hold people back in their career. It is a difficult hurdle to overcome because there are feelings of not being good enough. The constant need to be perfect can stop people from starting something new. It could be starting a new business venture, a new project or even a new relationship. The need to have everything go a specific way with no mistakes is something a lot of people struggle with and it can really hold people back from success.Many people get stuck in “prep mode” when having a goal to start something, due to perfectionism. For example, if someone wants to start a business in the social media field and spends months talking about the content they want to post or how they are going to market themselves, but have not taken any steps towards starting the business, no progress is ever made. Getting started is the most important thing when doing something new. So don’t fuss about the small stuff and get something on paper.When working towards something, it is important to think about this question: What did I accomplish today? Think about the small wins and celebrate that. At the end of the day, those small wins get you closer and closer to your goal. Worrying about every small detail and wanting to make it perfect will damage any chance you have in reaching your goal. Jim and Tyson speak to creating pattern interrupts to help with perfectionism. Pattern interrupts involve incorporating new things in your routine as a way to move away from repetitiveness. If you do the same thing everyday, it can aid in your perfectionism. Try going for a walk in between meetings or taking a call on your front porch. It is something to break up that task and maybe trick your brain into implementing it again.Perfectionism is a tough quality to overcome. But, with small changes and the right actions, you can break the habit in your daily life and become content with letting things be how they are!Take a listen.Jim's Hack: Show gratitude to people who have helped you, especially on LinkedIn. It is a good tool to keep in your backpocket.Tyson's Tip: Try out a cold plunge as it has many benefits such as boosting energy.2:53 Jim and Tyson discuss how perfectionism holds law firm owners back.5:24 Jim and Tyson share their own struggles with perfectionism.13:20 Importance of celebrating small wins.14:32 The importance of taking action.16:15 The value of incorporating pattern interrupts into routines.🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here. 

Are you unsure if it is time to hire someone new for your business? In this podcast, Tyson discusses the timelines of adding a new face to the team as well as the financial aspects of hiring. He touches on the difference between capacity versus capabilities when hiring and how to make good hiring decisions.The difference between capacity and capability is crucial to knowing when it is time to bring somebody onboard. Capacity is about the numbers. How many people do you have currently and how many tasks are getting completed? Capability is about leveraging the right skills and innovation to grow your business. Focus on hiring someone who will be an asset and will give you the leverage needed to be a better company.For many the question is this: When do I know it is time to hire someone new? You need to look at overcapacity and if your team is overworked and staff are stretched too thin. Another important thing is if someone is “wearing too many hats'' and multitasking regularly. The last thing is opportunity cost, which for some might be losing out on clients because you don't have enough team members to take them on.It is one thing to know more people are needed on a team, but it is another thing to be able to afford it. It is important to know if a company is in the right spot financially to hire someone new. Considering if a person being hired will bring the company revenue is significant as well.Aside from the cost of hiring, culture fit is another consideration. Warren Buffett says to consider 3 things when hiring someone: integrity, intelligence and energy. Focus on these aspects of someone’s overall character and mindset to ensure they are going to succeed in a company.Use these tips to ensure you get the right people for the job!Take a listen.3:41 Discusses the signs of overcapacity 6:05 Discusses the cost of hiring 9:56 Discusses the importance of a streamlined onboarding process🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here.

Do you want to know how to grow a company to include the best people possible? In this episode, Adela Zepcan, the Director of People and Culture at a law firm, shares her insights on running a law firm effectively.Living in a post-COVID world, many companies are struggling with employee retention and high turnover. This has been due to people quitting their jobs to pursue their passions or people leaving for opportunities for more remote work.Working in HR means you are selling your culture and company to prospective employees. You are bringing everything to the table including the company’s values, missions and what they can offer someone. It is important to use your resources to find candidates whether it be using your connections or investing in trusted job sites.It is important to create a cheat sheet when going through the process. Keep interview questions clear and to the point to get the best possible answers and make sure the questions match the job descriptions. When you are in the process of hiring, you need to ensure it is quick as many candidates don’t wait and will grab the first option they are given.During the onboarding process, get your team members involved to assist in giving new employees the best experience. Make sure details like assets and accounts are set up in time and training or manuals are ready to go. If these aspects of onboarding are not prioritized, new employees can feel that companies don't value them or their time. An employee stays with a company for an average of 2.8 years. When someone is leaving, it is crucial employees leave on a good note. Make sure to thank them for their time with the company, celebrate their accomplishments and wish them well on their new venture.Ultimately, HR is all about people. It is all about how to attract, retain and grow your company.Take a listen!2:18 The importance of tailoring job descriptions and investing in the right job posting platforms4:22 Tips on pre-screening resumes and conducting phone screenings to identify top candidates8:23 Don't miss out on good candidates 9:10 When reviewing resumes, consider candidates who may not have direct experience but have relevant skills or experiences. Ask behavioral questions that relate to the job16:02 Tips on how to end an employee's service on a positive note, including thanking them, distributing work, and removing their presence from systems🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here.

Are you trying to improve processes within your company? In this episode, Jim and Tyson interview Melanie Leonard, an attorney and expert in legal practice management software. She is also one of the first certified consultants in Clio. They discuss the adoption of technology among lawyers, in which Melanie gives lawyers a low grade.Many law firms are behind the times and don't have a well thought out process that will serve law firms well. Melanie speaks to how creating workflows will lead to more efficiency and productivity in a firm. Workflows are simply just steps that people use to accomplish a task. But, not having one or not having a defined one can lead to many challenges.Many companies do not have defined workflows because no one naturally thinks in systems. No one is going to add something that is obvious to a workflow. But, every step needs to be documented to ensure nothing is missed and the process is the same for everyone. When creating a workflow, don't assume people know the common sense of it. Add as much detail in there so whether someone is new to the company or a veteran, they will be able to accomplish the task.In a law firm setting, it is best to create workflows for routine parts of the job like client intake or billing. They can even be applied to legal work that seems unique or that changes from case to case. Melanie says that creating workflows for things like filing a complaint or a motion can connect together to ultimately create a system.Many lawyers truly underestimate how workflows can help them in their practice. Because many lawyers use the same process for different tasks, it makes way more sense to focus on creating that system. The truth is no one wants to recreate the wheel.Take a listen if you want to use workflows to elevate your firm!Jim's Hack: For those who want to create more content, listen to Gary Vaynerchuk to get more inspired on distributing and repurposing content.Melanie’s Tip: Open up whatever project management software you are using and find the workflow feature to document steps in the process of a project. This feature allows for people to be alerted to when it is their turn to work on the next step.Tyson's Tip: Make sure you get your quarterly meeting scheduled to talk about planning for 2024.2:25 The overall adoption of technology by lawyers and gives a grade to their progress8:31 Workflows! and the significance of having clear and documented procedures in law firms10:58 The process of building workflows, starting with cover letters and tracking everything in the packet, and the importance of taking an organized approach21:26 Advice on starting with workflows for the intake and sales process, followed by billing, and then focusing on substantive legal work29:25 Advice to use the workflow feature in practice management software to document processes and alert team members about their tasks🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here. Connect with Melanie:WebsiteFacebookYouTubeLinkedIn InstagramTwitter

In this episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, host Tyson Mutrux explores the powerful influence of personal networks on goal setting and achievement. Drawing on scientific studies and personal anecdotes, Tyson emphasizes the impact that our connections have on our behavior, habits, and overall success. He encourages listeners to intentionally curate their inner circle, surrounding themselves with supportive and inspiring individuals. Tyson provides practical steps for evaluating and refining personal networks, including conducting a "five person audit." 00:25 The influence of personal connections on behavior, habits, and goal attainment, citing scientific studies and examples06:34 The importance of evaluating and removing relationships that hinder progress and prevent achievement08:44 Intentionally surrounding oneself with supportive and inspiring individuals for personal and professional growth🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here.

In this episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, guest speaker Brett Trembly shares valuable insights on time management and productivity for lawyers. He introduces the OI90 formula, a three-step business system consisting of office hours, an issue matrix, and a 90-minute weekly team meeting. Brett shares the importance of protecting one's time and focusing on high-value tasks. He suggests implementing office hours for both team members and clients to minimize interruptions. Additionally, he suggests using software tools to streamline operations. Brett's practical tips and strategies provide actionable steps for lawyers to improve efficiency and success in their practices.00:40 Introducing the OI90 formula and how it has been life-changing 3:00 The challenges of running a one-man show8:43 The importance of spending time on high-value tasks12:15 A three-step business system that includes office hours, issue matrix, and 90-minute weekly team meetings15:58 Setting office hours to minimize interruptions and increase productivity17:08 Determining when interruptions are allowed based on specific criteria18:01 Running productive 90-minute weekly meetings to address issues and push the business forward🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here. Connect with Brett:Website FacebookCompany LinkedInLinkedIn 

Are you looking for ways to maximize your work week and have a more productive mindset at work? In this episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, hosts Jim and Tyson discuss the most valuable parts of their work week. Both speak to 3 things they do each week to help with productivity.For individuals who own their own company, it is important to spend some time at the beginning of your week going over your priorities and to-dos. Jim talks about how spending 15 minutes with his personal assistant each week allows him to know who he needs to connect with, what meetings he has and go through his emails. Having that support allows you to delegate your tasks to other people so you can take some of that workload off of you.Physical and mental health is so important to ensure you have a good work week. Both Tyson and Jim speak to the importance of prioritizing self care before they start the day, which helps get them focused and in the right mindset. Whether it be working out first thing in the morning or having a standing massage session in the middle of the week, these self care moments allow for you to recharge and refocus to continue your day.Having weekly leadership team meetings is a huge part of not only having a successful company, but ensuring members of your team are on the same page and working well. Think of these meetings like a football team huddle, where you get in, figure out your game plan and “break” to get back to business. It allows for everyone to understand the goals for the week and speak to any wins or challenges.For those in the legal field, mastermind sessions are a great way to network and learn from others. It is a chance to share your struggles with other law firm owners who will advise you on how to work through them.Implement some of these strategies into your work week to achieve more productivity! Take a listen!2:42 Jim discusses the importance of spending 15 minutes each day with his personal assistant to delegate tasks and clear out his calendar and email inbox.4:16 Tyson talks about the significance of his daily workouts in helping him stay focused and release extra energy, as well as the added benefits of cold plunges.8:53 Tyson highlights the value of the L10 meeting, a weekly leadership meeting where the firm's leadership team comes together to address issues, align goals, and move the firm forward.11:35 Speaker 2 emphasizes the need to take time to rest and relax in order to have a clear mind and come up with innovative ideas.13:51 Speaker 3 explains what a mastermind is and how it involves sharing goals, wisdom, and problem-solving among law firm owners.Jim’s Hack: In every conversation you have you are being presented with content ideas. Notice, pay attention and write it down! Tyson’s Tip: Grab the YouTube Transcript Extractor Chrome Extension!🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here.

Do you have a habit that affects your daily productivity and performance? In this episode, Tyson discusses the approach to getting things done by focusing on the top three tasks for the day. It is perfect for those who have busy work days and need to keep their heads down with no distractions.Tyson suggests writing down the top three most important tasks each day, focusing on those that will have the greatest impact on your goals. But why only three goals? Why not five or ten? Having a long list of daily tasks means all of them are not important. This approach is about finding the balance and narrowing down your priorities to a select few.Think about your long term goals and what daily actions will lead you to achieving them. For those in the legal field who want to grow their firm, tasks might be reaching out to referral partners or working on a high profile case. It is all about figuring out your vision and then tying critical goals to it.Create space in your day to focus on these important tasks. One great way is to knock them out at the beginning of your day. Block time in your calendar and mute your emails and notifications so you are not distracted. That way they are complete and you can go about your day doing other things.Achieving your goals through focusing on 3 tasks is a mindset that will only lead to greater success. This approach will create momentum and boost productivity.Take a listen!1:15 Tyson discusses the concept of focusing on the top three tasks for the day and how it can significantly impact productivity and performance.5:15 Tyson explains the importance of executing the top three tasks and how it sets you up for a successful day and boosts productivity.07:07 Tyson discusses common mistakes in choosing tasks and emphasizes that mastering the top three tasks is not just a productivity hack, but a mindset of knowing what matters most.🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here. https://youtu.be/nY0-nM6H6XI