The 80/20 Principle

Your beliefs are the biggest factor in how much success you can achieve, and it’s hard for people to adjust their beliefs without help. The people who help you overcome limiting self-beliefs will often make you feel uncomfortable. But if you can’t deal with discomfort you’ll never achieve your biggest dreams. Michael Lewis’ podcast episode about his high school baseball coach, Billy Fitzgerald (about whom he wrote a book called Coach: Lessons on the Game of Life) Tim Ferriss’ interview with Michael Lewis – discussed in last episode because it reveals how Michael Lewis discovered what he truly wanted most in life. Maria Popova’s article about Michael Lewis – another account of how Lewis discovered that he wanted to be a writer. Get my free Tech Resource Guide for solo and small firm lawyers, which includes recommendations about working remotely. Or better yet, join my Co-Pilot Group Mentoring program which will help you make steady progress improving your practice, with support from other like-minded attorneys who are working right alongside you. General Resources Learn to use technology to reduce friction & gain freedom with this resource: https://www.the8020lawyer.com/ Focus on these essential tech tools for maximum traction in your practice. Take this short law practice assessment to identify your main strengths & weaknesses. Thanks to Our Sponsors Smith.ai is a superior virtual receptionist service for small businesses. They specialize in working with solo and small law firms. Smith.ai offers friendly receptionists who can respond to callers in English or Spanish, screen and schedule new leads, and even take payment for consults.   And they do this 7 days a week. The best part is they don't just handle these conversations by phone -- they also have 24/7 live agents and chatbots capturing leads on websites and via text message (even via Facebook Messenger). If there's one growth hack for your practice, this is it. Smith's friendly gatekeepers can staff your front lines while you work uninterrupted. You can finally have the peace of mind that while you're working, you're not missing out on future work.   Plans start at just $140 a month for calls or chats. They even offer a totally free chatbot, so there's no excuse! Try Smith.ai today and see for yourself why attorneys like Justie Nicol in Colorado say Smith.ai receptionists are the "secret to business growth and client happiness."   Smith.ai offers a free trial, and podcast listeners get an extra $100 discount with promo code ERNIE100. Sign up and learn more at www.smith.ai. Trust me when I say, "Don't let another day go by!" Try Smith.ai. AND... Tracers Gathering information is important for lawyers, especially lawyers who do litigation. As you no doubt know, law doesn't win cases, facts do, and often one or two key facts can make or break a case. Key facts are tied to witnesses who sometimes are elusive. Key facts can involve things about your client that they conveniently “forget” to tell you. And for sure key facts are incriminating things about the opposing party. Key facts can be in social media or any number of public databases. So how do you find the key facts quickly and easily? Well, you can find them but not usually quickly and easily. Even the publicly available information is strewn about in lots of different public records or online locations that you can’t find using one Google search. So stop trying to use Google and don’t waste time, energy, or money. Use Tracers instead. That’s how you can get cost-effective access to asset records, social media posts, and detailed background information on anyone of interest to you or your client. The cost is based on a “pay per search” pricing with a $39 monthly minimum. The searches aren’t super expensive so you might only spend $39 per month and be able to do a few searches. But however much you use it you can expense the cost to your client matter because it’s an essential service. I recommend that every lawyer at least sign up, learn what it can do, and get used to having an amazing resource at your fingertips. If you use the promo code Ernie100 the first $100 of your search will be free. EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 

Personal development is important if you want to grow and become "your best self." But there are insidious impediments to personal growth, which are important to recognize. And it's important to learn how to get past those impediments if you want to create a law practice that's fulfilling. More importantly, it's vital for creating a LIFE that you truly enjoy. Resources Mentioned Tim Ferriss’ interview with Michael Lewis – discussed in last episode because it reveals how Michael Lewis discovered what he truly wanted most in life. Maria Popova’s article about Michael Lewis – another account of how Lewis discovered that he wanted to be a writer. Get my free Tech Resource Guide for solo and small firm lawyers, which includes recommendations about working remotely. Or better yet, join my Co-Pilot Group Mentoring program which will help you make steady progress improving your practice, with support from other like-minded attorneys who are working right alongside you. General Resources Learn to use technology to reduce friction & gain freedom with this resource: https://www.the8020lawyer.com/ Focus on these essential tech tools for maximum traction in your practice. Take this short law practice assessment to identify your main strengths & weaknesses. Thanks to Our Sponsors Smith.ai is a superior virtual receptionist service for small businesses. They specialize in working with solo and small law firms. Smith.ai offers friendly receptionists who can respond to callers in English or Spanish, screen and schedule new leads, and even take payment for consults.   And they do this 7 days a week. The best part is they don't just handle these conversations by phone -- they also have 24/7 live agents and chatbots capturing leads on websites and via text message (even via Facebook Messenger). If there's one growth hack for your practice, this is it. Smith's friendly gatekeepers can staff your front lines while you work uninterrupted. You can finally have the peace of mind that while you're working, you're not missing out on future work.   Plans start at just $140 a month for calls or chats. They even offer a totally free chatbot, so there's no excuse! Try Smith.ai today and see for yourself why attorneys like Justie Nicol in Colorado say Smith.ai receptionists are the "secret to business growth and client happiness."   Smith.ai offers a free trial, and podcast listeners get an extra $100 discount with promo code ERNIE100. Sign up and learn more at www.smith.ai. Trust me when I say, "Don't let another day go by!" Try Smith.ai. AND... Tracers Gathering information is important for lawyers, especially lawyers who do litigation. As you no doubt know, law doesn't win cases, facts do, and often one or two key facts can make or break a case. Key facts are tied to witnesses who sometimes are elusive. Key facts can involve things about your client that they conveniently “forget” to tell you. And for sure key facts are incriminating things about the opposing party. Key facts can be in social media or any number of public databases. So how do you find the key facts quickly and easily? Well, you can find them but not usually quickly and easily. Even the publicly available information is strewn about in lots of different public records or online locations that you can’t find using one Google search. So stop trying to use Google and don’t waste time, energy, or money. Use Tracers instead. That’s how you can get cost-effective access to asset records, social media posts, and detailed background information on anyone of interest to you or your client. The cost is based on a “pay per search” pricing with a $39 monthly minimum. The searches aren’t super expensive so you might only spend $39 per month and be able to do a few searches. But however much you use it you can expense the cost to your client matter because it’s an essential service. I recommend that every lawyer at least sign up, learn what it can do, and get used to having an amazing resource at your fingertips. If you use the promo code Ernie100 the first $100 of your search will be free. EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com   

Lawyers, of all modern “knowledge workers,” should be highly adept at gathering key information. Sadly, too many of us lack the search skills we need. Mostly, it’s a problem of insufficient awareness about where to search or how to search using tools that aren’t law-specific. In this episode, you’ll learn how to become more aware, and what exactly to focus your “search awareness” on. Tracers for Legal Professionals - welcome to our new podcast sponsor! Flash Boys: A Wall Street Revolt, by Michael Lewis (a fabulous book with 90% 4 and 5-star reviews on Amazon) Register for the upcoming virtual;) Small Firm Bootcamp. Check out Melissa Shanahan’s website: Velocity Work (she and her team can help you identify key business metrics and then build a customized tracking portal so you can plan better as you work on growing your law firm) Get my free Tech Resource Guide for solo and small firm lawyers, which includes recommendations about working remotely. Consider joining my inner sanctum (i.e. private online discussion forum) if you want ongoing guidance and support. Tracers Gathering information is important for lawyers, especially lawyers who do litigation. As you no doubt know, law doesn't win cases, facts do, and often one or two key facts can make or break a case. Key facts are tied to witnesses who sometimes are elusive. Key facts can involve things about your client that they conveniently “forget” to tell you. And for sure key facts are incriminating things about the opposing party. Key facts can be in social media or any number of public databases. So how do you find the key facts quickly and easily? Well, you can find them but not usually quickly and easily. Even the publicly available information is strewn about in lots of different public records or online locations that you can’t find using one Google search. So stop trying to use Google and don’t waste time, energy, or money. Use Tracers instead. That’s how you can get cost-effective access to asset records, social media posts, and detailed background information on anyone of interest to you or your client. The cost is based on a “pay per search” pricing with a $39 monthly minimum. The searches aren’t super expensive so you might only spend $39 per month and be able to do a few searches. But however much you use it you can expense the cost to your client matter because it’s an essential service. I recommend that every lawyer at least sign up, learn what it can do, and get used to having an amazing resource at your fingertips. If you use the promo code Ernie100 the first $100 of your search will be free. General Resources Learn to use technology to reduce friction & gain freedom with this resource: https://www.the8020lawyer.com/ Focus on these essential tech tools for maximum traction in your practice. Take this short law practice assessment to identify your main strengths & weaknesses. Thanks to The Sponsor Smith.ai is a superior virtual receptionist service for small businesses. They specialize in working with solo and small law firms. After years of working with various receptionist services, I recently discovered Smitha.i and was blown away by their range of services, which are available at a cost any attorney -- even those of you in the smallest solo practice -- can afford. Their friendly receptionists respond to potential clients in English or Spanish, screen and schedule new leads, and even take payment for consults -- and they do this 7 days a week. The best part is they don't just handle these conversations by phone -- they also have 24/7 live agents and chatbots capturing leads on websites and via text message! They tell me this is just the beginning, with Facebook Messenger and other channels coming soon! If there's one growth hack for your practice, this is it. Smith's friendly gatekeepers can staff your front lines while you work uninterrupted. You can finally have the peace of mind that while you're working, you're not missing out on future work.   Plans start at just $140 a month for calls or chats. They even offer a totally free chatbot, so there's no excuse! Try Smith.ai today and see for yourself why attorneys like Justie Nicol in Colorado say Smith.ai receptionists are the "secret to business growth and client happiness."   Smith.ai offers a free trial, and podcast listeners get an extra $100 discount with promo code ERNIE100. Sign up and learn more at www.smith.ai. Trust me when I say, "Don't let another day go by!" Try Smith.ai. EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com   

Show Notes In this episode, you’ll meet Erik Pickering, whose company (Tracers) helps lawyers and investigators turn up vital information that’s often indispensable to the outcome of cases. From doing social media research about jurors or witnesses to finding missing witnesses or missing heirs in probate matters, Tracers is a service that can probably help you more than you might imagine. Tracers for Legal Professionals LexTech Review of Tracers (6 page PDF) Principles;, by Ray Dalio Register for the upcoming virtual;) Small Firm Bootcamp. Get my free Tech Resource Guide for solo and small firm lawyers, which includes recommendations about working remotely. Consider joining my inner sanctum (i.e. private online discussion forum) if you want ongoing guidance and support. General Resources Learn to use technology to reduce friction & gain freedom with this resource: https://www.the8020lawyer.com/ Focus on these essential tech tools for maximum traction in your practice. Take this short law practice assessment to identify your main strengths & weaknesses. Thanks to Our Sponsors Smith.ai is a superior virtual receptionist service for small businesses. They specialize in working with solo and small law firms. Smith.ai offers friendly receptionists who can respond to callers in English or Spanish, screen and schedule new leads, and even take payment for consults.   And they do this 7 days a week. The best part is they don't just handle these conversations by phone -- they also have 24/7 live agents and chatbots capturing leads on websites and via text message (even via Facebook Messenger). If there's one growth hack for your practice, this is it. Smith's friendly gatekeepers can staff your front lines while you work uninterrupted. You can finally have the peace of mind that while you're working, you're not missing out on future work.   Plans start at just $140 a month for calls or chats. They even offer a totally free chatbot, so there's no excuse! Try Smith.ai today and see for yourself why attorneys like Justie Nicol in Colorado say Smith.ai receptionists are the "secret to business growth and client happiness."   Smith.ai offers a free trial, and podcast listeners get an extra $100 discount with promo code ERNIE100. Sign up and learn more at www.smith.ai. Trust me when I say, "Don't let another day go by!" Try Smith.ai. AND... Tracers Gathering information is important for lawyers, especially lawyers who do litigation. As you no doubt know, law doesn't win cases, facts do, and often one or two key facts can make or break a case. Key facts are tied to witnesses who sometimes are elusive. Key facts can involve things about your client that they conveniently “forget” to tell you. And for sure key facts are incriminating things about the opposing party. Key facts can be in social media or any number of public databases. So how do you find the key facts quickly and easily? Well, you can find them but not usually quickly and easily. Even the publicly available information is strewn about in lots of different public records or online locations that you can’t find using one Google search. So stop trying to use Google and don’t waste time, energy, or money. Use Tracers instead. That’s how you can get cost-effective access to asset records, social media posts, and detailed background information on anyone of interest to you or your client. The cost is based on a “pay per search” pricing with a $39 monthly minimum. The searches aren’t super expensive so you might only spend $39 per month and be able to do a few searches. But however much you use it you can expense the cost to your client matter because it’s an essential service. I recommend that every lawyer at least sign up, learn what it can do, and get used to having an amazing resource at your fingertips. If you use the promo code Ernie100 the first $100 of your search will be free. EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 

Show Notes You can plan right now to improve your life and practice, and there’s a great way to do that kind of planning. It’s probably not a way of planning that you’re used to, but it’s easy to do and very effective. Especially right now, during this worldwide shutdown of economic activity and social gatherings. Yes, right now is the best time. Download my Vision Quest Brainstorming Guide (discussed in the episode) Register for the upcoming virtual;) Small Firm Bootcamp. Get my free Tech Resource Guide for solo and small firm lawyers, which includes recommendations about working remotely. Consider joining my inner sanctum (i.e. private online discussion forum) if you want ongoing guidance and support. General Resources Learn to use technology to reduce friction & gain freedom with this resource: https://www.the8020lawyer.com/ Focus on these essential tech tools for maximum traction in your practice. Take this short law practice assessment to identify your main strengths & weaknesses. Thanks to The Sponsor Smith.ai is a superior virtual receptionist service for small businesses. They specialize in working with solo and small law firms. After years of working with various receptionist services, I recently discovered Smitha.i and was blown away by their range of services, which are available at a cost any attorney -- even those of you in the smallest solo practice -- can afford. Their friendly receptionists respond to potential clients in English or Spanish, screen and schedule new leads, and even take payment for consults -- and they do this 7 days a week. The best part is they don't just handle these conversations by phone -- they also have 24/7 live agents and chatbots capturing leads on websites and via text message! They tell me this is just the beginning, with Facebook Messenger and other channels coming soon! If there's one growth hack for your practice, this is it. Smith's friendly gatekeepers can staff your front lines while you work uninterrupted. You can finally have the peace of mind that while you're working, you're not missing out on future work.   Plans start at just $140 a month for calls or chats. They even offer a totally free chatbot, so there's no excuse! Try Smith.ai today and see for yourself why attorneys like Justie Nicol in Colorado say Smith.ai receptionists are the "secret to business growth and client happiness."   Smith.ai offers a free trial, and podcast listeners get an extra $100 discount with promo code ERNIE100. Sign up and learn more at www.smith.ai. Trust me when I say, "Don't let another day go by!" Try Smith.ai. EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com   

The Coronavirus pandemic is obviously a disaster, but it’s also an opportunity if you know how to capitalize on it. I faced a similar situation when Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005 and I seized an important opportunity (not without a lot of trepidation, mind you). General Resources Learn to use technology to reduce friction & gain freedom with this resource: https://www.the8020lawyer.com/ Focus on these essential tech tools for maximum traction in your practice. Take this short law practice assessment to identify your main strengths & weaknesses. Thanks to My Sponsor Smith.ai; is a superior receptionist service for law firms that also helps you convert first-time callers or website visitors into paying clients. They also offer a free AI Chatbot that provides 24/7 service on your website. Ernie appreciates the superior service they provide to his callers and web visitors, and you will too. And if you’re curious about how a virtual receptionist service can help you take your practice to the next level, check out this ebook. EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com   

Conrad Saam is one of very few legal marketing experts that Ernie trusts. In this episode, Conrad explains what lawyers should and shouldn’t do in this current pandemic crisis. He talks about which practice areas are seeing a boost in activity, and why. Conrad’s company website: Mockingbird Marketing Ernie’s LawFirm Autopilot Slack Group Signup for the (now) 100% Virtual Small Firm Bootcamp Get Ernie’s free Tech Resource Guide for solo and small firm lawyers, which includes recommendations about working remotely. General Resources Learn to use technology to reduce friction & gain freedom with this resource: https://www.the8020lawyer.com/ Focus on these essential tech tools for maximum traction in your practice. Take this short law practice assessment to identify your main strengths & weaknesses. Thanks to My Sponsor Smith.ai; is a superior receptionist service for law firms that also helps you convert first-time callers or website visitors into paying clients. They also offer a free AI Chatbot that provides 24/7 service on your website. Ernie appreciates the superior service they provide to his callers and web visitors, and you will too. And if you’re curious about how a virtual receptionist service can help you take your practice to the next level, check out this ebook. EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com   

Show Notes Mike Whelan was a family law practitioner who realized that many old ways of practicing law don’t work anymore, which makes lawyers more stressed today than they’ve ever been. He identifies the problem as something called “the churn” in his excellent book: Lawyer Forward. In this episode Ernie asks him about how lawyers can overcome the churn to create profitable and enjoyable practices. Mike Whelan’s Twitter feed. Ernie’s LawFirm Autopilot Slack Group Ernie’s free *Tech Resource Guide* for solo and small firm lawyers, which includes recommendations about working remotely. General Resources Learn to use technology to reduce friction & gain freedom with this resource: https://www.the8020lawyer.com/ Focus on these essential tech tools for maximum traction in your practice. Take this short law practice assessment to identify your main strengths & weaknesses. Thanks to My Sponsor Smith.ai; is a superior receptionist service for law firms that also helps you convert first-time callers or website visitors into paying clients. They also offer a free AI Chatbot that provides 24/7 service on your website. Ernie appreciates the superior service they provide to his callers and web visitors, and you will too. And if you’re curious about how a virtual receptionist service can help you take your practice to the next level, check out this ebook. EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com   

Family law practitioner Elise Buie has built a paperless practice that is super streamlined and optimized for remote work. She and Ernie share thoughts about how Hurricane Katrina helped motivate lawyers to adopt technology that improved their practices. Listen in and find out why she says that learning to practice virtually not only helps your firm run smoother but also dramatically improves your quality of life. For example, she observed that "it's so much easier to file a difficult brief from a beach in New Zealand than from your office." She knows this from direct personal experience, and you can learn from her experiences by listening closely to this episode. And it would probably help to take careful notes as you listen.  Elise Buie’s firm website. Check out Ernie’s course on paperless lawyering that Elise mentioned that she took. Check out Ernie’s LawFirm Autopilot Slack Group Read Ernie’s article about why Slack is valuable as a form of group chat. Sign up for a Zoom account and learn how to do virtual meetings with video. Get Ernie’s free Tech Resource Guide for solo and small firm lawyers, which includes recommendations about working remotely. Want to take your practice to the next level? If you want to make big changes and massively improve your law practice check out my upcoming Small Firm Bootcamp conference - a 3-day online conference for attorneys who want to learn how to better leverage tech (i.e. automation, paperless practice, mobile/virtual practice) to transform their practices. Thanks to The Sponsor Smith.ai is a superior receptionist service for law firms that also helps you convert first-time callers or website visitors into paying clients. They also offer a free AI Chatbot that provides 24/7 service on your website. Ernie appreciates the superior service they provide to his callers and web visitors, and you will too. And if you’re curious about how a virtual receptionist service can help you take your practice to the next level, check out this ebook. *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com  BTW, I'd love to get your feedback or hear about your questions (which I'll answer in upcoming episodes). And when you get a chance, download my free Guide to Working Smarter in the Digital Age (which will help you streamline & optimize your practice —so you start working less and relaxing more). Oh, and if you're interested in making changes sooner, check out my new Working Smarter course.

Here are helpful lessons I learned during the massive social disruption of Hurricane Katrina that are relevant and helpful to you during the Covid-19 situation. The current pandemic is forcing many of us to work from home in isolation. We need to become adept at working remotely and collaborating virtually. Here are 3 vital things that will help you do that better. Twitter; - sign up for an account and use it to follow high-value information sources like Tim Ferriss’ Twitter list of Covid-19 sources. Follow me on Twitter if you want to get my quick takes and short advice. Join my private Facebook group if you’re like to use Facebook to gather and share information. Read my article about why Slack is valuable as a form of group chat. Sign up for a Zoom account and learn how to do virtual meetings with video. Get my free Tech Resource Guide for solo and small firm lawyers. Signup for the (now) 100% Virtual Small Firm Bootcamp General Resources Learn to use technology to reduce friction & gain freedom with this resource: https://www.the8020lawyer.com/ Focus on these essential tech tools for maximum traction in your practice. Take this short law practice assessment to identify your main strengths & weaknesses. Thanks to My Sponsor Smith.ai; is a superior receptionist service for law firms that also helps you convert first-time callers or website visitors into paying clients. They also offer a free AI Chatbot that provides 24/7 service on your website. Ernie appreciates the superior service they provide to his callers and web visitors, and you will too. And if you’re curious about how a virtual receptionist service can help you take your practice to the next level, check out this ebook. EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com