The 80/20 Principle

Show Notes You want to effectively manage your law business so that you get more work done, more easily, and more reliably. Technology can definitely help, especially automation. But there are other elements besides technology that you need to leverage in a delicate combination. In this episode, you'll discover the other 5 key elements that will enable you to make dramatic improvements to how your law business is managed. 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 Ernie ruminates about marketing with Ramesh Reddy, a young lawyer that he mentored in his early career. Afterwards, Ramesh focused on learning the fundamentals of marketing his law practice. Both Ernie and Ramesh have found success with the same principles, which they discuss in an informal, engaging way. Ramesh's law firm website Mike Kim (an exceptional marketer/copywriter) Ray Edwards (another exceptional marketer/copywriter) Breakthrough Advertising - by Eugene Schwartz Brené Brown's very popular TED talk on vulnerability Richard's LinkedIn page Check out my Guide to Working Smarter (not harder) and learn how to build a much happier law practice. Or join my Co-Pilot Group Mentoring program and get ongoing guidance from me, and from other lawyers in small firms who are also learning to work smarter. 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 rse.

Show Notes Growing up blind taught Richard Chen how to deal with uncertainty, solve problems creatively, and adapt reflexively to changing circumstances—skills that help him in his day-to-day law practice. Discover how technology helps him do his work, even though he can't use a mouse with his computer. Richard explains why relies heavily on systems and processes to keep his practice running smoothly and shares his top 4 tips for anyone starting a new law practice.. Richard's law firm website Richard's LinkedIn page Check out my free Tech Resource Guide for solo and small firm lawyers, which includes recommendations about working remotely. Or learn about my Co-Pilot Group Mentoring program which offers ongoing support and guidance from other like-minded attorneys working (virtually) right alongside you, every day. 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 Stacey Randall Brown is a small business owner who figured out how to generate new clients through referrals BUT without asking for those referrals. She cracked the code to overcoming the decades old advice that says to receive referrals you must ask for them. There are many ways to generate referrals but Stacey's way is the best way. The key thing to understand is that referrals come from relationships, and relationships come from connections. And connections are built through regular "touch points," which is what Stacey teaches you how to do systematically, and effectively. Stacey's website where you can learn about her process and how she developed her system. Referrals Without Asking: A 5-Step Plan to Referral Explosion, Stacey's book (available on Amazon) Stacey's podcast: Roadmap to Grow Your Business Stacey's LinkedIn page Stacey's Facebook page Check out 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 offers support from other like-minded attorneys working (virtually) right alongside you, every day. 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

Getting what you most want in life is important, but many people get derailed, discouraged, or defeated in their attempt. Michael Lewis faced adversity, and so did Ernie. Even Ernie's dad, the psychoanalyst that helped people get what they most wanted had struggles. Understanding other people's struggles helps you realize that you're normal if you struggle. After listening to this episode you'll understand the common struggles better, and you'll know how to overcome them so you can get what you truly want out of life and your law practice. 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 the 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

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