Do It Yourself & Resources
These resources will help you whether or not you choose to work with Successfully Solo. There are hundreds of resources available; I’ve tried to limit the selections to make it a less daunting list.
Please comment on resources – let us know what’s working for you and ask if you’re looking for recommendations on something specific.
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Books
The E-myth Revisited,
Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work And What To Do About It
Michael Gerber
This book is all about working “on” your business- just read it. Michael uses a story to illustrate how to move from that stage where life is all about work to the point where your work supports your life. You will absolutely see yourself in the book. It’s a short book, an easy read. It’s the only book I recommend you actually read all the way through!
Eat That Frog!
21 Great Ways To Stop Procrastinating And Get More Done In Less Time
Brian Tracy
Pull this book off your shelf when you know you are procrastinating. Brian Tracy “gets” how we think- and this book shows he also “gets” how to move us into action!
Getting Things Done
The Art of Stress-Free Productivity
David Allen
If you aren’t going to hire a professional organizer to help get your office into shape- then this book will give you some great ideas. Skim through and choose where to focus. He suggests filing systems, there are a lot of time management techniques, and he even discusses whether or not to hire an organizer.
There are a ton of great rainmaking books and seminars. You’ll see the same concepts we’ve talked about over and over again. This is the book I recommend you keep on your shelf, it isn’t aimed specifically at attorneys, but the concepts hold true. It’s fresh, I like the way it’s organized and the exercises work.
How To Work A Room
The Ultimate Guide To Savvy Socializing In Person And Online
Susan RoAne
I use this book for the lists and reminders. She has some very basic tips that work well, especially if you are afraid of networking. I use the techniques with clients, they work.
How To Capture And Keep Clients
Marketing Strategies For Clients
Jennifer J. Rose, Editor
This book is offered through the ABA GP/Solo Division. Jennifer Rose is a solo; she is a long-time leader; she has fantastic experience, and she is passionate about helping solos be successful. The book is expensive, but worth it. What you get is a collection of marketing articles from real experts. You can open the book, pick any chapter and get information you can apply. It’s easy, because the articles are short- you don’t have to make a commitment- and they are very good. Some of them are even funny, a true bonus!
Perfect Phrases for Setting Performance Goals
& Perfect Phrases for Performance Reviews
Douglas Max & Robert Bacal
I am still upset that I didn’t think of this first. These little books have hundreds of phrases and responses; they make two tough tasks a lot easier to handle. They are not specific to law firms, but there are a lot of ideas to jump-start your efforts. If you buy just one, start with the goals book.
First Among Equals
Patrick J. McKenna & David H. Maister
Very hard to choose just one Maister book. David Maister is a guru in the area of managing professional services firms. I love to read his books, but my passion is how to help solos manage their firms better, you might not share that enthusiasm! I chose this book because it’s incredibly useful and easy to find what you need. There are plenty of action plans and examples, you can follow the instructions and be successful. A great reference.
How to Draft Bills Clients Rush to Pay
J. Harris Morgan & Jay G. Foonberg
This small book covers everything from setting client expectations through client care and retention, as well as trust accounts, timkeeping and alternative fee arrangements. Buy it through the ABA Law Practice Management Section; it’s a bit pricey, but worth every penny. You will make more money and collect it faster if you read this book. I’ll buy it back from you if you don’t find it invaluable. I also have Foonberg’s How To Start And Build A Law Practice, it’s filled with great information, very detailed.
Links
There are a lot of great sites, I’ll build this list with your recommendations.
Solosez is through the ABA, but it’s free. Love it or hate it, if you haven’t tried it, you must. It’s a virtual community. Read the advice about how to use it, and make sure you have solosez emails routed to their own folder. The volume can be daunting. Just remember your delete key and don’t panic- you’re in control!
David is publishing a lot of great content. He also has a blog and podcast, as well as a vcast. You can find specific information, tips and tools. Go to the site, see what’s there, and remember to return when you want to learn about a particular trend or topic.
