Okay to be fair, I chose Bulbasaur first because when I got into Pokemon originally that wasn’t an option for your first pokemon. And I am sure Pokemon wasn’t the first thing to do this, but holy cow I HAD TO COLLECT THEM ALL…all 151 (I have NO idea how many there are now as my son seems to find a new one every day). I HAD TO CATCH THEM ALL! They told me to!
And boy did I need to follow through. I guess you could call me either a completionist or just neurotic…and I still am that way about certain things (like books, action figures I like and Hawaiian Shirts) So the first time I did this newsletter I ended the year with 250 ways to grow your firm in the New Year (in this case 2024)…and I have to be honest…It bugged me so much for almost the entire year that I didn’t just do 365. So here, I give you a list the way it was intended…365 things to do next year to live a better life and run a better firm. With ONE caveat. You totally CAN do one thing from this list every day. You totally can do NOTHING from this list ever. But what I would suggest is pick and choose.
Do NOT catch them all from this list.
Find the things that will move the needle the most for you and for your ideal clients and spend more time on THOSE things and less on the other things that don’t matter as much (to YOU or THEM).
44. Evaluate your billing practices for efficiency.
45. Review accounts receivable and follow up on unpaid invoices.
46. Identify underperforming areas in your budget.
47. Implement financial literacy training for staff.
48. Compare software costs and consider alternatives balances with the cost and time to switch.
49. Analyze how much time is spent per case.
50. Allocate a budget for professional development.
51. Determine your break-even point per case.
52. Assess vendor relationships for cost-effectiveness.
53. Create a system for tracking tax-deductible expenses.
54. Meet with a financial advisor for fresh insights.
55. Review your tax strategy for next year.
56. Forecast cash flow for the next 12 months.
57. Identify opportunities for passive income streams.
58. Explore new payment options for clients.
59. Set up automated reminders for client payments.
60. Monitor trends in your financial data monthly.
Core Values and Team Building
And if you want the easy button for this? We made a Hiring SOP that literally does steps 61–63 for you.61. Create or revise your firm’s core values.
62. Host a team workshop on core values.
63. Integrate core values into hiring processes.
64. Develop a team recognition program for core value alignment.
65. Create a core-value-centered social media campaign.
66. Use AI to turn your core values into a great acronym (one of my clients went with EAT – energetic, attention to detail, team player)…now they can look for employees who are hungry and want to EAT (get it? get it?)
67. Include core values in client communications.
68. Add core value discussions to staff meetings.
69. Celebrate staff milestones tied to core values.
70. Use core values as criteria for decision-making.
71. Evaluate staff alignment with core values during reviews.
72. Share client success stories that reflect your core values.
73. Update your employee handbook with core values.
74. Brainstorm ways to live out core values daily.
75. Recognize a “Core Value Champion” monthly.
76. Create an onboarding module about core values.
77. Develop a training program focused on core values.
78. Encourage staff to share what core values mean to them.
79. Conduct a survey to assess team alignment with values.
80. Post your core values prominently in the office.
82. Incorporate core values into your marketing strategy.
83. Solicit client feedback on how well you embody core values.
84. Celebrate the anniversary of your core values.
85. Host a quarterly “Core Values Spotlight” event.
86. Reflect on how core values guide your leadership style.
87. Create a video series about core values.
88. Collaborate with staff to refine your core values.
89. Develop incentives for staff who exemplify core values.
90. Analyze how core values impact client satisfaction.
Marketing Mastery
91. Update your website homepage to better reflect your firm’s unique value proposition.
92. Create a new blog series targeting specific client pain points.
93. Write a guest post for a legal publication or community website.
94. Refresh your Google My Business profile photos and description.
95. Run a social media poll to engage your audience and gather insights.
96. Develop a quarterly newsletter template for clients and referral sources.
97. Update your email signature with a fresh call-to-action.
98. Create a lead magnet, such as an eBook or checklist, to capture email subscribers.
99. Identify top-performing blog posts and repurpose them into videos or infographics.
100. Start a weekly “Ask Me Anything” series on your preferred social media platform.
101. Optimize your website for local SEO with updated keywords and location pages.
102. Film a new introductory video for your website or social media.
103. Review your firm’s online reviews and respond thoughtfully to each one.
104. Set up a retargeting campaign for potential clients who visit your website.
105. Host a free webinar on a trending legal topic.
106. Partner with a local business for a co-marketing initiative.
107. Research hashtags relevant to your practice area and incorporate them into posts.
108. Share a success story from a past client (with permission).
109. Create a FAQ page on your website to address common client concerns.
110. Develop a content calendar for the next quarter.
111. Add client testimonials to your website and social media (shoot…maybe just ASK for a testimonial)
112. Conduct a website usability test and implement improvements.
113. Launch a referral program for satisfied clients.
114. Write a press release about a recent firm achievement.
115. Record a podcast episode about a unique aspect of your practice area.
116. Use Canva to design eye-catching graphics for your posts.
117. Analyze your competitors’ online presence and identify gaps you can fill.
118. Publish a holiday greeting or update to stay top-of-mind with clients.
119. Create a “behind-the-scenes” video showcasing your team in action.
120. Review your ad performance data and adjust strategies for better ROI.
Client Experience and Retention
121. Send personalized thank-you notes to your top clients and referral sources.
122. Develop a client onboarding checklist to ensure a smooth start.
123. Automate client appointment reminders via text or email.
124. Implement a CRM system to better track client interactions.
125. Create a client satisfaction survey and analyze the feedback.
126. Offer a free initial consultation to attract new clients (or start charging for consults to save your time)
127. Build a loyalty program for repeat clients. (maybe not for criminal lawyers…)
128. Develop a step-by-step guide for clients to understand your process.
129. Schedule regular check-ins with current clients to update them on progress.
130. Create a referral reward system to encourage word-of-mouth promotion.
131. Develop a crisis management plan for handling dissatisfied clients.
132. Train staff on active listening techniques for client calls.
133. Design a “Client of the Month” recognition program.
134. Offer a discount or bonus service to loyal clients.
135. Conduct a yearly review of client files for potential follow-up opportunities.
136. Write a blog or article addressing common client concerns.
137. Ensure your team has business cards to distribute to potential clients.
138. Create a feedback loop for clients to suggest improvements.
139. Add a “Client Stories” section to your website.
140. Offer a chatbot for greater convenience.
141. Record a video explaining your firm’s client service philosophy.
142. Review your fee structures for transparency and clarity.
143. Create a post-case follow-up template for gathering testimonials.
144. Offer a free resource or guide to help clients navigate their legal issues.
145. Partner with a local charity for a cause your clients care about.
146. Host a client appreciation event, in-person or virtual.
147. Build a library of client educational resources, such as PDFs or videos.
148. Send holiday cards to past and current clients.
149. Develop a satisfaction guarantee or similar reassurance.
150. Surprise a client with an unexpected gesture of appreciation.
Networking and Referrals
151. Schedule a coffee meeting with a potential referral source.
152. Attend a local business networking event.
153. Write a LinkedIn recommendation for a colleague or referral source.
154. Host a lunch-and-learn session for local professionals.
155. Create a shared resource with a referral source, such as a co-branded guide.
156. Join a professional association related to your practice area.
157. Follow up with attendees from a recent networking event.
158. Offer to guest speak at a local university or organization.
159. Organize a virtual happy hour for referral sources.
160. Reach out to three dormant contacts and rekindle connections.
161. Write a thank-you email to someone who referred a client recently.
162. Connect with a local nonprofit organization for community engagement.
163. Join a new online group relevant to your industry.
164. Host a free workshop for small businesses or entrepreneurs.
165. Volunteer your time at a community event.
166. Send a small gift to your top referral sources as a token of appreciation.
167. Collaborate with another firm on a joint project or case.
168. Start a group for professionals in your area to discuss best practices.
169. Invite a referral source to a fun activity, such as a sporting event or golf outing.
170. Share a helpful article with a potential referral source.
171. Write a blog post highlighting the work of a referral source.
172. Develop a referral packet that explains how your firm handles cases.
173. Schedule monthly check-ins with your best referral sources.
174. Speak at a local networking group meeting.
175. Create a “How to Refer to Us” page on your website.
176. Share a post tagging a referral source in a positive story.
177. Write an article for a local newsletter about collaboration opportunities.
178. Attend a webinar or seminar to meet professionals in your field.
179. Partner with a referral source to host a giveaway or contest.
180. Keep a spreadsheet to track your outreach efforts and their results.
Personal Growth and Leadership Development
181. Set aside 15 minutes daily for reading a book on leadership or self-improvement.
182. Join a mastermind group with other business leaders.
183. Hire a coach to refine your leadership skills. (I think I know one coach…)
184. Create a daily gratitude journal and write three things you’re thankful for.
185. Attend a leadership retreat or seminar.
186. Watch a TED Talk on a topic relevant to personal growth or leadership.
187. Commit to a morning routine that includes exercise, mindfulness, and planning.
188. Take a personality assessment (like DISC or StrengthsFinder) to better understand your strengths.
189. Create a vision board for your professional and personal goals.
190. Schedule weekly reflection time to assess wins and areas for improvement.
191. Read a biography of a leader you admire. (bonus points if it’s over 1000 pages…because…words!)
192. Build a list of affirmations to use during challenging times.
193. Write a letter to your future self about where you hope to be in 5 years.
194. Take a course on emotional intelligence.
195. Practice active listening in meetings and one-on-ones with your team.
196. Develop a habit of asking for feedback from peers and employees.
197. Create a playlist of motivational podcasts or audiobooks.
198. Work on public speaking by joining a group like Toastmasters.
199. Take 30 minutes to write down your leadership philosophy.
200. Set clear boundaries between work and personal life to maintain balance. This might mean using booking links so you stop being scheduled (or scheduling yourself) too late in the day.
201. Identify a bad habit to break and replace it with a positive one.
202. Learn a new skill outside of law that interests you.
203. Commit to mentoring one junior lawyer or staff member.
204. Keep a list of books to read next year and schedule time to finish them (yes my top 10 list is coming out soon if you need book ideas).
205. Start a new physical activity like yoga, running, or a martial art.
206. Write a thank-you note to someone who has inspired you.
207. Learn about mindfulness techniques and try one daily.
208. Explore time-blocking as a method to increase productivity.
209. Build a personal mission statement for next year.
210. Celebrate small milestones in your leadership journey with your team.
Technology and Innovation
211. Audit your current tech stack for redundancy or inefficiency.
212. Implement a case management system if you don’t already use one…make a plan to actually use the one you do already own if you have one.
213. Explore automation tools to streamline administrative tasks.
214. Invest in secure cloud storage for client files.
215. Upgrade your office equipment to improve productivity.
216. Implement two-factor authentication to enhance security.
217. Train your team on cybersecurity best practices.
218. Review your website’s speed and mobile-friendliness.
219. Explore virtual receptionists to handle after-hours calls.
220. Use video conferencing tools for client meetings.
221. Set up automated email follow-ups for prospective clients.
222. Explore AI tools for drafting and editing legal documents…DO NOT SUBMIT FAKE CASES TO THE COURT.
223. Install project management software for team collaboration.
224. Develop an app or online portal for client communication.
225. Explore e-signature software for faster contract processing.
226. Research tools for tracking and analyzing referral sources.
227. Consider a chatbot for internal processes so your team doesn’t have to ask you 100 questions a day.
228. Attend a technology-focused legal conference.
229. Integrate scheduling software to simplify meeting coordination.
230. Set up a digital time-tracking system for billable hours.
231. Train your staff on the latest software updates.
232. Research and implement marketing automation platforms.
233. Build a library of video tutorials for client education.
234. Upgrade your office’s internet speed for smoother workflows.
235. Implement electronic payment options for clients.
236. Audit your IT support services for efficiency.
237. Create a tech training schedule for new hires.
238. Review your firm’s data backup system.
239. Explore using VR or AR for legal case presentations.
240. Stay updated on emerging legal tech trends through webinars and blogs.
Client Experience and Retention
241. Create a “welcome packet” for new clients that outlines the process and key contacts.
242. Send a handwritten thank-you note to every new client.
243. Develop a client satisfaction survey to be sent at key case milestones.
244. Host a client appreciation event or webinar.
245. Create a resource library on your website for common legal questions.
246. Set up an automated birthday or milestone email for clients.
247. Offer a free consultation follow-up to clients who don’t hire you initially.
248. Develop a “case closed” checklist to ensure all tasks are completed for every client.
249. Create a referral program that rewards clients for sending new business (when you ethically can).
250. Offer a quarterly newsletter with updates, legal tips, and success stories.
251. Review your client intake process for bottlenecks or inefficiencies.
252. Add personalized touches to your communication, like using their preferred name.
253. Use social proof, like testimonials, in all client-facing materials.
254. Create a “what to expect” video for clients during the intake process.
255. Regularly update clients on their case status, even when there’s no new information.
256. Develop a FAQ page to address common client concerns.
257. Offer clients a free “legal health check-up” at the end of their case.
258. Introduce a loyalty program for repeat clients or referrals.
259. Create templates for common client email responses to improve consistency.
260. Record client testimonials via video for more impact.
261. Automate a post-case follow-up asking for feedback or reviews.
262. Build a directory of trusted providers (therapists, financial advisors, etc.) for client referrals.
263. Identify top clients and send them a personalized holiday card or gift.
264. Set up a dedicated email for client support to streamline communication.
265. Use analytics to track client satisfaction trends over time.
266. Develop a client exit interview process to learn why clients may not return.
267. Create a guide to help clients refer others to your firm.
268. Host free informational workshops for clients on relevant topics.
269. Simplify your contracts to make them more client-friendly.
270. Celebrate case wins with your clients through a small token of appreciation.
Leveraging AI and Technology
271. Explore using AI-driven tools for document review to improve speed and accuracy.
272. Automate follow-ups with potential clients using AI-powered CRM systems.
273. Experiment with AI chatbots to handle routine inquiries on your website.
274. Use sentiment analysis tools to gauge the tone of client communications and adjust accordingly.
275. Create a machine-learning model to analyze historical case data and identify trends.
276. Deploy AI for email subject line testing to increase open rates.
277. Use generative AI to draft initial content for blogs or newsletters.
278. Incorporate AI transcription tools to document meetings and depositions effortlessly.
279. Train your team on ethical AI use in legal practice.
280. Automate repetitive tasks like calendaring deadlines with AI tools.
281. Use AI to benchmark your firm’s performance against competitors.
282. Invest in cybersecurity tools powered by AI to protect client data.
283. Use AI tools for faster note-taking during client meetings and take-aways.
284. Explore AI tools for enhancing virtual presentations with dynamic visual aids.
285. Set up AI monitoring for social media mentions of your firm.
286. Use predictive AI to identify which prospective clients are likely to convert.
287. Automate your billing process with AI to minimize errors and improve cash flow.
288. Leverage AI to create personalized marketing campaigns for specific client segments.
289. Use data visualization AI to make financial or case data more accessible to your team.
290. Develop a custom AI model to assess case strengths and weaknesses.
291. Implement AI tools to simplify legal research and case law analysis.
292. Integrate AI scheduling assistants to optimize appointment booking for clients.
293. Experiment with AI tools for video editing to enhance client-facing content.
294. Use AI to monitor your website’s SEO performance and suggest improvements.
295. Train your team on how to work alongside AI without losing the human touch.
296. Incorporate AI tools for dispute resolution simulations to prepare for cases.
297. Set up AI-driven alerts for changes in relevant laws or regulations.
298. Explore AI for automated contract drafting and risk assessments.
299. Use AI to enhance your client intake forms by dynamically adjusting based on responses.
300. Host a webinar on how your firm uses AI to benefit clients.
Personal Life and Work-Life Balance
301. Schedule a day each month just for yourself (no work allowed).
302. Set weekly boundaries for work hours to avoid burnout.
303. Create a family calendar and share it with loved ones to align schedules.
304. Plan a vacation for the middle of the year to recharge.
305. Start journaling daily to reflect on wins and challenges.
306. Set a goal to read at least one non-legal book per month.
307. Explore hobbies that are completely unrelated to law, like painting or hiking.
308. Take a class on mindfulness or meditation to reduce stress.
309. Schedule one unplugged weekend per quarter (no screens allowed).
310. Set limits on the number of networking events you attend per month if it’s too many…or calendar some if it’s too few.
311. Dedicate one weekend a month to family or personal relationships.
312. Create a daily gratitude practice to focus on positives.
313. Schedule time for physical activity every day, even if it’s just a 15-minute walk.
314. Invest in ergonomic furniture to improve your home office setup.
315. Plan a monthly “date night” with your significant other…pro-tip plan it weekly!
316. Set up an annual health check-up appointment to prioritize wellness.
317. Commit to trying one new recipe each week.
318. Block off 30 minutes daily for “me time” to recharge.
319. Organize your personal finances and review them quarterly.
320. Start a DIY home project you’ve always wanted to try.
321. Join a local club or activity group to expand your personal network.
322. Explore apps that encourage mindfulness, like Headspace or Calm.
323. Set a sleep goal and stick to it for better energy during the day.
324. Make a bucket list and cross off at least one item this year.
325. Write handwritten notes to reconnect with old friends.
326. Schedule regular catch-ups with mentors or non-legal friends for fresh perspectives.
327. Commit to drinking more water daily for better health.
328. Take a class to learn a new skill, like photography or cooking.
329. Dedicate one morning a month to a personal passion project.
330. Plan a yearly family photo shoot to capture memories.
Hodgepodge – The Best Ideas Yet
331. Host an “ask me anything” event for potential clients on social media.
332. Create a “lessons learned” guide from the past year’s wins and mistakes.
333. Develop a legal-themed trivia night for networking or team-building.
334. Audit your website for outdated content and refresh it.
335. Build a “case study” library showcasing your firm’s success stories.
336. Start a monthly firm newsletter tailored to referral sources.
337. Create a checklist for potential clients to prepare before their consultation.
338. Research scholarships or grants available to law firms and apply.
339. Offer free workshops for small businesses on legal topics.
340. Record a video tour of your office to make your firm feel more approachable.
341. Partner with local schools to offer career talks about the legal field.
342. Organize a team book club to discuss leadership or industry trends.
343. Create a series answering common legal questions.
344. Send a “check-in” email to dormant clients to re-engage them.
345. Host a quarterly town hall meeting for your team to share updates.
346. Build a checklist of KPIs to review weekly, monthly, and quarterly.
347. Develop a referral guide for clients that explains how and why to refer.
348. Set up a mentorship program within your firm to foster growth.
349. Create “day in the life” content to showcase your firm’s culture.
350. Attend a public speaking workshop to sharpen presentation skills.
351. Collaborate with a local artist to create branded merchandise for your firm.
352. Research pro bono opportunities that align with your firm’s values.
353. Write a guest post for a non-legal blog to expand your audience.
354. Create a new service package for a specific niche of clients.
355. Develop a “contactless” client intake option for convenience.
356. Audit your billing process to ensure it’s transparent and client-friendly.
357. Organize a charity drive with your team for a local cause.
358. Write and publish a short eBook on a legal topic you specialize in.
359. Host a networking dinner for top referral sources in your area.
360. Invest in branded items like notebooks or water bottles for giveaways.
361. Create an FAQ page addressing common questions from potential clients.
362. Create a resource hub on your website with downloadable guides and templates.
363. Launch a podcast featuring interviews with experts on legal and business topics.
364. Design a workflow automation to improve client communication and efficiency.
365. Create a client feedback survey to gather insights for service improvement.
And there you go! 365 things to do to live a better life and run a better firm next year. Seriously though, the ideas aren’t the biggest thing, it’s the execution and accountability…so if you need help with that, just ask…I’ve got your back.Next week I will be talking about The Wealth Ladder, until then…pick 1 of these things to do and then move to the next one.
Until Next Friday, Jordan
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