282: Sensible & Satisfying Productivity (with David Sparks)
Release Date: 05/07/2024
283: Finding & Working with Overseas VAs (with Gabriel Marous)
The 80/20 Principle
Gabriel Marous is a New York business lawyer who runs his firm, making extensive use of VAs based in the Philippines. He had to figure out for himself how to recruit, hire, train, and manage his team of 10 VAs. Now, he helps other lawyers and business owners do the same. In this episode, you'll learn how he started doing this, what mistakes he made and overcame, and how you can take advantage of overseas VAs just like he has done. In this episode, you will hear: Leveraging overseas virtual assistants in business Transitioning to overseas virtual assistants Setting up virtual team operations...
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282: Sensible & Satisfying Productivity (with David Sparks)
The 80/20 Principle
How can you be more productive and enjoy doing so? Merely checking off boxes on a To-Do list isn't the answer. Attorney David Sparks has the best answer I've come across, and he explains it very well. David is exceptionally productive in juggling a mind-boggling number of responsibilities. Listen and learn David's incredible secrets to being productive in a way that enables you to accomplish a lot while feeling good (and not stressed). In this episode, you will hear: Productivity tips for attorneys Productivity and prioritization in modern life Finding meaning and accountability Finding...
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281: The 5 Biggest Mistakes in Using Technology (and How to Avoid Them)
The 80/20 Principle
As we all know, modern technology can create powerful leverage in any business. Unfortunately, it's complex and rapidly changing, which creates big challenges—especially for lawyers. Most lawyers lack the instincts to know what to focus on and prioritize, so they often make big mistakes when using technology. Fortunately, the five biggest mistakes can be avoided if you know what they are and how to avoid them. Listen and find out how. In this episode, you will hear: Avoiding lawyer technology adoption mistakes Avoiding technology mistakes in law Leveraging technology for maximum...
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280: Update on Generative AI Chatbots & How Lawyers Can Use Them Safely
The 80/20 Principle
AI Chatbots powered by GPT-4 technology are improving rapidly so the opportunities are expanding for lawyers who want to leverage this to improve aspects of their practices. But which GPT4 chatbots are best? And what are the best opportunities for using them in your practice? That's what we'll cover in this episode. In this episode, you will hear: The emergence of generative AI chatbots and their implications for the legal industry Maximizing the features of advanced AI writing models The use of RAG and proprietary data to mitigate AI “hallucinations” Strategic use of AI...
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279: LinkedIn Networking: How to "Work the Room"
The 80/20 Principle
LinkedIn is a goldmine for professional referrals. Think of it as a 24-hour networking event that runs 365 days a year. You can "attend" asynchronously and easily generate new referrals without spending a lot of time "working the room.” In this episode, you will hear: 24/7 receptionist and chatbot services Unlocking LinkedIn's potential Crafting effective taglines for lawyers Optimizing LinkedIn profile for SEO Leveraging linkedin for networking success Resources from this Episode My LinkedIn post about "" Justin Welsh's Justin Welsh's ($150 or $97) Justin Welsh's...
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278: How to Get More Out of Podcasts You Listen to (Snipd)
The 80/20 Principle
Podcasts are valuable troves of knowledge. And yet it's notoriously challenging to capture insights and take notes on things you want to remember. But now there's a magic solution that you'll definitely appreciate knowing about that you'll learn all about in this episode. In this episode, you will hear: Leveraging podcasts for professional growth Essential features for podcast listening Features and benefits of Snipd app Leveraging 80/20 Principle for success Resources from this Episode of : (podcast) Cal Newport's (e.g., Episode 287 on ) I did for folks in (to participate in...
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277: Traction Business Coaching for Law Firms (w/ Kellam Parks)
The 80/20 Principle
In this episode, you'll learn how a Virginia lawyer found the best business coach to help his firm implement principles from the popular book “” (by Gino Wickman). Listen as Kellam Parks shares the process he used to research and vet candidates, and why he says the decision to hire a coach was "transformative." He also explains exactly why the principles in Traction are so helpful in growing a modern law practice. In this episode, you will hear: The benefits of applying the business book "Traction" to law practices Some challenges traditional law firms face Understanding the concept...
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276: Privacy vs Security: Top Tips to Avoid Hackers
The 80/20 Principle
Hackers repeatedly use the same common ploys to fool most people most easily. Avoid becoming a victim by learning about these ploys and by using a tech tool that too many people do not know about (or use if they do know). In this episode, you'll learn about six excellent recommendations the AARP believes can protect people online. And learn more about the one that's most beneficial for everyone who uses the Internet via computer, tablet device, or smartphone. In this episode, you will hear: Technology in efficient law practices The importance of automated scheduling The benefits of...
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275: Frictionless Scheduling (with Calendly, etc.)
The 80/20 Principle
Traditional ways of scheduling appointments have too much friction, so lawyers should now adopt automated scheduling technology like that offered by Calendly. When you use this type of tool, you'll be able to do more deep work without being bogged down with scheduling appointments or getting interrupted during peak work time. In this episode, you'll learn exactly why automated scheduling will help you save time and avoid frustration. And you'll learn how to optimize it for your practice. In this episode, you will hear: Embracing tech for law practice efficiency: using Loom and Calendly...
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274: The Year of Ninja Lawyering
The 80/20 Principle
The year 2024 is the year of Ninja Lawyering for solo and small firm lawyers who want frictionless efficiency, financial freedom, and flexibility to work less and enjoy life more. The key is leveraging technology strategically by focusing on a few key tools, the first of which we'll discuss in this episode. If you start using this tool, your practice will start to transform itself in mind-boggling ways. In this episode, you will hear: Introduction to Ninja Lawyering: Strategies for solo and small law firm efficiency using technology and the 80/20 principle. Exploration of 12 transformative...
info_outlineHow can you be more productive and enjoy doing so? Merely checking off boxes on a To-Do list isn't the answer. Attorney David Sparks has the best answer I've come across, and he explains it very well.
David is exceptionally productive in juggling a mind-boggling number of responsibilities. Listen and learn David's incredible secrets to being productive in a way that enables you to accomplish a lot while feeling good (and not stressed).
In this episode, you will hear:
- Productivity tips for attorneys
- Productivity and prioritization in modern life
- Finding meaning and accountability
- Finding purpose and productivity
- Productivity and time management for lawyers
Resources from this Episode
- MacSparky - David Sparks' website
- Day One - Journaling app mentioned in the conversation
- Motion - Tool for automatic calendar adjustments
- "Start with Why" by Simon Sinek - Book mentioned in the conversation
- Arete - Concept discussed, related to Greek philosophy
- David Sparks' productivity field guide: Use this discount code: Goldfish
- Chris Bailey's Website - Explore more about Chris Bailey and his productivity insights
- Check out my Inner Circle (to participate in ongoing discussions about tech tools I discuss and recommend)
- Readwise (will be discussed in an upcoming episode)
- Check out this Law-Tech Assessment if you want specific recommendations for improving based on the technology you're using in your practice
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.
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Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.