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Jim Hacking & Tyson Mutrux
Are you running or starting your own law firm? This is your podcast.
Right Around the Corner from Greatness with Jim and Tyson
Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREIn this live-recorded episode, Jim and Tyson, delve into the intricacies of managing a law practice. They discuss the critical role of honest self-assessment in recognizing a firm's downward trends, such as cash flow issues and ineffective marketing. They also dive into the importance of understanding firm metrics, which metrics matter and why. As well as mistakes they’ve made in the past and what to know to avoid them. They also explore the challenges of filtering out low-quality leads, refining intake processes, and aligning marketing efforts with the firm's focus areas. Client managementProactive communicationClient feedback to improve services If you feel like your firm is right around the corner from greatness, dig into the data-driven strategies and a strong, client-centered firm culture for skyrocketing your firms success.01:59 The importance of identifying signals that things are trending in the wrong direction 05:22 The importance of monitoring and addressing cash flow problems13:09 Tracking leads, holding team members accountable, and the impact of low expectations on performance16:35 Signs that marketing is not working20:37 Strategies for improving conversion rates 28:35 Identifying red flags in client management34:23 Creating and implementing core values 41:48 The necessity of having a system to ensure important tasks are completed before progressing to the next stageJim’s Hack: Be on the lookout for people or yourself that use the words: “Sort of …” This is a red flag word phase that means you need to pay attention and clean something up.Tyson’s Tip: Go back and look at the last ten leads that you lost and see if you can identify the trend. Tune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here.
50:4214/05/2024
Struggling with the Vision of Your Law Firm?
Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREAre you a law firm owner who is struggling with mapping out your goals? In this episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, co-host Tyson Mutrux explores the critical role of having a clear vision for both your law firm and personal life.Many law firm owners struggle with creating a vision for themselves and their own businesses. Tyson shares the creation of his tool, the vision finder and what rules are needed for people to create their vision. These rules include writing your thoughts down on paper and sitting down to let your mind wander. Tyson also goes through some of the personal vision questions law firm owners should ask themselves to understand where they want to be. It is best to think about how you perceive yourself and how others perceive you as well as thinking about who the most important people in your life are. These rules and questions in this tool are meant to help you create a vision that you see for yourself.Take a listen to learn more about this great tool.00:24 The struggle with creating a vision for law firm owners 2:09 Detailed rules for creating a vision4:58 Questions and considerations for personal visionTune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here.
14:1711/05/2024
Precedent: Rethinking How Claims are Settled Between Law Firms and Insurance Carriers with Jim Andrews
Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREAre you looking for a way to streamline your law firm’s efficiency with claims? In this episode of the Maximum Lawyer podcast, Becca Eberhart chats with Jim Andrews about his innovative platform, Precedent, which aims to improve the efficiency of attorney-handled claims. Jim shares what Precedent is trying to achieve within the legal space. Precedent tries to bridge the communication gap that exists between plaintiff firms and insurance carriers, which can be a complicated relationship. Since both areas work with each other frequently and still use outdated methods to share information, Precedent uses AI to streamline and standardize administrative tasks and communication.Jim shares how AI is being used to reduce timelines for claims making their way between both industries. One of the features of the AI technology being used is extracting all the necessary information insurance carriers need from documents the legal firm provides. When it comes to this important information, the system can identify missing or incorrect information on the spot. Since it can be spotted quickly, it provides legal firms the ability to adjust and change what is needed. This ultimately limits the need for unnecessary and lengthy communication between both sides.Take a listen to learn more about Precedent!00:23 The mission of Precedent1:29 The communication problem between firms and insurance carriers13:04 The implementation of AI in streamlining injury cases17:43 Addressing the communication problemTune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here. Connect with Jim:WebsiteLinkedin
37:5207/05/2024
Unleashing the Power of Funnel Marketing with Julie Chenell
Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREAre you a lawyer who is looking for a new way to improve your marketing capabilities? In this engaging episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, Jim and Tyson delve into the world of digital marketing with expert Julie Chanel where they discuss success in building sales funnels.Julie shares the concept of a sales funnel and how it can be used for marketing a business. A sales funnel is simply a website that usually comes out of social media and calls for a consumer to take action. As it relates to the legal field, lawyers can use funnels such as a Google Ad to get potential clients to think about making that call. Funnels are so important for lawyers because people are not getting a lawyer until they are in crisis, so you need to be top of mind at all times.Julie provides examples of the different types of funnels lawyers can use to reel in clients. One funnel includes those that are helpful to a potential client. This could be an ad targeting a generic legal matter that a lot of people may encounter in their lifetime. Retargeting funnels exist on social media platforms as reminders after someone has visited your website. It is a way to stay in a potential client’s mind in case a time comes where they need your help.Take a listen to learn more about integrating sales funnels in your practice!Jim's Hack: Talk to people who are not lawyers about business development. It provides different perspectives on how they do business and learn different skills.Julie’s Tip: Send things like landing pages and follow up emails to 5 people who work in different industries. This will allow you to get feedback on how your work is interpreted.Tyson's Tip: Make a note when you speak to a client that involves a personal or positive event so that when you speak to the client again, it can be brought up as a conversation starter. It is a great way for the client to feel seen and heard.6:49 The concept of sales funnels 9:52 The significance of the top and bottom of the funnel15:51 Exploring the potential use of funnels for injury attorneys 22:15 Insights into the marketing techniques used by non-lawyers Connect with Julie:WebsiteInstagram Facebook Linkedin Youtube TwitterTikTok
29:0930/04/2024
Is Unbridled Optimism Holding You Back? Exploring the Downside with Jim Hacking and Tyson Mutrux
Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREDo you struggle with keeping realistic expectations? In this episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, Tyson and Jim share their insights on unbridled optimism and how it relates to the field of law.Unbridled optimism involves the idea of being overly optimistic and not focusing on the right things. Jim and Tyson share the reasons why people tend to act this way. For some, it is done to avoid having negative conversations. Being optimistic turns your mind away from potential downfall or feelings of heartache. As it relates to the legal field, it is important to see a problem and figure out how to address it. For Jim and Tyson, it could be seeing a dip in email signups, thinking about why it happened and finding ways to solve the problem.Jim and Tyson share the importance of accurate thinking. Things are not always going to go your way and decisions you think are good will not deliver perfect results every time. Accurate thinking involves being realistic about the outcomes of situations. Setting benchmarks can help create action. If something does not go according to plan, set a benchmark or action that will lead to another result.Listen in to learn more!1:35 Discussion on the negative impact of unbridled optimism11:18 Explanation of the Stockdale Paradox13:04 Importance of accurate thinking and setting benchmarksTune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here.
27:2423/04/2024
Team Inbox: A Place to Centralize Emails with Tyson Mutrux
Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREIn this episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, co-host Tyson Mutrux delves into the advantages of shared inboxes for law firms, as they can enhance team collaboration and efficiency. Tyson provides a detailed look at Zoho Team Inbox's features, such as customizable views and email templates, which streamline communication within legal teams. Listen in!03:15 The benefits of using team inboxes, including improved collaboration, productivity, and reduced response times04:07 The various features of Zoho Team Inbox, such as customizable views, email assignment, chat integration, snooze option, and email templates.08:13 How to use client names as tags, integration with automation rules, and the importance of integrating with case management systems.09:05 Analytics and reports available for law firm owners, including email response tracking, activity logs, encryption, two-factor authentication, and role-based access.Tune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here.Ask us a question about starting your own law firm here. Peak Performance Intensive with Dr. Jason Selk, sign up here.
11:2620/04/2024
Becoming a Law Firm Owner as a Second-Career Success with Bill Gshwind
Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREAre you someone who is looking to transition into law? In this engaging podcast episode, Jim and Tyson sit down with Bill Gshwind of Minnesota Construction Law, who shares his unique journey into law after a 25-year tenure in business.Bill shares lessons learned from a business failure which led to a transition into the legal field. After spending over 5 years owning a business where many financial mistakes were made, Bill decided to take a chance and sell the business after realizing he had lost control. Transitioning into the legal field came from working with a lawyer who did not understand him as a small business owner. From that point on, Bill dedicates his time working with clients in which he understands what their needs are as business owners.Bill provides insight in his decision making processes and how it structures his firm. One thing Bill has implemented is strategic planning, which involves long term planning and mapping out how you will get to your goals. This can ultimately lead to certain decisions being made to ensure that goal is reached. Bill also shares the importance of ensuring the responsibility for the performance of work is not put on a client. It is important that lawyers are doing what they are hired to do and have clients leave feeling satisfied.Take a listen to learn more!Jim's Hack: Tell clients that: Just because you can doesn't mean you should.Tyson's Tip: Get your blood tested.12:16 The impact of the business failure on the decision-making process18:38 The challenges of the billable hour system 19:24 The importance of delivering value to clients 22:27 Using tools to solve client problemsTune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here. Connect with Bill:Website Instagram Facebook X Linkedin
31:5416/04/2024
Creating and Using Your Target Lists with Tyson Mutrux
Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREIn this episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, co-host Tyson Mutrux explores the strategic use of target lists in law firms. Target lists are more than just a to-do list; they are a strategic tool (spreadsheet) that can focus your firm's efforts on specific cases, ensuring that you're not just busy, but productive. By identifying the cases that are most likely to be resolved within a quarter, you can allocate your resources effectively and increase your chances of success. This approach is about working smarter, not harder. Listen into the full episode to hear how Tyson does this!02:51 The components and tracking methods of target lists04:43 How target lists allow teams to focus on specific casesTune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here.Ask us a question about starting your own law firm here!Peak Performance Intensive with Dr. Jason Selk, sign up here!
07:1613/04/2024
Flourishing in Law: A Journey from Big Law to Boutique Firm with Lauren Klein
Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREAre you a lawyer who is thinking about starting their own firm? In this episode of the Maximum Lawyer podcast, Jim and Tyson speak with Lauren Klein, co-founder of Flourish Law Group. Lauren shares her transformative journey working in a large firm to starting her own boutique firm.Lauren provides some insight on the challenges and rewards that come with leaving Big Law and starting a small firm. One of the rewards is the focus on marketing. For small law firms, there is flexibility to focus on the clients you want to and design a marketing plan that is unique and not controlled by a larger company. Another reward that comes with having your own firm is the ability to control the delegation of tasks and create a system or workflow that works for you as the owner.Transitioning from big law to a small firm owner can allow you to help guide new law school graduates. Most new graduates are eager to work in big firms because it means more money and more success. But, Lauren dismisses that idea in that the team and culture you have regardless of the size of the firm is what matters. Asking questions about work life balance as well as what a typical day looks should be used to make a decision.Listen in to learn more from Lauren!Jim's Hack: The phrase “first party data” which are the emails and phone numbers of people who consume your content. From an analytics perspective, it is important to know who is watching your content and how to connect with them.Lauren’s Tip: Do not fall into the trap of thinking that in order to become a successful attorney, you need to be overworked, unhappy and unhealthy. Tyson's Tip: Just let it go. If you are having feelings of resentment or anger towards someone, just try to find a way to let it go and focus on yourself.2:57 The challenges and rewards of starting a law firm6:30 The struggle of delegation16:01 Experiences in big law 28:19 The myth of overwork in the legal profession Tune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here.Connect with Lauren:Website Instagram
34:0009/04/2024
Setting Up Your Quarterly Meeting with Tyson Murtux
Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREAre you looking for ways to spice up your team meetings? In the latest episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, Tyson reflects on his law firm's recent quarterly meeting, which embraced a "Future is Bright" theme. Tyson shares the activities that occurred during the firm's quarterly meeting that can be impactful for staff. Activities included functional games that had a purpose. Some included playing games where you would get feedback from colleagues or games to get to know each other. The goal for these activities is to share ideas that could lead to a change in how something is done in the workplace or the implementation of a new process. Another aspect of these quarterly meetings is to go over the company’s core values, mission as well as the review of the past 4 months to see what has been accomplished.Listen in to learn how to incorporate Tyson’s ideas into your quarterly meetings!1:35 Explanation of the theme for the quarterly meeting 4:32 Description of the light-hearted activities that happen during the meeting7:03 Discussion and sharing of simple yet impactful ideas10:01 Review of priorities and future focus for the upcoming quarterTune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here.
14:0606/04/2024
Key Considerations for Hiring a Digital Marketing Agency with RizeUp Media
Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREAre you a law firm owner who needs to market their firm better? In this insightful episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, Jim and Tyson engage with Vaidas and Steve from RizeUp Media to explore the intricacies of selecting a digital marketing agency. When searching for a marketing agency, it is important to find one that aligns with your goals as a firm. Vaidas and Steve share a few red flags to look out for and some things to consider. One red flag is working with a company that does not truly understand the vision of a law firm and what the firm needs from a marketing standpoint. Marketing a firm involves a lot of things, including knowing who your audience is and where they are located. A good marketing agency is going to do the research and work with you to determine these factors.When it comes to the relationship between a firm and a vendor, like a marketing agency, communication is key to a successful partnership and results that will make the firm money. For a firm it is important to let your partner know what is and isn't working. To maintain consistent communication, set up recurring meetings for 15-30 minutes to go over how things are going for the firm as well as strategizing if a change is needed.Take a listen to learn more!RizeUp Media is offering Maximum Lawyer listeners a free competitive analysis of your competition and your market. They will review your current performance and compare it to your competition to help determine what you can do better. Claim yours here! Or email [email protected] or [email protected]'s Hack: Using the phrase “happy and grateful” which for him means something needs to get taken care of.Vaidas’s Tip: is to use the app Loom, which is a recording tool and can be utilized to record short videos or snippets to send to people.Steve’s Hack: is using legal directories as an analytics tool and seeing how many calls you get from individuals who have found your firm through a directory.Tyson's Tip: Use a Notebook LM which is a virtual AI assistant. You can upload documents and ask the tool anything which will then provide answers using those documents.2:49 Discussion on red flags when hiring a digital marketing agency7:51 Seeking exclusivity in their marketing partnerships.17:33 The importance of communication for successful partnerships 19:42 Importance of regular follow-ups and communication with clientsConnect with RizeUp Media:Website Instagram Facebook Linkedin X Tune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here.
40:5402/04/2024
Teammate of the Quarter Award?! with Tyson Murtux
Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREAre you a law firm owner that is looking for ways to show appreciation to your staff? In this episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, Tyson delves into the positive impacts of the "Teammate of the Quarter" award at his law firm. Tyson shares some highlights of the award and what makes it such a great aspect of the law firm. Since law firms are such busy environments, it can be difficult to stop, reflect and recognize the hard work of those who work at the firm. What this award does is cultivate a culture of appreciation for those that contribute to its success. Having a positive work environment is crucial to any successful law firm, and awards like the Teammate of the Quarter help achieve that goal.The Teammate of the Quarter award contributes to better collaboration and engagement amongst a team. The award allows for team members to get to know each other on a personal level and it can lead to better collaboration when working on tasks and projects. Tools like Zoho and Google Meets Polls can be utilized to create surveys for staff to provide their input on who the Teammate of the Quarter should be!Listen in to learn how to integrate this award within your firm!00:24 The benefits of the Teammate of the Quarter Award3:16 How the award drives a positive work environment10:28 The success of the award processTune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here.
11:4530/03/2024
Automating Legal Tasks: Making Lawyers' Lives Easier, One Click at a Time with Ali Zahid
Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREAre you a law firm owner who is thinking about integrating automation into your workflows? In this episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, Ali Zahid, CEO of LegalMate, delves into the transformative impact of legal tech on law firms. Ali shares the concept of LegalMate and what it tries to solve for law firms and lawyers alike. LegalMate is an automation platform that is integrated with CRM’s like Clio to streamline processes that would otherwise be done using traditional paper based methods. What makes LegalMate so efficient is it takes away the manual labor and gives time back to lawyers. Tasks like intake can be time consuming and using a paper based system is prone to error and can get lost if not filed properly. LegalMate does all the work for law firms and helps with keeping everything in order.When it comes to integrating automation with workflows, Ali recommends it is best to start small. This is more so for law firms that do not have an automation system in place at all. It can be tough for teams to adapt to a new system if too many things are being implemented at once. It will take time for teams to learn a new automation system and let go of the old way of working. For firms that have a process mapped out already or currently work with some kind of automation, it is still best to start small but aggressively expand to move things along quicker.Take a listen to learn more about automation in the legal space!1:42 How Legal Mate helps law firms streamline processes8:43 The process of assessing law firms' workflows 11:02 The approach for law firms to start small with automations 29:43 Discussion on injecting AI into workflows Connect with Ali:Website X [email protected]
37:3226/03/2024
The Most Effective Strategies for On-Camera Presence and Public Speaking Skills with Kerry Barrett
Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREAre you a lawyer that would like to work on their public speaking skills? In this episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, Jim and Tyson are joined by Kerry Barrett, an expert in on-camera media training for Fortune 500 companies. Kerry shares her insights on public speaking and offers tips for lawyers to improve their on-camera skills and connect with potential clients. Public speaking can be a very intimidating thing to overcome. For lawyers, public speaking is something that needs to be mastered as there are instances like tv work or in person court hearings and trials that provide the space to speak in front of people. Carrie provides some tips for lawyers to get over this hurdle. One way is to step outside of your comfort zone and find ways to make yourself and your name known to people. Apply to be on a podcast about the legal field or research media opportunities to network and let others know who you are. It is all about getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. Communicating to people as a lawyer can be a tricky task, especially if someone is not well versed in speaking with clients. One issue Kerry identifies for lawyers is that most speak to clients using legal terms. Clients do not know any legal jargon, so it is important to break down what is being said in simple terms. This also applies to lawyers who are speaking on camera. In this setting, lawyers are performing and not simply delivering information in a courtroom. What is being provided in terms of content needs to be laid out in a way that can be understood easily.Listen in to learn more from Kerry on public speaking!Jim's Hack: If you find yourself with a few minutes to spare, just pull out your phone and record a TikTok to see what happens. Get the content out there and then deal with graphics later on.Kerry’s Tip: When you are on stage or you're in front of a camera, there are two things you always need to have. One is a plan and one is presence. The plan is that you understand your delivery and the presence is what comes into play when all that other stuff goes sideways.Tyson's Tip: Ted Talk called the 100 Days of Rejection, where this guy puts himself through 100 days of possible moments of rejection from people. It is a great watch for those that struggle talking to people, being on stage or doing videos.4:19 Advice on teaching public speaking skills7:09 Discussion on common mistakes lawyers make on television17:14 How lawyers can build connections with potential clients20:06 How to use simple language for effective communicationTune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here.Connect with Kerry:WebsiteLinkedIn YouTubeInstagramFacebook TikTokPinterestBlog
34:0719/03/2024
How Do You Pay Yourself?
Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREAre you a law firm owner who is finding it difficult to manage finances? In this episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, Jim and Tyson delve into financial management within law firms.Many law firm owners struggle with financial management, especially when it comes to paying themselves a salary. Jim and Tyson share the importance of paying yourself as a law firm owner. There is discipline involved when establishing how much money you receive as an owner. Many law firm owners feel they can take however much they want because they are in charge and bring in clients. But, this mentality is how lawyers end up with a struggling business, so it is important to determine and maintain a balance.Jim and Tyson discuss the emotional and psychological challenges law firm owners face when it comes to handling finances. It is so easy to get lost in the amount of money that starts to come in when things get busy and more staff are hired. It is important to maintain good financial habits to ensure not only you as the owner are given a decent wage, but your employees and all necessary expenses are paid. Hiring a good accountant or bookkeeper for a firm is key to ensuring nothing is out of the ordinary.Take a listen to learn more about responsible financial management!Jim's Hack: Download the ChatGPT Apple iPhone app and just talk to it. You can ask it all types of questions and it gets better each day.Tyson's Tip: Challenge people to not drink for 30 days and see how it makes you feel.1:38 The importance of paying yourself a salary 15:20 The psychological barriers associated with financial management18:13 The importance of reflecting on financial mattersTune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here.
27:3512/03/2024
How to Part with an Employee with Tyson Mutrux
Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREIn this podcast episode, Tyson tackles the sensitive topic of employee termination. His tips include: acting promptly, communicating directly and respectfully, and having a termination plan, particularly for remote workers. Some of the points Tyson dive deeper in this episode is to avoid prolonging discussions during the termination meeting, being objective, and not disparaging the employee post-termination. You could also offer support for the employee's transition and being transparent with the team are also highlighted. It’s the leader's responsibility to make tough decisions for the firm's health which includes the tasks of parting with employees. But hopefully, these shared tips will make things a little easier. Listen in!01:31 Making the decision to part with an employee03:41 The preferred method of being direct and respectful when parting with an employee06:38 The importance of being open with the team about a termination07:33 Considering offering help to the terminated employee10:05 The necessity of seeking legal counsel and supportTune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here.
12:4909/03/2024
How You Can Successfully Navigate Business Divorces in Small Family-Owned Businesses with Margeaux Thomas
Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREAre you thinking about becoming your own boss and starting a law practice? In this podcast episode, Jim and Tyson interview Margeaux Thomas, a seasoned lawyer who specializes in business divorces. Margeaux shares her transition from working in a large firm to establishing her own practice.Margeaux provides some insights on establishing her own practice and some things she had to consider beforehand. One thing was connecting with other lawyers in her circle who provided some tips and tricks to getting started on her own and what was needed to become her own boss. Another thing was understanding that as a lawyer, you can always pivot and work at another firm if starting your own doesn't work out. This mentality helped Margeaux in becoming more confident in her ability to succeed.Margeaux shares her thoughts on how to partner up in a law firm and what to focus on. Looking at a business partnership like a marriage is something Margeaux tells people that come to her for advice. It is important to communicate to a potential business partner about the roles each person will have, finances and each other’s risk tolerance to decide if it is something to move forward with. It is also crucial to get a prenup or operating agreement to ensure both individuals are on the same page.Listen in to learn more!Jim's Hack: Read the book “Already Free” by Benjamin Hardy. It is about the intersection of psychotherapy and Buddhism and talks about the value of therapy.Margeaux Tip: Read the book “Domestic Assistant Advantage’' by Steve Riley. She learned to hire a personal assistant to help with personal tasks to expand her reach. https://amzn.to/3TmuDS8Tyson's Tip: Use TEMU to order office supplies.2:17 Discussion of learning curves 9:24 Insights on partnering in a law firm 14:26 The importance of building a team earlier when starting a businessTune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here. Connect with Margeaux:Website Facebook LinkedIn LinkedIn Office
27:4505/03/2024
Adjusting Your Office Hours with Tyson Mutrux
Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREIn this podcast episode, Tyson shares insights into his firm and the recently revised office hours. The firm shifted from team-specific hours to a more unified approach, introducing one mandatory 15-minute office hour from 12:45 pm to 1:00 pm, and two optional slots at 8:45 am and 3:45 pm, all in central time. This office hour change, aims to simplify scheduling, foster better communication, and improve productivity. 01:12 Tyson explains the new approach with mandatory and optional office hours03:09 Tyson details the new office hours structure, providing flexibility and opportunities for communication within the firm05:17 The positive impact of the changes to office hours and encourages feedback from the listenersTune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here.
07:3502/03/2024
Enhancing Efficiency: Kanban Boards for Legal Workflow Management with John Grant
Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREAre you a law firm owner who needs a tool to visualize the work of your team? In this podcast episode, Jim and Tyson interview John Grant about implementing the Kanban methodology in legal practices.John provides some insight on what the Kanban methodology is and why it is such a great thing to add to law firms. Kanban boards are used in the project management space and can be used as a tool to outline work. It is often used in scrum meetings among teams to break down goals. For example, if a team is working on a project to streamline the intake process, a Kanban board can be used to visualize how that process can go using columns and cards. They are meant to allow users to see workflows and identify areas where there is a roadblock. It can be customized to the likeness of any team!John shares some of the templates he has created that can help law firms succeed. One is a litigation workflow, which can be used to help outline a case. There is a column for intake and research, one for strategy, one for mediation/negotiation and then one for the trial process. This lays out the whole case in front of you which when visualized can help see the whole picture. The transactional template is similar but might not include a trial phase.John provides a few examples of different types of Kanban boards. One of them is BusinessMap, which is great for large firms due to the amount of users that can utilize it at once. KanbanZone is another tool that is great for lawyers as there are functionalities that work well for the type of work lawyers do. Choose a Kanban board that works for your firm to maximize its great benefits!Listen in to learn more from John Grant!Jim's Hack: Read the book “10 X is Better than 2 X”, by Dan Sullivan and Benjamin Hardy. There is a concept in the book about how we ease ourselves out of the day to day practice of the firm by using free days.John’s Tip: Make policies explicit. It is not just about what the policy is and what I want you to do, but getting to the why behind the policy. Tyson's Tip: Use sticky notes to start putting stuff on the walls as a starting ground.2:59 The Kanban methodology and its application in law firms7:36 The benefits of using visual Kanban boards to manage tasks12:51 Recommendations for tools like BusinessMap and Kanban Zone 15:46 Best practices for setting up a Kanban board for litigationConnect with John:Website FacebookLinkedin Tune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here.
34:5327/02/2024
The Art of Delegation with Tyson Mutrux
Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREAre you a law firm owner who is overworked and needs more support? In this episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, Tyson Mutrux discusses the crucial role of delegation in law firm management. Running a successful law firm is all about delegating tasks to other employees. Delegation is all about taking things off your plate and allowing yourself as an owner to focus on other important tasks. As an owner, you need to trust your team to do well and allow them to take on the responsibility of doing certain things. If you don’t have trust with your team, there will be no growth and you as a law firm owner will become overwhelmed and burnt out.Tyson identifies a few tasks that can be delegated to other team members. One of these are routine and repeat tasks such as scanning. Delegating this to another person can really take the stress off of an owner. You can even create a process for scanning that makes it more efficient. Legal research is another time consuming task that can be outsourced to a virtual assistant. Growth tasks such as drafting documents can be given to a junior staff member or a legal student to allow them to build that skill. Listen in to learn more about delegation.00:23 The importance and impact of delegation1:17 Tips for identifying routine tasks suitable for delegation5:57 The impact of delegation on team empowerment and growthTune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here. https://maximumlawyer.com/tysonmutrux641
08:1824/02/2024
Unleashing the Power of a Mastermind: Transforming Legal Practices
Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREAre you an attorney who is interested in joining a supportive group of fellow attorneys? In this podcast episode, Jim and Tyson explore the impact of their mastermind group for lawyers. Jim and Tyson discuss the great things that have happened since beginning the quarterly mastermind sessions. One of these things is the ability to learn different ways of doing things from lawyers of all backgrounds. There are multiple ways to succeed and many people tend to not realize that. But, sharing perspective in the mastermind has created this notion for members. Working in law can be stressful and competitive, but Jim and Tyson share how participants are able to network, share ideas, overcome struggles and get validation from their fellow attorneys. The mastermind sessions are all about fostering a supportive environment for attorneys to grow and learn.Jim and Tyson share their methods for preparing for mastermind sessions. Starting off the mastermind sessions with a few questions help set the tone for the day and get people thinking about their work habits, business decisions and how they interact with clients. Mastermind sessions are all about digging deep with members, helping them understand their problems and receive positive feedback from others.Take a listen to learn more!Jim’s Hack: If you find yourself in a rut doing the same thing over and over, just do one little thing differently to be disruptive.Tyson’s Hack: If you think that you may have hired too many people, go through an exercise of picking your top 6 people that you can’t work without to narrow it down.5:23 Exploring the benefits of running a mastermind7:30 The dynamics and perspectives of participants in the mastermind9:22 Planning and setting the tone for mastermind sessions23:04 Discussion on the importance of making small changes Tune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here.
29:4020/02/2024
Tip for Establishing KPI's (Key Performance Indicators)
Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREAre you a law firm owner who needs help measuring the success of your firm? In this podcast episode, Tyson delves into the creation and implementation of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for law firms. Establishing KPIs for law firms are important because they show how a firm is progressing and what needs to be done to further drive success. Setting up and maintaining KPIs can be difficult, but Tyson provides a few tips on how to customize KPIs and ensure they are working for the firm. It is important to ensure that KPIs are tailored to different roles. Staff within law firms have different tasks and roles and there will be different KPIs needed to measure them. For example, a KPI might be used to measure how many files a case manager reviews every week. But for a receptionist, a KPI could be an average call time or how many calls are being taken a day.Tyson shares the importance of reviewing your KPIs and adjusting them as the firm grows. KPIs also need to be adjusted with individual performance. Job tasks will change over time as people take on more responsibility or change the way they are doing their work. KPIs will need to change alongside this as they will reflect new ways of working. Make sure to communicate these KPIs to staff and let them know when and why they are being adjusted.Take a listen!2:05 Tips for customizing KPIs to align with the unique objectives4:41 Setting KPIs that are challenging and attainable for team members.6:27 Importance of reviewing and adjusting KPIs to align with evolving needs8:13 Tips for effectively communicating the purpose and importance of KPIsTune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here.
09:1617/02/2024
Mindful Money Moves: 16% Savings Through Annual Plans
In this episode of Maximum Lawyer, CEO Becca Eberhart shares a cost-saving tip for individuals and businesses: switch from monthly to annual subscriptions to potentially save 16% or more. Many services offer discounts for annual payments and urges listeners to actively review and manage their subscriptions. Becca advises checking for unused services and negotiating better deals, cautioning against long-term contracts that may limit flexibility. Listen in for encouragement and ideas to be proactive and mindful in financial management for immediate savings and long-term fiscal health.00:24 Opting for annual subscriptions instead of monthly ones03:54 The importance of actively reviewing and managing subscriptions05:14 Cautions against locking into long-term contractsTune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here.
06:2215/02/2024
Navigating the Challenges of a Law Firm with Jose de Wit
Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREAre you a new law firm owner who is struggling with running your business? In this episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, Jim and Tyson are joined by guest Jose de Wit, an immigration attorney who shares his journey of starting and running his own law firm as well as the challenges that exist.Jose shared the challenges that exist with owning a law firm. One challenge is finding people who are the right fit. Sometimes, it takes a few hires to find that one person that matches well with the owner and the goals of the firm. Hiring for a law firm is also determined based on how the firm will operate. It is important to decide if a front facing or virtual setting is what you want and hire based on that.Jose provides some tips for those who are hoping to run their own firm. Due diligence is an important aspect when becoming your own boss. There are some things that need to be ironed out at the start. Some of these things include setting up a bank account to receive payments and pay bills as well as seeking advice from other law firm owners in your circle. Platforms like LinkedIn are the perfect place to find other lawyers and make connections. Success in the law firm industry is all about networking and establishing good relationships!Listen in to learn more from Jose!Jim's Hack: Let’s push back on the idea that you need to get hiring perfect every time. Make note of what went right and didn't go right and change your strategy the next time around.Jose Tip: Read the book by Benjamin Hardy, which is about a layered approach to reading physical books and audiobooks, which can help you get through your reading list.Tyson's Tip: Try playing the game “A Moth Presents a Game of Storytelling”, which includes cards that are great conversational pieces.1:56 Challenges in running a law firm6:57 The use of LinkedIn 10:26 The decision-making process for hiring. Tune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here. Connect with Jose:Website Instagram FacebookLinkedin
27:2513/02/2024
Staff Allocation for Case Management to Maximize Efficiency
Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREHave you ever wondered what it takes to build a successful law practice? In this episode, Tyson takes a dive deep into the essentials of law firm growth and how to properly structure a firm for maximum efficiency. The way a firm is set up can really determine how well it will succeed. Tyson shares the successful method of structuring a law firm using the pod model. The pod model is a team of 3 people which is led by an attorney. They are supported by a case manager and a litigation assistant. This model ensures every attorney has 2 dedicated team members to help with their caseload. A benefit of this structure and why it works so well is the ability to cross train amongst the case manager and litigation assistant. That way staff are skilled in a few different things if there is a need to backfill.Tyson provides a few tips for law firm owners to use to make sure the pod model works well. Communication is a huge key to not only the success of the pod structure but managing teams as a whole. Scheduling regular team meetings within and outside pods is great to touch base on what is happening with cases. Another tip is the use of a communication tool like Clic or Slack to quickly reach other staff as a way to ensure people stay connected.Listen in to learn more!1:11 The benefits of structuring law firms using the pod model2:10 The distinct responsibilities of roles within the pod structure3:11 The advantages of the pod team structure5:55 Tips for successful team managementTune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here.
09:0210/02/2024
Never Allow Waiting to Become a Habit
In this podcast episode, Becca Eberhart, CEO of Maximum Lawyer, challenges the mindset of waiting for the perfect time to start a law firm. She walks through debunking the myth of needing perfection, ample resources, or complete knowledge to begin. It’s time to take action with what you have and that “waiting” is a waste of precious time. It’s time to embrace "good enough" and start before feeling fully ready, with action being your key to turning dreams into reality. It’s time to choose progress over excuses and to commit to starting a business without delay. Listen in and be encouraged.00:24 When you are waiting for the perfect time to start a business02:14 Successful businesses that started without the best equipment04:18 The regret of delaying, and the need to start before feeling readyTune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here.
05:4808/02/2024
Advice for Hiring Attorney’s: Shoulds and Shouldn'ts with Marc Lopez
Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREAre you a law firm owner who needs help running a firm? In this episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, Jim and Tyson speak with Marc Lopez, a seasoned criminal defense and personal injury attorney. They discuss the do’s and don’ts when it comes to running a law firmRunning a law firm is not a simple task. It involves a lot of moving parts and strategic planning. Part of this includes hiring the rights attorneys for a firm. Marc provides a few examples of what he considered when hiring for his firm. One thing is to not hire people that are similar to yourself because they will have the same downfalls. You want attorneys who have different ways of working and bring different ideas to the table, so there is a good balance. Marc shares some things he does as a law firm owner that helps with keeping things running smoothly. One hack is using the Otter App in the morning to take note of marketing ideas and ways to improve client satisfaction. This is then turned into actionable items that he can bring to the team. Maintaining communication with former clients is a good way to ensure consistent business. Whether it is sending birthday cards or newsletters, this is a good way to get referrals and become the law firm everyone goes to. Having a successful law firm is all about ensuring the client is happy.Take a listen to learn more about Marc Lopez.Jim’s Hack: Read the book “10 X is Easier Than 2 X” by Dan Sullivan and Ben Hardy, which talks about how people move from one level of success to another.Marc’s Tip: Read the book “Influenced” by Robert Cialdini, which outlines the best ways to market for a law firm.Tyson’s Tip: Sort your inbox for emails in which you have a clean inbox on one side and emails that need reviewing on the other side.5:26 Advice on managing a law firm14:12 Financial implications of law firms18:24 The benefits of working on weekends in a quiet environmentTune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here.Connect with Marc:Website InstagramFacebookX
27:4606/02/2024
How to Get Your Firm Ready for Your Vacation
Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREDo you need a vacation but don’t know how to prepare for it? In this podcast episode, Tyson underscores the importance of vacations for maintaining work-life balance and recharging. For business owners, it can be stressful to plan for a vacation without thinking about how the business will run while you are not there. Tyson shares some things to think about when planning a vacation and leaving the work to your team. Preparing for time off is all about strategically planning and figuring out who needs to oversee what and what needs to be worked on. In preparation, find a point person (for example, an executive assistant or office administrator) and brief them on everything that will need to be covered over the course of the vacation. If you have clients, let them know so they can contact your point person during that period.Briefing your team and delegating responsibility is a big part of prepping for a vacation as a business owner. Set some time aside to meet with your teams and figure out what is coming up during the time you will be away. Go over what needs to be delivered and how to respond to certain scenarios so there are no surprises. Tyson shares the importance of ensuring you have an out of office message with all the relevant contact information so people know who to reach out to. As a business owner, have trust that your team will be on top of things while you are gone!Take a listen.00:23 The need for strategic planning to take vacations3:53 Briefing the assistant 5:01 Briefing the team and clients prior to a vacation10:20 The importance of trusting the team during a vacationTune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here.
11:1903/02/2024
Breaking the 2X Barrier with Becca Eberhart
In this podcast episode, Becca Eberhart, CEO at Maximum Lawyer, explores the "10X is Easier Than 2X" principle for law firms. She discusses insights from a book by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy, emphasizing the need for a mindset shift from incremental growth to exponential thinking. Becca shares that envisioning a tenfold increase in business can lead to innovative strategies and a re-evaluation of challenges. She provides questions to help law firm owners adopt this mindset, encouraging them to set ambitious goals and rethink their approach to growth, ultimately redefining their firm's future.00:23 The concept of exponential growth and the mindset shift needed to achieve it01:13 The typical mindset of business growth in percentages and the limitations it poses02:18 The mindset shift to think beyond incremental improvements and brainstorm innovative strategies for explosive growth03:28 Questions and strategies to embrace the 10X mindset for transformative growth in law firms.07:15 Creating a roadmap for implementing 10X strategies and defining specific action steps and timelines.Tune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here.Resources:Join the Guild MembershipSubscribe to the Maximum Lawyer Youtube ChannelFollow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook GroupFollow the Facebook PageFollow us on LinkedIn
08:2701/02/2024
How Can Law Firm Owners Overcome the Fear of Delegating Tasks?
Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREAre you a law firm owner who is struggling with trusting others? In this podcast episode, Jim and Tyson discuss the reluctance of law firm owners to delegate and rely on others' expertise. Many law firm owners struggle with wanting to take on every task that exists within a firm. But, the reality is lawyers, like many other professionals, are experts in law and not experts in all areas needed for the success of a firm. Jim and Tyson share a few reasons why law firm owners choose to not delegate tasks to others. One reason is owners starting their career handling all aspects like bookkeeping, intake and scheduling and not being comfortable with letting that go. Another reason is not having the time to recruit or having a bad experience with too many other professionals. Jim and Tyson provide some solutions law firm owners can take to give some of the responsibility back to others so they can get back to doing what they do best. It is important to practice delegating tasks to other people. Think about one area that is taking up too much of your time and search for a tool, company or an individual who can come on board and take it over. Spend more time perfecting your craft as a lawyer and let go of those tasks that can be done by others. It is all about optimizing your time!Listen in to learn more.Jim’s Hack: Check out the podcast Tetragrammaton, which is about startup culture.Tyson’s Hack: Watch the Rick Rubin interview with Andrew Huberman where they discuss how to keep the body still while keeping the mind active.2:22 The challenges law firm owners face in delegating tasks4:17 The reasons why law firm owners may avoid hiring experts14:41 Proposed solutions to address the issueTune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here.
25:4630/01/2024
Time Blocking for Firm Communication
Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREIs your firm struggling when it comes to communication? In this episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, Tyson delves into the practice of time blocking for efficient firm communication. Many people who work in law firms deal with constant communication. Whether it be through slack, emails or text messages, there are multiple routes that are used to communicate. Staying connected is great, but the non-stop messages can be a problem for productivity. Tyson provides a few tips for using time blocking to help with communication. One tip is for law firms to block time for office hours. If you have one hour a day dedicated to office hours, this allows for staff to drop in and ask whatever questions they need instead of sending constant messages throughout the day.Time blocking can be used for focused work as well and can be adjusted to fit how you work best. If you find you're more focused in the morning, block a chunk of time from 9am-12pm. That way you can reserve the afternoon for meetings or other tasks. Some people work better in smaller blocks in which blocking a few one hour blocks throughout the day is better. It is important to communicate and enforce time blocking to your team so your firm can be more efficient.Listen in to learn more!2:15 Designated three sets of office hours to manage communication5:11 Providing flexibility through designated office hours9:27 Scheduling structured meetings for detailed discussions 10:11 The benefits of time blocking for focused work timeTune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here.
12:2627/01/2024
Three Game Changing Recommendations for a Simpler Life
Are you in need of some tools to upgrade the way you work? In this podcast episode, Becca Eberhart, CEO at Maximum Lawyer, shares tips on simplifying common tasks using digital tools.In this day and age, there are dozens of tools to use to make working better and more efficient. Becca shares 3 tips on how to use digital tools to your advantage. One tip is to use the website Unroll.me, which is a tool to tackle getting rid of spam and help unsubscribe from unwanted emails. This tool allows for you to take control of what comes into your email account. The second tip is to use Moonpig.com, which is a website that will help out with sending cards to people. For example, if you have a busy life and lose track of important dates, put that date into Moonpig, personalize the card and it will be delivered to whoever needs it. The last tip Becca provides is to use a free Amazon price tracker called Camel, Camel, Camel. We live in a time where the cost for everything is high, so this tool allows you to receive price drop alerts for your favourite items. This will allow you to decide when it is time to buy a product.Listen in to learn more about these great tools!1:25 A tool to manage email subscriptions2:30 A website for scheduling and personalizing cards for special occasions4:41 A free Amazon price tracker to monitor price history and set price drop alerts Tune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here.Resources:Join the Guild MembershipSubscribe to the Maximum Lawyer Youtube ChannelFollow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook GroupFollow the Facebook PageFollow us on LinkedIn
05:5625/01/2024
Revolutionizing Law Firm Management: Strategies for Success with Kevin Cheney
Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREIn this episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, Jim and Tyson talk with personal injury attorney Kevin Cheney about his Colorado law firm's evolution. They delve into the firm's staffing changes, Kevin's shifting role, and their unique bonus system. The addition of Kevin's brother to oversee business operations is a highlight, along with their approach to identifying and rectifying process weaknesses. Kevin emphasizes the importance of industry knowledge for decision-making and the need for new hires to immerse themselves in the firm's culture. The episode also touches on the nuances of legal business management, the life of a litigator, and the concept of radical responsibility.01:02 The transition of his role within the firm14:21 Identifying inefficiencies in the firm's processes and suggests improvements19:31 A patient approach to transitioning roles and building a lasting firm21:03 Understanding operations and identifying weaknessesJim’s Hack: Read the the book ”Limitless”, by Jim Kwik, and follow him for great free advice.Kevin’s Tip: Read the book “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck”, by Mark Manson, and embrace this idea of radical responsibility, which basically just means internally telling yourself that you are responsible for how you feel and everything that happens to you. I think it's great for business, but also personal life of just really understanding that you're in control of how you feel. And so if you don't like how you're feeling, you have the power to change it.Tyson’s Tip: Read the book, “33 Strategies of War”, by Robert Greene. It gives you little tips on how to manage day to day life, like going into a difficult situation and how to address that.Tune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here.Connect with Kevin:WebsiteFacebookInstagram
30:5223/01/2024
Nurturing High Velocity Decision Makers
Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREAre you a leader within a law firm who wants to empower their staff? In this episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, Tyson explores the concept of high-velocity decision-making within law firms. Tyson shares what the concept of high-velocity decision making is and why it is so important to have within a law firm. This concept, by Steve Bezos, is about empowering staff at the lowest levels to make decisions. Most times, these decisions are big and can have an impact on a company. This is more so if companies have staff who are front facing and deal with clients or customers on a daily basis. Empowering staff to make their own decisions can come with the risk of mistakes, but as law firm owners, it is important to communicate with staff that mistakes are part of the process. Tyson shares that allowing staff to make decisions will allow for things to be done faster instead of waiting for the go ahead from those in higher positions with more power.Empowering staff to make decisions will also allow for people to become more confident in themselves and their ability. Without this mentality, staff will become fearful to make the smallest decision or even make the smallest mistake at the risk of being fired. As law firm owners, having trust in your teams to make their own decisions, especially ones that affect their clients is key to a great work environment and makes you a good leader and decision maker.Take a listen.00:24 The importance of empowering team members 2:07 Encouraging a mindset that allows for mistakes6:36 The crucial role of giving team members permission to make mistakes7:29 Encouraging the nurturing of a mindset that allows for quick decision-makingTune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here.
09:0120/01/2024
Revealing the Unmatched Dynamics of In-Person Masterminds
Are you a lawyer who is interested in being a part of a community? In this podcast episode, Becca Eberhart, CEO of Maximum Lawyer, details the guild mastermind events, emphasizing their exclusivity for guild members and the advantages of attending. Becca shares details of what the Guild Mastermind event is. The Guild Mastermind are quarterly, in person events hosted in different cities around the United States. They take place over the course of a day and a half, with presentations and sessions. One of the key highlights is the hot seat session, which involves all members getting a turn presenting a current challenge to the group and then receiving feedback from the coaches and other members. Guild members are lawyers at different stages in their careers from different areas of the country. This brings a unique perspective to these events as other lawyers can learn from each other and network.Listen in to learn more about the Guild Mastermind!00:24 Welcome to the Guild!1:11 Details about the quarterly in-person events3:25 The advantages of networking with ambitious law firm owners 4:34 Comparison of guild coaching and mastermind membership levels Tune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here.
06:0318/01/2024
The Most Challenging Times: Navigating Layoffs
Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREAre you a firm owner who is struggling with layoffs? In this episode, Jim and Tyson discuss the difficult layoffs as well as the tough reality of letting people go due to a downturn in business.Jim and Tyson delve into the reasons why layoffs occur. Jim identifies the issue with spreading yourself too thin, in which too many responsibilities are given to too many people, when it doesn't have to be that way. Consolidating where necessary is a good way to keep responsibilities simple and not lead to paying for more employees when less are needed. Layoffs can also occur when a firm owner is thinking too far into the future instead of thinking about what is needed in the moment. For example, many firms experience fast growth. With fast growth comes more clients and therefore more lawyers or support staff. But, firms also experience downturns in work and if this is not documented and that fluctuation is not talked about, it can lead to issues with paying for staff.Listen in to learn more!7:04 Analyzing the factors contributing to the need for layoffs18:42 Discussing the consideration of shifting employees to different roles19:10 Discussion on the considerations and movements within the firmJim's Hack: We aren’t creating enough content! Create more content for marketing your firm. People are not going to get tired of you! Do more! Tyson's Tip: You can work harder and it’s not going to hurt you. Tune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here.
30:0116/01/2024
Lessons Learned From Bad Hires
Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREAre you a law firm owner who is thinking about hiring a new staff member? In this podcast episode, Tyson shares insights on the critical role of hiring in a law firm. Whether you are hiring attorneys, virtual assistants or office staff, it is so important to hire the right people for a law firm. Bad hires can really disrupt the energy and success of a law firm. Tyson delves into what causes bad hires and how to avoid hiring the wrong person. A bad hire can stem from a variety of reasons. It can be from rushing into the process, ignoring red flags on resumes or during the interview process as well as the values of both sides being different. When you face a bad hire, Tyson shares that it is good to have a pipeline of candidates that you can go back to and consider if needed.Tyson shares how assessing cultural fit is an important thing to look for in a candidate. Think about what your team values, the personalities that exist and how the team works best. Make sure to consider that when interviewing candidates. Another thing to do to avoid a bad hire is to not rush the process. Rushing the process can lead to the wrong person being hired because you have too many other things going on and just need someone. Tyson emphasizes the importance of creating a good, well thought out hiring process to avoid this.Listen in to learn more about how to avoid a bad hire!00:23 Discussion on the significance of hiring the right people for a law firm1:09 Exploration of the various reasons behind bad hires 4:38 Emphasizing the significance of assessing cultural fit in the hiring processTune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here.
12:3213/01/2024
Recognizing and Combating Decision Fatigue
Are you struggling with making decisions in the new year after the holidays? In this podcast episode, Becca Eberhart, CEO at Maximum Lawyer, tackles the issue of decision fatigue and its toll on business owners. The end of the year is a time where many people have decision fatigue. Decision fatigue is when there is a decline in the quality of decisions after making too many decisions in a row. Becca delves into what causes this, especially during the holidays. This season is full of holiday parties, shopping, cooking, and events. Making decisions can become overwhelming when there are so many to make for different people and different things.Becca shares how decision fatigue can affect the growth of a business. Running a business and being a leader means making a lot of decisions. Whether it be how to market your company, if you need to hire staff to help with the growth or what vendors to work with, decision fatigue can lead to feelings of overwhelm. This is more so if you want to be innovative and different in how you run your business. Becca provides some tips to use in order to avoid decision fatigue. One tip is to plan out and schedule your day according to the decisions that need to be made. For example, if you are thinking about working with some new vendors, schedule chats with those vendors in the morning. From this, you might be more inclined to be more alert and can make a decision on who to work with after all meetings are complete. Another tip Becca provides is to really think if a decision needs to be made at that moment. If not, tell yourself to come back to it at a later date so you can relieve some of that stress.Listen in to learn more tips on decision fatigue from Becca!00:24 The impact of decision fatigue during December2:20 The impact of decision fatigue on business growth4:38 Strategies to manage decision fatigue Tune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here.
10:5911/01/2024
Unleashing the Power of Legal Tech with Colin Levy
Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREAre you a law firm owner who is looking to integrate more technology in your firm? In this podcast episode, Jim and Tyson discuss legal tech with Colin Levy, a lawyer and legal tech expert as they explore the role of artificial intelligence in law.Colin provides his thoughts on practical tools that law firms can use to become more efficient. One of these tools is Clio. which is a practice management software that is accessible, easy to set up and is great when it comes to the learning curve. This means it is easy to teach first timers. Other tools like Joseph and Brighter (which are code and no code tools) are a bit more advanced and allow users to set up workflows for their teams. Time is money, so these tools are great to get things moving quickly!Colin shares how many law firms are resistant to using technology and AI because of the misconception that it is expensive and time consuming. The biggest fear many lawyers have is using technology that will give them incorrect information and make their job harder. Most choose to stay within their comfort zone and use tools or methods of working that are not that efficient. AI and technology can help any business grow and innovate the way things are done.Jim, Tyson and Colin talk through the ideal tech package that firms need if they are just starting out. Clio is great for administrative tasks like invoicing and billing, which is such a crucial part of any business and a good, reliable tool is needed to ensure things are kept in order. Having a tool to streamline intake forms or feedback forms is important so they are collected, received and actioned out to whoever needs to work on it. Another tool is some sort of project management tool that shows workflows, what needs to be focused on or what needs attention.Listen in to learn more from Colin!6:10 Accessible tools like Clio16:01 The fear of technology in the legal field18:16 Recommended tools for new law firmsJim's Hack: Read the book called “Extremely Online” by Taylor Lorenz, which talks about the history of different social media channels.Colin’s Tip: Take time for yourself as the world moves very quickly. Take a few minutes to relax and listen to what your body is telling you.Tyson's Tip: Experiment with building GPT’s through OpenAI.Tune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here.Connect with Colin:Website LinkedInX
30:2809/01/2024
What to Ask When Interviewing Vendors for Your Firm
Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREAre you a business owner who needs to hire a vendor? In this episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, Tyson discusses what to do when you are ready to hire vendors for your business.Choosing the right vendor can really make or break a business. It is important to think about a few different things when considering a vendor. Tyson shares how it is important to ask the right questions. One of these questions is to ask about a trial period, so you can test and see if the vendor is the right fit and meets all of your business needs. Another question is to ask if their product or service works with the systems of your business. This will allow you to find out if the vendor is compatible and has everything your business needs. Questions like this will ensure you are not wasting money on a vendor that is not a right fit. If you plan on working with a vendor for a long time, it is crucial that you are covering all of your bases and getting all your questions and concerns addressed.Researching a vendor is another important thing to consider before signing a contract. Ask the vendor for their annual reports or data to show their results. Reach out to individuals or other companies who have worked with them and who have provided good and bad reviews. This will give you a first hand account of how the vendor has worked with other companies. If you are hiring vendors for copywriting or research, find out if you can get samples of their work as part of the research to see if they are telling the truth when it comes to how good they claim to be.Take a listen.00:24 Ask the right questions when interviewing vendors4:00 The importance of insisting on a trial period5:52 The significance of doing thorough research for potential vendors7:55 Importance of ensuring that vendors have experience in the specific nicheTune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here.
12:2306/01/2024
Stop Doing This for Lasting Change
Are you someone who has a goal for the New Year but unsure if you will achieve it? In this episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, CEO Becca Eberhart discusses the importance of keeping promises to oneself for personal growth and goal achievement. A new year means new goals and achievements. For many people, they are confident that they will achieve their New Year's resolution. For others, they make that promise and then let things fall behind. Becca shares how important it is to not break promises to yourself. In order to see change or growth, the key is to make commitments that are possible in order to get to your goal. For example, if you have a goal to lose 10 pounds in 3 months, make a commitment to go to the gym 1 hour a day or meal prep for work days. The follow through is the only thing that will keep that promise. If you struggle to keep promises to yourself, Becca shares a few ways to change this. One way is to change your mindset to respecting yourself the way you do others. Most times, people will not let a friend down so don't do it to yourself.Following through with promises is more realistic if it is documented. It is so easy to just say in your head that you will lose 10 pounds or eat healthier. Write the promise down on a sticky note or in your notes app on your phone. This is a good way to hold yourself accountable and turn the promise from a thought into something tangible. Holding yourself accountable also shows in being realistic in your goals and what you can actually achieve. Don't set too big a goal if you truly know you can't deliver!Take a listen to learn more!00:24 Becca discusses the significance of keeping promises to oneself2:24 Becca offers advice on how to make changes3:25 Becca explains the importance of writing down promisesTune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here.
05:2504/01/2024
Law Firm Owners and Accounting with Jessica Gonifas
Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREAre you a law firm owner who needs help with managing finances? In this podcast episode, Jim and Tyson converse with Jessica, a CPA from Silver Peaks Accounting Service, who specializes in accounting for law firms. They discuss common accounting mistakes that law firms make.As a CPA who works with attorneys, Jessica shares things that lawyers should not be doing when it comes to keeping their books straight and finances in order. One thing is not having accurate trust accounts. It is so important to ensure accounting firms specialize in law firms because if not, the numbers will not be accurate. Getting monthly reports will allow for law firms to stay on top of what is happening and ensure their numbers match. Another thing that many people fall behind on is creating a system to keep and log receipts for expenses. It can be as simple as taking a photo of a receipt and sending it to an assistant or adding it to a folder on your phone. Find a system that works for you!Jim, Tyson and Jessica discuss what law firm owners need to do when it comes to profit. Jessica emphasizes the importance of ensuring expenses are not higher than the profit a firm is bringing in. To find this out, law firm owners can look at their profit margin percentage over time. Understanding this will also help decide if a firm can afford to bring in more employees to help the profit margin increase. The profit margin will also show if it is time to cut expenses. With that said, it is important to have a good balance when it comes to focusing on the profit margin. Jessica shares an example of a client who was so focused on cutting expenses for their firm, that the firm made less profit that year because the focus was not on making money.Finding a tax professional that shares the same goals and morals as you is key to having great finances. Think about the kind of business owner you are. Are you conservative, aggressive or frugal? It is best to find a tax professional that shares those same ideals. The worst thing a law firm owner can do is find an aggressive tax professional when the firm is looking to save money. The business relationship will not last long if both sides don't agree.Take a listen to learn more financial tips from Jessica!2:57 The common trust account issues that law firm owners have7:57 Practical tips for managing expenses and receipts10:15 The importance of profit margin and tracking financial metrics11:40 Exploration of being overly focused on cutting expenses13:07 The concern of adding employees and the need to develop a planJim's Hack: Write down on a notepad what he wants to change about the direction of his firm. Spending 15 minutes everyday has brought more insight to bring change.Jessica’s Tip: Keep things simple. Do what works for you and what will bring you happiness and success.Tyson's Tip: Watch this Youtube video where Chris Williamson interviews Alex Hermosa. There are some great and valuable insights given. Tune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here. Connect with Jessica:Website Instagram Facebook Page Facebook Personal Linkedin TikTok
29:2802/01/2024
The Secret Plan To Launch Your Firm Into 2024: Finances
Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREAre you a law firm owner who needs more financial tips to grow your firm? In this final episode of a five-part series, Jim and Tyson discuss financial strategies for law firms. Jim shares how it is a great financial hack to diversify revenue streams so you are able to get cases from different areas. There are probably dozens of cases that would never enter the door if you did not seek them out in different sectors. This will allow for a wide variety of cases and clients that could be beneficial for your firm. Another way to diversity is something called “white labeling”. This is when you offer something to a client in partnership with another law firm. This could be offering your client a package from another firm, where you get a percentage of what is sold.Tyson shares a tip of cutting costs where it makes sense. Review all of your expenses, which includes subscriptions and softwares and really iron down what you are actually using for your firm. If you know something is not useful, cancel that subscription so more money goes into your pocket.Listen in to learn more!1:16 The importance of exploring new sources of income4:08 Tips to save money and increase profitability6:00 Emphasizing the importance of having a work-life balanceTune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here.
07:2030/12/2023
The Secret Plan To Launch Your Firm Into 2024: Systems
Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREDo you know how many softwares and subscriptions your firm is using? In this episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, Jim and Tyson discuss the importance of implementing systems in law firms. This is part four of a five part series where Jim and Tyson help firms launch in 2024.Jim and Tyson delve into the best ways to systemize firms. A lot of firms spend money on softwares and subscriptions to help with workflows and organization. But, some firms are spending too much on duplication or systems that are no longer helping the firm succeed. A great tip is to do an inventory of all the softwares that your firm uses and think about what can be removed. Another thing to do is keep track of renewal dates. Maybe there is a software that has a renewal date on January 1 and you realize you no longer need it. Go ahead and cancel that to save your firm money in the New Year.Tyson shares the importance of coming up with a process for system checks. There can be times where something goes wrong that you are not aware of. Are your birthday texts being sent to clients? Are your monthly newsletters going out? Make it a habit (maybe once a month) to go in and check systems to make sure they are functioning properly. Take a listen!00:45 Discussion on the importance of systems2:05 Advice on reviewing and assessing software subscriptions and monthly expenses3:22 Ensuring that all systems and processes in the law firm are functioning properly Tune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here.
04:4629/12/2023
The Secret Plan To Launch Your Firm Into 2024: Operations
Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREAre you a firm owner who is struggling with solving operational issues for the firm? In this episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, Jim and Tyson discuss strategies for law firm success through defining operational clarity and efficiency. This is part three of a five part series discussing how firms can have a successful launch in 2024.Jim shares that he would spend his hour going over the organizational charts of the firm to see what the 5 most important things for each role are. It is important to meet with each person and get an understanding of how they are doing and if their roles or responsibilities have changed since they began. This will provide more clarity on what that role consists of. Law firms are always changing and the way people did things a year prior or the responsibilities staff have will change as time goes on. It is important to ensure this is being reviewed each year.Tyson shares the need to think about a strategy when you choose to grow a law firm. Growing a firm is expensive, especially if you want to create a new team. For example, a team or a pod can consist of a case manager, an attorney and a litigation assistant. That is a team of 3 people with 3 salaries, which can be expensive if you want to grow. Think about how to expand in order to get that new team without hiring everyone all at once. Also think about who should be hired first and where to leverage across other areas until you are ready to hire the second and third person. Tyson also delves into looking at processes and where to trim the fat. Looking at areas where too much is going on and where workflows can be improved is another way to get clarity and efficiency for a firm.Listen in to learn more!1:00 The importance of assessing each person in the firm to see how they're doing4:05 Focusing on evaluating processes and optimizing workflowsTune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here.
05:3328/12/2023
The Secret Plan To Launch Your Firm Into 2024: Intake
Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREDo you need to reevaluate your firm’s intake process? In this episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, Jim and Tyson discuss ways to improve the intake process, which is part of a series aimed at preparing law firms for the upcoming year.The intake process is a very important part of the client-lawyer relationship. This is when a client is first coming on board and it is used to see if a lawyer will take on a case. Jim shares how lawyers should spend time looking at their firm’s process and focus on analyzing how fast or slow it takes for a client to sign up with the firm. Speeding the process up will ultimately lead to more money.Another part of the intake process is focusing on the sales aspect of it. Make a list of the common objections and questions that you receive in your intake process and then address them as you are marketing your firm to potential clients. An example is while on the phone speaking with someone who would like to take some time to review a contract, have the intake person ask if there is anything that needs to be addressed on the spot. This cuts out the need for someone to call back asking for more clarity. As firm owners, you have a wealth of knowledge that your intake staff might not have. So writing down responses to those commonly asked questions for your staff to have as a script is a great way to ensure more clients are coming through the door.Listen in to learn how to improve your firm’s intake process!00:56 Discussion on evaluating the firm's intake process2:47 Exploration of common objections during the intake process5:08 Importance of providing information about the firm's background to enhance credibilityTune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here.
06:0927/12/2023
The Secret Plan To Launch Your Firm Into 2024: Marketing
Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREAre you a law firm owner who is hoping to better market your firm? In this podcast episode, Jim and Tyson introduce a five-part series aimed at preparing law firms for 2024, with the first episode focusing on marketing strategies. Marketing is all about convincing people to buy what you are selling. For law firms, it is about getting your name out there and telling people why they should hire you if they are in need. Tyson and Jim share how it is important to understand what your competition is doing in order to assess what is being talked about already and what marketing strategies other people are doing. This way it can be used to inform your strategies. If you are trying to improve your marketing for the new year, spend an hour doing this work and make some goals. Think about how your firm is different and what else you can offer.Auditing your firm’s website is another thing that can help with marketing. Tyson and Jim share how many companies who have not audited their websites have numbers and addresses that are out of date. This is so important because if this information is not reviewed or updated frequently, people will not be able to find you and not become clients to the firm. Auditing can be done on your own or through hiring an SEO person. It is a key aspect of marketing so people know who and where you are.Take a listen!00:00 Assessing marketing strategies for law firms8:12 How to evaluate market positioning as an expert9:22 The importance of auditing your websiteTune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here.
10:5226/12/2023
If You Want To Change The World
Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREIn this episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, Tyson Mutrux recommends the book "Make Your Bed" by Admiral William H. McRaven. He discusses key principles from the book, such as starting the day with a simple task and being your best in your darkest moments. Tyson emphasizes the importance of staying optimistic and working as a team. He share that the book as a beneficial read for individuals and teams, especially in the context of running a law firm. Tyson concludes by encouraging consistent action to achieve goals.02:23 Starting the day with a completed task04:01 Life isn't always fair, and sometimes you have to accept setbacks 05:45 Even in the worst circumstances, it's important to stay optimisticBook: “Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World” by Admiral William H. McRavenSpeech: If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed. by Admiral William H. McRavenTune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here.
08:0923/12/2023
How Narrow Focus Limits Your Law Firm Growth
Are you a law firm owner who is hoping to branch out and learn new ways of working? In this episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, Becca Eberhardt, CEO at Maximum Lawyer, encourages law firms to seek inspiration and strategies from outside their industry. Becca shares how she has seen a narrow focus to only learn and grow within one’s own industry, which is happening across many organizations including law firms. It is important to understand how other areas are succeeding so it can be applied to your own industry. In the case of law firms, not exploring the business advice or strategies of other industries can have a negative impact. Becca expresses that if all attorneys or firms do everything the same way, clients will look at them like commodities rather than individual people who bring different things to the table.Looking at other industries for inspiration can really benefit a law firm. It can lead to learning unique and innovative ways to practice. Maybe there is a new recruitment technique happening within the HR space that could really help a law firm do better when it comes to recruiting lawyers. Exploring outside of an industry can also help increase efficiency and improve client services. Looking at industries such as retail, hospitality and sales is great because they do this every day and are experts.Take a listen to learn more!00:24 The tendency to stay narrowly focused within one's own industry1:21 How being focused on one's own industry can lead to tunnel vision5:18 Examples of businesses that are innovatingTune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here.
08:2121/12/2023
6 Things To Get Ready To Start the New Year
Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREAre you a law firm owner or attorney that needs help in reflecting for the new year? In the final Maximum Lawyer Podcast episode of the year, Jim and Tyson reflect on 2023 and share recommendations for the upcoming year.Jim and Tyson share their thoughts on what attorneys should think about as they enter the new year. In relation to financial management, Jim emphasizes the importance of spending money that is just sitting there. This money could go towards the employees, such as bonuses for the holiday season or gifts to show appreciation. Other ways to spend that extra money is to invest in more office equipment, especially if a firm is expecting to hire in the new year. Jim suggests spending money on paying vendors up front for monthly subscriptions or softwares, as many companies provide discounts to firms that do.Jim and Tyson also delve into the benefits of reflecting on the past year as well as what to look forward to for the upcoming year. The time between Christmas and New Year’s is the best time for this reflection. Jim suggests that listeners get a pen and paper and write about the great things that happened this year and what you want to see for yourself in the upcoming year. As law firm owners, Jim and Tyson see this as a great way to really envision what a practice will look like and what needs to be done to ensure a firm reaches the next milestone.Law firms are always busy and usually have dozens of cases occurring at the same time. Tyson suggests getting rid of cases you don’t want anymore as a way to lighten the workload for staff. It is important to look at those files that can be resolved by the end of the year and get them done. Any cases that can’t be resolved need to be off the roster. Don't be afraid to fire clients or employees to make things easier for the firm.Listen in to learn more tips for the new year!1:11 The importance of reflecting on the past year5:46 Improving financial aspects of an organization6:45 Reflecting on the year10:51 Getting rid of cases that are no longer desired or valuableJim's Hack: Read the book “Extremely Online: The Untold Story of Fame, Influence, and Power on the Internet” by: Taylor Lorenz. The book goes into the history of social media and understanding the different platforms that exist currently. Tyson's Tip: Clean your office. Cleaning your office and organizing your shelves is a great way to declutter for the New Year, that way 2024 will be the best year yet.
27:4619/12/2023