We love all things that encompass productivity, efficiency, profitability and are built to help you find time in your schedule to get things done! With the end of 2016 quickly approaching, we compiled our top twelve productivity tips and tools for the year in one place just for you.
Happy reading!
Productivity Tip 1 – Computer inspiration!
You’re computer dashboard and browsing experience will never be the same again. Be greeted by name and set your goals for the day so you get more done. This is to say nothing of the beautiful imagery on Momentum. Take a look at www.momentumdash.com.
Productivity Tip 2 – Your third grade teacher at your fingertips!
Remember when people cared about grammar? Get the help you need every day direct from your computer. Check out Grammarly at www.grammarly.com.
Productivity Tip 3 – Shower paper!
That’s right, never forget to record the milk on your grocery list while washing your hair again! You can write notes to yourself in the shower now. Check out Aquanotes, the waterproof paper, at www.myaquanotes.com.
Productivity Tip 4 – Is this thing connected?
Know when your internet connection is going haywire and when it isn’t. Check out SpeedTest at www.speedtest.net.
Productivity Tip 5 – Easily share your screen!
Want to take just a quick minute to share your screen without creating a webinar or chat or anything else that’s complicated? Check out ScreenLeap at www.screenleap.com and start sharing easily.
Productivity Tip 6 – Tired of cyber stalking?
You don’t have to be constantly tagged and followed and tracked when you use your browser. Check out Disconnect at www.disconnect.me for a more private, faster user experience.
Productivity Tip 7 – Never lose an address!
When you incorporate the power of LinkedIn’s database with Evernote’s contacts, the two will automatically sync up whenever your contacts update their information. Be in the know with minimal effort and check out www.evernote.com.
Productivity Tip 8 – Set appointments from your email with the click of a button!
Ready to stop asking when someone wants to set an appointment and just give them choices to pick from? Want to stop having to open your calendar separately to do it? Check out MinMax for email and get started at www.minmax.com. FYI, this is just one of the great features.
Productivity Tip 9 – Handwritten cards are still a must!
But they don’t really have to be handwritten by hand! Check out Bond (www.bond.co) and Felt (www.feltapp.com), our two favorites for handwritten notes. The former is a bit more corporate and the latter actually has a template of what you can send to your mom.
Productivity Tip 10 – Hate interruptions?
Yeah, we do too. At least the ones that come from your computer and tech can be managed. Check out StayFocusd at www.stayfocusd.com and take back hours of your day.
Productivity Tip 11 – Work when it suits you…
Curious about what on earth that means? Research shows you might just work better when you’re in the right mood. Check out Moodnotes at www.moodnotesapp.com to learn more about how to capture your feelings along with your productivity so you can achieve better results.
Productivity Tip 12 – Find (and bill) your time!
How often do we forget to record the time we put into our work? The reasons why are endless but, often, it’s simply because we don’t have a great way to do it. Check out the amazingly easy Toggl at www.toggl.com.
Remember, at the end of the day, you hold the keys to your own success. If you need a little help starting your journey to greatness, let us know – we’d love to talk about it. Contact us, and we will set up a complimentary 30 minute brainstorming session.
When it comes to your engagement agreement in your law practice you’ve probably thought of just about everything. From billing practices and administrative expenses to office practices and describing your services, you have it all. When it comes to hacking, cybercrimes and security breaches, however, have you addressed them in full detail too?
At any time any of our firms could be attacked. Each of us could suffer significant losses to data, client files, and confidential information despite our best efforts and preparedness. Now is the time to think about how you manage client information, the security practices you follow daily, and what your message on your security practices is to your clients and professional relationships. There is no sign of cyber crimes decreasing in the near future and to best protect your firm, you need to consider adding a clause in your fee or engagement agreement related to security.
What should be included in your engagement agreement? Check out our five best practice ideas below.
1. Clarify, in writing, nothing is 100% secure.
It’s true. Even though you want to be able to promise absolute privacy and security, none of us can. Let your clients know you will do the best you can to maintain security, including, but not limited to, adhering to industry-standards for your business, installing security updates and utilizing the software you need to protect your practice.
2. Share your office policy and procedures.
Let your clients know each of your employees is trained on how to recognize cyber threats and that all of you are working as a team to best protect their information. Mention your email, attachment, and digital transactional policies, although you do not need to go into great detail. (Quick practice management pointer here: make sure you do have a training program for your employees on cyber security).
3. Accepting the assumption of risk.
There is a risk involved in any digital transactions and in working with any business today. Your client assumes this risk by working with you. Now is the time to get him or her to affirmatively decide to move forward.
4. Identify what your client can do to limit the risk.
During a hack, information may go out to a third party from you without your knowledge. Communication is key here. Let your clients know your standard communication policies and ask for their help. If they see something from you that raises suspicion, ask them to notify you immediately over the phone or in person.
5. Hold Harmless Clauses.
If it is allowed in your state under the bar rules, this is the time to consider including a hold harmless provision relating to threats, breaches, loss of privacy, and loss of financial information. This can include instances where personal and financial client information is stolen. Be sure to read your malpractice or cyber terrorism insurance policies as well because, by policy standards, these clauses may be required for them to be in force.
Curious about what this clause looks like? Need an example? Just contact us to let us know and we’ll be happy to share sample language with you.
