Word of the Day
Website content
provided by The Free Dictionary
This day in history
Website content
provided by The Free Dictionary
Quotation of the Day
Website content
provided by The Free Dictionary
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Keeping Track re: the Wall Street Journal
Great video regarding keeping track of everything from the Wall Street Journal:
Click "play" button then continue reading...
I have long recommended using 37 Signals' BackPackIt as a efficient means to keep files and information securely stored and accessible from the web. Less than $10 per month gives account holders 100 secure pages to which you can load files, pictures, documents, graphics, collect notes, to dos, and basically project manage from the web. Each page works independently of the others and can be shared independently or be held as private. A basic account also provides you with a web based calendar.
For more information or to sign up:
I am also a big believer in pen and paper. Although I type at a pretty good rate (still), there's nothing like putting your notes down on paper which helps root them into your brain. I do like the index card/binder clip suggestion; but caution that index cards give nasty paper cuts. For a less stiff option, try the D-A-F-T PocketMod:
What's a D-A-F-T PocketMod you ask?
It's one piece of paper, folded a certain way, which gives you an eco-friendly, discreet and practical place for handwritten notes and such. To get your own 2009 D-A-F-T PocketMod, sign up for The Legal Connection E-zine from any page of http://www.legaltypist.com (upper right corner).
If you'd like to learn more about my D-A-F-T system for organization -
Click "play" button then continue reading...
I have long recommended using 37 Signals' BackPackIt as a efficient means to keep files and information securely stored and accessible from the web. Less than $10 per month gives account holders 100 secure pages to which you can load files, pictures, documents, graphics, collect notes, to dos, and basically project manage from the web. Each page works independently of the others and can be shared independently or be held as private. A basic account also provides you with a web based calendar.
For more information or to sign up:
I am also a big believer in pen and paper. Although I type at a pretty good rate (still), there's nothing like putting your notes down on paper which helps root them into your brain. I do like the index card/binder clip suggestion; but caution that index cards give nasty paper cuts. For a less stiff option, try the D-A-F-T PocketMod:
What's a D-A-F-T PocketMod you ask?
It's one piece of paper, folded a certain way, which gives you an eco-friendly, discreet and practical place for handwritten notes and such. To get your own 2009 D-A-F-T PocketMod, sign up for The Legal Connection E-zine from any page of http://www.legaltypist.com (upper right corner).
If you'd like to learn more about my D-A-F-T system for organization -
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Want a new "look"? Enter before midnight CST 12/24 and get one for FREE!
Is your website not working for you? Do you get lots of traffic, but no new business from all those visitors? Do you wonder if your website is easy to navigate and that items are easy to find? Then Day 10 of In The Worx Blog's 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway was made for you.
If you win, your website gets the once over and you'll get a complete report of findings and recommendations on how you can make it better by a branding expert.
The Prize
A complimentary review and analysis of one (1) website domain, up to 8 pages, to be performed in January 2009.
Value: $150
Friday, December 19, 2008
D-A-F-T Your Way To Organized!
Like many of my readers I am sure, I've spent a great deal of time trying to get and stay organized. By nature, I'm one of those "a spot for everything" type of girls.
When I started my practice in 2001, staying organized, for the most part, meant keeping the papers organized. With the increase in all things digital, organization has become a bit more tricky - some things still on paper, others via e-mail and electronic files. How does one keep track of both digital and physical using one system?
That's where I've always run into problems. After spending years learning from those who came before, I've added my own thoughts to the mix and come up with the D-A-F-T process for organization. It takes the common F-A-T (File, Act, Toss) process one step further.
I recently shared my D-A-F-T system with Technolawyer - who published it as a TechnoFeature just this past Tuesday. Although it was only published a few days ago, I've been contacted by several Technolawyer subscribers to thank me and let me know that D-A-F-T is already working for them.
If you'd like to review my D-A-F-T system click on the picture or head on over to my site: http://www.legaltypist.com/D-A-F-T to download your copy. Review it over the weekend and let me know if it works for you too! Leave your comment here or send your feedback to daft@legaltypist.com
Happy Organizing!
When I started my practice in 2001, staying organized, for the most part, meant keeping the papers organized. With the increase in all things digital, organization has become a bit more tricky - some things still on paper, others via e-mail and electronic files. How does one keep track of both digital and physical using one system?
That's where I've always run into problems. After spending years learning from those who came before, I've added my own thoughts to the mix and come up with the D-A-F-T process for organization. It takes the common F-A-T (File, Act, Toss) process one step further.
I recently shared my D-A-F-T system with Technolawyer - who published it as a TechnoFeature just this past Tuesday. Although it was only published a few days ago, I've been contacted by several Technolawyer subscribers to thank me and let me know that D-A-F-T is already working for them.
If you'd like to review my D-A-F-T system click on the picture or head on over to my site: http://www.legaltypist.com/D-A-F-T to download your copy. Review it over the weekend and let me know if it works for you too! Leave your comment here or send your feedback to daft@legaltypist.com
Happy Organizing!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Working with a Virtual Assistant: What Lawyers and Administrators Should Know
My article Working with a Virtual Assistant: What Lawyers and Administrators Should Know was recently published by the American Bar Association.
If you're a single lawyer or administrator of a small to mid-sized law firm, incorporating virtual assistance into the workflow of your firm can save money, time and literally reduce the stress inherent in any law practice.
Read the article and post you feedback and comments.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Got An Assistant - Get One!
Are you tired of spending so much time at your keyboard or have you thought about hiring someone but don’t want the hassles involved with being an employer? If you have an assistant, is she frequently inundated or does your office come to a standstill when she leaves at the end of the day, calls in sick, or takes vacation time?
If so, it may be time for you consider establishing a relationship with a Virtual Assistant (VA) or outsourced service provider for your word processing, billing and document management needs. By its definition, outsourcing means to purchase goods or subcontract services from an outside company.
Advances in technology have made outsourcing reliable, efficient and cost-effective for most types of businesses, including law firms. All that is needed to successfully outsource many routine tasks is an internet connection, some basic computer knowledge, and a willingness to delegate. Giving up control is sometimes the biggest stumbling block for many attorneys! If you're one of them, sign up for the free e-course at http://www.learn2outsource.com/ and take a look at just a few of the benefits of outsourcing:
You partner with a fully operating business so there is no need to supply space, equipment, expensive training or software licenses.
No taxes, FICA, Worker's Compensation, insurance, 401(k), or other incentive expenses
By outsourcing, you gain time to work on the more important aspects of a successful practice: client development, better case management; or to pursue personal goals such as getting to the gym or spending more time with your family.
If your secretary never seems to get to the bottom of the pile, is it because there's too much for her to do? Outsourcing initial drafts or billing may be what you both need to take some pressure off!
Once you’ve made the decision to outsource, where do you start? If you are looking to establish a relationship with an individual virtual assistant, through such organizations as the International Virtual Assistants Association (http://www.ivaa.org), you can search for an individual who has legal experience listed in their biography or post a Request for Proposal requesting legal background.
If you prefer to work with an established company rather than an individual, you can take a look at LegalTypist (http://www.legaltypist.com). LegalTypist provides virtual secretarial support and off site transcription exclusively to the legal industry
Whether working with a large company or individual VA, it is important to get the telephone number and/or e-mail of one or two of their clients so for a reference. If the Company or VA is unwilling or unable to give references, you might want to look elsewhere. Remember, you should be looking for the best possible fit for your particular practice style and habits, not just the fastest and/or cheapest. As with anything in life, you usually get what you pay for.
Finally, you might want to establish a relationship with a reputable service even if you are not at the stage where you require regular assistance. By taking care of the preliminaries before you have an immediate need, you will be in a position to outsource as your schedule requires, rather than getting into a bind or spreading yourself too thin because you do not know where to turn when you have an approaching deadline.
Virtual assistance is the "staffing" solution of the future. Take advantage of it today!
If so, it may be time for you consider establishing a relationship with a Virtual Assistant (VA) or outsourced service provider for your word processing, billing and document management needs. By its definition, outsourcing means to purchase goods or subcontract services from an outside company.
Advances in technology have made outsourcing reliable, efficient and cost-effective for most types of businesses, including law firms. All that is needed to successfully outsource many routine tasks is an internet connection, some basic computer knowledge, and a willingness to delegate. Giving up control is sometimes the biggest stumbling block for many attorneys! If you're one of them, sign up for the free e-course at http://www.learn2outsource.com/ and take a look at just a few of the benefits of outsourcing:
You partner with a fully operating business so there is no need to supply space, equipment, expensive training or software licenses.
No taxes, FICA, Worker's Compensation, insurance, 401(k), or other incentive expenses
By outsourcing, you gain time to work on the more important aspects of a successful practice: client development, better case management; or to pursue personal goals such as getting to the gym or spending more time with your family.
If your secretary never seems to get to the bottom of the pile, is it because there's too much for her to do? Outsourcing initial drafts or billing may be what you both need to take some pressure off!
Once you’ve made the decision to outsource, where do you start? If you are looking to establish a relationship with an individual virtual assistant, through such organizations as the International Virtual Assistants Association (http://www.ivaa.org), you can search for an individual who has legal experience listed in their biography or post a Request for Proposal requesting legal background.
If you prefer to work with an established company rather than an individual, you can take a look at LegalTypist (http://www.legaltypist.com). LegalTypist provides virtual secretarial support and off site transcription exclusively to the legal industry
Whether working with a large company or individual VA, it is important to get the telephone number and/or e-mail of one or two of their clients so for a reference. If the Company or VA is unwilling or unable to give references, you might want to look elsewhere. Remember, you should be looking for the best possible fit for your particular practice style and habits, not just the fastest and/or cheapest. As with anything in life, you usually get what you pay for.
Finally, you might want to establish a relationship with a reputable service even if you are not at the stage where you require regular assistance. By taking care of the preliminaries before you have an immediate need, you will be in a position to outsource as your schedule requires, rather than getting into a bind or spreading yourself too thin because you do not know where to turn when you have an approaching deadline.
Virtual assistance is the "staffing" solution of the future. Take advantage of it today!
Labels: digital coach, legal virtual assistant, outsourcing, virtual assistant
Friday, October 31, 2008
...and the winner is!
The winner of the
First Annual LegalTypist Scariest Fingers contest
is...
Sheila Rambeck
Sheila Rambeck, Esq. of Sheila L. Rambeck, P.C., Peachtree City, GA (http://www.rambecklaw.com/).
That's right, the Scariest Fingers belong to an attorney! Sheila's no ordinary attorney though ... prior to passing the bar, Sheila was a dedicated legal secretary for over 20 years.
Feel free to congratulate and comment - and hop on over to http://www.rambecklaw.com/ to learn more about our winner!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
LegalTypist's Scariest Fingers Contest Is Open To The Public
If you type abnormally fast - this is definitely the contest for you! LegalTypist is on the hunt this Halloween season for the scariest fingers - you know, those fingers that type so fast you stop in your tracks just from hearing the keystrokes?!
If you or anyone you know types really, really fast - let them know they could easily win some really cool stuff, just by taking a 3 minute test and submitting the results. No downloads or any "tech" necessary - just an e-mail address, the ability to navigate to this website:
and follow these directions:
- In the middle of the page you will see an orange "Click here" to start the on line typing test. Click there.
- You will need to provide your name, e-mail address and company name but you do not have to sign up for an account or download anything.
- You may need to make the typing "box" larger by dragging a corner... this is so you do not have to scroll during the test.
- When the test is done, the results page will pop up. Print the results page to .pdf and e-mail to support[at]legaltypist.com, or print out the actual page/screen and fax to 888-255-5266.
The contest will remain open until midnight EST Thursday, October 30th and the winner will be announced here on the blog on Halloween.
*******Sponsor/Ad********
Are You Tired of Typing? Try talking instead!
First job free - no strings attached. Call 1-877-465-5012, enter 1234567 and follow the prompts. All documents created by US based Digital Assistants and returned within 24 hours.
Secure. Confidential. Experienced. Reliable. Learn more.******Sponsor/Ad**********
Now, what does the winner get?
For starters - they get to be the first ever winner of the LegalTypist Scariest Fingers Contest that is open to the public. Previously, we've only done this with the Digital Assistants of LegalTypist and Tracy S. gets those bragging rights!
OK. So what else besides being #1 and having the bragging rights to the Scariest Fingers does our winner receive? How 'bout:
- Their name and company url announced and published on this blog on Halloween
- Write up in November issue of The Legal Connection E-zine - read by 100's of legal professionals each month (note, not just sent to, but 'read')
- A copy of Judith Kallos' e-book: E-mail Etiquette (a treasure trove of practical information on using e-mail properly)
- Five 20 minute coaching sessions* with Master Virtual Assistant Andrea Cannavina. (Find out more here)
AND
- 2 free accounts on LegalTypist's own secure and easy to use technology so the winner can perform transcription services over the web or open their very own digital transcription practice.
Go ahead, click on this link or the one above and take the test; or send your fast typing friends on over to enter and
GOOD LUCK!
*These sessions can be used by the winner to "go virtual" and open their own practice, or can be provided to friends, relatives, employer/ees .... anyone who's upgrading a piece of equipment or tech who would like the brain of someone knowledgeable and friendly to pick before shelling out the moola.
Subscribe to Posts [Atom]
