You’re thinking about it. Amidst all of the other “stuff” you are thinking about – the practical stuff – your phone, your practice management system, and your business cards.
You wrestle with the question of what you want your firm to become. It is a question that will never leave you.
Do you want to be a true solo doing everything yourself? Do you want to build a firm with multiple lawyers and staff? Do you want to work on your business or in your business? Do you want to be the best lawyer in your niche? Do you want to run your own shop because you are in between jobs?
There are no right answers. Your answers may evolve.
I think of my practice as version 4.0.
Version 1.0: When I started, I formed a partnership. In doing so, I transitioned from a paper practice to a paperless one. I began building out technological systems. My practice was a general practice. I did personal injury. I did real estate. I did family law. I did housing work.
Version 2.0: I became a true solo. I went to work by myself for a year. I continued developing my technology. I continued my general practice. I plugged along. Making improvements where I could. I added my first staff member during version 2.0. My assistant who worked 6 hours a week.
Version 3.0: Growth. I hit my stride. I added a partner and an attorney of counsel. My phones are now answered by Ruby Receptionists. I build an office in Glastonbury. I start narrowing my focus to personal injury. My systems become more refined. My use of technology explodes.
Version 4.0: I launch Connecticut Trial Firm, LLC to reflect my commitment and focus on injury cases. I add another partner. I really develop my systems and begin to automate processes. The future is bright.
Throughout the development of my practice I ask myself: “who am I?” and “what do I want to do with the rest of my life?”.
For the first time, I’m working hard on writing down my vision.
I’m reading the book Traction and trying to fill out this form. Take a look at both the book and the form. My goal this month is to complete the form.
Looking back, I wasted a lot of time by not writing down my vision. I wasted efforts. I wish I had focused early.
If you are thinking about opening or changing your practice – the first thing you may want to do is ask “who am I?” and “what do I want to do?”
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