287 episodes

Exceptional advice for using technology to streamline operations, improve marketing, gain financial security, and enjoy greater freedom.

Increasingly solo lawyers can be more efficient and cost-effective than larger firms. That's because of modern technology. But you have to use it better than most lawyers do. And that's what this podcast will help you do.

The 80/20 Principle Ernie Svenson

    • Business
    • 5.0 • 85 Ratings

Exceptional advice for using technology to streamline operations, improve marketing, gain financial security, and enjoy greater freedom.

Increasingly solo lawyers can be more efficient and cost-effective than larger firms. That's because of modern technology. But you have to use it better than most lawyers do. And that's what this podcast will help you do.

    287: Social Media Marketing: 5 Pro Tips for Lawyers

    287: Social Media Marketing: 5 Pro Tips for Lawyers

    Social media marketing is easy and inexpensive if you approach it right. Being authentic is one key to success, but there's another word that's even more important. And that’s what this episode will explain and discuss.
    In this episode, you will hear:
    Leveraging social media for attorneys The importance of relationships in social media marketing The pitfalls of chasing viral content and the value of authenticity Practical social media marketing strategies (ex. content harvesting and sharing local events) Tips for engaging effectively on social media Resources from this Episode
    My LinkedIn bio My Twitter bio My Instagram bio Marques Brownlee (the YouTube tech guy) The Hustle (best place to get interesting content to share on social media) AllDrafts (contract drafting tool for lawyers) Check out my Inner Circle (to participate in ongoing discussions about tech tools I discuss and recommend) Check out this Law-Tech Assessment if you want specific recommendations for improving based on the technology you're using in your practice General Resources
    Click for a list of the Best Tech Tools for Lawyers Subscribe to: The 80/20 Principle Check out my Law Firm Systems Intensive Join: '80/20 Inner Circle' (valuable business insights for small firm owners) Read: The 80/20 Principle: The Secret of Achieving More with Less, by Richard Koch Get my new email course: ChatGPT for Lawyers (it's free) Learn to use technology to reduce friction & gain freedom with this resource: https://www.the8020lawyer.com/ Focus on these essential tech tools for maximum traction in your practice. Take this short law practice assessment to identify your main strengths & weaknesses.

    Follow and Review:
    We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
    Thanks to My Sponsor
    Smith.ai
    Smith.ai is an amazing virtual receptionist service that specializes in working with solo and small law firms. When you hire Smith.ai, you’re hiring well-trained, friendly receptionists who can respond to callers in English or Spanish.
    If there’s one great outsourcing opportunity for your practice, this is it. Let Smith.ai have your back while you stay focused on your work, knowing that your clients and prospects are being taken care of.
    Plans start at $210/month for 30 calls, and pricing starts at $140 for 20 chats, with overage at $7 per chat. They offer a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee on all receptionist and live chat plans, including add-ons (up to $1000).
    And they have a special offer for podcast listeners where you can get an extra $100 discount with promo code ERNIE100. Sign up for a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee now (and learn more) at smith.ai.
    Episode Credits
    If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.


     

    • 39 min
    286: Online Workspaces for Modern Law Work

    286: Online Workspaces for Modern Law Work

    Modern lawyers need new workspaces optimized for remote work, virtual collaboration, and asynchronous communication. In this episode, you'll find out which two software tools are the best online workspaces and why popular cloud-based practice management software does not compete with these new options.
    In this episode, you will hear:
    Modern online workspaces for remote collaboration Choosing the right online workspace Choosing affordable online workspaces Innovative software tools and productivity Resources from this Episode
    Craft online workspace
    Notion online workspace
    Loom demo/intro video of Craft (made for my friend Mike)
    InstaHeadshots (professional headshots from smartphone pics)
    Loom demo of InstaHeadshots (made for Inner Circle members)
    Check out my Inner Circle (where you'll learn to collaborate virtually and communicate asynchronously with other like-minded solo and small firm attorneys)
    Take the Law-Tech Assessment to help you understand which tech tools you need to concentrate on to keep your practice modern and competitive.
    General Resources
    Click for a list of the Best Tech Tools for Lawyers Subscribe to: The 80/20 Principle Check out my Law Firm Systems Intensive Join: '80/20 Inner Circle' (valuable business insights for small firm owners) Read: The 80/20 Principle: The Secret of Achieving More with Less, by Richard Koch Get my new email course: ChatGPT for Lawyers (it's free) Learn to use technology to reduce friction & gain freedom with this resource: https://www.the8020lawyer.com/ Focus on these essential tech tools for maximum traction in your practice. Take this short law practice assessment to identify your main strengths & weaknesses.

    Follow and Review:
    We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
    Thanks to My Sponsor
    Smith.ai
    Smith.ai is an amazing virtual receptionist service that specializes in working with solo and small law firms. When you hire Smith.ai, you’re hiring well-trained, friendly receptionists who can respond to callers in English or Spanish.
    If there’s one great outsourcing opportunity for your practice, this is it. Let Smith.ai have your back while you stay focused on your work, knowing that your clients and prospects are being taken care of.
    Plans start at $210/month for 30 calls, and pricing starts at $140 for 20 chats, with overage at $7 per chat. They offer a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee on all receptionist and live chat plans, including add-ons (up to $1000).
    And they have a special offer for podcast listeners where you can get an extra $100 discount with promo code ERNIE100. Sign up for a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee now (and learn more) at smith.ai.
    Episode Credits
    If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.


     

    • 41 min
    285: 6 Key Systems for Lawyers (with Kristen David)

    285: 6 Key Systems for Lawyers (with Kristen David)

    Kristen David is an amazing lawyer who believes there are 6 fundamental systems that every law practice needs. She learned this when she needed a way to escape stress and burnout to gain massive fulfillment and freedom. For the past decade, she's coached lawyers on how to develop, maintain, and refine systems. 
    And in this podcast episode, she shares her best tips that you can start systematizing your law practice.
    In this episode, you will hear:
    Importance of systems in legal defense The 6 key systems for legal practices Effective lead acquisition and marketing strategies for small businesses Encouraging team collaboration and growth Effective communication for implementing changes Implementing systems for law firm sales Resources from this Episode
    Kristen's email address: kristen@uplevelingyourbusiness.com 
    Upleveling Your Business: Kristen's website
    Kristen's best resources for lawyers
    Kristen's presentation to my Inner Circle
    Check out my Inner Circle (to participate in ongoing discussions about tech tools I discuss and recommend)
    Check out this Law-Tech Assessment if you want specific recommendations for improving based on the technology you're using in your practice
    General Resources
    Learn to use technology to reduce friction & gain freedom with this resource: https://www.the8020lawyer.com/ Focus on these essential tech tools for maximum traction in your practice. Take this short law practice assessment to identify your main strengths & weaknesses.

    Follow and Review:
    We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
    Thanks to My Sponsor
    Smith.ai
    Smith.ai is an amazing virtual receptionist service that specializes in working with solo and small law firms. When you hire Smith.ai, you’re hiring well-trained, friendly receptionists who can respond to callers in English or Spanish.
    If there’s one great outsourcing opportunity for your practice, this is it. Let Smith.ai have your back while you stay focused on your work, knowing that your clients and prospects are being taken care of.
    Plans start at $210/month for 30 calls, and pricing starts at $140 for 20 chats, with overage at $7 per chat. They offer a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee on all receptionist and live chat plans, including add-ons (up to $1000).
    And they have a special offer for podcast listeners where you can get an extra $100 discount with promo code ERNIE100. Sign up for a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee now (and learn more) at smith.ai.
    Episode Credits
    If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.


     

    • 52 min
    284: Get Better Clients Using Conversational Emails

    284: Get Better Clients Using Conversational Emails

    If you want better clients, you need to convey that you are very special, not like most attorneys. How you convey that message is everything. You can't communicate in cliches or brazen claims. You must come across as sincere, thoughtful, and truly considerate.  In this session, we'll discuss how to do that using simple, easy-to-write emails.
    In this episode, you will hear:
    Marketing tactics for attracting quality clients Effective marketing strategies for lawyers Client referral strategies with testimonials Email marketing for lawyers Resources from this Episode
    Sign up for my Educational Email course to see my process for encouraging opt-ins and then sending valuable information by email. Some lawyers resort to overly aggressive or awkward tactics that make them seem desperate and are off-putting to higher-quality clients (​here's an example​ of what I mean). You can subscribe to my email list to see what my "conversational emails" look like. You should definitely subscribe to Dean Jackson's list. And to David Ward's email list as well (ignore his shabby web page; his emails are amazing). If you're collecting email addresses on a website consider ​doing this​ to help boost opt-ins. Check out my Inner Circle (an online community of friendly lawyers who are using technology to improve their practices and sharing their practical insights) Check out this Law-Tech Assessment if you want specific recommendations for improving based on the technology you're currently using in your practice General Resources
    Learn to use technology to reduce friction & gain freedom with this resource: https://www.the8020lawyer.com/ Focus on these essential tech tools for maximum traction in your practice. Take this short law practice assessment to identify your main strengths & weaknesses.

    Follow and Review:
    We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
    Thanks to My Sponsor
    Smith.ai
    Smith.ai is an amazing virtual receptionist service that specializes in working with solo and small law firms. When you hire Smith.ai, you’re hiring well-trained, friendly receptionists who can respond to callers in English or Spanish.
    If there’s one great outsourcing opportunity for your practice, this is it. Let Smith.ai have your back while you stay focused on your work, knowing that your clients and prospects are being taken care of.
    Plans start at $210/month for 30 calls, and pricing starts at $140 for 20 chats, with overage at $7 per chat. They offer a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee on all receptionist and live chat plans, including add-ons (up to $1000).
    And they have a special offer for podcast listeners where you can get an extra $100 discount with promo code ERNIE100. Sign up for a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee now (and learn more) at smith.ai.
    Episode Credits
    If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.


     

    • 34 min
    283: Finding & Working with Overseas VAs (with Gabriel Marous)

    283: Finding & Working with Overseas VAs (with Gabriel Marous)

    Gabriel Marous is a New York business lawyer who runs his firm, making extensive use of VAs based in the Philippines. He had to figure out for himself how to recruit, hire, train, and manage his team of 10 VAs. Now, he helps other lawyers and business owners do the same. In this episode, you'll learn how he started doing this, what mistakes he made and overcame, and how you can take advantage of overseas VAs just like he has done.
    In this episode, you will hear:
    Leveraging overseas virtual assistants in business Transitioning to overseas virtual assistants Setting up virtual team operations Virtual office and Zoom integration Finding and developing virtual assistants Building a remote team for professionals Managing multiple applications and cybersecurity Leveraging 80-20 principle for success Resources from this Episode
    www.vaforprofessionals.com www.marouslaw.com Find Gabriel J. Marous, Esq. on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrieljmarous Magic: A service mentioned for finding virtual assistants. Time Doctor: A tool discussed for monitoring and time tracking. LastPass: Mentioned as a tool for managing passwords securely. Clio Conference: Recommended for lawyers seeking to enhance their Clio usage and connect with experts in the legal tech field. Upwork: Mentioned as a platform for finding freelancers and remote workers. Check out my Inner Circle (to participate in ongoing discussions about tech tools I discuss and recommend) Readwise (will be discussed in an upcoming episode) Check out this Law-Tech Assessment if you want specific recommendations for improving based on the technology you're using in your practice General Resources
    Click for a list of the Best Tech Tools for Lawyers Subscribe to: The 80/20 Principle Check out my Law Firm Systems Intensive Join: '80/20 Inner Circle' (valuable business insights for small firm owners) Read: The 80/20 Principle: The Secret of Achieving More with Less, by Richard Koch Get my new email course: ChatGPT for Lawyers (it's free) Learn to use technology to reduce friction & gain freedom with this resource: https://www.the8020lawyer.com/ Focus on these essential tech tools for maximum traction in your practice. Take this short law practice assessment to identify your main strengths & weaknesses.

    Follow and Review:
    We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
    Thanks to My Sponsor
    Smith.ai
    Smith.ai is an amazing virtual receptionist service that specializes in working with solo and small law firms. When you hire Smith.ai, you’re hiring well-trained, friendly receptionists who can respond to callers in English or Spanish.
    If there’s one great outsourcing opportunity for your practice, this is it. Let Smith.ai have your back while you stay focused on your work, knowing that your clients and prospects are being taken care of.
    Plans start at $210/month for 30 calls, and pricing starts at $140 for 20 chats, with overage at $7 per chat. They offer a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee on all receptionist and live chat plans, including add-ons (up to $1000).
    And they have a special offer for podcast listeners where you can get an extra $100 discount with promo code ERNIE100. Sign up for a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee now (and learn more) at smith.ai.
    Episode Credits
    If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.


     

    • 1 hr 8 min
    282: Sensible & Satisfying Productivity (with David Sparks)

    282: Sensible & Satisfying Productivity (with David Sparks)

    How can you be more productive and enjoy doing so? Merely checking off boxes on a To-Do list isn't the answer. Attorney David Sparks has the best answer I've come across, and he explains it very well.
    David is exceptionally productive in juggling a mind-boggling number of responsibilities. Listen and learn David's incredible secrets to being productive in a way that enables you to accomplish a lot while feeling good (and not stressed).
    In this episode, you will hear:
    Productivity tips for attorneys Productivity and prioritization in modern life Finding meaning and accountability Finding purpose and productivity Productivity and time management for lawyers Resources from this Episode
    MacSparky - David Sparks' website Day One - Journaling app mentioned in the conversation Motion - Tool for automatic calendar adjustments "Start with Why" by Simon Sinek - Book mentioned in the conversation Arete - Concept discussed, related to Greek philosophy David Sparks' productivity field guide: Use this discount code: Goldfish Chris Bailey's Website - Explore more about Chris Bailey and his productivity insights Check out my Inner Circle (to participate in ongoing discussions about tech tools I discuss and recommend) Readwise (will be discussed in an upcoming episode) Check out this Law-Tech Assessment if you want specific recommendations for improving based on the technology you're using in your practice  General Resources
    Learn to use technology to reduce friction & gain freedom with this resource: https://www.the8020lawyer.com/ Focus on these essential tech tools for maximum traction in your practice. Take this short law practice assessment to identify your main strengths & weaknesses.

    Follow and Review:
    We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
    Thanks to My Sponsor
    Smith.ai
    Smith.ai is an amazing virtual receptionist service that specializes in working with solo and small law firms. When you hire Smith.ai, you’re hiring well-trained, friendly receptionists who can respond to callers in English or Spanish.
    If there’s one great outsourcing opportunity for your practice, this is it. Let Smith.ai have your back while you stay focused on your work, knowing that your clients and prospects are being taken care of.
    Plans start at $210/month for 30 calls, and pricing starts at $140 for 20 chats, with overage at $7 per chat. They offer a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee on all receptionist and live chat plans, including add-ons (up to $1000).
    And they have a special offer for podcast listeners where you can get an extra $100 discount with promo code ERNIE100. Sign up for a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee now (and learn more) at smith.ai.
    Episode Credits
    If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.


     

    • 45 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
85 Ratings

85 Ratings

WMD 38 ,

Case Management Program versus Alternative

Solo here. Love the show. Interested in a segment that pros/cons over committing to a Clio, MyCase, PracticePanther, etc. versus applying custom script or tying together specialized programs like those showcased on this pod.

amp110114 ,

Just subscribe, you won't regret it!

I wish this podcast had been around when I started my business. Sheila really gets how business owners feel and helps you to use those feeling to improve (as a person and business owner) and grow your business

There's more wisdom in one episode of her podcast than in entire books I've read. Her episode on pricing was stellar!

Just subscribe already, you won't regret it!

dwightro ,

Gets to the Point

Ernie's approach is to explain various approaches to an issue - software, hardware, marketing, for example - and then tell you what he has done or would do. He is the uncommon attorney who actually says "do this." I appreciate his candor, easy going manner and succintness.

I have been following ERNIE for many years. I usually listen to his podcast on another platform; however the most recent one on kaizen was so superior I wanted to give it a five star review for the world to see.

Thank you ERNIE and keep on keeping on.

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