Nice Things
Everyone who blogs has had the “conversation.”
You know, the one that begins with your spouse, friend, colleague or boss asking the question, “So what is a blog, anyway?” and ends with you trying to explain how cool the whole blog thing is and why you spend so much time writing yours and reading others’.
I’ve had the “conversation” dozens of times and have always had a hard time explaining why I’ve spent literally hundreds of hours this past year reading blogs and writing my own. As a lawyer accustomed to valuing my time at almost $200 per hour, there is a very real temptation to measure my ROB (Return On Blogging) against the money I could have made if I were doing client work each hour I instead spent blogging (I am sure my partner has run the same calculation in his head a time or two).
What it has come down to is this: I blog for opportunity. In the past year, I have met more interesting people, been exposed to more amazing ideas, and been involved in more cool projects than in the rest of my (11 year) legal career. This blog has been recognized as one of the Top 50 Blawgs, and I was named the Best New Legal Blogger. I have had more than forty incredible people contribute to my Five by Five series, and met even more cool folks on my Think Tank Tuesday conference call. I was even nominated (by myself, but still…) as one of America’s Top 20 Legal Thinkers. I just finished a chapter on rainmaking for an ABA publication due out in May, and am starting a significant essay (that may become a book) tentatively titled, “Building the Service-Centered Firm.” And I can’t even describe how proud and excited I am about LexThink! Chicago.
What has made this year even more special for me is the really nice things people have said about me and this blog. At the suggestion of my friend Steve Nipper, I started collecting them (for myself, initially) and will share some of my favorites with you. Remember, I’m just a small-town lawyer in Southern Illinois. If I can do this, anyone can!
“What is your favorite blog? I really like Homann's the [non]billable hour blog. If anyone is going to write something I print out and think about...it is going to be Matt. At some point in the future I am going to convert my blogroll into a separate post...with reviews of all of my favorite blogs.” Steve Nipper
“I have to say that my favorite blog of all is the[non]billable hour by Matt Homann. The topics are beyond interesting, they are extremely useful. I left my previous law firm with a deep desire to do things differently and much better than I had seen them done before. From Matt’s blog, I have picked up many little tips and tricks that I have incorporated into my business. Most importantly, I get some validation that I have been thinking the right way all along.” Russ Krajek
“Matthew is an affable guy, as evidenced by his smart, intelligent, and informative blog at the [non] billable hour. One reason I asked Matthew to contribute to this on-going series of interviews is because he's actively involved in changing the face of law. What I mean to say is that he is reaching out to people, connecting with his clients and prospects, in ways that we might not associate with lawyers. This interview gives valuable insight into not only how Matthew, as a lawyer, thinks, but also how far removed the law profession is from all those lawyers jokes we hear every day. (I didn't edit anything, Matt. Your answers were too good to tinker with...much thanks!)” Yvonne DiVita
“If I had to hire a lawyer, I'd hire someone like Matthew Homann. His blog gives me the sense he's well-read (not just because he reads my blog :) ), passionate about his work, careful with his client relationships, professional, and most of all human. I like this guy, not just because he has a blog, but because he has a voice that appeals to me. I could never get that from a Yellow Pages ad.” John Porcaro
“By the way: I read Matt's site The Non-Billable Hour regularly. It's nothing short of fantastic. While Matt's work world is one of law and law firms, his ideas, observations and analysis are applicable to most business development or marketing situations. He also conceives and implements unique feature items (like the Five by Five) and content formats. It's catchy, sticky stuff that's way ahead of the pack.” Skip Lineberg
“A few people have asked me which blogs I read. At some point I will probably include a proper list on my page. For now, I want to point out the best law firm-related blog I have found: the [non]billable hour. Matthew Homann, attorney and mediator, has just set up a small law office. Most of his postings regard marketing the law firm and are commentary on ideas posted in a number of blogs he monitors. Some great, fresh ideas. Really worth a read if you work in a law firm” Connie Crosby
“Matt's a lawyer. Matt's a blogger. Matt's a guy who thinks outside the room, not just the box. And he does it in a way that remains practical, pragmatic, useful. He contacted me a few months ago and asked A. If I'd like to participate with a group of bloggers called THINK TANK TUESDAY (list of members is on the left of this blog). B. Would we like to sponsor the conference calls. I said yes to both. Lucky for me. Matt's oneof the few people who qualify as a thought-leader, as a leader and as a genuinely decent fellow. I love the way he's tweaking the nose in a constructive manner of the legal establishment challenging them to rethink their relationship with their clients, their practice, their billing, how to run their practice. And his ideas on marketing, entrepreneurship and just his energy and drive are inspiring.” Zane Safrit
Thank You!
Nice Things (oops)
I posted a half-finished post called "nice things" yesterday. I used Blogjet's feature "post as draft" but it posted anyway. I'll finish up the real edited post today and have it up later this afternoon. Sorry.
Matt
LexThink! Update
The response to our LexThink! Chicago announcement has been overwhelming. Dennis, Sherry, and I will be sending out our formal invites by the end of the week. The feedback I have received (in person and by e-mail) has been incredibly positive, and everyone (and I mean every single person) I’ve talked to about the conference has expressed interest in attending. We were even Scobelized.
If you’ve e-mailed me and haven’t heard anything yet, just wait a few more days. I’ll be in touch before the end of the week to everyone who expressed interest.
Resolutions for Lawyers, Day 28
Keep track of the nice things people say about you, and of the people who are exceptionally happy with your work. When you are having a hard time at the office (or want to use some testimonials in your marketing materials) you have a list handy for a quick pick-me-up.
And in case you think it is a bit conceited to keep track of the people who love you, remember that you will build a far more successful business by marketing to your happiest customers than your unhappy ones.
Thanks to my friend, Steve Nipper, for the tip.
And the Envelolpe Please
My friend Dennis Kennedy has given out his 2004 Legal Blogging Awards (nicknamed “Blawggies”) and I am pleased to accept the award for Best New Legal Blogger. I’m a bit under the weather today, or you’d be getting a really long speech here (lucky for you). Suffice it to say that I am thankful to everyone who has made 2004 my best year ever. Thank you!
Resolutions for Lawyers, Day 27
I read a lot of non-legal books — mostly business books — to help me generate ideas on improving my legal practice and to get ideas for posts in this blog. I usually buy the books I read, and fold down the corner of each page that has something I want to come back to. However, what tends to happen is that I end up with a bunch of books on my bookshelf with beat-up pages that I’ve not looked at since I read them in the first place.
This brings me to my resolution for the day (and a simple Knowledge Management tip):
Whenever you finish a book, copy each page you “marked” while reading it. Put the copies in an idea file that you review regularly — or at least when you are stuck and need to think creatively.
Resolutions for Lawyers, Day 26
Now that the holiday season is over, think about the one present you saw (on television, while shopping, under the tree) that made you say to yourself, “Boy, if I were a kid again …,” and go buy it for yourself. Whenever you are having a tough day at the office, or really need to do some creative thinking, pull it out and play with it. Here is the “present” I bought myself while shopping for my daughter’s Christmas presents — a Lego Ferrari F1 Racer. I can’t wait to put it together.
Resolutions for Lawyers, Day 24
Here is one on my personal “to do” list next year:
Identify the most successful businesses in your community and find out who is second and third in charge there. Ask those people to lunch. Learn everything you can about their business. Don’t “sell” your practice or your services, but offer to help them in any way you can. Follow up with a personal thank-you note after the lunch.
You will start to see business from these people and their businesses before next year is out!
Fun Stuff 2004
I didn’t know what to get everyone for the holidays, but Mark Hurst did. He is the author of the Good Experience Blog, and for a special Christmas treat, has compiled all of his “Fun Stuff” entries from his newsletter here.
Each entry is guaranteed to generate a smile.
Resolutions for Lawyers, Day 23
Find employees who want to work second and third shifts and experiment with one or two days a month where the firm never closes. Advertise these days, and find out how many people who've never had time to meet with a lawyer come calling!
My Christmas List
Just a few of the things on my Christmas list. I know it is late, but I won’t hold it against you if the gift arrives after the holidays.
A website designed by 37 Signals. These guys (and gals) are masters at making really functional websites look simple and elegant. Take a look at their 37Better Project, with redesigns of popular sites Google, FedEx, and PayPal. These guys are also behind the Basecamp project management tool (that I love).
A blog designed by Kevin at LexBlog.
A subscription to Worthwhile Magazine. I love the blog, and can’t find the magazine at my local bookstore.
A Tour Edge Exotics fairway wood. I’m on my fourth driver by this company and love their products, warranty, and customer service. Great prices on unbelievable clubs. Oh, and thanks for asking: the three wood with the stiff Fujikura shaft, please.
A smaller Advertising Block from Law.com. Visit my site. Enough said.
A Mirra Personal Server for home and office.
A clean desk.
A new laptop bag and backpack.
Time to respond to my comments.
Registration for a few cool trainings and conferences.
Your vote.
Oh, and one more thing: The ability to meet and thank every single reader of this blog.
I have dedicated (a growing) part of my professional and personal life to improving law practice and making this gig the one we all thought we were signing up for when we decided to go to law school. I am gratified beyond words at the response I’ve gotten from all of you. Blogging isn’t about conversations, it is not about ROI, it is about opportunity. I’ve learned more, met more fascinating people, and gained more from the fellowship of bloggers and blog readers than I ever thought possible. Thank you so much.
Happy Holidays!
Resolutions for Lawyers, Day 22
Every week, pick one of your "standard" forms (like retainer agreement) and give it to a sixth grader. Ask them if they understand it. Then rewrite it from scratch.
Resolutions for Lawyers, Day 21
Find the biggest problem in your community and have a competition to solve it. Involve the schools and retirement homes. Give a prize for the best solution. Make sure everyone knows your firm sponsored the competition. Set aside another part of the prize money to go towards funding the solution.
Resolutions for Lawyers, Day 20
Create a Firm Master To-Do List -- This list isn't for client matters, but for firm matters. Make marketing and firm development high priorities. Make sure everyone has access to the list and place at least one item on the calendar each week to make sure it gets done.
Resolutions for Lawyers, Day 19
Look for space in your office where you can have a comfortable conversation with a client, partner, or staff member. Having a white board or other brainstorming tool would be a big plus. Make it a fun place to think.
Resolutions for Lawyers, Day 18
Prepare a list of client commitments and stick to them. Include returning phone calls within a specified period of time. Send the commitments to clients with every bill. Offer discounts if you don't live up to any of your commitments. Give clients a small discount if they send back a "Report Card" with their payment. Make it look like the ones kids got in the fifties. Follow up with them on any grade they give below an "A."