#see if i want to commit to saving tons of icons to my pc like the ye olde days

[morisenatha]

[ staring. do i want to go back to using icons for therith... i did use eleanor tomlinson in the past ]

[huntermagazine362]

Notion To Todoist

Notion Vs Todoist

Todoist Integration Office 365

Todoist Notion Integration

Notion Todoist

In a matter of minutes and without a single line of code, Zapier allows you to automatically send info between ClickUp and Todoist. Get started with workflows like: Add new ClickUp tasks to Todoist.Or check out the rest of our guided workflows.Save time with Zapier; it's free to try. Notion calls itself an all-in-one workspace for notes and documents, wikis, tasks and projects, and spreadsheets and databases. Although I still prefer Todoist as my task manager (I wish Todoist and Notion could integrate!), Notion has become my project management software tool. I’ll admit: the learning curve on Notion was a bit rough at first.

Test your Zap and if everything went according to the plan, you should see your email in your notion table. Integration #4: Send Tasks from Todoist/Tasks to Notion. The integration allows you to send tasks from pretty much any Todo app that works with Zapier. Set up a Todo table. Whilst Todoist haven’t totally changed their business model after seeing the rise of Roam, Notion and many more tools – and their expansive set of features, it has created some form of expansion of.

Using modular productivity-boosting solutions such as Notion, Coda, and Airtable may look like a challenge initially. However, you'll gradually figure out the efficient bits while keeping all information and the team in one place. On the other hand, there are proven software like Trello, Asana, and Jira with a single function in mind. If you are confused between Notion and Trello to manage projects and tasks, we'll compare them in this post to help you pick one.

At first glance, both Notion and Trello seem similar. Well, they both let you manage large projects like a pro. But the concept couldn’t have been different.

Notion relies on Project management templates to get started. While Trello follows tried and tested Kanban method to move blocks as the project goes ahead.

In this post, we will compare both Notion and Trello on various factors. The talking points include interface, features, sharing, price, management capabilities, and more. Let’s get started.

Also on Guiding Tech

How to Create a Custom Template in Notion

Read More

Cross-Platform Availability

Notion is available on iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, and Web. To provide a seamless experience across platforms, the company uses the same UI on mobile, PC, and web.

My only gripe is Notion mobile apps. Instead of being native, they are essentially web wrappers.

Visit Notion

Trello has the upper hand, for it is available on iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and Web. It supports all the major browsers too.

Even though both apps are accessible on mobile platforms, the experience is best served on the web.

Visit Trello

User Interface

Notion appears like a broad white canvas. You can add templates to it and start organizing the stuff.

The major options, such as pages and sub-sections, are on the left. The thing about Notion is, it won’t throw every detail at the user. The editing options are available as soon as you use the ‘/‘ command.

Memorizing the useful Notion commands will help you save time later.

On the Trello home screen, you will find boards all the recently viewed and personal boards. You can create a team, add a name, and then integrate relevant board sections related to the project.

You can also change board backgrounds to match the project sentiment and style.

Also on Guiding Tech

Notion vs OneNote: Should You Switch to Notion

Notion Vs Todoist

Read More

Project and Task Management

You can make to-do lists on Notion and Trello. That reduces your reliance on constantly moving around lists from other to-do apps such as Todoist or TickTick.

You will have to use templates on Notion. You can find several to-do templates in the Notion Template Gallery, and you can choose one according to your requirements.

Notion’s weekly agenda template is my favorite to manage small projects, and I humbly recommend it to everyone.

You can give it a relevant name, add a cover photo and icon to get started. Now, add tasks below the weekdays, and as a bonus, you can integrate reminder notifications.

Type ‘/remind’ and add the date and time to get notified on mobile or PC.

As for managing huge projects, Notion offers several project management templates. Among them, Roadmap is my favorite one. To me, the Roadmap template is like Trello on steroids.

You can keep track of ongoing projects, add issues, integrate tags, share it with a team member, and more. Not only that, but one can also tap on the tab and see all the details regarding it.

You can add as many suitable table contents as you wish. After that, you need to integrate tags and buttons to get the maximum out of the template.

Trello popularized Kanban-style project management with drag and drop function, and is sticking to its strength by setting it as the default option.

Trello sticks to the basic board view. Based on your requirements, you can give the board a relevant name and set up the whole thing. Here is how I use it.

I have added tasks to assigned, in-going, in-going, in review, and completed tabs for the Product timeline. I tag the tasks to a relevant team member, add details such as image, description, and conversation in the comments menu.

For bug tracking, I have made a separate board that shows the ongoing projects in the company. Below each project, I add app progress issues, tag the team member, add details and screenshot of the bug, and archive it once it's fixed.

That said, Notion can be a bit confusing and overwhelming folks just starting off with it. The process involves finding the right template for you. Trello has more user-friendly process to get started.

Features and Sharing

Trello relies on third-party integration with other apps. They are called power-ups. The list of apps is endless here. It's neatly categorized into sub-sections in the Power-up menu. I'm sure you will stumble upon something you use daily.

Using power-ups, you can add Trello tasks to Google Calendar as well. Trello also feels visually pleasing with minimal efforts.

Todoist Integration Office 365

Notion is can be your ultimate workspace to organize your information and work of your teams. You can build a subscription tracker, finance tool, book tracking page, and more. The possibilities are endless.

As expected, both the software allows you to invite members to a board or workspace. You will find all the member activities in the notification panel.

Pricing

Notion is free for personal use. As for team sharing, you can invite up to 5 users to a team. The paid plans start at $4 per member per month.

Trello offers the premium version called Trello Gold. With $3.75/month, you get access to all the customization features, add files more than 10MB size, and use third-party integration from the other apps.

Also on Guiding Tech

#productivity='bp-purple>

Click here to see our productivity articles page

Pick One Wisely

Both apps offer compelling task and project management capabilities with the help of templates. However, both differ when it comes to execution. For small teams and projects with minimal timeline, I would advise going with Trello. Notion is more suitable for those who want to organize every possible little detail in one place.

Next up:Notion is a joy to use with Keyboard shortcuts. Read the post below to find the top eleven Notion keyboard shortcuts to boost your productivity.

The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.

Read Next

5 Best Project Management Tools for Small Teams

Are you looking to invest in a project management tool to handle a small team? Read the post to learn about the top five project management tools for small teams and startups.

Free up your mental space

Regain clarity and calmness by getting all those tasks out of your head and onto your to-do list (no matter where you are or what device you use).

Google Play

Editor’s Choice4.7 stars, 187K+ reviews

App Store

Featured app4.8 stars, 30K+ reviews

Todoist Notion Integration

The Verge

Todoist has helped millions of people completeover 1.5 billion tasks in 150+ million projects.

I literally couldn’t do my job or even manage all the business of being a fully functioning parent and spouse without Todoist.

As a software engineer, it’s useful to break down big projects into smaller tasks, and Todoist is perfect for that purpose.

I kept track of all my school tasks in Todoist and, in 2016, I became the first one in my family to obtain a bachelor’s degree.

Todoist has revolutionized the way we run our small business by helping us simplify projects and coordinate tons of details.

Trevor Stephens

General Manager at Topline Builders

Notion Todoist

Read more

Todoist gave us the focus to scale our company from 2 to 75 employees, $12M in VC financing, and 350+ happy enterprise customers.

Todoist helps me organize all my writing projects. And that makes it an indispensable tool both in business and in life.

A task manager you can trust for life

In the 14 yearsand 87 days that we’ve been building Todoist, we’ve never considered selling out or becoming acquired.

Our team is committed to staying independent and earning your trust for as long as you need our apps.

Learn about our long-term mission

[revchainsaw]

Demolition Man (1993)

I am by no means an Action Movie guy. I have however time and time again found myself surprised by the genre when it has found its way into my viewing habits. The first Action Movie that really impressed me was Die Hard. I watched it one Christmas as I searched for more unusual holiday fare and was utterly blown away. I felt as if I should seek out more of these films. I got as far as Lethal Weapon 2 before I retreated back to the world of absurd horror and sci-fi. If not for the power of cultural osmosis and the question of the 3 shells i might not have worked up the interest to check out 1993's Demolitions Man. I was expecting a typical cop vs criminal action flick starring Stallone, but what I found was an absolutely delightful Science Fiction Comedy.

The Message

Released in 1993 Demolition man starts right out of the gate with a hilariously pessimistic prediction that by the year 1996 every city in America will be Gotham on crack. The Joker of this film is Simon Phoenix and though he lacks the circus act accoutrement he is absolutely a clown prince of crime. I would not be surprised to discover Heath Ledger took inspiration from Snipes for his turn as an agent of chaos. Phoenix is an unstoppable force and in Stallone he finds his immoveable object, John Spartan (God I love these action movie names), a cop who will walk through hell itself to see this mad man brought to justice. However in his blind pursuit of his greatest enemy Spartan is easily coaxed into making reckless decisions, resulting in unnecessary fatalities. Both Spartan and Phoenix are thus sentenced to cryogenic prison sentences.

In 2032, Phoenix is thawed out for a parole hearing and of course things go as you might expect. Phoenix finds that he has changed, someone has used scifi shenanigans on him while he was frozen giving him abilities both mental and physical that he had not had before, hinting at some kind of conspiracy, he also finds that this was overkill as even the unmodified Phoenix would not have had any trouble conquering the world of 2032. Society has become utopian and nobody has a concept of using physical force to resolve issues. This leads the police of the time to make the controversial decision to thaw out Spartan to bring down the villain.

Hilarity ensues as Sandra Bullocks character, Lenina Huxley (awesome name once again; named after the author of Brave New World), is tasked with keeping the primitive 90s action hero in line with the moral imperatives of the time. This includes avoiding violence, not using naughty words, a vegetarian diet, and socially distanced sexual intercourse (a gag at the time but in the real life 2020's may have been a welcome invention).

Without giving too much more away, this future peace comes at a great cost to personal freedom and expression and there is a society of free people living in the fringes of society known as Scraps lead by a civil rights leader of sorts named Friendly. There is a sinister conspiracy to wipe them out that is the central plot contrivance that brought our forces of Good and Evil to face off. The Super Phoenix betrays his handlers, seeks to turn this utopia into his personal playground and is eventually defeated by Spartan in the final showdown. Sylvester Stallone eagerly eats a rat burger and Sandra Bullock says a cuss word at one point.

The Benediction

Best Character: Phoenix Rises

Everyone loves a villain. I had mostly known Wesley Snipes from the Blade films and did not know he had this kind of range. I expected very stoic boring bad ass action dialogue from both Stallone and Snipes in this movie, and believed the sci-fi elements would simply be space cars and laser guns but was I wrong. I'm so happy to be wrong. This film just surprised me and Snipes performance as Phoenix was by far the most enjoyable. I loved his menace and the threat that he presented. I don't think there had been such a loveable bastard force of nature character like this portrayed in film so well until this time. He is such a believable threat that I really doubted there was going to be a way to bring him down. It was great to see the other characters underestimate him and to see him not only physically dominate his obstacles but to also out smart and out class his 'puppet masters' was just a pleasure the whole time.

Best Actor: Bullock in the Chamber

I know that Sandra Bullock stars in a ton of comedy films but I've never been able to say that I found her to be particularly funny. She also strangely plays a cop in a lot of these comedies. I may think of Lilina Huxley every time I think of Sandra Bullock from now on. She was absolutely hilarious, deadpan and dedicated to this character in a way that sold the world of 2032 America. I really don't think that the overly sensitive utopic world would have felt like a genuine place where human beings lived and not just a cartoonish backdrop without the honesty that Bullock brought to the role. It's hard to find actors who can inhabit a comedic world as seriously as a Middle Earth. And maybe that's not what she'd like to be remembered for, but I think she deserves that credit.

Best Aspect: a Genre/Genre/Genre Classic

Demolition Man is such a pleasant surprise. No one in this movie seems to begrudge it's wackiness and it lends itself to the humor in a way that lets the audience rest in the assurance that this was a pleasure for the cast and crew as much as it is a pleasure for us. It doesn't sacrifice it's action to be to screwball, and it doesn't sacrifice it's world building to be to absurd. It's a comedy that takes it's self seriously. I can not stress enough that this movie nails several genre's at once. It's a funny comedy, an ideologically committed satire, an exciting action flick, a hard science fiction tale that explores the high concept of the consequences of utopia, and a fantasy that sells it's goofy future world.

Worst Aspect: If Only Cops Were More Violent

I am not a fan of the implications of the film. In the 90s it seemed that PC culture was the big enemy of personal freedom and that giving a shit about other peoples feelings was going to turn our civilization into a bunch of overly sensitive weaklings. This narrative has imbedded itself in our culture and produced a generation of selfish assholes who feel completely justified in their every callous action. Demolition Man is a Libertarian science fiction film, but I find that it's central fiction is just that. I do not believe that committing to non-violent conflict resolutions, considering the feelings of others, and not eating meat will 'neuter' our abilities to live individually free and fulfilling lives. It's a caricature, that while funny, i think is inaccurate. If you are of the mindset that Personal Freedom is at odds with social justice then you may find yourself enjoying the idea that it takes a violent police reaction to save society from it's own worst impulses, but I find that idea fairly fantastical. I think seeing the community stand firm in their convictions and still overcome evil may have been a more ideologically realistic interpretation of how the day can be saved, but instead we are given a lone wolf renegade cop killing the bad guy will reform the world, and in todays world, that just seems like a profoundly stupid message.

Best Scene: Fight at the Museum

Demolition Man boasts several ass kicking confrontations between Spartan and Phoenix. The opening Escape from L.A. backdrop that establishes these deadly foes, and the fall out that an interaction between the two can have is considered extreme even when the world is seemingly at the brink of collapse. It really sets a high stake for our squeaky clean future. The final battle in the Cryo-lab is also iconic and features a pretty excellent practical effect. However, I'd have to give the best scene to the fight at the weapons exhibit. The fact that Spartan knows his enemy so well is on display as he predicts that the Weapons exhibit will be an irresistible draw, we get to see Phoenix at his chaotic best, great one liners, and it's just a toy box for both Hero and Villain to let lose and deliver on that fall out I was just mentioning had been set up in the first act. While I loved the comedic take on this rivalry, I'd like to see Snipes and Stallone take up their beef again in a more seriously violent film. They make for great arch-rivals.

Best Gag: Potty Mouth

When I was a kid I remember my father hauling ass down our residential road and getting pulled over just a block away from our driveway. I think he was doing 55 in a 35. It was his fault but as the proud small government southern man he was, he felt it was absolutely overreach on behalf of the police department to give him a ticket on the road that he lived on. Stupid, I know. But our car was full of groceries and the officer let our ice cream melt while the whole time we sat in the truck with our home in view. My father was so enraged about this ticket that he got revenge on the mean old government by writing the check to pay his ticket, and then using said check to wipe sweat from his ass crack after mowing the lawn the next day. He mailed it in and I as an 11 year old knew that it was not going to effect the offending officer in the least, but that some poor old county clerk was going to probably get pink eye. Anyway, if you handle money or checks, you should always wear gloves, or wash your hands regularly before touching your face or eating. All that to say, I really enjoyed that after being frustrated with the 3 shell system Stallone racks up a series of fines for profanity. These fines are issued via an automated ticket dispenser on the wall in the police department. Stallone lets out a string of hilarious expletives that I hope to God were adlibbed, before he is satisfied with a nice pile of paper in his hand. He implies that he is going to the bathroom to do a little paperwork, and the scene is over. Even if you don't want to watch the whole movie, go ahead and YouTube this scene. Stallone has a surprising talent for comedy on display here.

Summary

To Begin with, I would say not to take this film too seriously: It is a comedy, after all, and I am not certain that the political implications of the movie were meant to be thought out as much as I have above. Unlike Judge Dredd, which Stallone would star in 2 years after this, (tragically deciding to bring Rob Schneider along with him) Demolition Man does not openly advocate for fascism. It's funny, it's a tight story with a satisfying conclusion, it's got great action choreography and it may be Snipes, Bullock and Stallone at their absolute best.

Overall Grade: B

[taleshalance4]

Technology Resolutions for 2019

The end of the year is the time for New Year’s resolutions for many of us. How successful are you with your resolutions? We thought so. One reason for not completing your resolutions is that they are too general (“lose weight”). What if you tried to make some of your resolutions more specific by focusing on a single topic? In this roundtable, our experts weigh in on the idea of setting technology resolutions for 2019.

Our Panelists

Dennis Kennedy (DK), John Loughnane (JL), Gyi Tsakalakis (GT), Allison Shields (AS), and Alexander Paykin (AP).

Have you tried the idea of setting New Year’s technology resolutions? Why or why not?

DK: Yes. In fact, Tom Mighell and I have been publicly revealing our tech resolutions on our podcast for the last several years. Going through the exercise has been very useful to me. It gives me a structure to think practically about my own use of technology and, by going public, makes me feel accountable. My success rate has been good, but not perfect, and I’ve noticed that some of the original resolutions might evolve or change during the year, which is not a bad thing.

JL: Not previously. For me (and I suspect many others), New Year’s resolutions have not proven to be an effective means of implementing sustained change.

GT: If by “New Year’s technology resolutions,” you mean “an annual assessment of our technology,” then yes! Every year we review what we currently have, how well it’s working (or being used), and whether there’s something better available.

AS: I am not the biggest fan of New Year’s resolutions in general, preferring to set specific goals with concrete plans of action instead (I seem to get more accomplished that way). I have set technology goals in the past and have been successful at reaching some and not so successful at others. I do have some technology goals on my list for this year.

AP: Absolutely. Every new year is an opportunity for improvement. The trick is to implement the resolutions for New Years and not just make them—make them well in advance. Make Thanksgiving resolutions, then spend December figuring out how implementation would work, then on 1/1, flip the switch.

What themes or specific areas do you target or would you like to target with tech resolutions?

DK: I’ve been using a three-part approach. First, is there a technology pain point that I’d like to alleviate or remove? Second, is there a new technology, a new skill, or a more advanced use of a technology that I’d like to learn? Third, is there something I can do to advance my career, accomplish more with technology, improve processes, or enhance client service?

JL: In lieu of “tech resolutions” I would advocate for “tech commitment” focused on three things: ethics, education, and evolution.

GT: The most recurrent theme is resolving to resist shiny object syndrome. There’s usually a ton of new shiny stuff to try every year. The trick is figuring out what actually delivers something better.

AS: My tech goals have centered on either learning to use technology I already have better, more efficiently, or more consistently; implementing new technology to help improve my practice or the delivery of services to my clients; learning about new technology in the legal space, and turning off technology or reminding myself to use non-tech tools sometimes to reduce information overload.

AP: Major changes. You can upgrade to the new printer anytime. New Year’s should be for big things. Like as of 1/1, we will not use paper files for any new incoming matters. Or as of 1/1, we are switching to a cloud-based practice management system.

What 2019 tech resolutions would you like to share with our readers?

DK: These might change before I finalize them, but here’s my tentative list. First, automate standard tasks and routines by using tools like TextExpander and scripting. Second, I want to dive deeply into idea creation, capture, and management tools. Third, I want to experiment with a niche social media/networking tool called MightyNetworks to try to do some online community creation.

JL: Because the model rules of professional conduct include the requirement of technical competency, I would share a reminder about the fundamental ethical imperative of keeping informed of various technology and associated benefits and risks.

GT: Resolve to avoid shiny objects. Resolve to set S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals through which to measure the value of technology. Resolve to implement technology to measure your client development investments from start to finish.

AS: My main technology goals for 2019 include continuing to learn about new technology and how it affects my clients and their practices (including more about AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity) and implementing some new technology in my consulting practice, specifically webinar or course creation technologies to deliver online presentations or courses.

AP: A few from prior years: 1) Create all new matters in the practice management system and digitize five old (but active) files per week until all are in the PDS. Then, repeat with closed matters until all files are digital. Then, get rid of filing cabinets. 2) Put all files in the cloud and no longer save things to the PC’s local hard drive—ever. 3) Implement a scan on arrival mail policy. 4) Log all digital stamps and maintain an electronic mail log. 5) Invoice all clients electronically. This year’s upcoming resolution: Completely automate the engagement letter process and stop hand-finalizing engagement letter templates.

What are your strategies for achieving your tech resolutions?

DK: I put my resolutions into my task manager, Omnifocus, so they appear to me on a regular basis and I am reminded of them. I also break resolutions down into component tasks so my actual work to move the resolution forward is simpler and more doable. Making them public also helps me stay motivated. The S.M.A.R.T. approach to goal setting can also be very helpful.

JL: Becoming or staying technologically competent can be achieved through many means including joining relevant bar association groups, reading topical articles, and listening to a myriad of podcasts. Clients in all industries are affected by the accelerating pace of technological change—so speaking with clients about their evolving technology challenges is an effective means of staying current on challenges and opportunities.

GT: Set goals. Create a plan to implement. Implement. Measure your implementation against your goals. Rinse and repeat every quarter.

AS: As I mentioned above, I think resolutions are too vague for me—I like to set specific goals and then create a plan to reach those goals by breaking the goals down into smaller, more achievable chunks, and then set deadlines for completing those smaller goals or tasks. For example, if I want to learn more about AI and blockchain in 2019, my first step would probably be to find some resources—books, podcasts, articles, etc. and then set aside time to consume that content. I might even make a plan to write an article or blog post about one or more of these topics since that will force me to have to learn about it.

AP: I am moving the Word versions of my engagement letter far far away and integrating the engagement letter template as an automated document form in my practice management system. To avoid temptation and remind myself to do it electronically, I am leaving a file that looks just like the engagement letter Word file in the original directory, but even though I set it to have Word icon when I click on it, it’s actually a link to my PDS URL. That way the muscle memory and habit of going into that directory will be changed—by force if need be.

What tech resolutions would you suggest might work for many readers?

DK: I like my thematic approach and encourage readers to try that. Buying a new piece of hardware that you really want or trying a new software program or cloud service is also a great starting point. Learning an advanced use of a program you use every day (Outlook, Adobe) is another productive approach. For most of our readers, putting more effort into cybersecurity will be a great resolution.

JL: At one point, a number of lawyers viewed technology as a distraction from their primary practice. At this point, technology is core to the very existence of most clients and fundamental to practicing law effectively. I recommend lawyers view the commitment to staying technologically competent as more than a resolution—but rather as the fulfillment of an ethical duty that should help fulfill client needs and drive practice development.

GT: See my response to question three.

AS: I think everyone is different and has a different level of comfort with technology, but one of the easiest goals would be to look at the technology you already use and identify one to three ways you want to learn how to use that technology better in 2019. That might mean learning how to create Rules in Outlook to better manage your email and then creating time in your schedule to learn how to do it. Or it could mean learning how to create a new report in your practice management or accounting software or developing templates in your document management system to deliver services more efficiently to clients. Sometimes it helps to look at the most time-consuming or frustrating or repetitive actions you undertake regularly and seek out ways that technology can make them easier or more effective.

AP: 1) Create all new matters in the practice management system and digitize five old (but active) files per week until all are in the PDS. Then, repeat with closed matters until all files are digital. Then, get rid of filing cabinets. 2) Put all files in the cloud and no longer save things to the PC’s local hard drive—ever.  3) Implement a scan on arrival mail policy. 4) Adopt an electronic signature policy and an account with a company like DocuSign. 5) Invest in a VOIP phone system which follows you wherever you go. 6) Engage an off-site receptionist service like Ruby, and integrate it into your PDS. There are so many others…

The post Technology Resolutions for 2019 appeared first on Law Technology Today.

from http://bit.ly/2SgZY6N from https://eliaandponto1.tumblr.com/post/181429925222

[eliaandponto1]

Technology Resolutions for 2019

The end of the year is the time for New Year’s resolutions for many of us. How successful are you with your resolutions? We thought so. One reason for not completing your resolutions is that they are too general (“lose weight”). What if you tried to make some of your resolutions more specific by focusing on a single topic? In this roundtable, our experts weigh in on the idea of setting technology resolutions for 2019.

Our Panelists

Dennis Kennedy (DK), John Loughnane (JL), Gyi Tsakalakis (GT), Allison Shields (AS), and Alexander Paykin (AP).

Have you tried the idea of setting New Year’s technology resolutions? Why or why not?

DK: Yes. In fact, Tom Mighell and I have been publicly revealing our tech resolutions on our podcast for the last several years. Going through the exercise has been very useful to me. It gives me a structure to think practically about my own use of technology and, by going public, makes me feel accountable. My success rate has been good, but not perfect, and I’ve noticed that some of the original resolutions might evolve or change during the year, which is not a bad thing.

JL: Not previously. For me (and I suspect many others), New Year’s resolutions have not proven to be an effective means of implementing sustained change.

GT: If by “New Year’s technology resolutions,” you mean “an annual assessment of our technology,” then yes! Every year we review what we currently have, how well it’s working (or being used), and whether there’s something better available.

AS: I am not the biggest fan of New Year’s resolutions in general, preferring to set specific goals with concrete plans of action instead (I seem to get more accomplished that way). I have set technology goals in the past and have been successful at reaching some and not so successful at others. I do have some technology goals on my list for this year.

AP: Absolutely. Every new year is an opportunity for improvement. The trick is to implement the resolutions for New Years and not just make them—make them well in advance. Make Thanksgiving resolutions, then spend December figuring out how implementation would work, then on 1/1, flip the switch.

What themes or specific areas do you target or would you like to target with tech resolutions?

DK: I’ve been using a three-part approach. First, is there a technology pain point that I’d like to alleviate or remove? Second, is there a new technology, a new skill, or a more advanced use of a technology that I’d like to learn? Third, is there something I can do to advance my career, accomplish more with technology, improve processes, or enhance client service?

JL: In lieu of “tech resolutions” I would advocate for “tech commitment” focused on three things: ethics, education, and evolution.

GT: The most recurrent theme is resolving to resist shiny object syndrome. There’s usually a ton of new shiny stuff to try every year. The trick is figuring out what actually delivers something better.

AS: My tech goals have centered on either learning to use technology I already have better, more efficiently, or more consistently; implementing new technology to help improve my practice or the delivery of services to my clients; learning about new technology in the legal space, and turning off technology or reminding myself to use non-tech tools sometimes to reduce information overload.

AP: Major changes. You can upgrade to the new printer anytime. New Year’s should be for big things. Like as of 1/1, we will not use paper files for any new incoming matters. Or as of 1/1, we are switching to a cloud-based practice management system.

What 2019 tech resolutions would you like to share with our readers?

DK: These might change before I finalize them, but here’s my tentative list. First, automate standard tasks and routines by using tools like TextExpander and scripting. Second, I want to dive deeply into idea creation, capture, and management tools. Third, I want to experiment with a niche social media/networking tool called MightyNetworks to try to do some online community creation.

JL: Because the model rules of professional conduct include the requirement of technical competency, I would share a reminder about the fundamental ethical imperative of keeping informed of various technology and associated benefits and risks.

GT: Resolve to avoid shiny objects. Resolve to set S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals through which to measure the value of technology. Resolve to implement technology to measure your client development investments from start to finish.

AS: My main technology goals for 2019 include continuing to learn about new technology and how it affects my clients and their practices (including more about AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity) and implementing some new technology in my consulting practice, specifically webinar or course creation technologies to deliver online presentations or courses.

AP: A few from prior years: 1) Create all new matters in the practice management system and digitize five old (but active) files per week until all are in the PDS. Then, repeat with closed matters until all files are digital. Then, get rid of filing cabinets. 2) Put all files in the cloud and no longer save things to the PC’s local hard drive—ever. 3) Implement a scan on arrival mail policy. 4) Log all digital stamps and maintain an electronic mail log. 5) Invoice all clients electronically. This year’s upcoming resolution: Completely automate the engagement letter process and stop hand-finalizing engagement letter templates.

What are your strategies for achieving your tech resolutions?

DK: I put my resolutions into my task manager, Omnifocus, so they appear to me on a regular basis and I am reminded of them. I also break resolutions down into component tasks so my actual work to move the resolution forward is simpler and more doable. Making them public also helps me stay motivated. The S.M.A.R.T. approach to goal setting can also be very helpful.

JL: Becoming or staying technologically competent can be achieved through many means including joining relevant bar association groups, reading topical articles, and listening to a myriad of podcasts. Clients in all industries are affected by the accelerating pace of technological change—so speaking with clients about their evolving technology challenges is an effective means of staying current on challenges and opportunities.

GT: Set goals. Create a plan to implement. Implement. Measure your implementation against your goals. Rinse and repeat every quarter.

AS: As I mentioned above, I think resolutions are too vague for me—I like to set specific goals and then create a plan to reach those goals by breaking the goals down into smaller, more achievable chunks, and then set deadlines for completing those smaller goals or tasks. For example, if I want to learn more about AI and blockchain in 2019, my first step would probably be to find some resources—books, podcasts, articles, etc. and then set aside time to consume that content. I might even make a plan to write an article or blog post about one or more of these topics since that will force me to have to learn about it.

AP: I am moving the Word versions of my engagement letter far far away and integrating the engagement letter template as an automated document form in my practice management system. To avoid temptation and remind myself to do it electronically, I am leaving a file that looks just like the engagement letter Word file in the original directory, but even though I set it to have Word icon when I click on it, it’s actually a link to my PDS URL. That way the muscle memory and habit of going into that directory will be changed—by force if need be.

What tech resolutions would you suggest might work for many readers?

DK: I like my thematic approach and encourage readers to try that. Buying a new piece of hardware that you really want or trying a new software program or cloud service is also a great starting point. Learning an advanced use of a program you use every day (Outlook, Adobe) is another productive approach. For most of our readers, putting more effort into cybersecurity will be a great resolution.

JL: At one point, a number of lawyers viewed technology as a distraction from their primary practice. At this point, technology is core to the very existence of most clients and fundamental to practicing law effectively. I recommend lawyers view the commitment to staying technologically competent as more than a resolution—but rather as the fulfillment of an ethical duty that should help fulfill client needs and drive practice development.

GT: See my response to question three.

AS: I think everyone is different and has a different level of comfort with technology, but one of the easiest goals would be to look at the technology you already use and identify one to three ways you want to learn how to use that technology better in 2019. That might mean learning how to create Rules in Outlook to better manage your email and then creating time in your schedule to learn how to do it. Or it could mean learning how to create a new report in your practice management or accounting software or developing templates in your document management system to deliver services more efficiently to clients. Sometimes it helps to look at the most time-consuming or frustrating or repetitive actions you undertake regularly and seek out ways that technology can make them easier or more effective.

AP: 1) Create all new matters in the practice management system and digitize five old (but active) files per week until all are in the PDS. Then, repeat with closed matters until all files are digital. Then, get rid of filing cabinets. 2) Put all files in the cloud and no longer save things to the PC’s local hard drive—ever.  3) Implement a scan on arrival mail policy. 4) Adopt an electronic signature policy and an account with a company like DocuSign. 5) Invest in a VOIP phone system which follows you wherever you go. 6) Engage an off-site receptionist service like Ruby, and integrate it into your PDS. There are so many others…

The post Technology Resolutions for 2019 appeared first on Law Technology Today.

from http://bit.ly/2SgZY6N

[5dollarcogcatcher-blog]

Buy Bitcoin With ITunes Gift Card Code

Buy Bitcoin With ITunes Gift Card Code

http://tinyurl.com/freeitunescodes1

So if you buy a $50 Gift Card, it's equivalent to getting $10 worth of apps, games, or music free. Our services is absolutely non-chargeable, we don't ask you for any rewards and you can use it as many as you can there is no limits to our itunes codes service while you are committing to our rules, you will always find a blurb about itunes code generator and itunes code maker all this stuff does not exist and it's better for you to start using our way to get your itunes cards now.

Fortunately I was able to contact my credit card company to close this account and stop the charges, but I'm afraid they may already have gotten their money. Store credit is a great gift precisely because it enables the recipient to choose his or her product or service. Also if you aren't sure I'm sure you can look up the gift card online to see if it's still valid or has money on it. When you give iTunes Gift Cards to friends and family, they can choose whatever they want on the iTunes Store, App Store, iBooks Store, and Mac App Store. With ShippingPass from Walmart, you can enjoy Every Day Low Prices with the convenience of fast, FREE shipping. Ah, yes, that's likely it. The international stores don't play well together, so a gift card purchased in the U.S. may only be good in the U.S. store. You can add money directly to your iTunes or App Store account with iTunes Pass.

You can list your gift card on the exchange for up to one dollar below the full value, meaning a $100 card can be listed for as much as $99. Enter the 16-digit code, which starts with X, retrievable from My Game Card Page. Is one of the rare sites that lets you exchange your gift card for another card of the same value. With this done, on the left hand side, you'll see the little green shopping bag icon next to iTunes Store.” Click on that. As you can see, the scalpers are still in business, always ready to sell you an overpriced iTunes gift card from US or Japan. You can save your money that you pay for itunes buy sign up our service and start collecting point to exchange it with itunes gift card codes. And while there are a ton of good ones you can buy (start with Transformer, obviously), this article is about how to foolishly waste your money.

So if you've been spending a lot of time struggling with figuring out just what the perfect gift is for you to send, don't waste another minute looking for answers. Cash in on your card: And for many consumers, it might just be easier to sell an unwanted gift card and get cash back to spend freely. It's just $49 for a whole year of unlimited free shipping after your initial 30-day free trial.

We are specialized in selling digital game codes and gift cards for Xbox, PlayStation and PC. We only operate online, and that's why our prices are so cheap! I feel these multi billion dollar companies such as iTunes should reimburse the victim just like the credit card companies and bank reimburse the victim who is a customer when there is fraudulent activity on bank accounts or credit cards ! While retailers used to be able to decide when a card would expire and could charge inactivity fees, new federal rules require gift cards issued on or after Aug. If someone told you to buy iTunes cards and you think it was a scam, call Apple Support at 1-800-275-2273 right away.

[taleshalance4]

Technology Resolutions for 2019

The end of the year is the time for New Year’s resolutions for many of us. How successful are you with your resolutions? We thought so. One reason for not completing your resolutions is that they are too general (“lose weight”). What if you tried to make some of your resolutions more specific by focusing on a single topic? In this roundtable, our experts weigh in on the idea of setting technology resolutions for 2019.

Our Panelists

Dennis Kennedy (DK), John Loughnane (JL), Gyi Tsakalakis (GT), Allison Shields (AS), and Alexander Paykin (AP).

Have you tried the idea of setting New Year’s technology resolutions? Why or why not?

DK: Yes. In fact, Tom Mighell and I have been publicly revealing our tech resolutions on our podcast for the last several years. Going through the exercise has been very useful to me. It gives me a structure to think practically about my own use of technology and, by going public, makes me feel accountable. My success rate has been good, but not perfect, and I’ve noticed that some of the original resolutions might evolve or change during the year, which is not a bad thing.

JL: Not previously. For me (and I suspect many others), New Year’s resolutions have not proven to be an effective means of implementing sustained change.

GT: If by “New Year’s technology resolutions,” you mean “an annual assessment of our technology,” then yes! Every year we review what we currently have, how well it’s working (or being used), and whether there’s something better available.

AS: I am not the biggest fan of New Year’s resolutions in general, preferring to set specific goals with concrete plans of action instead (I seem to get more accomplished that way). I have set technology goals in the past and have been successful at reaching some and not so successful at others. I do have some technology goals on my list for this year.

AP: Absolutely. Every new year is an opportunity for improvement. The trick is to implement the resolutions for New Years and not just make them—make them well in advance. Make Thanksgiving resolutions, then spend December figuring out how implementation would work, then on 1/1, flip the switch.

What themes or specific areas do you target or would you like to target with tech resolutions?

DK: I’ve been using a three-part approach. First, is there a technology pain point that I’d like to alleviate or remove? Second, is there a new technology, a new skill, or a more advanced use of a technology that I’d like to learn? Third, is there something I can do to advance my career, accomplish more with technology, improve processes, or enhance client service?

JL: In lieu of “tech resolutions” I would advocate for “tech commitment” focused on three things: ethics, education, and evolution.

GT: The most recurrent theme is resolving to resist shiny object syndrome. There’s usually a ton of new shiny stuff to try every year. The trick is figuring out what actually delivers something better.

AS: My tech goals have centered on either learning to use technology I already have better, more efficiently, or more consistently; implementing new technology to help improve my practice or the delivery of services to my clients; learning about new technology in the legal space, and turning off technology or reminding myself to use non-tech tools sometimes to reduce information overload.

AP: Major changes. You can upgrade to the new printer anytime. New Year’s should be for big things. Like as of 1/1, we will not use paper files for any new incoming matters. Or as of 1/1, we are switching to a cloud-based practice management system.

What 2019 tech resolutions would you like to share with our readers?

DK: These might change before I finalize them, but here’s my tentative list. First, automate standard tasks and routines by using tools like TextExpander and scripting. Second, I want to dive deeply into idea creation, capture, and management tools. Third, I want to experiment with a niche social media/networking tool called MightyNetworks to try to do some online community creation.

JL: Because the model rules of professional conduct include the requirement of technical competency, I would share a reminder about the fundamental ethical imperative of keeping informed of various technology and associated benefits and risks.

GT: Resolve to avoid shiny objects. Resolve to set S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals through which to measure the value of technology. Resolve to implement technology to measure your client development investments from start to finish.

AS: My main technology goals for 2019 include continuing to learn about new technology and how it affects my clients and their practices (including more about AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity) and implementing some new technology in my consulting practice, specifically webinar or course creation technologies to deliver online presentations or courses.

AP: A few from prior years: 1) Create all new matters in the practice management system and digitize five old (but active) files per week until all are in the PDS. Then, repeat with closed matters until all files are digital. Then, get rid of filing cabinets. 2) Put all files in the cloud and no longer save things to the PC’s local hard drive—ever. 3) Implement a scan on arrival mail policy. 4) Log all digital stamps and maintain an electronic mail log. 5) Invoice all clients electronically. This year’s upcoming resolution: Completely automate the engagement letter process and stop hand-finalizing engagement letter templates.

What are your strategies for achieving your tech resolutions?

DK: I put my resolutions into my task manager, Omnifocus, so they appear to me on a regular basis and I am reminded of them. I also break resolutions down into component tasks so my actual work to move the resolution forward is simpler and more doable. Making them public also helps me stay motivated. The S.M.A.R.T. approach to goal setting can also be very helpful.

JL: Becoming or staying technologically competent can be achieved through many means including joining relevant bar association groups, reading topical articles, and listening to a myriad of podcasts. Clients in all industries are affected by the accelerating pace of technological change—so speaking with clients about their evolving technology challenges is an effective means of staying current on challenges and opportunities.

GT: Set goals. Create a plan to implement. Implement. Measure your implementation against your goals. Rinse and repeat every quarter.

AS: As I mentioned above, I think resolutions are too vague for me—I like to set specific goals and then create a plan to reach those goals by breaking the goals down into smaller, more achievable chunks, and then set deadlines for completing those smaller goals or tasks. For example, if I want to learn more about AI and blockchain in 2019, my first step would probably be to find some resources—books, podcasts, articles, etc. and then set aside time to consume that content. I might even make a plan to write an article or blog post about one or more of these topics since that will force me to have to learn about it.

AP: I am moving the Word versions of my engagement letter far far away and integrating the engagement letter template as an automated document form in my practice management system. To avoid temptation and remind myself to do it electronically, I am leaving a file that looks just like the engagement letter Word file in the original directory, but even though I set it to have Word icon when I click on it, it’s actually a link to my PDS URL. That way the muscle memory and habit of going into that directory will be changed—by force if need be.

What tech resolutions would you suggest might work for many readers?

DK: I like my thematic approach and encourage readers to try that. Buying a new piece of hardware that you really want or trying a new software program or cloud service is also a great starting point. Learning an advanced use of a program you use every day (Outlook, Adobe) is another productive approach. For most of our readers, putting more effort into cybersecurity will be a great resolution.

JL: At one point, a number of lawyers viewed technology as a distraction from their primary practice. At this point, technology is core to the very existence of most clients and fundamental to practicing law effectively. I recommend lawyers view the commitment to staying technologically competent as more than a resolution—but rather as the fulfillment of an ethical duty that should help fulfill client needs and drive practice development.

GT: See my response to question three.

AS: I think everyone is different and has a different level of comfort with technology, but one of the easiest goals would be to look at the technology you already use and identify one to three ways you want to learn how to use that technology better in 2019. That might mean learning how to create Rules in Outlook to better manage your email and then creating time in your schedule to learn how to do it. Or it could mean learning how to create a new report in your practice management or accounting software or developing templates in your document management system to deliver services more efficiently to clients. Sometimes it helps to look at the most time-consuming or frustrating or repetitive actions you undertake regularly and seek out ways that technology can make them easier or more effective.

AP: 1) Create all new matters in the practice management system and digitize five old (but active) files per week until all are in the PDS. Then, repeat with closed matters until all files are digital. Then, get rid of filing cabinets. 2) Put all files in the cloud and no longer save things to the PC’s local hard drive—ever.  3) Implement a scan on arrival mail policy. 4) Adopt an electronic signature policy and an account with a company like DocuSign. 5) Invest in a VOIP phone system which follows you wherever you go. 6) Engage an off-site receptionist service like Ruby, and integrate it into your PDS. There are so many others…

The post Technology Resolutions for 2019 appeared first on Law Technology Today.

from http://bit.ly/2EGtpMr from https://eliaandponto1.tumblr.com/post/181416462992

[eliaandponto1]

Technology Resolutions for 2019

The end of the year is the time for New Year’s resolutions for many of us. How successful are you with your resolutions? We thought so. One reason for not completing your resolutions is that they are too general (“lose weight”). What if you tried to make some of your resolutions more specific by focusing on a single topic? In this roundtable, our experts weigh in on the idea of setting technology resolutions for 2019.

Our Panelists

Dennis Kennedy (DK), John Loughnane (JL), Gyi Tsakalakis (GT), Allison Shields (AS), and Alexander Paykin (AP).

Have you tried the idea of setting New Year’s technology resolutions? Why or why not?

DK: Yes. In fact, Tom Mighell and I have been publicly revealing our tech resolutions on our podcast for the last several years. Going through the exercise has been very useful to me. It gives me a structure to think practically about my own use of technology and, by going public, makes me feel accountable. My success rate has been good, but not perfect, and I’ve noticed that some of the original resolutions might evolve or change during the year, which is not a bad thing.

JL: Not previously. For me (and I suspect many others), New Year’s resolutions have not proven to be an effective means of implementing sustained change.

GT: If by “New Year’s technology resolutions,” you mean “an annual assessment of our technology,” then yes! Every year we review what we currently have, how well it’s working (or being used), and whether there’s something better available.

AS: I am not the biggest fan of New Year’s resolutions in general, preferring to set specific goals with concrete plans of action instead (I seem to get more accomplished that way). I have set technology goals in the past and have been successful at reaching some and not so successful at others. I do have some technology goals on my list for this year.

AP: Absolutely. Every new year is an opportunity for improvement. The trick is to implement the resolutions for New Years and not just make them—make them well in advance. Make Thanksgiving resolutions, then spend December figuring out how implementation would work, then on 1/1, flip the switch.

What themes or specific areas do you target or would you like to target with tech resolutions?

DK: I’ve been using a three-part approach. First, is there a technology pain point that I’d like to alleviate or remove? Second, is there a new technology, a new skill, or a more advanced use of a technology that I’d like to learn? Third, is there something I can do to advance my career, accomplish more with technology, improve processes, or enhance client service?

JL: In lieu of “tech resolutions” I would advocate for “tech commitment” focused on three things: ethics, education, and evolution.

GT: The most recurrent theme is resolving to resist shiny object syndrome. There’s usually a ton of new shiny stuff to try every year. The trick is figuring out what actually delivers something better.

AS: My tech goals have centered on either learning to use technology I already have better, more efficiently, or more consistently; implementing new technology to help improve my practice or the delivery of services to my clients; learning about new technology in the legal space, and turning off technology or reminding myself to use non-tech tools sometimes to reduce information overload.

AP: Major changes. You can upgrade to the new printer anytime. New Year’s should be for big things. Like as of 1/1, we will not use paper files for any new incoming matters. Or as of 1/1, we are switching to a cloud-based practice management system.

What 2019 tech resolutions would you like to share with our readers?

DK: These might change before I finalize them, but here’s my tentative list. First, automate standard tasks and routines by using tools like TextExpander and scripting. Second, I want to dive deeply into idea creation, capture, and management tools. Third, I want to experiment with a niche social media/networking tool called MightyNetworks to try to do some online community creation.

JL: Because the model rules of professional conduct include the requirement of technical competency, I would share a reminder about the fundamental ethical imperative of keeping informed of various technology and associated benefits and risks.

GT: Resolve to avoid shiny objects. Resolve to set S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals through which to measure the value of technology. Resolve to implement technology to measure your client development investments from start to finish.

AS: My main technology goals for 2019 include continuing to learn about new technology and how it affects my clients and their practices (including more about AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity) and implementing some new technology in my consulting practice, specifically webinar or course creation technologies to deliver online presentations or courses.

AP: A few from prior years: 1) Create all new matters in the practice management system and digitize five old (but active) files per week until all are in the PDS. Then, repeat with closed matters until all files are digital. Then, get rid of filing cabinets. 2) Put all files in the cloud and no longer save things to the PC’s local hard drive—ever. 3) Implement a scan on arrival mail policy. 4) Log all digital stamps and maintain an electronic mail log. 5) Invoice all clients electronically. This year’s upcoming resolution: Completely automate the engagement letter process and stop hand-finalizing engagement letter templates.

What are your strategies for achieving your tech resolutions?

DK: I put my resolutions into my task manager, Omnifocus, so they appear to me on a regular basis and I am reminded of them. I also break resolutions down into component tasks so my actual work to move the resolution forward is simpler and more doable. Making them public also helps me stay motivated. The S.M.A.R.T. approach to goal setting can also be very helpful.

JL: Becoming or staying technologically competent can be achieved through many means including joining relevant bar association groups, reading topical articles, and listening to a myriad of podcasts. Clients in all industries are affected by the accelerating pace of technological change—so speaking with clients about their evolving technology challenges is an effective means of staying current on challenges and opportunities.

GT: Set goals. Create a plan to implement. Implement. Measure your implementation against your goals. Rinse and repeat every quarter.

AS: As I mentioned above, I think resolutions are too vague for me—I like to set specific goals and then create a plan to reach those goals by breaking the goals down into smaller, more achievable chunks, and then set deadlines for completing those smaller goals or tasks. For example, if I want to learn more about AI and blockchain in 2019, my first step would probably be to find some resources—books, podcasts, articles, etc. and then set aside time to consume that content. I might even make a plan to write an article or blog post about one or more of these topics since that will force me to have to learn about it.

AP: I am moving the Word versions of my engagement letter far far away and integrating the engagement letter template as an automated document form in my practice management system. To avoid temptation and remind myself to do it electronically, I am leaving a file that looks just like the engagement letter Word file in the original directory, but even though I set it to have Word icon when I click on it, it’s actually a link to my PDS URL. That way the muscle memory and habit of going into that directory will be changed—by force if need be.

What tech resolutions would you suggest might work for many readers?

DK: I like my thematic approach and encourage readers to try that. Buying a new piece of hardware that you really want or trying a new software program or cloud service is also a great starting point. Learning an advanced use of a program you use every day (Outlook, Adobe) is another productive approach. For most of our readers, putting more effort into cybersecurity will be a great resolution.

JL: At one point, a number of lawyers viewed technology as a distraction from their primary practice. At this point, technology is core to the very existence of most clients and fundamental to practicing law effectively. I recommend lawyers view the commitment to staying technologically competent as more than a resolution—but rather as the fulfillment of an ethical duty that should help fulfill client needs and drive practice development.

GT: See my response to question three.

AS: I think everyone is different and has a different level of comfort with technology, but one of the easiest goals would be to look at the technology you already use and identify one to three ways you want to learn how to use that technology better in 2019. That might mean learning how to create Rules in Outlook to better manage your email and then creating time in your schedule to learn how to do it. Or it could mean learning how to create a new report in your practice management or accounting software or developing templates in your document management system to deliver services more efficiently to clients. Sometimes it helps to look at the most time-consuming or frustrating or repetitive actions you undertake regularly and seek out ways that technology can make them easier or more effective.

AP: 1) Create all new matters in the practice management system and digitize five old (but active) files per week until all are in the PDS. Then, repeat with closed matters until all files are digital. Then, get rid of filing cabinets. 2) Put all files in the cloud and no longer save things to the PC’s local hard drive—ever.  3) Implement a scan on arrival mail policy. 4) Adopt an electronic signature policy and an account with a company like DocuSign. 5) Invest in a VOIP phone system which follows you wherever you go. 6) Engage an off-site receptionist service like Ruby, and integrate it into your PDS. There are so many others…

The post Technology Resolutions for 2019 appeared first on Law Technology Today.

from http://bit.ly/2EGtpMr

[taleshalance4]

Technology Resolutions for 2019

The end of the year is the time for New Year’s resolutions for many of us. How successful are you with your resolutions? We thought so. One reason for not completing your resolutions is that they are too general (“lose weight”). What if you tried to make some of your resolutions more specific by focusing on a single topic? In this roundtable, our experts weigh in on the idea of setting technology resolutions for 2019.

Our Panelists

Dennis Kennedy (DK), John Loughnane (JL), Gyi Tsakalakis (GT), Allison Shields (AS), and Alexander Paykin (AP).

Have you tried the idea of setting New Year’s technology resolutions? Why or why not?

DK: Yes. In fact, Tom Mighell and I have been publicly revealing our tech resolutions on our podcast for the last several years. Going through the exercise has been very useful to me. It gives me a structure to think practically about my own use of technology and, by going public, makes me feel accountable. My success rate has been good, but not perfect, and I’ve noticed that some of the original resolutions might evolve or change during the year, which is not a bad thing.

JL: Not previously. For me (and I suspect many others), New Year’s resolutions have not proven to be an effective means of implementing sustained change.

GT: If by “New Year’s technology resolutions,” you mean “an annual assessment of our technology,” then yes! Every year we review what we currently have, how well it’s working (or being used), and whether there’s something better available.

AS: I am not the biggest fan of New Year’s resolutions in general, preferring to set specific goals with concrete plans of action instead (I seem to get more accomplished that way). I have set technology goals in the past and have been successful at reaching some and not so successful at others. I do have some technology goals on my list for this year.

AP: Absolutely. Every new year is an opportunity for improvement. The trick is to implement the resolutions for New Years and not just make them—make them well in advance. Make Thanksgiving resolutions, then spend December figuring out how implementation would work, then on 1/1, flip the switch.

What themes or specific areas do you target or would you like to target with tech resolutions?

DK: I’ve been using a three-part approach. First, is there a technology pain point that I’d like to alleviate or remove? Second, is there a new technology, a new skill, or a more advanced use of a technology that I’d like to learn? Third, is there something I can do to advance my career, accomplish more with technology, improve processes, or enhance client service?

JL: In lieu of “tech resolutions” I would advocate for “tech commitment” focused on three things: ethics, education, and evolution.

GT: The most recurrent theme is resolving to resist shiny object syndrome. There’s usually a ton of new shiny stuff to try every year. The trick is figuring out what actually delivers something better.

AS: My tech goals have centered on either learning to use technology I already have better, more efficiently, or more consistently; implementing new technology to help improve my practice or the delivery of services to my clients; learning about new technology in the legal space, and turning off technology or reminding myself to use non-tech tools sometimes to reduce information overload.

AP: Major changes. You can upgrade to the new printer anytime. New Year’s should be for big things. Like as of 1/1, we will not use paper files for any new incoming matters. Or as of 1/1, we are switching to a cloud-based practice management system.

What 2019 tech resolutions would you like to share with our readers?

DK: These might change before I finalize them, but here’s my tentative list. First, automate standard tasks and routines by using tools like TextExpander and scripting. Second, I want to dive deeply into idea creation, capture, and management tools. Third, I want to experiment with a niche social media/networking tool called MightyNetworks to try to do some online community creation.

JL: Because the model rules of professional conduct include the requirement of technical competency, I would share a reminder about the fundamental ethical imperative of keeping informed of various technology and associated benefits and risks.

GT: Resolve to avoid shiny objects. Resolve to set S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals through which to measure the value of technology. Resolve to implement technology to measure your client development investments from start to finish.

AS: My main technology goals for 2019 include continuing to learn about new technology and how it affects my clients and their practices (including more about AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity) and implementing some new technology in my consulting practice, specifically webinar or course creation technologies to deliver online presentations or courses.

AP: A few from prior years: 1) Create all new matters in the practice management system and digitize five old (but active) files per week until all are in the PDS. Then, repeat with closed matters until all files are digital. Then, get rid of filing cabinets. 2) Put all files in the cloud and no longer save things to the PC’s local hard drive—ever. 3) Implement a scan on arrival mail policy. 4) Log all digital stamps and maintain an electronic mail log. 5) Invoice all clients electronically. This year’s upcoming resolution: Completely automate the engagement letter process and stop hand-finalizing engagement letter templates.

What are your strategies for achieving your tech resolutions?

DK: I put my resolutions into my task manager, Omnifocus, so they appear to me on a regular basis and I am reminded of them. I also break resolutions down into component tasks so my actual work to move the resolution forward is simpler and more doable. Making them public also helps me stay motivated. The S.M.A.R.T. approach to goal setting can also be very helpful.

JL: Becoming or staying technologically competent can be achieved through many means including joining relevant bar association groups, reading topical articles, and listening to a myriad of podcasts. Clients in all industries are affected by the accelerating pace of technological change—so speaking with clients about their evolving technology challenges is an effective means of staying current on challenges and opportunities.

GT: Set goals. Create a plan to implement. Implement. Measure your implementation against your goals. Rinse and repeat every quarter.

AS: As I mentioned above, I think resolutions are too vague for me—I like to set specific goals and then create a plan to reach those goals by breaking the goals down into smaller, more achievable chunks, and then set deadlines for completing those smaller goals or tasks. For example, if I want to learn more about AI and blockchain in 2019, my first step would probably be to find some resources—books, podcasts, articles, etc. and then set aside time to consume that content. I might even make a plan to write an article or blog post about one or more of these topics since that will force me to have to learn about it.

AP: I am moving the Word versions of my engagement letter far far away and integrating the engagement letter template as an automated document form in my practice management system. To avoid temptation and remind myself to do it electronically, I am leaving a file that looks just like the engagement letter Word file in the original directory, but even though I set it to have Word icon when I click on it, it’s actually a link to my PDS URL. That way the muscle memory and habit of going into that directory will be changed—by force if need be.

What tech resolutions would you suggest might work for many readers?

DK: I like my thematic approach and encourage readers to try that. Buying a new piece of hardware that you really want or trying a new software program or cloud service is also a great starting point. Learning an advanced use of a program you use every day (Outlook, Adobe) is another productive approach. For most of our readers, putting more effort into cybersecurity will be a great resolution.

JL: At one point, a number of lawyers viewed technology as a distraction from their primary practice. At this point, technology is core to the very existence of most clients and fundamental to practicing law effectively. I recommend lawyers view the commitment to staying technologically competent as more than a resolution—but rather as the fulfillment of an ethical duty that should help fulfill client needs and drive practice development.

GT: See my response to question three.

AS: I think everyone is different and has a different level of comfort with technology, but one of the easiest goals would be to look at the technology you already use and identify one to three ways you want to learn how to use that technology better in 2019. That might mean learning how to create Rules in Outlook to better manage your email and then creating time in your schedule to learn how to do it. Or it could mean learning how to create a new report in your practice management or accounting software or developing templates in your document management system to deliver services more efficiently to clients. Sometimes it helps to look at the most time-consuming or frustrating or repetitive actions you undertake regularly and seek out ways that technology can make them easier or more effective.

AP: 1) Create all new matters in the practice management system and digitize five old (but active) files per week until all are in the PDS. Then, repeat with closed matters until all files are digital. Then, get rid of filing cabinets. 2) Put all files in the cloud and no longer save things to the PC’s local hard drive—ever.  3) Implement a scan on arrival mail policy. 4) Adopt an electronic signature policy and an account with a company like DocuSign. 5) Invest in a VOIP phone system which follows you wherever you go. 6) Engage an off-site receptionist service like Ruby, and integrate it into your PDS. There are so many others…

The post Technology Resolutions for 2019 appeared first on Law Technology Today.

from http://bit.ly/2EGtpMr from https://eliaandponto1.tumblr.com/post/181398301917

[taleshalance4]

Technology Resolutions for 2019

The end of the year is the time for New Year’s resolutions for many of us. How successful are you with your resolutions? We thought so. One reason for not completing your resolutions is that they are too general (“lose weight”). What if you tried to make some of your resolutions more specific by focusing on a single topic? In this roundtable, our experts weigh in on the idea of setting technology resolutions for 2019.

Our Panelists

Dennis Kennedy (DK), John Loughnane (JL), Gyi Tsakalakis (GT), Allison Shields (AS), and Alexander Paykin (AP).

Have you tried the idea of setting New Year’s technology resolutions? Why or why not?

DK: Yes. In fact, Tom Mighell and I have been publicly revealing our tech resolutions on our podcast for the last several years. Going through the exercise has been very useful to me. It gives me a structure to think practically about my own use of technology and, by going public, makes me feel accountable. My success rate has been good, but not perfect, and I’ve noticed that some of the original resolutions might evolve or change during the year, which is not a bad thing.

JL: Not previously. For me (and I suspect many others), New Year’s resolutions have not proven to be an effective means of implementing sustained change.

GT: If by “New Year’s technology resolutions,” you mean “an annual assessment of our technology,” then yes! Every year we review what we currently have, how well it’s working (or being used), and whether there’s something better available.

AS: I am not the biggest fan of New Year’s resolutions in general, preferring to set specific goals with concrete plans of action instead (I seem to get more accomplished that way). I have set technology goals in the past and have been successful at reaching some and not so successful at others. I do have some technology goals on my list for this year.

AP: Absolutely. Every new year is an opportunity for improvement. The trick is to implement the resolutions for New Years and not just make them—make them well in advance. Make Thanksgiving resolutions, then spend December figuring out how implementation would work, then on 1/1, flip the switch.

What themes or specific areas do you target or would you like to target with tech resolutions?

DK: I’ve been using a three-part approach. First, is there a technology pain point that I’d like to alleviate or remove? Second, is there a new technology, a new skill, or a more advanced use of a technology that I’d like to learn? Third, is there something I can do to advance my career, accomplish more with technology, improve processes, or enhance client service?

JL: In lieu of “tech resolutions” I would advocate for “tech commitment” focused on three things: ethics, education, and evolution.

GT: The most recurrent theme is resolving to resist shiny object syndrome. There’s usually a ton of new shiny stuff to try every year. The trick is figuring out what actually delivers something better.

AS: My tech goals have centered on either learning to use technology I already have better, more efficiently, or more consistently; implementing new technology to help improve my practice or the delivery of services to my clients; learning about new technology in the legal space, and turning off technology or reminding myself to use non-tech tools sometimes to reduce information overload.

AP: Major changes. You can upgrade to the new printer anytime. New Year’s should be for big things. Like as of 1/1, we will not use paper files for any new incoming matters. Or as of 1/1, we are switching to a cloud-based practice management system.

What 2019 tech resolutions would you like to share with our readers?

DK: These might change before I finalize them, but here’s my tentative list. First, automate standard tasks and routines by using tools like TextExpander and scripting. Second, I want to dive deeply into idea creation, capture, and management tools. Third, I want to experiment with a niche social media/networking tool called MightyNetworks to try to do some online community creation.

JL: Because the model rules of professional conduct include the requirement of technical competency, I would share a reminder about the fundamental ethical imperative of keeping informed of various technology and associated benefits and risks.

GT: Resolve to avoid shiny objects. Resolve to set S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals through which to measure the value of technology. Resolve to implement technology to measure your client development investments from start to finish.

AS: My main technology goals for 2019 include continuing to learn about new technology and how it affects my clients and their practices (including more about AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity) and implementing some new technology in my consulting practice, specifically webinar or course creation technologies to deliver online presentations or courses.

AP: A few from prior years: 1) Create all new matters in the practice management system and digitize five old (but active) files per week until all are in the PDS. Then, repeat with closed matters until all files are digital. Then, get rid of filing cabinets. 2) Put all files in the cloud and no longer save things to the PC’s local hard drive—ever. 3) Implement a scan on arrival mail policy. 4) Log all digital stamps and maintain an electronic mail log. 5) Invoice all clients electronically. This year’s upcoming resolution: Completely automate the engagement letter process and stop hand-finalizing engagement letter templates.

What are your strategies for achieving your tech resolutions?

DK: I put my resolutions into my task manager, Omnifocus, so they appear to me on a regular basis and I am reminded of them. I also break resolutions down into component tasks so my actual work to move the resolution forward is simpler and more doable. Making them public also helps me stay motivated. The S.M.A.R.T. approach to goal setting can also be very helpful.

JL: Becoming or staying technologically competent can be achieved through many means including joining relevant bar association groups, reading topical articles, and listening to a myriad of podcasts. Clients in all industries are affected by the accelerating pace of technological change—so speaking with clients about their evolving technology challenges is an effective means of staying current on challenges and opportunities.

GT: Set goals. Create a plan to implement. Implement. Measure your implementation against your goals. Rinse and repeat every quarter.

AS: As I mentioned above, I think resolutions are too vague for me—I like to set specific goals and then create a plan to reach those goals by breaking the goals down into smaller, more achievable chunks, and then set deadlines for completing those smaller goals or tasks. For example, if I want to learn more about AI and blockchain in 2019, my first step would probably be to find some resources—books, podcasts, articles, etc. and then set aside time to consume that content. I might even make a plan to write an article or blog post about one or more of these topics since that will force me to have to learn about it.

AP: I am moving the Word versions of my engagement letter far far away and integrating the engagement letter template as an automated document form in my practice management system. To avoid temptation and remind myself to do it electronically, I am leaving a file that looks just like the engagement letter Word file in the original directory, but even though I set it to have Word icon when I click on it, it’s actually a link to my PDS URL. That way the muscle memory and habit of going into that directory will be changed—by force if need be.

What tech resolutions would you suggest might work for many readers?

DK: I like my thematic approach and encourage readers to try that. Buying a new piece of hardware that you really want or trying a new software program or cloud service is also a great starting point. Learning an advanced use of a program you use every day (Outlook, Adobe) is another productive approach. For most of our readers, putting more effort into cybersecurity will be a great resolution.

JL: At one point, a number of lawyers viewed technology as a distraction from their primary practice. At this point, technology is core to the very existence of most clients and fundamental to practicing law effectively. I recommend lawyers view the commitment to staying technologically competent as more than a resolution—but rather as the fulfillment of an ethical duty that should help fulfill client needs and drive practice development.

GT: See my response to question three.

AS: I think everyone is different and has a different level of comfort with technology, but one of the easiest goals would be to look at the technology you already use and identify one to three ways you want to learn how to use that technology better in 2019. That might mean learning how to create Rules in Outlook to better manage your email and then creating time in your schedule to learn how to do it. Or it could mean learning how to create a new report in your practice management or accounting software or developing templates in your document management system to deliver services more efficiently to clients. Sometimes it helps to look at the most time-consuming or frustrating or repetitive actions you undertake regularly and seek out ways that technology can make them easier or more effective.

AP: 1) Create all new matters in the practice management system and digitize five old (but active) files per week until all are in the PDS. Then, repeat with closed matters until all files are digital. Then, get rid of filing cabinets. 2) Put all files in the cloud and no longer save things to the PC’s local hard drive—ever.  3) Implement a scan on arrival mail policy. 4) Adopt an electronic signature policy and an account with a company like DocuSign. 5) Invest in a VOIP phone system which follows you wherever you go. 6) Engage an off-site receptionist service like Ruby, and integrate it into your PDS. There are so many others…

The post Technology Resolutions for 2019 appeared first on Law Technology Today.

from http://bit.ly/2SgZY6N from https://eliaandponto1.tumblr.com/post/181380050097

[eliaandponto1]

Technology Resolutions for 2019

The end of the year is the time for New Year’s resolutions for many of us. How successful are you with your resolutions? We thought so. One reason for not completing your resolutions is that they are too general (“lose weight”). What if you tried to make some of your resolutions more specific by focusing on a single topic? In this roundtable, our experts weigh in on the idea of setting technology resolutions for 2019.

Our Panelists

Dennis Kennedy (DK), John Loughnane (JL), Gyi Tsakalakis (GT), Allison Shields (AS), and Alexander Paykin (AP).

Have you tried the idea of setting New Year’s technology resolutions? Why or why not?

DK: Yes. In fact, Tom Mighell and I have been publicly revealing our tech resolutions on our podcast for the last several years. Going through the exercise has been very useful to me. It gives me a structure to think practically about my own use of technology and, by going public, makes me feel accountable. My success rate has been good, but not perfect, and I’ve noticed that some of the original resolutions might evolve or change during the year, which is not a bad thing.

JL: Not previously. For me (and I suspect many others), New Year’s resolutions have not proven to be an effective means of implementing sustained change.

GT: If by “New Year’s technology resolutions,” you mean “an annual assessment of our technology,” then yes! Every year we review what we currently have, how well it’s working (or being used), and whether there’s something better available.

AS: I am not the biggest fan of New Year’s resolutions in general, preferring to set specific goals with concrete plans of action instead (I seem to get more accomplished that way). I have set technology goals in the past and have been successful at reaching some and not so successful at others. I do have some technology goals on my list for this year.

AP: Absolutely. Every new year is an opportunity for improvement. The trick is to implement the resolutions for New Years and not just make them—make them well in advance. Make Thanksgiving resolutions, then spend December figuring out how implementation would work, then on 1/1, flip the switch.

What themes or specific areas do you target or would you like to target with tech resolutions?

DK: I’ve been using a three-part approach. First, is there a technology pain point that I’d like to alleviate or remove? Second, is there a new technology, a new skill, or a more advanced use of a technology that I’d like to learn? Third, is there something I can do to advance my career, accomplish more with technology, improve processes, or enhance client service?

JL: In lieu of “tech resolutions” I would advocate for “tech commitment” focused on three things: ethics, education, and evolution.

GT: The most recurrent theme is resolving to resist shiny object syndrome. There’s usually a ton of new shiny stuff to try every year. The trick is figuring out what actually delivers something better.

AS: My tech goals have centered on either learning to use technology I already have better, more efficiently, or more consistently; implementing new technology to help improve my practice or the delivery of services to my clients; learning about new technology in the legal space, and turning off technology or reminding myself to use non-tech tools sometimes to reduce information overload.

AP: Major changes. You can upgrade to the new printer anytime. New Year’s should be for big things. Like as of 1/1, we will not use paper files for any new incoming matters. Or as of 1/1, we are switching to a cloud-based practice management system.

What 2019 tech resolutions would you like to share with our readers?

DK: These might change before I finalize them, but here’s my tentative list. First, automate standard tasks and routines by using tools like TextExpander and scripting. Second, I want to dive deeply into idea creation, capture, and management tools. Third, I want to experiment with a niche social media/networking tool called MightyNetworks to try to do some online community creation.

JL: Because the model rules of professional conduct include the requirement of technical competency, I would share a reminder about the fundamental ethical imperative of keeping informed of various technology and associated benefits and risks.

GT: Resolve to avoid shiny objects. Resolve to set S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals through which to measure the value of technology. Resolve to implement technology to measure your client development investments from start to finish.

AS: My main technology goals for 2019 include continuing to learn about new technology and how it affects my clients and their practices (including more about AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity) and implementing some new technology in my consulting practice, specifically webinar or course creation technologies to deliver online presentations or courses.

AP: A few from prior years: 1) Create all new matters in the practice management system and digitize five old (but active) files per week until all are in the PDS. Then, repeat with closed matters until all files are digital. Then, get rid of filing cabinets. 2) Put all files in the cloud and no longer save things to the PC’s local hard drive—ever. 3) Implement a scan on arrival mail policy. 4) Log all digital stamps and maintain an electronic mail log. 5) Invoice all clients electronically. This year’s upcoming resolution: Completely automate the engagement letter process and stop hand-finalizing engagement letter templates.

What are your strategies for achieving your tech resolutions?

DK: I put my resolutions into my task manager, Omnifocus, so they appear to me on a regular basis and I am reminded of them. I also break resolutions down into component tasks so my actual work to move the resolution forward is simpler and more doable. Making them public also helps me stay motivated. The S.M.A.R.T. approach to goal setting can also be very helpful.

JL: Becoming or staying technologically competent can be achieved through many means including joining relevant bar association groups, reading topical articles, and listening to a myriad of podcasts. Clients in all industries are affected by the accelerating pace of technological change—so speaking with clients about their evolving technology challenges is an effective means of staying current on challenges and opportunities.

GT: Set goals. Create a plan to implement. Implement. Measure your implementation against your goals. Rinse and repeat every quarter.

AS: As I mentioned above, I think resolutions are too vague for me—I like to set specific goals and then create a plan to reach those goals by breaking the goals down into smaller, more achievable chunks, and then set deadlines for completing those smaller goals or tasks. For example, if I want to learn more about AI and blockchain in 2019, my first step would probably be to find some resources—books, podcasts, articles, etc. and then set aside time to consume that content. I might even make a plan to write an article or blog post about one or more of these topics since that will force me to have to learn about it.

AP: I am moving the Word versions of my engagement letter far far away and integrating the engagement letter template as an automated document form in my practice management system. To avoid temptation and remind myself to do it electronically, I am leaving a file that looks just like the engagement letter Word file in the original directory, but even though I set it to have Word icon when I click on it, it’s actually a link to my PDS URL. That way the muscle memory and habit of going into that directory will be changed—by force if need be.

What tech resolutions would you suggest might work for many readers?

DK: I like my thematic approach and encourage readers to try that. Buying a new piece of hardware that you really want or trying a new software program or cloud service is also a great starting point. Learning an advanced use of a program you use every day (Outlook, Adobe) is another productive approach. For most of our readers, putting more effort into cybersecurity will be a great resolution.

JL: At one point, a number of lawyers viewed technology as a distraction from their primary practice. At this point, technology is core to the very existence of most clients and fundamental to practicing law effectively. I recommend lawyers view the commitment to staying technologically competent as more than a resolution—but rather as the fulfillment of an ethical duty that should help fulfill client needs and drive practice development.

GT: See my response to question three.

AS: I think everyone is different and has a different level of comfort with technology, but one of the easiest goals would be to look at the technology you already use and identify one to three ways you want to learn how to use that technology better in 2019. That might mean learning how to create Rules in Outlook to better manage your email and then creating time in your schedule to learn how to do it. Or it could mean learning how to create a new report in your practice management or accounting software or developing templates in your document management system to deliver services more efficiently to clients. Sometimes it helps to look at the most time-consuming or frustrating or repetitive actions you undertake regularly and seek out ways that technology can make them easier or more effective.

AP: 1) Create all new matters in the practice management system and digitize five old (but active) files per week until all are in the PDS. Then, repeat with closed matters until all files are digital. Then, get rid of filing cabinets. 2) Put all files in the cloud and no longer save things to the PC’s local hard drive—ever.  3) Implement a scan on arrival mail policy. 4) Adopt an electronic signature policy and an account with a company like DocuSign. 5) Invest in a VOIP phone system which follows you wherever you go. 6) Engage an off-site receptionist service like Ruby, and integrate it into your PDS. There are so many others…

The post Technology Resolutions for 2019 appeared first on Law Technology Today.

from http://bit.ly/2SgZY6N

[taleshalance4]

Technology Resolutions for 2019

The end of the year is the time for New Year’s resolutions for many of us. How successful are you with your resolutions? We thought so. One reason for not completing your resolutions is that they are too general (“lose weight”). What if you tried to make some of your resolutions more specific by focusing on a single topic? In this roundtable, our experts weigh in on the idea of setting technology resolutions for 2019.

Our Panelists

Dennis Kennedy (DK), John Loughnane (JL), Gyi Tsakalakis (GT), Allison Shields (AS), and Alexander Paykin (AP).

Have you tried the idea of setting New Year’s technology resolutions? Why or why not?

DK: Yes. In fact, Tom Mighell and I have been publicly revealing our tech resolutions on our podcast for the last several years. Going through the exercise has been very useful to me. It gives me a structure to think practically about my own use of technology and, by going public, makes me feel accountable. My success rate has been good, but not perfect, and I’ve noticed that some of the original resolutions might evolve or change during the year, which is not a bad thing.

JL: Not previously. For me (and I suspect many others), New Year’s resolutions have not proven to be an effective means of implementing sustained change.

GT: If by “New Year’s technology resolutions,” you mean “an annual assessment of our technology,” then yes! Every year we review what we currently have, how well it’s working (or being used), and whether there’s something better available.

AS: I am not the biggest fan of New Year’s resolutions in general, preferring to set specific goals with concrete plans of action instead (I seem to get more accomplished that way). I have set technology goals in the past and have been successful at reaching some and not so successful at others. I do have some technology goals on my list for this year.

AP: Absolutely. Every new year is an opportunity for improvement. The trick is to implement the resolutions for New Years and not just make them—make them well in advance. Make Thanksgiving resolutions, then spend December figuring out how implementation would work, then on 1/1, flip the switch.

What themes or specific areas do you target or would you like to target with tech resolutions?

DK: I’ve been using a three-part approach. First, is there a technology pain point that I’d like to alleviate or remove? Second, is there a new technology, a new skill, or a more advanced use of a technology that I’d like to learn? Third, is there something I can do to advance my career, accomplish more with technology, improve processes, or enhance client service?

JL: In lieu of “tech resolutions” I would advocate for “tech commitment” focused on three things: ethics, education, and evolution.

GT: The most recurrent theme is resolving to resist shiny object syndrome. There’s usually a ton of new shiny stuff to try every year. The trick is figuring out what actually delivers something better.

AS: My tech goals have centered on either learning to use technology I already have better, more efficiently, or more consistently; implementing new technology to help improve my practice or the delivery of services to my clients; learning about new technology in the legal space, and turning off technology or reminding myself to use non-tech tools sometimes to reduce information overload.

AP: Major changes. You can upgrade to the new printer anytime. New Year’s should be for big things. Like as of 1/1, we will not use paper files for any new incoming matters. Or as of 1/1, we are switching to a cloud-based practice management system.

What 2019 tech resolutions would you like to share with our readers?

DK: These might change before I finalize them, but here’s my tentative list. First, automate standard tasks and routines by using tools like TextExpander and scripting. Second, I want to dive deeply into idea creation, capture, and management tools. Third, I want to experiment with a niche social media/networking tool called MightyNetworks to try to do some online community creation.

JL: Because the model rules of professional conduct include the requirement of technical competency, I would share a reminder about the fundamental ethical imperative of keeping informed of various technology and associated benefits and risks.

GT: Resolve to avoid shiny objects. Resolve to set S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals through which to measure the value of technology. Resolve to implement technology to measure your client development investments from start to finish.

AS: My main technology goals for 2019 include continuing to learn about new technology and how it affects my clients and their practices (including more about AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity) and implementing some new technology in my consulting practice, specifically webinar or course creation technologies to deliver online presentations or courses.

AP: A few from prior years: 1) Create all new matters in the practice management system and digitize five old (but active) files per week until all are in the PDS. Then, repeat with closed matters until all files are digital. Then, get rid of filing cabinets. 2) Put all files in the cloud and no longer save things to the PC’s local hard drive—ever. 3) Implement a scan on arrival mail policy. 4) Log all digital stamps and maintain an electronic mail log. 5) Invoice all clients electronically. This year’s upcoming resolution: Completely automate the engagement letter process and stop hand-finalizing engagement letter templates.

What are your strategies for achieving your tech resolutions?

DK: I put my resolutions into my task manager, Omnifocus, so they appear to me on a regular basis and I am reminded of them. I also break resolutions down into component tasks so my actual work to move the resolution forward is simpler and more doable. Making them public also helps me stay motivated. The S.M.A.R.T. approach to goal setting can also be very helpful.

JL: Becoming or staying technologically competent can be achieved through many means including joining relevant bar association groups, reading topical articles, and listening to a myriad of podcasts. Clients in all industries are affected by the accelerating pace of technological change—so speaking with clients about their evolving technology challenges is an effective means of staying current on challenges and opportunities.

GT: Set goals. Create a plan to implement. Implement. Measure your implementation against your goals. Rinse and repeat every quarter.

AS: As I mentioned above, I think resolutions are too vague for me—I like to set specific goals and then create a plan to reach those goals by breaking the goals down into smaller, more achievable chunks, and then set deadlines for completing those smaller goals or tasks. For example, if I want to learn more about AI and blockchain in 2019, my first step would probably be to find some resources—books, podcasts, articles, etc. and then set aside time to consume that content. I might even make a plan to write an article or blog post about one or more of these topics since that will force me to have to learn about it.

AP: I am moving the Word versions of my engagement letter far far away and integrating the engagement letter template as an automated document form in my practice management system. To avoid temptation and remind myself to do it electronically, I am leaving a file that looks just like the engagement letter Word file in the original directory, but even though I set it to have Word icon when I click on it, it’s actually a link to my PDS URL. That way the muscle memory and habit of going into that directory will be changed—by force if need be.

What tech resolutions would you suggest might work for many readers?

DK: I like my thematic approach and encourage readers to try that. Buying a new piece of hardware that you really want or trying a new software program or cloud service is also a great starting point. Learning an advanced use of a program you use every day (Outlook, Adobe) is another productive approach. For most of our readers, putting more effort into cybersecurity will be a great resolution.

JL: At one point, a number of lawyers viewed technology as a distraction from their primary practice. At this point, technology is core to the very existence of most clients and fundamental to practicing law effectively. I recommend lawyers view the commitment to staying technologically competent as more than a resolution—but rather as the fulfillment of an ethical duty that should help fulfill client needs and drive practice development.

GT: See my response to question three.

AS: I think everyone is different and has a different level of comfort with technology, but one of the easiest goals would be to look at the technology you already use and identify one to three ways you want to learn how to use that technology better in 2019. That might mean learning how to create Rules in Outlook to better manage your email and then creating time in your schedule to learn how to do it. Or it could mean learning how to create a new report in your practice management or accounting software or developing templates in your document management system to deliver services more efficiently to clients. Sometimes it helps to look at the most time-consuming or frustrating or repetitive actions you undertake regularly and seek out ways that technology can make them easier or more effective.

AP: 1) Create all new matters in the practice management system and digitize five old (but active) files per week until all are in the PDS. Then, repeat with closed matters until all files are digital. Then, get rid of filing cabinets. 2) Put all files in the cloud and no longer save things to the PC’s local hard drive—ever.  3) Implement a scan on arrival mail policy. 4) Adopt an electronic signature policy and an account with a company like DocuSign. 5) Invest in a VOIP phone system which follows you wherever you go. 6) Engage an off-site receptionist service like Ruby, and integrate it into your PDS. There are so many others…

The post Technology Resolutions for 2019 appeared first on Law Technology Today.

from http://bit.ly/2SgZY6N from https://eliaandponto1.tumblr.com/post/181379295212

[eliaandponto1]

Technology Resolutions for 2019

The end of the year is the time for New Year’s resolutions for many of us. How successful are you with your resolutions? We thought so. One reason for not completing your resolutions is that they are too general (“lose weight”). What if you tried to make some of your resolutions more specific by focusing on a single topic? In this roundtable, our experts weigh in on the idea of setting technology resolutions for 2019.

Our Panelists

Dennis Kennedy (DK), John Loughnane (JL), Gyi Tsakalakis (GT), Allison Shields (AS), and Alexander Paykin (AP).

Have you tried the idea of setting New Year’s technology resolutions? Why or why not?

DK: Yes. In fact, Tom Mighell and I have been publicly revealing our tech resolutions on our podcast for the last several years. Going through the exercise has been very useful to me. It gives me a structure to think practically about my own use of technology and, by going public, makes me feel accountable. My success rate has been good, but not perfect, and I’ve noticed that some of the original resolutions might evolve or change during the year, which is not a bad thing.

JL: Not previously. For me (and I suspect many others), New Year’s resolutions have not proven to be an effective means of implementing sustained change.

GT: If by “New Year’s technology resolutions,” you mean “an annual assessment of our technology,” then yes! Every year we review what we currently have, how well it’s working (or being used), and whether there’s something better available.

AS: I am not the biggest fan of New Year’s resolutions in general, preferring to set specific goals with concrete plans of action instead (I seem to get more accomplished that way). I have set technology goals in the past and have been successful at reaching some and not so successful at others. I do have some technology goals on my list for this year.

AP: Absolutely. Every new year is an opportunity for improvement. The trick is to implement the resolutions for New Years and not just make them—make them well in advance. Make Thanksgiving resolutions, then spend December figuring out how implementation would work, then on 1/1, flip the switch.

What themes or specific areas do you target or would you like to target with tech resolutions?

DK: I’ve been using a three-part approach. First, is there a technology pain point that I’d like to alleviate or remove? Second, is there a new technology, a new skill, or a more advanced use of a technology that I’d like to learn? Third, is there something I can do to advance my career, accomplish more with technology, improve processes, or enhance client service?

JL: In lieu of “tech resolutions” I would advocate for “tech commitment” focused on three things: ethics, education, and evolution.

GT: The most recurrent theme is resolving to resist shiny object syndrome. There’s usually a ton of new shiny stuff to try every year. The trick is figuring out what actually delivers something better.

AS: My tech goals have centered on either learning to use technology I already have better, more efficiently, or more consistently; implementing new technology to help improve my practice or the delivery of services to my clients; learning about new technology in the legal space, and turning off technology or reminding myself to use non-tech tools sometimes to reduce information overload.

AP: Major changes. You can upgrade to the new printer anytime. New Year’s should be for big things. Like as of 1/1, we will not use paper files for any new incoming matters. Or as of 1/1, we are switching to a cloud-based practice management system.

What 2019 tech resolutions would you like to share with our readers?

DK: These might change before I finalize them, but here’s my tentative list. First, automate standard tasks and routines by using tools like TextExpander and scripting. Second, I want to dive deeply into idea creation, capture, and management tools. Third, I want to experiment with a niche social media/networking tool called MightyNetworks to try to do some online community creation.

JL: Because the model rules of professional conduct include the requirement of technical competency, I would share a reminder about the fundamental ethical imperative of keeping informed of various technology and associated benefits and risks.

GT: Resolve to avoid shiny objects. Resolve to set S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals through which to measure the value of technology. Resolve to implement technology to measure your client development investments from start to finish.

AS: My main technology goals for 2019 include continuing to learn about new technology and how it affects my clients and their practices (including more about AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity) and implementing some new technology in my consulting practice, specifically webinar or course creation technologies to deliver online presentations or courses.

AP: A few from prior years: 1) Create all new matters in the practice management system and digitize five old (but active) files per week until all are in the PDS. Then, repeat with closed matters until all files are digital. Then, get rid of filing cabinets. 2) Put all files in the cloud and no longer save things to the PC’s local hard drive—ever. 3) Implement a scan on arrival mail policy. 4) Log all digital stamps and maintain an electronic mail log. 5) Invoice all clients electronically. This year’s upcoming resolution: Completely automate the engagement letter process and stop hand-finalizing engagement letter templates.

What are your strategies for achieving your tech resolutions?

DK: I put my resolutions into my task manager, Omnifocus, so they appear to me on a regular basis and I am reminded of them. I also break resolutions down into component tasks so my actual work to move the resolution forward is simpler and more doable. Making them public also helps me stay motivated. The S.M.A.R.T. approach to goal setting can also be very helpful.

JL: Becoming or staying technologically competent can be achieved through many means including joining relevant bar association groups, reading topical articles, and listening to a myriad of podcasts. Clients in all industries are affected by the accelerating pace of technological change—so speaking with clients about their evolving technology challenges is an effective means of staying current on challenges and opportunities.

GT: Set goals. Create a plan to implement. Implement. Measure your implementation against your goals. Rinse and repeat every quarter.

AS: As I mentioned above, I think resolutions are too vague for me—I like to set specific goals and then create a plan to reach those goals by breaking the goals down into smaller, more achievable chunks, and then set deadlines for completing those smaller goals or tasks. For example, if I want to learn more about AI and blockchain in 2019, my first step would probably be to find some resources—books, podcasts, articles, etc. and then set aside time to consume that content. I might even make a plan to write an article or blog post about one or more of these topics since that will force me to have to learn about it.

AP: I am moving the Word versions of my engagement letter far far away and integrating the engagement letter template as an automated document form in my practice management system. To avoid temptation and remind myself to do it electronically, I am leaving a file that looks just like the engagement letter Word file in the original directory, but even though I set it to have Word icon when I click on it, it’s actually a link to my PDS URL. That way the muscle memory and habit of going into that directory will be changed—by force if need be.

What tech resolutions would you suggest might work for many readers?

DK: I like my thematic approach and encourage readers to try that. Buying a new piece of hardware that you really want or trying a new software program or cloud service is also a great starting point. Learning an advanced use of a program you use every day (Outlook, Adobe) is another productive approach. For most of our readers, putting more effort into cybersecurity will be a great resolution.

JL: At one point, a number of lawyers viewed technology as a distraction from their primary practice. At this point, technology is core to the very existence of most clients and fundamental to practicing law effectively. I recommend lawyers view the commitment to staying technologically competent as more than a resolution—but rather as the fulfillment of an ethical duty that should help fulfill client needs and drive practice development.

GT: See my response to question three.

AS: I think everyone is different and has a different level of comfort with technology, but one of the easiest goals would be to look at the technology you already use and identify one to three ways you want to learn how to use that technology better in 2019. That might mean learning how to create Rules in Outlook to better manage your email and then creating time in your schedule to learn how to do it. Or it could mean learning how to create a new report in your practice management or accounting software or developing templates in your document management system to deliver services more efficiently to clients. Sometimes it helps to look at the most time-consuming or frustrating or repetitive actions you undertake regularly and seek out ways that technology can make them easier or more effective.

AP: 1) Create all new matters in the practice management system and digitize five old (but active) files per week until all are in the PDS. Then, repeat with closed matters until all files are digital. Then, get rid of filing cabinets. 2) Put all files in the cloud and no longer save things to the PC’s local hard drive—ever.  3) Implement a scan on arrival mail policy. 4) Adopt an electronic signature policy and an account with a company like DocuSign. 5) Invest in a VOIP phone system which follows you wherever you go. 6) Engage an off-site receptionist service like Ruby, and integrate it into your PDS. There are so many others…

The post Technology Resolutions for 2019 appeared first on Law Technology Today.

from http://bit.ly/2SgZY6N

[taleshalance4]

Technology Resolutions for 2019

The end of the year is the time for New Year’s resolutions for many of us. How successful are you with your resolutions? We thought so. One reason for not completing your resolutions is that they are too general (“lose weight”). What if you tried to make some of your resolutions more specific by focusing on a single topic? In this roundtable, our experts weigh in on the idea of setting technology resolutions for 2019.

Our Panelists

Dennis Kennedy (DK), John Loughnane (JL), Gyi Tsakalakis (GT), Allison Shields (AS), and Alexander Paykin (AP).

Have you tried the idea of setting New Year’s technology resolutions? Why or why not?

DK: Yes. In fact, Tom Mighell and I have been publicly revealing our tech resolutions on our podcast for the last several years. Going through the exercise has been very useful to me. It gives me a structure to think practically about my own use of technology and, by going public, makes me feel accountable. My success rate has been good, but not perfect, and I’ve noticed that some of the original resolutions might evolve or change during the year, which is not a bad thing.

JL: Not previously. For me (and I suspect many others), New Year’s resolutions have not proven to be an effective means of implementing sustained change.

GT: If by “New Year’s technology resolutions,” you mean “an annual assessment of our technology,” then yes! Every year we review what we currently have, how well it’s working (or being used), and whether there’s something better available.

AS: I am not the biggest fan of New Year’s resolutions in general, preferring to set specific goals with concrete plans of action instead (I seem to get more accomplished that way). I have set technology goals in the past and have been successful at reaching some and not so successful at others. I do have some technology goals on my list for this year.

AP: Absolutely. Every new year is an opportunity for improvement. The trick is to implement the resolutions for New Years and not just make them—make them well in advance. Make Thanksgiving resolutions, then spend December figuring out how implementation would work, then on 1/1, flip the switch.

What themes or specific areas do you target or would you like to target with tech resolutions?

DK: I’ve been using a three-part approach. First, is there a technology pain point that I’d like to alleviate or remove? Second, is there a new technology, a new skill, or a more advanced use of a technology that I’d like to learn? Third, is there something I can do to advance my career, accomplish more with technology, improve processes, or enhance client service?

JL: In lieu of “tech resolutions” I would advocate for “tech commitment” focused on three things: ethics, education, and evolution.

GT: The most recurrent theme is resolving to resist shiny object syndrome. There’s usually a ton of new shiny stuff to try every year. The trick is figuring out what actually delivers something better.

AS: My tech goals have centered on either learning to use technology I already have better, more efficiently, or more consistently; implementing new technology to help improve my practice or the delivery of services to my clients; learning about new technology in the legal space, and turning off technology or reminding myself to use non-tech tools sometimes to reduce information overload.

AP: Major changes. You can upgrade to the new printer anytime. New Year’s should be for big things. Like as of 1/1, we will not use paper files for any new incoming matters. Or as of 1/1, we are switching to a cloud-based practice management system.

What 2019 tech resolutions would you like to share with our readers?

DK: These might change before I finalize them, but here’s my tentative list. First, automate standard tasks and routines by using tools like TextExpander and scripting. Second, I want to dive deeply into idea creation, capture, and management tools. Third, I want to experiment with a niche social media/networking tool called MightyNetworks to try to do some online community creation.

JL: Because the model rules of professional conduct include the requirement of technical competency, I would share a reminder about the fundamental ethical imperative of keeping informed of various technology and associated benefits and risks.

GT: Resolve to avoid shiny objects. Resolve to set S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals through which to measure the value of technology. Resolve to implement technology to measure your client development investments from start to finish.

AS: My main technology goals for 2019 include continuing to learn about new technology and how it affects my clients and their practices (including more about AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity) and implementing some new technology in my consulting practice, specifically webinar or course creation technologies to deliver online presentations or courses.

AP: A few from prior years: 1) Create all new matters in the practice management system and digitize five old (but active) files per week until all are in the PDS. Then, repeat with closed matters until all files are digital. Then, get rid of filing cabinets. 2) Put all files in the cloud and no longer save things to the PC’s local hard drive—ever. 3) Implement a scan on arrival mail policy. 4) Log all digital stamps and maintain an electronic mail log. 5) Invoice all clients electronically. This year’s upcoming resolution: Completely automate the engagement letter process and stop hand-finalizing engagement letter templates.

What are your strategies for achieving your tech resolutions?

DK: I put my resolutions into my task manager, Omnifocus, so they appear to me on a regular basis and I am reminded of them. I also break resolutions down into component tasks so my actual work to move the resolution forward is simpler and more doable. Making them public also helps me stay motivated. The S.M.A.R.T. approach to goal setting can also be very helpful.

JL: Becoming or staying technologically competent can be achieved through many means including joining relevant bar association groups, reading topical articles, and listening to a myriad of podcasts. Clients in all industries are affected by the accelerating pace of technological change—so speaking with clients about their evolving technology challenges is an effective means of staying current on challenges and opportunities.

GT: Set goals. Create a plan to implement. Implement. Measure your implementation against your goals. Rinse and repeat every quarter.

AS: As I mentioned above, I think resolutions are too vague for me—I like to set specific goals and then create a plan to reach those goals by breaking the goals down into smaller, more achievable chunks, and then set deadlines for completing those smaller goals or tasks. For example, if I want to learn more about AI and blockchain in 2019, my first step would probably be to find some resources—books, podcasts, articles, etc. and then set aside time to consume that content. I might even make a plan to write an article or blog post about one or more of these topics since that will force me to have to learn about it.

AP: I am moving the Word versions of my engagement letter far far away and integrating the engagement letter template as an automated document form in my practice management system. To avoid temptation and remind myself to do it electronically, I am leaving a file that looks just like the engagement letter Word file in the original directory, but even though I set it to have Word icon when I click on it, it’s actually a link to my PDS URL. That way the muscle memory and habit of going into that directory will be changed—by force if need be.

What tech resolutions would you suggest might work for many readers?

DK: I like my thematic approach and encourage readers to try that. Buying a new piece of hardware that you really want or trying a new software program or cloud service is also a great starting point. Learning an advanced use of a program you use every day (Outlook, Adobe) is another productive approach. For most of our readers, putting more effort into cybersecurity will be a great resolution.

JL: At one point, a number of lawyers viewed technology as a distraction from their primary practice. At this point, technology is core to the very existence of most clients and fundamental to practicing law effectively. I recommend lawyers view the commitment to staying technologically competent as more than a resolution—but rather as the fulfillment of an ethical duty that should help fulfill client needs and drive practice development.

GT: See my response to question three.

AS: I think everyone is different and has a different level of comfort with technology, but one of the easiest goals would be to look at the technology you already use and identify one to three ways you want to learn how to use that technology better in 2019. That might mean learning how to create Rules in Outlook to better manage your email and then creating time in your schedule to learn how to do it. Or it could mean learning how to create a new report in your practice management or accounting software or developing templates in your document management system to deliver services more efficiently to clients. Sometimes it helps to look at the most time-consuming or frustrating or repetitive actions you undertake regularly and seek out ways that technology can make them easier or more effective.

AP: 1) Create all new matters in the practice management system and digitize five old (but active) files per week until all are in the PDS. Then, repeat with closed matters until all files are digital. Then, get rid of filing cabinets. 2) Put all files in the cloud and no longer save things to the PC’s local hard drive—ever.  3) Implement a scan on arrival mail policy. 4) Adopt an electronic signature policy and an account with a company like DocuSign. 5) Invest in a VOIP phone system which follows you wherever you go. 6) Engage an off-site receptionist service like Ruby, and integrate it into your PDS. There are so many others…

The post Technology Resolutions for 2019 appeared first on Law Technology Today.

from http://bit.ly/2SgZY6N from https://eliaandponto1.tumblr.com/post/181342508857

[eliaandponto1]

Technology Resolutions for 2019

The end of the year is the time for New Year’s resolutions for many of us. How successful are you with your resolutions? We thought so. One reason for not completing your resolutions is that they are too general (“lose weight”). What if you tried to make some of your resolutions more specific by focusing on a single topic? In this roundtable, our experts weigh in on the idea of setting technology resolutions for 2019.

Our Panelists

Dennis Kennedy (DK), John Loughnane (JL), Gyi Tsakalakis (GT), Allison Shields (AS), and Alexander Paykin (AP).

Have you tried the idea of setting New Year’s technology resolutions? Why or why not?

DK: Yes. In fact, Tom Mighell and I have been publicly revealing our tech resolutions on our podcast for the last several years. Going through the exercise has been very useful to me. It gives me a structure to think practically about my own use of technology and, by going public, makes me feel accountable. My success rate has been good, but not perfect, and I’ve noticed that some of the original resolutions might evolve or change during the year, which is not a bad thing.

JL: Not previously. For me (and I suspect many others), New Year’s resolutions have not proven to be an effective means of implementing sustained change.

GT: If by “New Year’s technology resolutions,” you mean “an annual assessment of our technology,” then yes! Every year we review what we currently have, how well it’s working (or being used), and whether there’s something better available.

AS: I am not the biggest fan of New Year’s resolutions in general, preferring to set specific goals with concrete plans of action instead (I seem to get more accomplished that way). I have set technology goals in the past and have been successful at reaching some and not so successful at others. I do have some technology goals on my list for this year.

AP: Absolutely. Every new year is an opportunity for improvement. The trick is to implement the resolutions for New Years and not just make them—make them well in advance. Make Thanksgiving resolutions, then spend December figuring out how implementation would work, then on 1/1, flip the switch.

What themes or specific areas do you target or would you like to target with tech resolutions?

DK: I’ve been using a three-part approach. First, is there a technology pain point that I’d like to alleviate or remove? Second, is there a new technology, a new skill, or a more advanced use of a technology that I’d like to learn? Third, is there something I can do to advance my career, accomplish more with technology, improve processes, or enhance client service?

JL: In lieu of “tech resolutions” I would advocate for “tech commitment” focused on three things: ethics, education, and evolution.

GT: The most recurrent theme is resolving to resist shiny object syndrome. There’s usually a ton of new shiny stuff to try every year. The trick is figuring out what actually delivers something better.

AS: My tech goals have centered on either learning to use technology I already have better, more efficiently, or more consistently; implementing new technology to help improve my practice or the delivery of services to my clients; learning about new technology in the legal space, and turning off technology or reminding myself to use non-tech tools sometimes to reduce information overload.

AP: Major changes. You can upgrade to the new printer anytime. New Year’s should be for big things. Like as of 1/1, we will not use paper files for any new incoming matters. Or as of 1/1, we are switching to a cloud-based practice management system.

What 2019 tech resolutions would you like to share with our readers?

DK: These might change before I finalize them, but here’s my tentative list. First, automate standard tasks and routines by using tools like TextExpander and scripting. Second, I want to dive deeply into idea creation, capture, and management tools. Third, I want to experiment with a niche social media/networking tool called MightyNetworks to try to do some online community creation.

JL: Because the model rules of professional conduct include the requirement of technical competency, I would share a reminder about the fundamental ethical imperative of keeping informed of various technology and associated benefits and risks.

GT: Resolve to avoid shiny objects. Resolve to set S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals through which to measure the value of technology. Resolve to implement technology to measure your client development investments from start to finish.

AS: My main technology goals for 2019 include continuing to learn about new technology and how it affects my clients and their practices (including more about AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity) and implementing some new technology in my consulting practice, specifically webinar or course creation technologies to deliver online presentations or courses.

AP: A few from prior years: 1) Create all new matters in the practice management system and digitize five old (but active) files per week until all are in the PDS. Then, repeat with closed matters until all files are digital. Then, get rid of filing cabinets. 2) Put all files in the cloud and no longer save things to the PC’s local hard drive—ever. 3) Implement a scan on arrival mail policy. 4) Log all digital stamps and maintain an electronic mail log. 5) Invoice all clients electronically. This year’s upcoming resolution: Completely automate the engagement letter process and stop hand-finalizing engagement letter templates.

What are your strategies for achieving your tech resolutions?

DK: I put my resolutions into my task manager, Omnifocus, so they appear to me on a regular basis and I am reminded of them. I also break resolutions down into component tasks so my actual work to move the resolution forward is simpler and more doable. Making them public also helps me stay motivated. The S.M.A.R.T. approach to goal setting can also be very helpful.

JL: Becoming or staying technologically competent can be achieved through many means including joining relevant bar association groups, reading topical articles, and listening to a myriad of podcasts. Clients in all industries are affected by the accelerating pace of technological change—so speaking with clients about their evolving technology challenges is an effective means of staying current on challenges and opportunities.

GT: Set goals. Create a plan to implement. Implement. Measure your implementation against your goals. Rinse and repeat every quarter.

AS: As I mentioned above, I think resolutions are too vague for me—I like to set specific goals and then create a plan to reach those goals by breaking the goals down into smaller, more achievable chunks, and then set deadlines for completing those smaller goals or tasks. For example, if I want to learn more about AI and blockchain in 2019, my first step would probably be to find some resources—books, podcasts, articles, etc. and then set aside time to consume that content. I might even make a plan to write an article or blog post about one or more of these topics since that will force me to have to learn about it.

AP: I am moving the Word versions of my engagement letter far far away and integrating the engagement letter template as an automated document form in my practice management system. To avoid temptation and remind myself to do it electronically, I am leaving a file that looks just like the engagement letter Word file in the original directory, but even though I set it to have Word icon when I click on it, it’s actually a link to my PDS URL. That way the muscle memory and habit of going into that directory will be changed—by force if need be.

What tech resolutions would you suggest might work for many readers?

DK: I like my thematic approach and encourage readers to try that. Buying a new piece of hardware that you really want or trying a new software program or cloud service is also a great starting point. Learning an advanced use of a program you use every day (Outlook, Adobe) is another productive approach. For most of our readers, putting more effort into cybersecurity will be a great resolution.

JL: At one point, a number of lawyers viewed technology as a distraction from their primary practice. At this point, technology is core to the very existence of most clients and fundamental to practicing law effectively. I recommend lawyers view the commitment to staying technologically competent as more than a resolution—but rather as the fulfillment of an ethical duty that should help fulfill client needs and drive practice development.

GT: See my response to question three.

AS: I think everyone is different and has a different level of comfort with technology, but one of the easiest goals would be to look at the technology you already use and identify one to three ways you want to learn how to use that technology better in 2019. That might mean learning how to create Rules in Outlook to better manage your email and then creating time in your schedule to learn how to do it. Or it could mean learning how to create a new report in your practice management or accounting software or developing templates in your document management system to deliver services more efficiently to clients. Sometimes it helps to look at the most time-consuming or frustrating or repetitive actions you undertake regularly and seek out ways that technology can make them easier or more effective.

AP: 1) Create all new matters in the practice management system and digitize five old (but active) files per week until all are in the PDS. Then, repeat with closed matters until all files are digital. Then, get rid of filing cabinets. 2) Put all files in the cloud and no longer save things to the PC’s local hard drive—ever.  3) Implement a scan on arrival mail policy. 4) Adopt an electronic signature policy and an account with a company like DocuSign. 5) Invest in a VOIP phone system which follows you wherever you go. 6) Engage an off-site receptionist service like Ruby, and integrate it into your PDS. There are so many others…

The post Technology Resolutions for 2019 appeared first on Law Technology Today.

from http://bit.ly/2SgZY6N

[eliaandponto1]

Technology Resolutions for 2019

The end of the year is the time for New Year’s resolutions for many of us. How successful are you with your resolutions? We thought so. One reason for not completing your resolutions is that they are too general (“lose weight”). What if you tried to make some of your resolutions more specific by focusing on a single topic? In this roundtable, our experts weigh in on the idea of setting technology resolutions for 2019.

Our Panelists

Dennis Kennedy (DK), John Loughnane (JL), Gyi Tsakalakis (GT), Allison Shields (AS), and Alexander Paykin (AP).

Have you tried the idea of setting New Year’s technology resolutions? Why or why not?

DK: Yes. In fact, Tom Mighell and I have been publicly revealing our tech resolutions on our podcast for the last several years. Going through the exercise has been very useful to me. It gives me a structure to think practically about my own use of technology and, by going public, makes me feel accountable. My success rate has been good, but not perfect, and I’ve noticed that some of the original resolutions might evolve or change during the year, which is not a bad thing.

JL: Not previously. For me (and I suspect many others), New Year’s resolutions have not proven to be an effective means of implementing sustained change.

GT: If by “New Year’s technology resolutions,” you mean “an annual assessment of our technology,” then yes! Every year we review what we currently have, how well it’s working (or being used), and whether there’s something better available.

AS: I am not the biggest fan of New Year’s resolutions in general, preferring to set specific goals with concrete plans of action instead (I seem to get more accomplished that way). I have set technology goals in the past and have been successful at reaching some and not so successful at others. I do have some technology goals on my list for this year.

AP: Absolutely. Every new year is an opportunity for improvement. The trick is to implement the resolutions for New Years and not just make them—make them well in advance. Make Thanksgiving resolutions, then spend December figuring out how implementation would work, then on 1/1, flip the switch.

What themes or specific areas do you target or would you like to target with tech resolutions?

DK: I’ve been using a three-part approach. First, is there a technology pain point that I’d like to alleviate or remove? Second, is there a new technology, a new skill, or a more advanced use of a technology that I’d like to learn? Third, is there something I can do to advance my career, accomplish more with technology, improve processes, or enhance client service?

JL: In lieu of “tech resolutions” I would advocate for “tech commitment” focused on three things: ethics, education, and evolution.

GT: The most recurrent theme is resolving to resist shiny object syndrome. There’s usually a ton of new shiny stuff to try every year. The trick is figuring out what actually delivers something better.

AS: My tech goals have centered on either learning to use technology I already have better, more efficiently, or more consistently; implementing new technology to help improve my practice or the delivery of services to my clients; learning about new technology in the legal space, and turning off technology or reminding myself to use non-tech tools sometimes to reduce information overload.

AP: Major changes. You can upgrade to the new printer anytime. New Year’s should be for big things. Like as of 1/1, we will not use paper files for any new incoming matters. Or as of 1/1, we are switching to a cloud-based practice management system.

What 2019 tech resolutions would you like to share with our readers?

DK: These might change before I finalize them, but here’s my tentative list. First, automate standard tasks and routines by using tools like TextExpander and scripting. Second, I want to dive deeply into idea creation, capture, and management tools. Third, I want to experiment with a niche social media/networking tool called MightyNetworks to try to do some online community creation.

JL: Because the model rules of professional conduct include the requirement of technical competency, I would share a reminder about the fundamental ethical imperative of keeping informed of various technology and associated benefits and risks.

GT: Resolve to avoid shiny objects. Resolve to set S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals through which to measure the value of technology. Resolve to implement technology to measure your client development investments from start to finish.

AS: My main technology goals for 2019 include continuing to learn about new technology and how it affects my clients and their practices (including more about AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity) and implementing some new technology in my consulting practice, specifically webinar or course creation technologies to deliver online presentations or courses.

AP: A few from prior years: 1) Create all new matters in the practice management system and digitize five old (but active) files per week until all are in the PDS. Then, repeat with closed matters until all files are digital. Then, get rid of filing cabinets. 2) Put all files in the cloud and no longer save things to the PC’s local hard drive—ever. 3) Implement a scan on arrival mail policy. 4) Log all digital stamps and maintain an electronic mail log. 5) Invoice all clients electronically. This year’s upcoming resolution: Completely automate the engagement letter process and stop hand-finalizing engagement letter templates.

What are your strategies for achieving your tech resolutions?

DK: I put my resolutions into my task manager, Omnifocus, so they appear to me on a regular basis and I am reminded of them. I also break resolutions down into component tasks so my actual work to move the resolution forward is simpler and more doable. Making them public also helps me stay motivated. The S.M.A.R.T. approach to goal setting can also be very helpful.

JL: Becoming or staying technologically competent can be achieved through many means including joining relevant bar association groups, reading topical articles, and listening to a myriad of podcasts. Clients in all industries are affected by the accelerating pace of technological change—so speaking with clients about their evolving technology challenges is an effective means of staying current on challenges and opportunities.

GT: Set goals. Create a plan to implement. Implement. Measure your implementation against your goals. Rinse and repeat every quarter.

AS: As I mentioned above, I think resolutions are too vague for me—I like to set specific goals and then create a plan to reach those goals by breaking the goals down into smaller, more achievable chunks, and then set deadlines for completing those smaller goals or tasks. For example, if I want to learn more about AI and blockchain in 2019, my first step would probably be to find some resources—books, podcasts, articles, etc. and then set aside time to consume that content. I might even make a plan to write an article or blog post about one or more of these topics since that will force me to have to learn about it.

AP: I am moving the Word versions of my engagement letter far far away and integrating the engagement letter template as an automated document form in my practice management system. To avoid temptation and remind myself to do it electronically, I am leaving a file that looks just like the engagement letter Word file in the original directory, but even though I set it to have Word icon when I click on it, it’s actually a link to my PDS URL. That way the muscle memory and habit of going into that directory will be changed—by force if need be.

What tech resolutions would you suggest might work for many readers?

DK: I like my thematic approach and encourage readers to try that. Buying a new piece of hardware that you really want or trying a new software program or cloud service is also a great starting point. Learning an advanced use of a program you use every day (Outlook, Adobe) is another productive approach. For most of our readers, putting more effort into cybersecurity will be a great resolution.

JL: At one point, a number of lawyers viewed technology as a distraction from their primary practice. At this point, technology is core to the very existence of most clients and fundamental to practicing law effectively. I recommend lawyers view the commitment to staying technologically competent as more than a resolution—but rather as the fulfillment of an ethical duty that should help fulfill client needs and drive practice development.

GT: See my response to question three.

AS: I think everyone is different and has a different level of comfort with technology, but one of the easiest goals would be to look at the technology you already use and identify one to three ways you want to learn how to use that technology better in 2019. That might mean learning how to create Rules in Outlook to better manage your email and then creating time in your schedule to learn how to do it. Or it could mean learning how to create a new report in your practice management or accounting software or developing templates in your document management system to deliver services more efficiently to clients. Sometimes it helps to look at the most time-consuming or frustrating or repetitive actions you undertake regularly and seek out ways that technology can make them easier or more effective.

AP: 1) Create all new matters in the practice management system and digitize five old (but active) files per week until all are in the PDS. Then, repeat with closed matters until all files are digital. Then, get rid of filing cabinets. 2) Put all files in the cloud and no longer save things to the PC’s local hard drive—ever.  3) Implement a scan on arrival mail policy. 4) Adopt an electronic signature policy and an account with a company like DocuSign. 5) Invest in a VOIP phone system which follows you wherever you go. 6) Engage an off-site receptionist service like Ruby, and integrate it into your PDS. There are so many others…

The post Technology Resolutions for 2019 appeared first on Law Technology Today.

from https://ift.tt/2T7e3E7