9 Tech Tools to Help Solos Soar

Solo lawyers might not have the manpower or financial resources to match larger firms, but they can level the playing field by using some simple, affordable tech tools.

For instance, video conferencing platforms like Zoom and Go-To-Meeting let you conduct planning sessions with clients, witnesses other parties without leaving your office, thus saving time and travel costs. Basic subscriptions are free. Upgraded versions – which offer more bells and whistles – are still quite affordable.

Other tech equalizers: cloud storage applications, accounting programs, and social media management software.

“From managing your employees to balancing the books, you’re faced with an endless stream of responsibilities to keep the business running,” writes Sean Peek in this U.S. Chamber of Commerce article. “Luckily, in the digital age, there are many programs and tools to help you keep track of your tasks and make your workflow and processes more efficient.”

Here’s another great equalizer: when you’re insured with Lawyers Mutual, you get the Client Services Team on your side. Their resources include Practice Guides, a Lending Library and personal expertise to keep your practice safe and successful. Check out all that is available online.

9 Tech Tools For Your Practice

Here are some products to consider, with commentary from Sean Peek:

1. Accounting software. “More than just a way to track income and expenses. Most include a variety of tools that allow you to handle all of your financial tasks, like invoicing, paying vendors and creating expense reports. Some can help you file your taxes and share documents with your accountant.” Examples: Expensify, Quickbooks, Concur
2. Note-taking applications. “Document both your personal and professional tasks across your devices. Write them out, set reminders and mark them as complete when they’re done. Also great for jotting down quick ideas.” Examples: Wunderlist, Evernote
3. Cloud storage platforms. “Make your files accessible to all your employees, no matter where they’re located. Some platforms are collaborative, allowing your team to directly edit files in real time together.” Examples: Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud
4. Social media management tools. “If your business has a social media presence (as it should!), using a management and scheduling tool can save you valuable time. These platforms can help you keep track of all your social media accounts in one place, as well as provide you with useful analytics data about your posts’ engagement and followers.” Examples: Hootsuite, Buffer, Sprout Social
5. Email marketing software. “One of the best ways to promote your business. These applications will send and keep track of the emails sent, as well as give statistics and analytics on how they’re doing.” Examples: MailChimp, HubSpot, Campaigner
6. Time tracker. “With these tools you can keep track of how you and your employees are using their time.” Examples: Toggl, Time Doctor
7. Video conferencing software. “Easily connect face-to-face with your team, vendors or customers for more productive meetings.” Examples: ClickMeeting, Cisco Webex, Skype, Zoom
8. Project management software. “Send out assignments and deadlines, stay up-to-date on employees’ tasks and review completed assignments.” Examples: Asana, Trello, Monday
9. Customer service tools. “Reach out to clients to address their needs quickly. These tools allow you set up an online ticket system to handle issues, manage your response to customer inquiries on social media and let them schedule appointments.” Examples: Zendesk, Freshdesk

Disclaimer: Lawyers Mutual doesn’t endorse any of these products, nor have we tested them. We have received no compensation from them. Be a wise consumer. Ask questions, shop and compare, and consult a tech specialist if needed.

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