Re: A suggestion ... the intent of this board.

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Thank you, Zephyr. I recently stated that I was finished
with this board because the posts rarely address its true
intent. I would love to continue here if there are more
posts that address the issues you bring up, and less on the
socialist vs. capitalist economy, the alleged destruction of
the middle class, and the upcoming destruction of Earth as
we know it.

A few other useful areas of disucssion would be networking
strategies, the pros and cons of limiting one's practice,
consumer vs. business-orientated practice, and the pros and
cons of a transactional vs. litigation-orientated practice.

Marketing is probably the most important aspect of a solo's
practice. I will practice what I preach and share a list of
nationwide legal insurance clubs that generate business for
solos:

1. ARAG 800-247-4184 www.araggroup.com
2. Omni-Law 1-877- 666-4529
3. Legal Club of America 800-305-6816
4. Law Point 312-595-4068
5. Signature 800-848-2012 www.signaturelegalcare.com
6. Hyatt Legal Plans 216-241-0022 www.legalplans.com
7. AARP Legal Services Network

I have not used all of these groups, so I will not guarantee
their effectiveness, although I can say that Hyatt is a
particularly good program. Fees tend to be on the low side,
but legal plans certainly bring clients in the door with
decent receipts.

I invite others to share their own ideas, or to post
questions on a subject that truly affects solos. Some on
this board have accused me of "b.s.ing". I assure you all, I
do not b.s. I have built a successful practice (after a
previous failed attempt) and I have only intended on sharing
what has worked (or not worked) for me. I hope to see some
of the same from other solos.

On 4/04/06, The Zephyr wrote:
> I can appreciate the discourse on the pros and cons of
> running a solo practice. I can even see how global
> events/conditions can influence one’s decision to open
such
> a practice. However, it seems the conversations on this
> board need to pull back to what I imagine is the
underlying
> intent of such a forum – that is, relating to the
operation
> of a solo practice.
>
> How about some discussion on the following types of topics:
> The benefits of buying/leasing an auto and the resulting
> tax implications; the best way to market on a shoestring
> that will achieve the most impact; the pros and cons of
> long-term disability policies; the choice of what types of
> office equipment (PDA’s, computers and their related
> software, faxes, etc.) work best and why; whether taking
> the 45 cents/mile cost for autos is more beneficial than
> writing off actual accrued expenses; etc.
>
> When I visit this board I need optimistic and practical
> advice and opinions. If I want to hear the horror stories
> and risks of running my own business I can always go
listen
> to my family (LOL), they are convinced I should get
a “real
> job” with security. True, running one’s own business if
> full of risk, trial, and tribulation. But, it also has
the
> potential for great freedom and rewards.
>
> As far as I’m concerned, I’ve made the decision to
practice
> law as a solo, enough said, done deal! People here should
> contribute in a way to support the intent of this board,
> not just bash solo practice and argue whether one can
> succeed. To be an effective and successful solo, one
needs
> to possess the entrepreneurial spirit and drive that will
> make you a success regardless if you practice law, swing a
> hammer, solder pipes, or wire houses. This forum is for
go-
> getters and doers, not naysayers and doom-gloomers.
>
> Let’s figure out the best way to run a successful solo
> practice and support each other’s efforts and dreams.
It’s
> Spring; time for a rebirth of enthusiasm and productivity.
>
> ~Zephyr