Long Term Planning
January has been busy so far, but I’m still trying to fit in some decent long term planning. There are so many things to consider when you are planning out your year in business – marketing, holidays, client projects, school schedules. It’s important for me though and it’s important to my clients that I’m on top of my game as much as possible. In the legal world a lot of things may be known well in advance (big trial for example), although many projects are also very last minute.
2011 is going to be a very busy year for me personally and hopefully for Halo Secretarial in general. I am taking a couple of hours to block off time in my calendar and I like to notify my clients well in advance of any planned long absences (more than 3 days). I also of course remind them of such absences as the dates approach as well.
Do you set aside time for planning in January? The rest of the year? I find not only is it important to schedule some planning time right now, but there are recurring entries in my calendar for quarterly checks on plans and progress.
*Tip*
Finish off your planning by informing your staff, team and/or virtual legal assistant of your plans, especially if you don’t share a calendar with them. They may have reminders for you of things to add in, or just be able to help keep you on track. Also make sure to check in with them if they don’t inform you what there important plans are for 2011.