Navigating the digital transformation of your law firm can often feel intimidating. And it is. But diving in head first is not the right decision. You need to create a plan and map of the automations that you want your system to accomplish. Your Client Relationship Manager (CRM) ensures every client interaction is impactful and every internal process streamlined. But, how do you tailor the automations to work in harmony with your firm's unique rhythm? And how do you plan your build out in “somewhat” linear procedure?
Before You Embark: Aligning Tech with Ambition
Before you dive into the details, ensure you're not trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. Understanding the capabilities and limitations of your chosen CRM is crucial. This preemptive step is more than a tech-check—it's a strategy to avoid future frustration and wasted time, ensuring a specific platform is not just a tool, but the correct tool that you’re looking for. And if you need to plan your integrations between multiple programs, this is the time to do it.
Step 1: Charting the Course - Planning Your Stages
As you begin, visualize the journey each client takes with your firm. What are the milestones from initial contact to closure? This clarity isn't just operational, it's the backbone of a personalized client experience. Knowing these stages will help you plan what is needed to get a contact or matter to that stage, and what happens when they get there.
Step 2: Automating the Journey - Moving Matters Along
Start by listing the automations that move a matter from one stage to the next. Automation is about momentum — keeping the case moving without manual nudges. Break down the process into 'action' and 'reaction' automations: one to progress the matter to another stage, another triggered by that progression when they get to the stage. This way you can automate the stage move, or manually move it, and not break the next automation.
Step 3: Engagement At The Destination
Next, plan the automations that happen at each stage. From follow-up emails to document reminders, and team member tasks. Remember what your exit condition is, and plan for that to NOT be hit. This will make sure that all of your follow ups are accounted for, based on the stages that happen throughout your process.
Step 4: Planning Entry and Exit of Each Automation
Every automation has a beginning and, sometimes, they also have an early end. Identifying what triggers an automation and what could halt it prematurely is setting the rules and boundaries when actions take place. These aren't mere technicalities; they're the safeguards that ensure every client interaction is timely and relevant. Nobody wants to keep getting reminders to sign the engagement agreement that they signed the day before. And training your team on what kicks off or stops an automation will save future headaches and questions from them.
Step 5: Bridging the Gaps - Expecting the Unexpected
Planning for the '1% chance' events isn't paranoia — it's foresight. It's about ensuring that rare instances don't become major roadblocks. By anticipating these, you're not just building a CRM, you're crafting a safety net that can catch even the most unforeseen circumstances. Now that you know what will stop and start an automation, think of what could be missing. If there is a chance that a potential new client may need a follow up call scheduled after a consultation, plan for it. If an exit condition is never hit, do you have a plan for what happens next? Each of these could be roadblocks when rolling out an incomplete system.
Step 6: Actions In-Between the Entry and Exit Conditions
Now that you know what will kick off a specific automation, and what can potentially stop it, plan in between. Determining the frequency and intensity of your follow-ups is a delicate dance. It's about striking a balance between persistence and patience, ensuring clients feel valued but not overwhelmed.
Step 7: Crafting the Future Conversations
Now that you know what messages you need, and how much of it, start writing! Your messaging is the voice of your firm. Writing tailored, stage-specific communication isn't just about information, it's about connection. Remember, each word reflects your firm's ethos and empathy – and determines how “salesy” you come off to new clients. Nobody wants to feel like they are messaging with a bot, so account for all variables when writing.
Step 8: Building (and Inevitable Refining)
With a blueprint in hand, begin constructing your automations. Programs like Zapier will help if you’re using multiple platforms. But remember, this is a living system that requires ongoing attention and adaptation. Besides technology being technology, testing and tweaking will be needed (and isn't a sign of failure). This is all part of your firm's commitment to perpetual improvement.
Ready to Start Your Outline?
Mapping out your law firm's workflows is a journey of both discovery and strategy. It's an investment in a system that not only manages contacts but nurtures relationships and streamlines success. Ready to embark on this transformative path? Schedule a meeting with our team for a tailored automation roadmap that alleviates the burden and amplifies your firm's potential. We’ll go through all of the processes you have (and potential processes you could have) to create the right plan for your operational systems.
