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Change is as scary as it is exciting for a business. You and your employees/colleagues work hard to open new possibilities. Those possibilities mean change whether it be through growing the staff, adding new products or services, moving to a larger building, etc.

For employees, change often means imbalance and stress. New challenges allow employees to be more engaged and learn new skills, but we must acknowledge the anxiety that comes with all change. During a time of change, it’s not uncommon for employees to ask things like:

• Is my role necessary under this new direction?
• Am I still on a path of growth within the company or is my path now gone?
• Will I be able to meet new expectations?
• How does this impact my work-life balance?

These and other self-reflections are important elements of change within a company that you should be cognizant of. What can you do to make this transition easier and more welcoming to your colleagues?

Understand Your Business Is Only As Strong as Its People

Businesses are the people. Any change management strategy needs to put the people first; any transition will fall short if the people aren’t able to understand or execute the plan. Your future lies in effective communication and execution of the path you’re setting the company on.

So, what does this mean for you? The effective communication element falls on leadership. You need to make clear what the changes are and leave as few unanswered questions as possible. To do this, it’s important to consider giving everyone a platform to ask any and all questions they have. You don’t want to leave it to the water cooler conversations because this creates more anxiety and confusion.

Set a Reasonable Timeline

One of the surest ways for a plan to fail is to attempt to communicate, implement, and profit from it over too short a time. The size of your business is an important element of this (more on that below). If you have a lot of employees to get on board then you should have a grace period between the announcement and implementation of change.

You don’t want to announce something brand new that changes employee expectations and expect them to miraculously pull it off successfully immediately. Instead, set a date that you want your systems and processes to be updated and roll it out over time.

Size Matters

As noted above, the size of your company matters. There is no model that says “change is easier/harder at a smaller/bigger company,” however, the size of your company should inform the steps you take to effect change.

Is your small business a tight-knit group that normally relies on each other for insight and direction? Everyone should probably be involved in formulating a plan for change instead of breaking the norm and doing it all behind closed doors. Do you operate a large company or firm that has numerous layers of employees? It’s logical to consider what each layer of the company needs to be successful in this change and implement individualized strategies for each layer.

Be Confident, Excited, and Know What Happens if You Fail

Your employees are more likely to buy in if the leaders that established the plan are confident in the direction of the company. You can’t expect people to feel driven and passionate about something that leadership isn’t comfortable with.

However, this confidence can’t neglect the possibility of this change not going as you expect. There’s no guarantee that a cultural or systematic change within a business will find success. Contingency plans and having a proper reporting structure in place are two elements that protect you should things go wrong.

At The Million Dollar Solution®, we take pride in assisting firms through important periods of transition. Our team pushes our members to take on new challenges with confidence and preparation. Learn more about our membership options and get started on the journey to finding your Million Dollar Solution today.

Where Are We in the Search for a Cure for Dementia?

Dementia is one of the most unforgiving diseases in the world. According to the World Health Organization, there are 55 million people living with dementia worldwide with nearly 10 million new cases each year. The WHO notes that dementia is actually the 7th-leading cause of death worldwide, as well.

With the disease having such a far-reaching impact, where are we in the search for a cure? There is no known cure for dementia at the time of this writing, but there are signs of hope and progress.

Promising Advances in Research

When you research progress in the search for a cure for dementia, most articles relate specifically to Alzheimer’s Disease. To be clear, Alzheimer’s is just one of many forms of dementia, though it’s the most common diagnosis and often the focus of conversations surrounding dementia and dementia-related deaths.

In 2023, we’ve seen a number of promising research developments surrounding dementia and its forms. Global clinical trials for the drug donanemab are showing promise as cognitive decline is slowing in patients. There is still a long way to go before donanemab is available regularly for patients, but all cures start somewhere.

Earlier in the year, Leqembi received accelerated approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which is hailed for treating the actual disease instead of just treating the symptoms. Both of these drugs provide promise and a potential pathway to a much better quality of life for dementia patients.

Additionally, scientists have made significant progress in recent years related to the specific genes that relate to and accelerate the onset of forms of dementia. This information is used by medical researchers to better understand diseases, how they evolve, and how to detect them early on if the genes are present.

What’s Next

As clinical trials for promising drugs and implementation of approved drugs continues, we are at an important stage in dementia research. Just last year, Congress approved nearly $300 million in additional funding for dementia research which sets us on a path toward a cure.

It’s going to take time and, frankly, money to get there. The search for a cure has been a long road, but advancements every day chart a promising course toward a new future for dementia patients.

At the Million Dollar Solution, we work with practices that are part of the care and future of dementia planning. If you want to learn more about becoming a Dementia Focused Practice, schedule a free consultation with our team today.

GET INVOLVED: You can be a part of the dementia solution. The Dementia Focused Practice® Fourth Annual Conference is taking place on November 3rd and 4th (2023) in Tempe, Arizona. Register today to get involved and do your part.

Is Your Practice Informed and Prepared for Dementia Planning?

Being a Dementia Focused Practice® is more than just going through a certification process and throwing the label on your website. Dementia care planning requires buy-in from your team and ongoing education and reeducation that instills consistent understanding and compassion for the communities you serve.

Dementia impacts individuals, families, and communities across the globe. Regardless of where you are, it’s imperative to plan not only for the unique needs of not only those dealing with the disease and its forms but also those who are indirectly impacted. This includes loved ones, dementia caretakers, and more.

Your Whole Staff Should Be Trained

Some firms believe dementia care planning is only for the attorneys themselves. This misses a key portion of your law firm. Clients regularly communicate with secretaries and assistants as much if not more than the attorneys in some cases.

Educating your entire staff guarantees that all the interactions your clients and their families have with your law firm is up to the high standard you set by committing to providing dementia planning. Your clients need to feel welcome and supported in the environment you’re bringing them into.

Understand the Needs of Dementia Caretakers

Dementia planning involves more than just providing care for people with dementia and their families. Dementia caretakers are also a part of the Dementia Focused Practice® ecosystem. Their legal needs differ from their patients, but you need to be prepared for this.

Part of this includes providing a roadmap to caretakers who will rely on your services and guidance throughout the life of their care. Are they personally equipped to handle a certain legal situation pertaining to the individual they are providing care to? Do they know when they need to defer to you for guidance?

These are important questions that dementia caretakers are having to answer every day. Prepare your practice to provide these answers and give peace of mind to the people who are helping to support loved ones in need.

Dementia Planning is a Long-term Commitment

Dementia planning is not just a one-off legal service where clients come in and sign some papers before a handshake and an exit. Dementia planning often means handling clients for well over a decade as they or a loved one transition through the various stages of the disease.

It’s vital that you understand and prepare for this. What does planning look like at various stages of the forms of dementia? Are you evolving the legal guidance and expertise you are providing or attempting to apply a uniform set of standards regardless of where a client is in their dementia journey?

Become a Million Dollar Solution Member

We dedicate extensive time, money, and energy toward providing practices with the solutions they need to provide care to a vulnerable population. People with dementia deserve the respect and representation that anyone else receives.

By becoming a Million Dollar Solution member, you join a network of law firms that’s answered the call to serve these people. Schedule your free strategy session and start your dementia planning journey today.

As a Dementia Focused Lawyer

As a dementia-focused lawyer, you have a unique set of skills and expertise that can help clients navigate complex legal issues related to dementia. However, attracting clients to your practice can be challenging, particularly when it comes to sensitive topics like dementia diagnosis. Here are some tips on how to attract clients as a dementia-focused lawyer:

Establish yourself as an expert

One of the most effective ways to attract clients is to establish yourself as an expert in Dementia Care Planning and Elder Care Navigation. Write articles, blog posts, or social media posts on topics related to dementia care and planning, speak at conferences or events, and offer educational resources on your website. Establishing yourself as an expert can help you build credibility and trust with potential clients.

Build a strong online presence

In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is critical for attracting clients. Make sure you have a professional website that clearly explains your services and areas of expertise. Consider creating social media profiles on platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter to connect with potential clients and share valuable content.

Offer free consultations or workshops

Offering free consultations or workshops is an excellent way to attract potential clients. Consider hosting a workshop or webinars on a topic related to dementia care or planning or offer free initial consultations to new clients. This can help you build relationships with potential clients and demonstrate your value as a dementia-focused lawyer.

Build relationships with referral sources

Building relationships with referral sources, such as social workers, caregivers, or dementia care facilities, can be an effective way to attract clients. Offer to speak at local support groups or caregiver meetings or offer to provide educational resources to these groups. By building relationships with referral sources, you can establish a steady stream of referrals to your practice.

Attending Networking Events

Attending networking events, such as local bar association meetings or dementia care conferences, can be an effective way to connect with potential clients. Be prepared to introduce yourself and explain your areas of expertise, and consider bringing marketing materials, such as business cards or brochures, to hand out to potential clients.

Leverage online reviews and testimonials

Online reviews and testimonials can be powerful tools for attracting clients. Encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews on your website or social media profiles and feature these testimonials prominently on your website. Positive reviews can help build trust and credibility with potential clients.

1. Set clear goals

One of the most critical factors in being productive is setting clear goals. Identify what you want to achieve, and break down your goals into smaller, more manageable tasks. Having clear objectives can help you stay focused and motivated, making it easier to stay productive.

2. Prioritize tasks

Not all tasks are equally important, and prioritizing tasks can help you focus on what matters most. Identify which tasks are urgent and important and focus on those first. This can help you make the most of your time and ensure that you accomplish what needs to be done.

3. Eliminating distractions

Eliminating distractions can be a significant impediment to productivity. Identify the things that distract you, such as social media or email notifications and eliminate them. Turn off notifications, close unnecessary tabs, and create a distraction-free workspace.

4. Managing your time effectively

Time management is critical for productivity. Use tools such as calendars or to-do lists to keep track of tasks and deadlines. Set aside specific times for tasks and prioritize your time to ensure that you accomplish what needs to be done.

5. Take breaks

Taking breaks can boost productivity. Breaks can help prevent burnout, refresh your mind, and increase your creativity. Take short breaks throughout the day, and make sure to take longer breaks to recharge.

6. Exercise

Exercise is an essential component of productivity. Exercise helps to improve focus, increase energy levels, and boost mood. Even short bouts of exercise can make a significant difference in productivity.

7. Get enough sleep

Sleep is crucial for productivity. Lack of sleep can affect focus, energy levels, and mood. Make sure to get enough sleep each night to ensure that you can be productive the next day.

8. Stay organized

Being organized can help boost productivity. Keep your workspace clean and clutter-free, use filing systems to keep track of documents, and create a system for organizing your tasks.

9. Stay motivated

Staying motivated is essential for productivity. Find ways to stay inspired, such as setting rewards for completing tasks or finding accountability partners to help you stay on track.

10. Learn to say no

Saying no can be challenging, but it is essential for productivity. Learn to say no to tasks or commitments that are not essential or that do not align with your goals. This can help you focuson what matters most and boost your productivity.

by Dom Loffredo, Director of Operations at MDS

Recently my wife and I spent a week exploring the beautiful state of Vermont, but expectedly so, we made our eight hour trip home asking “do we really have to leave?” If you have ever gone on vacation, then I am confident you can relate to that last sentence. Although my beautiful state of Pennsylvania has a lot of similarities –trees, mountains, farms, and lots of places to eat; something about the Vermont hospitality we experienced made me realize that our office culture should resemble our end of vacation experience mentioned above. Below are my 5 key takeaways on how this approach can prove valuable to increasing your office dynamic.

1. Make it hard to leave

The overall kindness and generosity we experienced in Vermont was overwhelming. On multiple occasions I was given bags of ice, coffee, and or food for free because we were from out of town!Takeaway: you always have the ability to make staff & clients want to stay because of your compassion and generosity –sometimes it only takes a 99cent cup of coffee!

2. Communication = Caring

We hiked and or walked about 40 miles while in Vermont –almost every trail we hiked a local would talk to us! I have hiked my entire life throughout PA and this rarely happens.Takeaway: A small conversation pays dividends to your staff –it shows that you generally care about them.

3. Recycling is not an option

Recycling is integrated throughout their entire culture without reminding people or labeling it –they just do it out of commitment to this unwritten value.Takeaway: If something is a core value of your firm, your staff should see it occur daily without it being pointed out!

4. Word of Mouth is still King

Through conversations with locals, we learned of the best “dives, overlooks and tours” throughout the state –the only place we were disappointed with came from Google.Takeaway: people still talk –make sure your brand is easily recognizable/searchable & viewable!

5. Take a Deep Breath!

Given the large mountains, we often did not have cell service and had to “wing it” since we did not have a physical map. Regardless of a few detours, I was determined to not let a lack of cell service ruin our vacation!

Takeaway: A deep breath in times of challenge or confusion can reset your perspective on how to handle the challenge –when something is out of our control we need to let it go and focus on the next best option!

By Julie Steinbacher

What You Need to Know About the Employee Retention Credit (ERC)Qualification Available to all employers regardless of size including tax exempt organizations.

There are exceptions:

• state and local governments and their instrumentalities and
• small businesses who take Small Business Loans

To qualify, the employer has to meet one of two alternative tests. The tests are calculated each calendar quarter:

• either the employer’s business was fully or partially suspended by government order due to COVID-19 during the calendar quarter -this could include the suspension of travel, group meetings or commerce OR
• the employer’s gross receipts were below 50% of the comparable quarter in 2019. Once the employer’s gross receipts go above 80% of a comparable quarter in 2019 they no longer qualify after the end of that quarter

Any interruption of business directly resulting from federal government order during 2020 or 2021 may qualify. The requirement to wear masks within the workplace does not qualify a business. Adjustment of business hours during a stay-at-home order do not qualify a business.

Supply chain disruptions do not qualify unless they directly resulted from a government order and met all of the following requirements:

• Supplier cannot make deliveries of critical goods due to a government order
• Business can’t purchase those critical goods from another supplier
• Business must experience a more than nominal effect as a direct result

Salaries of majority owners and their families cannot be included in the ERC calculation. If the business owner has any living relatives than none of the salaries are eligible. Businesses that received PPP can apply for the ERC as long as the same salaries are not used and the business qualifies for the ERC.

By Dom Loffredo

As I write this article there is most likely a large company getting ready to send out another mass layoff email. In the past few months, companies like Meta (formerly Facebook), Twitter, Zillow, Peloton and many others have conducted mass layoffs, several even have had MULTIPLE rounds of layoffs. Although anyone reading this works for a small law firm that most likely won’t suffer billions in lost revenue in 2023, the actions mentioned above still can have a significant impact on your practice.

Heading into the new year with the economy in question, many people have begun to fear what their future of employment looks like. Even though you are no Zillow who hired people based on believing the housing boom would never end, your staff are most likely watching the news and getting concerned if there will be cutbacks, stagnancy or even closings in the coming year. Now more than ever, make sure that you are communicating to your staff your plan for the next 3-12 months. Just hearing that you have a plan will provide them with some reassurance.

On the other hand, there is another opportunity that this “fear” season provides to you as a small business. It is this; the opportunity to solidify a reliable and positive culture throughout your office. Although this may be an uncommon takeaway, I have proof –discussions with two of Julie’s staff who have been with her through the 08 crash and the 2020 pandemic. Common thoughts on why Julie succeeded throughout these extremely challenging times for other businesses? Julie’s determination to keep building and developing her firm. Both staff shared that Julie’s ability to push forward gave staff confidence in their boss. By Julie moving forward with innovation, the staff felt comfortable in this simple fact: in a time of doubt, they have an employer who they trust to push the company forward regardless of circumstance. It may sound cheesy and small, but it matters! Having that trust sets the groundwork for a culture and office environment of reliability and consistency, using one that makes people want to stay!

Regardless of where you are today, the coming months will be a pivotal time for you to set the standard at your office. Don’t let the negativity of the news dampen engagement within your office. Create a plan, communicate that plan, and stick to it! Even through difficult times, our team at MDS is here to help you through it –whether that be marketing, hiring, staff retention or building systems at your office! Make sure to proactively schedule your annual and monthly coaching calls with us at the new year quickly approaches.

Jenna L. Franks, Esquire, Partner, Steinbacher, Goodall, & Yurchak

About
Jenna L. Franks is a Partner at Steinbacher, Goodall & Yurchak licensed to practice law in both Pennsylvania and Florida. She practices out the firm’s State College location and leads the team there on all pre-planning clients. Jenna has the largest team within the Steinbacher firm, which comes with many managing difficulties. In working with Julie, she has learned how to create layers of middle-management, set boundaries within her team, and to delegate so that her clients still receive the best possible service while also keeping her team happy and content. Jenna’s State College team has seen exponential growth over the past 5 years and we are very excited to see what the team has in store for the future!

Jenna is also heavily involved in the firm’s marketing department and her team is commonly involved in testing out new marketing techniques and strategies.
Jenna has presented for MDS for years about dementia care and elder care planning and procedures, but has more recently become engaged in coaching for members. She has a passion for learning and engaging with other like-minded dementia care and elder care planning individuals and she is excited to be a part of the “think tank” that MDS has become.

Jenna’s Story

Those who have seen a loved one go through the end stages of life understand how many decisions need to be made. I am Jenna Franks and this is my story on how dementia affected me.

I’ll never forget the day my husband was on the phone with his family. This was about 10 years ago and we were living in Florida. All of our family was back here, in Pennsylvania. I could tell something was wrong by how he was acting on the phone, but then he hung up and just started crying. My husband is not one to cry. So I knew something was very wrong.

My husband’s father passed away when he was young. So he was raised in part by his grandparents. He was always very close to his grandparents. It turns out there was an accident. His grandfather had a stroke and he fell. When his grandfather was falling, his grandmother had tried to hold him up and both ended up having a bad fall. His grandmother ended up breaking her hip. It was not looking good at the time for either of them.

Now both of his grandparents actually recovered from that fall. They were never the same, but they were able to go back home for awhile. However, that day after my husband got off the phone, we decided we needed to move back home to help out with the family.

We moved back to PA

and I took a job with an elder law firm. I never practiced in elder law before and I had no idea that what I would be learning at my job would soon really help with what was happening with our family.

While my husband’s grandmother was hospitalized, she was diagnosed with dementia. We knew her memory wasn’t as good, but the diagnosis was a surprise to us. Within a short period of time, she started experiencing memory lapses and judgement issues. She left the stove on. We found socks in the refrigerator. And she repeated herself, a lot. However, she motored around the house like the Energizer bunny! Pap was fine mentally. His limitations were physical. The stroke left him very weak. His legs became very lean and he was barely able to walk. It was interesting to see Gram and Pap operate around the house together. In a way, they were a good fit because Pap kept Gram on task with what she needed to be doing and Gram met all of the physical needs for the two of them. They supported each other and this worked for them – for a little while at least.

It seemed like we were constantly having to adjust with Gram and Pap’s needs. Pap was in and out of the hospital. While he was there, Gram’s memory would be at its worst. They compensated for each other. But if one of them was off, it became very clear to us how much help they needed.

By going through this rollercoaster with my own family, I’ve developed a passion to help others going through the same journey. It’s a difficult and, oftentimes, long journey. Especially if dementia is involved. And no one should do this alone.

A common desire for most lawyers is to have more clients and more revenue –sounds great! Before looking at how to maximize revenue in your practice, I recommend you look at your overall revenue versus your actual profit, which can be the difference between a thriving practice and one that is ‘getting by’. All too often, practices strive to do everything they can to generate higher revenues. This may include marketing campaigns, flashy ads, more team members, a bigger office, or other similar classic campaigns. Yet, at the end of the day, profit is lacking. If this has happened to you, you are not alone. In fact, this was made painstakingly clear for many practices throughout the current pandemic, resulting in additional stress and negative outcomes. Here are two simple ways you can think differently with regards to technology and how to grow your firm’s profitable revenue:

1. Go after the under -40-year-old market! Historically this has been a very unprofitable segment, so attorneys have stayed clear. The fees were modest, and the work was manual. Today this segment wants a digital experience, human interactions provided as the exception, not the standard, and long-lasting relation-ships with service providers. With advancements in technology, information intake, client education, and the ability for legal document creation to be fully automated, are you currently completely automated? What does removing the administration, education and drafting do to the profitability of your revenue? Lastly, what is the value to your firm of a happy loyal client to that you can provide services to for the next 40 years?. Make sure your technology is working for you!

2. Large group plans This is another area that has been unattractive for attorneys; why deal with 100s of people that are only going to pay a few hundred dollars each? It won’t be profitable and it will be an administrative nightmare, so it never made sense to approach. Today going after larger groups haves never been more attractive, so long as you have the right technology to support the practice. We have seen clients deliver final Wills for entire police forces and fire departments in weeks, or POAs for graduating high school classes going off to college in weeks, with all interactions being digital. Law firms have embraced such opportunities for the ability to earn profitable revenue, provide a needed service to their community and market this brand. Would you also like 100’s of happy clients that you can add to you marketing funnel for future work and referrals?

In summary, thinking different about your clients, market dynamics and how leveraging technology can dramatically change your firms’ opportunities can start to set you apart from others. Finding profitable revenue is a marathon, not a sprint, and delivering your services with the technology now available to you can put your firm on the growth trajectory you’ve been looking for.

To learn more please contact Enrico Linscheer from LegalGEN.

Enrico Linscheer

CEO of LegalGEN

Email: elinscheer@legalgen.com

Website: https://legalgen.com/

A Legaltech platform helping attorneys serve their communities.