An attorney's decision to develop a business plan for his or her
firm is similar to a client's plan to complete their estate plan.
Both acknowledged long ago that it's probably the responsible thing
to do. They've each had a general sense of how things should go,
but the task has always found its way to the back burner. It's kind
of a curious thing if you think about it. We all engage in
critical, analytical thinking all the time. Our clients literally
pay us to think things through and set out strategic plans upon
which we then execute.
We all sometimes make false assumptions and we generally accept
that by investing some meaningful time in planning, we reduce the
likelihood of failure and increase our likelihood of success.
We wouldn't think to engage in any degree of complicated legal
work, like go to trial or negotiate a corporate merger or plan a
multimillion dollar estate plan, without first setting forth a
plan. That would be foolish. We could look incompetent in the
presence of colleagues and clients. We could open ourselves up to
liability. Our reputations could be damaged. We could waste a lot
of time, money, and energy in the process.
Are you starting to see where I'm going with this? It is
important to plan important things. And when you plan effectively,
your chance at success - great success - substantially increases.
In developing a business plan, you think through every major
component of the business of your law firm, rather than leaving
important decisions to chance.
Now that I've hopefully convinced you that you need to develop
your business plan, let's touch on how. Developing a business plan
for your firm just takes time, information, and focus. It's best
done without distraction. Most plans include the following
sections, although you can find variations with a simple internet
search:
- Business description
- Market analysis
- Competitor assessment
- Marketing plan
- Operating plan
- Financial plan
- Executive summary
Your plan will think through your firm's structure, goals, and
how you plan to attain them. If you want to better ensure you
actually get the plan done, sign up for the upcoming MBA CLE: Law
Firm Business Plan Workshop, scheduled for 2 p.m., March 20, 2013.
You'll walk in with ideas and walk out three hours later with your
business plan in hand. One way or another, get it done. Your
success depends on it.
Damian J. Turco is an attorney licensed in Massachusetts
and Florida and the owner of Turco Legal, a Massachusetts injury
law firm. He serves on the Law Practice Management Section Council,
is a member of the Boston Inns of Court, and practices primarily in
Boston.