Living in a Virtual World
I love all the recent blog posts I’ve noticed about virtual law offices. Just this morning I found Erik Mazzone’s blog, Law Practice Matters, and his post Should You Have a Virtual Law Office? I found Erik’s post through Stephanie Kimbro’s blog (I mentioned her in this previous post).
I know that for me, working virtually is a wonderful way to simplify my life. I avoid commuting and the endless meetings that sometimes seem to accomplish so little. I simply get to work on my clients’ projects and really feel like things get accomplished every day. Well, except for the days that I keep free to spend with my kids – and really that is an even better accomplishment, that I can make the time in my schedule to truly enjoy my boys!
I also know that now that I see the beauty of virtual work, I often choose to hire people who work virtually. When I needed a blog designer, I found one who worked virtually (lots of choice of virtual workers fortunately in the web design arena!) My accountant also works from home and if I need a lawyer for my business I plan to try and find one who works virtually (although so far I haven’t come across many on the blogosphere who are from Alberta should I need a local lawyer).
I find that working virtually with people really allows me to manage my time better. I can email my web designer at 11 at night and know that she will get to it within a day or so. I can get work done for my clients at 6 in the morning or 6 at night and as long as I get it done by the deadline everything is great! In the 9-5 world, there always seemed to be times when productivity would be lower (especially in that hour after lunch!) but as long as you were physically present no one really seemed to care. I’d rather take that hour after lunch for a brisk wake-up walk, or a nap if I’m exhausted, then get back to working in an efficient manner.