One of the most successful companies in the world is Google.  They have the third most visited web site in the world according to Alexa.com.  But their website is one of the most simple sites you will find online.  There are probably 3 or 4 elements.  A title graphic, search box, some buttons and a couple of links across the bottom.  This is a theme among many of the top websites and companies.  Simplicity. 

As a lawyer, my business gets very complex.  My firm has over 200 active cases and I am the only attorney at this time.  I get spread thin, and I am looking for ways to simplify my work so I can increase my efficiency and do more of the things I want to do.  Earlier, I wrote a post about using your employees efficiently and well.  I also think that you should use technology to be more efficient.  I have a long way to go in this arena.  I don’t have a blackberry, or even a palm pilot.  My laptop is 4 years old and is dying a slow death.  However, I recently discovered a new online tool that will prove to be useful for lawyers, realtors, business people, and pretty much anyone else.  One thing I found that I was doing all the time was thinking of great ideas, trial strategies, important deadlines and then I would have to scramble to find a pen and piece of paper.  Most of the time I had these epiphanies, I was driving.  Recently, I discovered Jott.com.  This is a pretty cool service.  It allows you to call the Jott toll free number from your cell phone and speak a message.  That message is then transcribed and sent to your e-mail address or any other e-mail address that you have in your Jott address book.  For example, last week I had to travel about an  1 1/2 hours away for a seminar, but on the way I thought of some work that needed to be done at the office, so I call Jott and had my idea transcribed and sent to my paralegal.  A few minutes later she received my e-mail and was able to take care of what I needed. 

The only problem that I have encountered so far is that the transcription is a little less than perfect.  Some of my messages just don’t make any sense at all.  But don’t worry.  In the e-mail message, it also includes the recorded message, so your intended target will be able to listen to your message if they cannot deciper what you were trying to get across to them.

Good luck simplifying your life.  Do you have any ideas that can make your business or life simpler?