Continuing on in the series, let’s recap the first four items I share with people who want to be solo.

1. You’ll need money. Starting solo is expensive.
2. Do everything within your business at least once.
3. Get creative with finding furniture and supplies, or you’ll spend a lot.
4. Know the type of law you want and focus on it alone.

   And now …

5.  Once you know your favorite kind of law, be aggressive in pursuing it. Tell everyone you know clearly and in plain language what you do. Be specific. Practice your 30-second elevator speech and make sure that when you give it, you are visibly enthusiastic. Remember, being a solo is hard work so put that effort into something you love.

6.   Solo practice doesn’t mean practice alone or in a vacuum. I am more connected to people all over the city than I would be if I were an associate in a firm. I spend hours each week at lunches, meetings, coffees, and events. I shake so many hands that sometimes my hand is sore from being squeezed too firmly. Business principles state that you should never eat lunch alone or at your desk. That gets expensive so I try to have coffee as often as I can. Some weeks that means 3-5 in the week, other weeks I’m lucky to get out once. My goal is always 2-3 each week.