After a bit of thinking, I think it's possible.

This post had been scheduled to go out, but I just sat on it. Here you go:
 

Recently I posted regarding Tim Ferriss's book, The 4-hour Work Week: Escape the 9 to 5, live anywhere, and join the new rich. I'd queried whether his idealistic view were possible in a service-based industry.

At the time of the post, I'd only ventured a mere 5 chapters into the text, so I made some assumptions based on a minimal amount of information. Since posting, I've finished the book, and have taken several opportunities to reflect on the content. I still affirm my initial conclusion that there is absolutely no way to accomplish the feats he advocates as an attorney or in any other service-based profession, at least not if you'd like to maintain your license.

However, there is still some ability to free yourself from the office, and enjoy life (although, even this has some limitations, i.e. billable hours, client meetings, etc). The key I think is recognizing one of the core principles discussed by The Positivity Blog, Jim Calloway, and Susan Cartier-Liebel. This core principle involves manipulating the 80/20 principle to your competitive advantage.

One of the things Tim discusses in the book is creating, or building efficiency, by emphasizing the 80/20 principle. Tim suggests that the reader consolidate the time he/she spends answering phone calls and responding to email, as one valuable method to build more free time. Tim suggests using email autoresponders and voicemail as a way to prompt clients to specifically articulate their needs, and stave off the multitude of unnecessary conversations. Note also that he suggests telephone conversations if email responses become too extensive.

I think this principle would improve client expectations, although it may "bite you in the butt" too. Recently, one attorney I work with attended a CLE where he discovered that sometimes client expectations aren't quite our expectations. The presenter said that more bar complaints occur because of "failure to communicate with clients" than anything else. The presenter stated that some client expectations are unreasonable, considering the attorney's workload. For instance, most attorneys believe that a same-day response to an email is okay, while most clients believe that an email gets answered within 1 hour. This divide could lead to confusion, especially if you rely heavily on email as a primary medium for communication.


I think if you're going to use Mr. Ferriss's principles, it's important to set client expectations at the initial client meeting.