RESOURCES

Legislation can be hard to keep up with. This page will help you simplify the process of staying informed and teach you how to create a system that automates it. Let’s get started.

Step 1: Join Feedly

Feedly is a site (and mobile app) that allows you to follow a variety of blogs and websites, sending their content to a singular place. You do not need a premium account.

Step 2: Add Feeds

Once you have joined Feedly (or a feed reading site of your choice), add a variety of news sources. Be sure to download the mobile app also.

Step 3: Set Reminders

Open up your favorite calendar application–Google Cal, iCal, etc. Set a recurring reminder to check Feedly. Make sure you’ve set an actual alarm, so you don’t forget.

Step 4: Add Attorneys

Learn which attorneys in your area have blogs by searching the following:

City Name + Employment Law
City Name + Labor Law
State Name + Employment Law
State Name + Labor Law

Use the tips below to separate good sources from bad before adding them to your feed reader.

Step 5: Create Google Alerts

Feed management is only a part of an effective compliance system. Google has the ability to send you email notifications when articles are posted with the keywords you specify. I recommend the following:

State Name + Cosmetology Board
State Name + Deregulation
State Name + Cosmetology
Salon Name + City Name

Unlike your feed, which allows you to customize which sources appear, Google Alerts include every article posted with your keywords, ensuring that even if your favorite bloggers miss a headline, you won’t.

CONSIDER YOUR SOURCE(S)

Understanding a source’s values and motivations is extremely important.

Be aware that some legal professionals are very political.
It’s your responsibility to recognize the difference between a person’s impassioned opinions and a professional’s informed perspective.

You may also come across sources that sound legitimate but are nothing more than partisan marketing for political think tanks.
Research all outlets run by organizations (including non-profits) by reading their About pages and any Mission Statements they may have posted.