Want to attract legal professionals for networking and/or possible job opportunities? Are you interested in building a legal practice or expanding your professional network? Or, possibly looking for a new job? A strong push on social media is a great way to get involved in conversations and meet new people, employers, or influencers, expanding the opportunities you come across.
Some basic tips for using social media to network include defining your goals, creating your own unique content or putting spins on reposted content, and finding new audiences by joining multiple social platforms. Continue reading to learn what mistakes to avoid and what things will make you stand out in a crowded field.
Define What You Want to Get Out of Your Social Media Efforts
Begin with defining your goals. Start by following law firms, companies or individuals in an industry or practice of interest. This will help you stay updated with trends, business news, additions to personnel, etc.
Your local business journal is a great resource for this information. Many have a daily alert for their top stories. This will keep you on top of business news in your city or a city of interest. By following individuals, law firms or companies of interest, you will get up to date information and news. Maybe a law firm is revealing a new client or winning a big lawsuit, or a corporation is announcing a business venture or merger. This is a good time to congratulate or comment on a post, if possible. Or, send an email to one of the parties of interest with a congratulatory message.
Post Your Own Content or Put a Spin on Reposted Content
Posting and re-posting relevant articles and information is also a great way to attract other legal professionals. If you’re re-posting an article, you should always comment on it. Something that adds to the original post and offers your opinion. Also, an article that prompts others to comment is also something that draws attention.
Posting your original work is also a terrific way to get exposure. Local and state bar associations, legal periodicals and newsletters, law school alumni magazines and others are often looking for lawyers to contribute an article.
Make sure to include on your email signature block: a link to “follow me on LinkedIn” or “Instagram” or the platform of your choosing. Several of these platforms also offer the feature of “inviting” others to follow you. Try not to overuse this tool by sending a global blast to all your connections.
Get your original material approved to be used for Continuing Legal Education. A great way to introduce yourself to other lawyers in need of CLE hours. Presenting CLE courses is often a good way to develop your legal practice too.
Joining Platforms: Go Where Your Audience Is
Creating profiles on multiple platforms will help expand your audience. Some professionals only use X, while others only use Y, and some use both. Cover all bases. Post content on a regular basis. Relevant information is key.
Posting fluff or non-business focused articles and information will cause you to lose credibility and the interest of those you’re trying to attract. Be the one that others look forward to seeing what you’re posting this week. Again, you need to post content and be visible on a regular basis. Just make sure your posts are all related to your clearly established networking goals.
Work the Job Market with Social Media
Looking for a job? Your approach will partially depend if you are currently employed and conducting a confidential search or unemployed. With both scenarios, you can post relevant articles and information. Also, write an article that demonstrates a skill or knowledge base that is applicable to your law career and job search. Both of these will draw attention to you.
If you are unemployed and actively in the job market, let people know you’re looking and what kind of job you’re looking for. Ask for referrals and introductions. Post your resume. Get noticed.
Connect with a legal search firm that has experienced recruiters working in your geographic area. Follow them on their LinkedIn, get added to their mailing list, and check out their company website. Not only will you receive job search-related advice, but often job postings that may be of interest.