There’s power in LinkedIn for lawyers who can see the power of social media networks.
LinkedIn Basics: What You Need to Know
LinkedIn is a rapidly growing online professional network that just raised a whopping $13 million in financing. The platform has been profitable since last year, and it’s easy to see why.
And the more I use it, the more I understand its power. If you’re a lawyer, I recommend you use it too.
Why Lawyers Love LinkedIn: The Benefits
LinkedIn makes it frictionless and easy to connect and engage with like-minded lawyers and referral sources. It’s simple and easy to stay updated on what your contacts are doing.
LinkedIn is a great place to share expert insights and advice.
Examples of LinkedIn’s Usefulness
For example, I check my LinkedIn home page every day for updates on my ‘connections’ (i.e., people that I’ve “linked up to” on the platform).
Today, a lawyer posted a question about how to market effectively. Then, several people responded with thoughtful, helpful responses. I also saw that Enrico Shaefer, Bruce MacEwen, and Marty Schwimmer had added new contacts.
And I saw that someone was looking for a full-time paralegal to help them do EDGAR filings.
The law firm was in New York, but the candidate could work remotely, or as the notice put it: “This is a rare opportunity to use your experience without the hassles of a corporate environment, commuting, etc.” I’ll bet that several top-notch candidates have applied already.
Millions of Potential Contacts for You
LinkedIn is a network of over 8 million professionals, so joining and participating in the conversations there will unlock a vast world of connections.
And if you need to market your services (which most lawyers do), then think of LinkedIn as offering you the online equivalent of billboard advertising with immense reach.
But for free, which is nice.
P.S. If you're a practicing lawyer, check out this Law Practice Assessment . After answering a few questions, you'll get detailed recommendations for improving five key areas of your practice.
