Today’s post is part of a series coordinated by Martindale-Hubbell Connected. See tomorrow’s post on Bob Ambrogi’s blog LawSites.
This is no April Fool’s joke. I have been dabbling in a few social networking sites, like LinkedIn, LawLink, and now M-H Connected, but I am not an expert. In fact, no one is -- no one has figured out a good business model for social networking. So don’t be afraid to put your feet into the water.
And when you do put get your feet wet, know that there is an undertow that can quickly take you out to sea. Social networking can be important, but realize that when you are working the room, it can be a big room. So let it work for you. Translation: choose your room, or social network site, carefully to get the right mix of people and content. And when you find the right room, here are some suggestions to work it.
There Are More People Talking Than Listening
Be a listener. Know what other people are saying and respond when you can add clarity and information to another’s communication. Listening and responding to others can add to your credibility as well as lead readers back to your blog or profile. Where, you don’t need to simply echo posts. Add some analysis, observation, and/or commentary – that’s why you went to law school.
Mean What You Write and Write What You Mean
Update your posts, tweets, profiles, or whatever mechanism the room uses to communicate only when you have something meaningful to say -- whether that is daily, weekly, or monthly. Because when you believe you have something meaningful to say, you will say it with meaning and speak it with conviction. If you simply post to post, it will sound like a grade school what-you-did-for-your-summer-vacation story. Stick to meaningful updates and readers will frequent your site to look for them.
Titles and Headlines Matter
When you communicate in your room, make it known. Use good titles to posts, or headlines. Write them like you would want someone to read them and the underlying communication. I know you painstakingly edit and revise your questions or issues presented in a brief. Use those same skills when you write headlines for your posts. And one more thing: realize that we did not have a Headlines 101 course in law school -- get some help in writing good headlines.
If you take anything away from this post, remember that no one has figured out a good business model for social networking. So make your own model with the best advice of others and be sure to see Robert J. Ambrogi's follow-up post on Lawsites.
ADDITIONAL READING
"7 Tips for Writing a Successful Law Blog," Texas Lawyer
"Is Twitter a Useful Tool or Just for the Birds?" The Legal Intelligencer
"Tools and Tactics to Tweet Well on Twitter," New York Law Journal
"Marketing Your Practice in 140 Characters or Less," Texas Lawyer
"Choose Your Online Friends Wisely," Texas Lawyer
"How to Build a Better Law Blog," Law.com Legal Technology
