LINKEDIN NETWORKING TIPS FOR LAWYERS

Social networking sites such as twitter and facebook have a huge following but the benefits that can be accrued from them in a profession is almost nonexistent. This is where LinkedIn comes in. LinkedIn can help you reach your clients and form new ones.

There are easy steps that if followed can swamp you with clients.

1. Your profile must focus on clients. While making your profile also keep some references of your previous client. This will not only make the new client trust you but the greater the number of references you have the better it will do for your business. Also make sure to upload your photo because it gives a personal touch to your profile.
2. Maintain connections. It is simple math. The greater the number of direct connections you have the greater is your chances of representing a client. To make connections seek out all your contacts who have a profile in LinkedIn and also search for the contacts in the friend’s connection. However there is a downslide to making more and more connections. The downslide is since you do not know these people well the chances of them referring you or making a testimony in favor of you reduces. To eliminate this you can try a different strategy. The strategy should be to maintain a smaller network of connections but to have a deeper relationship with most if not all of them. These people will vouch for you and trust you and hence converting into strong referrals but the downslide to this strategy is there are very few people on the network connection. To decide between the two is entirely your prerogative but be consistent in the strategy.
3. There are some techniques which are not so subtle but works just fine. For example testimonials. In case there are people with whom you have worked and they have done a great job then stop and give a testimonial to them. It may not take much time for you but will the world to him. Why this Samaritan act? Because there are chances those in returns you will get the testimonials from the same person. Also once every month you can update your status. This will help to remind your friends what you do?
4. You can also join LinkedIn groups and connect with other likeminded people to know the nitty gritty of your business better. The advantage- your knowledge will improve and you will become known to the people who are in the same business as yours.
5. Try and get some clients for your friend. Sounds outrageous? It is not. If you get a client for your friend then chances are he will try and do the return the favor.

It is not easy and sometimes it can be exasperating but these tricks if properly implemented will last for a lifetime to come. The clients formed will be regular and trustworthy giving a huge boost to your career.