Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
My presentation to the New Lawyers Committee...get more out of your LinkedIn presence!
Citation preview
Why do I need LinkedIn anyway?
Quick Reasons
Over 55 million professionals are using LinkedIn.Fastest growing source for job hunting AND job
finding.Want people to find you? When someone does a
Google search with your name, Your LinkedIn profile is designed to show up on the first page. Make sure they like what they find!
One of the most powerful online networks available gives you access to experts in a huge variety of areas…and lets you share your expertise.
Why Does An Attorney Need It?
Build credibility with your employer, colleagues. Allow potential new clients to find you and get a
feel for your background and talentsFind new contacts to grow your business, assist
with a project, obtain legal advice, or seek new opportunities
Maintain relationships with former employers, contacts
Participate in the legal community—according to Steve Matthews (Law Firm Web Strategy Blog), there are 840,000 people who identify themselves as part of the law practice industry on LinkedIn
7 Steps To Getting LinkedIn
Step 1: Fill Out Your Profile. Yes, All Of It!
Sound easy? Take a look around LinkedIn and you’ll find MANY incomplete profiles. Often people note their current employer and skip the rest.
List as many past employment experiences, schools attended, & group memberships as you are comfortable sharing . Why? This opens up potential networking venues—and makes it easier for
folks to find you. Think your volunteer work doesn’t matter on LinkedIn? Think again. You never know who may be your next link to a new opportunity, client, or simple piece of professional advice.
Think of a half-finished profile as a half-finished conversation. It leaves potential connections feeling unsatisfied…and makes it easier for a potential contact or employer to skip you and move onto someone who conveys a more complete professional picture.
Step 2: Make Your Summary Sing
DO: Make this section your most creative. What makes you unique? Show confidence and understanding of your talents, experience,
and goals. Ask people you respect to read over your summary. Solicit critical
feedback. Remember that people tend to SCAN profiles. Make it easy for
them to read. Use short, varied paragraphs instead of long blocks of copy.
Use active language: “Sarah expertly leads her clients through the real estate closing process from start to finish.”
Make a connection with your audience. “Think property law is confusing? Think again—I’ll make it simple to navigate this world.”
Consider writing your summary in the first person.
Step 2: Make Your Summary Sing
DO: Turn a varied background/seemingly disconnected
experiences into an asset. In today’s market, fewer employers are looking for “specialists.” Diverse knowledge is a strength, so state it that way.
“Prior to entering the legal profession, I spent several years as a communications officer at a small start-up. My experience there gives me a unique ability to understand the needs of my business clients—the importance of staying on top of the ever-changing health care laws and regulations, establishing strong employee relations, even navigating tax laws for small businesses.
Step 2: Make Your Summary Sing
DON’T: Simply list your skills…use the Specialties section to
highlight specific areas of expertise. Think of it as a resume or CV summary. Sell yourself short. Use passive language: “Sarah’s experience is in
helping clients with the real estate process.” Forget your audience. Consider your main target for
LinkedIn and make sure you are communicating with them.
Here’s A Weak Summary
SummaryI advise on all aspects of employment law, for
Claimants and Respondents. I specialise particularly in contentious issues including discrimination or unfair dismissal claims, team moves and bonus disputes, but also advise on general HR and non-contentious issues such as contract reviews.
(From a senior-level attorney, simple list of skills, experiences. Nothing unique.)
Here’s A Stronger Summary
My clients are micro cap and small cap companies. My practice is very transaction oriented and weighted heavily towards technology and biotechnology companies located in North America and Asia.
In my opinion there is no one "right way" or "right time" to "go public". I also do not believe in a one size fits all trading market. Each market has its place and should be matched to the particular company and the goals of its management and existing stockholders.
I represent a lot of lawyers and ex-lawyers who are in the public markets. I have a reputation as someone who is comfortable cleaning things up, closing the transaction and handing it over spanky clean to another lawyer on completion.
(from a senior level attorney, you get a feel for how she thinks and what she can do)
Here’s A Very Strong Summary!
Summary The administration can't only be about me. It must be about us - it must be
about what we can do together. It is about reclaiming the meaning of citizenship, restoring our sense of common purpose, and realizing that few obstacles can withstand the power of millions of voices calling for change.
Specialties I have worked to rebuild trust in government by allowing every American to
go online and see how their tax dollars are spent.
On the Veterans' Affairs Committee, I have fought to help veterans get the disability pay they were promised.
Recognizing the threat posed by weapons of mass destruction, I traveled to Russia to begin a new generation of securing weapons worldwide.
Most of all, I am proud to be husband to my wife, Michelle, and father to my two daughters, Malia and Sasha.
Step 3: Pick The Right Photo
It’s true: A photo says a thousand words. Choose a professional and personal photo that gives your audience a sense of you.
Another option is to use an image of your employer’s logo or a personal logo.
Solicit feedback from trusted friends about your photo. Let them be honest!
Make sure your photo isn’t shot from too far away. It’s important to see your eyes. (studies show that seeing someone’s eyes leads to a sense of trust)
So-So Photos
Better Photos
Step 4: Keywords, Keywords, Keywords
Keywords are what search engines use to pull your profile in a search.
Think of who you want to find your profile: What words will they use to search for you? What words do you use to search?
Arm your profile with these crucial words. Review your entire profile and insert them where they make sense.
Job hunting? Consider adding a keyword or two to your professional title. (Instead of “attorney” try “Attorney—In-House Counsel-Finance-Negotiations”
Step 5: Ask For & Provide Recommendations
Recs add to your credibility and give insight into your experiences.
Many recruiters will only look at profiles who have at least several recommendations. (They can search for candidates with recs with the advanced search feature)
Providing recs for associates you are comfortable recommending strengthens your connections and builds your network.
Step 6: Give and Get ANSWERS
Using this feature allows you establish yourself as an expert as well as obtain new knowledge from other experts
Another way to build your network, create relationships
Adds to your ability to show up in search results
Job hunters can establish themselves as current in the market, distinguish themselves from other candidates.
Step 7: Give Yourself A Custom URL
Go to “edit” next to your Public Profile
On this page, go to the box under “Update this Address”
Add your first and last name here as one word(e.g. MeganLacera)
Make sure your profile is set to “Full View”
You’re now easier to find and remember!
Other Suggestions
Job hunters—think about letting others know you’re looking on your status update: “Considering new opportunities and connections.” or more aggressively saying “Actively seeking a position as a legal consultant or corporate attorney within the finance community.”
Maintenance—sign into LinkedIn at least once a week. See what others are doing, update your profile, etc.
Join Groups—find groups that relate to your profession, background, etc.
