New Developments - Optimising Web 2.0 Technology: Expanding Your Professional Network
The saying goes: “It’s all in who you know.” When a corporate counsel
needs a reference for a pressing matter in an unfamiliar location, relationships with peers can be a lifeline. But the professional isolation corporate counsel sometimes experience can make those relationships difficult to come by
The saying goes: “It’s all in who you
know.” When a corporate counsel
needs a reference for a pressing matter
in an unfamiliar location, relationships
with peers can be a lifeline. But
the professional isolation corporate
counsel sometimes experience can
make those relationships difficult to
come by.
The referral network for in-house
counsel typically consists of informal
knowledge sharing, where many discover
new relationships through in person
events, phone calls and emails
to people they already know. However,
there are limitations to this approach.
And there is simply not enough time
for legal professionals to attend scores
of events and association meetings to
expand or maintain their network of
contacts. At a time when lawyers need
to make these connections more than
ever, what is a savvy corporate counsel
to do?
Online networking can be the perfect
complement, and supplement,
to existing relationship-building approaches.
Professionals are now able
to extend their reach and be a resource
to others through active online reputation
management Web 2.0 tools such
as blogging, participating in online
forums and broadcasting their knowledge
through podcasting, Webinars
and online videos.
These online professional networks
can help corporate counsel make connections
with more people in more
robust ways without the time and
cost burdens of traditional networking
strategies.
But Are Online Networks
Here to Stay?
At the LegalTech NY conference in
February, LexisNexis polled attendees
on their interest and use of Web
2.0 technologies. Since more than 60
percent of legal professionals polled
indicate they belong to some sort of
online social or professional network,
it’s clear that these networks and Web
2.0 technologies are here to stay. As
these numbers increase, the value of
these continues to grow.
Online Communities That Fit
Your Goals
Online communities are not just
Facebook and MySpace. Legal professionals
should look for professional, online
communities where they are able
to engage in networking in an environment
that allows them to strengthen the
ties they already have, form new relationships
and examine the body of work
of their peers in a more thoughtful way.
Think about with whom you really want
to network and where you will derive
the most professional value. Established
communities and the professional networking
solution Martindale-Hubbell is
launching offer business leaders a great
opportunity to make connections, demonstrate
thought leadership and raise
career visibility.
There are several factors to consider
when searching for a professional domain
that can make a positive impact
on your career. Before investing time
in Web 2.0 forums, consider the two
main types of business focused online
communities:
“Show What You Know” Online
Communities
Social networks, such as LinkedIn
or ZoomInfo, are dedicated to showcasing
one’s background and personal
connections. These kinds of online
communities also offer opportunities
for subject matter experts to answer
questions online, and the results are
displayed for members to browse.
This is a good way to show what and
whom you know.
Industry-Focused Online Communities
Another type of online community
is industry-based, focusing on business
people within a specific profession
or industry. These social networks
are typically closed or private communities
and many, especially on the
executive level, require an application
and sometimes a fee. Industry-focused
online communities create opportunities
to share perspectives, problem
solve together around salient topics
of inquiry and discuss new trends and
industry happenings. This is a great
way to increase knowledge and network
at the same time.
With both models, it is critical to
understand and respect the culture
of the community in order to be successful.
It is best not to jump in feet
first but to spend some time learning
about the ways in which the group
works. Be sure to introduce yourself
if there is a welcome folder, and in
short time, start to participate by offering
ideas and opinions. Professional
online communities are about information
sharing and not about promoting
your business and service. Rather,
thought-leadership is the currency for
advancement and the main way to
gain respect online.
For more information about Social
networking and martindale.com please
email international2@martindale.com
Finding an Online
Community That Will
Work for You
1. Look to industry associations;
many are adding a
community focus.
2. Check out industry publications
that incorporate a Web
2.0 focus.
3. Connect with university
communities and take advantage
of alumni networks
online.
4. Ask peers and mentors
where they are networking.
5. Run an online search
for key terms like online
communities, virtual communities,
social networks/
networking and Law.
Last updated -
23 April 09
Home