How to Use Linked In as a Networking Tool

10 simple tasks to get the most out of Linked In

LinkedIn is an excellent tool for professional networking

LinkedIn is a professional social network of over 200 million individuals in over 200 countries. Used mainly for business purposes, LinkedIn can be a powerful tool for you to expand and strengthen your professional network.

LinkedIn has a host of tools at your disposal to strengthen your law firm. How you use LinkedIn depends on your objectives. Here are some ideas that will help you get started:

1. Strengthen Your Profile: Your profile is a summary of your professional achievements, skills, and background. Not only is it a great online portfolio, but it can help others in your network learn about you and stay up to date on your professional endeavors. Spend time uploading a professional picture, updating your skills, education, and background so that your LinkedIn presence is up to date and professional.
2. Seek Out New Connections: LinkedIn is organized by 1st, 2nd, and 3rd connections. 1st connections are individuals that you directly know, while 2nd and 3rd connections are individuals that your network knows. Spend time reaching out to individuals in networks that you already have, such as work, school, community organizations, etc. As you grow the number of 1st connections that you have, you will create your own network and gain access to your network’s connections, too.
3. Join Groups: LinkedIn allows you to follow companies, organizations, and custom groups that individuals have formed. For example, you may follow the American Bar Association or countless other legal or business groups and organizations. This will allow you to stay up to date on news and trends in your industry and profession.
4. Contact and Strengthen Connections: LinkedIn allows you to keep your relationships fresh by sharing and communicating in an easy, non-obtrusive way. You may occasionally share relevant articles with others in your network, congratulate others on any recent achievements, or touch base to see how things are going for them. However you reach out to your network, it can be a source of friendship and a way to keep relationships alive and strong.
5. Endorse Others for Skills: LinkedIn recently developed a way for you to validate the skill sets of others in your network, and vice versa. As you endorse others for skills that they have (Ex: graphic design, marketing, law), they gain credibility. In addition, they will feel gratitude that you reached out to support them. This is another simple way to reach out and strengthen relationships.
6. Share Useful Articles: When you encounter useful business or professional articles or videos online, LinkedIn is a great medium to share them. You can post them to your personal page for all to see or you can share them with specific individuals. This simple task will help you strengthen your relationships.
7. Share Personal Insights: You can share valuable insights from your business and personal career with others on your personal page. This can increase your credibility as a business professional and strengthen your relationships.
8. Follow Thought Leaders: Top level CEOs and business leaders write and share articles on LinkedIn on topics relevant to technology, career, business, marketing, etc. Some of these articles are helpful on a personal level, but many can give valuable insights in growing and improving your law practice.
9. Find Great Talent: If you are looking to hire new employees, LinkedIn is a great place to start. You can post job positions, screen candidates, and schedule interviews from applicants.
10. Create a Group: If you are feeling ambitious, you can form your own custom LinkedIn group, invite individuals from your network to join, and then use this group to share content, ask questions, and get advice from others.