The art of offline networking

Last week we gave our top tips for networking online. And whilst online networking is certainly here to stay, networking isn’t just about mastering social media platforms. There are plenty of opportunities to interact face-to-face, and the online activities can often direct you to offline events.

 Tips for networking

• If you are attending an event, do some research beforehand. Ask the organisers for an attendee list so you know who will be there, and who you want to interact with. Search for them on LinkedIn – this will not only allow you to recognise these people on the day, but it will also give you the opportunity to invite them to connect with you on LinkedIn before the event. Send them an invitation to join your LinkedIn network, and include a brief note introducing yourself, informing them that you are also attending the same event, and that you are looking forward to meeting them in person. This will not only build up your online connections but it will also show attendees that you are serious about meeting and exchanging knowledge on the day.
• Business cards are a must – bring plenty to hand out to the crowd, and if you are actively using the likes of LinkedIn and Twitter, it might be a good idea to add these links to the card.

The Art of Online Networking

Whether you are looking for your next career move or you simply want to extend your professional contacts, the effective use of networking is essential for success.  Rapid advancements in social media in recent years have resulted in many people turning to the likes of LinkedIn and Twitter to connect with, and learn from, like minded professionals. The nature of online platforms allows you to engage with a far greater number of people than previously possible, on a national and global level. So how do you go about making the best use of the opportunities out there to maximise your career objectives?

LinkedIn – your online CV

Recent estimates state that the number LinkedIn users has surpassed 100 million globally so if you are not currently using it, you may be missign out.

• Is your profile 100% complete? If not, spend time optimising it with your key information. Ensure that, like your paper CV, you have your past work history filled in, and that you regularly update your specialities with any new skills and experience gained.
• Make sure you are accessible – add in your email address, and possibly even your telephone number – to make it as easy as possible for people to contact you.

Law Firms and Social Media

Law firms and social media may not have always seen eye to eye.  But in an age where social media is rapidly advancing and becoming an integral part of communication strategies – do law firms, and professionals need to evolve?

Many City firms have traditionally felt that they do not need to use social media. Why?  Because their success or failure is defined by other factors. These include quality of partnership, client base and service, infrastructure and their ability to motivate and retain good staff. What’s more, many believe that in order to be successful in building and maintaining client relationships, networking ought to be done in an offline setting.   But is this the case? We suspect not.

Social media is a fantastic tool that can have a big impact not only on business development but it can also provide great career development opportunities for individuals. However according to the Social Media Legal Survey 2011 which polled 50 UK law firm, two-thirds of respondents stated that they could not find the time and resources to build and maintain a strong online presence.

So why should law firms and professionals make the time for social media? It can help a business stand out in a hugely fragmented market and when used correctly it has the potential to improve a company’s profile. It also provides a new platform to demonstrate any research findings or successful projects with the legal community. Social media is a fantastic way to showcase a company’s successes and demonstrate expertise in specific areas. Here at DMJ we have recently invested in creating a new social media strategy that is helping to exhibit our talent and in depth knowledge of the market, and we’re already seeing good results.

But social media can also be very beneficial to the future career development of candidates. So regardless of whether you’re actively searching for a new role or not, using social networking sites can increase your professional contacts and make you well known in your field. LinkedIn is currently the most popular networking site for professionals. As such here are our top tips:

1. Make connections – build up your network of previous employers and other business contacts, as well as past and present clients. This may help you to gain new work, but will also make you more visible.
2. Join groups – you can join up to 50 groups on LinkedIn. By doing so, you will become acquainted with like-minded peers who may be interested in connecting with you and sharing advice, ideas and referrals.
3. Engage – initiate discussions about topics that other members may be interested in. Respond to questions posted and demonstrate your expertise and knowledge.

Let us know what you think? Should law firms be doing more to embrace social media? What platforms are you using, and why?