How To Use LinkedIn To Your Advantage (Lawyers Connect Newsletter)

If you’re not on LinkedIn, get on it. Today, a lack of a LinkedIn profile can raise a red flag for potential employers and colleagues.

If you’re already on LinkedIn, refine your digital networking strategy to build your brand as a legal professional. Panelists at a recent The Art of Schmoozing program shared advice for using LinkedIn most effectively:

#1: Your Profile Is Your First Digital Impression

“Whether you use LinkedIn every day, once a week, once a year, or never, it’s still either your first or second Google search result.”
– Stephanie Marrone, Founder, Stefanie Marrone Consulting/The Social Media Butterfly

A strong LinkedIn profile includes:

• A professional headshot
• A compelling bio section
• A custom URL (ideally with your name, without extra characters at the end)
• Your professional experience and related discretionary interests (volunteer work, committees, boards, etc.)
• Your educational history, including all the institutions you’ve attended

Even if you don’t yet have extensive experience, use your bio to highlight your goals, motivations, and other unique qualities.

Goal: Ensure your LinkedIn profile represents you well.

#2: Connections – Be Intentional, Not Transactional

“You don’t need a personal note every time, but you do need a reason.”
– Jason Levin, Author / Speaker and Trainer / Executive Career, Business Development & Outplacement Coach, Ready Set Launch, LLC

Whether you prefer to connect broadly to maximize visibility or selectively curate a smaller network, how you connect matters most.

Turn your in-person introductions into LinkedIn connections by using the mobile app’s QR code, which others can scan to access your profile directly. Keep your QR code handy when attending networking events. Write a thankful follow-up message reminding the person who you are and where you met.

Add notes to your connection requests explaining why you’d like to connect, especially if you share mutual connections. You can also follow someone’s account and wait to connect with them when it feels most appropriate.

Leverage your alumni networks on LinkedIn and connect with former colleagues. Once your account reaches over 500 total connections, your profile will display it as “500+.”

Goals: Connect with 2-3 people on LinkedIn per week. Work towards reaching 500 total connections.

#3: Engagement – Turning Connections Into Relationships

“Talk about the other person. If you just ask questions, they will carry the conversation.”
– Paula T. Edgar, CEO, PGE Consulting Group LLC

LinkedIn can feel like a cesspool of insincere, opportunistic engagement, but that’s exactly why genuine interaction stands out.

When messaging someone from whom you’re seeking mentorship or advice, asking a thoughtful question shows interest without coming across as favor-seeking. The more familiar you are with them, and the more they can trust that you are genuine and well-motivated, the more likely they are to think of you when an opportunity arises.

Use LinkedIn’s notifications feature to receive alerts when certain people post. A short message acknowledging them can go a long way toward staying top of mind. Avoid using others’ posts as opportunities to promote yourself.

LinkedIn is a long game, so focus on consistency. Block out time in your calendar to review notifications, respond to messages, and engage with posts from people in your network. If it’s not on your calendar, it’s not likely to happen.

Goals: Devote 15 minutes weekly to LinkedIn. Engage with 2-3 posts and send 1-2 messages a week prompted by LinkedIn notifications.