Ep.55/ LinkedIn Strategies for Building a Powerful Personal Brand as a Lawyer
LISTEN NOW
In this episode we're diving deep into the world of LinkedIn and how you can use it to stand out as a lawyer online. This is your LinkedIn 101, the basics you need to kickstart your journey and overcome any fears you might have about putting yourself out there on this platform.
LinkedIn isn't just an online resume anymore; it's a powerful tool to build your personal brand, connect with industry peers, and discover hidden job opportunities. So, let's get started on how you can maximise this tool and create exciting opportunities for yourself.
Creating Your LinkedIn Profile
First things first, if you don't already have a LinkedIn account, create one. It's free, easy, and essential for networking and career growth. When setting up your profile, pay attention to these key elements:
Profile Photo: Upload a professional photo – not a selfie. It should be clean, crisp, and show your personality. Dress professionally, or if that's not your style, let it reflect who you are.
Header: Don't leave this section blank. It's the area just above your profile photo. You can create a catchy header using Canva, a great free resource. Add your name, job title (e.g., senior associate or in-house counsel), and a short one-liner about what you do.
About Section: This is your opportunity to showcase your skills and credibility. Write it in the first person to make it more engaging. Introduce yourself, talk about your legal experience, expertise, and your passion. End with a call to action so people know how to connect with you.
Experience: Update this section with details of your legal roles, a brief summary of your responsibilities, and any relevant licences, certificates, or volunteering experiences.
Skills: Highlight your legal and non-legal skills in this section to further showcase your expertise.
Engaging on LinkedIn
LinkedIn is all about interaction, building relationships, and establishing thought leadership. If you're not ready to create your own content yet, start by:
Following Industry Leaders: Connect with and follow industry professionals and companies that inspire you. This will keep your feed relevant and engaging.
Commenting: Engage authentically by commenting on posts that interest you. Share your insights, perspectives, or questions related to the topic. This creates connections and demonstrates your expertise.
Reposting Content: Share articles or posts from others, and add your thoughts or opinions. This helps you start discussions and showcase your point of view.
Direct Messaging: Reach out to professionals you admire with a genuine message. Compliment their work or share your thoughts on their posts. This can lead to meaningful connections and potential offline meetups.
Creating Your Own Content
If you're ready to take it to the next level and really stand out, consider creating your content. It might feel intimidating at first, but it's a great way to build your personal brand and thought leadership. Here's how:
Visual Content: Use Canva to create visually appealing posts. You don't need to be a design expert; Canva offers templates to get you started.
Writing Articles: LinkedIn allows you to publish long-form articles. Share your insights, opinions, or expertise on a specific topic. This is an great way to showcase your thought leadership.
Scheduling Posts: Plan your content and schedule it to be consistent. Whether it's weekly or bi-weekly, regular posting will help you gain momentum.
Building Confidence
Don't worry if your first post feels vulnerable. Over time, you'll build the confidence to post more and engage with your growing network.
Creating your content is an exciting and rewarding way to share your insights, passion, and expertise. As you become more active, you'll attract opportunities you never thought possible, from new clients to speaking engagements and more.
LinkedIn is a valuable tool for advancing your legal career, and now is a pivotal time to establish yourself as a thought leader in your field. Embrace the opportunities it offers, and remember – you're not alone in this journey. If you ever need support or guidance on using LinkedIn to supercharge your career, feel free to reach out to me - book a discovery call HERE.
Wrap Up
Let's start this amazing journey towards elevating your legal career. Create your LinkedIn profile, engage, and watch your personal brand shine. Have a fantastic week ahead, and I can't wait to see your success stories unfold on LinkedIn!