L E A D E R NETWORKS
How will Social Networking Help
Lawyers Generate and Retain Business?
LMA Boston Event
December, 2008
Vanessa DiMauro
CEO, Leader Networks
www.Leadernetworks.com

L E A D E R NETWORKS
It’s all about connecting.
• what networks do you want to
participate in?
• who do you want to connect with,
• and how do you want to network online?

L E A D E R NETWORKS
Networking Is Critical To The Legal Industry
According to the Networks for Counsel (2008) study by Leader
Networks…
– Networking is the most effective means to get business but, in-person
networking is getting more difficult to sustain (cost and time issues)
• 60% of Corporate Counsel and Private Practice attorneys report
difficulty connecting with colleagues onsite at conferences
– (As of last April) approximately 50% of counsel belong to a social network
such as Linkedin or myspace.
• Corporate Counsel are over 3x more likely to use their network for
professional reasons
• Counsel prefer a private online network for just attorneys.
– Corporate Counsel value online professional networks because…
– Access to information I cant get anyplace else -- 46%
– Easier exchange of information – 45%
– More quickly find and evaluate the right legal partners 29%

L E A D E R NETWORKS
TIMING IS
EVERY
THING
Opportunity for legal marketing
•Need is clear
•Skills are inherent
•Legacy of in-person success

L E A D E R NETWORKS
WIFM (what’s in it for me/my firm)?
#1 OPPORTUNITY
Still (much) room for market domination in Legal.
Barrier to entry is low.
#2 VELOCITY
Greater reach, greater efficiency, low cost.
Attract and retain new business.
Can target regional, national & specialty
at the same time.
#3 BEST PRACTICE
Other industries and people have succeeded.
Market, measure and grow online.

L E A D E R NETWORKS
What you need to succeed
• Purpose
– Know what you want to get out of online professional networking
– Define the social media program goals and plans (increase awareness
of partners capabilities, share thought leadership)
• Point of View
– Use the virtual podium wisely – photo, info & ideas and update
– Power to showcase knowledge
• let your attorneys show what they know
• Transparency is key
• If they would be allowed to attend an event without regulation, let them
online without controls
• Patience
– Returns come over time - expect results after 3-6 months.
– In person rules of engagement = online rules of engagement