The document discusses the benefits and proper use of social media for legal professionals. It defines social media as a tool for communicating, connecting, educating, marketing and managing information. The document provides examples of how different social media platforms can help with networking, sharing knowledge, promoting expertise, gathering information and staying organized. It recommends attorneys get started with social media by experimenting, asking questions, celebrating successes and having fun while using social tools intentionally for their specific purposes and goals.

1. Social Media & the LawSarah Faye CohenVermont Bar AssociationMarch 19, 2010

2. First, let’s talk about what social media is not.

3. It is not magic. http://www.flickr.com/photos/cverdier/4321365261/

4. It is not a waste of time.http://www.flickr.com/photos/69805768@N00/3292899689/

5. It is not a cure all. http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenbrisson/3831363278/

6. It is a tool.A tool to help you:CommunicateConnectEducateMarketManagehttp://www.flickr.com/photos/bcostin/10966095/

7. CommunicateInstantFar reachingMobileCreate opportunityEnhance transparency (?)http://www.flickr.com/photos/a_ninjamonkey/3828622465/

8. ConnectNetworkBuild connectionsInitiate opportunitiesHow I came to be a speaker today!Stay in touch in new, “meaningful” wayshttp://www.flickr.com/photos/litandmore/2465362185/

9. Educate“Keeping Up” Topics Trends Key figures Key casesSharing information that has been meaningful to youhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/25080113@N06/4248014287/

10. MarketHighlight your accomplishmentsEmphasize areas of specializationBuild alliesDemonstrate capabilitiesPut your ear to the groundhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/enrevanche/3291037067/

11. ManageGather informationOrganize in a way that works for you.Boundless, endlesshttp://www.flickr.com/photos/limonada/199135513/

12. Weighing Pros and Conshttp://www.flickr.com/photos/citizensheep/3613179465/

13. What do you need?Social media works well when you use it intentionally, deliberately, purposefully.

14. Different tools have different purposes

15. Get control of informationRSS Feeds: Information comes to you instead of you going to informationSave timeEasy to useFreeGoogle Alerts“Alerted” anytime content about you, your firm, your specialty, your client appears on the web.Easy to useFreehttp://www.flickr.com/photos/josephrobertson/127758523/

16. Connect with colleaguesTaking the business card to a whole new levelWho you areWhat you doPortfoliosConnectionsOpportunitiesLinked InFacebookhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/tkysocialevents/4154982488/

17. Think, Process, ShareAn anchor to steady yourself in the sea of social media.A venue to share information and respond to it.For you or for your firm, area of expertise, organization.

18. Market Yourself and more…Tap into broader networks.Ask questions.Share information.Get information.Raise awareness.Share your story.Learn from others.

19. Capture and OrganizeDelicious

20. Social bookmarkingBe mobile with your information.Share information.Organize information yourself.A powerful tool for your paralegals, researchers, and assistantsStay organized.Keep notes.

21. To get started…

22. Step 1: Play.

23. Step 2: Ask questions.

24. Step 3: Experiment.http://www.flickr.com/photos/illinoisspringfield/3450365127/

25. Step 4: Don’t be afraid.http://www.flickr.com/photos/slaff/1523973250/

26. Step 5: Know Yourself.http://www.flickr.com/photos/pauljoran/2975718047/

27. Step 6: Know Yourself.

28. Step 7: Be realistic.http://www.flickr.com/photos/pedroqtc/233755436/in/set-72157594254862034/

29. Step 8: Ask for help!http://www.flickr.com/photos/20354043@N00/4011682305/

30. Step 9: Celebrate your success.http://www.flickr.com/photos/quitepeculiar/4090855224/

31. Step 10: Have fun.http://www.flickr.com/photos/armandolobos/3331780359/

32. Questions?Feel free to contact me.thesheckspot@gmail.comTwitter/thesheckhttp://thesheckspot.blogspot.com