Social media essentially is a category of online media where people are talking, participating, sharing, networking, and bookmarking online.  Most social media services encourage discussion, feedback, voting, comments, and sharing of information from all interested parties.

It’s more of a two-way conversation, rather than a one-way broadcast like traditional media. Another unique aspect of social media is the idea of staying connected or linked to other sites, resources, and people.

For lawyers, the use of LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc. can be a great networking, marketing, and branding source.

But as a lawyer, put it in perspective.  Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, blogs, websites, RSS, JD Supra, widgets, SEO, social media, social networking – ignore the labels and brand names for now. Start with the point of view of a legal professional with a business to run.  Take from the mix what works for you.  Ask yourself:

- Does the tool help me to communicate with people I want (or need) to communicate with?

- Does the tool help me to show more people what I’m really good at, what I was trained to do?

- Does it help me to get meaningful attention?

- Does it make my life easier?

These are the types of questions you should ask as you vet the tools available to you, and there are of course many other questions.   And there are hundreds of posts, articles, analysis, etc. on line discussing lawyers and social media.  But to cut to the chase we recommend you read these:

Social Media Marketing 101   

Social Media: An Important Marketing Tool