DIGITAL NETWORKING
This is a term I use for using social networks to expand your network and footprint . “ Sliding into DMs ” if very easy . Search for mentors , referral partners , etc but just surfing social media . People would be shocked how often people respond and want to help . I personally open all of mine and it leads to me helping folks , or doing their podcast , or free advice , whatever . And if they do not respond ? So what . Shoot your shot ! Many people I consider dear friends I have never personally met . We DM all the time . Talk about cases . Life . And when we see each other at conferences it is big hugs and laughs . No easier time than now to build your community , all digitally .
Listservs . They still hold massive value . But in order to use them , you have to be active . Help people . Do it selflessly . You get referrals in return . Trust me . Go join ones outside your practice area . Be the only trucking lawyer in an employment listserv . Go get on another state ’ s trial bar listserv and be the go to for questions in your state . These all lead to trust , then referrals .
CONFERENCE NETWORKING
Like anything I have listed above , do these with intent . Why are you going ? Who are you looking to talk to ? For what purpose ? I used to , and still do now , create look books of folks going and who I want to meet . Figure out commonalities . I am at conferences to make relationships with people I think would be good to be in our circles at my firm , and me personally . If you do not go to conferences with a plan you are throwing your money away . You can certainly have fun at them , but make it strategic fun .
INTERMEDIARY REFERRAL SOURCES
I talk a lot on this topic and how to get buckets of referrals from one person or group . Think about your law schoolmates . They all should be getting texts or emails from you saying you pay referrals and you specialize in whatever you like . If you are a personally injury lawyer , you should be friends with doctors , hospital administrators , chiropractors and insurance agents . They see injured folks that need help all the time . If you are doing workers comp , you should be best friends with the local union .
SEO
SEO can be very expensive with a lot of competition . But it can be extremely rewarding as well . If you plan to go down this road I strongly believe you should select a specialist in this area and use their guidance . A few that I believe to be absolutely trustworthy with real results are Law Rank , Rankings IO , Hennessey Digital , TSEG , BluShark , et al . Remember , you get what you pay for !
CONCLUSION
We all deserve the life we envision . As do our clients . You can use many of these tools while in law school , and as a young lawyer . Break those golden handcuffs and take control of your destiny . The practice of law is as rewarding as you make it !