How To Use Your Social Networking Time Wisely

You probably already know that growing your presence on Facebook, Twitter and in virtual legal communities such as JD Supra can help you better market your practice.  But you’re also wondering where you’re going to find the time to spend on these new outlets and what’s the best use of your limited time.

The answer lies more in how you apportion the time that you have, rather than which social media you choose to use.  New Media Guru Chris Brogan suggests the following formula: (http://pluggedinlawyer.com/2009/11/20/social-media-time-management-for-lawyers/ )

–Spend one-quarter of your time listening to your network (i.e. reading posts, articles etc.)

–Spend one-half of your time engaging within your network (i.e. sharing posts and commenting.)

–Spend one-quarter of your time creating new content (i.e. blogging, creating videos or audio.)

The logic is that the more familiar you are with the community and the issues being discussed, the more you’ll be able to add value to the conversation.  And that, in turn, can lead to getting referrals.