In-house lawyers are discovering the benefits of creating influence through an online presence, thereby establishing themselves as thought leaders in their respective fields. The importance of gaining trust and influence both within and outside your organization has become paramount to the success and resilience of the in-house counsel(Above The Law).
Building a strong, authentic personal brand, effectively engaging with your audience, and wisely utilizing a variety of platforms to reach your target audience are steps one can undertake to leverage an online presence. LinkedIn has emerged as the go-to platform for many in-house lawyers – but gaining influence online entails more than just simply choosing a platform. The benefits are vast and multi-dimensional.
- Building influence and a strong personal brand can establish you as an expert in your field, enhance your reputation, and boost your visibility, which can be very attractive to potential employers or collaborators.
- Leveraging an online presence can mitigate personal risks. For instance, in the event of an organizational restructuring, a robust online presence may provide access to an external network for advice or to explore alternative job opportunities.
- Influence beyond your organization could open up new career opportunities, such as leadership roles or speaking engagements that can help advance your career.
- Networking with individuals from different backgrounds could expose you to fresh ideas and industry trends, encouraging continuous learning and adaptation.
- A network of influential contacts can support you in solving complex problems within your organization.
- Engaging with individuals from various sectors could spark innovation, leading to the discovery of novel ideas that you can incorporate in your organization.
- Career development opportunities often arise from continuous learning and skills development. Engaging with industry groups, attending conferences, and participating in online communities can benefit your career progression.
- Collaborating with people from different backgrounds and industries can lead to well-rounded decision-making, helping to avoid groupthink and encouraging fresh approaches to problem-solving.
- A position of influence allows you to enrich your community or industry. This could involve mentorship, volunteering, or advocating for beneficial changes in your field.
To build your online influence, start by defining your goals and establishing your niche. Consistently engage your audience with meaningful and valuable content. Maximize potential networking and collaboration opportunities, and above all, strive to stay authentic as it is pivotal to building trust. Building influence online is a continuous process and it’s critical to recalibrate your strategy as you learn more about what resonates with your audience (Above The Law).
Join Brittany Johnson and Heather Stevenson at the IHC Roundtable Series on October 17, where they will discuss lessons learned and offer actionable advice on personal branding for in-house counsel(IHC Roundtable Series).
Building your influence online isn’t just about accumulating followers, but about the quality of your impact and the trust you build. It requires consistent effort, and learning what resonates with your audience. Building an influence online takes time, and refining your approach becomes necessary as you continue learning what resonates with your audience.
Contact Lisa Lang at lisa@lawyerlisalang.com, or connect with her on LinkedIn(LinkedIn) or follow her on Twitter (@lang_lawyer) for more in-house lawyers’ resources.