Social Media Lessons for Lawyers from an Interstate Move

By Ryan Bowers On July 11, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Recently, my wife and I moved from Indianapolis to the Detroit area. We moved for a variety if reasons, but it happened fairly quickly and mostly under the radar from our friends and colleagues. Thus, when everything was finalized and we had to make it public, there were some difficult (and sad) discussions with our closest Indy friends. But we intentionally kept the big news off of our social media. No Facebook posts about the move, no Pinterest pins of new houses, no LinkedIn updates re jobs.

WHY…?

Because we wanted to be sure to tell a certain group of people face-to-face, whether at dinner, over a beer, or just stopping by. Once we were confident we had told everyone personally, only then did we post away to social media. Sure, Facebook is wonderful for getting the news out to everyone, but it lacks a certain something that may never translate to the digital world.

So, what’s the lesson for legal marketing and lawyers using social media? There are some communications that should always be made personally. Use social media – post, tweet, blog, etc. – and use it often. But, it shouldn’t replace what you are doing now, or what has worked in the past – it should supplement it. Face-to-face works. And it is meaningful. You still need to pick up the phone and schedule a lunch, or get together for a ball game.

Now, what messages should be sent via social media and what should be conveyed personally? That is your call as a lawyer, but social media posts can be a slippery slope. Perhaps a new case comes out that will directly impact a client’s business. If you post it or blog about it, they may well read it. But sitting down with them and explaining the ruling, how it will impact them, and listening to their concerns will mean much, much more. Remember, social media is a tool, but one of many that you can use as a lawyer.

Ryan Bowers

Founder of RFPattorney.com and author of the RFPattorney Blog. Over 8 years of experience practicing law, including past experience at an international law firm, a national law firm, and a small firm. Currently GC and VP Operations for large mechanical construction company. Midwesterner, home renovator, golden retriever wrangler, new dad, Wolverine, & avid hockey fan.