Legal Blogging In 280 Characters

Legal bloggers can blog on Twitter in 280 characters – and blog effectively.

When Twitter was launched, blog publishers often described it as micro-blogging. In fact, American Lawyer Media once asked me to do a program at LegalTech on micro-blogging using Twitter.

Blogging, done at its best, is a conversation. You listen to your audience and the subjects in which you have a interest.

By referencing what is being discussed on your blog you are engaging folks, building your influence and building relationships.

By sharing what you are reading/hearing you become an trusted intelligence agent on the subject. An intelligence agent is just a step from being hired as a lawyer.

The same can be done on Twitter – though with obviously less analysis and commentary. And with no permanent record by which greater influencer and authority is garnered.

I use a news aggregator – Feedly – and Twitter to “listen” to publications (blogs included), people and subjects.

I then share on Twitter what I read, usually with a money quote and comment. I always attribute the source.

The result is a growing audience of legal professionals, tech entrepreneurs, students, academia and publishers who follow me on Twitter.

These folks have grown to trust me as a good source and somewhat of an authority in the area of legal blogging, publishing and legal tech. Not a bad place to be as CEO of a company involved in all three.

By referencing (personal and organization Twitter handle) people whose copy I share/connect on, I engage them and get to know them. We often connect on LinkedIn on Facebook, and in many cases, meet.

The people I meet, as a result, are often reporters, bloggers and leaders of law firms, bar associations, corporations, law schools and associations. These folks are often potential customers, but in all cases they influence through their writing and engagement with my customers and other influencers.

Rather than dismiss twitter as a waste of time or using Twitter in a way that is a waste time, try using Twitter for micro-blogging.

You’ll add value to your life by building relationships and establishing yourself as an intelligence in your niche.