3 Networking Tips to Take Full Advantage of That Smartphone

The days of collecting business cards to stuff in the rolodex are long gone. When it comes to networking, technology has proven rather useful as anyone you need to meet or know is simply a Google search and email away (though your email could fall into the digital ether if you the person you're reaching out doesn't know you).

However, just because you can email and digitally meet almost anyone, that doesn't mean you should avoid in-person networking. Meeting and getting to know other professionals in a pseudo-social setting is great for building your own trusted network that will actually answer your phone calls and emails. And thanks to those handy smartphones we all have these days, networking can be much more impactful.

Below, you'll find three tips to help you leverage your smartphone for building, and nurturing, your network.

1. Connect Digitally With New In-Person Contacts Immediately

Forget handing out business cards when networking. The fact that you basically have a powerful computer that fits in your hand means that you have virtually no excuse for not immediately connecting digitally with new contacts you meet in person. Using the various popular social media platforms, like LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook, is a great way to keep up with the people you meet while networking without handing out your personal phone number.

2. Always Be Creating

Social media is a boon for attracting consumers, especially for small and solo consumer facing practices that have figured out how to post interesting content. Whether it's simply a picture of your office or the courthouse steps in the morning light, or a blog post about a recent verdict or newsworthy legal topic, you can use that powerful handheld of yours to make amazing content, anywhere, and at almost any time.

Posting creative, worthwhile, content is incredibly helpful with keeping up with your network online. If you've been connecting with other professionals on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook, make sure you share your content on all the platforms you are on. By creating content and posting it, you are more likely to pop up in other people's social feeds, and it gives others a reason to not only remember you, but it may prompt some to reach out too.

3. Send Video Message Check-Ins

When it comes to keeping up with your network, a new trend that has been well received involves sending check-ins via video message. Rather than typing out that email asking that person you just met if they're still on board with your plans for world domination, recording a short video on your smartphone to say hello and check-in makes your communication a bit more personal and impactful.

Related Resources:

• Vanishing Privacy and the Right to Be Let Alone (FindLaw's Technologist)
• How Tech Has Shifted Law Firm Division of Labor (FindLaw's Technologist)
• 10 LinkedIn Groups Every Lawyer Should Join (FindLaw's Strategist)