10/08/2009

Nuggets of wisdom from Social Media for Lawyers 1 conference

Bubble_thought_s The Social Media for Lawyers Conference occurred in September 2009 in NYC.  I (@nikiblack) was one of the panelists:

fredabramson: @nikiblack is on the fence about facebook fan pages. I think it has potential in attracting heavy fb users. #sm4law

  • graubart: For lawyers - if you only do 2 things with social media, list yourself on Avvo/Justia and start consuming RSS - @nikiblack #sm4law
  • CatherinVentura: Lisa Solomon suggesting location based searches on FB and Twitter for legal networking #SM4law
  • nikiblack: Twitter is all about sharing--not "what are you doing?"-but "what do you want to share"? #sm4law
  • uMCLE: Graubert: Twitter is not a reciprocal relationship. #sm4Law (though few acknowledge, I strongly agree)
  • nikiblack: Burgess: Twitter is not broadcast medium--interact--"mingle" and start a dialogue #sm4law
  • nikiblack: Burgess (@deenaesq): Every company should have, at least, google alerts et up for their name, company's name, etc. #sm4law
  • graubart: Listening to professional standards about legal solicitation reminds me why I'm glad I'm not in law #sm4law
  • nikiblack: #sm4law social mention http://bit.ly/eKfIq is great way to monitor what is being said across all of social media re: any issue of ur choice
  • nikiblack: Coleman: Don't tweet about: facts that could hurt your case--disparage clients, colleagues, etc. #sm4law
  • fredabramson: Facebook business status updates are indexed by google and have seo value #sm4law


Posted at 04:43 PM in Legal Seminars, Social Media, Web 2.0 | | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

09/28/2009

I'll be in New York City on 10/8

On Thursday, October 8th, 2009 I'm going to be speaking at the "Social Media for Lawyers I" conference which is being held at New York Law School from 8-11 a.m.

This conference offers a unique and highly targeted look at social media. A panel of legal experts who have become leaders in the social media arena will offer hands on sessions as well as leading sessions on the inherent risks, limitations and potential vulnerabilities and liabilities of these social media tools.

I'll be speaking on this panel with Lisa Solomon: "6 Things Lawyers Need to Know About Social Media.

As a speaker, I've been authorized to offer my readers a 25% discount using this code: 20OAGEIA .

You can register for the conference here. Remember to use the discount code!

I'm also organizing a NYC legal professionals meetup on Oct 8, 2009, location to be determined by a native New Yorker, but it will be somewhere near the law school. 

If you're on Twitter, you can RSVP for the meetup here or simply leave me a note in the comments and I'll be sure to keep you in the loop.

Posted at 10:59 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

09/24/2009

The utility of social media for lawyers

Bubble_thought_s

nikiblack: Thinking about today's Daily Record article re: lawyers engaging in social media. Social media is different for lawyers...
  • nikiblack: Gen'ly, successful SM campaigns create a fan base--ppl passionate about ur product. Ppl are not passionate about law firms. So then what?
  • nikiblack: Bec. ppl are not "passionate" about their law firm, Facebook fan pages make no sense to me as a SM tool for law firms
  • VBalasubramani: @nikiblack everyone's passionate about criticizing lawyers :-) ..I would take this route..(seriously, poke fun at self/profession)
  • nikiblack: SM for lawyers is a different focus than most businesses. It's about creating effective online presence, networking & establishing expertise
  • SCartierLiebel: @nikiblack SM is about people, so not passionate about law firms...but can be very engaged with their lawyer. 1 lawyer is a 'firm', too.
  • JohnFMoore: RT @nikiblack: It's about creating effective online presence, networking & establishing expertise | All biz should use this way, right?
  • nikiblack: -->@JohnFMoore I agree. But other biz can create viral campaigns, create a tribe of followers that evangelize their product. Not law...
  • nikiblack: Sm goals are different for lawyers. With specific goals in mind, you then choose appropriate SM platforms & levels of participation.
  • amyderby: Me neither, unless it's just for other lawyers. RT @nikiblack: Facebook fan pages make no sense to me as a SM tool for law firms.
  • jeffrey_brandt: @nikiblack Different then what? A widget/product company? yes.. but other service industries use social media, how r lawyers dif there?
  • nikiblack: Closed legal platforms are useful for networking, getting info., but do very little to contribute to effective online presence
  • nikiblack: -->@mikemac29 Exactly--I totally agree. Ppl reluctantly use/pay for lawyers. Hard to create a passionate following when starting w/ that!
  • nikiblack: -->@jeffrey_brandt Lawyers' services aren't "sexy"--there's no hook. Can't create sweepstakes/contest 4 reduced services 2 increase interest
  • nikiblack: Twitter=effective SM platform 2 increase business 4 some lawyers. Depends on potential clients are--individuals, companies, local, nat'l?
  • nikiblack: Effective SM use for lawyers is a tough balance--is time participating ultimately worthwhile or wld local networking make more sense?
  • SCartierLiebel: @nikiblack It's what you do with the platforms to push out compelling info about lawyer to create evangelists and interest. It's called PR
  • nikiblack: SM *is* useful to lawyers. No doubt. Lawyers need to understand it & participate. It can help launch practices. It can showcase expertise.
  • SCartierLiebel: @nikiblack don't want 2 limit creativity w/ SM ie:what 'can't' be done. It's 2new, untried. There R definite don'ts but undiscovered 'dos'.
  • SCartierLiebel: @nikiblack They may just evangelize you differently based upon non-legal interests. This may be the key. I have numerous examples...
  • jeffrey_brandt: @mikemac29 Tru a service whr many turn 2 in times of trouble, but is that fault of law or failure 2 properly partner w/clients?
  • mypractice: @nikiblack To me, the intensity of effort to convince lawyers SM is useful is reflective that it really isn't that useful
  • jeffrey_brandt: RT I know sex sells, but thats the cheap way out - not the only way 2 sell @nikiblack:Lawyers services arent 'sexy'--there's no hook.
  • Lemonlawyerinfo: @nikiblack one lawyer firm tweeting nationwide and having a statewide practice? hmm...Seem to be meeting people but that might be it
  • JulianRCrump: @nikiblack No doubt online soc netwrkng has it's place; but where to find the time for it? I'm amazed how many tweets some post per day.
  • DisabilityGuy: @nikiblack 1potential advantage of FaceBook fan pages R that clients R already there. I C them as means 4 communicating to current clien
  • DisabilityGuy: @nikiblack I think of FaceBook Fan pages 4 attorneys as Newsletter of 2009. Less invasive than email & can B provided 2 others interested


Posted at 03:53 PM in Business of Practicing Law, Law Firms, Social Media, Twitter, Web 2.0, Web/Tech, Weblogs | | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

09/23/2009

Social Media Risks and Rewards Conference

karasmamedia: #LSMC - The Social Media Confe is getting started. Bob Ambrogi's welcoming the group w/an intro and being the Risks & Rewards conversation

DougCornelius: Develop a Corporate Policy for Social Media http://bit.ly/TucRH Materials for #lsmc presentation this morning.

nikiblack: Flynn (from obama's campaign blogging team)"have to get engaged or get left behind & be obsolete" #LSMC

alinwagnerlahmy: key to online relationship: be authentic, converse ('half the show is in the comments') - Kevin Flynn in #LSMC

LawTechNews: Read the comments, too. Can be really valuable and get more out of the convo.-TB #lsmc

nikiblack: Flynn: re: his new gig at Motorola--to seem "real" Motorola allows negative comments on Facebook fan page. #LSMC

LawTechNews: CG shows United Breaks Guitars videos, which got 5.5mil views and @united's attn. Shows power and reach. -TB #lsmc

karasmamedia: LSMC: NB - Legal Marketers, use social media to monitor your platform socialmention.com - good place to see what's said

howardgr: On panel @nikiblack - talking about how Social and Professional online networking ar by necessity intertwined. Of course! #lsmc

dougcornelius: "Give up some control of your brand (But not so much that you risk harming your brand)" Andy Mitchell of CNN on social media #lsmc

ipdotcom: followers of #LSMC might be interested in Kodak's free social media tips brochure. http://tinyurl.com/n6cfv8 (expand) via @JeffreyHayzlett

howardgr: consider using employees as "brand ambassadors" by encouraging SoMe use. #lsmc

nikiblack: Mussell (wells fargo): BLocking access to SM sites or ignoring SM is short sighted--numbers alone convince you of that. #LSMC

LawTechNews: Paul Mussell: be where your customers are. Participate or others will participate on your behalf. -TB #lsmc

commonscold at #lsmc : 2/3 of global web population visit social sites

commonscold: #lsmc: Bisard of Amex (really) -- have code of conduct, soc media policy, internet use policy, privacy policy, biggest trouble spot: vendors

nikiblack: Rosenman: 3 "ps" of SM-personal, pervasive, persistent #LSMC
karasmamedia: AR: Creating advocacy via Social Media from the people who already believe in your company is money back in your pocket - #LSMC

nikiblack: Rosenman: SM activity by companies is not an ad campaign--can't start & stop it--it's out there. COntrol is lost #LSMC

commonscold: #lsmc Sarah Bird (SEOmoz): "Transparency: you gotta do it!" monitor your affiliates. Not always well trained w/ traditional mktg bkgr nd

nikiblack: Rubin: "by the time I'm dead, the media as we know it will be dead as well." #LSMC

commonscold: #lsmc: Marc Monseau (Johnson & Johnson): 8 in 10 americans go online for health info

karasmamedia: Consumer generated content is more trusted than that put out by corporations - becomming more complicated #LSMC

LawTechNews: Monseau: don't always approve SM communication but sit down first and look at risks. Move legal dept from "no, bc" to "yes, if"-TB #lsmc

LawTechNews: Mussell (Wells Fargo): highly regulated companies are well-suited for SM since they already have compliance processes in place. -TB #lsmc

karasmamedia: RCleland-FTC Won't be going after companies whose employees publish inappropriatly - if the co's regulations are thoroughly laid out #LSMC

karasmamedia: Companies who ignore the risk by not monitoring their conversations are going to be exactly the kinds of companies the FTC looks for #LSMC

nikiblack: #LSMC Tech is moving faster than we are--faster than regulation can keep up. Monitoring is first step to get handle on things

karasmamedia: Using Social Media for the legal community is no longer optional -- Traditional channels are disappearing #LSMC

karasmamedia: VDimauro - No matter what social media tools get used, it's about strategy. success factor is based on business goal and objective #LSMC

karasmamedia: Running over to the next new tool is not the solution. Defining what you need to achieve& Redefining how you react and interact is key #LSMC

nikiblack #LSMC Speed matters with SM--can go from problem to crisis in very short time unlike the old way things were done

Posted at 09:31 PM in Legal Seminars | | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

09/20/2009

Can Twitter be useful to lawyers?

DisabilityGuy: Great post, I agree w/ everything except following 2000 RT @Scobleizer What I'm learning from Twitter: http://bit.ly/DK4G6

  • DisabilityGuy: -> @nikiblack & @uMCLE: Twitter is important 2 lawyers 4 learning new things. May not directly drive business, but helps U practice better
  • nikiblack: -->@uMCLE @DisabilityGuy That's a great point-for lawyers--Twitter's better as an RSS reader, info. gatherer & for networking, too, I think.
  • DisabilityGuy: Twitter disc. w/ @nikiblack - Today I reviewed multiple tips 4 improving my website 2 better serve clients & tips 4 productivity. Invaluable
  • uMCLE: @DisabilityGuy @nikiblack When attys need to become "experts" overnight, use SM:Twitter for current issues/language then LinkedIn for depth
  • uMCLE: @nikiblack Impt element that gets lost - patience re social media networking. @kevinokeefe evangelizes bldg relationships. Agree!

Posted at 10:12 AM in Twitter | | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

09/11/2009

lawtechTalk Episode #5-Cloud Computing and Your Law Practice

Checkmark The fifth episode of lawtechTalk is now available. 

This presentation will focus on three different types of online legal technologies.  In it I'll discuss the concept of "cloud computing" and explore the main features of  each to help you figure out which will best meet your law firm's needs.

This episode is a little over one hour long and is sponsored by the three companies featured in the screencast: VLOTech (a virtual law office platform), NKrypt (offers a secure, encrypted email network), and NetDocuments (online document management) and for a limited time, is available at no cost. 

As a reader of my blog, you can simply click here to access this episode, instead of contacting me for information regarding how to access it.

Posted at 01:48 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

08/26/2009

Richard Susskind's keynote at #ILTA09

KMHobbie: Waiting for Susskind talk on technology, #web20, alternative billing, and technology at #ilta09
  • VMaryAbraham: Susskind: What's the "hole in the wall" lawyers deliver? (Black & Decker doesn't sell tools, they sell ways 2 provide hole in wall) #ilta09
  • evalio: The future of legal services is knowledge capture and management, and dispute avoidance. #ILTA09 Susskind
  • evalio: The future of legal services is knowledge capture and management, and dispute avoidance. #ILTA09 Susskind
  • evalio: It's hard to convince a room full of millionaires that their business model is all wrong. #ILTA09 Susskind
  • seanabrady: "Clients want more for less" - This is the theme for next 5 - 10 years. #ilta09 Susskind
  • evalio: 2 ways to cut costs: efficiency (cut costs) or collaboration (share costs) #ILTA09 Susskind
  • seanabrady: Bespoke, for those in the US who dont know, means a high tailored solution. Custom suit, software, or legal service. #ilta09 Susskind
  • evalio: Not everything you do will be commoditized, but certain discrete components certainly can be. #ILTA09 Susskind
  • CookiesJBW: Richard Susskind #ilta09 re: end of attys - fabulous! What's more likely? An online pet or an online lawyer?
  • VMaryAbraham: Susskind believes that fixed fees align lawyers w/ clients. They all want to avoid problems so they work together earlier. #ilta09
  • evalio: Focusing only on doing what you do now and making it a bit cheaper/better totally ignores innovation. #ILTA09 Susskind
  • evalio: For legal technologists, the challenge now is to create the new business model, not help create a better version of old one #ILTA09 Susskind

Posted at 09:16 PM in Legal Seminars | | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)

08/25/2009

The generational divide from #ILTA09

VMaryAbraham: Crossing the Generational Divide -- preso by high energy Jason Dorsey. [Have I had enough caffeine for this???]

  • VMaryAbraham: 4 factors that shape a generation: parenting trends, relationship to technology, level of affluence, expected life span. #ilta09
  • VMaryAbraham: Problem: Matures R returning 2 the workplace. Boomers R NOT retiring. Gen X is feeling stuck. Gen Y is puzzled. #ilta09
  • antneyb: Gen X-ers defining work characteristics: "prove it to me" and loyalty to individuals not organisations. Pfft. Wheres the proof? #ilta09
  • jennsteele:Jason Dorsey, "gen y hates powerpoint. It's what boomers use to look high tech" #ilta09
  • VMaryAbraham: Gen X and Gen Y view time as a currency. Many value unpaid vacation days! #ilta09
  • VMaryAbraham: Matures and Gen Y are most compatible. Gen X and Gen Y have most conflict. #ilta09
  • VMaryAbraham: Offer Gen Y outcomes and rewards that they can show their parents and friends. (Facebook and Thanksgiving.) #ilta09
  • VMaryAbraham: Boomers define themselves by what they do during office hours. Gen X and Gen Y define themselves by what they do after work. #ilta09
  • farshidk: gen Y is tech-dependent, not tech-savvy. they depend on technology but they don't know how it works, per session in #ilta09
  • VMaryAbraham: Boomers define work ethic in hours per week and the work must be seen to be counted. Face time is important. #ilta09
  • VMaryAbraham: Gen X are skeptical. They want you 2 "prove it 2 me." Once you prove it, they R very loyal. BUT they R loyal 2 individs not orgs. #ilta09
  • VMaryAbraham: Gen X: This is the only generation he feels sorry for b/c they have been waiting & waiting 4 Boomers to retire. #ilta09
  • VMaryAbraham: Gen Y values lifestyle and relationship above work. Gen Y will move to another city and then look for a job. #ilta09
  • VMaryAbraham: Gen Y is very tech dependent and therefore lack interpersonal skills. They do everything online. #ilta09
  • VMaryAbraham: Boomers tend not to talk to good employees -- Boomers stay out of your business and don't want to hear from you. #ilta09
  • Jennsteele: Jason Dorsey: For gen y, if you only give annual reviews, change the name to exit interviews. #ilta09
  • VMaryAbraham: Adult-olescence applies to Gen Y. They don't become "adults" until they are 30. (This doesn't apply to Gen Ys who are parents.) #ilta09
  • VMaryAbraham: Gen Y's sense of entitlement comes from the extremes their parents go to in order to protect their kids. #ilta09
  • VMaryAbraham: On 9/11, Gen Y called Mom, Gen X called spouse, Boomers called Gen Y, Matures called kids or grandkids. #ilta09
  • VMaryAbraham: The generation has to be old enough to process an event. 9/11 is Gen Y's JFK moment. #ilta09
  • VMaryAbraham: Gen X tends 2 B skeptical.They remember Nixon, oil shocks, laid-off parents. They don't believe relationshp w/ Employer = forever. #ilta09

Posted at 09:56 PM in Legal Seminars | | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Alternative Billing Session at #ILTA09

VMaryAbraham: At the Alternative Billing Session: Tom Gaines, Jeff Brandt, Jeff Rovner & Eugene ("call me Jeff") Stein. #ilta09

  • backofthenapkin: Use tech for profit: still use hourly recording but bill on fix fee. Must chg how associate success is measured. #ilta09
  • VMaryAbraham: Rovner: There are knock-on changes. We used to measure worth by # of billable hours. Now we value results. #ilta09
  • VMaryAbraham: Stein: They develop more specialized associates to provided targeted work for clients, rather than jack-of-all-trade associates. #ilta09
  • VMaryAbraham: Stein: They changed their staffing model. More paralegals w/ more responsibility. Partners operate like project managers. #ilta09
  • VMaryAbraham: Stein: His firm was paid ONLY upon closing = incentive to finish quickly. #ilta09
  • VMaryAbraham: Stein: Once they offered a fixed fee, they got more work from the client than was planned. (Work taken from other firms.) #ilta09
  • VMaryAbraham: Stein: Once you have a fixed fee arrangement, the firm assumes risk of cost overruns. In exchange, the firm shld ask 4 more work. #ilta09
  • VMaryAbraham: Stein: The key is to understand exactly how the work is accomplished, & what discrete pieces R commodities that can B done cheaply. #ilta09
  • VMaryAbraham: Stein: Lower fees 2 clients are offset by lower costs of production, so firm retains profitability. #ilta09
  • VMaryAbraham: Stein: Ways to reduce client costs = alt billing + lower the firm's cost of production. #ilta09
  • bren924: In addition to lost profits on reduced rates, clients are refusing to pay certain disbursements, further reducing prof/partner #ilta09
  • VMaryAbraham: Stein: In addition to the discount in rates, there is also a cut in the disbursements clients are willing to pay for. #ilta09
  • mikemac29: Speakers talking about subject that hits home as new Lit Supp Mgr, way we've always done things may not be good enough anymore. #ilta09
  • VMaryAbraham: Remember: There were flat fees 25 years ago. But clients demanded hourly rates then. Now they want fixed fees. #ilta09
  • VMaryAbraham: Gaines: This isn't necessarily the death of the billable hour. We just need to offer alternatives. #ilta09
  • mikemac29: Panel sees area of growth for techs with business savvy and leadership skills, right now leadership is in short supply #ilta09

Posted at 09:34 PM in Billing Practices, Legal Seminars | | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)

08/22/2009

NYC Social Media Conference for Lawyers 9/21

Checkmark On September 21, 2009, in New York City I will be a speaker at Social Media: Risks & Rewards.

This comprehensive, dynamic event will explore the inherent challenges of social media and will arm you with the specific tools necessary to protect your company, your intellectual property and your reputation in today’s virtual world.  Find out how to safeguard yourself and your business through insightful sessions focused on:

  • The Social Media Sensation: Pressure to Keep up in the Digital Age
  • Exposure, Liability and Consequences of Your Business and Social Media
  • Develop your Company’s Corporate Policy for Social Media
  • Protecting your Company’s Identity in a Virtual World
  • Risks from Employees Past, Present and Future
  • Safeguarding your Company’s Intellectual Property
  • Best Practices for Social Media.

Challenges from Social Media are only one inappropriate “tweet” away.  Register for this timely program today and ensure you understand the inherent perils of the market and construct the proper policies to protect your company and ensure future growth.

I will be on this panel: Your Business and the Social Media Sensation.

There is a discount for friends and family (and blog readers). If you want to attend,  just visit the conference website at www.corpcounsel.com/socialmedia and use the code SPK for $100.00 off.

Posted at 11:45 AM in Social Media | | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

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