Joining the Social Media Conversation, Part 2 – Responsibilities
At the close of our previous post, we commented on new responsibilities. What were we talking about?
In the old days, a law firm may publish a press release or an article about a particular legal issue, but other than a letter to the editor or Op-Ed piece, they were unlikely to get much feedback on their message. But today, with the two-way communication afforded by the Internet and social media, anyone and everyone can and does comment, from your fellow attorneys to the head of the local cause-based nonprofit, to the troll who is simply trying to pick a fight.
The way that you handle yourself and your persona online can have a direct impact on your credibility both in the world of social media, and increasingly, in the real world. Be mindful of your interactions, ensuring that you are following best practices guidelines, basing your messages and posts on solid research, including links that back up the points you are making, and handling both compliments and criticism with grace and aplomb. Take advantage of the nearly limitless audience that social media can afford you, but do so with the knowledge that you are no longer speaking to a quiet, captive audience—you’re taking part in a much larger and potentially louder conversation.
Stay tuned for additional posts on joining the social media conversation; our next post will be related to managing your time without neglecting to engage with your audience.
