Follow These Tips to Build Your Personal Brand
By Jamy J. Sullivan, JD, Robert Half
Question:
Can you give me some tips to build my personal brand, enhance my online profile and expand my visibility within the legal field?
Answer:
As a legal professional, building and enhancing your personal brand is crucial to the success of your career. Your brand defines how others perceive you and your expertise, and it can be a deciding factor in whether you are hired for a job, recommended for promotion or chosen as counsel for a case.
Establishing a reputation in the legal industry used to take years. But with the rise of the internet and social media, you can make yourself visible to a large audience with just a few clicks. Follow these five tips to start building your personal brand today — online and in person.
What makes you stand out from other legal professionals in your practice or area of specialization? Do you have experience in a particular industry, such as technology, healthcare or finance, or a stellar track record of achieving successful outcomes for clients? Identify your unique selling points and highlight them in your online profiles and marketing materials.
Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date and includes your education, experience and any awards or accolades you have received. Join relevant LinkedIn groups and participate in industry discussions to showcase your expertise and establish yourself as a thought leader in your field.
3. Network in person
Social media can be a useful tool for building your personal brand if you use it wisely. Choose a professional headshot for your profile picture and be mindful of what you post. Share relevant articles and industry news and consider starting a blog to enhance your reputation as a credible and an original voice on the topics that matter to you.
5. Seek out speaking opportunities
Speaking at events or conferences makes you visible to leaders in your field and sends a powerful signal that you are someone worth listening to. If you can’t land a high-profile role, you can still make a good impression by asking insightful questions during the Q&A. Be sure to promote any speaking engagements on your online profile, and list them in your resume and professional biography.
Even in the digital age, defining and cultivating your personal brand takes patience and effort. But following these tips can help you establish yourself as an expert in your field, build relationships with potential clients and gain recognition and respect from your peers.
Jamy J. Sullivan is executive director of the legal practice at Robert Half, the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm. Robert Half offers contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions, and is the parent company of Protiviti®, a global consulting firm. Visit
RobertHalf.com.