Using social media to boost business

In our latest issue of Indiana Lawyer, reporter Michael Hoskins looks at social media polices some courts have instituted to prevent employees from discussing their employers online, especially in a negative way. Social media, such as offensive tweets and posting pictures from the adults-only Halloween party that you only kind of remember due to a few too many beers, are some of the poor ways in which we use social media. In our efforts to have our lives be an open book (or would it be more like an open Kindle now?), we sometimes hastily post things that we shouldn’t – things that could have negative repercussions on our professional and social lives.

But social media isn’t all bad. It can be an excellent tool for reaching your public. I’ve read numerous stories about companies reaching out to customers who have tweeted about their negative experiences with a particular product/company.

In your legal practice, do you use social media to find new clients, keep people informed on topics in your practice area, or find referrals? If you are part of an office or firm, does your company encourage you to get on Facebook to increase your office’s online presence?