Networking -- Overcoming Facebook & Twitter

As chatter about networking continues due to the economy, keeping genuine contact with your network is vital. One of the greatest ways we encourage students to do that is to forward articles or blog postings to those contacts with a short note as to why s/he thinks the recipient will find it of interest or relevant to a previous conversation. This article discusses why the Twitter or Facebook broadcast isn't enough, and why individual forwarding of articles or posts helps increase your personal brand as a giver, not just a taker, within your network.

Multitasking - We're All Guilty

As I sit here writing this blawg entry, I have my iPod playing some JT (yes, career advisers listen to him too), my work email is pinging, I'm sipping my coffee, answering the phone, and I've been reading Twitter feeds. This Harvard Business Review article points out why multitasking decreases the quality of what you are producing. Makes an old fashioned "To Do" list an effective tool to help me prioritize and focus on work with singularity. And reinforces why I turn off my email when I am in meetings or working on projects with deadlines.

PICs Picks: Writing Competitions

The LCS employs law student Public Interest Coordinators (PICs) to help with various research and administrative projects in the office. On a regular basis, they provide insight and advice to their fellow students on various opportunities and resources. The first one of the school year is about writing competitions. For law students seeking ways to make their resumes stand out from the crowd, as well as displaying their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, writing competitions can be the perfect answer. These contests cover a wide range of topics, and can be sponsored by DePaul, various bar organizations, or private foundations. The DePaul newsletter is an excellent source for information about these competitions, and many more can be found through simple Internet searching, especially various bar associate sites. No matter your area of interest, there is likely to be a contest that addresses it. Winning one of these contests can mean scholarships, possible publication, and a nice item for your resume. Employers will be impressed at your initiative in locating unique opportunities as well as the dedication you demonstrate in completing a writing project outside the confines of LARC.

Discussion Group Tips

We've started to give our presentations on LinkedIn Professionalism, and one of the best ways to increase your LinkedIn visibility is participating in discussions in the various groups to which you might belong. We found this in the DePaul Blackboard 'Big Hint for Online Discussion Forums.' This is great advice, which applies in all sorts of discussion forums:

• If you’re responding to Doris’ comment, have her comment on screen when you hit “reply.”

• Add something new. Don’t just type in: “Yeah, I agree.” Say, “Yes, and…” Or “Yes, but we need to consider…” Or,“I don’t agree, because…”

• Edit – yes, that means correct spelling and punctuation. Draw attention to your great idea, not your poor spelling.

• NO SHOUTING WITH CAPITALS! Use netiquette, no ‘bad’ language, no flaming, no off-color jokes.

• Make comments about ideas, not people.

• Need idea starters? Use these phrases in your online comment: If x, then… I agree with x; however, y seems to be... For example, ... Do you mean… Can x be compared to... We also need to consider…

Happy contributions!

Professional Development

There's a lot of discussion in the legal community about the shape and contours of legal education. One thing that isn't going to change with the economy is this: the need for professional development. So what have you done for your career lately? Attended a bar association meeting? Written a journal article? Conducted some mock or informational interviews? How about meeting with your career adviser? There's so much out there that you can do, and this is just the beginning of your long career, so getting in the habit of finding ways to continually reach out and improve yourself, your image, your network, and build your brand will serve you well for the rest of your career, no matter where it may take you.