First things first, if you don’t have a LinkedIn… go get one! It might just be my fave social media/app of all time!
If you follow me on IG you know I love networking and connecting with people, thats part of why I created this blog and became a content creator. That’s why I love LinkedIn! It’s an amazing way to connect with people in your industry or in the industry you want to be in, build a network and gain value and opportunities.
I can’t tell you how important networking is for any career these days, even social media. And especially if you want to go into a professional career like law.
The world is all about who you know and fostering connections to leverage opportunities for yourself. LinkedIn makes it easy to do so and it’s a great way to learn about topics you actually care about.
I love reading the articles my connections share and following my favorite companies and organizations and seeing what they’re up to! Fun fact my dad and I trade LinkedIn posts regularly and its really fun! I learn so much in just 15 minutes on it a day, it’s wild.
But why is LinkedIn so important? The power of networking!
The Merriam-Webster definition of networking is “the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions; specifically, the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business.”
If you’ve ever read a Facebook post of a friend announcing a new job or internship or opportunity, chances are they got there because of their network. Hard work is SO important and definitely plays a huge role, but it’s also being in the right place and time, enter your network. If you’re searching for a job and you put feelers out to people you know, they may be able to get you leads, interviews, your foot in the door basically. Sometimes that’s all you need!
Having a LinkedIn allows you to put those feelers out there and communicate with people doing what you want to do. The advice, tips and ideas I’ve gotten from conversations with people I know through LinkedIn is immeasurable.
100% of the jobs I’ve ever had since high school are from networking in one way or the other, from college friends mentioning something casually to a family connection. LinkedIn allows you to build that for yourself and then share the love with your network!
The second most underrated networking tool? YOU.
Covid aside, going to events and meeting people, putting yourself out there, thats the true key to networking. It can be so simple too! Just say hi and ask a question, from in person at a Christmas party or in DMs. I’ve gotten a few opportunities that way, including my current role at Rella!
You just gotta go for it. Showing interest and starting the conversation can take you so many directions!
I can do a whole post on tips for networking, the mechanics of it and the dos and don’ts. Which I actually will be doing for a school blog and will share here when it goes live! But I wanted to share why I’m so passionate about networking and a little on how to get started.
Yeah the world is all who you know but just because you don’t know anyone right now doesn’t mean in a month you won’t, just get on LinkedIn and make it happen for yourself!
I’m always up for new connections on LinkedIn and helping you anyway I can so feel free to connect with me and of course if you have any questions for me, leave them down below or DM on IG so I can share the answers! Thanks for reading!
EDITED TO ADD: I got to share a blog post on this topic on my school’s Institute for Professional Leadership Leading as Lawyers blog and it’s live now! Read it here! Stay tuned for part two on Leading as Lawyers coming soon!
xo Kayla