As with almost every other profession in existence, lawyers seem to have been caught blindsided by what an online presence has to offer. With the explosion of Web 2.0 material, like social networking, it becomes even harder for professionals still struggling to grasp what the Internet originally had to offer!

Where many professionals will continue to fail in the coming years is with the idea that social networking is simply an easy way to get free marketing. If an online profile is created with that sole idea in mind, it is doomed to fail because it misses the entire point of social networking. Web sites like Facebook and Myspace exist to create a stronger bond between friends new and old alike. But why not take that a step further?

Imagine all the times you or someone you know have asked friends for the name of a trusted lawyer through a status update or group message, knowing that you are relying on the experiences of your friends to shape the representation you ultimately end up with.

Now imagine if you had the opportunity to contact, and keep in touch with, a lawyer through the same social networking system. You have, right at your fingertips, access to a lawyer and their basic information. Telephone numbers, Web site information, even testimonials from actual clients. Rather than trust a Google search or a listing in the Yellow Pages, why not turn to Facebook for a more in-depth look at possible attorneys?

Not only does a Web site like Facebook allow you to find a lawyer, it also gives you the opportunity to continue to keep in touch with them. It eliminates the need to have to search through paperwork for your attorney’s information if another legal matter arises in the future, and makes it easier than ever to recommend one to a friend.

As the online world continues to shift and change, which really leaves most professionals on an even playing field, I have decided that this is the perfect time to take my practice to the next level and incorporate social networking. I want my clients to rest easy and know that they will always have my information right at their fingertips.

If you have not yet found me on Facebook, you can find me here:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bowie-MD/Carey-Law-Offices-LLC/101291506113