As a lawyer, building and maintaining your network is crucial to your professional success. Your previous clients can be an excellent resource for generating referrals, but what happens after your case has concluded? How do you ensure that you remain relevant in their minds, so they think of you when they need legal assistance in the future? This is where LinkedIn comes in. In this blog post, we will discuss how lawyers can use LinkedIn to reconnect with old clients and maintain a fruitful relationship with them.
1. Keep Your LinkedIn Profile Up to Date
Before you start reaching out to your old clients on LinkedIn, it’s essential to make sure that your LinkedIn profile accurately reflects your current work experience and skills. A polished and up-to-date profile will lend credibility to your outreach efforts. Be sure to include a professional-looking headshot, an engaging headline, and a summary that highlights your knowledge. Also, consider adding any relevant media, such as articles, presentations, or videos to showcase your work.
2. Engage With Your Old Clients
The next step is to start building a relationship with your old clients by engaging with them on LinkedIn. Look for opportunities to like, comment, or share their posts to show that you are interested in their work. You can also congratulate them on any significant milestones, such as a new job or promotion. Beyond that, you can use LinkedIn’s messaging feature to send a personal message to your old clients and ask how they are doing or how their business is going. Being genuine and thoughtful in your approach can go a long way in building a mutually beneficial relationship.
3. Provide Value Through LinkedIn
To stay top of mind, it’s crucial to provide value to your old clients through LinkedIn. Consider sharing articles, webinars, or reports that are relevant to their interests or industries. You can also offer to connect them with other professionals in your network who might be helpful to them. By being proactive and generous with your time, you demonstrate that you genuinely care about their success.
Related: Law Firm Guide to LinkedIn Advertising
4. Keep the Conversation Going
Once you have reconnected with your old clients on LinkedIn, don’t let the conversation fizzle out. Continue to check in with them periodically to see how they are doing. LinkedIn’s notification feature can alert you when they post new content or have changed jobs, giving you an ideal entry point to reach out and congratulate them. Consistency is key, so don’t be shy about checking in every few months.
5. Ask for Referrals
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for referrals from your old clients. If you’ve provided value and built a strong relationship, they will be more than happy to refer their friends and colleagues to you. When you ask for referrals, be specific about the types of clients you are looking to work with and the services you offer. Also, be sure to thank them for any referrals they provide, even if nothing comes from them.
Takeaway:
In conclusion, LinkedIn can be a powerful tool for lawyers looking to reconnect with old clients. By keeping your profile up to date, engaging with your clients, providing value, keeping the conversation going, and asking for referrals, you can build and maintain a robust network that helps you grow your practice. Remember that building relationships takes time and effort, and it’s essential to be authentic in your approach. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be well on your way to reconnecting with old clients on LinkedIn.