Recently, I responded to a post in the TechnoLawyer Newsletter titled How to Leverage Social Networks Without Getting Into Trouble. I have been a legal technology consultant for many years so I am a subscriber to this newsletter.  Although not doing as much in the way of software support these days, I did find myself compelled to write this response because Social Networks seemed to be taking a hit that was unwarranted.  The “conversation” went like this:

In a recent issue of SmallLaw, Mazyar Hedayat wrote:
“Social networks have the potential to create a place in which lawyers can exchange information, ideas, documents, referrals, and other resources. But a check of Facebook, LinkedIn, and the other places where lawyers congregate online reveals the same kind of “you show yours first” behavior that have always plagued collaboration outside of law firms. Remember people: both parties have to contribute before it can be called “sharing.” Otherwise it’s just “taking,” even if you do it online.”

Steven A. Schwaber responded:
“Bad boy, Mazyar, bad boy. Go to your room. This absolutely, without any question, cannot work, at least where sensitive/privilege things are discussed, and has to rank as one of the worst ideas (at least from an ethics viewpoint) in recent memory. There is probably greater security in an Iraqi bomb-making facility than on these Web sites. See the article on BBC.com.”

This is where I started to feel Social Networks were taking a hit and common sense had been lost.

My response to Mr. Schwaber’s comment was:

“As a prelude to this response, please note that I have been a Time Matters CIC for a long time and have worked with many lawyers in many roles. I understand their confidentiality concerns both from a technical and professional perspective. I am now focused heavily in virtual assistance and certified in Social Media Marketing.

I have to respectfully disagree with Mr. Schwaber in his view that Lawyers and Social Networking Don’t Mix. Social networks are not about sharing privileged information.  I’m a virtual assistant and I certainly wouldn’t share the particulars of the clients I work with.  Nor would I ever share the information I was privileged to as a consultant or the data I was responsible for as an IT Manager.

What I share is information about how to get the most out of social networks which is, in most cases, a FREE marketing tool. What I share is a relationship — which is the true foundation of social networking. The benefits of social networking don’t involve sharing documents about private matters or revealing confidential information. The benefits of social networking come from sharing the location of a great restaurant, a Time Matters configuration tip, or what the latest technology gadget is.  It’s about consoling someone when they’re down or congratulating them when they’ve met a defined goal.  It’s about agreeing or disagreeing.  And people will like you for that.

There are many ways lawyers can be involved with social networks that will enhance their ROI — Return On Influence and Return On Investment. Aren’t you always most likely to do business with your friends? And if you become friends first by sharing the most effective ways you run your business, bragging about your kids or inviting people to check out your Web site or read an opinion on a blog, you are bound to attract new clients, colleague referrals, invitations to meet others and yes — new friends.  It’s like being at a party except instead of shaking hands and conversing with a room full of people, you are connecting with hundreds of thousands via the Internet.

That is not only smart — it’s contagious and fun.”

Common sense must prevail whenever you use social networks.

If you wouldn’t share something face to face, you certainly don’t want to share it on the internet.  By the same token, common sense needs to rule on the most effective communication method.  Social networks are an incredibly useful with getting a quick word out – much like instant messengers. But I once heard a tale of an associate of mine who missed an important meeting.  He turned to his assistant, who was sitting directly behind him, and asked why she had not reminded him about this important meeting.  Her response was that she had reminded him – via instant message.  She sat directly behind him.

Social networks are growing more in popularity each day.  Using them wisely is key.  Don’t be rude, don’t spam, don’t forget common sense.