Another day and more bad news. If you’re sitting in your office wondering what redundancy reviews, halved or no bonuses, and more partner departures (from the good practices) mean to you, it means it’s time to update your resume. It also means it’s time to get to work creating your presence, managing your reputation, and networking.

Google yourself. If you can’t find yourself, neither can you future employers. If you find questionable returns, so will your future employers. You need to get to work to raise your profile, or push down the questionable content.

All about you

  • Create profiles on LinkedIn, Google Profiles, Facebook and Twitter. There are hundreds of others as well. Click here for a good list of what’s available.
  • Create your own blog that spotlights you and will help to differentiate you in the marketplace.
Contribute, Contribute, Contribute
  • Twitter posts are now being indexed by Google. As are the comments sections in highly visited blogs.

Manage and control your reputation.

  • Review your Facebook and MySpace pages.
  • Delete anything that is non-professional (including your friends who post questionable content).
    – Update your settings to create more privacy, allowing you to control who sees what.
  • Connecting on LinkedIn.
    – Upload your connections and start building your network.
    – Solicit recommendations from current colleagues, industry leaders.
    – Write unsolicited recommendations for your colleagues as well.
    – Update your profile to open your network, if closed. It is valuable to show people who you know.
    – Answer or ask questions that showcase your knowledge.
    – Join groups and continue to network through those
  • Other places to maintain profiles include Legal OnRamp and JD Supra for the lawyers out there. Both communities also allow you to contribute and share content.
  • ABA has started a new network for legal professionals, Legally Minded.
Start leveraging your network
  • With LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter, you can see who your contacts know.
  • Start asking for introductions, make new friends, and follow.
  • Legal OnRamp has created a Career Ramp specifically to assist those recently laid off. More details here.
  • Never underestimate the generosity of others. Pick up the phone and call the “gurus” in your industry or community. Most will be happy to provide you with help, assistance and guidance.
Other stuff
  • Start cleaning up your files, emails folders, etc. Make certain you have good examples of your work product for your portfolio.
  • Read a few good books. The First 90 Days, Talking 9 to 5, Knock em Dead, 48 Laws of Power are a few of my recommendations.
  • Buy a new suit, shoes and accessories. First impressions count!
  • Show up at any and all networking events, dinners, cocktail parties, Tweet-ups. If cost is an issue, ask if they need volunteers to assist.
  • Always, always, always give credit where credit it due.

Thanks to

Melanie Green, Brian Tannebaum, Travis Franklin, Omar Ha-Redeye, John Christiansen and AdrianLurssen from JD Supra for their great suggestions.