practicehacker

A few weeks ago I posted a video introduction to knowledge-management application GrexIt.

Many people apparently want to know more, so here is a synopsis of what this free tool can do. GrexIt works on the principal that vital information is often custom-crafted for each client, then buried in client communications. The application attempts to solve the problem by breaking down your messages by phrase, concept, even by word, then reorganizes those elements into a searchable knowledge-base. GrexIt’s performance has been documented by such high-profile blogs as GigaOm, TheNextWeb, and ReadWriteWeb. Check it out yourself and let me know if you like GrexIt.

Posted via email from practice (redux)

via sociablelawyer.org

With his breakthrough performance in Kindergarten Cop, Arnold showed us why he would someday be Governor of California and leader of the free-world. Or whatever. In the meantime, here are some “baby steps” (get it, Kindergarten, baby steps?) to using social media in your practice, courtesy of Sociable Lawyer.

1. Do not be afraid to try
2. Share your knowledge
3. Polish your online rep
4. Strength in numbers

Posted via email from practice (redux)

The single biggest complaint that I hear from people who don’t use Twitter is that it’s all about pointless crap that fills people’s days. Well nobody is interested in what I had for breakfast so that’s not what I tweet about. And anyone who does write about garbage like that is soon in my rear view mirror.

I use Twitter to learn about developments in technology and to discuss the law.  In other words: things that matter to me and to the way I make my living (practicing law). I always assumed that these rules go for everyone; that all Twitter users more or less demand high-quality, relevant content or else.

This infographic illustrates that most of the time only about 1 in 10 Twitter users pays attention to messages, while 90% of the messages come from the biggest companies in the world (i.e. Ford, Proctor & Gamble, etc.).  The graphic also tells us that Twitter is big with 20-something women of Latin-American descent, is huge in South America, and is dominated by a tweeting elite of celebrities and brand-hawking marketers.

Pretty soon the “little social network that could” is going to look a lot like that other medium that has come to be dominated by big companies: Television. And at that point I intend to simply turn in my Twitter account. In any case, it looks like Twitter will have a long, long way to go before it’s actually useful to professionals like me.

Posted via email from practice (redux)