The most important step in developing a professional brand is knowing what exactly that brand is. Here are a few questions you can ask yourself to begin the process of developing your brand:

• What are the three most important things that you want other professionals to know about you?

• What should people expect from you and your work products?

• How do other professionals perceive you, and what factors are contributing to that perception?

LinkedIn is the world's largest professional social network. In other words, every professional has or should have a LinkedIn account. The difference maker? Few people are actively utilzing LinkedIn to develop their professional brand or expanding their network. Check out a few tips below on how you can maximize LinkedIn:

1. Connect with your classmates, professors, employers, and anyone else you know to create a solid foundation.

2. Search for different law firms, government officies, and more to discover who works there, and what type of work they do.

3. DIRECT MESSAGES! Sending a direct message, or an email (when available) to a connection on LinkedIn can begin with a conversation about your career goals and end in a job offer. 

4. Post Your Accomplishments. One of the easiest ways to goin traction is by sharing your success! Of course, you want to remain mindful of your person brand when sharing, but this is a great way to keep your page active and other users interested. 

Networking events in the legal profession can be overwhelming for many. They are oftentimes held in large event spaces, with tens of attorneys and law students who (admittedly or not) are all nervous. 

You don't have to become the star of the show to make a great connection. Here are a few tips and tricks to make the most out of your experience:

• Did you come alone? Are you nervous? Find another "lonely" person in the room and start a conversation. You've now found your best friend for the rest of the evening!

• Know your limits. Happy hour is not the time to order a slew of drinks and dance around the bar. Be mindful of how much you're drinking, or simply not drink at all (it's more common than you think). Remember your personal brand at all times. 

• Prepare questions in advance. If possible, find out who will be in attendance and make a plan for who you'd like to speak to, and what you'd like to ask them. One of the quickest waya to make a poor impression is coming unpreparared and lacking questions.

• Follow up! After speaking with an attorney, it's important that you acquire their contact information for a follow up message within the next three days (the earlier the better). That way you are fresh on their mind, and now can utilize private discussions to further enhance you relationship.