Do it.

I had a Xanga in high school.

For non-elder-millennials: this was an online blog (akin to live journal, MySpace, and GeoCities (which I also had)).

I used it a lot, largely to reflect on the happenings of high school.

It drew some attention and concerns about whether I should be doing such a thing.

So, I gave it up--even though writing had always been my outlet (and I still have years of journals to prove it).

I dabbled with blogging again as I moved far from home, but never kept it up consistently.

(Side note: I did blog as a 1L and one firm didn’t select me for OCIs because I expressed a wariness about #biglaw. Which, honestly: I was rightfully wary and I don’t regret going in eyes wide open.)

From there, I struggled as I watched bloggers rise up, thinking that I could have done that.

I wish I hadn’t given it up.

I wish I had been creating content all along.

I'm glad I found the opportunity on LinkedIn in late 2020.

This space has provided a perfect atmosphere for me: guardrails to keep me in my lane, a positive culture, and almost zero risk.

I know my target audience, but I sometimes write just for me.

If you’re on the fence about LinkedIn posting or other marketing/social-media efforts, start small.

Be genuine.

Be open.

Be you.

There’s space for you.

You will not regret taking ownership of your professional (and/or personal) brand.

I'm so glad I have and look forward to growing it from here.

#lawyerwellbeing #professionalwomen #culture #bestadvice