Danger! Danger! An attention-getting headline, for sure. But is there really danger in using social media to enhance and market your professional services firm? Of course there are some pitfalls, but I think that when used responsibly, social media risks are pretty minimal.

Any tool you use in your business carries a risk. If you use a computer, you’re at risk of being hacked and compromising sensitive client data. If you have an office, you’re at risk of a burglar breaking in a stealing client materials. If you use a company-owned vehicle, you’re at risk of getting into an accident while on company business.

Social media is exactly the same as any other business tool. There are some risks, but you can manage them and control them if you are so inclined.

One wrote about the dangers surrounding social media usage for lawyers (and other professionals). While he was well-intentioned, I think he’s overdone it.

He is worried that you will kill your practice by using Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. I suppose it’s possible to do that, but I don’t like these scare tactics. You’d have to be really ridiculous about social media to “kill” your firm.

His basic premise for why social media is so dangerous is the fact that your social media activities are likely to show up in a Google search. And what will potential clients think???

I think they’ll have a chance to see what you know about your field of expertise. But he’s worried that they’ll think all you do is play on the internet all day, and that you couldn’t possibly have time to do so if you have a thriving practice. They’ll wonder if you’re going to spend your time on social media instead of on their engagement.

And that’s nonsense. If you’re using social media simply to play around with your friends, they’ll see that and might get a negative impression of you. But if you’re using it for business purposes, I’d like to think your potential clients are smart enough to know that there is value for you in social media and there is an opportunity for them to see what you know.

The writer also points out the danger of posting things on the internet that are potentially damaging to your career. Yes, you’ve got to think before you write, and you’ve got to remember that your words will be searchable for many many years to come.  But that’s no reason to avoid social media. Just be responsible in what you write and ask yourself what a client or potential client may think of what you write.

So my bottom line is that social media can and should be used responsibly, but don’t worry that potential clients will think poorly of you if they see you’re active on social networking sites.  Some might think that, but in my experience, an active present on sites like Twitter and Facebook far outweighs those drawbacks.