When I started Construction Law Musings back in December of 2008, I
did so on a whim. I had heard that a blog was a good way to get ideas out there
and that I could get some benefit, so I dove right in and charged ahead.

Before I started the blog, I had profiles in what I thought were all the
“right” places, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, JDSupra, etc. but did not see much of a payoff.

All that changed shortly after I started to become active on Twitter and post
regularly Construction Law Musings. Through these two resources, plus the
exponential publication of them at LinkedIn and Facebook (not to mention posting
at JDSupra), I have gained opportunities to speak, be published in print and had many other opportunities
that never would have happened but for my active (and I emphasize this
intentionally) participation in these forums. I now know attorneys and
consultants across the country on whom I can lean for assistance.

I have presented at Kaplan University’s online seminar series (links here and
here). Susan Cartier Liebel contacted me out of the
blue to ask if I would join the faculty at Solo Practice
University (of course I said yes), and I have made friendships both
in and out of Richmond that have helped me along the way. All of this helps my
construction practice “on the ground.”

None of these opportunities (not to mention the great opportunity
that posting on Blog For
Profit presents) would have occurred without Musings.  I get
more hits from lawyers and potential clients from Musings than I ever got from a
static web page.  I get referrals from other attorneys, great questions and
interaction from attorneys, potential clients, and clients and have fun doing
it.  Without the “blawg” as the hub of my web marketing and interaction,
much of my social networking would be for naught.

Another great benefit is Guest Post Fridays.  I highly recommend getting
guest posts at any blawg.  Not only do you get a great network of thankful
people, you learn something from someone who has a depth of experience that you
don’t have in a particular sub-set of your specialty.

I want to first say that I am glad I dove in and that I truly appreciate all
of the assistance, advice and friendship that I have gotten on this journey.
Without my active participation and your comments and suggestions, I would not
feel the success that I feel now. I appreciate the Guest Posts, comments and
participation that Musings has engendered and look forward to keeping this
conversation going.

Start a “blawg,” you’ll be glad you did.

Christopher G. Hill is a construction lawyer at DurretteBradshaw, PLC in Richmond,
Virginia, LEED AP, and member of Virginia’s Legal Elite inConstruction Law. He specializes in mechanic’s liens, occupational safety issues, contract consulting and review and general risk management for all levels of construction professionals from contractors to subcontractors to material men. For more of Chris’ thoughts on the construction