Summer Networking Refresh

Lawyers Who Launch

Whether you have a plan that just needs a bit of a recharge or you have no plan at all - this refresh is for you.

Step 1 - Evaluate your networking goals.

Networking is about relationships. Strong networking relationships are mutually beneficial professional relationships. As you start to develop a plan that works for you and your practice area, keep the goal of developing connections into mutually beneficial networking relationships at the forefront.

Step 2 - With whom are you looking to connect?

When you think about networking within your law practice, you will typically come across three types of people - colleagues, referral sources, and potential clients. A colleague is someone in the same field as you that you can share and bounce ideas off of. A referral source is someone that is in an industry or field of law that could be a great referral for you. A potential client is, of course, someone who is in need of your services.

The reason for making this determination is to help you focus your networking time so you spend your time most efficiently to accomplish your goals. You won’t meet colleagues in the same way you would meet prospective clients. Focusing your attention on your goals and then developing a plan for how you will reach that goal will save you time and energy because you will be able focus on actions that will serve you rather than simply trying to cast a wide net and see what happens.

Step 3 - Where will you find your ideal connection?

Depending on the type of people you are looking to network with you will look to attend different events and engage in different types of activities. Once you’ve determined the types of contacts you are trying to meet, now look to where those types of people are so that you can connect with them.

Now is the time to start brainstorming about where you will find the people you want to connect with. Start a master list of ideas that you can break out from there. Spend a little time searching for events that attract your future networking contacts.

Step 4 - Make connections.

Once you have identified where you can meet your ideal connections, now it is time to make those connections. Attend events to meet and connect with these people. Maybe you book a speaking engagement to attract potential clients. Perhaps you connect with colleagues at a local bar association function. Because you have followed the first three steps, you can maximize your time by attending events that are suited to your goals and the people you most want to connect with.

Step 5 - Follow up and follow through.

Networking without follow up and follow through is inefficient and a waste of time. Networking is not just about how many people you meet or how many business cards you collect. The key to successful networking is the development of your connections into mutually beneficial networking relationships. This does not happen overnight and it requires your time and attention.

The good news is that with your refreshed networking plan you can execute the follow up and follow through you need. There are so many easy ways you can follow through for your networking contacts and provide value. If you see an interesting article, pass it along to a colleague.

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Nothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship. Your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow. This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.