Everyone can be a Successful Networker in the Legal World
Why is it that something so important, like networking, is so intimidating? Perhaps it is our fear of failure. Most likely the fear of new territory figures in as well.
However, no matter how scary networking might be, it is essential to all careers, especially being a lawyer.
Over the past week, I have had two successful, but different, networking encounters. One entailed meeting an attorney in person and volunteering to help him with some pro bono work. The other involved “cold” contacting an attorney in another state via email and speaking with him over the phone.
I think the key to success in both instances was something that Chris Brogan wrote about over at Lifehack.org:
Keep things brief and uncomplicated
… give someone the easiest possible way to understand what it is you do, and what you’re looking for, and then let THEM decide if it’s worth talking with you further.
In both examples, I tried to put my best foot forward, explained who I was and where I was heading, and tried to learn more about the attorney with whom I was conversing. Thus, I was able to learn from each attorney and make two new contacts.
What now, you may ask? I will be sending a formal thank you note (in the mail) to the attorney that I spoke to over the phone. For the other attorney, I will begin working on his pro bono case in about a week (according to the time line he set).
Keep it simple; be yourself (professionally).
Please post a comment or drop me a line if you have any networking successes or tips to share with us.
[tags]legal andrew, networking, network[/tags]
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About Andrew Flusche
Lawyer, bicyclist, husband.
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September 20th, 2006
This is great! I’m excited to hear that you’re finding some success in this. Funny, because I’m just starting to read the occasional “blawg,” so I’m glad I saw your post.
Keep in touch.
Oh, networking works great on blogs, too.
September 20th, 2006
Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I’ve only been blogging a few months, and it amazes me how responsive and connected bloggers are. Your comment about networking with blogs is so very true. I have made some interesting contacts just by putting myself out there and saying my piece.