Tips to avoid major networking errors at law firms
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published June 16, 2008
Stony Olsen
<<Networking is also valuable to get the latest scoop on new legal trends and news, especially in niche areas. This increased knowledge is not only valuable from a career standpoint, it helps in your current job.
Of course, there are those lucky souls who network in the crib. But for most of us networking needs a little bit of help. And usually, people network in a way that is detrimental to themselves. There are many ways to mess it up, and this article will cover several of them.
1. "I'm too busy to network."
Nope. Well, you may very well be too busy, but if you let networking slide, you are just bagging on networking altogether, meaning it's lost its value. If you don't network, you lose that tool, regardless of how busy you are.
2. "I network only with people I know."
Well, if you never expand your circle, you are not going to get many results, most likely. Expand your circle of contacts to lots of people, not just other legal professionals. Social gatherings are prime places to network as well, not just business meetings. You never know who will have that great position, after all.
3. "This event is boring. I'm outta here."
Skipping event receptions is not a good idea. Get there early to mingle with people, and maybe even scan the sign-in sheet to see who's there.
4. "Let's dance around the subject."
Honesty is always the best policy. Be upfront about the fact you are looking, and be prepared with a short sales pitch — don't make it long.
5. "Hey, buddy! Give me that job!"
Don't be too aggressive. Don't be a pest either. If you call three times a day, chances are even if they have a job, you won't get it. Politeness is a good thing.
If you want to network, you have to network. Don't pass it off to the underlings. If they are in Hawaii at the trade show, they get to network while you look at your cubicle. The same goes for professional legal meetings. Don't turn down the chance for some good networking at a CLE meeting. Also, you may just learn something about how others are handling the latest demands from the SEC, for instance.
7. "I never forget a face — uh, who are you again?"
Write it down! Rather, write down some impressions to jog your memory later on the back of the person's card. People appreciate it when others remember them.
8. "Dude, you got me a job, I think?"
If you aren't appreciative, people won't help you. Let people know you are grateful for them. Notes and email are good. Even if someone can't help, be grateful. He or she may be able to help later.
9. "Thanks for the help. Bye!"
Always help out others in your network, even if they haven't had a chance to help you. What goes around comes around, and long-term relationships are crucial for networking.
Conclusion
Avoiding networking mistakes is important. Through effective networking you can get more opportunities and stay in touch with a good group of people whom you help out and who help you. Good networking, if approached with a decent attitude, can yield lots of benefits.
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