I have always been a bit shy, so networking doesn't come naturally to me. In my observation, most attorneys and other professionals start out as really smart, good students, who spent their growing up years getting excellent grades but not always socializing a lot.
Then attorneys grow up and go to law school for three years, which is incredibly time-consuming, and get out and go to work. "Baby" lawyers are the workhorses of the firm, putting in 60-80 hours a week, oftentimes.
Most young professionals put in a lot of hours, trying to work their way up the ladder. As a young banker my dad spent a LOT of time in the office, and often brought work home.
That leaves little time for socializing.
However, getting out and about in your community can be critical to getting new business.
I am now working part-time for an attorney who lives in my neighborhood. I used to go to church with her. We've been on a "friendly nod" basis for years. It wasn't until I reached out to some friends in common last year with a "You know any attorneys who might be hiring?" query that I got to know her better, however. My friend Lee Ann sent me an email saying "You know Kristy is an attorney, right? Working from home?"
Nope. I had no idea.
Although I am not a social butterfly, I am never too timid to ask for help. My brother thinks this is appalling; a sign of vulnerability or weakness. I don't. My thinking is, if someone can't help me, so what? They ignore me or say no. No big deal.
My dad was a big believer in networking. He was on the board of so many organizations I lost count, but here are a few of them: Big Brothers/Big Sisters, The Red Cross, Salvation Army, various hospitals. He also was always active at the church.
Although writing effective website copy is important, it's just as important to network in person. You can always follow up with a friendly email saying "Hey, great to meet you the other day. If you ever have need of an attorney [financial planner/insurance agent/whatever] give me a call."
Make sure your email always has all your contact information and what you do. The guy you met might not remember your name, but he might remember that you are an attorney, so when he wants to go back and do a search in his email, if the word "attorney" is in your signature he will find you easily.
Here are a list of ways to network:
church or synagogue [do more than just go to services]
Facebook or Twitter [ask a teen how to do this if you're unsure!]
Kiwanis Club
Rotary Club
volunteer at a charity event, like a 5k Race
coach your child's sports team
be a Girl Scout/Boy Scout leader
join your neighborhood swim/tennis center
take a class at a local college [many offer evening non-credit classes]
volunteer for a local political candidate
join the PTSA at your child's school, and go to meetings
volunteer at your child's school
look for a Yahoo group for your community or one nearby
go to community events and chat with people
take time to chat with your plumber/electrician/mail carrier, etc.
have an Open House for people on your street, and get to know your neighbors better
offer a free Seminar for people in the local community
Joining won't do much good if you don't talk to folks. I know it may sound silly, but my dad used to make me roleplay with him. I'd have to look him in the eye, smile, and give a firm handshake. I was also learning how to appear friendly and approachable.Eventually I grew up, and it was much easier to appear friendly because most of the time I FEEL friendly. (The old "fake it 'til you make it" cliches holds true.)
I used to hear: Don't put your hands in your pockets! Don't chew on toothpicks! Don't stare at the floor! Smile!
Dad was right.
Not everyone you meet has to become your best friend, but learning how to be friendly and accessible will help get your name out to a lot of folks, and personal connections = new business
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