Networking: How to broaden your network and why it’s worth the effort

 

 

Networking: How to broaden your network and why it’s worth the effort

When talking about networking, the first reaction most people might have is linked to awkward small talks and endless business cards. Networking is so much more than this.

Here, we will talk about the importance of networking and some simple steps to grow your network.

Networking is a crucial component of professional life, and it's becoming more so as the reliance on technology-based contacts rises and the value of each personal encounter grows.

Professional networking is an excellent way to meet new people and discover opportunities, people and relationships that could benefit your career, your business and your personal life.

Networking is a sure-fire approach to develop mutually beneficial professional ties, whether you are straight out of law school or searching for a strategy to network with your law firm. Your professional contacts might come in handy in unpredictable ways later on, so you should always be connecting and taking advantage of any chance to meet new individuals.

What Is Legal Networking and How Does It Work?

Networking entails connecting with people in order to form relationships that can help you and allow you to help others.

You may exchange contact information with new individuals you meet at networking events, celebratory events, or conferences so you can follow up and create solid connections. Spend time getting to know the other person and remember to provide a little snippet of information you picked up during the original chat when you follow up through phone call or email; this will demonstrate that you are transparent and accountable.

Forming new links with individuals in the legal industry is part of legal networking. You'll enjoy a few of those rewards if you take the effort to make new contacts.

Step boldly out of your comfort zone

Be proactive! Find ways to step up at work that take you out of your professional comfort zone and into an area of challenge. 

You never know who you'll meet or what prospects they may be aware of that might benefit you. While running errands, you could run into the head recruiting manager of your ideal company and never know what opportunities you could have had if only you had struck up a discussion.

What Are The Best Networking Strategies For Lawyers?

Legal networking is much more than merely buddying up with other solicitors. It entails identifying the relationships that are most advantageous to both parties and cultivating them over time.

Here are some suggestions on how to detect promising connections.

Both People Will Benefit

Similar values, position or roles could offer valuable opportunities and mutual interest in nurturing the relationship.

Remember to pay attention to others. This will allow you to step beyond of your comfort zone by giving you time to consider what you want to say, especially when you could be with individuals who despise small chat.

Become a curator

Be someone who gathers useful information and shares it with the people in their network who need it. Articles, podcasts, films, interviews, events, legal developments, market news, and so on are all possibilities.

Focus your attention for developments in your chosen field. Refine the topics so that they may be shared with your network in an appropriate format.

Observe the Competition

Developing professional connections with attorneys from different law firms or practise areas might help you learn what strategies work for them and adapt those ideas to your own firm.

To get the most out of your networking efforts, ask the correct questions to swiftly identify whether or not the person you're dealing with is a viable and qualified lead.

Use social media to your advantage

Use them with caution and purpose. Be careful to share only material that you want everyone to view. This includes your current, prior, and potential future employers, as well as clients, colleagues, friends, and family. Check your Google results to verify whether your virtual presence is satisfactory.

Follow and friend people in your field, join legal networking groups. Use hashtags that are relevant to your posts. Follow legal firms and interact with others who view their profile.

Make contact with attendees of networking events. To build rapport, send personalised notes.

Invest on digital business cards

It's easy to forget about printed business cards while you're at home. Not only that, but if you need to alter your contact information, you'll have to pay to have a new set printed.

A well-designed electronic business card may save you time and help you boost your reputation.

You may build a shared file with more than just basic contact information and a single photo using digital business cards.

A digital business card allows you to rapidly exchange and preserve contact information. They could be personalised with your company's logo and information. You may share them with your customer via a URL or QR code, allowing them to obtain your information with a single click and without the need for the programme. Digital business cards are the most effective strategy to advance your brand. Your virtual business card will increase your networking connections and indicate your willingness to adapt to changing times in this digital era.

When you're ready to distribute your digital business card, you may email a URL or show a QR code to your new contact, allowing them to save your contact information on their phone right away.

This guarantees that your networking efforts aren't lost in a pockets or desk drawers.

Finding opportunities to network is not difficult. For example, high-net-worth individuals attend business networks such as Chambers of Commerce and trade groups, events sponsored by clients, and local arts and charity events. Online groups and activities are also an option. Suggest a one-on-one 'virtual coffee' with someone you believe is worth following up with.

Your Online Presence and Networking

Building your internet presence should be part of your plan. After all, a potential client will Google you even if they got your information from a friend. Make sure you have a strong internet presence.

Finally, remember that there is no one-size-fits-all method to networking; it all depends on what it is you want to get out of the experience.

Doing the required preparation and focusing on your goals will enable you to influence the conversation and feel secure doing so.

You will surely create and maintain a connection with people through many networking events and interactions that may be valuable in the future.

Furthermore, the more you push yourself out there, the more confident you will become.

Try not to draw comparisons with your overconfident friends or colleagues who appear to be able to converse with everyone. If networking isn't your strong suit, investigate the others in attendance, and prepare conversation topics to help calm your anxiety.

 

For support or career advice, check out our resources:

•            view the latest vacancies at Gazette Jobs, where you can sign up for job alerts and upload your CV

•            read our comprehensive career development advice

•            visit our careers YouTube channel to find videos which cover common career queries.