Networking In The Legal Industry
If you want to succeed in business, you’ll need to be good at networking, and the same thing goes for the legal industry. To expand your circle, you might need to step out of your comfort zone a bit. But that can help you land new clients, build better relationships, and learn more about the world.
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Tips To Do Networking In The Legal Industry
Consider Getting Your Law Degree
Going to school, even if it is done virtually, can be a great way to give yourself a leg up and connect with others in your chosen field of study. If you are thinking about getting your college degree, you can take out a student loan from a private lender to pay for your education. You can utilize private student loans to cover anything that scholarships or federal student loans did not.
Create Opportunities
You don’t have to wait for a networking event to happen. The best opportunities are often the ones you make for yourself. If you have met someone at an event, ask them to grab coffee for you, whether it’s in person or virtually. Networking is one of the best reasons lawyers should take up golf or other group hobbies. These provide out-of-work opportunities to build relationships and bond over common interests as people and professionals. If you already know people, you can ask them to introduce you to others in their network, and you can even connect with others on professional social media sites.
There are plenty of networking events for lawyers, but if you are working in another part of the legal industry, you can attend more general ones. That way, you can meet people in a wider range of positions. Remember, you can make any conversation an opportunity for networking.
Research Ahead Of Time
It’s a good idea to look at an attendee list if you have access to that. It can help you decide who you most wish to connect with at each event. Then you can make a point of speaking with them. Look over each person’s picture so you can spot them. If there is someone you feel you absolutely must meet, you might even send them a message on social media. You can tell them you will be at the same event and are looking forward to meeting them. That way, you can both try to speak with each other. Or you might be able to suggest meeting one-on-one at a later date.
Engage More People In Conversation
When you are at an event with multiple people, you might find yourself in conversation with a couple of people and notice someone else standing on the sidelines. Try to bring that person into the conversation. It’s a kind thing to do, and you might just find they are just the individual you needed to speak to. In the future, you might be thankful if someone did the same thing for you. It’s important to give your full attention to each conversation you take part in. Put your phone away and turn it on silent so you are not distracted by it. Make eye contact with each person who speaks with you, and try to speak and listen in equal amounts. If the conversation lulls, ask a question so others can take part in the conversation.
