Networking 101Connecting the Dots
April 15, 2014 SF La Raza Lawyers Association
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Networking Defined
the process of connecting people, opportunities, needs, and resources.
Why should you care?
• Increasingly competitive job market
• Career development
• Business development
Why do we care?
• This is our profession
• Happy lawyers make better colleagues/mentors/advocates
• Fulfilled lawyers are more apt to help others find fulfillment
• Many hands make light work
networking = career development?
Ingredients for a Good Lawyer
• Knowledge
• Skills
• Judgment
A tree falls in a forest…
Network = Audience
Ingredients for a Great Lawyer
• Knowledge
• Skills
• Judgment
• Audience
Preliminary matters
• Social Media
• Setting
• Research guest list
• Appearance
• Confidence
Strike a Pose
Talking with strangers
• Hello
• Elevator pitch
• “Curious” Conversation
• the “ask”
• Goodbye
Elevator Pitch
• Name
• What do you do?
• What do you want to do?
• Why should I care?
Get Curious!
• How are you connected to this event/organization?
• What do you do?
• How did you get into what you do?
• What types of experiences should I seek if I want to…?
Get Curious!
Active Listening > Talking
The ask
Bad asks
• Can you give me a job…?
• Do you know anyone who can give me a job…?
• Can we talk some more sometime...?
Good asks
• Do you have a card?
• Are you free for coffee this week/month?
• Would you be willing to help
• review my resume?
• with a mock interview?
goodbye
Exit stage left
• Thanks for your time. I am going to...
• Grab some food/drink
• Make the rounds
• Say hello to someone
• Find a restroom
• Go
The Follow-up
• Track meeting date/setting
• Email or call?
• Periodic check-in
• Be systematic
Parting Thoughts
• Practice
• Be Kind
• Be thoughtful
• Smile
Resources
• Telephone
• Contacts (contacts.linkedin.com)
• InMaps (inmaps.linkedinlabs.com)
• Cardmunch/Evernote (or similar app)
• 360Reach Survey (www.360reach.me)
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