What You Know, Who You Know... the Power of Networking
As attorneys, we are legally and ethically precluded from soliciting business. However, I have found that my involvement in community organizations and activities has contributed to many new opportunities, and eventually, new business.
As Bob Burg wrote in his book Endless Referrals, “All things being equal, people will do business with and refer business to those people they know, like and trust."
The key to all successful networking, and especially for those in the legal profession, is establishing trust. I’ve found that doing so requires time and frequent contact. However, meeting members of our local Chamber of Commerce networking group each week became difficult due to our conflicting schedules, so I suggested a different approach, and co-founded an online networking group. We still provide networking opportunities and mutual support and encouragement, but it’s all through the internet (specifically, LinkedIn). In effect, we act as a virtual Board of Advisors for one other.
We are still in the early stages of its development, but I welcome comments, anecdotes and suggestions, and will post about the group’s progress.
