New York Lawyers Success Blog

Is there a more fundamental – and universal – marketing tactic than networking? Networking – at its most basic, the act of meeting new people in a business or social context – is at the heart of all other marketing activities as well. Even better, networking allows for endless variation and personalization. Each individual can network in the way that best suits his or her personality, practice and position.

Networking is cheap and easy, requires no equipment or tools (although a business card is certainly helpful), and does not even have to cost anything.

It requires simply a willingness to put yourself out there.

The explosion of social media – Linkedin, Facebook and Twitter being most prominent among them – allows you to reach out to virtually anyone you have ever met, reconnect and stay connected.

One of the biggest benefits of social media sites is they allow you to take it to the next level. By networking with people you know, however slightly, you can “meet” all of your contacts’ contacts and, by extension, your contacts’ contacts’ contacts. Six degrees of separation, indeed.

Professional networking can help you

• find the opportunities to meet the kinds of people who could become your clients or referral sources.
• establish a mutually beneficial relationship with other business people

What are easy ways to network and build professional relationships?

• Attend seminars, social gatherings and other events that professionals will attend
• Use social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin to build your professional network contacts exponentially

If your practice lends itself to referrals from other attorneys, attend events that attract lawyers. If hanging around with other lawyers does your professional development no good, stay away from bar functions and go where business people hang out.

With networking, the emphasis should be on the quality of contacts you make, not on how many people you meet. The idea is to make a good first impression and a lasting impression.

Networking is not just meeting people. Effective networkers have a plan for getting to know people, and they recognize that the first meeting is just the start of building the relationship.

Which attorneys are the best networkers? You might guess the natural salesmen, those with the gift of gab, the ones who never fail to get off even the shortest flight without a fistful of business cards. These are the people who have the easiest time making contacts.

But I vote for good listeners as the most effective networkers. The reality is that many lawyers are not good listeners. They have a lot to say, but do not take the time to say to their partner in conversation – “Tell me about yourself” – and mean it.

To get started, decide what you’re trying to accomplish through networking, find appropriate venues and get out there. Know what you want to say about yourself, but be ready to get to know the people you are meeting.

About the Author
Alan Levine has over 20 years experience working with attorneys and law firms of all sizes throughout the U.S. and abroad to develop and implement effective marketing strategies.
There are specific skills and techniques that work with marketing for law firms. He can help you use them to your advantage, so your firm can get — and stay — ahead.

As your marketing consultant, Alan can help you develop strategies that fit your practice and your style.

Law firm marketing consultant Alan Levine can be reached at 973.477.9155
LevineMarketingSolutions.com

Helping attorneys and law firms in New York and New Jersey (large and small)