Networking effectively - where to start,
even if you are an introvert
When many people think about networking, they think of events specifically designed for the purpose. But there are many other forms of networking, said Diane Darling in her recent presentation to the Women in Law Leadership Academy.
Darling—author, speaker and CEO of Effective Networking, Inc.—mentioned the following additional opportunities:
One-on-one communications: meet for lunch, provide a referral, send a thank you note
Organizations and clubs: become a member, join a committee
Writing: post on a Listserv, write an article
Speaking: speak on a panel, ask a question
Volunteering: engage with a philanthropic organization, seek opportunities within professional associations
Networking events are still one of the best ways to connect with other professionals. When deciding whether to attend an event, ask yourself these questions: Who are the featured speakers? Are there obvious networking opportunities? What are the goals in attending the event—either for networking or for other reasons? What is the cost, and location of the event?
For introverts, an occasion to put oneself out there can be a frightening experience. Darling suggests that one think about a few questions:
What evidence do I have of failure?
Is there a way for me to network and still be myself?
If I were giving advice to someone else, what would I say?
The academy, which took place Nov. 8-9 in Chicago, was sponsored by the ABA Commission on Women in the Profession and Young Lawyers Division. It brought together an array of high profile women including Paula Boggs, general counsel, Starbucks Corp.; former Lt. Gov. of Maryland, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend; and Judge Ann Claire Williams, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.
In addition to the program on networking, attendees received tools and resources to evaluate their own career planning path, to develop marketing skills and to launch a women's initiative within their own law firms.
