When I moved my family law practice into new offices in 2013 and my rent doubled, I was determined to succeed. For the first time in my career, I had to deliberately and methodically make new connections and develop relationships. However, I am in introvert at heart. I struggle to make small talk, get nervous walking into an event on my own, and would rather read a book than go to a ball!
My networking journey
I have long known the value of networking. My first ever experience of a networking event was in 1989, after I started working in a law firm. Within weeks, I was invited to attend my first conference over a weekend. I was 20. I had never even left Western Australia, and I was certainly not as worldly as many 20 year olds are now. The conference was put on by the Family Law Practitioner’s Association of WA, formed only about five years before and affectionately known as “Flapa”. In that one night, I met most of the profession, and it stood me in good stead for my entire career.
Around the time I moved my practice into new offices in 2013, I went to a LinkedIn workshop. I worked on my profile and went about connecting with people face-to-face, since my instructions had been not to connect with anyone without actually meeting them. This meant attending face-to-face networking events.
It did not come naturally to me, and sometimes (when I was on the third coffee for the day), it required focus to bring my energy and curiosity to the table. But the more I did it, the better I got. And now, after many years, I have learnt to love networking because the people I meet and the problems they solve fascinate me.
Top networking event tips
Here are my top tips for attending networking events:
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes: You’ll often be standing for long periods, so comfy shoes are a must. Plus, nothing ensures an awkward first-impression like constantly adjusting your clothes.
Arrive on time: Not only will this prevent stress, you’ll also project a better image to your prospective connections.
Rehearse your exit strategies from conversations: It’s always good to have some exit strategies up your sleeve so you can make the most of the event and talk to as many people as you’d like to.
Always have a few good questions to use: Rehearsing questions that really cut to the chase
Eat before you arrive and never eat the food unless you can do it in one bite: You’re here to talk, not eat, so keep your mouth free!
Bag must have straps: This gives you more hands free for those all-important handshakes.
Do what you say you are going to do: Only make plans that you’re sure you can follow up on.
Follow up: Send messages a day or two after the event to cement your connections.
Create a people bank: Note down names, job titles, and other important information about new connections.
This year, after establishing a Melbourne office of my family law practice, I also worked with a team of lawyers to establish a new association that brings practitioners in our field together. I wanted to do the same for the profession that Flapa did for me: build a place to meet, talk, get to know each other, and make the practice of law a bit better for everyone.
